More Scareware On Major News Sites
Monday, September 14, 2009
More reports are coming in of scareware coming from major news sites including The New York Times and the Philadelphia Inquirer.
As I mentioned in my previous alert about scareware via Newsweek, it's important to note that these scams can happen anywhere, anytime, even on the most reliable of sites. Please be careful, and bear in mind my recommendations on how to protect yourself from scareware.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 2:31 PM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, antivirus, beginners, computer classes, Internet, mac, malware, pc, scareware, spyware, windows
First Snow Leopard Update Plus Other Mac Security Updates
Friday, September 11, 2009
Apple has released the first update for Snow Leopard, Mac OS X 10.6.1, due to erroneously including an old and vulnerable version of Flash in the original release. This update also includes a few additional fixes.
Even if you're not running Snow Leopard yet, you'll want to use Software Updates under the Apple menu to get your copy of the latest Security Updates for Mac OS X 10.4.11 and 10.5.8.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:46 AM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, apple, flash, mac, security
Newsweek And Other Legit Sites May Contain Scareware
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
This article caught my attention recently, concerning a scareware scam that is being distributed via Newsweek's web site. I mention this one in particular because it's an example of how bad links sometimes come from good sites.
Scareware is when you receive a popup that insists there's something wrong with your computer. It's a scam to try to get you to click on a link, thus infecting your computer with viruses and possibly also ripping off your credit card. Don't expect your antivirus software to catch this stuff, it often sneaks through. I strongly encourage you to protect yourself through a combination of good computer security, free web site ratings software like McAfee SiteAdvisor or LinkExtend for Firefox, and plain old common sense.
Here are some of my previous articles which may help you out in this situation:
- How To Spot Bad Web Links
- Antivirus 2010: A New Low In Fake Antivirus
- Phony Web Pop-ups
- How To Protect From Cybercrime
Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:14 PM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, antivirus, beginners, computer classes, Internet, mac, malware, pc, scareware, spyware, windows
Mac OS X Snow Leopard Software Compatibility List
Monday, August 31, 2009
For those of you exploring the newly released Mac OS X version 10.6 (Snow Leopard), Apple has posted a list of software that is incompatible with the new system. The list comprises mostly older versions of well-known software including Parallels Desktop 2.5 and earlier, McAfee VirusScan 8.6 and earlier, and Norton AntiVirus 11.0.
Other software is listed as "restricted from opening", meaning you can install it but it won't work. This list includes Parallels Desktop 3.0, Intego VirusBarrier 10.4.4 and earlier, SPSS 17, and Adobe Director MX 2004 version 10.2.
Apple recommends checking with your vendor for compatible upgrades. You may also want to browse through the list of compatible printer and scanner software.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 11:31 AM 0 comments
2009 Parental Control Software Review
Friday, August 14, 2009
Parental control software allows you to keep tabs on what your children are doing online. Some kids view it as invasive, but I see it as no different than a usage policy at a corporation. As long as you are honest with your kids about the fact that they will be monitored, parental controls serve a useful purpose. They allow automatic blocking of known inappropriate sites as well as content and image filtering. They permit you to schedule when the Internet is available (to curb those late-night surfing sessions) and to log instant messages. Some now include monitoring of social networks like MySpace and FaceBook. Such programs typically have trial versions so you can try them before you buy.
- NetNanny has a new Macintosh version available. Both the Windows and Mac versions provide content filtering, instant message logging, usage reports, remote management and social network monitoring.
- SafeEyes has also been revamped since last year. It's available for Windows and Mac and also has a version for mobile devices like iPhones. Its features are similar to NetNanny's.
- CyberPatrol hasn't changed much over the last year. It's only available for Windows and unlike NetNanny and SafeEyes, doesn't provide monitoring of social networking sites.
- Intego ContentBarrier is a Mac-only program that, like CyberPatrol, is fairly basic and doesn't monitor social networking sites.
Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news, plus bonus tips and product reviews. In September we'll talk about Computer Housekeeping.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:35 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, kids, mac, pc, windows
Internet Safety For Kids
Each year I give you pointers on how to protect your kids from cyberbullies and other Internet dangers. We talked about "acceptable use" policies in 2007 and reviewed basic do's and don'ts in 2008. This year I'd like to introduce you to the Internet Safety Pledge, which I use in my Internet classes for kids.
You can find the Internet Safety Pledge on NetSmartz.org. What I like about the Safety Pledge is that it gives you age-appropriate bullet points you can use as a basis for discussion. No documentation can substitute for sitting down and talking with your kids about online safety, or anything else for that matter. I recommend you review the Safety Pledge with your children and reinforce that they should come to you with concerns or questions.
