Secunia Free Update
Utility
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Links from Previous Issues
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MS OFFICE 2007
X-Converters
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Converter
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Really Free Credit Report
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Welcome New Subscribers!
Mr. Computer not only fixes computers, sets up networks, connects you to the
internet and removes viruses, but we also connect and integrate audio/video
equipment like that new Flat Screen TV. We do training.
FIX IT NOW? We can fix your computer REMOTELY! Need an appointment in the evening? Early morning? With the use of remote control software we can control your computer from afar and fix 95% of what ails it, often in the same day. Remote calls can be less expensive too. If we can't fix it, there's no charge for the remote session when we schedule an appointment to come out. Remote software is temporary and removes itself when the session is over.
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Common Sense.........
Morgan Freeman Not Withstanding.
If you watch TV then you must have heard (Mr. Freeman tell you) that using your "Visa Debit Card" for on-line
transactions is guaranteed safe and I'm certain that it is. By the same token the
chance of credit card information being compromised is greater with each
transaction you make and each day that goes by. Each time you make a purchase
on-line that number is being stored yet again somewhere in the netherworld,
whether that card is debit or credit.
When your credit card number is
compromised, as you might discover with the arrival of your statement at the
end of the month, or maybe with some embarrassment when a purchase you attempt to
make is declined, by the credit card
company, for being over your line, you're out nothing. Your credit card company
cleans up the mess, reauthorizes your credit line and you're ready for another
month of debit financing.
Not so with a
debit card. If you're compromised here, it's your checking account that's
overdrawn, your checks that are bouncing and your responsibility to connect
with the bank and have them put the money back, your calling all those vendors
to explain the situation and offer apologies and you trying to get those late
payment fees reversed. So, in my
opinion, never use a debit card for an on-line (or any other dubious)
transaction.
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Quick Fix For a Broken Connection
 If your internet connection is out and before you call tech
support or me, try this. Power off your (ISP- Internet service provider's)
modem and your router (if you have one, FIOS normally comes with a combination
router and modem). If there are more than four wired (not wireless) computers
in the house, look for and power off any additional switches as well. Then power on the modem, wait a minute or two
and then power on the router and any
switches. More often than not this will solve your problem. In some instances
you might need to restart the computer(s) that is not connecting.
Still not working? Take a look at the modem (Westell, Aztec,
Motorola Surfboard and Webstar are common modem manufacturers). Is there a light blinking slowly and
continuously? It's probably marked "DSL" or "On-Line"? If it is, then your
service is likely out and it's probably not just you, it's the neighborhood.
Wait an hour (you might need to restart the modem) and see if that light steadies out before you spend precious time
on the phone with Verizon, Cablevision, Comcast or Time Warner.
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Keeping Malware Out
 Keep your computer secure. Any application that can connect
to the internet comes with the possibility of compromise. Some "holes" in the
vendor's software could be used by a third party to install malware, which steals
passwords and financial information or just wrecks havoc on your computer.
To
stop this from happening, it's prudent to pay attention to notices of security
updates or patches (as they're called) from a variety of vendors and certainly from
Microsoft, Java, Firefox and Adobe. These
companies provide internet access to their applications without your permission but for your ultimate benefit.
It's through this access, if
flawed, that malware can creep in.
You can keep up on Microsoft updates by setting updates to automatic:
In Windows XP Click the Start button. Select
Control Panel and double click on the Security
Center Icon. If Automatic updates
are not turned on, push the button marked Turn
on Automatic Updates. You can select what time the update takes place by clicking
on the second Automatic Updates
button at the bottom off the same window. Close the windows and return to your desktop.
In Windows Vista (and Windows 7), open Windows Update by
clicking the Start button. In the search box, type Update, and then, in the list of results, click Windows Update. In the left pane, click Change settings.
Under Important updates, choose the desired option.
Under Recommended updates, select the "Give
me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" check
box, and then click OK. If you're
prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or
provide confirmation.
Java and Adobe let you know that a
patch is available by placing an easily identifiable and unique icon in the
system tray, click that icon to get started. Firefox updates itself when launched but the newest versions are only available at Firefox.com. Other application vendor's
offer updates when they are launched and it's prudent to apply them.
Want to get all your updates from
the same source, transparently? Here's a free utility you can download and
install on your computer that will poll all vendors, even those who normally do
not make you aware of available updates, and assist you in their download and
installation. There's a simple interface that's easy to use and a more advanced
and robust interface for those who are brave at heart. Link to the left. Read
the material and disclaimer on the web page, click on the Download Now button, be patient, do not click on the "Try this Download" button which follows,
it's not what you want.
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Ask MisterComputer:
DV
asks: I have PowerPoint Viewer on my hard drive. However, if a PPS file
comes in via email, my Outlook Express will not open it. If I copy the PPS
attachment to a separate file or desk top, I then can open it with Power
Point Viewer. What is the problem I am having with Outlook Express?
MisterComputer Answers:
With the installation of Windows XP service pack 3, Outlook
Express got a little messed up and is no longer able to open Power Point files automatically.
This is due to a crossed connection or disassociation between OE and Power
Point. Each type of file that can be opened automatically is actually in a
table that Windows keeps for you. You double click a document, a picture, music
or a power point file and Windows looks up the application that you need in the
table (intuitively) and makes the connection for you. There is a series of registry fixes that are
complicated and would work but here's simpler solution. Download (link to the
left) PPSFIX.ZIP from the middle of the
page and unzip or decompress the folder (that table again) with a double click
and then run the Download PPSFix.zip (~12
KB). Unzip the file and run the utility. Select the file types that you want to
fix, and then click Fix. That's it.
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I hope you find this newsletter helpful. Look for future issues.
Sincerely,
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Ish Y. Alter
MisterComputer.com |
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