Archive for December, 2005
Temporary fix for security breach with WMF files
The possible solution given here is insufficient. Use the patch mentioned in the Steve Gibson reference given by Joel May in his comment.
The security problem mentioned previously grows apace. One possible temporary solution is to remove the WMF file type. Go to any folder and open the menu Tools-Folder Options- File Types. Scroll down [...]
Be sure to show file extensions
Ever since Windows 95, I (and many others) have been complaining about the default setting in Windows that hides file extensions. I have seen innumerable examples of how this decision by Microsoft causes confusion. I can’t count the number of times that I have told people in classes or lectures how to make file [...]
What’s that file?
Ever wonder what a particular file was for? Want to check if a file really belongs on your system? Process List is a site with a compendium of information on a host of different files. I use it to check suspicious files or just out of curiosity.
Batteries
These days there are hosts of gadgets that use batteries. Maybe you got a few for Christmas. With all those batteries around, it pays to know a few facts about how to use them properly. PC Magazine has an article Getting the Most from Your Batteries.
More on latest security problem
The security hole mentioned in the previous entry is being actively exploited by crackers. IDG has an update
“Really bad†security exploit arrives
According to a blog today by Ed Bott there is a very dangerous security hole in various browsers, including Internet Explorer, that exploits a graphics setting. The latest version of Firefox seems to be the only browser without the problem. He says
I expect that all major antivirus companies will have detection and prevention for this [...]
Should Microsoft adopt Opera?
John Dvorak is the resident curmudgeon at PC Magazine and also writes for the financial site MarketWatch. In a recent column he makes the intriguing suggestion that Microsoft should dump Internet Explorer and buy Opera. He says
But could Microsoft be planning a bigger surprise for everyone? The smart move for the company would be for [...]
How to buy a monitor
Looking for a new monitor? Want to know how LCDs compare with CRTs? PC World has an article with some useful information about monitors and tips on buying.
Retrograde experience with Windows 98
I was using a computer with Windows 98SE for a few days while traveling and I have to note that I longed to get back to Windows XP Professional. Getting wireless Internet connections to work in various motels was a pain with Windows 98, not to mention the occasional system crashes.
Holiday hiatus
I will be traveling for a couple of weeks and blog entries will be sporadic at best. Until 2006, happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
More on archiving or transferring email
In the previous entry, I mentioned a method for combining Outlook Express (OE) email messages into a single file for the purposes of archiving or transferring to another computer. That method works nicely as long as no message contains a picture. Hypertext links are OK but mail with embedded pictures doesn’t work. Either the combination [...]