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Surfer Beware - Hackers Now Compromising Legitimate Websites
In the past, users
had to visit intentionally malicious websites or click on spam e-mail
attachments to become a victim of a security threat. Now hackers are starting
to compromise legitimate sites and use them as a distribution medium to
attack home and enterprise computers. Symantec, a leading cybersecurity firm,
recently reported that it detected 711,912 such threats last year, compared
with 125,243 in 2006.
According to Symantec, the attacks are particularly targeting sites that are
likely to be trusted by end users. These include major search engines like
Google, browsers like Mozilla, and social networking sites like Facebook. In
the case of Google, hackers use a chink in Google's site to redirect
unsuspecting PC users to sites tainted with malware. This enables them to use
the PCs to spread spam and carry out scams. Typically, it also lets the
hackers embed a keystroke logger to collect passwords and other sensitive
data. Google is working on new tools to detect and block malicious Web pages.
To protect your computer, we strongly encourage our Internet customers to be
diligent about security and regularly update your antivirus software.
New viruses and worms are discovered daily and can be spread many ways — over
networks, through attachments, through even legitimate websites, via devices
connected to your computer, and by storage media such as Zip drives and CDs.
Remember to also scan all file attachments of incoming e-mail messages, even
messages from people you trust. You have the ultimate responsibility for
protecting your computer against these threats.
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Webster-Calhoun Announcements: Bill Insert & On-line
Directory
Bill Insert
Included in the billing statements this month is a newsletter that mentions
topics such as remodeling or building a new home, Cash for Cougars, an update
on Fiber to the Home construction, information about the analog to digital
conversion for television, and more. If you missed it you can still view it
and past newsletters on the web site at www.wccta.net.
Just click on products and services, then scroll to the bottom of the page
under archives.
On-line Directory
By now you should have received a copy of the 2008 Central Iowa Area
Directory in your mailbox. Now you can see the entire directory on-line!!
Access this on-line directory from anywhere by going to the web site at www.wccta.net and click on the picture of
the directory. Search capabilities help you locate the number you want
quickly. You can also page through the on-line directory just as you would
the actual book.
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Ask The Help Desk - What Do The Terms "Freeware" And
"Shareware" Mean?
Question: I've heard the terms "freeware"
and "shareware" used to describe software programs. What exactly do
these terms mean?
Answer: Freeware is software that is made available by its originator
for unlimited use by anyone at no charge. By contrast, shareware is software
that is freely distributed but for which the author expects payment from
people who decide to keep the software after a trial period and continue to
use it. Freeware and shareware are widely available online in many different
software categories.
Before you download anything, however, research the website and software to
make sure both are reputable. You should also have antivirus software
installed on your computer and keep it updated.
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Sites Of The Month - Great Sites To Check Out In May
Indiana Jones is Back
http://IndianaJones.com - The
fourth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise comes to the big screen
this month nearly two decades after the last one. Indiana Jones and the
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull boasts all the action that fans have come to
expect, from car chases to Indiana Jones wielding his trademark bullwhip. The
film stars Harrison Ford and is led by famous filmmakers George Lucas as
executive producer and a writer, and Steven Spielberg as director. Get a
sneak peak here and enjoy classic clips from previous installments.
ABCs of RVs
http://GoRVing.com - It's time to
plan your summer road trip. Ever thought about traveling in an RV? You can
take the comforts of home with you wherever you go, and enjoy the freedom to
really explore the great outdoors. If you're new to RVing, this site is the
place to start. You'll find descriptions for all RV types, shopping and
rental information, travel ideas, a campground database, driving and towing
tips, and even a free "getting started" CD-ROM or DVD.
Making Sense of Dollars
http://finance.yahoo.com/how-to-guide/index - With
the rising costs of today's economy, it's more important than ever to make
smart moves with your money. Check out this comprehensive How-to Guide on the
Yahoo! Financial site for lots of practical tips and online tools. From
advice on how to get out of debt to savings ideas for college, there's a
wealth of information at your fingertips.
Race Around the Indy 500
http://Indy500.com - The theme of
the 92nd Indianapolis 500 is "Fuel the Dream." No wonder, since
this is definitely a sporting event that many dream of competing in (or
simply attending). This year's field of 33 starting drivers on May 25 will
include a history-making driver: Illinois native Danica Patrick captured the
Indy Japan 300 title in April, making her the first woman to win an IndyCar
race. Do a few laps around this site to see updates on the practice runs,
review race history, get ticket information, and read the personal
"500" stories of other fans.
Get Grilling
http://weber.com/bbq/pub/recipe - The
Weber name has become synonymous with grilling. Before you fire up the grill
for the warm weather season ahead, go straight to the source for lots of
expert advice and new recipe ideas. To keep the inspiration coming for
weekend parties, sign up to receive the Recipe of the Week each Friday.
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Short Tutorial - Removing Contacts From Your Address Book
Let's face it -- the
people in our personal and professional lives come and go. If your e-mail
address book is cluttered with names from inactive relationships, you're
wasting time wading through an unnecessarily long list.
To remove contact information from your address book, follow the steps below
for your specific e-mail program:
Removing Contacts From Your Address Book When Using Outlook Express 6 and
Windows XP SP2 Home Edition
1. With Outlook Express 6 open, click your
cursor arrow on the "Addresses" button located on the toolbar.
2. Click on the contact you want to delete.
(The contact's name will be highlighted when you click on it.)
3. Click on the "Delete" button
located on the toolbar.
4. The Address Book - Main Identity dialogue
box will appear asking if you are sure you want to permanently delete the
selected item. Click the "Yes" button.
5. Close the Address Book - Main Identity
dialogue box by clicking on the red "X" in the upper right-hand
corner. The selected contact is now deleted.
Removing Contacts
From Your Address Book When Using Thunderbird 1.5 and Macintosh OS X 10.4,
Windows XP SP2 Home Edition, or Windows Vista Home Premium
1. With Thunderbird open, click your cursor
arrow on the "Address Book" button located on the toolbar.
2. Click on the contact you want to delete.
(The contact's name will be highlighted when you click on it.)
3. Click the "Delete" button located
on the toolbar. The selected contact is now deleted.
Removing Contacts
From Your Address Book 4.0.4 When Using Mail 2.1.1 On Macintosh OS 10.4.9
1. With Address Book open, click your cursor
arrow on the "All" icon in the "Group" field.
2. Click on the entry you want to delete in the
"Name" field to select it. (The contact's name will be highlighted
when you click on it.)
3. Click on the "Edit" menu and
select "Delete Card" from the drop-down menu. The selected contact
is now deleted.
Removing Contacts
From Windows Contacts (Address Book) When Using Windows Mail and Windows
Vista Home Premium
1. With Windows Mail open, click your cursor
arrow on the "Contacts" button located on the toolbar.
2. Select the contact you want to delete. (The
contact's name will be highlighted.)
3. Click on the "Delete" button
located on the toolbar.
4. The Delete File dialogue box will appear
asking if you are sure you want to move this file to the Recycle Bin.
5. Click the "Yes" button. The
deleted contact will be moved to the Recycle Bin where it will remain until
the bin is manually emptied.
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We hope you found
this newsletter to be informative. It's our way of keeping you posted on the
happenings here. If, however, you'd prefer not to receive these bulletins on
a monthly basis, click here.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards,
WCCTA.net
A product of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
1106 Beek Street, PO Box 475
Gowrie, IA 50543-0475
Phone: 515-352-3151
(We have used our
best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein.
However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any
loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or
omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)
©2008 Cornerstone
Publishing Group Inc.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are
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