[MikesWhatsNews] MWN #715 HackFix

MikesWhatsNews, 16, 01, 2004
in today's issue #715
HackFix Updates
        MS Extends Support for Win 98/98 SE/Millennium
2       The Low-Down on XP Service Pack 2
3       Crayola
4       3D Button Visual Editor
5       1st Page 2000
6       Anti-Phishing.org
7       Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
8       CCC   Xteq X-Setup 
9                What to Do When Explorer Has Caused an Error in Kernel32.dll 
10      ToolbarCop
11      Java Scripts
____________________________________________________________

NOTE: Any time you see the "  ++ ",  it means there is more 
          of the article, or story, on the linked site. Mike
____________________________________________________________

There is a complete archive of past MikesWhatsNews newsletters 
available to members on the Yahoo page, it is searchable by word 
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____________________________________________________________

Please rate this Ezine at the Cumuli Ezine Finder

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<a href="http://www.cumuli.com/ezines/ra20853.rate";>
AOL Users</a>
___________________________________________________________


  HackFix updates, thanks to Christy;
staff@xxxxxxxxxxx
Http://www.hackfix.org
This weeks Virus Pattern Updates (01/15/2004)


All Software listed Alphabetically by Company name as some 
companies manufacture more then one product.


Aladdin Knowledge Systems

Esafe Desktop/Gateway/Enterprise
Last Updated Jan 13/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.esafe.com/esafe/downloads/virusig.asp
Or
From the Esafe folder in your Start Menu select Download Updates
~~~~~

AlWil Software

Avast Antivirus
Last Updated Jan 13/2004
To update your software:
Visit: http://www.avast.com/i_kat_69.html
Or
Right click on the AVAST icon in the system tray, Select iAVS Update, 
AVAST will check for updates and download the appropriate files as needed.
~~~~~

 Authentium Software Systems

Command antivirus
Last Updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
Visit http://www.authentium.com/support/downloads/index.cfm
~~~~~

Center for Antivirus Technologies (CAT)

Quickheal
Last Updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.quickheal.com/winupg.htm
Or
Open Quickheal select Utility from the top toolbar and liveupdate.  Follow
the 
onscreen prompts.  Alternately you can select Liveupdate directly from the 
QuickHeal program menu on the startmenu.
~~~~~

Frisk Software Systems

Fprot
Last Updated Jan 12/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_user/
~~~~~

Computer Associates

E-Trust
Last updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
http://support.cai.com/Download/virussig.html
Or
From the Respective folder in your Start Menu select Autodownload

For Vet Anti virus
http://www.vet.com.au/html/software/update.html

Be sure to have your Customer ID and your registered email address 
handy for verification.

**Note**

We knew this time would come eventually, that Computer Associates would 
not continue to support/update the older program 
https://www2.my-etrust.com/services/ipe_support??
~~~~~~


GeCad Software

Rav (Reliable AntiVirus)
Last Updated:  Jan 15/2004
To update your software:
Visit: 
http://www.ravantivirus.com/pages/dldupdate.php?type=Daily
Or
Open Rav and select Rav Update from the toolbar
~~~~~

Grisoft Inc.

AVG 
Last updated Jan 13/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php
Or 
Open AVG and click Virus Database to check for updates
Or
Open AVG control centre and click Update Manager/update now

**Note:  To help speed up AVG updates you can set your program to use 
an alternate download site.  
Open AVG control centre->update manager->download from server.  The 
drop downbox should have listed www.grisoft.com (default)  and 
www.grisoft.cz. (be sure to select "apply" when done to save the changes) 
The default site is most often used so can at times become temporarily 
unavailable.  By using the secondary site (www.grisoft.cz) helps to ease 
the server and makes your update go quicker as most don't use it!
~~~~~

H+Bedv

AntiVir
Last updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.free-av.com/antivirus/allinonen.html
Or
Open AntiVir, from the top toolbar select Tools->start internet update and
follow the on screen prompts.


Vexira 
Last updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.centralcommand.com/updates.html
Or
Open Vexira, from the top toolbar select Tools->start internet update and
follow the on screen prompts.

