February 11th 2004 Well, I know this isn't a surprise - Microsoft has announced more holes in its operating system. It's basically become a weekly ritual that people find holes, point them out to Microsoft and Microsoft posts patches to their error-prone operating system. In the past they have dragged their feet in posting these releases. Now, they release them almost as soon as they are verified. In a rare move, Microsoft released a statement warning of holes before a virus maker could strike: http://news.com.com/2100-7355_3-5156647.html?tag=nefd_top. More info here: http://news.com.com/2100-1002-5151957.html?tag=nl The vulnerability could allow a remote user to take control of a computer running a version of the Windows operating system that hasn't been patched. It also fixes the problem where certain people can send you a website link in an email, you click on it and think you're going to a website like amazon.com, but in actually it's a fake site set up to extract your personal data - a technique know as phishing: http://news.com.com/2100-7355-5150321.html?tag=nl . In the Moment Computing Computer Tune-Up Is your computer safe? Is your data protected? Get it checked out today! With all the virus scares, Windows vulnerabilities, phishing, spyware, hackers, Trojans, and worms, do you feel your computer is adequately protected? If we haven't been to your home or business in the past 3 months either onsite or via remote, there's  a good chance you're not protected. Here at ITM Computing, we read about these threats on a daily basis, taking all this into consideration when updating your system. The tune-ups take between 1 and 3 hours depending upon the last tune-up we made. Call today at 408.732.8500  or shoot us an email:http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php to book an appointment. What steps should you take? 1. Make sure your windows update is set to run automatically. In pre  windows XP versions of Windows this is in control panel under "Windows Update." In Windows XP, you right click on "My Computer," go to "Properties," choose "Automatic Updates" tab and I usually recommend you select "Download the updates automatically." 2. When you see  a globe in the task tray next to the time in the lower right hand of your computer, click on it and follow the instructions to either download your updates or install them. 3. When you hear of a security scare such as this one, manually run a Windows update by going to the Start button and finding the Windows Update feature and run it - taking all the critical updates. The other updates are optional and usually can be applied without incidence (there have been some exceptions.) 4. As of reading this, run the Windows updates - multiple times if needed - until there are no more critical updates. Looking for productivity software or just plain fun stuff (like DVD rentals and a great coupon book) - try our new Partner's page: http://www.itmcomputing.com/partners.php We have tested and use everything on this page. ************************ Hope you enjoyed the ride.... Clyde Lerner, In The Moment Computing Phone: 408.732.8500 E-mail comments/feedback to: http://www.itmcomputing.com/contact_computer.php This newsletter is a service of In The Moment Computing and is Copyright 2005 Clyde Lerner. All worldwide rights reserved. If forwarding, please forward all of e-mail, not any portion therein. To see past issues of This and That Computer Tips newsletter, please visit the web at: http://www.itmcomputing.com/newsletter.php and click on "Archives." Please note: Unless requested, questions pertaining to this newsletter will be answered in a 3-4 week time frame. If you need a faster response, there will be a small consultation fee of $15 per e-mail response. You will receive a reply within 48 hours. "Complete Computer Help (Networks, New Computer Installs, Software Training) for Individuals and Small Businesses" "Designing your Perfect Website, at an Affordable Cost, in a Timely Manner" Eliminate and Destroy unwanted email: http://spamarrest.com/affl?1337207 Send a greeting card through the Internet so recipient gets card in their postal mailbox: www.sendoutcards.com/7197 - let me walk you through how to send a card - it's easy. ©2004 In The Moment (ITM) Computing. All rights reserved.