Viruses, Cookies, and Viruses, Cookies, and Spam … Oh, My!Spam … Oh, My!

a presentation bya presentation by

Patrick Douglas CrispenPatrick Douglas Crispen

Our GoalsOur Goals

• Discover five things you should do each week to Discover five things you should do each week to keep your computer running in tip-top shapekeep your computer running in tip-top shape

• Learn 10 quick tips to diagnose and fix most Learn 10 quick tips to diagnose and fix most computer problemscomputer problems

• Discover why cookies aren’t necessarily bad but Discover why cookies aren’t necessarily bad but spyware isspyware is

• Find out how to kill pop-up ads once and for allFind out how to kill pop-up ads once and for all• Discuss some anti-spam resourcesDiscuss some anti-spam resources• DO ALL OF THIS IN ENGLISH!DO ALL OF THIS IN ENGLISH!

The Weekly “Fab Five”The Weekly “Fab Five”

• The Weekly Fab Five is a list of five The Weekly Fab Five is a list of five things you should do things you should do each weekeach week to to ensure your computer keeps running ensure your computer keeps running in tip-top shapein tip-top shape..

• The Fab Five works for both PCs The Fab Five works for both PCs andand MacsMacs..

• Check out Check out http://http://netsquirrel.com/fabfivenetsquirrel.com/fabfive//

The Weekly “Fab Five”The Weekly “Fab Five”

1.1. Update your antivirus definitions.Update your antivirus definitions.

2.2. Run Windows Update / Apple Run Windows Update / Apple Software Update.Software Update.

3.3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid.Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid.

4.4. Run disk defragmenter.Run disk defragmenter.

5.5. Backup backup backup!Backup backup backup!

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five1. Update Your Virus Definitions1. Update Your Virus Definitions

You’d be shocked at how many You’d be shocked at how many people have NEVER done this.people have NEVER done this.

What Viruses What Viruses CAN’TCAN’T Do Do

• Viruses Viruses CAN’TCAN’T physically damage physically damage your computer’s your computer’s hardware.hardware.

• If your computer If your computer suddenly bursts into suddenly bursts into flames, IT ISN’T A flames, IT ISN’T A VIRUS!VIRUS!

• However, viruses CAN However, viruses CAN (and probably will) (and probably will) wreck your wreck your computer’s computer’s filesfiles..

Image courtesy http://www.adelon.ru/

Virus Definitions?Virus Definitions?

• There are two parts to your antivirus There are two parts to your antivirus programprogram1.1. The antivirus program itselfThe antivirus program itself2.2. The virus definitionsThe virus definitions

• Each computer virus has its own, unique Each computer virus has its own, unique “signature” or “thumbprint.”“signature” or “thumbprint.”

• When your antivirus program’s When your antivirus program’s manufacturer discovers a new virus, they manufacturer discovers a new virus, they create a virus definition that tells your create a virus definition that tells your antivirus program what to watch for.antivirus program what to watch for.

Why Update?Why Update?

• When you bought your antivirus program, When you bought your antivirus program, it came with a list of virus definitions for it came with a list of virus definitions for all of the viruses that were known all of the viruses that were known at that at that timetime..

• BUT, BUT, antivirus company Symantec antivirus company Symantec estimates that 10 to 15 new viruses are estimates that 10 to 15 new viruses are discovered discovered each dayeach day..

• If this is correct, between 3,650 and 5,475 If this is correct, between 3,650 and 5,475 brand new viruses were discovered in just brand new viruses were discovered in just the past year alone.the past year alone.

If your antivirus program If your antivirus program doesn’t have the latest doesn’t have the latest virus definitions, your virus definitions, your

computer isn’t protected computer isn’t protected against against ANYANY of these new of these new

viruses!viruses!

Updating Your Virus DefinitionsUpdating Your Virus Definitions

• In Norton Antivirus, click In Norton Antivirus, click on the “Live Update” on the “Live Update” button and Norton button and Norton automatically downloads automatically downloads and installs the latest virus and installs the latest virus definitions.definitions.– Don’t trust the default install Don’t trust the default install

to check – do it yourself!to check – do it yourself!

