ARK Systems Newsletter

September, 2001

 

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IN THIS ISSUE: VIRUSES, UPDATES, AND MICROSOFT XP
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 DECLARE WAR AGAINST VIRUSES
The Virus problem is getting worse. Most recently there's Nimda, and this summer there was Code Red. This new crop of viruses show up as an email attachment (Like Readme.exe). Once opened, they can delete files on your PC and move from machine to machine with ease within your network. The removal process is tedious. Here is some steps you can use to stop these Viruses from even showing up in your email in the first place.

 
1. Turn on viewing of file extensions. Open My Computer. Then locate Folder Options. This will be under the Tools or View Menu. Select the second tab - View. Now look for "Hide file extensions for known file types" and remove the Check Mark. This way you can see what kind of file attachments are being sent to you. If you ever receive an attachment ending in EXE or VBS, delete the email. Don't open it. Even if it's coming from a friend. The only exception to this is if you receive a software update from a known provider. We would usually contact you before sending you any updates anyway.
 
2. Update Internet Explorer and Outlook.  In my July 2000 Newsletter, I recommended updating Microsoft Outlook to Service Pack 1. Since then, I've only had one virus even make it to my Anti-Virus software even though dozens have been sent to me. Outlook and Outlook Express can delete these file attachments before they are even downloaded.  We recommend the compete installation of Internet Explorer 6.0 http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/ie6/default.asp or Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2 http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/ie55sp2/download.asp . This updates Outlook Express and Internet Explorer with several security features. If you use Outlook 2000, you will also want to update to Service Pack 1. This can be found at http://office.microsoft.com/downloads/2000/Out2ksec.aspx . If you are using older versions of Microsoft Outlook, you may want to upgrade or switch to Outlook Express.Also keep in mind these downloads are large (10-18 megs), so give yourself a lot of time.
 
3. Use Anti Virus software and keep it current. You've heard this a thousand times, but no one seems to do it except the customers that have been wiped out. What else can we say. Both McAfee and Norton Anti-Virus have automatic update options. Buy them. They are worth every penny.
 
Keep in mind that these new worms and viruses can also be opened with Netscape, AOL and other mail clients. So don't think that you are safe just because you don't use Outlook or IE.
 
Granted, loading all this software is time consuming and inconvenient. But believe me, the inconvenience of reformatting all your PCs and reloading all your software is worse!  If you would like us to help you update your systems, please reply to this email or give us a call.
 
 
MICROSOFT XP
You've probably heard about Microsoft Office XP and the upcoming Windows replacement XP.  We haven't found any overwhelming reason to update to Office XP. But I have been running the beta of the XP operating system on a machine here for several months and I am very impressed. XP takes all the positive aspects of Windows NT and Windows 2000 and adds the friendlier face of Windows 95/98. It is very stable. You can open dozens of applications at once without crashing (Finally!!!). It runs DOS programs very well, and is much more secure than Windows 98 from hackers.  Keep in mind that it uses tons of hard disk space (1.5 gigabytes or more) and requires tons of memory (128 megs minimum). So you may not be able to update some older machines. You are also forced to buy a copy for each PC.
 
So definitely order XP Professional on any new PCs you buy. If you are running Windows ME you may also want to consider upgrading. Most consultants including ourselves have had terrible luck with Windows ME. Also consider switching if you are a power user on Windows 98 and must open several applications simultaneously. Otherwise, Windows 98 Second Edition is still a great desktop operating system.
 
 
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