We've filled this May issue with information you need to know as well as fun ideas you'll want to know. First, there's a warning that hackers are now compromising legitimate websites to launch attacks, along with tips on what to do to help protect your computer. Keep reading to understand the difference between freeware and shareware, and learn how to remove contacts from your e-mail address book. Great Sites section then offers ways to help you enjoy spring even more - including a new action flick, RV vacation pointers, and recipes for grilling.
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.
In the past, users had to visit intentionally malicious websites or click on spamme-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.
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 do not have financial interest in, or endorse, any of the sites, or products offered by the sites, listed in this customer newsletter. No opinions expressed on these sites should be considered to be the opinion of diversiCOM Melrose Telephone Company or it's employees. This is a free service of diversiCOM Melrose Telephone Company to enhance your Internet surfing experience. It is our policy to not share your e-mail address with any third party for any reason.
©2008 Cornerstone Publishing Group, Inc.
In this edition:
Your Local Help Desk
Tech Tips and Tricks
Sites of the Month
Hackers & Legit Websites
Free Internet Classes
Free Internet Classes
Browsing Only
Eden Valley High School
Computer Lab Room 127
May 12, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
E-mail Only
Eden Valley High School
Computer Lab Room 127
May 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Browsing Only
Melrose High School
Media Center (library)
May 19, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
E-mail Only
Melrose High School
Media Center (library)
May 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Call to register:
256-7471
764-7600
597-3333
548-3200
Sites of the Month
Indiana Jones is Back
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
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
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
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
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.