The world of computing is becoming very complex and risky

The world of computing is becoming very complex and risky. For those of us who are just beginning to use a computer or do not spend a lot of time on the computer, all that is going on can become very daunting. To make things worse, when we read help files and or a manual, we are overwhelmed by all of the, “Tech’ Talk Wording and Descriptions”. The result is that we throw our hands up in frustration and confusion and do not do things with this wonderful piece of equipment that we would like to do. Do remember, however, except when there is a glitch in the software program you are using, the computer can only do what you instruct it to do.

In each edition of The Computer Cube, I will offer varied subjects on how to perform functions that will result in your being able to enjoy doing tasks that may now seem to be way beyond your perceived capability.

I am cognizant of the fact that there are computer users out there who are very computer literate. I encourage you folks that are, to contact me with information on how to do something in easy to understand instructions that will be of value to those who are not as advanced. Your contributions will be included in this column and your name will be credited for the article.

First, I must emphasize I am not a computer guru/geekette’’, however, there are basic functions that I know rather well and I wish to share that knowledge with y’all. On second thought, I am kind-a, sort-a, a geekette’ as I subscribe to an even dozen newsletters having to do with the computer and software and am always trying something new to enhance whatever computer task I am working on.

With that said…

Just a comment or three regarding the nasty “My Doom and My Doom B” Virus/Worm. I do hope that everyone now understands that My Doom’s intent was not to destroy all of the files in your computer. Its’ intent was to, at pre-determined dates, launch Denial of Service attacks against SCO, an open source software company, on two different dates and on Microsoft the following day after the attack on SCO. In order to perform this denial of service, My Doom needed to burrow its way into as many personal computers as possible. The intent, hijack your email address book and use all of those email addresses and your own, if you allowed them to steal it, to send repeated messages to the targeted companies and overwhelm their servers.

My Doom can only accomplish this if the individual personal computer user opened the attachment in the received email. And if, the user had what is considered to be good antivirus software, which automatically receives updates, they would never have received the message in first place.

What is unfortunate, many folks worldwide stopped posting and or reading email messages as was evident here on several Lists I am a member of. All of this could have been prevented if personal computer users always have in place the better Antivirus Programs that have auto update, have least one anti-adware/spyware program which is updated every time you use it and followed one basic, but VERY important rule; Never – Ever open an attachment that you were not expecting to receive. With regard to the latter, a friend should never send you an email with an attachment unless you have provided them with permission first which is good common sense and netiquette on their part.

I have debated for several days whether I should share my thoughts and opinion regarding what follows, as I do not wish to offend. However, The future of email as we know it is in dire peril because of folks who have the following mindset.

During the last several months there were, I received several; email postings indicating the particular person did not have any desire to learn very much about using their computer as in their words, they only use it for email ( Lists & to friends) and some internet, such as uploading photographs to an online photo album or AV Stores, etc. And, they indicated they had neither the patience nor discipline to learn about computers.

Well, to put it bluntly, their statements are a bunch of “bunk” and they are placing at risk, the Internet and anyone having a personal computer at risk to the SPAMMERS AND NASTY CRITTER HACKERS. I find myself offended as they are indicating they do not care if their stance as stated places my being able to use the Internet/email with out being at risk.

They should be very concerned and want to learn good basic computer skills. Why? Every time they go to the Internet or send an email, they may have a piggybacked SPAM, A VIRUS, and A WORM OR A TROJAN HORSE if they do not have protective software in place and observe the common sense rule.

The statement that they neither have the patience or discipline to learn good basic computer skills is also a bunch of bunk. If you are an AV person you are, on a daily basis, exercising a great deal of patience and discipline to ensure that your AV collection survives and flourishes. Thus, you and everyone else have the patience and discipline to learn good basic computer skills. This applies to anyone who has a serious hobby.

Let me state this in another way…. If more home computer users do not become more computer literate, the Internet and Email use is going to change so drastically, that many folks will no longer have access to it due to severe controls being placed on their use not only by the Internet Providers Service (ISP), but also the ISP of the person they are sending an email too.

Still don’t believe me? Well, here is a MUST read which is a reprint of a New York Times Article.

