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Surfer Beware - Koobface Worm Targets Facebook Users
If you're on Facebook, be aware that a fast-spreading worm
called Koobface is targeting users and trying to steal personal information
such as credit card details. The Koobface worm sends a message to the
Facebook user, supposedly from a friend, that says things like "you look
funny in this new video" or "is it u there?" After clicking on
the video link, the user is asked to download the latest version of Adobe
Flash Player. Only after the user clicks on the fraudulent Flash update is
the Koobface worm installed.
Take a look at an example of a Koobface message below:
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This malware can then quickly seize credit card details in two ways - either
by waiting for the user to buy something online and remembering the details,
or by searching the computer for cookies from past online purchases.
With dozens of Koobface variants known to exist, security leader McAfee warns
that the situation may get worse before it gets better. Should your PC be
infected with the Koobface worm, Facebook suggests resetting your password
and running updated antivirus software to purge the worm from your system. To
learn more about security tips for Facebook users, go to http://www.facebook.com/security.
It's important to note that Koobface attacked MySpace users before moving to
Facebook, and has also jumped to the social networking site Bebo. All users
of such sites would be well advised to stay alert for suspicious messages.
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Happy New Year! Webster-Calhoun Announcements: Bill Insert And
Digital TV Conversion
Bill Insert
This month's bill stuffer includes information about a high school
scholarship, retransmission negotiations for cable TV, privacy information
and your account, as well as tips on winter weather and your telephone. If
you didn't see it with the bill, check it out online at www.wccta.net. Click on products and
services, then scroll down to the bottom for archive information.
The Digital TV Conversion Is Almost Here!
On February 17, 2009, analog TV broadcasting will end and programming will be
transmitted using digital signals. You do NOT need to take action if:
- You're currently receiving digital/cable TV service
from Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association or another cable
or satellite provider.
- You have a digital TV with a digital tuner. If you're
not sure, ask your electronics dealer or your TV's manufacturer.
However, if either
of the following situations applies to you, you'll need to take action prior
to February 17:
- You're currently using rabbit ears or outdoor
antennas to receive over-the-air TV signals.
- You have an older, analog-only TV. (If your TV is
more than 10 years old, it's probably not digital.)
What action do you
need to take? You have a few options. You can sign up for digital/cable TV
service, purchase a new digital-ready TV, or get a converter box for your
analog-only TV to allow you to receive digital signals.
For more details, visit www.DTV2009.gov
or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
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Ask The Help Desk - What Computer-related New Year's
Resolutions Do You Suggest?
Question: One of my goals for the New Year is to do a
better job of consistently taking care of my computer. Could you suggest some
good New Year's resolutions with respect to computer maintenance and
security?
Answer: Begin 2009 with a practical plan for computer maintenance,
then resolve to stick with it. Once you develop a routine, you'll be able to
avoid the big computer problems by staying on top of the little ones.
Make sure your plan covers the essential tasks including:
- Doing regular data backup
- Defragging your hard drive
- Updating your antivirus and spyware software
- Installing a firewall
- Updating and installing patches to your operating
system
- Regularly deleting your trash bin, temp files, and
any other files you no longer need
You may also want to
make a New Year's resolution to digitize important financial documents and
family photos and store them offsite for protection in case of a natural
disaster like flooding. Find out if a local provider offers remote online
backup, since these automatic services are often the most convenient option.
If you choose to put your files on a CD or DVD, keep one copy in a safe
deposit box and send another to a friend or relative in another state.
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Sites Of The Month - Great Sites To Check Out In January
Bad Credit Hotel
http://www.controlyourcredit.gov - This
site makes learning about credit fun with an interactive game set in the
spooky “Bad Credit Hotel.” The goal is to get to Room 850, representing a
perfect credit score. You can also simply view the information in standard
website format. Either way, you'll find out how to manage your current debt
(including a handy budget calculator), what you need to know about your
credit history and credit score, and why having good credit is beneficial.
Great Tips for Group Trips
http://www.triporama.com - If
one of your New Year's resolutions is to travel with a group of friends or
family, you'll want to visit this site. It has all the tools you'll need to
organize, plan, and finalize that girlfriend getaway or buddy trip. You can
send invites, create an itinerary, assign tasks, share online articles, and
post comments to settle on the details. Be sure to take advantage of featured
deals, and use the group travel guide to narrow your search.
