FaceBook, MySpace WORM

There seems to be another big influx of virus's and malicious software out there. Maybe it's due to the down economy and there are more messed up people with time on their hands to create these destructive programs.

Today there is news all over the place about a new Worm that you can get infected through Facebook. The virus authors are getting more cunning and sneaky in finding victims.

From what I've seen Facebook is a huge target right now for rogue apps. Today's Koobface worm spreads through a message from what looks like a Facebook friend that includes a link to a video from a fake YouTube website. It then tells you that you have to install a file to view the video. Yeah right, I don't think so.

Check out the links below to read up on it.

http://blog.trendmicro.com/new-variant-of-koobface-worm-spreading-on-facebook/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10170555-83.html?tag=mncol;title

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10185517-83.html?tag=mncol;title

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2009/03/koobface_worm_resurfaces_on_fa.html

Adobe Reader Security Vulnerability

Found a few articles today about a security hole in Adober Reader. The vulnerability can be exploited allowing a virus to be embeded into a .pdf file.

Once infected the virus or spyware can take over and send out SPAM from your computer.

Check out these sites for more information:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/security/?p=2631

http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=9899899#

Spyware Q & A

Q: What is spyware?

A: Spyware is malicious software installed on your computer without your knowledge or consent that monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which could lead to the theft of your personal information.

Q: How can I tell if my computer is infected with spyware?

A: Your computer may be infected with spyware if:
- - It slows down, malfunctions, or displays repeated error messages
- - It won't shut down or restart
- - It serves up a lot of pop-up ads, or displays them when you're not surfing the web
- - It displays web pages or programs you didn't intend to use, or sends emails you didn't write.
Other signs include:
- - Your browser takes you to sites other than those you type into the address box
- - Your home page changes suddenly or repeatedly
- - New and unexpected toolbars
- - New and unexpected icons in the system tray (at the lower right corner of your screen)
- - Keys don't work (for example, the "Tab" key that might not work when you try to move to the next field in a webform)
- - Random error messages

Q: What should I do if I think my computer is infected?

A: Stop shopping, banking, and other online activities that involve usernames, passwords, or other sensitive information. Spyware could be sending your personal information to identity thieves. Write down the model and serial number of your computer, the name of any software you've installed, and a short description of the problem. Your notes will help you give an accurate description to Parsec. Report the problem to Parsec 509-735-2609 or TCSupport@parseccomputer.com .

Although there are programs that will help remove and prevent infection, the best defense is for you to know how you can avoid being infected.

Activities with high risks for being infected are:

1. Downloading and installing extra Internet browser tool bars (i.e. Hotbar etc)
2. Downloading and installing free games
3. Downloading and installing Peer-to-Peer File Sharing Programs such as KaZaa or Limewire.
4. Opening infected email. Unless you know what it is don't open it, even if you know who sent it to you. If there is any hesitation, don't risk it. Call and ask the person if they really sent the email to you.
5. Going to Adult Content Websites
6. Letting your kids use the office computer... (Especially teenagers...) Funny ha ha... but the truth is, kids are great at getting spyware.

There are more ways than this to get infected but these are the main culprits. Remember, you are your best defense.

Windows Small Business Server 2008

It's finally here! The long awaited 2008 Small Business Server has now been officially released as of November 12th. Prior to SBS 2008 the most recent release was SBS 2003 R2 which was out in the fall of 2006. The Small Business Server has played a major role in how many Small Businesses do business. Small Business Server has made technology available to the small business where in the past it was only available to the corporate world.

Key Features are:

1. Remote Access to Email and your desktop at the office from any computer in the world with an internet connection.

2. Awesome disaster recovery and backup functionality. Not something the non-IT person will see or use but it makes a huge difference for us who support it. It's easier to manage and more reliable.

3. SharePoint or company intranet is the most underused piece of Small Business Server. They've made some huge improvements to the version released with SBS 2008 which makes it even more attractive. Now any small business can have their own company intranet... so what can the intranet do for you? It provides you a means to improve inner office collaboration.

For example you can have calendars, forums, pictures, a place for HR docs that everyone can access with out nagging HR, company announcements, etc... There are many possibilities.

For more info you can check it out at http://www.microsoft.com/sbs/en/us/default.aspx

Video: Can IT strengthen the economy?

