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  January 27, 2007     Thinking about upgrading to Vista? So am I.

Older computers seem to accumulate like old shoes. You hate to toss them out, even though they may be showing their age. I have two older systems and two newer up-to-date systems that could possibly be updated to Vista.
 
  I know the workhorse Windows 98SE computer isn't a candidate, nor is the MS2000 "Game
Machine". I was curious about what would be involved in upgrading the Laptop (Win XPpro) and my newest XPpro machine (Pentium 4 CPU 2.81 GHz and 2.00 GB of RAM).
 
  So if you're considering updating your computers, some of the things I did may help you.
 
  There are at least six versions of Vista. Fortunately, C|net published a rather easy to follow table listing the features of the four major editions HERE. It really helped remove any confusion about how MicroSoft is marketing this operating system.
 
  My next step was to learn what's required to run Windows Vista.
 
  It appears that If you purchased a PC in the last two years, chances are good that you can run Windows Vista. To install and run the core functionality of Windows Vista, you need at least:
 
* An 800 MHz processor
* 512 MB of RAM
* A 20 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space
                              ...but I expect that performance would be minimal.

  Advanced features, like the new user experience Windows Aero, require advanced or additional hardware.
 
  Microsoft publishes a very helpful webpage with lots of answers and information to help us get ready for Vista. You can visit their Get Ready page HERE. Following the links, I found
the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC program and followed the instructions to download it. It runs a complete system analysis to determine if your PC is ready for the edition of Windows Vista that you might choose to install.
 
  My newest desktop machine looked pretty good, except that it needs to be able to run DVD's, which it doesn't. However, MS advises that the Vista Operating System will be available on CD's if you ask for them. I didn't see any comments about an extra charge for the CD's.
 
  What's left? The cost, of course. Thankfully, I don't need the super-duper full package Vista Ultimate product, at $399.00 USD. (Suggested upgrade retail price, $259.00 USD).
 
  It appears that the Home Premium package at $239.00 USD is the most economical choice for me.  (Suggested upgrade retail price, $159.00 USD).
 
  The Windows Vista Home Basic edition appears to be designed for users with the most basic computing needs.
Suggested retail price for full package product, $199.00 USD. (Suggested upgrade retail price, $99.95 USD)
 
  I decided that the Laptop will remain an XPpro machine. Not sure yet about the newer Desktop. One licensed version of Vista is really all I want to purchase until after a lot more people have a chance to work out any possible bugs.
 
  Of course, if you are about to buy a brand new computer, you don't need to worry about upgrades. No doubt, you'll be getting one of the Vista Versions, and with it, the improved safety and security features, and maybe a lot of other stuff your never knew you needed.

                                                                                               ...Richard

Tags: , Vista operating systems
  

 
 

 

Don't hesitate to express your views and opinions on my Security Alert Blog Cyber Security Alert postings (easily done by clicking on the highlighted 'COMMENT' | 'TRACKBACK' at each post. Watch for postings on fraud alerts, virus alerts, worm alerts, Internet Security alerts, security scams, parental controls, online predators, net security, and more. Be sure to visit our Firewalls-and-Virus Protection website for even more help

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To TOP

  January 27, 2007     Thinking about upgrading to Vista? So am I.

Older computers seem to accumulate like old shoes. You hate to toss them out, even though they may be showing their age. I have two older systems and two newer up-to-date systems that could possibly be updated to Vista.
 
  I know the workhorse Windows 98SE computer isn't a candidate, nor is the MS2000 "Game
Machine". I was curious about what would be involved in upgrading the Laptop (Win XPpro) and my newest XPpro machine (Pentium 4 CPU 2.81 GHz and 2.00 GB of RAM).
 
  So if you're considering updating your computers, some of the things I did may help you.
 
  There are at least six versions of Vista. Fortunately, C|net published a rather easy to follow table listing the features of the four major editions HERE. It really helped remove any confusion about how MicroSoft is marketing this operating system.
 
  My next step was to learn what's required to run Windows Vista.
 
  It appears that If you purchased a PC in the last two years, chances are good that you can run Windows Vista. To install and run the core functionality of Windows Vista, you need at least:
 
* An 800 MHz processor
* 512 MB of RAM
* A 20 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space
                              ...but I expect that performance would be minimal.

  Advanced features, like the new user experience Windows Aero, require advanced or additional hardware.
 
  Microsoft publishes a very helpful webpage with lots of answers and information to help us get ready for Vista. You can visit their Get Ready page HERE. Following the links, I found
the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC program and followed the instructions to download it. It runs a complete system analysis to determine if your PC is ready for the edition of Windows Vista that you might choose to install.
 
  My newest desktop machine looked pretty good, except that it needs to be able to run DVD's, which it doesn't. However, MS advises that the Vista Operating System will be available on CD's if you ask for them. I didn't see any comments about an extra charge for the CD's.
 
