The Mind Really Wants to Know

  
     
 

 
     
 

Check out my page on Phishing Emails Here

  
 

Computer Use

  
 

Disclaimer

  
            The answers given here are not the only answers available.  If you aren't sure of a situation or if you think you have a virus, don't mess around.  If you don't have the knowledge of a computer technician, you may want to seek the help of one.  Some simple viruses out there can delete or make un-usable all of your data including documents, pictures, programs, etc.  Viruses are not something to mess around with.  For those that have some computer knowledge, following the steps or links here can help you understand or learn about issues you may be experiencing on the computer.  I will try to update this as often as possible.  
     
 

Back to Tech Support                             More Questions

  
     
  Question   Answer  
  I am getting SPAM Emails from my own email address, and I know for sure I am not sending them, in fact they come from many different IP addresses   If you are getting emails that contain SPAM messages and the from email address is yours, check to see if any computers setup up with that email account is sending out messages, chances are they are not.  Also look at an expanded view of the header (full header view) to see what the IP address, verify it is not coming from your IP or the IP of your online Email account, if they are coming from different IP addresses, then the from address is being spoofed and chances are good that your are the only one getting SPAM from your address.  There are a couple of things you can do about, unfortunately none are acceptable alternatives;

Delete your current address and create a new one.  If you have your own domain, this can be fairly easy to do

  
         
 

Is it really necessary to keep up with all of the Microsoft Updates?

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

As much as you may hate them, YES!  But only if you connect to the Internet, and especially if you use a Broadband connection like DSL, Cable, Wireless or Fiber (a wireless connection to the Internet is not the same as using a wireless router).  If your computer never connects to the Internet, you do not need the updates because mainly they fix holes in the OS that allow hackers to take control of your computer, but again, that either requires the hacker to enter your house and have access to your computer, or be able to access it from the Internet.  If you use Dial-Up you should get the updates every time you connect, that will prevent being shut down because you didn't get the updates for a long time.  Another thing you can do is download the updates onto a CD ROM disk and install them from your CD drive, for large updates, this is a better way, especially if you have dial-up.

  
         
 

I use a Router and Cable Modem, do I need a Software Firewall also?

 

 

 

  

If you use a Router to distribute your Internet access to more than one computer, you really don't need a software firewall program.  Today's simple home network routers do a good job of hiding you from the Internet so that when you surf, no one can see you are there, except for some Web Sites that use cookies and you have your cookies enabled.  Drive by programs, bots that ping your IP cannot detect your connection.  A good way to determine this is with an online security test; Symantec's free Online Security Check, checks your exposure to many online threats.

  
         
 

I got an Email the other day which said it is from a friend and they have sent me a Greeting Card, should I click the link?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Absolutely NOT!  There is a very dangerous type of Email Spam going around called Phishing (fishing), which refers to getting you to click on a link to update your bank account, view a greeting card, log into Yahoo, etc.  If you get a lot of Spam, don't ever click on any links.  If the Spam Email has an attachment, do not open the attachment, however some viruses will try to install even if you don't try to open the attachment, therefore if you download and view your Email on your computer, make sure you have a Anti-Virus program that checks your computer in "Real Time" (real time is like right now, all of the time).  Some of the Email Spam you get can contain letters from someone asking you to help them get money and promise you a large reward if you help.  Read this article from Stephanie Cheng, a brave lady who actually communicated with one of these Scammers, view her Site Here and be sure to read the article CAUGHT ONE! at the bottom of her home page.  Thanks, Stephanie!

 

If you click on a link that sends you to a page that asks you to log into your Yahoo Account, even if it looks like Yahoo, Don't.  These Web Sites can grab your logon information then send you into the actual site, so you think nothing of it.  The same thing goes for a Bank Account update request.  Your Bank will never send you a request via Email to log into your Account and update your Banking information, Never, Ever.  Here's one from someone posing as Google's Gmail and more phishing information here!

  
         
 

I send Emails to my friends and family, I want them to enjoy the Emails I send and I don't want to annoy anyone, what can I do to make sure of this?

 

Proper Emailing Techniques - Steve Bass at PC World

 

 

 

 

 

  

I won't touch this, (much).  I will let a professional show you what is proper and what is annoying to writers and readers of Email.  I don't know about you, but I communicate better, more detailed, and more often by Email than if I had to rely on say my cell phone, fax machine, etc.  I'm not addicted, at least in my mind, but then again, I'm good looking, (in my mind).  Sometimes I come across as offending to my fellow employees at work.  I work remotely, (real remotely) and so I either use a communication tool like IM called Jabber, or Email, or the phone.  I would rather communicate with them via phone, except one, I seem to get more across, and less offending.  I am always looking for ways to write a better Email.  Sometimes I think straight to the point and it's done, my boss says send some flowers with that piece of coal.  There is a difference between offending and annoying.  It is best if you try to do neither.  Read what Steve Bass at PC World has to say by clicking here!  You can have this newsletter sent to you, click on the link at the bottom of the newsletter to add it if you already receive PC World newsletters, or to sign up go Here.