Better Safe Than Sorry

Internet Explorer 8 Zero-day Exploit

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:48:38 -0400

Microsoft has released a "Fix-it" (because calling it a "patch" sounds icky?) for a zero-day flaw in its Internet Explorer 8 browser. This flaw is being addressed by Microsoft but until the next security updates are released this is your best bet to avoid being a victim.

Go here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140 and scroll down to the Fix-it ENABLE icon - click on this icon,...

1234

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:34:40 -0400

An anonymous individual has taken the time to run a limited test to see how many devices (routers, printers, PC's, laptops, etc.) connected to the Internet are still set with their default password. The answer? Too many! The Abstract is here. So, always always change the default username and password for every device you own. It should be a minimum of eight characters that...

Gutenberg.org Integrates Dropbox

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 12:39:18 -0500

Project Gutenberg has added support for Dropbox. Now you can click an icon while visiting Gutenberg and the e-book will automagically appear in the Dropbox folder under /Apps. If you read your e-books in a variety of places (PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone or dedicated e-book reader) this can make your e-library another cloud syncing wonder.

Twitter Hack and Java

Sat, 02 Feb 2013 20:19:48 -0500

The recent hack of Twitter appears to have been accomplished via some Java exploit. The insecure nature of Java is well known and unless you specifically require Java your best practice is to uninstall it via the Control Panel under Windows. If you do require Java you need to uninstall the Java plugin for browsers. Check out 'ole Krebs on Security for...

A hot CPU is an unhappy CPU

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 11:31:54 -0500

Every so often it is a good idea to crack open the case on your desktop computer and vacuum the accumulated debris from the motherboard. Always unplug the power cord first. Use of the crevis or brush attachment is highly recommended to lessen the chance of damage. A can of compressed air is also an excellent tool to remove crud from hard to access nooks and crannies.

A...