At the Gartner Symposium 2008, Cisco CEO John Chambers predicted that as the economy turns, many company heads will be looking for flexibility along with cost effectiveness — aspects that video conferencing and social networking can provide. As you’ll see in this video clip from the event, Chambers forsees that, soon, IT and business strategy will be so intertwined we won’t know the difference between them.

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/hiner/?p=835

Microsoft Small Business Summit Webcast

Wow, this was actually pretty good. I stumbled accross this a few weeks ago and thought I'd check it out. I was impressed with some of the speakers who spoke on subjects that were relevant to me but could also be helpful to many other small businesses.

Some of the subjects covered are

1. Sales and Marketing
2. Productivity & Security
3. Microsoft Office How-To's

and more. Each subject has 1-2 dozen videos you can watch. One of my favorites was John from Duct Tape Marketing.

Yes, the videos are from Microsoft so some of the buz was around their products but overall they had great information for the small business owners.

Check it out at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/summit/ .

Microsoft Small Business Summit Oct 14 - 16th

It's looks like they've got a great lineup of speakers. It is geared toward the small business where many of the people wear lots of hats. In this webcast you'll receive tips and advice from industry professionals.

Check out the agenda here.

View the free online Small Business Summit on October 14 -16th, 9am - 1pm at http://www.parseccomputer.com.

Registration is Free! (click to register)

Email Overload!

Are you overwhelmed with email? If you’re like me, you get a mountain of email everyday and it seems never ending. Half the time it seems like all I do is read through and respond to email all day.

Here is an article on 6 tips for reducing email overload and an audio course on how to organize and put a stop to the inbox chaos.

View article...

Audio Course…

I'm a PC

Not Alone - I'm a PC

Windows Server 2008 Video

Windows Server 2008 Unleashed: Meet the Exerciser

Tired of chasing your mouse? Use keyboard shortcuts

Taken from a Microsoft Website. Click Keyboard shortcuts here

The mouse, one of the greatest advances in computing history, provides you with an intuitive point-and-click method for using your computer. Depending on the type of work you're doing, however, sometimes using a mouse actually slows you down. If you are a good typist, taking your hands away from the keyboard to move the mouse can use up a few seconds. Over the course of a full day, you could save several minutes by using keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse.

Checkout this website for a fow pointers.

Keyboard shortcuts here

Get your Groove on!

Do you need files away from the office? Do you need to share files securely with a Team that's spread all over?

If you haven't heard about Microsoft Groove and you are either

1. a mobile user that's always on the go and uses both laptop and desktop or

2. if you have the constant need to collaborate and share files with others whenever and where ever they are at...in or outside of your organization...

Then Groove is for you. It is an awesome collaboration tool that allows you to share files without ever having to lift a thumb drive or send an email.

The problem with email is that you end up with multiple versions and hassle with emailing the most recent back and forth. The other challenge is if the person you collaborate with is outside of your organization or in another network. With Office Groove 2007 there are no boundaries. You can work on any network, on or off line and still be able to share files seamlessly as never before.

The Basics

In simple terms, you create a "workspace" on your computer which is a folder that you can share with whoever you send an invite to. Once the other person has received your invite via email, the contents of the folder automatically synchronize. Anytime something is deleted, added or changed it automatically syncs up! Way cool... It's all encrypted and transmitted securely.

I use this all the time because I'm constantly working on my work PC, my laptop and my home PC. I'm lazy, so anything I can do to avoid unnecessary steps works great for me. When I'm at the office I simply save a document into my personal "workspace" folder that I happen to keep on my desktop. When I get home or when I'm on the road, I fire up the laptop and presto, the document is already there in my "workspace" folder ready to go. I keep on working without the worry of.... "I forgot my thumb drive" or "I forgot to email myself the file". Gone are those days.

Another example is the sales force that has people placed around the globe. VPN's and remote connections can be cumbersome and are dependent on reliable Internet connections.

The Bonus

With Groove, you can work off line and when a good connection comes along, it syncs then and there so you don't loose valuable time while on the plane for example.

In the end, definitely something you might want to look at. This was one of those things that I was hesitant to use but as soon as I did, I became an addict.

You can check out Microsoft Groove at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/groove/HA101656331033.aspx