• McAfee VirusScan has a McAfee VirusScan has a similar update function (go similar update function (go to File > Update to File > Update VirusScan). VirusScan).

Updating Other AV ProgramsUpdating Other AV Programs

• If you are unsure how to update your virus If you are unsure how to update your virus definitions, visit the Web site of your definitions, visit the Web site of your antivirus software manufacturer and look antivirus software manufacturer and look for their “download,” “update,” or for their “download,” “update,” or “technical support” section.“technical support” section.

• If you are on AOL, you can find the latest If you are on AOL, you can find the latest virus definitions for most antivirus virus definitions for most antivirus programs at keyword: virus.programs at keyword: virus.

Now for the Bad NewsNow for the Bad News

• In addition to updating your virus In addition to updating your virus definitions each week, you need to definitions each week, you need to completely replace your antivirus completely replace your antivirus software every 12 to 18 months.software every 12 to 18 months.

• Why? Even with the latest virus Why? Even with the latest virus definitions, your old antivirus definitions, your old antivirus program may not be able to detect program may not be able to detect the newest, polymorphic viruses.the newest, polymorphic viruses.

What About Macs?What About Macs?

• The possibility of new The possibility of new Mac viruses, while Mac viruses, while slight, is still greater slight, is still greater than zero. than zero.

• The possibility of The possibility of future, cross-platform future, cross-platform viruses (viruses that viruses (viruses that infect infect bothboth PCs and PCs and Macs) is also quite Macs) is also quite real. real.

Image courtesy http://www.apple.com/

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five1. Update Your Virus Definitions1. Update Your Virus Definitions

Even if you have a Mac, and Even if you have a Mac, and ESPECIALLYESPECIALLY if you have a PC if you have a PC

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five2. Run Windows Update / 2. Run Windows Update /

Apple Software UpdateApple Software Update

Close the holes in your Close the holes in your operating system.operating system.

““Holey Windows, Batman!”Holey Windows, Batman!”

• EveryEvery operating system has known operating system has known vulnerabilities or “security holes.” vulnerabilities or “security holes.” (Computer programs have these (Computer programs have these vulnerabilities too.)vulnerabilities too.)

• Through these holes, nefarious netizens Through these holes, nefarious netizens can break into your computer and:can break into your computer and:– Read or even delete every file on your computer;Read or even delete every file on your computer;– Infect your computer with a virus;Infect your computer with a virus;– Use your computer to attack or spam another Use your computer to attack or spam another

computer; orcomputer; or– Do a whole bunch of other nasty things.Do a whole bunch of other nasty things.

Known OS Vulnerabilities – Known OS Vulnerabilities – 3 December 20033 December 2003

• Windows 95: 49Windows 95: 49• Windows 98: 66Windows 98: 66• Windows 98SE: 41Windows 98SE: 41• Windows ME: 37Windows ME: 37• Windows XP Windows XP

Home: 91Home: 91• Windows XP Windows XP

Professional: 95Professional: 95• Mac OS X: 74Mac OS X: 74

Image courtesy Associated Press

Closing the HolesClosing the Holes

• With relatively few exceptions, when With relatively few exceptions, when software manufacturers find a security software manufacturers find a security hole in one of their products, they release hole in one of their products, they release a patch that closes that hole.a patch that closes that hole.

• If your computer doesn’t have If your computer doesn’t have ALLALL of of these patches, it isn’t protected … and these patches, it isn’t protected … and your computer is completely vulnerable to your computer is completely vulnerable to all the nasty stuff we talked about three all the nasty stuff we talked about three slides ago.slides ago.

Windows UpdateWindows Update

• Built into every PC since Windows 98 Built into every PC since Windows 98 and into every version of Microsoft's and into every version of Microsoft's Internet Explorer since version 4.0 is Internet Explorer since version 4.0 is something called “Windows Update.”something called “Windows Update.”

• Windows Update is an easy-to-use Windows Update is an easy-to-use tool that helps you ensure that your tool that helps you ensure that your PC is running the absolute latest PC is running the absolute latest WindowsWindows patches and drivers. patches and drivers.