Cute Overload
http://www.cuteoverload.com - Here
is one place you can go for a guaranteed smile in stressful times. Photos and
videos of adorable animals are posted, along with cute comments from
submitters and viewers. The site allows you to find your favorite kind of
cuteness by searching categories. In addition to checking out the photos, you
can browse for cute products, find a cute pet, get a daily cute e-newsletter,
and submit your own cute shots.
The Scoop on Soup
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/collections/healthy_soup_recipes.html - Looking
for a great way to stay warm this winter? This site provides healthy soup
recipes with a wide range of ingredients like vegetables, cheese, fish,
beans, meat, grains, and even fruit! Many of the recipes take 30 minutes or
less to prepare, and they all include nutrition information and
easy-to-follow instructions. Soup with a salad and bread makes a satisfying
meal, and leftovers can be used for easy lunches.
Train at Home
http://www.exerciseequipmentexpert.com - Maybe
you've decided that this is the year you'll shed those extra pounds, run that
marathon, or adopt a healthier lifestyle. This site provides useful
information if you're considering a home gym as part of your plan. A personal
trainer helps you navigate the waters of the exercise equipment industry, and
shares product reviews and equipment guides. You can also submit a question on
the “Ask the Expert” page to get advice for your particular home gym needs.
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Short Tutorial - Making Your ISP's Home Page Your Start Page
Making Your ISP's
Home Page Your Start Page Using ...
- Web Browser: Internet Explorer 7
- Computer Operating System: Windows XP or Windows Vista
1. With Internet Explorer open, click your
cursor arrow on the "Tools" button located at the upper right
corner of your screen on the Command Bar. Select "Internet Options"
from the resulting drop-down menu.
2. When the Internet Options window opens, make
sure the "General" tab is selected.
3. From the "General" tab under the
"Home page" section, hit the delete key on your keyboard to erase
the URL (Web address) that is currently listed. Then type or paste in the Web
address of your ISP.
4. Click on the "Apply" button and
then click "OK" to accept and save your changes.
Making Your ISP's
Home Page Your Start Page Using ...
- Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox
- Computer Operating System: Windows XP or Windows Vista
1. With Firefox open, click your cursor arrow
on "Tools" in the menu bar and then select "Options..."
from the resulting drop-down menu.
2. When the Options window opens, make sure the
"Main" tab is selected.
3. From the "Main" tab under the
"Startup" section, type in the Web address of your ISP in the
"Home Page:" field.
4. Click on the "OK" button to accept
and save your changes.
Making Your ISP's
Home Page Your Start Page Using ...
- Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox
- Computer Operating System: Mac OS 10.4
1. With Firefox open, click your cursor arrow
on "Firefox" in the menu bar and then select
"Preferences..." from the resulting drop-down menu.
2. When the Preferences window opens, select
the "Main" icon.
3. In the "Startup" section, type in
the Web address of your ISP in the "Home Page:" field.
4. To accept and save your changes, click on
the red circle in the upper left corner of the window to close it.
Making Your ISP's
Home Page Your Start Page Using ...
- Web Browser: Safari
- Computer Operating System: Mac OS 10.4
1. With Safari open, click your cursor arrow on
"Safari" in the menu bar and then select "Preferences..."
from the resulting drop-down menu.
2. When the Preferences window opens, select
the "General" icon.
3. In the "Home page:" field, type in
the Web address of your ISP.
4. To accept and save your changes, click on
the red circle in the upper left corner of the window to close it.
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We hope you found
this newsletter to be informative. It's our way of keeping you posted on the
happenings here. If, however, you'd prefer not to receive these bulletins on
a monthly basis, click here.
Thanks for your business!
Best regards,
WCCTA.net
A product of Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association
1106 Beek Street, PO Box 475
Gowrie, IA 50543-0475
Phone: 515-352-3151
(We have used our
best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein.
However, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any and all liability for any
loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or
omissions resulted from negligence, accident, or other causes.)
©2009 Cornerstone
Publishing Group Inc.
Trademarks: All brand names and product names used in this eNewsletter are
trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
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