 | The
mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to
its original size.
~Oliver Wendell Holmes
| Kerrville
Texas
830-895-5016 |
Welcome to
another issue of our weekly newsletter!
No
one can dispute that the human brain is the greatest computer of all
time! But sometimes it requires a little nudge to grow new
cells. I also happen to
believe that hardware computers are very useful tools
which can
help to provide that nudge. That's why this
newsletter is not just full of computer-related information, but also
includes entertainment and educational items to tickle the brain cells.
Feel free to pass this issue along
if you find something worthy to share with your friends, family, and
acquaintances. Don't forget that you can also call on us at 895-5016
when your next computer problem strikes.
What's In Here?
Lots of cool, fun, and
informative stuff every week! I'm dubbing this
week's issue
the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Edition. If you don't already know about this outstanding American, our Ctrl-Alt-Backspace
section includes a special click-link to transport you to
a very special
multimedia treat. There are 20 wonderful pages listed in that PBS
presentation so make sure to click each one in turn, they're located at
the bottom of the presentation page. Turn on your computer's sound and
then sit back and enjoy this excellent video event.
Click any of
these links to go
directly to your favorite section...
Missed an
issue?Check out
past issues here...Archives
 Hear
Ye! Hear Ye!
Sometimes
we have
special sales, important notices about virus outbreaks or
other technical
bulletins. Call 830-895-5016 if you're
interested in any sale items we might list here. But please click here to read our disclaimer before
visiting any third-party websites.
Will Vista Mean Victory In The War On Rootkits?
"Rootkits are driving Dan Kaminsky crazy. Kaminsky, a security analyst
who runs DoxPara Research, an independent research firm, spends a good
deal of time opining about rootkits on the firm's Web site. In a recent
interview, he was even more animated about why rootkits are ruining
lives." Click to read entire article...
http://tinyurl.com/n3wxm
Mystery Solved! (Or, My Take On Microsoft's Licensing Requirements)
Microsoft's
tangled web of licensing requirements for their myriad versions of
operating systems and software, is about to get become a little bit
clearer. They have launched a website that attempts to explain their
licensing policies at http://tinyurl.com/pum7s. For example, they've finally clarified that OEM copies of their Windows operating systems live and die with each PC on which they were originally equipped and are NOT
transferable to another computer. For example, you buy a PC
preinstalled with Windows XP and a year later it's out of warranty and
it dies. You decide to have another custom PC built and save money
by reusing your OS disks and installing it onto the new PC. With
non-OEM versions you could just call Microsoft and get a new activation
code by telling them you've had to rebuild your PC.
However, this is NOT
true with OEM versions of Windows and means that you will have to shell
out another couple hundred bucks to obtain another full copy of their
operating system. For those who don't already know, an OEM version mean
"Original Equipment Manufacturer" and it carries a completely different
licensing agreement than the full or upgrade versions you can buy off
the store shelf.
This introduces a whole new set of moral and
legal dilemma's. Do you lie to Microsoft and tell them you're just
replacing a motherboard when you call for that new activation code? Do
you ask your local custom PC builder to place himself in jeopardy by
installing that illegit OEM copy of Windows?
Why is Microsoft
doing this now? Revenue, dear readers, it all boils down to revenue.
For far too long people have reused their copies of Windows
95/98/ME/NT/2000, made illegitimate copies, installed them onto
multiple PCs, and generally used other pirated copies of software in an
effort to "stick it to the man". Well, the party's over and everybody
better get used to it because "the man" doesn't think it's funny
anymore and he's about to start "sticking" back. That's why Microsoft
has implemented their activation process for software and operating
system installations.
They've also started implementing something called the "Windows Genuine Advantage Program"
which will ask you to validate Windows when requesting a genuine
Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center or Windows Update.
Validation is a process that allows them to verify that your copy of
Windows is genuine. In other words, they're starting to put teeth into
their licensing agreements and enforcement policies.
So for all
the masses who are hooked on Microsoft Windows, it looks like you will
have to get ready to shell out big bucks and live and die by the
Redmond sword. While these enforcement tactics by Microsoft may seem
excessive to some, they are an absolute business necessity. No company
can stay in business for very long by giving away services for free or
by allowing their intellectual property to be pirated without proper
remuneration. So pay up and render unto Microsoft that which
is Microsoft's.
On the other hand, you could do like many of us in the technical field have done by switching to Linux. We no longer have to worry about Microsoft's heavy-handed license requirements. In fact, Linspire Linux has a "Family License Agreement"
which allows you to install onto as many computers in your immediate
family's household without having to purchase any
additional copies. Imagine that?! Being able to install a superior
and more stable operating system for just $50 that covers Dad's, Mom's,
Junior's, and Judy's computers all in one family! Let's see, $50 for
stable and secure Linspire Linux on 4 PCs or $800 for Microsoft Windows
on 4 PCs and then have to worry about worms, trojans, viruses, and
spyware infecting those Windows operating systems. Wow! That's a tough
decision.
