BiggAndyy

I learned Outlook 2010 Conditional Formatting is COOL.

I learned the catchme virus is UNCOOL.  The new variant plays audio ads on your speakers from a iexplorer.exe task and redirects all your search links to random junk pages in the cloud.

I learned that standard ports AREN’T – (RDP usually listens on 3389… this time it was on port 49xx).  Had to examine registry key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TerminalServer\WinStations\RDP-Tcp\PortNumber

I learned that no matter how many times you tell a customer to email you for the fastest response time they insist on using the telephone, then wonder why it takes so long for a response.  Actually I already knew this, but for the customer that you have told 17 times, it always strikes them as surprising as a dog with a new water dish.

I learned Facebook isn’t alive (yet).

No, this isn’t an advertisement for insurance coverage against infections from malware, viruses and spyware. But protecting your system from infection is so easy a caveman could do it.

It is really as easy as 1 -2 -3. There are only 3 things to keep track of, and all of them offer automated programs to run in the background so all you need to do is allow permission for those programs to do their job.

Number 1: Windows Updates (if you are on a MAC why are you reading this blog???)
Schedule Windows to do automatic updates WHEN YOUR COMPUTER IS ON!  Years ago it made sense to turn off your computer when you were finished using it.  But today, to insure that you are receiving updates from Microsoft in a timely manner have your Microsoft Update run on Tuesdays (Patch Tuesday in geek-speek).

Number 2: Antivirus protection.  There are many antivirus scanners that real time monitor your system for malicious software and attacks.  Many are subscription based, many are free with a subscription option.  Choose one and USE IT.  Leaving your machine on is just more insurance that you receive updates to your virus definitions and keep the window of opportunity for a new exploit to attack your machine as small as possible.

Number 3: Java/Flash Updates.  Yes, the majority of exploits propagating across the interwebs today are being served up by unpatched or outdated Java and Flash plugins.  Both these have a TSR that receives information from their home base and ask the user to update to the latest versions.  USE THIS!

This will go a long way (even to you administrators) in keeping your machines healthy, fast, and trouble free.

Microsoft Software Update Website.

Avast Antivirus Website.

Java Website.

Flash Website.

A quick tip for those remaining workstations still on Windows XP.  Need to have administrator access but you are still logged in as the normal user?  Simple.

Create a desktop shortcut to CMD.EXE

Right click and select RUN AS… and select Adminsitrator

At the Command Prompt type EXPLORER and hit enter.

Presto!  You have an explorer windows with admin level rights.