Sorry, but we are having some problems with the website. Hopefully, I will again be able to publish the Bulletin by Monday evening. Doc
I want you all to know just how impeccable my sense of timing is. I wrote a few paragraphs last week that strongly urged readers to go out to Microsoft's website and catch up on all your Windows patches and upgrades. THE VERY NEXT DAY, I started receiving email messages that APPEARED to come from Microsoft's security people with a file attached and urging me to load this file in order to protect my machine.
The attached file, currently called "patch.exe", IS a virus. If you've been suckered into applying this file, then you are undoubtedly infected with one of about a half-dozen viruses. If you've applied this file, you should consider your anti-virus software to be seriously compromised. You might want to use my favorite, free, online virus scan: HouseCall: http://housecall.antivirus.com/.
For future reference, you might want to stick this important piece of information into your long-term memory: Microsoft NEVER sends software patches or updates to you via email. That's NEVER - as in NEVER EVER. They don't use this method because email is not authenticated therefore you can't be sure WHO sent you the email - this one claims to be from security@microsoft.com
----------
Microsoft recently announced a new site to help consumers protect their computers. The site attempts to be very user-friendly. It includes videos and step-by-step instructions:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/
----------
Cathy Benedict, the leader of our Computer Q&A SIG, passed on an URL from Tech TV that I wanted to share with you:
http://grc.com/dcom/
The above link goes to a site run by a feller named Steve Gibson. Steve claims that most Window's users should turn off a Window's component called DCOM. Steve created a utility to do this for you that he dubbed DCOMbobulator.
DCOMbobulator is a small (only 29k) download that tests the status of DCOM on your computer, and will turn it off for you at your command. It's free and easy to use.
Top of Page
Howard Poindexter's new, hands-on Basic Paint Shop Pro class takes place this Wednesday & Thursday. It is filled. Please email the club secretary (tbcs.office@verizon.net) if you are interested in another and we'll see about scheduling a 2nd class very soon. The opportunity to take a hands-on class in Paint Shop Pro may disappear in the near future so take advantage of it while you can. This class is a total of 4 hours of instruction at a cost of $20.
Jan Norman is registering people for her Windows 101 class in October. You better sign up pronto because this class is almost full. Please contact her at: tbcs.office@verizon.net.
If you're
interested in a basic word processing class, please contact Dennis Schulman at
dschulman@myrapidsys.com.
You can see our current classroom schedule and register
online by surfing over to:
http://tampa-bay.org/classroom.htm.
Top of Page
Monday, September 22, 7-9pm
PageMaker SIG. Led by Stacy Lloyd
lloydss@aol.com
Tuesday, September 23, 1-3pm
Novice SIG. Led by Jan Norman. EVERY Tuesday
afternoon.
jannorman@tampabay.rr.com
Lots of Windows basics info presented here.
Wednesday, September 24, 7-9pm
Linux SIG. Led by John Schatmeyer
This month we'll focus on migration from Windows to Linux. Individuals seriously contemplating migration to Linux often encounter difficult problems, and the SIG would be a good place to discuss these issues.
John
Thursday, September 25, 7-9pm
Windows SIG. Led by Chris Walters
chris.walters@gte.net
Top of Page
Pinnacle Edition 5 Roadshow - THIS WEEK!
(http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ontheroad2003/editionroadshow.asp)
The local representative for Pinnacle Systems is hosting a free seminar demonstrating of some of their video and audio offerings:
| What: |
Pinnacle Edition 5 Roadshow |
| When: |
Thursday, September 25th
10am-Noon & 2pm-4pm |
| Where: |
Access Media Group
4400 118th Ave. N.,
Suite 203
Clearwater, FL 33762 |
Space is limited. They ask that you register now online or call them at 800-401-0009 ext. 3.
----------
Microsoft Office Launch
Thursday, Oct. 23rd, 9am to 5pm
Tampa Convention Center
Microsoft will soon be launching their latest Office software in Tampa next month. These events fill up fast so register asap at:
http://www.officesystemlaunch.com/
"All attendees will receive a FREE copy of the Microsoft Office System Evaluation 2003 Enterprise Edition Kit and will be eligible to win many other valuable prizes."
Top of Page
Startup Programs Do you have too many programs running when you boot your computer, but you don't know which ones you actually NEED? This site tells you what those cryptic names stand for.
DVDR Help This site will help you to make your own VideoCDs, SVCDs or DVDs that can be played on your standalone DVD Player from video sources like DVD, Video, TV, Cam or downloaded movie clips like DivX, MOV, RM, WMV and ASF.
Iraqi 55 Most Wanted List
Would you like to know the status of the Iraqis on the deck of playing cards?
PCinspector This site has a variety of interesting and useful utility programs available: security, cryptography, privacy and more.
Top of Page