Showing posts with label Technology Computers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology Computers. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Migrating to Windows 8 by Kevin E. Dayhoff June 12, 2013 www.TheTentacle.com



My latest experience with Microsoft has left me with the technological equivalent of post-traumatic stress disorder. In the last six-months I have migrated light years from the Microsoft Windows XP operating system to Windows 8. It was not easy.

I’m told the twitching and the nightmares will stop with the passage of time and copious amounts of coffee. When I finally pulled the plug on my old laptop for the last time, I had this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach as if I had just taken a loved-one off of life support.

That feeling was quickly replaced by the sheer terror of dealing with an improved computer system in which I could no longer easily perform so many of the functions I had executed effortlessly in the previous, now obsolete, system.

The Microsoft Windows operating systems have been a major force in the modern-era of technology and personal computing. The roots of the software system date back to 1981, although the first version, Windows 1.0 was not available for consumer use until late in 1985.

One of the most popular and widely used systems in history has been the Windows XP system, which was introduced in August 2001, and dominated the market until Windows 7 (released in 2009,) overtook it in August 2012. Windows 8 was released in October 2012.


According to multiple media accounts … read more: http://www.thetentacle.com/ShowArticle.cfm?mydocid=5828
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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoffTwitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff
Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/ = www.newbedfordherald.net

Tumblr: Kevin Dayhoff Banana Stems www.kevindayhoff.tumblr.com/
Smurfs: http://babylonfluckjudd.blogspot.com/
Google profile: https://profiles.google.com/kevindayhoff/

E-mail: kevindayhoff(at)gmail.com
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/
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Saturday, November 7, 2009

Westminster MD e-cycling for city residents Nov 7 2009

Westminster e-cycling for city residents Nov 7 2009 http://tinyurl.com/ydgaxft

City of Westminster
56 West Main Street
Westminster, MD 21157
Phone 410-848-9000
Fax 410-857-7476

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2009
Contact: Larry Bloom
Phone: 410-848-9077

WESTMINSTER E-CYCLING PROGRAM CONTINUES
City residents can drop off old electronics for recycling

Westminster, MD – In June, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) awarded grants to municipalities for the institution or initiation of local recycling programs for computer and video display devices under the Statewide Electronics Recycling Program.

The City of Westminster applied for and received a $25,000 grant from MDE to start an electronics recycling program in Westminster.

As a result, Westminster established a mobile electronics waste recycling center known as the Westminster Initiative to Recycle E-waste Drop-off Center (W.I.R.E.D. Center).

The W.I.R.E.D. center is used as a mobile electronics waste recycling center for residents to drop off electronics waste, which will allow the City to separate the collection of computers, video display devices, and other forms of electronic waste from the regular bulk trash thereby reducing the amount of trash entering the landfill.

The W.I.R.E.D. center will allow the City to properly recycle or dispose of electronic waste by encouraging residents to participate easily and conveniently.

The next drop-off date is November 7, 2009 and the location is 105 Railroad Avenue.

The following items will be accepted: televisions (NO WOOD), microwaves, projection equipment, computers, fax machines, stereos, copiers, monitors, wire & cable, DVD players, electronic toys, peripherals, VCRs, camcorders, telephones, electronic typewriters, CD players, cell phones, calculators, PDAs, scanners, and printers.
# # #

The City of Westminster Public Works Department is located at 56 West Main Street. The department is responsible for overseeing the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, and the Utility Maintenance and Street Departments. For more information, call 410-848-9000 or visit http://www.westminstermd.gov/.
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/
*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Windows 7 and Burger King

I found this ad for Windows 7 and Burger King on Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff here: http://twitpic.com/mlizq

I’m not sure I have the nerve to try Window 7 anytime soon. Fortunately I did not make the mistake many of my friends made by “down – err - upgrading” to Vista. I’m aware of a number of horror stories involving downtime and challenges in which Microsoft wanted writers to really be full-time Microsoft software technicians…

Then again, there is the persistent problem of Microsoft’s lack of any sort of meaningful customer service support – or at least that was my experience a number of years ago.

