[MikesWhatsNews] MWN #726 HackFix

MikesWhatsNews, 02, 04, 2004
in today's issue #726
HackFix Updates
2       Word Wiz
3       NewsIsFree!
4       Mouse Emulator
5       Magnetoids
6       Google Talk
7       Hot Key Plus v1.0
8       CCC    A Faster, Better Behaved Windows
9               The Downloads Folder
10      SpywareBlaster 3.0
11      Manually Update Windows and Anti-Virus
12      Trimming Your Posts
13      Crimson Room Game  Solution
____________________________________________________________

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 
or issue #.  Here is the address direct to the messages;
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and; http://www.freelists.org/archives/mikeswhatsnews/
____________________________________________________________

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AOL Users</a>
___________________________________________________________


  HackFix updates, thanks to Christy;
staff@xxxxxxxxxxx
Http://www.hackfix.org
This weeks Virus Pattern Updates (04/01/2004)


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


Aladdin Knowledge Systems

Esafe Desktop/Gateway/Enterprise
Last Updated Mar 31/2004
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 Mar 31/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
To update your software
Visit http://www.authentium.com/support/downloads/index.cfm
~~~~~

Center for Antivirus Technologies (CAT)

Quickheal
Last Updated Apr 01/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
To update your software
Visit: http://www.f-prot.com/download/home_user/
~~~~~

Computer Associates

E-Trust
Last updated Apr 01/2004
To update your software
http://www3.ca.com/support/vicdownload/
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:  Apr 01/2004
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 Mar 31/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
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 Mar 26/2004 
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 Mar 31/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
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 Mar 26/2004 
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 Apr 01/2004
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 Apr 01/2004
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 Mar 31/2004
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

____________________________________________________________
2
Word Wiz
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ks/gm/splsh_e.asp
"Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, aboriginal peoples,
biographies, children, contacts, frequently asked questions, history,
information, languages, place names, schools, teachers, young adults,
aboriginal awareness"
++
____________________________________________________________
3
NewsIsFree!
http://www.newsisfree.com
NewsIsFree is an Advanced News Aggregator. You can select dynamic news feeds
to include on your website by category
or use NewsIsFree directly to search for the latest news.
Create custom pages with your own choice of news sources, arrange them in
boxes or lists.

This site also offers headline syndication, for personal and non-commercial
usage.
Thanks to Christy
____________________________________________________________
4
Mouse Emulator Freeware 
http://www.geocities.com/pronto4u/mouseemulator.html
Shows which keys you have to press to move the mouse cursor.
Hold down the Fn key, and you can use numeric keypad in the center of your
keyboard to move mouse
Mouse Emulator can toggle mouse buttons with a simple key press.
Useful for RSI users that have problems with drag operations with the mouse

The program recognizes the following keys: (NumLock must be ON!)
Keypad 1 - Left mouse button 
Keypad 2 - Right mouse button 
Keypad 3 - Middle mouse button 
Keypad 4, 5, 6, 8 - Moves the mouse left, down, right and/or up
respectively. 
Keypad 7 - Mousewheel up (Scroll) 
Keypad 9 - Mousewheel down (Scroll) 
Keypad / - Toggle Left mouse button (Useful for RSI users) 
Keypad * - Toggle Right mouse button (Useful for RSI users) 
Keypad - - Toggle Middle mouse button (Useful for RSI users) 
Ctrl + Keypad 0 - Enable/Disable Mouse Emulator 
++
____________________________________________________________
5
Magnetoids
http://www.firebox.com/index.html?dir=firebox&action=product&pid=762
Magnetoids are set to become the hottest new stress relieving gizmo/desktop
plaything, and are so enthralling you'll forget your worries, your work and
everything else in between. Try pulling the Magnetoids apart and holding
them on your desk with the tips touching. Then let go. What happens next is
truly mesmerising and the first time you witness it you may emit a somewhat
amazed yelp. We know we did!
++
____________________________________________________________
6
Google Talk
http://douweosinga.com/projects/googletalk
Use Google talk by entering three or four words below. 
The system will search for this sentence at Google, find the next word and
print that. 
Then it will remove the first word of the search string, add the found word
and repeat. 
The result seems to be meaningfull sometimes. 
Other times it is giblish. But always fun.

