Monday, May 31, 2004
Sony enters race with a winner!!!
Sony just like creative and apple have released a hard disk style portable media player to go into competition with the two main players in the market which are Apple and Creative Labs. Its due to go on sale in Japan in june and will prove to be a big seller.
The HMP-A1 device will connect to your computer via a USB 2 port and will not require the transcoding of your mp3’s to the machines native format. It basically supports popular PC formats like MP3 and even video formats like MPEG2 and MPEG4.
The unit has a capacity of 20gb and boasts a 3.5 inch liquid crystal colour display that shows a 320 byu 240 pixel QVGA resolution giving the device great appeal.
The unit needs batteries and Sony recommends rechargeable ones to keep your music going. The unit comes with software that requires Windows 2000 SP4, Windows xp SP1 or Windows Xp Media Centre edition
Sony has also released through its Awia brand name a small mini 2gb hard disk drive mp3 only player called the Giga Pavit which will compete nicely against Apples Ipod Mini.
The HMP-A1 measures 130 millimeters by 76 millimeters by 22 millimeters and weighs 250 grams.
The HMP-A1 device will connect to your computer via a USB 2 port and will not require the transcoding of your mp3’s to the machines native format. It basically supports popular PC formats like MP3 and even video formats like MPEG2 and MPEG4.
The unit has a capacity of 20gb and boasts a 3.5 inch liquid crystal colour display that shows a 320 byu 240 pixel QVGA resolution giving the device great appeal.
The unit needs batteries and Sony recommends rechargeable ones to keep your music going. The unit comes with software that requires Windows 2000 SP4, Windows xp SP1 or Windows Xp Media Centre edition
Sony has also released through its Awia brand name a small mini 2gb hard disk drive mp3 only player called the Giga Pavit which will compete nicely against Apples Ipod Mini.
The HMP-A1 measures 130 millimeters by 76 millimeters by 22 millimeters and weighs 250 grams.
Port Macquarie's ADSL hopefuls
In a recent article in a local paper on the NSW Mid North Coast an internet user was calling for people in the Port Macquarie subdivision of “The Promenade” to register their interest for broadband internet.
A quick phone call to your ISP and they will register your internet if Telstra’s ADSL register, you don’t have to contact Telstra directly. However reading the article you would get the distinct impression that was the case.
The ADSL Demand Register (ADR) was developed by Telstra to allow them to provide ADSL service to communities that put their hand up so to speak. As the ADSL equipment costs large amounts of money Telstra need to make sure they have the customers to support the service and make it viable. The ADSL register enables Telstra to work with its participating Telstra Wholesale Customers, Telstra Retail and Telstra Countrywide end users to capture and meet their needs for ADSL.
When the users register Telstra then compile this data and work out with the number of end users will support such a service in that area and then make plans to enable the exchange. This data collected by the register allows Telstra to speculate on future demand and install the appropriate level of future capacity into the exchange.
However, there are some areas that just cannot get ADSL, this is a fairly old technology and has been around for around 15 years or so. It relies on older style copper wire networks of cables rather than fibre optic cables. Copper wire supports electromagnetic, electrical or radio frequency signals running along it and thus can provide both ADSL and PSTN services on the one line. Fibre works by sending digital impulse of light and means it does not support electricity or radio frequency signals. However, fibre is capable of supporting speeds in the thousands of megabits per second. Fibre can provide quite a good internet connection. So why doesn’t the phone company run fibre into the houses directly? It comes down to cost unfortunately, firbe is costly so they break out of the fibre using a RIM (remote infrastructure multiplexer), which is like a small exchange.
In the case of “The Promenade” in Port Macquarie Telstra has said if they get enough interest they may find ways of installing ADSL into that area. A “Mini-mux” is one way which is installed into the RIM and provides ADSL. But depending on the type of RIM used in the subdivision this can be unsuccessful. Even though the article says Telstra may rewire the subdivision with copper I would doubt it, as this would be cost prohibitive. Looks like these guys may be on dial up for a while yet!
A quick phone call to your ISP and they will register your internet if Telstra’s ADSL register, you don’t have to contact Telstra directly. However reading the article you would get the distinct impression that was the case.
The ADSL Demand Register (ADR) was developed by Telstra to allow them to provide ADSL service to communities that put their hand up so to speak. As the ADSL equipment costs large amounts of money Telstra need to make sure they have the customers to support the service and make it viable. The ADSL register enables Telstra to work with its participating Telstra Wholesale Customers, Telstra Retail and Telstra Countrywide end users to capture and meet their needs for ADSL.