I laughed at this picture when I received it a number of years ago. Candidly, I would not care if customer support was located on the planet Mars, as long as it was helpful – and all too often it was not.

These days when I buy a product or engage a service, one of the determining factors in my decision to buy is how the question, “What is customer service like?” is answered.

Often when customer service is located overseas it is not really customer service but a Potemkin approach so that the company which sold the product can say that it provides customer service. All-too-often, the customer service employees located overseas are not provided with the “tools” or the training to provide real customer service.

I wonder if I am the only person in the world to have noticed that Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, made his fortune with a boorish and predacious company that sold a product that did not/does not work well – or performed poorly, was overpriced and had little, if no customer support? I’m just asking.

*****

Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/ Kevin Dayhoff Westminster: http://www.westgov.net/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevindayhoff Twitpic: http://twitpic.com/photos/kevindayhoff Kevin Dayhoff's The New Bedford Herald: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/

*****
Kevin Dayhoff Soundtrack: http://www.kevindayhoff.net/ Kevin Dayhoff Art: http://www.kevindayhoffart.com/
My http://www.explorecarroll.com/ columns appear in the copy of the Baltimore Sunday Sun that is distributed in Carroll County: https://subscribe.baltsun.com/Circulation/

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Removing Internet Explorer 8 and reinstalling IE7


Removing Internet Explorer 8 and reinstalling IE7

January 12, 2009

I spent most of the morning and well into the afternoon on various technical technology issues that have made my life miserable in the last several days; however, the biggest headache that I solved was removing Internet Explorer 8 from my computer and reinstalling IE7.

After a month of misery - I continue to wonder what was I thinking when I upgraded to IE8?

I am primarily a Mozilla Firefox user. I can usually avoid Internet Explorer for the vast majority of my work, however, there are still a few functions that are much more easily accomplished on Internet Explorer.

About a month ago, I upgraded to IE8 in the hope that several of the klunky operating issues had been resolved. Well, they have been resolved all right. They were made worse.

It was yet another less than desirable experience with Microsoft.

If Microsoft made televisions, we would all still be listening to the radio.

20090112 Removing Internet Explorer 8 and reinstalling IE7

Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Friday, January 9, 2009

Zero Day email attacks

Zero Day email attacks.

January 9, 2009

Is it just me or are others seeing the incidences of malicious spam, e-mail, and virus attacks on the increase. Anecdotally, I firmly believe that the amount of spam I receive is on the increase.

One wonders what the solution is.

Pasted below is an e-mail I received earlier today from a colleague. She received the “Zero Day” warning earlier at her place of work…

I thought others may benefit…

Today we are again seeing a rash of emails containing links to virus-infected web sites. This latest round of emails appears to come from CNN.com, and asks the user to click on a link to a report on the current Israel-Hamas conflict.

"It is also possible that users could receive a similar email from a known address, even another … employee. Clicking on the links in the email will result in infection to your workstation and proliferation of the virus.

"It is extremely important that staff use caution if they have received an unusual or unexpected email, even from a known source. You are advised to delete unusual, unexpected, or suspicious email, or to contact Customer Support. It is up to all employees to be vigilant in defending against these attacks."

KED

20090109 Zero Day email attacks.

Kevin Dayhoff: www.westgov.net Westminster Maryland Online www.westminstermarylandonline.net http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

This week in The Tentacle for December 10 2008


This week in The Tentacle


Wednesday, December 10, 2008
In Your “Koobface”
Kevin E. Dayhoff
Last week I had all the pleasure and honor to be among the 120 million users of the social networking web site “Facebook” who were targeted by a computer virus known by the unusual name of “Koobface.”


Maryland in the Borneo Newspaper?
Tom McLaughlin
KUCHING, Borneo – Still sleepy and in the early dawn hours, I sat in a Chinese coffee shop in downtown Kuching. The thick black Sumatra liquid, with a finger of white condensed milk on the bottom in the clear cup, had yet to be stirred.


Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Eric Shinseki as Prophet
Roy Meachum
You might not remember Eric Shinseki's name. Among Army troops he's mildly infamous for ordering all ranks to wear berets. He's now been named by the incoming administration as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. That could never happen while Richard Cheney exercised power in the vice president's office.


Who Thought This Up?
Farrell Keough
Why is it that It’s a Wonderful Life seems to continuously play from Thanksgiving until Christmas Day? Is this some evil plot by Big TV to drive us crazy during this season? Or is it some other ghastly plot of excess?


It’s Good to Be a Teacher … Part 2
Nick Diaz

“Ten Reasons Why I Envy Teachers” is the title of an article by a New England psychologist, Dr. Michael G. Thompson. In my last installment, I referred to this piece as the basis to my assertion that teachers are, indeed, people who should be envied.


Monday, December 8, 2008
Where does it end?
Richard B. Weldon Jr.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances.”

Amendment 1 to the Constitution of the United States


Conversational Items
Steven R. Berryman
In absolutely no particular order, here are some hot items for your reading pleasure, just in time for that water cooler conversation or company holiday party.


Friday, December 5, 2008
"Chorus Line" – Review
Roy Meachum
"Chorus Line" opened Tuesday at Baltimore's Hippodrome Theatre. That should be quite enough for anyone who knows the slightest thing about theatre; they should rush to buy tickets for the show that ends a week from Sunday, on December 14. It lasted 15 years on Broadway and was brought back for a two-year revival that spawned the national tour visiting Charm City. This is a true stage icon.


The Right Track on Illegals
Joe Charlebois
On November 25, CASA de Maryland, the prominent immigrant rights group in the state, filed suit against the Frederick County Sheriff's Office to obtain information regarding the execution of the 287(g) program. This program effectively allows state and local governments to act in a seamless fashion in regards to those detained for violations of immigration law.


Thursday, December 4, 2008
Open Your Hearts – and Your Wallets
Joan McIntyre
Christmas Cash for Kids is winding up, but it‘s not over yet. If you haven't heard of this fabulous program hosted by our very own Bob Miller, hordes of volunteers, and WFMD (930 AM), then all I can say is you don't really live in Frederick County; or your cave doesn't get a radio signal.


Proper Packaging and Wrapping Paper
Chris Cavey
This weekend the Maryland Republican Party will hold its winter convention in Annapolis. Contrary to what many might think the semi-annual gathering of the GOP faithful will not be a time of mourning and gnashing of teeth. Instead a review, revival and rebirth is expected.


Wednesday, December 3, 2008
When cupcakes grow on trees
Kevin E. Dayhoff
It was serendipitous Monday evening, the day that President-elect Barack Obama unveiled his national security team, that I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Melvin A. Goodman, a former CIA analyst, discuss his latest book, The Failure of Intelligence: The Decline and Fall of the CIA, during the ninth annual Resnick Lecture at McDaniel College.


Moving East for a Spell
Tom McLaughlin
“Warm and tropical with pouring rains after 3 P.M.” describes Borneo in this northeast monsoon season. The city of Kuching combines old and new, with the modern Hilton overshadowing Chinese shop houses built in 1900's.


Tuesday, December 2, 2008
"Let Slip the (Political) Dogs of War"
Roy Meachum
"Cry havoc" forms the first part of that "Julius Caesar" quote and that might make a bitter title for the electoral cycle that starts right after the looming holidays. Shopping malls aside, I do not count Thanksgiving as the leading edge of Christmas.


Change! It’s Everywhere! It’s Everywhere!
Farrell Keough
As a new year is dawning, many issues and perspectives are drawing near in our political arena. We have a “change” coming on our national front – but we must remember that our state representatives will be meeting in the near future and may be offering us “change” as well.