Of course, maintaining a secure computer is a must with kids in the house. You'll find my four steps to computer security and my security software recommendations here on my blog.
I'll be teaching more classes on Internet Safety For Kids this fall, so if you missed my summer sessions be sure to check my web site for registration details. I'm also happy to sit down with you and your kids during any regular tech support visit.
Don't forget to subscribe to Tech Tips (free!) for the latest computer news, plus bonus tips and product reviews. In September I'll show you how to use the Internet to find employment in Web 2.0 For Job Searches.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 12:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: Internet, kids, mac, pc, security, windows
Microsoft To Replace Entourage With New Outlook For Mac
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Microsoft has announced that the next version of Office For Mac will include Outlook as a replacement for Entourage.
“It is an exciting time for the MacBU with updates to our current products and the first public announcement about the next version of Office for Mac. For several years we have focused on providing the best Microsoft Exchange client for the Mac, and the Web Services Edition delivers that today for Entourage users,” said Eric Wilfrid, general manager for the MacBU at Microsoft. “Outlook for Mac will bring features our customers have long requested — such as Information Rights Management — that make working across platforms even easier. I think people will see that this move to Outlook for Mac is more than just a name change.”This could be really good, or really bad. Although Microsoft says this will not be a feature-to-feature match for Windows-based Outlook, anything that gives Mac users greater compatibility, especially with Exchange, is a positive step forward. That being said, we all know that Microsoft doesn't always deliver as promised. A new Outlook for Mac is vaporware at this point, since the release of Office for Mac is at least eighteen months out. And I hope the migration process from Entourage to the new Outlook isn't as problematic as the one we had to endure from Outlook Express for Mac to Entourage when the latter was first released.
I think this represents acknowledgment on Microsoft's part that the Mac is in the enterprise to stay, and I look forward to testing the new Outlook for Mac when it becomes available.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 11:22 AM 0 comments
Labels: apple, mac, microsoft office, outlook
New Office 2008 For Mac Update Fixes Glitch
Friday, August 7, 2009
To update Wednesday's post, Microsoft has released a new Office 2008 For Mac update which fixes a glitch that prevented users from opening some Office 2007 For Windows (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) documents. The new update is version 12.2.1 and can be obtained here.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 8:26 AM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, apple, mac, microsoft office
Mac OS X 10.5.8 And Office 2008 For Mac Service Pack 2
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Two major Macintosh updates of note. The first is that Apple has released the latest update for Leopard, Mac OS X 10.5.8, along with a slew of security updates for Leopard and other versions of the Mac OS. As always it's a good idea to back up your system before applying these updates. You will find them via Software Updates in your Apple Menu.
On a similar note, Microsoft has released an update for Office 2008 for Mac, and with this one I have to urge caution. Service Pack 2 (version 12.2.0) breaks compatibility with Word 2007 for Windows (.docx) files. You'll find the advisory and workarounds here. If you require the ability to open .docx files I recommend you hold off on this update until the problems are fixed.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:03 PM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, apple, mac, microsoft office, security
Troubleshooting Wireless Networks
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:17 PM 1 comments
Labels: mac, pc, windows, wireless networks
Windows 7 And Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Posted byTriona Guidry at 3:12 PM 0 comments
Labels: apple, consumers, mac, microsoft, pc, small business, windows
Protect Yourself From Zombie Computers
Thursday, July 9, 2009
There's a lot of talk in the news about the recent cyber attacks on U.S. and South Korean servers. Computers in both countries were disrupted through what are called "denial of service" attacks, when hackers use infected computers called zombies to slow or crash target servers. Zombie computers are often owned by small businesses or consumers who are completely unaware they are infected. I've mentioned zombie computers before (here and here) but it's important to reiterate how you can protect yourself and others.
Your best protection is prevention. Be sure to run a reliable antivirus program like those below (beware of the fakes!) as well as anti-spyware software. Security suites offer a way to combine those protections with a firewall to block unwanted network probes. Regular software updates are also key to keeping your computer protected. You can learn more about these techniques in my article on cybercrime. I am teaching a class on How To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime on Monday July 20th from 9:30am-11:30am in Cary, Illinois (click here for more details and registration information).
Antivirus software for PCs:
- Trend Micro
- AVG (free)
- Avast (free)
- McAfee
- (But not Norton; here's why.)