When the users register Telstra then compile this data and work out with the number of end users will support such a service in that area and then make plans to enable the exchange. This data collected by the register allows Telstra to speculate on future demand and install the appropriate level of future capacity into the exchange.
However, there are some areas that just cannot get ADSL, this is a fairly old technology and has been around for around 15 years or so. It relies on older style copper wire networks of cables rather than fibre optic cables. Copper wire supports electromagnetic, electrical or radio frequency signals running along it and thus can provide both ADSL and PSTN services on the one line. Fibre works by sending digital impulse of light and means it does not support electricity or radio frequency signals. However, fibre is capable of supporting speeds in the thousands of megabits per second. Fibre can provide quite a good internet connection. So why doesn’t the phone company run fibre into the houses directly? It comes down to cost unfortunately, firbe is costly so they break out of the fibre using a RIM (remote infrastructure multiplexer), which is like a small exchange.
In the case of “The Promenade” in Port Macquarie Telstra has said if they get enough interest they may find ways of installing ADSL into that area. A “Mini-mux” is one way which is installed into the RIM and provides ADSL. But depending on the type of RIM used in the subdivision this can be unsuccessful. Even though the article says Telstra may rewire the subdivision with copper I would doubt it, as this would be cost prohibitive. Looks like these guys may be on dial up for a while yet!
Sunday, May 30, 2004
New 64bit Virus
This article from www.pcworld.idg.com.au
Symantec has captured an example of what is believed to be the first virus that targets 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, the company said.
The company posted a security advisory for W64.Rugrat.3344 on its Web page Thursday. The virus is rated low threat and does not appear to be spreading on the Internet, Symantec said. Instead, Rugrat is believed to be a "proof of concept" virus written by the same author of at least six other virus "firsts," Symantec said.
The virus infects Windows Portable Executable files, including many Windows 64 applications, spreading to files in the same folder as the virus file and in subfolders, Symantec said.
Operating systems that support 64-bit processor chips can accommodate longer basic data units, referred to as "words." Older, 32-bit platforms, such as Windows systems starting with Windows 95, supported words of up to four bytes, which might contain computer instructions or the address of data stored on the computer hard drive. By comparison, 64-bit systems can process eight-byte words and are better suited to processor-intensive demanding tasks such as graphics rendering.
Rugrat does not appear to be designed to spread, but is a "direct-action infector," meaning it stops running immediately after infecting files, Symantec said.
Symantec researchers have linked Rugrat to a family of six viruses called W32.Chiton.gen, which are all believed to be the work of the same author. Each virus in the family demonstrates a different "first ever" infection technique, including W32.Shrug, the first known virus to use the Thread Local Storage structures in Windows NT, 2000 and XP to run virus code, and W32.Chthon, the first virus to run as a native application in Windows NT, 2000 and XP, Symantec said.
Symantec has captured an example of what is believed to be the first virus that targets 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating systems, the company said.
The company posted a security advisory for W64.Rugrat.3344 on its Web page Thursday. The virus is rated low threat and does not appear to be spreading on the Internet, Symantec said. Instead, Rugrat is believed to be a "proof of concept" virus written by the same author of at least six other virus "firsts," Symantec said.
The virus infects Windows Portable Executable files, including many Windows 64 applications, spreading to files in the same folder as the virus file and in subfolders, Symantec said.
Operating systems that support 64-bit processor chips can accommodate longer basic data units, referred to as "words." Older, 32-bit platforms, such as Windows systems starting with Windows 95, supported words of up to four bytes, which might contain computer instructions or the address of data stored on the computer hard drive. By comparison, 64-bit systems can process eight-byte words and are better suited to processor-intensive demanding tasks such as graphics rendering.
Rugrat does not appear to be designed to spread, but is a "direct-action infector," meaning it stops running immediately after infecting files, Symantec said.
Symantec researchers have linked Rugrat to a family of six viruses called W32.Chiton.gen, which are all believed to be the work of the same author. Each virus in the family demonstrates a different "first ever" infection technique, including W32.Shrug, the first known virus to use the Thread Local Storage structures in Windows NT, 2000 and XP to run virus code, and W32.Chthon, the first virus to run as a native application in Windows NT, 2000 and XP, Symantec said.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Blog on
Blog On!!