Please y’all, do read this as it certainly will be a wake up call for all that do. Learn or Log Off

Did you know that sending emails to an individual via a multiple email addresses (even just two) listed in the To: Box is considered to be SPAM? And that many Internet Provider Services (ISP’s) are configuring their servers to block repeated incoming email from sources that post these types of messages frequently? Well, they do and if you post these types of messages frequently, they “DO” meet the requirement as to what is SPAM. This has caused all kinds of problems for Email based Newsletters that have hundreds and/or 10’s of thousands of subscribers. Several ISP’s are blocking their Email Newsletters to Subscribers. AOL, YAHOO and even MSN are already or becoming notorious for blocking Email Newsletters as SPAM. How many listed addresses trigger their blocking software? No body knows but the individual ISP itself. Each of them may have their own limit sets that differ from other ISP’s

With regard to a friend sending the same email to several friends, I personally am offended when I receive these emails with multiple email addresses listed in the To: Box. In fact I have begin to let those friends know that I would prefer not to receive their emails if my email address is but one of several. And, more importantly, there is software out there on the Internet called Spam Crawlers that searches for email messages in transit so they can hijack the addresses and SPAM those folks. Emails with multiple addresses are juicy choices for invasion and harvesting. So, what do you do to prevent this from happening and not cause one or more of recipients to become uneasy?

The following information and URL addresses using Outlook Express or Outlook. However, whatever Mail Client you use has a similar function. That function is called Bcc. Bcc: is an additional address box that can be activated. Any email addresses entered into the Bcc: box are not visible to anyone, including the Spam Crawlers and the persons you send the email to.

You say, you do not see any Bcc” address Box in your email header area? That all you see is the To:, Cc: and Subject Boxes? Well, click on the following URL and I will explain not only in words, but, also with illustrations how to activate and use Bcc:

Activate & Use The Bcc Address Box

I also would like to recommend the following for your consideration. These Newsletters and/or Websites can really improve your computer experience:

The Newbie Club - This site is probably one of the best there is for those of us struggling to learn the basics of using our computers. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and often learn something new. Go to: http://newbieclub.com/

InfoPackets.com - This site is an excellent source for learning and offers information for inspiring Basic through Intermediate users. You can either/or just browse their website when looking for information or you can subscribe to their Newsletter. I am a subscriber and always learn something new. Go to: http://www.infopackets.com

Son Of Spy Freeware - When I stumbled upon this site and became fully aware that it is, what the Webmaster says it is, I entered freeware heaven. I have downloaded in excess of several dozen utilities from this site thus far. Some are used to facilitate my work on my column and website. They include everything from task/file management to scripting utilities. And, some enhance my general computer use. The choice you have is from A through Z. That is, if you are looking for a piece of freeware, you are likely to find it here. I love this place. I present to you the Son Of Spy Freeware Webmaster's credo, "My site is about content. I'm doing my part to keep programs free, by protecting great free applications that have been abandoned, made payware and/or been lost, keeping them available for the utility and enjoyment of new generations of websurfers. I promise you'll see things here that are linked to no other site. So, if something's missing, please don't hesitate to write. My pledge to you is no shareware, no adware and no spywear".
Go to: http://www.anycities.com/user1/sonofspy/index.html

Shields UP - The issue of whether our computers are vulnerable to attack and if they are vulnerable to being used by some one in a remote fashion to spread, worms and viruses, is so important that I strongly encourage you to click on the following URL. This site is classified as a "Trusted Site" and will test your computer for vulnerabilities. Steve Gibson is a person that I trust. "Shields UP" is a free service provided by Steve who is well known and respected within the segment of the Internet community that strives to blunt & defeat Worms, Trojan Horses and Viruses. Go to: https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Google - Google is considered the where to go place for finding information. This search engine is one of most powerful on the Internet and contains a huge database. If you do not currently use Google, I would encourage you to make it one of your stops when searching for AV, Gessie and any other information need you may have. I have Google set up to display its Tool Bar whenever I go to the Internet. Go to: http://www.google.com/

THE COMPUTER CUBE

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