- Malwarebytes (free)
- AdAware (free)
- Spybot (free)
For bonus tips, tricks, and other computer help, subscribe to the free email version of Tech Tips.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 11:01 AM 0 comments
Labels: alerts, antivirus, consumers, cybercrime, firewalls, Internet, mac, malware, security, small business, spyware, viruses, windows
Summer Computer Classes
Monday, July 6, 2009
Guidry Consulting, Inc. is offering summer computer classes through the Cary Park District. Don't miss How To Protect Yourself From Cybercrime on July 20, and two classes on Internet Safety For Kids and Internet Safety For Tweens and Teens on August 17. For more information, please visit the Guidry Consulting web site at http://www.guidryconsulting.com/news.html.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:14 PM 0 comments
Labels: computer classes, Internet, kids, mac, pc, security
Quark Offers Upgrade For Older Versions Of Quark XPress
Thursday, June 18, 2009
This is a nice gesture on the part of Quark, although I suspect it has more to do with the inroads on their marketshare made by Adobe InDesign than genuinely wanting to help customers (otherwise why does their tech support still stink?).
Through September 30, 2009 you can upgrade any version to Quark XPress 8 for $299. They can even help if you don' t have your original serial number. You can also continue to use the older version as long as it's on the same computer, which is convenient for those of you who still need to work with the older formats.
It will likely be cheaper to do this upgrade and then use your Quark 8 license to upgrade to the next version down the road, rather than buying the next version outright whenever it becomes available. And believe me, I still see a whole lot of older Quark versions, especially our friend version 4.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:35 PM 0 comments
Labels: mac, pc, quark, windows
Symantec, McAfee Penalized For Antivirus Auto-Renewals
Thursday, June 11, 2009
If you've ever wondered if you're being forced into antivirus auto-renewals, you're not alone. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office has reached a settlement with Symantec and McAfee over their automatic software renewal practices.
I think this is great news for consumers and businesses. There has been too much confusion over auto-renewals. Some people are not aware that purchasing antivirus software via credit card typically signs you up for auto-renewal. Others have struggled to cancel their auto-renewals thanks to aggressive policies on the part of vendors like Symantec and McAfee. When purchasing antivirus products online, I frequently find myself disabling the auto-renew option only to find it re-enabled before I reach the checkout. While I applaud Symantec and McAfee's attempts to make sure people are up-to-date on their antivirus, forced auto-renewal is not the solution.
This is also a good time to remind folks that it's better to upgrade your antivirus software each year instead of simply paying for another year's subscription. While I'm still recommending other antivirus programs over Norton, those of you who do use Symantec and McAfee products can hope that your next auto-renew process will be more user-friendly.
From the press release:
Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a settlement with computer security software vendors Symantec (NYSE: SYMC) and McAfee (NYSE: MFE) after the companies renewed customers’ software subscriptions without the customers’ knowledge or authorization. Under the Attorney General’s settlement, both companies will make detailed disclosures to consumers about subscription terms and renewal, and each will pay $375,000 in penalties and costs.
“Companies cannot play hide the ball when it comes to the fees consumers are being charged. Consumers have a right to know what they are paying, especially when they are unwittingly agreeing to renewal fees that will not appear on their credit card bill for months. Symantec and McAfee - two of the nation’s largest vendors of computer security software - will now have to be clear and up-front with their customers when it comes to renewal fees. In other words, no more hide the ball with renewal fees.”
Posted byTriona Guidry at 9:42 AM 1 comments
Labels: antivirus, consumers, mac, security, small business, spyware, windows
Adobe Joins Patch Tuesday
Friday, June 5, 2009
Adobe has announced it will begin releasing updates to its Acrobat and other software the second Tuesday of the month on a three-month cycle, matching Microsoft's longstanding Patch Tuesday schedule of monthly updates. This makes it more convenient for you to know when your software needs to be updated. It also helps IT workers coordinate upgrades to minimize downtime for end users.
Note that next week's Patch Tuesday will bring us a round of patches from both Microsoft and Adobe, so keep up with your Automatic Updates and stay tuned to Tech Tips for the latest news.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 11:57 AM 0 comments
Labels: adobe, mac, microsoft office, windows
How To Spot Bad Web Links
Friday, May 15, 2009
Computer security specialists, myself included, recommend that you avoid clicking on bad web links. But how can you tell a bad link from a good one? Even if you're going after legitimate software it may be difficult to tell the difference. To demonstrate, I've pulled screenshots from the downloads for two of my most-recommended security tools, the free AVG anti-virus program and the free Spybot anti-spyware program.
The first hurdle comes when you search for these products. As you can see from this screenshot of a search for Spybot, it's hard to tell which link to click.