What exactly is a blog? In easy terms it is a web log or a diary or collection of ideas or discussions on the internet usually housed on a central site. Guestbooks can also be loosely described as a blog. People set up blogs to spell out their frustrations, feelings, comments on situations or their takes on news in often an anonymous way for everyone and anyone to read. Its not like a diary where you keep everything secretive.
A blogger – someone who writes to a blog, runs a blog or authors a blog will often put his or hers most inner thoughts and then read the thoughts of others. In recent times a blog which was written by a man in Iraq’s capital city Bahgdad was read by millions of people across the world and allowed them to see into the life of one man in a war torn country.
An example of one form of blog can be found on the ABC North Coast website where regular updates are posted about the Breakfast announcer who is on 12 months leave tracking around the glob and sending regular updates we can read.
Blogging makes you an instant author, its instantaneous, can be anonymous and most of all fun. Your can get a blog for free from www.blogger.com so go on blog on!
What exactly is a blog? In easy terms it is a web log or a diary or collection of ideas or discussions on the internet usually housed on a central site. Guestbooks can also be loosely described as a blog. People set up blogs to spell out their frustrations, feelings, comments on situations or their takes on news in often an anonymous way for everyone and anyone to read. Its not like a diary where you keep everything secretive.
A blogger – someone who writes to a blog, runs a blog or authors a blog will often put his or hers most inner thoughts and then read the thoughts of others. In recent times a blog which was written by a man in Iraq’s capital city Bahgdad was read by millions of people across the world and allowed them to see into the life of one man in a war torn country.
An example of one form of blog can be found on the ABC North Coast website where regular updates are posted about the Breakfast announcer who is on 12 months leave tracking around the glob and sending regular updates we can read.
Blogging makes you an instant author, its instantaneous, can be anonymous and most of all fun. Your can get a blog for free from www.blogger.com so go on blog on!
South West Rocks ADSL
Big news this month as in May was that a lot of small areas in NSW have had ADSL enabled in their local exchanges. On the Mid North Coast South West Rocks became ADSL enabled allowing for high speed internet access of up to 1.5mb per second down stream and 256k upstream to be provided to households that use isps that utilize the Telstra Wholesale ADSL network to provide their services.
What does this means for the people of South West Rocks? Access to video conferencing, audio conferencing, video on demand, music downloads, ebay auctions and much more.
Crescent Head unfortunately has to wait until the level of interest grows to sustain the service. At present (at the time of writing) only three users have listed as interested. Telstra have not yet released a level of interest required to allow the exchange to sustain the equipment for ADSL. I know one radio announcer at Crescent Head who is just hanging for broadband so I think it might be time for a public appeal
What does this means for the people of South West Rocks? Access to video conferencing, audio conferencing, video on demand, music downloads, ebay auctions and much more.
Crescent Head unfortunately has to wait until the level of interest grows to sustain the service. At present (at the time of writing) only three users have listed as interested. Telstra have not yet released a level of interest required to allow the exchange to sustain the equipment for ADSL. I know one radio announcer at Crescent Head who is just hanging for broadband so I think it might be time for a public appeal
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Gmail – the hottest commodity on the internet.
It would seem there is a black market for the new internet web based email prototype called Gmail developed by the extremely successful google search engine corporation. Gmail boasts numberous power utilities and a whopping big 1gb of storage space which according to Google is about 10 years of average email.
Google have been inviting people to join and test Gmail over the past couple of months and some people have because of the perceived interest in Gmail have offered to swap their invitation for goods and services or have attempted to sell it on ebay fetching nearly 140 dollars Australian.
From what I have seen of Gmail (no I don’t have one but my boss has and he keep rubbing it in!) it has pretty good spam filtering with built in heuristics and user reporting. However, just because the spam filtering is good does not means its free from ads as Gmail will be supported by clickable linked ads like the google search engine uses.
All in all it seems like a good product. Go Google! Go Gmail!
Google have been inviting people to join and test Gmail over the past couple of months and some people have because of the perceived interest in Gmail have offered to swap their invitation for goods and services or have attempted to sell it on ebay fetching nearly 140 dollars Australian.
From what I have seen of Gmail (no I don’t have one but my boss has and he keep rubbing it in!) it has pretty good spam filtering with built in heuristics and user reporting. However, just because the spam filtering is good does not means its free from ads as Gmail will be supported by clickable linked ads like the google search engine uses.
All in all it seems like a good product. Go Google! Go Gmail!
Monday, May 24, 2004
Sasser worm
The sasser worm is causing all sorts of difficulties around the world. However, it seems from information posted on a number of technical forums I have been looking at that Australia may well have been one of the first countries to experience the havoc caused by this little beastie.