  What's left? The cost, of course. Thankfully, I don't need the super-duper full package Vista Ultimate product, at $399.00 USD. (Suggested upgrade retail price, $259.00 USD).
 
  It appears that the Home Premium package at $239.00 USD is the most economical choice for me.  (Suggested upgrade retail price, $159.00 USD).
 
  The Windows Vista Home Basic edition appears to be designed for users with the most basic computing needs.
Suggested retail price for full package product, $199.00 USD. (Suggested upgrade retail price, $99.95 USD)
 
  I decided that the Laptop will remain an XPpro machine. Not sure yet about the newer Desktop. One licensed version of Vista is really all I want to purchase until after a lot more people have a chance to work out any possible bugs.
 
  Of course, if you are about to buy a brand new computer, you don't need to worry about upgrades. No doubt, you'll be getting one of the Vista Versions, and with it, the improved safety and security features, and maybe a lot of other stuff your never knew you needed.

                                                                                               ...Richard

Tags: , Vista operating systems
  

 
 

 
 

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  January 20,2007        Be alert to the "Storm Worm" Trojan

Major Trojan Horse attack is using current weather situation in Europe to trick people into opening an email attachment that could unknowingly put their computers into a botnet.

The subject line of the malicious email is "230 dead as storm batters Europe." Zdnet has more of the story here

By way of review - Botnets are networks of computers that hackers have infected and grouped together under their control to spread viruses, send illegal spam, operate spyware, and carry out attacks that cause web sites to crash. We discussed them in detail in the September, 2006 blog posting
                                                                                              ... Richard

Tags: , trojans botnets

 

 

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  January 7, 2007   Getting Back to Normal? Don't overlook your PC Security
 
If you're like many of my friends and me, your email inbox accumulated piles of messages that we just didn't have time to read and handle during the holiday season. There could be some real problems lurking in some of those messages.
 
Now's a good time to take the initiative in protecting our computer's security. It's a bit foolish to think "it can't happen to me." There are still many who feel that way. Our computers can, and will become infected if we don't take precautions.
 
So, here's a quick Review of a brief checklist for some important reminders...
 
 Use a firewall to protect your computer from intruders.
 
A router (used to create a computer network in a home or office) can act as a physical firewall, since it can hide your IP address from prying eyes. Learn how to turn this firewall on.
 
If you use a wireless router, you'll need added security since any computer with a
wireless connection in a nearby house could access your network, visit your computer, and steal vital information. At the very least, your wireless network should require a password to log in.
 
 Use reputable virus scanner and trojan hunter applications and keep them up to date.
 
A trojan is a small bit of code placed inside an application or file that is downloaded to a computer's hard drive. Once the file is opened, the malicious code embeds itself in the computer system, usually in the operating system (OS). Since virus scanners don't usually check the OS, they can miss a trojan located there. A trojan hunter will find it.
 
Set up your virus scanner to scan all your downloads and e-mails, especially those with attachments. Also run a virus scan on any floppy disk or USB memory stick that someone gives you.
 
 Never open attachments from people you don't know.
 

As an added precaution, don't open ones from people you do know until you check with them that they did indeed send you an attachment. Then virus scan it before you open it.
 
Use passwords that are at least 8 upper case and lower case letters, numbers and special character long and consider changing your password regularly.

 
note to Mac users: Don't be complacent about your Mac's security. Use OS X's built-in firewall (System Preferences > Sharing) or purchase a firewall application. Use a virus scanner. And change and protect your passwords.

PCs running Windows applications tend to have more security concerns. But the rising popularity of Macs means that more and more viruses and other malware will appear over the next few years. And with the ability now to run Windows applications on your Mac, you risk all the Windows-related security issues discussed above if you don't take precautions.

 More on Secure PC's  in my eBook that will help you learn how to secure your PCs and keep them that way.
                                                                                         ...Richard


 
Tags: , trojans
 

 

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  January 1, 2007!  Happy New Year  2007- Heck, Happy any Year!

Hard to believe that today is my 80th New Year's Day. I'm really pleased to be here and I'm happy that you're here, too.


The stuff happening in our world today, in this era, is truly awesome and even mind boggling. Sitting in front of my computer, posting to my blog, with my thoughts and rants that hundreds of people read just as easily and quickly as I write them, provokes a lot of memorable comparisons.
 
But I'm not going to be morbid or boringly mundane, although I am going to mention the incredible  progress in communication - from my very first radio which, believe it or not, was a cat whisker crystal set - to the incredibly powerful computer on my desk.
 
Isn't technology wonderful?  How great it is to communicate with friends, family and peers through the World Wide Web.
 
How sad it is that there are so many hundreds (even thousands) of people who want to deprive us of our Internet pleasures, steal our identities and money, and try to load our computers with malicious software that they'll use to attack other people and businesses.
 