The key is to look for the words "sponsored links" or "sponsored ads". These are links, often phony, which come up when certain keywords are typed. There are plenty of bad or questionable links associated with the keyword "Spybot." This is the same vicious technique hackers use to get you to click on bad links when you're searching for hot topics like "swine flu" or "virus removal." It's black-hat search optimization, and the big search engines like Google and Yahoo aren't going to protect you. They don't care if the keywords link to malicious sites as long as they're getting paid for the ads.
Let's assume you've navigated yourself to the correct page to download Spybot. Even here, there's a catch. Most software is downloaded from aggregate "mirror" sites, in this case CNet. These sites have keyword-based advertisements too, not all of them good. In this screenshot I've highlighted the ads in red, the correct Spybot download links in green. It's like an obstacle course!
The AVG examples demonstrate the same thing. Assuming you've gotten yourself to the correct download page, you've got more bad links to avoid. Sometimes the positioning is such that the bad link looks like the good one. In this case, the words in blue, "Ad Feedback," show you which parts of the page are ads. If you mentally divide the page up into regions you can see where the ads are versus where the content is.
For more tech tips, tricks and techniques, subscribe to Tech Tips.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 5:27 AM 0 comments
Labels: antivirus, mac, malware, security, spyware, windows
Mac OS X 10.5.7 Problems, Plus PowerPoint Pettiness
Thursday, May 14, 2009
If you're using Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), avoid the latest update, 10.5.7. It's buggier than a mosquito zapper in August.
Also watch out for malicious PowerPoint presentations on Macs, or on PCs using Microsoft Works. Microsoft's Patch Tuesday this month released bug fixes for PowerPoint, but only if you use Office for Windows. No indication as to if or when Microsoft might fix the problem for Works for Windows or Microsoft Office for Mac.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 6:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: mac, microsoft office, security, windows
The Admin Account
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
One of the great mysteries of computers is the admin account. In the past computers were standalone; that is, used by only one person. Today's computers assume multiple people will be using them, even PCs with a single owner. This means having an overriding account to manage the others. Referred to as administrator, owner or root, it has complete control over your computer.
In reality your computer has two account types, administrator and standard (or limited). Limited users don't have full control; they can't alter system settings or make other changes. Unfortunately, in a holdover from the standalone days, that often means they can't do real-world tasks like burning CDs or updating antivirus either. For this reason most folks simply use their computers under the admin account. Indeed, computer stores configure consumers to use the admin account by default. When folks do use multiple accounts (say for themselves and their kids), those accounts often have full administrative rights.
Why is this important? Because every virus and Trojan horse wants admin access. It's why they will do anything to get you to click on bad links, including trick you into thinking your computer won't work properly if you don't. (We're going to talk more about how to spot fake links in May's Tech Tip Of The Month.) And some viruses don't require you to do anything at all. If you browse the wrong Web page and are using an admin account, your computer is, in the vernacular, pwned.
Your best bet is to use limited accounts when you can, administrative ones if you must, and security software to keep tabs on what your computer is doing at all times. To create limited accounts, go to Start, Control Panel, Users and Groups (Windows), or Apple menu, System Preferences, Accounts on a Mac. In my experience Windows Vista limited accounts work better than those in Windows XP, and Mac limited accounts work better than PC ones.
In May we're going to talk about the dollar figures behind Profiting From Cybercrime. If you have any computer questions click Comments below this article, and don't forget to subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips and product reviews.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 10:49 AM 0 comments
Labels: admin account, consumers, mac, security, small business, windows
What Is Java?
What on earth is that Java thing that keeps wanting us to update?
Java is a programming language for the Web. Like ActiveX, its powers can be used for good or evil. Mostly good, if you like interactive Web sites with lots of menus and options. Evil, when Java is exploited by viruses seeking to take advantage of its versatility.
You can check your version of Java in Windows by going to Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs. On Macs, Java is built into your operating system, so you will receive updates through Software Updates under the Apple menu. In general you want to use the latest non-beta version. While you may not run Java directly, the web sites you use may want it, and outdated versions are a pathway for viruses and spyware.
If you want to be geeky like me you can tune into the US-CERT news bulletin service, which provides information on new patch versions for Java and other software from major vendors including Microsoft and Apple. I keep an RSS feed to US-CERT at the bottom of the Tech Tips blog. Or, if you want your computer news less geeky, subscribe to Triona's Tech Tips to receive email bulletins about security warnings that pertain to small businesses and consumers.
Next month I'll explain the fine art of How To Spot Bad Web Links. If you have any computer questions click Comments below this article, and don't forget to subscribe to the email version of Tech Tips for bonus tips and product reviews.
Posted byTriona Guidry at 10:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: java, mac, security, windows