The “Sasser worm” as its called as a number of variants the orignal worm w32.sasser and then w32.sasser.b and w32sasser.c. Currently sasser.c is the most aggressive spreader.
These three viruses other than spreading and multiplying don’t really cause to much damage to our computer systems. However, they do make a significant degradation in system performance and causes a fault which has the machine automatically rebooting around 5 minutes of operation on the internet.
It is surposed to be blocked by having a software firewall, and from what I can see the firewall built into xp service pack 1 does nothing to stop this feral beastie.
Sasser is a virus you simply cannot wait around till you get it. Because you will eventually end up with it. You need to do something to avoid that. And how you do that is make sure you have a firewall either hardware or software. This virus spreads via the same ways the welshire and the blaster worm did but in on different ports.
W32.Sasser.C.Worm is a minor variant of W32.Sasser.B.Worm. It attempts to exploit the LSASS vulnerability described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011, and spreads by scanning randomly-chosen IP addresses for vulnerable systems. This particular variant spawns 1024 threads for the infection routine, where as previous variant W32.Sasser.B.Worm uses 128 threads.
How do I stop Sasser from sassing - very simply
If I have the virus - Firstly disconnect from the internet immediately then get one someone elses computer and go to www.symantec.com and click on the downloads section and go to removal tools you’ll find in there a download section for the removal of the sasser worm. Save the file to a floppy disc and transport it to your computer and run it. Then go to Microsoft and download the patch to block it.
If I don’t have the virus – firstly download a firewall from www.download.com try tiny personal firewall. Its good or try zonealarm of which you set it to block traffic on a couple of ports 5554, 9996 and 445 this will then block off the virus from getting in. go to windowsupdate.Microsoft.com and then download the patches to keep your machine safe. Keep your software firewall active.
The “Sasser worm” as its called as a number of variants the orignal worm w32.sasser and then w32.sasser.b and w32sasser.c. Currently sasser.c is the most aggressive spreader.
These three viruses other than spreading and multiplying don’t really cause to much damage to our computer systems. However, they do make a significant degradation in system performance and causes a fault which has the machine automatically rebooting around 5 minutes of operation on the internet.
It is surposed to be blocked by having a software firewall, and from what I can see the firewall built into xp service pack 1 does nothing to stop this feral beastie.
Sasser is a virus you simply cannot wait around till you get it. Because you will eventually end up with it. You need to do something to avoid that. And how you do that is make sure you have a firewall either hardware or software. This virus spreads via the same ways the welshire and the blaster worm did but in on different ports.
W32.Sasser.C.Worm is a minor variant of W32.Sasser.B.Worm. It attempts to exploit the LSASS vulnerability described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011, and spreads by scanning randomly-chosen IP addresses for vulnerable systems. This particular variant spawns 1024 threads for the infection routine, where as previous variant W32.Sasser.B.Worm uses 128 threads.
How do I stop Sasser from sassing - very simply
If I have the virus - Firstly disconnect from the internet immediately then get one someone elses computer and go to www.symantec.com and click on the downloads section and go to removal tools you’ll find in there a download section for the removal of the sasser worm. Save the file to a floppy disc and transport it to your computer and run it. Then go to Microsoft and download the patch to block it.
If I don’t have the virus – firstly download a firewall from www.download.com try tiny personal firewall. Its good or try zonealarm of which you set it to block traffic on a couple of ports 5554, 9996 and 445 this will then block off the virus from getting in. go to windowsupdate.Microsoft.com and then download the patches to keep your machine safe. Keep your software firewall active.
Internet software
Software to survive the internet jungle
Browsers:
There are many different browsers on the market today and most are free with advertising or just free. Microsoft package along with its operating system one called internet explorer which is built into the system. But there is a choice of a number like Mozilla (an open source netscape type browser), Crazy browser, Slim Browser and a few others but the one I recommend for everyone is called Opera as it has many functions like load in optimizing which optimizes the graphics as they load in for faster web browsing. Opera displays websites at a rate 30% faster than IE and Netscape.
Browser needed: Opera, and the standard Internet Explorer
Email:
Microsoft supply an email client with Windows and the Internet Explorer suite called outlook express. Its very easy to use and to set up. However, it tends to because everyone uses it be the butt of all the virus infections not to any fault of its own. But there are numerous email clients available. One which I recommend it made by a company called Qualcom and is free with advertisements called Eudora. It’s the original and the best and very simple to use.