Windows UpdateWindows Update

• If you have Windows If you have Windows 98 or later, launch 98 or later, launch Windows Update by Windows Update by going to Start > going to Start > Settings > Windows Settings > Windows Update.Update.

• You can also launch You can also launch Windows Update by Windows Update by going to Tools > going to Tools > Windows Update in Windows Update in Internet Explorer 4, Internet Explorer 4, 5, or 6.5, or 6.

Windows UpdateWindows Update

• Click on “Scan Click on “Scan for Updates.”for Updates.”

• The rest is pretty The rest is pretty self explanatory.self explanatory.

• Just remember: Just remember: you only need the you only need the Critical UpdatesCritical Updates – – stay away from stay away from everything else.everything else.

WeeklyWeekly Windows Update? Windows Update?

• Up until late 2003, Microsoft released new Up until late 2003, Microsoft released new critical updates almost every week.critical updates almost every week.

• The folks in IT weren’t too happy with this.The folks in IT weren’t too happy with this.• So, Microsoft now releases new critical So, Microsoft now releases new critical

updates on the second Tuesday of each updates on the second Tuesday of each month, but you should still run Windows month, but you should still run Windows Update each week just to be safe.Update each week just to be safe.

Office UpdateOffice Update

• Windows Update Windows Update doesn’tdoesn’t check Microsoft Office check Microsoft Office

• To do that, click on the To do that, click on the “Office Update” link at the “Office Update” link at the top of the Windows Update top of the Windows Update Screen.Screen.

• Run Office Update Run Office Update occasionally (not weekly), occasionally (not weekly), and make sure you have and make sure you have your Office installation your Office installation disk handy – some of the disk handy – some of the updates may ask to “sniff” updates may ask to “sniff” your disk. your disk.

Apple Software UpdateApple Software Update

• If you “compute with fruit,” the Mac If you “compute with fruit,” the Mac OS has its own version of Windows OS has its own version of Windows Update called “Software Update.”Update called “Software Update.”

• You can find it at Apple Menu > You can find it at Apple Menu > Control Panels > Software Update.Control Panels > Software Update.

• Click on “Update Now” and follow Click on “Update Now” and follow the on-screen prompts. the on-screen prompts.

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five2. Run Windows Update / 2. Run Windows Update /

Apple Software UpdateApple Software Update

Download and install the Download and install the criticalcritical updates.updates.

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid

Now that you have the latest Now that you have the latest patches, take a minute to check patches, take a minute to check the integrity of your disk drives.the integrity of your disk drives.

How Your Hard Drive WorksHow Your Hard Drive Works

• The data on your hard drive is stored in The data on your hard drive is stored in “clusters” – blocks that are typically 2,048 “clusters” – blocks that are typically 2,048 bytes, 4,096 bytes, or 8,192 bytes in size. bytes, 4,096 bytes, or 8,192 bytes in size. (And no, you aren’t supposed to know (And no, you aren’t supposed to know this.)this.)

• What happens when a file (like Microsoft What happens when a file (like Microsoft Word) is so large that it won’t fit in just Word) is so large that it won’t fit in just one cluster?one cluster?– It is stored in multiple clusters. (Duh!)It is stored in multiple clusters. (Duh!)

““Honey, Does This Table Make Honey, Does This Table Make Me Look Fat?”Me Look Fat?”

• To keep track of all the clusters and to To keep track of all the clusters and to which programs or files they belong, your which programs or files they belong, your computer uses a “Directory” and a “File computer uses a “Directory” and a “File Allocation Table”Allocation Table”

• The directory stores the file name, its size, The directory stores the file name, its size, and its beginning cluster.and its beginning cluster.

• The File Allocation table – the “FAT” in The File Allocation table – the “FAT” in “FAT 32” – remembers where all “FAT 32” – remembers where all subsequent clusters belonging to that file subsequent clusters belonging to that file are located.are located.

Corrupted FAT Corrupted FAT BADBAD!!

• When your directory When your directory or FAT is corrupted, or FAT is corrupted, some programs some programs (understandably) stop (understandably) stop working and some working and some files simply can’t be files simply can’t be opened.opened.

