May 2009

Fortunately...

I don't have any critical updates right now. The storm front has been quiet for the last month. In fact I apologize that I never did get a newsletter completed in April. I was too busy dodging rain drops.

I did however learn of an old threat that has resurfaced recently, I have not seen any cases but it makes a great case for encouraging you to back up your systems. See my comments on Ransomware below.

Microsoft...

is making a liar out of me. They are rushing Windows 7 to market as fast as they can. The Release Candidate is available now to Technet members and on Tuesday to the rest of us. In an email I got this weekend Microsoft said:

When will the final version of Windows 7 be available?

The final engineering milestone is the release to manufacturing (RTM), typically 3-5 months after the RC. We believe the product is high quality and to date have received very positive feedback. This might result in RTM delivery before the 3-5 months timeframe. Ultimately, you'll decide the quality and assess the delivery once you download and use the RC. Customer and partner feedback will determine how quickly we release.

Don't Get Too Excited...

Windows 7 is just Windows Vista gussied up so everyone will quit complaining about Vista. The truth is Vista is working pretty well these days, assuming you have enough horsepower.

Internet Explorer 8...

is now in your automatic updates coming down from Microsoft. If it has caused you serious grief in the past and you've had to uninstall it, be sure to install the IE8 blocker from Microsoft.

Note, you do not need to block IE8 unless you have had issues in the past, or if you use special software (like VPN software) that requires a specific version of Internet Explorer.

Ransomware...

I heard about this last night. So you get this trojan from an infected website, and the malware loads on your computer and encrypts all your data, which makes all your stuff look like Chinese Calligraphy. Then a message pops up and tells you that you have to pay $50 to get a key that unlocks your files. They actually do give you a key if you pay, but then they may reinfect you again later. Here is an article on the subject.

No cases have been reported on the north side of Indianapolis yet, but it is a good reason for you to make sure you have been backing up your files.

Speaking of Backing Up...

Lots of people are telling me they are intimidated by the process, or they just don't understand how. So I have expanded the information on my website to give you a blow by blow method of making sure you have a backup of everything.

Start by buying an external hard drive, from me or from any office supply store. Then read "Backup Instructions", which is an overview of the process. If you are still unsure of how to proceed read "How to Install Cobian 9" which tells you how to install the free backup software. Lastly read "Backing Up With Cobian 9" which tells you step by step how to setup the software for automatic updates.

So now you don't have any excuses!

As always, please call us for any question or concern 317-733-0213.

Regards,

Steve Weigle and the staff at Village Geek Computers