As for myself, I do run just one test PC with
Microsoft Windows so I can experience and overcome all the tribulations
many of my Windows clients have to put up with on a daily basis. This
way not only do I feel their pain but I can also help them through it.
Latest Virus
Threats
Backdoor.Nodelm
Backdoor.Nodelm is a Trojan horse with back door capabilities that
allows a remote attacker unauthorized access to the compromised
computer.
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/backdoor.nodelm.html
W32.Beagle.DX@mm
W32.Beagle.DX@mm is a mass-mailing worm that also spreads through
file-sharing networks. It opens a back door on the compromised
computer, attempts to lower security settings, and tries to download
and execute remote files.
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.beagle.dx@mm.html
Check For New Sale Items
In Our Online Store...
 Fun
& Educational Stuff
Each
week we stumble across interesting, educational and fun sites on the
internet.
We hope you enjoy this section of our
newsletter as much as we do! But please click here to read our disclaimer before
visiting any third-party websites.
 All About Chocolate: The History of Chocolate
"Curious
about who discovered chocolate? Meet the people who first used cacao,
then view their tools and explore their traditions. You'll learn how
chocolate is made the Maya, Aztec, Spanish, and contemporary way." Click to read entire article...
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/Chocolate/history.html
The Most Interesting Stretch of Texas Freeway!
"Interstate
10 between Kerrville and Junction is probably the most interesting
section of Interstate Highway in Texas. Rugged landscapes, numerous
cuts through the limestone, and very high design standards make this an
impressive facility." Click to see some great photos...
http://tinyurl.com/zxjkn
Some Fun Games
http://www.space.com/games/
Drop Your Cellphone, er I Mean Weapon, and Put Yer Hands Up!'
"At
first sight it looks like a regular cell phone — same size, same
shape, same overall appearance. But beneath the digital face lies a
.22-caliber pistol, a phone gun capable of firing four rounds in quick
succession with a touch of the otherwise standard keypad." Click to read entire article...
http://cellular.co.za/phones/gunphone/gun-phone.htm
So You Think You've Got Email Problems?
Check out this story...
http://www.computerworld.com/blogs/node/1849?NLT_ES_B
Here Come The New $10 Bills!
Check out the photos of the new $10 bills that were unveiled Wednesday at a ceremony on Ellis Island in New York Harbor...
http://money.cnn.com/2005/09/28/news/economy/new_ten/index.htm
Check Out The Number of New and Proposed Las Vegas Condos
Methinks Las Vegas has more in mind than "what happens here stays here"...
http://www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/page3condos.htm
Now Why Didn't We Think of This?
"Don’tya
just love a simple and clever solution. One of the legacy items in
every home that just never seems to get updated is the electrical wall
outlet or power socket or whatever you call it." Click to read entire article...
http://www.gizmag.com/go/5287/
Huge Meteor Crater Found in Egypt
Scientists have discovered a huge crater in the Saharan desert, the largest one ever found there...
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060303_big_crater.html
Frogs!
"Imagine traveling back through time millions of years to the age of the
dinosaurs. Pterodactyls glide above a soggy marsh. Nearby, a colossal
80-ton Brachiosaurus munches on a tree. On the ground at its feet, something
strangely familiar hops by: a frog." Click to read all about these fascinating creatures...
http://www.exploratorium.edu/frogs/index.html
 Web
Hosting
Tips
Do
you
have a domain website hosting account with
us? If so, you'll want to check this section for handy tips
to
help make your website standout from the crowd. Sometimes
we'll
give tips about working with your Plesk Control Panel. But please click here to read our disclaimer before
visiting any third-party websites.Do You Want "Catch-All" Email Capability With Your Hosting?By
definition, catch-all email means that any email addressed to a
non-existent user at your domain will not be rejected but instead, will
be processed to an email address of your choice. For example, let's say
someone sends you an email but they misspell your account name. With " Catch-All"
enabled to forward to your real email account, you won't miss those
misspelled emails. However, there's a big downside in that you're
opening yourself up to tons of spam email. So think carefully before
you decide to enable your " Catch-All"
to forward to one of your bona-fide email addresses. Here is the URL
that contains specific instructions about setting up your " Catch-All"... http://www.bictx.com/plesk-7.5r-domain-users-guide-html/ch03s16.html
 Linspire
Linux Tips
Linspire
Linux is a great operating system designed to be the easiest of all
desktop linux distributions.
If
you haven't tried it for yourself yet, ask for a free demo CD the next
time we service your computer. But please click here to read our disclaimer before
visiting any third-party websites.
BasicBooks
You
say you need a good alternative to Quicken or Quickbooks that you want
to be able to run on your Linux PC? Well, check out BasicBooks which
has just become available to Linspire Linux CNR Gold subscribers for
just $25. Here are the URLs for complete information...
http://www.linuxledgers.com/BasicBooks/BB_features.html
http://www.linspire.com/lindows_products_details.php?product_id=24013
Linspire Linux Tip of
The Week
Don't
forget to check the archive link at that page for previous tips...
http://www.linspire.com/tooltips.php
Latest Linspire Letter....
http://www.linspire.com/linspire_letter.php
Michael's Latest Minute...
http://www.michaelrobertson.com/
 Microsoft
Windows
Tips
Microsoft Windows is
still the operating system that most people are familiar with.