• ““Lost Clusters,” “Lost Lost Clusters,” “Lost Fragments,” and Fragments,” and “Cross Linked Files”“Cross Linked Files”

• Solution? Run Solution? Run ScanDisk.ScanDisk.

ScanDisk to the Rescue!ScanDisk to the Rescue!

• ScanDisk is a free ScanDisk is a free Microsoft utility thatMicrosoft utility that– Fixes FAT problems (like Fixes FAT problems (like

lost clusters).lost clusters).– Checks your hard drive Checks your hard drive

for invalid file names and for invalid file names and date stamps.date stamps.

– Checks the surface of Checks the surface of your hard drive for your hard drive for physical damage (this physical damage (this takes takes foreverforever and is and is optional).optional).

Launching ScanDiskLaunching ScanDisk

• The easiest way to launch ScanDisk The easiest way to launch ScanDisk is to go to Start > Programs > is to go to Start > Programs > Accessories > ScanDisk.Accessories > ScanDisk.

• In “Type of test” choose “Standard.”In “Type of test” choose “Standard.”– Checks files and folders for errorsChecks files and folders for errors

• Check “Automatically fix errors.”Check “Automatically fix errors.”

Troubleshooting ScanDiskTroubleshooting ScanDisk

• If ScanDisk keeps If ScanDisk keeps restarting, boot into restarting, boot into “Safe Mode” and run “Safe Mode” and run ScanDisk there.ScanDisk there.

• To boot into Safe Mode, To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer restart your computer and then repeatedly and then repeatedly press the F5 key (or press the F5 key (or maybe the F8 key).maybe the F8 key).

• When the startup menu When the startup menu appears, choose “Safe appears, choose “Safe Mode.”Mode.”

ScanDisk for Win 2K or XPScanDisk for Win 2K or XP

• In Windows 2000 and In Windows 2000 and XP, ScanDisk is re-XP, ScanDisk is re-replaced by replaced by “CheckDisk.”“CheckDisk.”

• Don’t bother looking Don’t bother looking for it – there is no for it – there is no icon.icon.

• Go to Start > Run, Go to Start > Run, enter the word enter the word chkdskchkdsk, and then , and then press the enter key.press the enter key.

ScanDisk for the MacScanDisk for the Mac

• Apple’s ScanDisk Apple’s ScanDisk is called “Disk is called “Disk First Aid.”First Aid.”

• To run Disk First To run Disk First Aid on your Mac, Aid on your Mac, double-click on the double-click on the Disk First Aid icon Disk First Aid icon in your utilities in your utilities folderfolder..

Norton Disk DoctorNorton Disk Doctor

• If you have Norton If you have Norton Disk Doctor, use it Disk Doctor, use it instead of ScanDisk or instead of ScanDisk or Disk First Aid.Disk First Aid.

• Disk Doctor is a Disk Doctor is a MUCHMUCH more thorough more thorough ScanDisk utility.ScanDisk utility.

• Disk Doctor is Disk Doctor is included with Norton included with Norton Utilities or Utilities or SystemWorks (but SystemWorks (but NOTNOT Norton Antivirus) Norton Antivirus)

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid

This makes sure your computer This makes sure your computer remembers where all your remembers where all your

programs and files are located.programs and files are located.

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five4. Run Disk Defragmenter4. Run Disk Defragmenter

Now that your computer knows Now that your computer knows where all your programs and where all your programs and files are located, let’s move files are located, let’s move those clusters a little closer those clusters a little closer

together.together.

What is “Fragmentation”What is “Fragmentation”

• Remember how large files fill multiple Remember how large files fill multiple clusters?clusters?

• In the course of using your computer – In the course of using your computer – creating, deleting, and modifying files – creating, deleting, and modifying files – these clusters become more and more these clusters become more and more non-sequential.non-sequential.

• Instead of being in clusters 5, 6, and 7, a Instead of being in clusters 5, 6, and 7, a file could be placed in clusters 5, 62, and file could be placed in clusters 5, 62, and 1573.1573.

• This is called “fragmentation.”This is called “fragmentation.”

What is Defragmentation?What is Defragmentation?