That's why I write my Security Alert Blog, newsletter, and manage my website. I feel very fortunate to be able to do these things, and to provide information to help other ordinary everyday Internet users understand what's happening out there in cyber space, and maybe avoid some of the agony of malware infections in their computers.
 
I've just released an eBook that will help my readers learn how to secure their PCs and keep them that way. More on Secure PC's HERE .

So my major wish for all of you is to have a happy, healthy, safe, and secure New Year of surfing pleasure.
                                        Thank you for supporting my efforts.  Richard Rossbauer

Tags: , malware

|

 

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  January 1, 2007      More help for People who purchase form online businesses and the business who sell to them

The FREE iCop Member and Shopping Mall Desktop Directory is a listing by business category of all of the hundreds of i-Cop members who have pledged to meet the rigid requirements imposed by the Council to maintain the highest levels of honesty, integrity and respect for you, the consumer.
 
You can use it as a guide to resources and assistance with the full confidence that each member is a professional in their field.
 
iCop™ is the organization for home based and other businesses that sets the industry standard of business ethics that every online business should follow!

Please note the iCop member seal on this blog and on my websites. I'm proud to be a member and I've pledged to meet the rigid requirements to maintain my good standing.




CLICK HERE
to request you FREE Directory

You can download your Free copy to your Desktop. Simply clicking on the desktop icon will then take you right to an always up-to-date Directory. You'll never ever have to upload updates and it will always be current.

CLICK to request your FREE Directory, compliments of RichardPresents.com

Tags: , shopping mall
|
 
 

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  Have you ever thought about writing your own Blog? It's actually a lot easier than having your own website, and it's a lot of fun, too.

  I thoroughly enjoy writing about my major interest, "Internet Safety for everyday Internet users and web surfers".

  Everybody has a main interest, and many would probably like to write about it, but may not know how to get started.  How about you?
 

  Blogging Help
Blog for Fun and Profit
Blogging's easier and more fun than building your own website
RichardPresents.com
Cloak PayPal Source Code
Easy-To-Use Software Instantly Generates Secure PayPal Buttons
CloakPayPalCode.com

      To TOP

  February 1, 2007 (Repeated, because it's so Important)    A breach in your personal privacy protection could easily lead to  hackers, online, and offline thieves stealing your identity.
 
Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in America, affecting approximately 900,000 new victims each year !

More than ever, the information explosion, aided by an era of easy credit, has led to the expansion of a crime that feeds on the inability of consumers to control who has access to sensitive information and how it is safeguarded.

Nearly everyone is aware that Identity Theft is a serious crime and that people whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record.
 
Despite our best efforts to manage the flow of personal information or to keep it to ourselves, skilled Identity Thieves use a variety of methods to gain access to our personal data.
 
Can we fight back? Yes! One of the best ways is to be informed of the tricks and ploys used by Identity Theft criminals and to understand how they attack.

Forewarned is Forearmed! There's a lot to know, and you can learn it from our Free
 
         
 "MASTER E-COURSE in IDENTITY THEFT and OTHER SCAMS".

 
With the generous assistance of Victor K Pryles, a popular media consultant, radio broadcaster, publisher and Author, we developed this e-course to arm  you, your family and your friends against the devastating consequences of Identity Theft
 
After taking this Free course, you'll be protected, wise, savvy and safe, because you'll learn

     * How Identity Theft Occurs
     * How to prepare your defenses
     * How to tell if you're a victim
     * Immediate steps for victims to take
     * Where and How to get your free Credit Reports
        ... and so much more

    To start this course immediately, simply send a
    blank email to
identity@prosender.com.

Audio Version of Master Ecourse on Identity Theft
Optional CD Available

This is a Free course for followers of my Security Alert Blog, newsletter and website and you will not get any commercial announcements after registering for it.
 
After you send your blank email, you will receive a CONFIRMATION email. Click the link inside to start your E-Course. This way, no one can sign you up without your knowledge.

 
I do hope you sign-up and share it with your family and friends. You can print each of the 10 lessons and have your own hard copy of the manual, or you might prefer to share the email address above so your friends can get their own lessons. It's Free to them, too.

If you would like the Premium Audio version of "Identity Theft & Other Scams" please visit: http://creativepops.com/ID/index.html  Thank you.
                                                                               
When you receive your first lesson, Victor will give you a Complimentary copy of: "The Top 501 Most Inspirational Quotes!" from his "ilovebooks" book club. In the meantime, you might like to check out some of his other inspiring books in his Author's Den

                                                         ..... Richard Rossbauer

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     SQUASH the Bug

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  I'd like to hear from you. Your comments are really appreciated. Try to avoid anything inappropriate (hateful, abusive, explicit, pornography, etc.), they'll be deleted before posting. Please stick to the theme of "Security Awareness and Safety on the Internet'. Your email address will never be displayed and will not be shared with third parties.

                                            .... Richard Rossbauer
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