Monday, December 1, 2008
Anatomy of a Correction
Richard B. Weldon Jr.
On November 20, I gave a lunchtime speech to the Frederick County Builder's Association. After more than a dozen years in public service, these public speaking opportunities have become something I look forward to.


Never Cool
Steven R. Berryman
As usual, family gatherings over the Thanksgiving weekend allowed for more personal interactions. I have three wonderful teenagers and have confirmed that the scrutiny and evaluation that befall parents at this critical juncture are surely unimaginable to anyone not experiencing it first hand.

20081210 This week in The Tentacle


Kevin Dayhoff Westgov.Net: Westminster Maryland Online

Saturday, December 6, 2008

CNET News: Koobface virus hits Facebook


CNET News: Koobface virus hits Facebook by Robert Vamosi December 4, 2008

Top: “Cyborg Stare” Dec. 5, 2008 Kevin Dayhoff

Photo credit: A new mass-mailing virus targeting Facebook users directs victims to a site asking to download a Trojan masked as an Adobe Flash update. (Credit: McAfee Avert Labs) Actually this is a cropped version of the McAfee Avert Labs photo. I have the same image in my main computer, that is not available at the moment as I am still working on restoring all my data files and operating system after the “Facebook Koobface” virus infected my system in the early morning hours of December 4, 2008.

This message could lead you to the Koobface virus, say security experts.
(Credit: McAfee Avert Labs)


This is another good article that explains how the “Facebook Koobface” virus works…

A worm responsible for sending Facebook users malicious code appears to be limited in nature, although the social engineering attack may be used again, say experts.

Facebook representative Barry Schnitt said the worm isn't new; it dates back to
August, although the variant that first appeared on Wednesday targets only Facebook users.

Craig Schmugar, threat researcher for McAfee Avert Labs, confirmed this in a call with CNET News and said that, in general, Koobface strikes only social-networking sites.

After receiving a message in their Facebook in-box announcing, "You look funny in this new video" or something similar, recipients are then invited to click on a provided link. Once on the video site, a message says an update of Flash is needed before the video can be displayed. The viewer is prompted to open a file called flash_player.exe.

Schmugar said the prompt for a new player should be a warning. "The messages you tend to get from these sites don't look quite right." For instance, IE will tell you where the update is coming from, and usually it's not an Adobe site.


However, the message “a message says an update of Flash is needed before the video can be displayed,” is effective as many Microsoft users are aware that Microsoft and Adobe do not get along and that appears that Microsoft inhibits using Adobe products in Windows operating systems.

Many technology users maintain a hope that Microsoft will eventually stop attempting to inhibit Adobe products and we are always looking forward to “an update of flash” that will finally run easily in a Microsoft environment…

Another underreported dynamic is that the virus just breezed by Microsoft’s vaunted security update program. This program has been the source of much aggravation for heavy users; and now when the situation presents, that is why we put up with the obnoxious pesky persistent updates – it fails to work.

So the questions easily rises to the surface – why participate in the Microsoft update program?

If the viewer approves the Flash installation, Koobface attempts to download a program called tinyproxy.exe. This loads a proxy server called Security Accounts Manager (SamSs) the next time the computer boots up. Koobface then listens to traffic on TCP port 9090 and proxies all outgoing HTTP traffic. For example, a search performed on Google, Yahoo, MSN, or Live.com may be hijacked to other, lesser-known search sites.

Schmugar said this version of Koobface includes a bot-like component that could install other malicious apps at a later time.


[…]

Meanwhile, many articles repeat, “Facebook has posted instructions on how to remove the infection.” No it doesn’t. The information posted on the Facebook security page is so deficient and underwhelming, one could easily mistake it for humor.

According to a December 4, 2008 Reuters article, “Social network MySpace, owned by News Corp, was hit by a version of Koobface in August and used security technology to eradicate it, according to a company spokeswoman. The virus has not cropped up since then, she said.

If “MySpace” can protect its users, then why can’t Facebook?