• Degframenting – or “defragging” – Degframenting – or “defragging” – your hard drive simply means your hard drive simply means making all of the clusters on your making all of the clusters on your hard drive sequential again.hard drive sequential again.

• It puts file1’s clusters in a row, It puts file1’s clusters in a row, followed by file2’s, and so on.followed by file2’s, and so on.

Fragmentation and ULsFragmentation and ULs

• There is an old urban legend that There is an old urban legend that fragmentation slows, and defragging fragmentation slows, and defragging speeds up, your hard drive.speeds up, your hard drive.

• Research shows that this is no longer the Research shows that this is no longer the case, especially with modern hard drives.case, especially with modern hard drives.

• ““The PC World Test Center’s tests reveal The PC World Test Center’s tests reveal that defragmenters don’t actually improve that defragmenters don’t actually improve performance.” – performance.” – PC World, May 2002 (p. PC World, May 2002 (p. 77)77)

Why Defrag?Why Defrag?

• So why should you defrag?So why should you defrag?• ““The more fragmented the files on your The more fragmented the files on your

hard drive are, the more likely a disk error hard drive are, the more likely a disk error is to destroy them.” – is to destroy them.” – PC World, May 2002 PC World, May 2002 (p. 77)(p. 77)

• Defragging cuts down on hard drive wear Defragging cuts down on hard drive wear and tear.and tear.

• Besides, when you defrag you get to see Besides, when you defrag you get to see all those pretty, colored boxes.all those pretty, colored boxes.

Defragging a PCDefragging a PC

• Built in to Windows is Built in to Windows is a free disk a free disk defragmenter called, defragmenter called, oddly enough, “Disk oddly enough, “Disk Defragmenter.”Defragmenter.”

• Start > Programs > Start > Programs > Accessories > System Accessories > System Tools > Disk Tools > Disk DefragmenterDefragmenter

• Macs, unfortunately, Macs, unfortunately, don’t come with a disk don’t come with a disk defragmenter.defragmenter.

Running Disk DefragmenterRunning Disk Defragmenter

• Choose the disk you want to defragment – Choose the disk you want to defragment – usually your c:\ drive – and then click OK.usually your c:\ drive – and then click OK.

• Disk Defragmenter tells you what Disk Defragmenter tells you what percentage of your hard drive is percentage of your hard drive is fragmented.fragmented.

• Click on Start to begin the Click on Start to begin the defragmentation process.defragmentation process.

• Grab a big, thick book and relax … this is Grab a big, thick book and relax … this is going to take a while.going to take a while.

Norton Speed DiskNorton Speed Disk

• If you have Norton If you have Norton Speed Disk, use it Speed Disk, use it instead of Microsoft’s instead of Microsoft’s Disk Defragmenter.Disk Defragmenter.

• Speed Disk is a Speed Disk is a MUCHMUCH more thorough more thorough defragger.defragger.

• Speed Disk is included Speed Disk is included with Norton Utilities or with Norton Utilities or SystemWorks (but SystemWorks (but NOTNOT Norton Antivirus).Norton Antivirus).

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five4. Run Disk Defragmenter4. Run Disk Defragmenter

It moves the clusters closer It moves the clusters closer together, making your hard together, making your hard

drive happier.drive happier.

The Weekly Fab FiveThe Weekly Fab Five5. Backup Backup Backup5. Backup Backup Backup

Do you have a computer Do you have a computer disaster recovery plan? disaster recovery plan?

You should!You should!

Here’s a Frightening ThoughtHere’s a Frightening Thought

• Imagine what would happen if your Imagine what would happen if your computer just up and stopped working. computer just up and stopped working.

• All of your programs, all of your emails, all All of your programs, all of your emails, all of the pictures and files you have of the pictures and files you have downloaded from the Net ... GONE. downloaded from the Net ... GONE.

• How would you react? How would you react? • Heck, how would you Heck, how would you SURVIVESURVIVE? ?

Disaster RecoveryDisaster Recovery

• In the world of computing, you either have In the world of computing, you either have a disaster recovery plan … or you are a disaster recovery plan … or you are completely and totally hosed.completely and totally hosed.