Email Client Needed: Eudora.
Anti Spam Tools and email utilis
There are a huge number on the market and but the two I like are free
Email remover: This program logs into the computer
Spyware cleaner: Unfortunately as we trail the internet from time to time we pick up bugs and pieces of adaware, hijackers and Trojans that find there way onto your computer throughout your time on the internet. So it has become necessary to have something that will clean these little buggers off your system. Unfortunately, these sort of programs are not free, but some are supported in a trialware or freeware basis. There are number of products available on the market but I have a couple of which I recommend because they work the best.
Hijack this – a program that looks for anything that could be Hijacking your computers web browsers or other functions. This goes in and clears out the junk, adware and any other code that should not be being processed.
Adaware – a great little program that can be regularly updated and used to scan the computer for pop up advertisements, some hijackers, cookies, spyware, bugs and basically processes that will slow the machine down in its running speed.
Spyware cleaner free edition – this fellow does just what the name says it gets ride of trojens and other hijackers and nasty stuff. It does its job very very well
Browsers:
There are many different browsers on the market today and most are free with advertising or just free. Microsoft package along with its operating system one called internet explorer which is built into the system. But there is a choice of a number like Mozilla (an open source netscape type browser), Crazy browser, Slim Browser and a few others but the one I recommend for everyone is called Opera as it has many functions like load in optimizing which optimizes the graphics as they load in for faster web browsing. Opera displays websites at a rate 30% faster than IE and Netscape.
Browser needed: Opera, and the standard Internet Explorer
Email:
Microsoft supply an email client with Windows and the Internet Explorer suite called outlook express. Its very easy to use and to set up. However, it tends to because everyone uses it be the butt of all the virus infections not to any fault of its own. But there are numerous email clients available. One which I recommend it made by a company called Qualcom and is free with advertisements called Eudora. It’s the original and the best and very simple to use.
Email Client Needed: Eudora.
Anti Spam Tools and email utilis
There are a huge number on the market and but the two I like are free
Email remover: This program logs into the computer
Spyware cleaner: Unfortunately as we trail the internet from time to time we pick up bugs and pieces of adaware, hijackers and Trojans that find there way onto your computer throughout your time on the internet. So it has become necessary to have something that will clean these little buggers off your system. Unfortunately, these sort of programs are not free, but some are supported in a trialware or freeware basis. There are number of products available on the market but I have a couple of which I recommend because they work the best.
Hijack this – a program that looks for anything that could be Hijacking your computers web browsers or other functions. This goes in and clears out the junk, adware and any other code that should not be being processed.
Adaware – a great little program that can be regularly updated and used to scan the computer for pop up advertisements, some hijackers, cookies, spyware, bugs and basically processes that will slow the machine down in its running speed.
Spyware cleaner free edition – this fellow does just what the name says it gets ride of trojens and other hijackers and nasty stuff. It does its job very very well
Keeping you old gold vinyl on CD
Keeping you old gold vinyl on CD
Keeping your old music lp’s by recording them to cd on your computer.
Many people have hundreds of LP records full of their favorite music that they would love to have on CD. Its really easy to do if you have the right tools and a personal computer.
What you need – a good quality automatic direct drive turntable preferably with a preamplifier built in that brings the audio up to line quality. A good quality sound card rated at 128 bit capable of sampling at 48khz, which is above CD quality. You’ll need a good quality CD burner.
An of course some audio editing software which has a number of filters and tools used to de-hiss and master your recordings. There is actually an Australian designed software called lp recorder that makes it an automated process by detecting the silences in between tracks on the lp and saving each individual track into its own file. Other software like sound forge, cool edit, dart audio are quite good alternatives which have the abilities to de-hiss and re-engineer the product. You can also get CD’s that look like vinyl on the non playing surface, just to keep that unique lp feel.
Keeping your old music lp’s by recording them to cd on your computer.
Many people have hundreds of LP records full of their favorite music that they would love to have on CD. Its really easy to do if you have the right tools and a personal computer.
What you need – a good quality automatic direct drive turntable preferably with a preamplifier built in that brings the audio up to line quality. A good quality sound card rated at 128 bit capable of sampling at 48khz, which is above CD quality. You’ll need a good quality CD burner.
