Computer Info – February 4th, 2004

 

This Week’s Meeting

            We will again start with a question and answer session followed by a helpful tips when using PowerPoint  ---  AND I have loaded it on the laptop.

            The next meeting will be February 18th, 2004 – and John Watkins will be here from England.

 

Automatic Updates – Windows XP

            Automatic updates allows your Windows XP operating system to download and install the critical security patches that are released by Microsoft.  If you would rather do this yourself at a convenient time (if you are on a dial-up internet service, you would probably want to do this) – you can turn this feature off.

            From CONTROL PANEL – choose SYSTEM.  Next choose the AUTOMATIC UPGRADES tab.  To disable this feature, remove the checkmark in front of KEEP MY COMPUTER UP TO DATE – or leave the checkmark there and place a checkmark next to NOTIFY ME BEFORE DOWNLOADING ANY FILES.

 

Windows Updates

(Info from Smart Computing – March 2004)

            On April 16, 2003, Microsoft issued a critical Windows XP security patch numbered 811493.  It was intended to fix a problem called buffer overrun – but many users who installed the update found they had another problem – their computers started running very slowly.  On May 28, 2003, Microsoft issued a corrected version of the patch (811493) along with the news that users who didn’t share their computer with others, didn’t need to install the patch in the first place.

            Don’t be an early update adopter.  One of the best things about the Internet is the speed with which it spreads bad news about software.  So when an update becomes available, wait a week or two before installing it.  Then check the Web for comments and complaints by users and check Microsoft’s Web site for follow-up information.  If you don’t see any tales of woe, go ahead and install the update.

            This also means that you can not use the Automatic Windows Update feature of Windows XP. 

            Starting this year, Microsoft is slowing the update pace to one per month – this will mean that you have time to wait a week or two before installing an update and not worry about other updates stacking up behind it.

            Don’t rely on Microsoft’s “critical” or “recommended” designation; make the decision yourself based on the information provided.  Be sure to give particular scrutiny to updates that can’t be uninstalled.  Though coined decades before Bill Gates was born, the maxim “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” may be more applicable to Microsoft Windows than to any other mechanical or technological phenomenon.

            In virtually every case, a driver you download from the device manufacturer’s Web site is preferable to one Windows Update provides.

 

Recording time on DVD

            DVD recording has different recording modes like XP, SP, LP, and EP.

XP (High quality – Fine)

            This is the highest quality recording mode that takes the most amount of storage space and gives the shortest recording time. On a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM/DVD-R it occupies approximately 1 hour of recording time.

SP  (Standard)

            This is the standard recording mode that gives adequate quality and recording time. On a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM/DVD-R it occupies approximately 2 hours of recording time.

LP (2X)

             This is known as the LONG recording mode that degrades picture quality but gives a lot more recording time. On a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM/DVD-R it occupies approximately 4 hours of recording time.

EP (3X)

            This is known as EXTRA LONG recording mode it reduces picture quality to a higher extent then the LP mode and gives more recording room. On a 4.7 GB DVD-RAM/DVD-R it occupies approximately 6 hours of recording time.

 

Networking Terms

Gateway

            It converts data from one protocol to another.  Gateways transfer data among networks that use different communications protocols. 

 

Hotspot

            Hotspots are locations that provide wireless Internet service via a wireless access point.  They are usually in populated public areas, such as a town square or downtown area, as well as at hotels and airports.  In some instances, users may have to pay for access, whereas there are other hotspots that provide free access.

 

Hub

            A device that connects two or more network devices so they can communicate.

 

Router

            The part of a communications network that receives transmissions (information) and forwards them to their destinations using the shortest route.  A router is a more complex and slightly slower mechanism than a switch.

 

Switch

            It governs signal flow within a network.  It forwards and filters packets of information between LAN segments.

 

Wardriving

            The practice of driving around in a vehicle equipped with WLAN-capable computers and equipment and fishing for WLAN signals.

 

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

            WEP is a security algorithm in the 802.11 wireless standard that’s specifically designed for wireless networking.

 

Security for Wireless Networking (WLAN)

            You are more likely to be victimized at a hotspot (a public venue, wuch as an airport, library or coffee shop that offers wireless internet access).  A cracker can park outside a coffee shop (or sit just a few tables away) a lot less conspicuously than he can park outside your home.  Here are a few tips that you can use to protect yourself.

            Turn off all file and print sharing.

            Turn on your firewall.  Ideally, at a hotspot you should use a third-party firewall, such as ZoneAlarm Pro, that detects attempted scanning of or access to your computer.

            When not surfing, pop out your wireless card.  If you are using a notebook equipped with Centrino or other built-in wireless technology, check your users guide to learn how to temporarily disable it.