• Most businesses – and (unfortunately) Most businesses – and (unfortunately) only a few home computer users – prepare only a few home computer users – prepare for a computer disaster ahead of time by for a computer disaster ahead of time by backing up their critical data onto backing up their critical data onto removable disks, tapes, or other hard removable disks, tapes, or other hard drives.drives.

http://www.langa.com/backups/http://www.langa.com/backups/backups.htmbackups.htm

• This sounds This sounds complicated, but it complicated, but it really isn’t.really isn’t.

• Fred Langa has a Fred Langa has a WONDERFUL, free WONDERFUL, free article that tells you article that tells you everythingeverything you need you need to know about to know about backing up Win98 / backing up Win98 / ME / NT / 2K / XP.ME / NT / 2K / XP.

MyMy Disaster Recovery Plan? Disaster Recovery Plan?

• Drive Image and a 200 Drive Image and a 200 GB, 7200 RPM GB, 7200 RPM external Western external Western Digital FireWire hard Digital FireWire hard drive.drive.

• I also routinely I also routinely backup critical data to backup critical data to either a CD (MS either a CD (MS Money files, etc.) or Money files, etc.) or my Web site my Web site (PowerPoint files, etc.)(PowerPoint files, etc.)

The The WeeklyWeekly Fab Five Fab Five

1.1. Update your antivirus definitions.Update your antivirus definitions.

2.2. Run Windows Update / Apple Run Windows Update / Apple Software Update.Software Update.

3.3. Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid.Run ScanDisk / Disk First Aid.

4.4. Run disk defragmenter.Run disk defragmenter.

5.5. Backup backup backup!Backup backup backup!

10 Quick Tips to 10 Quick Tips to Diagnose and Fix Diagnose and Fix Most Computer Most Computer

ProblemsProblems

Tip Number One:Tip Number One:Do the Weekly Fab FiveDo the Weekly Fab Five

The best way to solve a The best way to solve a computer crisis is to avoid it computer crisis is to avoid it

altogether.altogether.

Tip Number Two:Tip Number Two:Wiggle the CablesWiggle the Cables

9 times out of 10, the solution 9 times out of 10, the solution really is this simple.really is this simple.

Keep It SimpleKeep It Simple

• Check your Check your connections, power connections, power outlets, and cables. outlets, and cables.

• Unplug and replug Unplug and replug any external hardware any external hardware connected to your connected to your computer. computer.

• Look for signs of Look for signs of damage in cables or damage in cables or connectors, such as connectors, such as bent pins or vicious bent pins or vicious Lhasa Apso attacks.Lhasa Apso attacks.

Tip Number Three:Tip Number Three:RebootReboot

Better still, reboot into Safe Better still, reboot into Safe Mode (using the F5 key) and Mode (using the F5 key) and

then reboot again.then reboot again.

Rebooting a Stubborn ComputerRebooting a Stubborn Computer

• If your computer – desktop or laptop If your computer – desktop or laptop – won’t shut down or restart, you – won’t shut down or restart, you DON’TDON’T need to unplug your need to unplug your computer!computer!

• Press and hold the power button for Press and hold the power button for 15 seconds.15 seconds.

Tip Number Four:Tip Number Four:Identify the SourceIdentify the Source

When did your computer last When did your computer last work? What have you done work? What have you done

since then?since then?

Tip Number Five:Tip Number Five:Ask Around/SearchAsk Around/Search

Someone else has had – and Someone else has had – and fixed – this problem before. fixed – this problem before.

Why reinvent the wheel?Why reinvent the wheel?

Google to the Rescue!Google to the Rescue!

• Search for the EXACT Search for the EXACT error message at error message at google.com.google.com.

• 9 times out of 10, the 9 times out of 10, the first hit will be a first hit will be a Microsoft Knowledge Microsoft Knowledge Base article telling Base article telling you how to fix the you how to fix the problem.problem.

Tip Number Six:Tip Number Six:For Hardware Problems, Uninstall For Hardware Problems, Uninstall

the the DriversDrivers and Then Reboot and Then Reboot

Once you restart, Windows will Once you restart, Windows will (hopefully) install the new driver (hopefully) install the new driver

automatically. If not, you’ll have to automatically. If not, you’ll have to add the driver manually.add the driver manually.