An of course some audio editing software which has a number of filters and tools used to de-hiss and master your recordings. There is actually an Australian designed software called lp recorder that makes it an automated process by detecting the silences in between tracks on the lp and saving each individual track into its own file. Other software like sound forge, cool edit, dart audio are quite good alternatives which have the abilities to de-hiss and re-engineer the product. You can also get CD’s that look like vinyl on the non playing surface, just to keep that unique lp feel.
Abc Morning Show
Dooms Day Nearly Here for MY.Doom Virus
According to Symantec a major manufacturer of utilities software and pc security software the My.Doom virus only has another couple of days of spreading a replicating to go. My.Doom according the antiviral manufacturer has a reproductive shelf life that expires on the 12th of February 2004, however, the virus and its activities remain resident and then localized on the machines it has infected allowing a hacker to get in to the computer through an open “backdoor” the virus has created.
Below is what Symantec say about the virus
W32.Mydoom.A@mm (also known as W32.Novarg.A) is a mass-mailing worm that arrives as an attachment with the file extension .bat, .cmd, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .zip.
When a computer is infected, the worm sets up a backdoor into the system by opening TCP ports 3127 through 3198, which can potentially allow an attacker to connect to the computer and use it as a proxy to gain access to its network resources.
In addition, the backdoor can download and execute arbitrary files.
There is a 25% chance that a computer infected by the worm will perform a Denial of Service (DoS) on February 1, 2004 starting at 16:09:18 UTC, which is also the same as 08:09:18 PST, based on the machine's local system date/time. If the worm does start the DoS attack, it will not mass mail itself. It also has a trigger date to stop spreading/DoS-attacking on February 12, 2004. While the worm will stop on February 12, 2004, the backdoor component will continue to function after this date.
However, I am a little skeptical about the viruses supposed stop work on reproducing on the 12th of February. But what the writer of the virus was trying to do was get computers infected in a short space of time, leave the virus there undetected and then at a later date scan the internet for computers advertising they can be accessed through the backdoor the virus creates. However, for the computers to become infect the end user has to be a bit of the stupid side and activate it because the email that it comes as an attachment with doesn’t really give you any reason to click on the attachment and infect your computer.
According to Symantec a major manufacturer of utilities software and pc security software the My.Doom virus only has another couple of days of spreading a replicating to go. My.Doom according the antiviral manufacturer has a reproductive shelf life that expires on the 12th of February 2004, however, the virus and its activities remain resident and then localized on the machines it has infected allowing a hacker to get in to the computer through an open “backdoor” the virus has created.
Below is what Symantec say about the virus
W32.Mydoom.A@mm (also known as W32.Novarg.A) is a mass-mailing worm that arrives as an attachment with the file extension .bat, .cmd, .exe, .pif, .scr, or .zip.
When a computer is infected, the worm sets up a backdoor into the system by opening TCP ports 3127 through 3198, which can potentially allow an attacker to connect to the computer and use it as a proxy to gain access to its network resources.
In addition, the backdoor can download and execute arbitrary files.
There is a 25% chance that a computer infected by the worm will perform a Denial of Service (DoS) on February 1, 2004 starting at 16:09:18 UTC, which is also the same as 08:09:18 PST, based on the machine's local system date/time. If the worm does start the DoS attack, it will not mass mail itself. It also has a trigger date to stop spreading/DoS-attacking on February 12, 2004. While the worm will stop on February 12, 2004, the backdoor component will continue to function after this date.
However, I am a little skeptical about the viruses supposed stop work on reproducing on the 12th of February. But what the writer of the virus was trying to do was get computers infected in a short space of time, leave the virus there undetected and then at a later date scan the internet for computers advertising they can be accessed through the backdoor the virus creates. However, for the computers to become infect the end user has to be a bit of the stupid side and activate it because the email that it comes as an attachment with doesn’t really give you any reason to click on the attachment and infect your computer.
ABC Morning
ABC MORNING SHOW – MID COAST AND NORTH COAST BRIEF
IT SPOT TOPICS
FOR INBETWEEN THE CALLERS – THE TOOTHING ONE IS QUITE A LIGHT HEARTED ONE.
Windows xp service pack 2 delayed… (bugger!!! Or is that Buggier!!)
· Unofficial reports say Microsoft have delayed the release of their second service pack for the popular windows xp operating system because it “does not yet meet their standards”
· Its also rumoured the new service pack may also have more bugs in it than a cockroach farm so Microsoft are taking their time to make sure it doesn’t cause any issues to the running of existing computers once it is applied. Some prevous windows xp machines when SP1a was applied experienced a system runtime deficiency or “go slow” and Microsoft don’t want a repeat.
