Security —> Compu-Doc

I encountered a compromised Windows 2000 machine yesterday. I suspected something was up, when on shutdown, a program called 12345 was hanging (Windows says not responding, wait or close). When looking in task manager, there was no process running with that name. I ran AVG Anti-rootkit detector and it found two malicious files, one being Internet Explorer. Oh, oh. Problem.

Rootkits are as bad as it gets on a computer system. They originated with Unix and have expanded to include all operating systems. Mac OSX is based on Unix and is not immune. The only sure fix for rootkits is to wipe the machine and reload the operating system. See article on Microsoft.com and rootkits.

If you are using your flash drive, as I do, for portable files, then it should be backed up. Here is a handy utility-Memory Stick Backup- on sourceforge. If you use your drive strictly for backup, then you don’t need this program.

Tip: download and drop in a folder in program files. Create a shortcut on your desktop and you are good to go! The only “install” it needs, is to have Java JRE 5.0 or above, which is probably on your machine.

In the past week, I have run into several business clients that were running earlier versions of Outlook (2000 & 2003) and suddenly have a trial version that expires in 60 days. It is not a normal update from Microsoft. Under most circumstances, it has to be user installed. The full retail version of Outlook 2007 is $109.95. More information here.

In a similar vein, somehow last week, which was supposed to be restricted to a limited test area in other parts of the world, Office users were downloaded a trial-release of a new anti-piracy program for MS Office — Windows Genuine Advantage–Office style. Problem was this went out on their corporate updates to all their large corporate customers. This “accident” went on for 24+ hours.

Bottom line: thousands of Office users with legitimate versions of Microsoft Office are now being hit with nagware about pirated software. And, once it’s installed, it can’t be removed! Are you kiddin me?!?! Nice way to treat your customers! How about OpenOffice and Thunderbird for smaller businesses and consumers? I have Open Office on my new EeePC

• Download the software from Apple. Link. Make sure you install just itunes, not Safari, Apple’s new browser.
• Install software.
• Authorize machine -> click store on the menu bar (requires your email login and password)
• Plug in your ipod and sync music to new computer

PC World article lists 18 applications that help you transition to Linux. Examples are: OpenOffice, GIMP for photo editor, etc. All open source and free.

The latest Microsoft updates breaks Quickbooks 2008. The problem according to Intuit is with .NET framework. Affects WinXP and Vista. Intuit site kb article here.

Here is a great review on Puppy Linux. Reclaim older hardware from the recycle bin. And you can try before you buy! Just use a Live Cd. Woof.

Go to >file >identities >manage main identity
>Click to select the identity for protection
>click properties button
>set password
>click ok and/or apply
that should do it. This is not the most secure protection, but for a busy office, does provide a measure of protection for your email. And remember, Compu-Doc uses and recommends Thunderbird–free and easy!

From Microsoft, SyncToy, for syncing files between networked PCs or USB drives. More info and download at Microsoft.

The Asus Eee PC 7 inch sub-notebook is out. Here is the YouTube review. An awesome little machine. Like the new Mac notebook, no Cd drive. With the Internet, who needs it anyway??

BTW, you can credit this little machine for Microsoft pulling XP from the pre-mature grave they were digging in Redmond, WA. Story here.