Windows Device Manager 9X/MEWindows Device Manager 9X/ME

• Start > Settings > Start > Settings > Control Panel > Control Panel > System.System.

• Click on the Click on the “Device Manager” “Device Manager” tab.tab.

• Click the plus sign Click the plus sign next to the device next to the device that isn’t working.that isn’t working.

Windows Device Manager XPWindows Device Manager XP

• Start > Control Panel Start > Control Panel > Performance and > Performance and Maintenance > Maintenance > System.System.

• Click on the Click on the “Hardware” tab, then “Hardware” tab, then the “Device Manager” the “Device Manager” button.button.

• Click the plus sign Click the plus sign next to the device that next to the device that isn’t working.isn’t working.

Removing DriversRemoving Drivers

• You can remove a driver simply by You can remove a driver simply by highlighting it and clicking the remove highlighting it and clicking the remove button.button.

• When you restart, Windows When you restart, Windows shouldshould reinstall the driver for you.reinstall the driver for you.

• BUT, there is a chance Windows won’t BUT, there is a chance Windows won’t have the driver.have the driver.

• BEFORE YOU REMOVE ANY DRIVERS, BEFORE YOU REMOVE ANY DRIVERS, DOWNLOAD NEW ONES FROM THE DOWNLOAD NEW ONES FROM THE MANUFACTURER JUST TO BE SAFE.MANUFACTURER JUST TO BE SAFE.

Tip Number Seven:Tip Number Seven:Reinstall the Software. If That Reinstall the Software. If That

Doesn’t Work, Uninstall/Reinstall.Doesn’t Work, Uninstall/Reinstall.

Install the software on top of itself. Install the software on top of itself. Then, as a last resort, nuke the Then, as a last resort, nuke the

software and install it again.software and install it again.

Tip Number Eight:Tip Number Eight:Repair Internet Explorer in Win9X.Repair Internet Explorer in Win9X.

IE = Windows. If IE breaks, so IE = Windows. If IE breaks, so does Windows.does Windows.

IE Repair ToolIE Repair Tool

• The Internet Explorer Repair tool The Internet Explorer Repair tool includes the following features: includes the following features: – A feature to identify problems with Internet A feature to identify problems with Internet

Explorer that are caused by files that are out of Explorer that are caused by files that are out of date. date.

– A feature to fix problems that are caused by the A feature to fix problems that are caused by the incorrect or incomplete registration of Internet incorrect or incomplete registration of Internet Explorer files. Explorer files.

– A feature to restore or repair the desktop or Start A feature to restore or repair the desktop or Start menu shortcut commands for Internet Explorer menu shortcut commands for Internet Explorer that have been deleted or do not function properly.that have been deleted or do not function properly.

IE Repair ToolIE Repair Tool

• Start > Settings > Control Panel > Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove ProgramsAdd/Remove Programs

• On the Install/Uninstall tab, click On the Install/Uninstall tab, click “Microsoft Internet Explorer,” click “Microsoft Internet Explorer,” click “Add/Remove,” click “Repair the current “Add/Remove,” click “Repair the current installation of Internet Explorer,” and then installation of Internet Explorer,” and then click OK.click OK.

• If you have XP, skip this and go straight to If you have XP, skip this and go straight to Tip Nine. Tip Nine.

Tip Number Nine:Tip Number Nine:Run System File Checker.Run System File Checker.

This is a hidden Windows This is a hidden Windows feature that fixes broken feature that fixes broken

system files.system files.

System File CheckerSystem File Checker

• In Windows In Windows 98/98SE/ME, go to 98/98SE/ME, go to Start > Run and Start > Run and key in key in sfcsfc

• In XP, go to Start > In XP, go to Start > Run and key in Run and key in sfc /scannowsfc /scannow

Tip Number Ten:Tip Number Ten:Dial 911.Dial 911.

If you can’t fix it, get help.If you can’t fix it, get help.

Cookies v. SpywareCookies v. Spyware

Cookies!Cookies!

