Ok after reading the below about preventing my system from becoming a bot net server I have a question for our group. What are you using to prevent your system from becoming infected. What do you use to clean up your system. I am looking for a program that is free, and easy to use with jaws. The tools in the below story sound amazing, yet if they cause jaws to freak there pretty much worthless to some of us. Hugs and happy reading. -----Original Message----- From: Windows Secrets [mailto:Editor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] Sent: Thursday, January 15, 2009 4:38 AM To: crunch1@xxxxxxxxx Subject: Has your PC become a spammer's botnet zombie? [Newsletter Comp Version] If your software garbles this newsletter, read this issue <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c5f239h/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fissue%2F090115%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> at WindowsSecrets.com. Windows Secrets logo<http://download.windowssecrets.com/images/wsn/WS-Monogram-Logo.gif> YOUR NEWSLETTER PREFERENCES Change <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5e6397h/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fprefs%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Delivery address: crunch1@xxxxxxxxx Alternate address: anyone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Locale: United States 64100 Reader number: 57600-17976 Home <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b340cfh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com> Newsletter <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5065b3h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Finfo%2F> Search <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b7f00eh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fsearch%2F> Reviews <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/81f27fh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Freviews%2F> Polls <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/> Contact <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2a0c87h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fcontact%2F> This issue <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c5f239h/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fissue%2F090115%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Library <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c6ebbfh/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Flibrary%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Upgrade <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/51e8fdh/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Preferences <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5e6397h/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fprefs%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Unsubscribe <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/4dcf99h/crunch1@xxxxxxxxx e/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Funsubscribe%2F%3F> Windows Secrets Newsletter . Issue 181 . 2009-01-15 . Circulation: over 400,000 ________________________________ AD Facebook Ads <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/d6a575h/?url=facebook.ymc 0.net%2Fre3.asp%3FC%3D50194%26P%3D147690%26L%3D68> Get your business seen in Facebook <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/d6a575h/?url=facebook.ymc 0.net%2Fre3.asp%3FC%3D50194%26P%3D147690%26L%3D68> With Facebook Ads, you can target our 100 million users as precisely as you want - from age, gender, and other demographics all the way down to their specific passions and interests. And now you'll save $25 with your very first ad placement. The $25 discount is available only during the first 24 hours of a new account. Enter coupon code: KWWK-39HN-33XF-JRNJ at checkout to redeem. Offer expires 3/31/2009. ________________________________ Table of contents TOP STORY: Has your PC become a spammer's botnet zombie? KNOWN ISSUES: Downgrading Vista to XP is possible ... maybe WACKY WEB WEEK: I'd eat an apple a day to keep this doctor away! LANGALIST PLUS: Determine your PC's true memory ceiling BEST SOFTWARE: Prevent your system from becoming infected PC TUNE-UP: Google search results lead to browser hijackers PATCH WATCH: Critical patch for Windows file-sharing bug You're receiving only our free content. Use the following link to upgrade and get our paid content immediately: More info on how to upgrade <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/51e8fdh/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> ________________________________ ADS Optimize your PC by updating your BIOS <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2f61b0h/1i/?url=biosagent plus.com%2F%3Fref%3D604> Optimize your PC by updating your BIOS <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2f61b0h/?url=biosagentplu s.com%2F%3Fref%3D604> Are you looking to improve the performance of your PC? BIOSAgentPlus is a free utility that scans your PC and matches the correct Phoenix or AMI BIOS update and finds the exact driver updates for your desktop or laptop. Scan today for a free report. BIOSAgentPlus Download a free PC-performance scan <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/bdd851h/1i/?url=windowssc 5.paretologic.revenuewire.net%2Fregcure%2F17%2F> Download a free PC-performance scan <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/bdd851h/?url=windowssc5.p aretologic.revenuewire.net%2Fregcure%2F17%2F> RegCure repairs your Registry and automatically makes your PC's performance like new. Remove Windows errors instantly and clean up your Registry. RegCure is an award-winning product - download a free scan now! ParetoLogic See your ad here <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5b755dh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fadvertise> ________________________________ TOP STORY Has your PC become a spammer's botnet zombie? Scott Dunn<http://WindowsSecrets.com/images/wsn/Scott-Dunn-2.jpg> By Scott Dunn Worldwide spam traffic dramatically dropped after a major spam server was temporarily shut down last fall, raising public awareness of botnets: networks of PCs that have been turned into spam-spewing robots. Most antivirus applications are ill-equipped to stop this kind of malware, but you can reduce the risk of having your PC become zombified. Last November, a provider of Internet connectivity named Hurricane Electric pulled the plug on hosting company McColo. Immediately, the worldwide volume of spam dropped a whopping 65%, according to some estimates. As explained by Brian Krebs in an article <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/948e29h/?url=www.washingt onpost.com%2Fwp-dyn%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F2008%2F11%2F12%2FAR20081112006 58.html%3Fsid%3DST2008111801165%26s_pos%3D> at WashingtonPost.com, Hurricane - one of the two companies McColo depended on for its Internet connection - took the action after the newspaper informed the provider of McColo's role in hosting all sorts of Internet bad guys. According to Krebs, McColo's clients included "international firms and syndicates that are involved in everything from the remote management of millions of compromised computers to the sale of counterfeit pharmaceuticals and designer goods, fake security products, and child pornography via e-mail." The spam reduction held for a couple of weeks before rebounding, according to a Nov. 26 story <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/7fee9fh/?url=www.infoworl d.com%2Farticle%2F08%2F11%2F26%2FSpam_Spikes_Again_Weeks_After_McColo_Sh utdown_1.html> at InfoWorld.com. McColo's servers didn't send out the spam themselves. Instead, they provided the command and control for a vast network of PCs infected with malware. A collection of hacked PCs that have been turned into automated spamming machines is known as a robot network or "botnet." Security professionals name these botnets after the malware that runs them, which include Asprox, Rustock, Cutwail, and Srizbil. The malware creators rent their botnets to spammers, who in turn use the control servers to coordinate the transmission of huge amounts of junk mail, as explained in another Washington Post story <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/bcb712h/?url=www.washingt onpost.com%2Fwp-dyn%2Fcontent%2Farticle%2F2008%2F11%2F19%2FAR20081119030 75.html> . Your computer could be a spam zombie and you might never know it. And if you think your security software is keeping your computer safe from botnet slavery, you'd better think again. A recent study <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/cc1862h/?url=blog.fireeye .com%2Fresearch%2F2008%2F11%2Fdoes-antivirus-stop-bots.html> by security firm FireEye revealed that antivirus products detect bots less than half the time. The study tested AV programs using Virus Total's free malware-scan service <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/cc1866h/?url=www.virustot al.com%2Fsobre.html> ; consult that site for a list of the AV products tested. Your four-step spambot-safety program What can you do to prevent becoming a botnet victim? Although there are no perfect solutions, the following actions will help prevent your system from being compromised. (My thanks to the security blog <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b19d7eh/?url=www.wizcraft s.net%2Fblogs%2F2008%2F12%2Fsrizbi_spam_botnet_goes_offline_again.html> written by Wiz Feinberg for many of the tips.) Step 1: Keep your security products up-to-date. Although the FireEye study found little protection against bots from antivirus products, the study's author, FireEye chief scientist Stuart Staniford, did note that "AV works better and better on old stuff - by the time something has been out for a couple of months, and is still in use, it's likely that 70% to 80% of products will detect it." Update your antivirus program regularly with the latest patches and virus definitions; even if the app doesn't catch the latest bot, your AV protection will reduce your risk of catching older malware still circulating around the Internet. Step 2: Use a software firewall. By carefully monitoring your Internet connection, you'll reduce your risk of infection by botnet malware. By default, the firewalls built into Windows XP and Vista monitor only incoming connections. The firewalls can be configured to monitor outbound traffic, but doing so is technical and problematic for most users. The differences between the firewalls in XP and Vista are described in this Microsoft TechNet article <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/88cde6h/?url=technet.micr osoft.com%2Fen-us%2Fmagazine%2F2007.06.vistafirewall.aspx> . Many free, third-party software firewalls are bidirectional. Third-party firewalls sometimes require updates after you install Patch Tuesday fixes from Microsoft, but the added functionality of these firewalls can make this inconvenience worth living with. WS senior editor Ian "Gizmo" Richards describes the best products in his July 31, 2008, column <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/d45599h/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2008%2F07%2F31%2F04-Get-the-best-firewall-then-scan-your-PC-fre e> . Step 3: Get a free diagnosis. Some security products are intended specifically to combat the botnet plague. For example, RUBotted is a free utility from Trend Micro that sits quietly in your system tray and monitors suspicious activity (more info <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/94a74bh/?url=www.trendsec ure.com%2Fportal%2Fen-US%2Ftools%2Fsecurity_tools%2Frubotted> ). If the program spots an infection, it alerts you to take action. The program