scottsimpson.net

OK, this isn’t a private broadcast network doing nice things for the community, but here goes with an announcement I think is worthwhile:

A major attack on several web servers has left them infected, and the can infect your computer if you’re running Internet Explorer under Windows.

If you want to read nerds talking about it, visit slashdot.org.

How do you protect yourself? Don’t walk in dark alleys alone at night. Or, do the following:

1. Visit Windows Update post haste and download the critical security updates.

2. Strongly consider changing browsers — there are a number of very fine web browsers out there that don’t have the security issues that Internet Explorer does. (Mozilla is a favorite in the tech community, and it runs much faster than IE.)
3. Make sure your virus software (you do have some, right?) is updated. It’s the best $30 (?) you’ll ever spend. Or, if you’re cheap or don’t trust big companies, put on your tinfoil hat and download AVG Antivirus. (It’s free)
4. For the long run, consider whether Windows is indeed what you need. Sure, I’m an Apple Zealot (Macevangelist, thank you…) but it’s starting to look like Microsoft is going to be having issues with security for the forseeable future. Consider an Apple when you buy a new computer. Consider putting Linux (don’t be afraid — it’s fun!) on your current computer. With both, you can do pretty much whatever you need to get done (word processing, spreadsheet, email, internet, etc.) The only real difference is that some of the latest, cutting-edge shootem-til-they-bleed video games don’t work on them. But that’s probably a good thing. And I’ve gone off-topic.
5. If you notice weird behavior (popup ads when you’re not browsing, pornographic links appearing on your desktop, $20,000 charges on your credit cards, smoke issuing from the disk drive), DON’T ‘JUST DEAL WITH IT’… call your tech-in-residence.

Now I just need to hire an actor and put that little flying star thing over his head with that ‘da DA da DAAAAA’ music…

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