[…]

Read the entire article here: Koobface virus hits Facebook

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10113981-83.html


20081204 Koobface virus hits Facebook


Kevin Dayhoff Westgov.Net: Westminster Maryland Online

Friday, December 5, 2008

CNET News: Koobface virus hits Facebook


CNET News: Koobface virus hits Facebook by Robert Vamosi December 4, 2008

Top: “Cyborg Stare” Dec. 5, 2008 Kevin Dayhoff

Photo credit: A new mass-mailing virus targeting Facebook users directs victims to a site asking to download a Trojan masked as an Adobe Flash update. (Credit: McAfee Avert Labs) Actually this is a cropped version of the McAfee Avert Labs photo. I have the same image in my main computer, that is not available at the moment as I am still working on restoring all my data files and operating system after the “Facebook Koobface” virus infected my system in the early morning hours of December 4, 2008.

This message could lead you to the Koobface virus, say security experts.
(Credit: McAfee Avert Labs)


This is another good article that explains how the “Facebook Koobface” virus works…

A worm responsible for sending Facebook users malicious code appears to be limited in nature, although the social engineering attack may be used again, say experts.

Facebook representative Barry Schnitt said the worm isn't new; it dates back to
August, although the variant that first appeared on Wednesday targets only Facebook users.

Craig Schmugar, threat researcher for McAfee Avert Labs, confirmed this in a call with CNET News and said that, in general, Koobface strikes only social-networking sites.

After receiving a message in their Facebook in-box announcing, "You look funny in this new video" or something similar, recipients are then invited to click on a provided link. Once on the video site, a message says an update of Flash is needed before the video can be displayed. The viewer is prompted to open a file called flash_player.exe.

Schmugar said the prompt for a new player should be a warning. "The messages you tend to get from these sites don't look quite right." For instance, IE will tell you where the update is coming from, and usually it's not an Adobe site.


However, the message “a message says an update of Flash is needed before the video can be displayed,” is effective as many Microsoft users are aware that Microsoft and Adobe do not get along and that appears that Microsoft inhibits using Adobe products in Windows operating systems.

Many technology users maintain a hope that Microsoft will eventually stop attempting to inhibit Adobe products and we are always looking forward to “an update of flash” that will finally run easily in a Microsoft environment…

Another underreported dynamic is that the virus just breezed by Microsoft’s vaunted security update program. This program has been the source of much aggravation for heavy users; and now when the situation presents, that is why we put up with the obnoxious pesky persistent updates – it fails to work.

So the questions easily rises to the surface – why participate in the Microsoft update program?

If the viewer approves the Flash installation, Koobface attempts to download a program called tinyproxy.exe. This loads a proxy server called Security Accounts Manager (SamSs) the next time the computer boots up. Koobface then listens to traffic on TCP port 9090 and proxies all outgoing HTTP traffic. For example, a search performed on Google, Yahoo, MSN, or Live.com may be hijacked to other, lesser-known search sites.

Schmugar said this version of Koobface includes a bot-like component that could install other malicious apps at a later time.


[…]

Meanwhile, many articles repeat, “Facebook has posted instructions on how to remove the infection.” No it doesn’t. The information posted on the Facebook security page is so deficient and underwhelming, one could easily mistake it for humor.

According to a December 4, 2008 Reuters article, “Social network MySpace, owned by News Corp, was hit by a version of Koobface in August and used security technology to eradicate it, according to a company spokeswoman. The virus has not cropped up since then, she said.

If “MySpace” can protect its users, then why can’t Facebook?

[…]

Read the entire article here: Koobface virus hits Facebook

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10113981-83.html


20081204 Koobface virus hits Facebook

I have a sad face today after being attacked by the Facebook Koobface virus


I have a sad face today after being attacked by the Facebook Koobface virus

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Related: Reuters: Destructive Koobface virus turns up on Facebook By Jim Finkle Thu Dec 4, 2008

I’m working on a backup computer because I have fallen victim to the “Facebook virus” that is making the rounds as it is described here – and in a Reuters’ article:

[…] “McAfee warned in a blog entry on Wednesday that its researchers had discovered that Koobface was making the rounds on Facebook…

“Facebook's 120 million users are being targeted by a virus dubbed "Koobface" that uses the social network's messaging system to infect PCs, then tries to gather sensitive information such as credit card numbers.

