E-Musings Mon Immorata

Mimail proves a damp squib, but what about other creepy-crawlies As I expected the Mimail virus epidemic didn't live up to the hype regarding the damage it would cause. The truth is any virus will damage your data. So you need to get on the bus, and install a good anti-virus software that scans your email as you receive, and send it. Luckily for consumers, the convergence between various categories of security software is happening today. There are several products that combine all three aspects into a single application. One is Trend Micro's Internet Security suite that I use at work (even though its now an expired beta copy). This $49.95 solution combines 4 utilities -- antivirus, firewall, spam filter, and spyware detector -- in a single suite. Having used the Beta version, I'm looking forward to upgrading to the full edition as a Christmas present to myself. Of course, as a Beta tester, I get a special discounted price! At home I continue to use Internet Security's predecessor twice-removed: PC-Cillin 2000. That's just this weekend updated both its core components (there's an updated engine) as well as its virus signatures. I have had no problems whatsoever with this software. And recommend it, and newer versions to anyone looking for a an excellent antivirus that also scans Web controls and downloaded files for viruses. PC-Cillin 2002/2003 both include a firewall. But I'm still using along with my ZoneAlarm 3.5 with a mail attachment checker. I'll upgrade once the new ZoneAlarm 4 builds stabilize. Total Commander 5.51 may be partially affected after you install the Windows 2000 Security Update #KB824141. Which is odd because my Quick Search function continued to work. Then I found the real reason (I think): the new v5.51a build locks out anyone using non-licensed copies. There are key generators available for TotCmd 5.51 and older. All you need to know is where to look. Anyway, if your existing version is mis-behaving, you could consider this upgrade. My favorite FTP program's just been nominated as SourceForge's Project of the Month (November). FileZilla 2.2.1a (1.8 MB, Windows, free) is a free, yet full-featured file transfer program that offers a site manager mode, multiple simultaneous transfers (I suggest not more than 3 connections unless you don't mind losing any bandwidth advantages), SSL and Kerberos GSS authentication/encryption, a fast throughput speed (even during poor bandwidth conditions), simple interface and even an ability to impose speed limits on date/time/weekday basis. There's also a separate FileZilla Server 0.8.7 (2.1 MB, Windows, free) available with user groups and speed limits that I sometimes deploy at work when I want to restrict access to my computer. For more on the how's and why, read here. Searching too seems to have become easier, with at least 3 separate free utilities available. First comes Google's Desktop Toolbar which lets you search from the desktop with results being displayed in a small pop up window. All without even opening your Web browser. I'd like this tool to also search local files too. In 2000, Altavista.com offered its Discover search utility that managed both online searches, and well as of your computer's file system. Unfortunately when the search engine changed owners the new site didn't support the software! Actually, Google's Desktop Toolbar is a revised version of Dave's QuickSearch Deskbar (DQSD). This nifty open-source software add itself to the Windows Taskbar. And you can search multiple engines (not just Google), get stock quotes, lookup word meanings, and there a clock, calendar and a calculator. DQSD 3.1.6 also includes add-in genealogy searches and also has a spell checker. Of course, as Dave and I both admit, Google's version is a lot faster, much better looking, and seems to manage system resources better. Still, if you'd like to push the search envelope, get a copy yourself. Of course, as a die-hard MyIE2 fan, I've always used Google as my default search engine. Even as Google's setup local re-directs, so requests for the main search engine page take you instead to the version for your country. This kind of hijacking is annoying, but is becoming a fact of today's World Wide Web. That's all I seem to have time for this week. But I'll be back next week with some insights on RSS, as well as a list of example feeds. Click Here to Email Me