Microsoft offers "full service" system check

Microsoft's "Windows Live Safety Center" offers a free, yet customizable "full service" online checks of your PC. It checks for:

• Viruses and other malware
• Wasted hard disk space
• Maintenance issues
• Internet connection security
• Invalid registry entries

You must download scanning tools, but that goes fast (at least on my broadband). Also, click on "Customize" and uncheck scan options you you don't need to perform.

Security risks you don't know about

A recent PC World article lists the 10 security risks you don't know about. Among the tidbits is the fact that the latest attacks target cell phones with phony text messages.  The messages claim that you have been subscribed to a dating service and if you don't cancel, you'll be charged.  This nasty social engineering aims to dupe people into actually visiting the listed web site. The web site infects their PC.

Parents clueless about their internet role

Teens and preteens may be totally naive about the social trickery and manipulation so common on parts of the Internet, yet savvy about computers in general. Parents can't protect their kids from dangers they don't understand.

The fact that postings in a blog or MySpace type web site are very public, not private, never crosses the minds of many youth. An aggravating problem is that their parents are often not well-versed in the dangers and how kids can cope.

A Technology Review article encourages parents and kids to talk more about safe use of the Internet. Parents need to learn much more about their role as guardians when it come to the Internet. They can learn a lot from their own kids!

cnet Deal of the Day

CNET Shopper's "Deal Exchange" offers ever changing deals on a wide range of merchandise.  Most have expiration dates. Recently a $900 Canon Rebel camera was on sale for $621, for example. Check it out.

Hackers already exploiting MS vulnerabilities

Microsoft announced 21 bugs (vulnerabilities) and their patches on Tuesday. On Wednesday, hackers were already exploiting 7 of these to attack PCs. Note that some of the patches are for Microsoft Office products. So if you normally only run Windows Update, be sure to check Microsoft Office Update.

The moral? Don't wait -- update your computer when a software vendor offers new security patches. Apple computers are usually set to automatically update. Windows computers can also be set to automatically download updates. I prefer to have the system alert me when the updates are ready to install and let me actually start the installation.

The old maxim used to be to wait and carefully test patches or wait for someone else to test them. Then and only then did you install a security patch. In today's world of same-day exploits (called "zero-day exploits"), smart computer users don't wait. They keep data backed up and they patch as fast as they can.

I often force Microsoft Update (which checks for both Windows and Office updates) to check and update my PC even before Windows alerts me. I know that new updates usually come out on the second Tuesday each month, so I start checking that night.

Security-savvy computer users also keep their Antivirus, 2-way Firewall, and AntiSpyware software updated. It's OK to be paranoid when bad guys really are out to get you.

Improving wireless network security

Do you use WiFi? Make sure you read Fred Langa's "Wireless Poachers, Wireless Guests" article in Information Week . Fred Langa's newsletter, the LangaList, is a real gem.  The "Plus" edition is budget-priced and a great value.  The Basic, ad-supported, version is free but the Plus edition contains extra articles. A recent Plus version newsletter lists 4 steps to improving your wireless security. A subscription could pay off very fast if it prevents an intrusion.

Backup Outlook PST file

Prevent "gotchas" -- backup your Outlook "Personal Folders" (PST file) every so often. Also burn that to CD or save it to a different drive in case your current drive "goes south".  Microsoft offers a free MS Outlook plug-in for Outlook 2000 and 2003.

Laptop desks lower lap heat

You should protect your lap from notebooks, which can heat up to over 150 degrees F. That can be too hot for comfort. Men should also remember that excess heat in "that certain area" can be harmful. The solution? A laptop desk.

A laptop desk can also let you work at a better angle to the keyboard.

Here are a couple of Froogle search results:

• LapDesk
• Laptop lap desk

Cleaning the notebook (or laptop) also reduces heat.

Free "zip" file compression utilities

An alternative to WinZip gets better compression and is free. WinZip used to be a one-time license -- buy it and get updates free for life.  No longer (so much for promises -- the ability for the company to unilaterally change this must've been in some fine print I didn't read). Fred Langa, in his Langa List newsletter, says he's changing over to 7-Zip as WinZip licenses expire. I just may be doing the same thing, as upgrading from WinZip 9 to 10 costs $29.95.

Net Neutrality amendment fails to pass

The House of Representatives voted down the Net Neutrality amendment to the Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act. If you're not sure what "net neutrality" is or why you should care, read Fred Langa's newsletter article, " Network Neutrality" and see the Wikipedia entry on network neutrality.

Also read the news article on the net neutrality vote, "House ignores public, sells out internet".