is currently a beta, but it worked fine for me. According to a post <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b19d7eh/?url=www.wizcraft s.net%2Fblogs%2F2008%2F12%2Fsrizbi_spam_botnet_goes_offline_again.html> by security blogger Feinberg, RUBotted encourages you to scan your system with Trend Micro's free HouseCall <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/9df1d0h/?url=housecall.tr endmicro.com%2F> online virus-scanning service, which detects and removes many malware infections. Note that on my system, RUBotted uses 8MB of RAM. Trend Micro RUBotted<http://download.windowssecrets.com/images/wsn/W20090115-RUBotte d.jpg> Figure 1. Scan your system with Trend Micro's RUBotted to ensure that your PC is bot-free. Full disclosure: Feinberg's blog is sponsored in part by RUBotted's manufacturer, Trend Micro. But I don't consider this to be an argument against using RUBotted. Step 4: Try Norton AntiBot. Another bot-specific security product is Symantec's Norton AntiBot (more info <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/531556h/?url=shop.symante cstore.com%2Fstore%2Fsymnahho%2Fen_US%2FDisplayProductDetailsPage%2FThem eID.106300%2FproductID.85573800%2Fpgm.12821000> ). This $30 program claims to monitor, detect, and remove bots before they can cause harm. Norton AntiBot uses behavioral analysis rather than definitions for specific bots and received an Editor's Choice award from PC Magazine in 2007. Security sites such as Marshal <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2f7a91h/?url=www.marshal. com%2Ftrace%2Fspam_statistics.asp> continue to report spam-bot activity. The buggers are delivering junk mail, malware, and other odious data to millions of victims. By using the above bot-prevention tools and techniques, you'll reduce the chances that your machine's a spammer's helper. Help people find this article on the Web (explain <http://WindowsSecrets.com/help.socialbookmark.php> ): Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/9cc8c1h/> Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/9cc8c1h/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/39c6a9h/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/39c6a9h/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/db2a39h/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/db2a39h/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/938f01h/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/938f01h/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/6b4434h/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/6b4434h/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/56cc28h/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/56cc28h/> Please tell us how useful this article was to you: 1: Poor <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.1v/> Poor <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.1v/> 2: Fair <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.2v/> Fair <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.2v/> 3: Good <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.3v/> Good <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.3v/> 4: Great <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.4v/> Great <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.4v/> 5: Superb <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.5v/> Superb <http://WindowsSecrets.com/polls/p.1656v/k.9AC1417168997F31716899186B3v/ v.5v/> Scott Dunn is a contributing editor of the Windows Secrets Newsletter. He has been a contributor to PC World since 1992 and currently writes for the Here's How section of that magazine. Table of contents ________________________________ ADS Before you turn to the geeks ... <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c4292ch/1i/?url=pcpitstop .com%2Ftinylink.asp%3Fid%3D228513> Before you turn to the geeks ... <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c4292ch/?url=pcpitstop.co m%2Ftinylink.asp%3Fid%3D228513> Diagnose computer problems on your own. Run the free PC Pitstop Optimize 2.0 scan and in just minutes receive a free custom report detailing common issues that might be keeping your PC from running at top speed. Over 100 million scans run. Scan now! PC Pitstop Save up to 76% on quality inkjet ink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/faf810h/1i/?url=www.dpbol vw.net%2Fclick-630765-10356434> Save up to 76% on quality inkjet ink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/faf810h/?url=www.dpbolvw. net%2Fclick-630765-10356434> We offer the sharpest prices on the Web for quality ink and laser toner. Bonus: save an extra 10% by using coupon code JJ997H. Free shipping to contiguous U.S. locations for all orders over $50. Offer expires 2/28/2009 and excludes OEM items. 4InkJets See your ad here <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5b755dh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fadvertise> ________________________________ KNOWN ISSUES Downgrading Vista to XP is possible ... maybe Dennis O'Reilly<http://WindowsSecrets.com/images/wsn/Dennis-OReilly-1.jpg> By Dennis O'Reilly Reverting a Vista PC to XP requires an installation CD for each OS and can be done only on OEM editions of Vista Business and Ultimate. Users of Vista Home Basic and Home Premium - and anyone who used a retail version of Vista to upgrade an XP machine - must buy a copy of XP to make the switch. Last week's Top Story <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c94479h/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F08%2F02-XP-deadline-extended-toward-launch-of-Windo ws-7> on Microsoft's decision to extend yet again the deadline for buying a PC with Windows XP installed caused many readers to wonder whether they could dump their copy of Vista in favor of its predecessor. Reader Jim Harvey put it this way: * "We have Vista Home Edition installed on a