• A cookie is small text file A cookie is small text file that a Web site puts on that a Web site puts on your hard disk so that the your hard disk so that the Web site can remember Web site can remember something about you at a something about you at a later time.later time.

• Should you fear cookies? Should you fear cookies? NO!NO!

• "The vulnerability of "The vulnerability of systems to damage or systems to damage or snooping by using web snooping by using web browser cookies is browser cookies is essentially nonexistent." –essentially nonexistent." –U.S. Dept of EnergyU.S. Dept of Energy

SpywareSpyware

• Spyware, on the other hand, is Spyware, on the other hand, is softwaresoftware that is that is put on your computer without your knowledge or put on your computer without your knowledge or permission.permission.– This impacts both PC This impacts both PC andand Mac users. Mac users.

• Spyware secretly and continuously gathers Spyware secretly and continuously gathers information about you and relays it to advertisers information about you and relays it to advertisers or other interested parties.or other interested parties.

• Spyware can be installed on your computer as a Spyware can be installed on your computer as a result of a virus or by your downloading and result of a virus or by your downloading and installing a “free” program (like Kazaa) that installing a “free” program (like Kazaa) that sneaks the Spyware onto your computer.sneaks the Spyware onto your computer.

Ad-Aware 6Ad-Aware 6

• Ad-Aware 6 is a free Ad-Aware 6 is a free program that scans program that scans your PC and removes your PC and removes the spyware.the spyware.

• Download it for free at Download it for free at lavasoftusa.com.lavasoftusa.com.

• Mac users can find a Mac users can find a similar product called similar product called MacScan at MacScan at securemac.com.securemac.com.

How to Stop How to Stop Pop-Up AdsPop-Up Ads

Google ToolbarGoogle Toolbar

• If you have a PC and If you have a PC and use Internet Explorer, use Internet Explorer, install the new Google install the new Google Toolbar at Toolbar at http://toolbar.google.com/http://toolbar.google.com/

• Not only does it let Not only does it let you easily search you easily search Google, it also blocks Google, it also blocks pop-up ads!pop-up ads!

• Oh, and it’s free!Oh, and it’s free!

WebWasher ClassicWebWasher Classic

• Another way to stop pop-Another way to stop pop-up ads is to download and up ads is to download and install WebWasher at install WebWasher at webwasher.comwebwasher.com

• FREE for home and school FREE for home and school useuse

• Runs on Windows, Mac Runs on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.OS, and Linux.

• Search for Search for webwasher webwasher tourbustourbus at Google for at Google for detailed instructions on detailed instructions on how to download, install, how to download, install, and configure WebWasher.and configure WebWasher.

How to Kill SpamHow to Kill Spam

Two Words: You CAN’T!Two Words: You CAN’T!

• You’ll never stop the You’ll never stop the spam from coming.spam from coming.

• But check out PC But check out PC Magazine’s February Magazine’s February 2002 “Slam the Spam” 2002 “Slam the Spam” article for some tips article for some tips and anti-spam and anti-spam software reviews.software reviews.

• Best anti-spam Best anti-spam software: Mailshell's software: Mailshell's SpamCatcherSpamCatcher

How to Avoid Getting SpammedHow to Avoid Getting Spammed

1.1. Guard your inbox.Guard your inbox.

2.2. Use free Web mail Use free Web mail accounts (like accounts (like Hotmail.)Hotmail.)

3.3. Use a disposable Use a disposable email address (like email address (like spamgourmet.)spamgourmet.)

4.4. Use fake addresses Use fake addresses (like (like foo@example.com.)foo@example.com.)

5.5. Don’t post your Don’t post your address. address.

6.6. Don’t answer spam. Don’t answer spam. Ever.Ever.

7.7. Opt out on signup.Opt out on signup.

8.8. Read the privacy Read the privacy policy.policy.

9.9. Use a spam filter.Use a spam filter.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,849443,00.asp

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Viruses, Cookies, and Viruses, Cookies, and Spam … Oh, My!Spam … Oh, My!

a presentation bya presentation by

Patrick Douglas CrispenPatrick Douglas Crispen