Vexira Antivirus is marketed by Central Command however it is the same
program as Antivir with only a different name.
~~~~~

Kaspersky

Kaspersky Anti-Virus (formerly AVP)
Last updated Jan 09/2004 
To update your software
Visit: http://www.kasperskylabs.com/updates.asp
Or
Open AVP from the top toolbar click Tools-> Update virus definition
Or
From the Kaspersky folder in your Start Menu select AVP updater


*Note*  Avp now has available a cumulative update and a 
daily update with the daily being any important items they 
feel shouldn't wait till the next cumulative update.  Our 
dates here are based on the most recent Major update.

**Note:  Improved update accessiblity.  To ease the update web traffic
Kaspersky labs has additional servers for autoupdating.  The program
defaults to use one server but can be altered to check a variety of 
servers. Select Kaspersky updater, select update via the internet to 
open the drop down box(es) select "location"  Check the box labeled 
"Use alternate locations from the list"  select next and next to update.  
This option should stay selected after the first time.  This helps 
Kaspersky lighten the load for updates and helps you obtain updates 
easier.
~~~~~

Network Associates

Mcafee 
Last updated Jan 14/2004
To update your software 
For Mcafee Visit
http://www.networkassociates.com/us/downloads/updates/superdat.asp
(for Virus and Engine updates)


Drsolomn (Product no longer available for new users however 
updates still available for current users):  Go to the following 
Internet site: http://download.mcafee.com/updates/4x.asp
IMPORTANT: When you get to this site you may notice that it refers 
to VirusScan. This update is not only for VirusScan. It also works 
with Dr.Solomon's. 

Or
Open your respective software virus scan scheduler, double click 
Auto update, click Run Now to do a manual live update, or click 
Schedule to set up a timed live update.
~~~~~

Norman Data Defence

Norman Virus Control
Last updated Jan 14/2004
To update your software
Visit: 
http://www.norman.com/downloads.shtml#definition_files_updates
Be sure to have your Valid Username and password handy for verification.
Or
From the Norman folder in your Start Menu select Internet Update

**Note Norman Virus Control web updates are only for version prior to 
5.0.  Norman 5.0 can only be updated via the update in the program itself.

Thunderbyte Anti Virus
Current Version: This product is no longer being supported.
http://www.norman.com/tbav.shtml
~~~~~

Softwin

BitDefender (Previously known as AVX - AntiVirus eXpert as of Nov 06/01)
Last Updated Jan 09/2004 
To update your software
Visit:
 http://www.bitdefender.com/bd/site/downloads.php?menu_id=19&s_id=3
Or
Open BitDefender select Protection Options->live upgrade
Or
From the BitDefender folder in your Start Menu select Bitdefender Live
         
Press Release on the software change 
http://www.bitdefender.com/press/ref1.php
~~~~~

Sophos

Sophos Anti Virus
Last IDE available Jan 15/2004
To obtain the latest IDE files
Visit: http://www.sophos.com/downloads/ide/

**Note:  Sophos does not update as other products do.  They update 
the Engine/software once a month (or so) to include all the previous 
IDE files.  New IDE files are available with new virus threats and must 
be downloaded individually until the next software update is available.  
Our update dates reflect the most recent available IDE file.
~~~~~

Symantec

Nortons AntiVirus
Last updated Jan 15/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/defs.download.html select 
your language -> product from the list
Or
Open Nortons software and click the "live update" button
Or
From the Nortons folder in your Start Menu select LiveUpdate - 
Norton Antivirus
~~~~~

Trend Micro

PcCillin 
Last updated Jan 13/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.antivirus.com/download/pattern.asp
Be sure to have your Registration number handy for verification
Or
Open PcCillin click Update then click Update Now (or Update later 
to Schedule a timed update)
~~~~~~~~~

If there is an Anti Virus program that is Not listed here that
you would like to see added to the weekly updates list Please
feel free to let us know.

Remember Your anti virus software is only as good as the user...
If you don't keep it updated it won't provide you with maximum
protection.