newly refurbished Gateway computer purchased for my wife for Christmas. However, trying to cope with all the operational changes in Vista has proven to be too frustrating for her. "We would like to downgrade the new computer back to the old XP license we have on our replaced computer, but we don't know how to do so. Is there a legitimate way to install our old licensed version of XP , still on the replaced computer, onto our new Gateway and get rid of Vista?" Unfortunately, the only way you can revert a machine running Vista Home Basic or Home Premium is to buy a copy of XP and install it over the Vista configuration. However, anyone who bought a PC with an OEM edition of Vista Business or Vista Ultimate can downgrade to XP Pro. Even if you installed a retail version of Vista on an XP machine, you have to purchase a new copy of XP to revert to that OS. Fortunately, OEM versions of XP Home and Pro cost as little as $90 and $120, respectively, online. (Note that OEM releases can be installed on only one system and come with zero support from the vendor.) Computerworld's Gregg Keizer describes the XP-downgrade limitations and offers step-by-step instructions for making the Vista-to-XP switch in this FAQ <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/f53c1fh/?url=www.computer world.com%2Faction%2Farticle.do%3Fcommand%3DviewArticleBasic%26articleId %3D9040318> . Other places to look for missing disk space Fred Langa's Jan. 8, 2009, column <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5c1eb9h/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F08%2F04-Reinstall-Windows-with-one-click-of-your-mo use%23lplus3> (paid content) described several ways to recover hard-disk space. Reader Kevin Kleinhomer wrote in to remind us of a couple of other tools that might help track down the missing bytes. * "In his most recent article, Fred talks about a reader with missing space, but I think he missed a very important tip for the reader: Chkdsk. It could be a corrupted file system that is the root cause of the missing disk space. I have seen this many, many times. "A less likely possibility would be a rootkit. Booting off one of the many recently reported-on [rootkit-revealing] tools would hopefully turn this up." Running Windows' built-in disk-checking utility couldn't be easier: click Start, Run (in XP) or just Start (in Vista), type cmd, and press Enter. At the command prompt, type the following: chkdsk x: /r The x represents the letter of the drive you want to check, and the /r switch instructs the utility to repair errors, find bad sectors, and recover whatever data it's able to. Microsoft's Help and Support site provides complete instructions for using the Chkdsk utility in article 315265 <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/828c32h/?url=support.micr osoft.com%2Fkb%2F315265> (the article specifies XP, but the information applies to Vista as well). Scott Spanbauer reviews several free tools for detecting and removing rootkits in his May 22, 2008, Best Software column <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/16600eh/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2008%2F05%2F22%2F05-Top-free-tools-for-rooting-out-rootkit-spie s> (paid content). Go to the source for a copy of Ubuntu on disc The rap on Linux - at least among Windows users - has long been that the alternative OS is too difficult to install and use. Scott Spanbauer's Jan. 8, 2009, Best Software column <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/6cba10h/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F08%2F05-Make-Windows-PCs-safer-by-dual-booting-Ubun tu> (paid content) described the free Wubi installer utility for the Ubuntu distribution of Linux. Reader Howard Harner points out that you can also get a free copy of Ubuntu on disc, if you're patient. * "I'm glad to see your discussion of Ubuntu, since I have been using it as an alternative to uSoft [Microsoft Windows] for years. For older computers, cruising the Web, and copying CDs, it's great. "You didn't mention that one can get a free disk from Ubuntu that contains two versions of the OS - a full-install copy and a version that will run on top of Windows - by going to their Web site and filling out the short application form. It usually takes less than two weeks to receive it." In fact, many Windows users choose to run Ubuntu off the CD rather than to create a hard-drive partition for the OS. Of course, you can burn your own Ubuntu CD. You'll find the download and instructions for creating your disc on the Ubuntu Community Documentation page <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/399c4fh/?url=help.ubuntu. com%2Fcommunity%2FLiveCD> . Readers Jim, Kevin, and Howard will each receive a gift certificate for a book, CD, or DVD of their choice for sending tips we printed. Send us your tips via the Windows Secrets contact page <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2a0c87h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fcontact%2F> . Help people find this article on the Web (explain <http://WindowsSecrets.com/help.socialbookmark.php> ): Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1c6581h/> Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1c6581h/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e06defh/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e06defh/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/3b0232h/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/3b0232h/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/7d59a7h/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/7d59a7h/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/886eceh/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/886eceh/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/025769h/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/025769h/> The Known Issues