· New SP2 is a major security update and allows the end user to modify the inbuilt software firewall in XP and make their own rules and permissions.
Connecting to the internet for the first time: “Is there more software other than Internet explorer and outlook express I need?”
· Email management software – spam killers, large email removing programs
· Email software – many alternatives other than outlook express and some are more easy to use and less prone to virus activity – like Eudora the original and the best. (leave incredimail in the waste paper basket)
· Spyware removers – you need software that will clean out pop up adds, Trojans, browser hijacks and other little nastiness – I can list some if you ask and all of these are free
· Antivirus removal guards and programs – you need a commercial version of a program like this before going on the internet otherwise your just asking for trouble. But good news you can download a free one to get you out of trouble.
· Firewall – if your not running windows xp then it is suggested you may like a software firewall- these can be sometimes problematic if not set up properly and your isp helpdesk will help you with this. Windows xp service pack 2 due out at the end of this year will have a better firewall than it currently does.
Broadband over taking dial up internet! “Is dial up internets days numbered?”
· Broadband internet in the united states (eg cable and ADSL now accounts for 50% of the Americas internet connections and Australia is catching up.
· Australia’s telephoney infrastructure and geography will mean dial up internet won’t become exinct all together over the next decade.
· Higth Speed Narrowband eating into the dial up sector as well. Narrowband is a dial up connection but using ISDN x 2 channels
Vicki – speed – 28.800 –
Morris – every outlook express -
Keeping for investment running for many years to come. “What do I need to do to keep my machine running in tip top condition over the next few years”
· Cleaning my temporary files out of the system
· Why do I need to run defragmentation software and disk management software across my hard disks
· Making sure the machine is free of spyware and Trojans how can I do this
· Cleaning the external side of the machine the dos and don’ts (throw the static dusters away)
· Any other software packages I need for my computer to keep it running healthy?
You’ll notice retail offers in abundance this time of the year as it’s the
almost the end of the financial year. Try not to get landed with something at won’t suit your needs.
· Do some research before you buy, work out what software you need to accomplish your tasks then buy the hardware to run this software.
· 6 out of 10 package deals sold of the shelf don’t meet the users current or potential requirements and allow for the future.
Fun topic: Toothing the latest craze in social interaction. “Two complete strangers on a bus suddenly exchanging photos, audio files and playing games with each other but neither can see each other”
· On board the Country link XPT Yesterday my mobile’s chat function started to flash. Knowing that we were out of rang of any of the telecommunications mobile service towers I wondered what was going on. Pressing the chat menu I saw it had a blue tooth connection and the words “Is there anyone out there” I responded and was it turned out I was having a conversation with a young lady 23 years old who was down in car A and I was in car B.
· This phenomenon is nick named “toothing” and it seems its becoming a very very popular way of dulling a trip home of the bus, on the train or just waiting around in a waiting room. The social implications for this are mind blowing as the internet already has its positives and extremely large negatives with chatting with complete strangers. So now you can do this with in a few meters of the other person.
· In Britain it is said there can be as many as 60,000 blue tooth interactions a week on the British tube rail network and numerous on the suburban bus network
· Apparently “toothing” is the next best way for professional singles to interact with each other. Just how I will leave to your imagination.
IT SPOT TOPICS
FOR INBETWEEN THE CALLERS – THE TOOTHING ONE IS QUITE A LIGHT HEARTED ONE.
Windows xp service pack 2 delayed… (bugger!!! Or is that Buggier!!)
· Unofficial reports say Microsoft have delayed the release of their second service pack for the popular windows xp operating system because it “does not yet meet their standards”
· Its also rumoured the new service pack may also have more bugs in it than a cockroach farm so Microsoft are taking their time to make sure it doesn’t cause any issues to the running of existing computers once it is applied. Some prevous windows xp machines when SP1a was applied experienced a system runtime deficiency or “go slow” and Microsoft don’t want a repeat.
· New SP2 is a major security update and allows the end user to modify the inbuilt software firewall in XP and make their own rules and permissions.
Connecting to the internet for the first time: “Is there more software other than Internet explorer and outlook express I need?”
· Email management software – spam killers, large email removing programs
· Email software – many alternatives other than outlook express and some are more easy to use and less prone to virus activity – like Eudora the original and the best. (leave incredimail in the waste paper basket)
· Spyware removers – you need software that will clean out pop up adds, Trojans, browser hijacks and other little nastiness – I can list some if you ask and all of these are free
· Antivirus removal guards and programs – you need a commercial version of a program like this before going on the internet otherwise your just asking for trouble. But good news you can download a free one to get you out of trouble.