This weekly Update will be sent every Thursday on or after
6pm (eastern) to keep you up to date on virus pattern updates
available. Virus patterns are checked for most recent update
date as of 6pm Thursdays.

~~~~

~ Hackfix Project Staff
staff@xxxxxxxxxxx
Http://www.hackfix.org

____________________________________________________________

MS Extends Support for Win 98/98 SE/Millennium
biz.yahoohttp://.com/ap/040112/microsoft_windows_support_3.html
AP) Microsoft Corp. will extend support for Windows 98, Windows 98 S.E. and
Windows Millennium Edition through June 30, 2006, the company said Monday,
reversing a decision from last month... Support for Windows 98 and Windows
98 S.E. had been scheduled to expire on Friday, and for Windows Me on Dec.
31, but the software giant decided to keep supporting those systems in large
part because some customers in developing countries were not aware it was
ending. ____________________________________________________________
2
The Low-Down on XP Service Pack 2
http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/sp2-b1-review.html
The beta version of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is now available. 
Wondering what's new with the SP but not quite adventuresome enough to try
installing the beta? 

SP2 promises to enhance the security of Windows XP, mainly by switching on a
Windows Firewall (formerly known as Internet Connection Firewall), and the
configuration of Automatic Updates. 
++
Thanks to: http://www.winxpnews.com
____________________________________________________________
3
Crayola

http://www.crayola.com/

It's hard to beat the Crayola site as a nice place for your
children to visit. After all, kids are Crayola's business.
At the Crayola site, you'll find numerous ideas for holiday
cards, birthday cards, and even school days cards. You can keep
your kids busy, and going through boxes of Crayolas, for a long
time.
Thanks to Christy
____________________________________________________________
4
3D Button Visual Editor
<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=23e6b5ad-c173-4aa
4-8348-f400d670e0ac&DisplayLang=en>
WYSIWYG application that allow the user to create 3D buttons for use with
Web sites and stand alone applications requiring a more effective look. Easy
creation of button collections and navigation bars.

Overview
3D Button Visual Editor, a free 3rd party evaluation add-in for FrontPage,
is a WYSIWYG application that allows the user to create 3D outstanding
buttons for use with Web sites and stand alone applications. The creation of
navigation bars for the user Web site have never been simpler and faster: 3D
Button Visual Editor can easily manage button collections: it can generate
automatically the HTML code and JavaScript code directly inside the
FrontPage document for creating Rollover effects.     
     
System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows
NT, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP

Compatible with FrontPage 2000 and FrontPage version 2002 
++
____________________________________________________________
5
1st Page 2000   free webbuilder
http://www.evrsoft.com/1stpage2.shtml
1st Page 2000
 1st Page 2000 2.0 is the tool that lets you create powerful, great looking
websites faster, easier and on-time.
 
 Overview

From Australia to California to Germany, professional web builders are
exploring 1st Page 2000, the world's free web builder to create and manage
world-class Web sites. Its power and flexibility lets anyone create the web
site they want. Ask any professional web builder and they'll tell you the
sad stories behind using standard WYSIWYG editors. Professional web builders
know that WYSIWYG editors never create clean html code which means they'll
end up wasting more time fixing, cleaning and correcting code later on. With
this common problem in mind, you'll be glad to hear that 1st Page never
ruins HTML code, infact it doesn't even add unwanted html codes to your
important projects.

 
Evrsoft 1st Page 2000 helps you write, edit and improve your HTML, its
powerful tools let you author websites faster, easier and better! Most new
builders don't realize the time they're losing by relying on traditional
based text editors like WindowsTM Notepad to author their sites. Whether
you're a beginner or an HTML guru you'll find 1st Page 2000 great to use!
++ There is more on the web site.
____________________________________________________________
6
Anti-Phishing.org
http://www.anti-phishing.org/index.html
Phishing attacks involve the mass distribution of 'spoofed' e-mail messages
with return addresses, links, and branding which appear to come from banks,
insurance agencies, retailers or credit card companies. These fraudulent
messages are designed to fool the recipients into divulging personal
authentication data such as account usernames and passwords, credit card
numbers, social security numbers, etc. Because these emails look
?official?, up to 20% of recipients may respond to them, resulting in
financial losses, identity theft, and other fraudulent activity. 
++
Thanks to; Linda F. Johnson, M.A., MOS
Linda's Computer Stop http://personal-computer-tutor.com 
Free e-Books, Newsletter, and tutorials
____________________________________________________________
7
CERT® Coordination Center
Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html
This Tech Tip provides guidance for users connecting a new (or newly
upgraded) computer to the Internet for the first time. It is intended for
home users, students, small businesses, or any site with broadband (cable
modem, DSL) or dial-up connectivity and limited Information Technology (IT)
support. Although the information in this document may be applicable to
users with formal IT support as well, organizational IT policies should be
followed.

The CERT/CC has composed this Tech Tip to address a growing risk to Internet
users without dedicated IT support. In recent months, we have observed a
trend toward exploitation of new or otherwise unprotected computers in
increasingly shorter periods of time. This problem is exacerbated by a
number of issues, including:

Many computers' default configurations are insecure. 
New security vulnerabilities may have been discovered between the time the
computer was built and configured by the manufacturer and the user setting
up the computer for the first time. 
When upgrading software from commercially packaged media (e.g., CD-ROM,
DVD-ROM), new vulnerabilities may have been discovered since the disc was
manufactured. 
Attackers know the common broadband and dial-up IP address ranges, and scan
them regularly. 
Numerous worms are already circulating on the Internet continuously scanning
for new computers to exploit. 
As a result, the average time-to-exploitation on some networks for an
unprotected computer is measured in minutes. This is especially true in the
address ranges used by cable modem, DSL, and dial-up providers.

Standard advice to home users has been to download and install software
patches as soon as possible after connecting a new computer to the Internet.
However, since the background intruder scanning activity is pervasive, it
may not be possible for the user to complete the download and installation
of software patches before the vulnerabilities they are trying to fix are
exploited. This Tech Tip offers advice on how to protect computers before
connecting them to the Internet so that users can complete the patching
process without incident.
++
____________________________________________________________
8
'Christy's Computer Corner'
  thanks to Christy;
http://www.1stpick.org

Xteq X-Setup  Freeware
http://www.xteq.com/products/xset/index.html

From simple boot options to server and hardware settings, Internet settings
or Office options, this lets you change more than 750 hidden functions with
some simple button clicks. 
It supports Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000/XP.   
The more than  750 tweaks range from simple Windows 9x boot options to
Windows 2000 ActiveDirectory settings.  Additional plug-ins are available or
users can create their own. 
You get to choose between running this tool in Power User or Wizard
operating modes.
~~~~~~~~
9
What to Do When Explorer Has Caused an Error in Kernel32.dll 

