Newsflash - patch for ie7 to be released today

Following on from the security special on Internet Explorer 7 on yesterday. Today Microsoft are to release a patch to fix the problems mentioned. It should be available on the Windows Update website later today: Weds 17 Dec. Remember other browsers are available, see previous post for details.

Internet Explorer 7 security special - Peter Levy Show 16 Dec 08

I was asked do a 'security special' on Tues 16 Dec, on the subject of a new flaw found in Internet Explorer 7 - the browser that most people use to get online. A security flaw had been reported that could compromise a computer if one of around 10,000 infected websites is visited. The flaw was apparently exploited by websites in China but like these things normally do, it could spread globally. Microsoft have been working urgently to fix this flaw. Users are recommended to use an alternative browser such as Firefox, or Opera or Safari, or the new one from Google called Chrome. These are all available to download for free and do not require any other set up after normal installation.Download from: www.mozilla.org, www.opera.com, www.apple.com/safari or www.google.com/chrome

Radio Humberside Lara Show 05 Nov 08

Keyboard Shortcuts: Today we talked about useful keyboard shortcuts. Why not make use of that mysterious 'Windows' key, that sits next to the Ctrl key on your keyboard. Press it once to bring up the Start Menu, but it can also perform some useful functions when combined with other letter keys. For instance, hold down the Windows key and press E to open My Computer, or press F to open Find. Another rarely used key called 'Alt' can be combined with the Tab key to toggle between applications that you have open on your screen. If you use Windows Vista you can go one better and hold the Windows key and press Tab to have the applications rotate in the middle of the screen in 'picture form'.

TO DOWNLOAD OUR HANDY SHORTCUT CARD, CLICK HERE!
For anyone that doesn't want to download, just send an sae to our address shown on the first page of our site.

Today with Lara we also talked about mobile broadband, the catchphrase being 'dongles' which is basically the little piece of equipment that plugs into your computer and gets you online using mobile networks. You can sign up for mobile broadband with any of the major networks. Call into one their stores or go online for details. Prices start from around £10 per month.Importantly check coverage in the area you want to use it, and the return policy if you find it not satisfactory.

Internet Security Breakfast Special

Humberside police have reported how local businesses are being targeted by criminals and fraudsters, Andy Comfort's breakfast show on BBC Radio Humberside invited Richard Mills in to talk on the security aspects of this...

Anyone using a computer on the Internet. particularly for business, should do a 1-2-3 security check
Updates / antivirus / firewall

Make sure you are getting the latest security updates for your software, mainly Windows and Internet Explorer, or other browsers such as Firefox and Opera.

Ensure your anti virus (and anti spyware) programs are up to date and working. It is no good having one that came with the computer 3 years ago, if you haven't paid a subscription to update it.

Firewall - make sure you have on - either Windows own one, which should be switched on by default (check in Control Panel), or get proprietary one from another supplier

If your computer is not secure, it is like leaving the front door open to anyone that wants to come in and help themselves.

Do an audit of your equipment, particulalry if you are running a business, you shouldn't be using a 7 year old computer, or one you acquired from someone else, or even the home PC that the whole family uses to downloads all sorts.

Wireless networks: if you have one make sure it is secured (encrypted) there are plenty that aren't! Look in the wireless connection utility (in Windows) and see what the name of your network is (don't use your own name) and whether it says 'Secured'. If not, get it secured asap, or someone else could be using it, or even getting into your PC!

BBC Radio Humberside Q&A

Q: Janet is having problems playing DVDs on her computer. When she tries to play a DVD, a message is displayed saying "DVD Decoder not found".

A: Richard said that the problem is most likely to be that Janet has lost the program that plays DVDs. There are lots around, such as CyberLink and Power DVD that can be purchased and downloaded from the internet. The decoder is the piece of software that plays the DVD to the screen. Richard suggested checking the discs that were supplied with the computer and re-installing the DVD playing software.

Richard noted on the show that there are a lot of fake anti-virus programs that are being circulated at the minute, for example WinAntiVirus or VistaAntiVirus. Even though these programs seem to be a good thing to have, they are infact the opposite. He suggested getting your PC checked out by a professional if you have such programs on your computer, before they do any damage!


Q: Harry said his internet connection had dropped to around 4Mbps from a usual speed of around 7Mbps.
A: Richard said that this could be a problem with your internet service provider. Mbps stands for "Mega-Bytes Per Second", and is a measure of the speed of your connection. This figure is affected by many variables, such as the distance from the telephone exchange, the type and condition of telephone wire you use, and the router/modem you use to connect to the internet.
However, because this figure has changed recently, this is most likely to be a problem with your ISP, and suggested getting in touch with them. It could be that they are working on your telephone exchange or cables in the area, which can affect internet speed.

Q: Steven has upgraded his package with Karoo, and installed it ok. They are now having problems with their PC after the power cable became unplugged whilst the PC was on.

A: Richard said that this was probably due to Windows experiencing an improper shut-down. This could have corrupted the Windows files on your computer, and may need re-installing. Richard suggested seeking professional computer help regarding this issue.

Q: Chris texted into the show, saying that he had mobile broadband as BT won't install a permanent broadband network in his small village. He asked if there was any way of raising the issue with BT to possible make them install a network in his village.

A: Richard suggested that mobile broadband is the best option for you, until a network is installed, which can sometimes take a while. The best way to hurry the process of getting a network installed in your village is to register your details with BT, and get your fellow Villagers to do so, and if there is enough interest then BT are more likely to install a network.

Radio Humberside Q&A

Q: Don had a new hard drive in his PC, so had re-installed Windows XP. Now when online, he found he could not get into any Microsoft websites.

A: Richard suggested this was a Microsoft Activation problem. XP normally has to be activated every time it is installed, this is an anti-piracy measure. You can get to Activation by clicking on Start, Accessories, System Tools and Product Activation.


Q: Brian had a problem with Internet Explorer 7 'hanging' or 'freezing'.

A: Richard said that this was a fairly common problem with this version of IE7 as it included so many add-ons (other programs integrated within it) that often conflict or sometimes stop working. To check if this is the case try a different browser like Mozilla Firefox, or the new Google Chrome. If you find they work normally on the same sites, you can try configuring IE7 by opening it and going to Tools and Manage add-ons.