Many businesses have based their requirements around
this
commercial operating system and so it remains the cornerstone of our
onsite support service. But please click here to read our disclaimer before
visiting any third-party websites. Help! My Spybot Search & Destroy Won't Download Updates!
This
can happen sometimes if one of the mirror download sites for Spybot
S&D updates is busy or there is an internet problem reaching that
server. If that's the case, all you have to do after clicking the " Search for Updates"
button, is to try changing the mirror source of the update servers
then try again. Check this URL for a screenshot of the different
server selections available and where that button is located... http://www.bictx.com/archives/spybot.png
Help! I Can't Get Onto The Internet!
One
of the most common problems with Internet Explorer appears when you
cannot get connected to the internet. Maybe your email still works or
maybe you can still see other computers on the network. In cases such
as these, the first thing to check is that " Work Offline"
is not check marked. Under some circumstances, Internet Explorer will
ask if you want to " Work Offline" or " Try Again" when it cannot gain a
connection to the internet. If you select the "Work Offline"
option, Internet Explorer will always start in Offline mode and
won't be able to connect to the internet until the menu " File -> Work offline" check
mark is cleared. Help! Is My PC Infected With a Rootkit?First
it was viruses. Then it was spyware. Now it is rootkits you have to
worry about. You may have heard the term "rootkit", but you really have
to understand what a rootkit is and what it can do to your PC before
you do anything else. Basically, a rootkit is a malicious software
package that hides itself on your computer and is extremely difficult
to detect. Anti-virus software and anti-spyware software are not
effective in detecting rootkits because of the way they disguise
themselves. So here are are three steps to take so you can educate
yourself about rootkits and how to go about removing them... Finally,
if you discover a rootkit on your PC and are unable to remove it or
find instructions about how to remove it, you can call us for an onsite
diagnostic appointment. Please do not call us expecting that we can
help you to diagnose the presence of a rootkit over the telephone or
advise you how to remove it during a telephone conversation. If you do
call us for an onsite evaluation, be advised that some rootkits are
nearly impossible to remove and the only recommended course of
action may be to reformat your hard drive and reinstall your operating
system. You do have backups of all your critical data files, right? If
not, check this out... http://www.bictx.com/backup.shtmlE-Sword Bible Study
Okay,
I confess that I don't go to church and I don't consider myself a
born-again Christian. But I still like to read the Bible from time to
time. Mostly I enjoy the stories and nuggets of wisdom that can be
found within its pages. If you don't have a paper Bible and would like
to at least have a computer version, then here's a great software
version made by E-Sword that you can download and install for free. In
fact, the second URL shows a screenshot of my Linspire Linux PC running
a Windows 98 Win4Lin* virtual PC environment with E-Sword running inside of it... http://www.e-sword.net/http://www.bictx.com/images/esword.png*Note: Click this link for a previous newletter where I included information about Win4Lin...http://www.bictx.com/archives/news2-5-06.html#linspiretips
 (click
the image)
| Ctrl-Alt-Backspace
I would have girls regard themselves not as adjectives but as nouns.
~Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815 to 1902)
Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition.~Timothy Leary (1920 to 1996)
|
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I
hope you've enjoyed this edition of our weekly newsletter. I try to
make each week's edition different and special by including meaningful
computer tips and links to fun, educational, and scientific websites.
If
you have any items of interest you might like to see addressed in the
future, or you have any Fun Stuff links of your own that you might like
to share, drop me an email and we'll see if we can include them for you.
Visit
the following website if you want
to subscribe or (gasp!) unsubscribe...
http://lists.bictx.com/mailman/listinfo/brightideas
Meanwhile,
don't forget to keep your computer's anti-virus current and your
critical and security patches up-to-date for the most reliable
computing experiences on the internet.
Happy
Computing!
Tomas
Bright Ideas Computing
Kerrville,
Texas
http://www.bictx.com
830-895-5016
| Please
make sure that you possess the fundamental and required skill sets
before you implement any advice or attempt to perform any
troubleshooting steps we, or other websites, might recommend. You
should also be advised that we have no control over how you perform any
troubleshooting steps nor do we have any control over the content of
other third-party websites you might visit that are listed in our
weekly newsletter. We also do not know if you have patched your
computer with the latest security updates nor do we know if your
anti-virus definition files are fully up-to-date.
Therefore,
in
no event shall Bright Ideas Computing or any of its third-party product
or service providers be liable to any person for any special,
incidental, indirect, consequential, or punitive damages of any kind,
including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of use, loss
of data, or lost profits, in connection with any advice provided by
Bright Ideas Computing, damages resulting from visiting third-party
websites or damages resulting from implementing any advice from those
third-party websites, whether or not you are advised of the possibility
of such damages.
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