____________________________________________________________
7
Hot Key Plus v1.0
http://www.brianapps.net/hotkeyplus/
Hot Key Plus is a small freeware utility that allows you to launch
applications using the 'Windows' keys (the ones with the Windows icon on
them) on your keyboard.
____________________________________________________________
8
'Christy's Computer Corner'
  thanks to Christy;
http://www.1stpick.org

A Faster, Better Behaved Windows
http://users.accesscomm.ca/gbraun/wxp
http://users.accesscomm.ca/gbraun/w98
If you like to "get under the hook" and tweak windows the Gord Braun's web
site should be a frequent visit. He has
compiled links to scores of articles and has written some of his own on the
website. They focus on keeping winXP and
win98 running clean - or as Gord says "faster and better behaved". 
Lots of great tricks and links. Good reading

~~~~~~~~
9
The Downloads Folder

Many experienced PC people use this trick, but it's worth mentioning. 
At least one drive of every computer I manage has a Downloads folder that
contains the installer routines of every
program I've ever installed and kept on that PC. 
What's more, when I download new programs, I download them into a generic
folder for the program type and name (such as "Email/Calypso"), and then I
create subfolders named with the version number (such as "5.2"). 
Save your installer files, people. At least the latest one and the last
previous version that worked well. You should
always be prepared to uninstall and reinstall a program, if necessary --
either to solve a problem or troubleshoot a
conflict. 

I've also been known to copy the installation routines of smaller programs
that install from a floppy disk or CD into my Downloads folder as well.  
Especially a program that is a routine part of the toolkit of software I
install on every PC.

Tip within a tip:  It is also a good idea to keep any updates and patches in
the same folder as the version they relate to.

Was this forwarded to you ?
Get your own subscription here:
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____________________________________________________________
10
SpywareBlaster 3.0
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
SpywareBlaster doesn't scan and clean for spyware - it prevents it from ever
being installed.

By setting a "kill bit" for spyware ActiveX controls, SpywareBlaster can
prevent the installation of any spyware ActiveX controls from a webpage. It
does this while not interfering with "friendly" ActiveX controls - so your
browser can work correctly and you can have peace of mind!

You won't get any more annoying "Yes/No" boxes popped up, asking you to
install a spyware ActiveX control (which can increasingly be found in pop-up
ads!). In fact, Internet Explorer will never even download or run the
spyware ActiveX control!

In addition, SpywareBlaster can prevent many of these spyware ActiveX
controls from running, even if they are already installed on your system.*

The newest SpywareBlaster version can even block spyware/tracking cookies! 
And SpywareBlaster does not need to be running in the background to provide
this protection!
++
____________________________________________________________
11
Manually Update Windows and Anti-Virus

With the latest rash of virus and worms we are seeing the use of the Windows
'host file' http://www.accs-net.com/hosts/what_is_hosts.html
to prevent your computers access to the sites which may help you fight the
infections.
Zone Alarm even issued a security alert on the 'My Doom'
http://download.zonelabs.com/bin/free/securityAlert/6.html
quote; "MyDoom.B attempts to overwrite the host file, preventing access to
numerous web sites. "

For this reason you will want to manually check for AV updates.
If you get an error message, 'page on found' or similar to a page you could
previously access it is time to try a different AV site to see if you an
access them.
If you are unable it is possible that an infection has modified your 'host
file' to block your access to the 'help' sites.

Many viruses spread by exploiting known vulnerabilities in unpatched
systems. 
It is very important for users to apply security-related patches to their
operating systems and applications.
Microsoft issues 'Critical Updates' quite frequently, it is to your best
interest to install them.
____________________________________________________________

Trimming Your Posts
  http://www.geocities.com/computer_tricks_and_tips/trim.html
When replying to a post or email, it's a good idea to remove all but the
previous messages. When you don't, you are replying to replies, replying
to replies. Eventually you will be posting a very long messy post just to
say a couple words. There will be a long line of irrelevant text.

By removing all but the post you are replying to, you will not only be
removing a pile of irrelevant text and making it much easier to read for
the reader, but you will be saving bandwidth.
And let's not forget that some people have group messages sent to their
email inbox. Who wants a long drawn out email?
  ++
  Thanks to; David Llewellyn, Owner of Computer Tricks and Tips
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/Computer_tricks_and_tips/ 
____________________________________________________________

Crimson Room game  solution
http://www.lucabrasi.net/yuppicide/crsolve/
This is for all you people who couldn't solve the Crimson Room game. 
If you don't want to be called a cheater for the rest of your life then
don't read this! 
This contains the complete solution to the Crimson Room game! 
If you don't know what the game is, then what are you doing here?! 
____________________________________________________________
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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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