· Firewall – if your not running windows xp then it is suggested you may like a software firewall- these can be sometimes problematic if not set up properly and your isp helpdesk will help you with this. Windows xp service pack 2 due out at the end of this year will have a better firewall than it currently does.
Broadband over taking dial up internet! “Is dial up internets days numbered?”
· Broadband internet in the united states (eg cable and ADSL now accounts for 50% of the Americas internet connections and Australia is catching up.
· Australia’s telephoney infrastructure and geography will mean dial up internet won’t become exinct all together over the next decade.
· Higth Speed Narrowband eating into the dial up sector as well. Narrowband is a dial up connection but using ISDN x 2 channels
Vicki – speed – 28.800 –
Morris – every outlook express -
Keeping for investment running for many years to come. “What do I need to do to keep my machine running in tip top condition over the next few years”
· Cleaning my temporary files out of the system
· Why do I need to run defragmentation software and disk management software across my hard disks
· Making sure the machine is free of spyware and Trojans how can I do this
· Cleaning the external side of the machine the dos and don’ts (throw the static dusters away)
· Any other software packages I need for my computer to keep it running healthy?
You’ll notice retail offers in abundance this time of the year as it’s the
almost the end of the financial year. Try not to get landed with something at won’t suit your needs.
· Do some research before you buy, work out what software you need to accomplish your tasks then buy the hardware to run this software.
· 6 out of 10 package deals sold of the shelf don’t meet the users current or potential requirements and allow for the future.
Fun topic: Toothing the latest craze in social interaction. “Two complete strangers on a bus suddenly exchanging photos, audio files and playing games with each other but neither can see each other”
· On board the Country link XPT Yesterday my mobile’s chat function started to flash. Knowing that we were out of rang of any of the telecommunications mobile service towers I wondered what was going on. Pressing the chat menu I saw it had a blue tooth connection and the words “Is there anyone out there” I responded and was it turned out I was having a conversation with a young lady 23 years old who was down in car A and I was in car B.
· This phenomenon is nick named “toothing” and it seems its becoming a very very popular way of dulling a trip home of the bus, on the train or just waiting around in a waiting room. The social implications for this are mind blowing as the internet already has its positives and extremely large negatives with chatting with complete strangers. So now you can do this with in a few meters of the other person.
· In Britain it is said there can be as many as 60,000 blue tooth interactions a week on the British tube rail network and numerous on the suburban bus network
· Apparently “toothing” is the next best way for professional singles to interact with each other. Just how I will leave to your imagination.
Keeping you old gold vinyl on CD
Keeping you old gold vinyl on CD
Keeping your old music lp’s by recording them to cd on your computer.
Many people have hundreds of LP records full of their favorite music that they would love to have on CD. Its really easy to do if you have the right tools and a personal computer.
What you need – a good quality automatic direct drive turntable preferably with a preamplifier built in that brings the audio up to line quality. A good quality sound card rated at 128 bit capable of sampling at 48khz, which is above CD quality. You’ll need a good quality CD burner.
An of course some audio editing software which has a number of filters and tools used to de-hiss and master your recordings. There is actually an Australian designed software called lp recorder that makes it an automated process by detecting the silences in between tracks on the lp and saving each individual track into its own file. Other software like sound forge, cool edit, dart audio are quite good alternatives which have the abilities to de-hiss and re-engineer the product. You can also get CD’s that look like vinyl on the non playing surface, just to keep that unique lp feel.
Keeping your old music lp’s by recording them to cd on your computer.
Many people have hundreds of LP records full of their favorite music that they would love to have on CD. Its really easy to do if you have the right tools and a personal computer.
What you need – a good quality automatic direct drive turntable preferably with a preamplifier built in that brings the audio up to line quality. A good quality sound card rated at 128 bit capable of sampling at 48khz, which is above CD quality. You’ll need a good quality CD burner.
An of course some audio editing software which has a number of filters and tools used to de-hiss and master your recordings. There is actually an Australian designed software called lp recorder that makes it an automated process by detecting the silences in between tracks on the lp and saving each individual track into its own file. Other software like sound forge, cool edit, dart audio are quite good alternatives which have the abilities to de-hiss and re-engineer the product. You can also get CD’s that look like vinyl on the non playing surface, just to keep that unique lp feel.