“It is the latest attack by hackers increasingly looking to prey on users of social networking sites…

“Koobface spreads by sending notes to friends of someone whose PC has been infected. The messages, with subject headers like, ‘You look just awesome in this new movie,’ direct recipients to a website where they are asked to download what it claims is an update of Adobe Systems Inc's Flash player.

“…users tend to be far less suspicious of messages they receive in the network. ‘People tend to let their guard down. They think you've got to log in with an account, so there is no way that worms and other viruses could infect them,’ Boyd said.”

Another excellent post about this may be found on the Schipul Blog: Facebook Users Attacked by Trojan Virus November 7th, 2008

Over 24 hours later, and after considerable work, the virus has been removed; however it irreparable damaged the operating system, in spite of the highly touted Microsoft security update system...

Fortunately I have backups. However, in spite of an excellent backup system, I temporarily have no access to any of my data, research, notes, preliminary drafts of future columns, writing or art files, because of the thoroughly destructiveness and ingenuousness of this particular attack and how complicated it has been to restore my data and operating systems.

Fortunately my next column is not due until tomorrow and only missed some relatively minor deadlines today, for which, everyone is being very supportive and understanding.

Of course, it is not Facebook’s fault that it was attacked by a virus, with perhaps one pause for thought, as mentioned in the article: “Social network MySpace, owned by News Corp, was hit by a version of Koobface in August and used security technology to eradicate it, according to a company spokeswoman. The virus has not cropped up since then, she said.”

I’m an intense internet and technology user and for twenty years I have safely avoided a serious attack. Although in hindsight I understand how and why I make such a stupid mistake.

Nonetheless, the Reuters article points out that “McAfee has not yet identified the perpetrators behind Koobface, who are improving the malicious software behind the virus in a bid to outsmart security at Facebook and MySpace.

"The people behind it are updating it, refining it, adding new functionalities," said McAfee's Schmugar.”


Over 24 hours later and a lost day of work, I will have to re-evaluate using Facebook. I have to consider that since Facebook is not a component of how I make a living, and that statistically, Facebook users will remain a target of the hackers, I may have to err on the side of avoiding exposing myself to this phenomena in the future.

Between the spam, the phishing, and the hackers, it would appear that the criminals in the internet world are making considerable inroads in eroding the benefits that internet technology can provide to our everyday quality of life.

The ratio of spam to real emails on one of my email accounts is currently 50 to 1. It is not fun worrying about every other click of the mouse…

I wish that somehow, there was some hope that solutions are being developed to combat the criminal element on the internet, however, the technicians I spoke with today, seemed just as pessimistic as I feel at the moment.

20081204 A sad face over the Facebook Koobface virus.

Kevin Dayhoff Westgov.Net: Westminster Maryland Online

I have a sad face today after being attacked by the Facebook Koobface virus


I have a sad face today after being attacked by the Facebook Koobface virus

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Related: Reuters: Destructive Koobface virus turns up on Facebook By Jim Finkle Thu Dec 4, 2008

I’m working on a backup computer because I have fallen victim to the “Facebook virus” that is making the rounds as it is described here – and in a Reuters’ article:

[…] “McAfee warned in a blog entry on Wednesday that its researchers had discovered that Koobface was making the rounds on Facebook…

“Facebook's 120 million users are being targeted by a virus dubbed "Koobface" that uses the social network's messaging system to infect PCs, then tries to gather sensitive information such as credit card numbers.

“It is the latest attack by hackers increasingly looking to prey on users of social networking sites…

“Koobface spreads by sending notes to friends of someone whose PC has been infected. The messages, with subject headers like, ‘You look just awesome in this new movie,’ direct recipients to a website where they are asked to download what it claims is an update of Adobe Systems Inc's Flash player.

