Virus Update, Windows Tricks
Whale photos, the Beagle variant, a wrecked Ferrari.Steve Bass
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I'm guessing you're hungry for ways to make Microsoft's OS even more robust than it already is--I know I am. So that's the deal for this and next week's newsletters: News, articles, tips, and other sundry items about Windows.
BTW, lots of you have made the move to Windows XP. I know because I looked at some stats the other day. Our statistician (yes, we really have one) said that among PC World readers who responded to a recent survey, roughly 61 percent are using XP: about 33 percent use XP Home, and 28 percent use XP Pro. If you haven't upgraded to XP, I really, really wish you would--it'll save you lots of grief and cut down the letters to me about Win 98 DLL hassles.
Beware the Beagle Variant
I know, I promised stuff about Windows. But first I have an embarrassing admission--and some advice.
A few weeks ago I bragged that "I've never had a virus infect my system."
Well, I broke a sacred rule and inadvertently passed along a virus.
Generally, I have my antivirus software check for a signature update first thing after my system boots. That provides a little added insurance that AVG, my antivirus program, will nail any new viruses or Trojan horses appearing via e-mail.
When I came home from a vacation--a good one, thanks, visiting whales in Baja California, Mexico--I immediately (and foolishly) checked e-mail before updating my antivirus software. Dumb, I know.
An incoming e-mail infected with W32.Beagle@mm whizzed right past AVG. And of course, AVG didn't catch the infected e-mail on the way out. So here's my advice: At the beginning of every day, always update your antivirus signatures before checking your e-mail.
Never heard of the Beagle? Read "New E-Mail Worm Spreads" and "March Comes in Like a Worm."
Cool, Free, and Valuable
I've got something from Microsoft that's free--and no, it's not another security breach.
Microsoft is offering an update CD for Windows 98, 98Se, Me, 2000, and XP with all the security updates through October 2003. It's ideal to CYA [Note to editor: cover your keister] if you ever have to reinstall Windows or format your drive; it can also make for a delightful gift for your brother-in-law who won't order one on his own. [Not you, David, my other brother-in-law.]
You can read the details in "Microsoft Readies Security Update CDs," or just order one right away. [Thanks to Rod Ream for this nifty find.]
If you want more freebies from Microsoft, ask the company for a free Security Guidance Kit CD. [Thanks, Leo!]
Dig This: If you're struggling to find something to do (other than work), take this small Flash geography quiz. My wife, Judy, nailed this in no time. And sorry, my score's way too low to advertise.
Dig This, Too: Was that test a little too intellectual for your sensibilities? It was for me, too. How about a collection of exotic car crash photos (not to worry, there's nothing gory). One of my favorites is the poor schnook whose 2003 Ferrari Enzo got creamed to the tune of $400K in damages.
A Quick Trip to Windows Device Manager
Some of you need quick access to your system's Device Manager. I go there so often, I created a desktop shortcut, an alternative to hassling with Start, Control Panel, System, Hardware, Device Manager.
Of course, some of you might argue (please, do it rhetorically; don't send e-mail) that the Windows and Break (aka Pause) combo is a quick way to bring up System Properties. It might be--but remember, I want to go directly to the Device Manager. Besides, not everyone has a keyboard with a Windows key.
Here's how to do it: First, right-click on any empty spot on the desktop and select New, Shortcut. Then follow one of the instructions below, depending on your OS.
Then click the Next button, give your shortcut a name (How about "Hardware"?), and click the Finish button. Now when you double-click on the shortcut, up pops Device Manager.
Dig This: For the first time ever, I saw the green flash, a phenomenon that sometimes occurs just as the sun sets. Check out the Bishop Museum site for a stunning image, plus an explanation. While you're exploring things extraterrestrial, oooh and aaah over exotic images from Caltech's Spitzer Space Telescope. [With thanks to Ted J. Brunzie.]