If you receive an error message like this one: 
Explorer Has Caused An Error In Kernel32.dll, odds are there's a control
panel file (with the .cpl extension) in the Windows\System folder that is
damaged or otherwise incompatible with the OS. 
Resolve the problem by starting your system in Safe Mode. 
To do this, hold down the Ctrl key while the PC is booting up and choose
Safe Mode. 
Then, click the Start button, Search, For Files Or Folders and type *.cpl in
the Search For Files Or Folders Named field.
Click Search Now, noting the original file names. 
In the Search Results pane, right-click a .cpl file in the Windows\System
folder, and click Rename. 
Rename the Mca.cpl file first (if it exists), and also rename the first file
in the Search Results pane to an .old file extension. So, if the file name
is File.cpl, rename the file to File.old. 
Also, note which file you have renamed on the list of original file names.
To see if it worked, try to open the Control Panel. Keep repeating this
process until you can open the Control Panel, and verify that the last file
you renamed is the damaged or incompatible file. 
Then, rename all of the files you renamed back to the original file names,
except for the file that you determined is causing the issue. 
When you're finished, reboot your computer.

Was this forwarded to you ?
Get your own subscription here:
<1stpickPCtips-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?Subject=subscribe>

____________________________________________________________
10
ToolbarCop 
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/toolbarcop.htm
Using ToolbarCop to remove the unwanted Toolbands, Toolbar icons and Browser
Helper Objects  

BROWSER HELPER OBJECTS [BHOs]

A BHO is a COM in-process server registered under a certain registry key.
Upon startup, Internet Explorer looks up that key and loads all the objects
whose CLSID is stored there. Most of the Internet Explorer crashes are due
to malware browser helper objects. Though you can disable "Third-party
Extensions" in the Advanced Tab of Internet Explorer, this is just a
*workaround*. 
++
____________________________________________________________
11
Mike's Friday Tip ~ Java Scripts

Java Scripts are part of the "code" used on HLML web pages that make certain
functions happen.

To Enable Java Script for Internet Explorer 
  1. Open> Internet Explorer 
  2. Select> Tools from main menu
  3. Select> Internet Options
  4. Click on> Security Tab
  5. Choose> Internet
  6. Under Internet click the> Custom Level command button
  7. Select> Scripting of Java Applets
  8. Choose> Enable
  9. Click> OK
10. Click> Apply
11. Click> OK
 
To Enable Java Script for Netscape Navigator 
1. Open> Netscape 
2. Choose> Edit from main menu
3. Select> Preferences
4. Check the> "Enable Java Script for Navigator" check box
5. Click> OK 

If you don't have Java you can get it here for free;
http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
____________________________________________________________

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Antivirus software is a good choice to scan your system for possible viruses, 
however no virus scanner is 100% effective as manufactures cannot keep up with 
the rapid change of viruses that happens daily.
Be sure to update yours regularly.
http://www.hackfix.org/software/antivirus.html
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free, to offer constructive criticism, as that will help me keep it 
interesting.
I also welcome any submissions about new products, web pages, or articles of 
interest.

All submissions posted in MWN will be given proper credit.
"MikesWhatsNews" believes in giving credit where credit is due but at times 
deadlines and information that is very important to readers we accidentally 
misspost an item.

If you believe something to be miscredited, or you know the author of one of 
the articles which we have posted as 'unknown', please do let us know so we can 
correct the information where applicable.

Many times in a article you may see a click here for more information, or to go 
to a link, these often will not work, as the original information, was taken 
from a page with HTML links. This is when you will want to go to the webpage 
indicated in the article, ++ ,for 'the rest of the story'
***MfM*** indicates that I am adding my own information to a particular    
article.
                         `~*~*~*~*~*~`
Mike ~It's a good day if I learned something new.
You can read a sample of my newsletter on my web page http://www.mwn.ca
My virus pages ~ http://virusinfo.hackfix.org 
mytech@xxxxxxxxxxx
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