“…users tend to be far less suspicious of messages they receive in the network. ‘People tend to let their guard down. They think you've got to log in with an account, so there is no way that worms and other viruses could infect them,’ Boyd said.”

Another excellent post about this may be found on the Schipul Blog: Facebook Users Attacked by Trojan Virus November 7th, 2008

Over 24 hours later, and after considerable work, the virus has been removed; however it irreparable damaged the operating system, in spite of the highly touted Microsoft security update system...

Fortunately I have backups. However, in spite of an excellent backup system, I temporarily have no access to any of my data, research, notes, preliminary drafts of future columns, writing or art files, because of the thoroughly destructiveness and ingenuousness of this particular attack and how complicated it has been to restore my data and operating systems.

Fortunately my next column is not due until tomorrow and only missed some relatively minor deadlines today, for which, everyone is being very supportive and understanding.

Of course, it is not Facebook’s fault that it was attacked by a virus, with perhaps one pause for thought, as mentioned in the article: “Social network MySpace, owned by News Corp, was hit by a version of Koobface in August and used security technology to eradicate it, according to a company spokeswoman. The virus has not cropped up since then, she said.”

I’m an intense internet and technology user and for twenty years I have safely avoided a serious attack. Although in hindsight I understand how and why I make such a stupid mistake.

Nonetheless, the Reuters article points out that “McAfee has not yet identified the perpetrators behind Koobface, who are improving the malicious software behind the virus in a bid to outsmart security at Facebook and MySpace.

"The people behind it are updating it, refining it, adding new functionalities," said McAfee's Schmugar.”


Over 24 hours later and a lost day of work, I will have to re-evaluate using Facebook. I have to consider that since Facebook is not a component of how I make a living, and that statistically, Facebook users will remain a target of the hackers, I may have to err on the side of avoiding exposing myself to this phenomena in the future.

Between the spam, the phishing, and the hackers, it would appear that the criminals in the internet world are making considerable inroads in eroding the benefits that internet technology can provide to our everyday quality of life.

The ratio of spam to real emails on one of my email accounts is currently 50 to 1. It is not fun worrying about every other click of the mouse…

I wish that somehow, there was some hope that solutions are being developed to combat the criminal element on the internet, however, the technicians I spoke with today, seemed just as pessimistic as I feel at the moment.

20081204 A sad face over the Facebook Koobface virus.

Monday, November 3, 2008

The Onion: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions


The Onion: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions

October 27, 2008 Issue 44•44


Webmaster’s note: I would have posted this earlier however, when Microsoft was not crashing, my computer was running so slowly, I lost patience. KED

WASHINGTON—According to an FCC report released Monday, a new $300 million Microsoft ad campaign is responsible for causing televisions all across the country to unexpectedly crash.

The Microsoft ads, which began airing earlier this week, are being blamed for generating critical system errors in more than 70 million televisions. In addition, thousands of frustrated Americans said that the ads have caused their TVs to become unresponsive, their screens to turn blue, and a small box with the message "terminal application error" to suddenly appear.

[…]

The new ad campaign, which features footage of everyday Americans using PCs, was launched as an upgrade to the poorly performing Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates commercials, which suffered unspecified failures in two-thirds of U.S. households. Microsoft pulled the defective ads in mid-September, but the move came too late, as countless televisions had already been infected with viruses and spyware.

[…]

When that failed, many television owners said they were left with no other option but to manually restart their devices.

[…]

Recent frustrations with Microsoft have not been limited to its television ads, however. Earlier this week, a billboard promoting the company's latest Windows platform angered hundreds in Detroit when it fell onto three cars, instantly killing all passengers.


Read the entire article here: Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nation's Televisions

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/microsoft_ad_campaign_crashing

20081027 Microsoft Ad Campaign Crashing Nations Televisions