column brings you readers' comments on our recent articles. Dennis O'Reilly is technical editor of WindowsSecrets.com. Table of contents ________________________________ ADS Are your computer's drivers up-to-date? <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e6141fh/1i/?url=www.drive rshq.com%2FAffiliates%2FWindowsSecrets.aspx> Are your computer's drivers up-to-date? <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e6141fh/?url=www.driversh q.com%2FAffiliates%2FWindowsSecrets.aspx> Driver Detective provides the most up-to-date drivers specific to your computer! With more than 1 million drivers, Driver Detective saves you endless hours of work and aggravation normally associated with updating drivers. Drivers HeadQuarters Get your message seen by 400,000 readers <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/0a8d25h/1i/?url=WindowsSe crets.com%2Fadvertise%2F%3Fr%3D1> Get your message seen by 400,000 readers <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/0a8d25h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fadvertise%2F%3Fr%3D1> Does your company offer a product or service? Now you can place an ad in the Windows Secrets Newsletter and be seen by more than 400,000 active buyers of PC hardware and software. Bid as much or as little as you like to get the ideal ad placement. Windows Secrets Newsletter See your ad here <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5b755dh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2Fadvertise> ________________________________ WACKY WEB WEEK I'd eat an apple a day to keep this doctor away! Man in garden <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/eb7574h/1i/?url=www.youtu be.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Du5tkT_Pn0vg> By Katy Abby It seems like every time you turn on the TV, there's an eye-catching new pharmaceutical commercial airing. Each new pill is packaged more beautifully than the last, and drug makers' lofty claims promise an enticing array of health improvements - as long as you ignore the dubious side effects. Still, the advertisements often skirt the big issues - what exactly are these new miracle pills for? Where do you turn for more information? Watch what happens when one man decides to seek some answers and ends up with more information than he bargained for! Play the video <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/eb7574h/?url=www.youtube. com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Du5tkT_Pn0vg> Help people find this article on the Web (explain <http://WindowsSecrets.com/help.socialbookmark.php> ): Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/60177eh/> Digg <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/60177eh/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/f67ac0h/> Delicious <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/f67ac0h/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/80ea2ah/> Reddit <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/80ea2ah/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/f1aabbh/> StumbleUpon <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/f1aabbh/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/31c2bah/> Other <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/31c2bah/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e3e0beh/> Permalink <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e3e0beh/> Table of contents ________________________________ PERMALINKS Use these permalinks to share info with friends We love it when you include the links shown below in e-mails to your friends. This is better than forwarding your copy of our e-mail newsletter. (When our newsletter is forwarded, some recipients click "report as spam" and corporate filters start blocking our e-mails.) The following link includes all articles this week: http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090115 Free content posted on Jan. 15, 2009: Windows Secrets free content <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> TOP STORY By Scott Dunn Has your PC become a spammer's botnet zombie? <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/ea130ch/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fts%2F%3Fn%3Dstory1> Your four-step spambot-safety program <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/eb5814h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fts%2F%3Fn%3Dstory2> KNOWN ISSUES By Dennis O'Reilly Downgrading Vista to XP is possible ... maybe <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/ae953dh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fki%2F%3Fn%3Dknown0> Other places to look for missing disk space <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/a0ece9h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fki%2F%3Fn%3Dknown1> Go to the source for a copy of Ubuntu on disc <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/fcfc36h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fki%2F%3Fn%3Dknown2> WACKY WEB WEEK By Katy Abby I'd eat an apple a day to keep this doctor away! <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/72fbc1h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fww%2F%3Fn%3Dwacky> You get all of the following in our paid content: Fred Langa <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/1i/v5wl92d5n1adu/ 57600-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> LANGALIST PLUS By Fred Langa Determine your PC's true memory ceiling <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/4b7869h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Flp%2F%3Fn%3Dlplus0> A gigabyte ain't as much as it used to be <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/3b63edh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Flp%2F%3Fn%3Dlplus1> Recover bad sectors after a hard-disk crash <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5b9d71h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Flp%2F%3Fn%3Dlplus2> Trouble accessing a college's Wi-Fi network <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/8b2d31h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Flp%2F%3Fn%3Dlplus3> Ian Richards <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/1i/v5wl92d5n1adu/ 57600-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> BEST SOFTWARE By Ian "Gizmo" Richards Prevent your system from becoming infected <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b849cch/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests0> There's more in that download than meets the eye <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/57566eh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests1> Software thieves get more than they bargained for <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/d53664h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests2> Rule 1: Download only from reputable sources <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/704d4ch/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests3> Rule 2: Scan all downloaded files <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/fbbb72h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests4> Rule 3: Run suspicious programs in a sandbox <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/ba1f3ch/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests5> Rule 4: Read the software licensing agreement <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b8e8d2h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fbt%2F%3Fn%3Dbests6> Mark Joseph Edwards <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/1i/v5wl92d5n1adu/ 57600-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> PC TUNE-UP By Mark Joseph Edwards Google search results lead to browser hijackers <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/5e149ch/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpt%2F%3Fn%3Dpctun0> Search links redirected to malware downloads <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/ca2a1bh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpt%2F%3Fn%3Dpctun1> VMware experiences denial-of-service attacks <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/b80428h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpt%2F%3Fn%3Dpctun2> Web-development platform leaves sites vulnerable <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/fbd736h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpt%2F%3Fn%3Dpctun3> Free plug-in strengthens Wordpress security <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/239aa6h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpt%2F%3Fn%3Dpctun4> Susan Bradley <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/1i/v5wl92d5n1adu/ 57600-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> PATCH WATCH By Susan Bradley Critical patch for Windows file-sharing bug <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/2fedc1h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch0> Bolster firewalls to block remote-code attacks <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/0de592h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch1> New XP PCs finally get an important update <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/c138b8h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch2> Malicious Software Removal Tool packs heat <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/496634h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch3> Bleeding-edger alert: Windows 7 beta available <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/e81858h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch4> Apple update requires a hands-on approach <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/0353afh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch5> Dell owners: Beware the bogus driver offering <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/88a29ah/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch6> An alternative third-party patching tool <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/255275h/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch7> Windows Media Player update gets another go <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/cf31abh/?url=WindowsSecre ts.com%2F2009%2F01%2F15%2Fpw%2F%3Fn%3Dpatch8> Get our paid content by making any contribution 12 months of paid content <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/1f854fh/1i/v5wl92d5n1adu/ 57600-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> There's no fixed fee! 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More info <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/75a229h/?url=windowssecre ts.com%2F2008%2F03%2F06%2F01-Your-contributions-help-us-sponsor-needy-ki ds> Use the link below to learn more about the benefits of becoming a paid subscriber! More info on how to upgrade <http://WindowsSecrets.com/links/v5wl92d5n1add/51e8fdh/v5wl92d5n1adu/576 00-17976r/?url=WindowsSecrets.com%2Fupgrade%2F%3Fu%3D%24P20> Thanks in advance for your support! Table of contents ________________________________ YOUR SUBSCRIPTION The Windows Secrets Newsletter is published weekly on the 1st through 4th Thursdays of each month, plus occasional news updates. We skip an issue on the 5th Thursday of any month, the week of Thanksgiving, and the last two weeks of August and December. Windows Secrets resulted from the merger of several publications: Brian's Buzz on Windows and Woody's Windows Watch in 2004, the LangaList in 2006, and the Support Alert Newsletter in 2008. 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Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.9.15/1839 - Release Date: 12/9/2008 9:59 AM To subscribe or to leave the list, or to set other subscription options, go to www.freelists.org/list/real-eyes