Info Manager

Info Manager for August 25, 2003

[*]   Create a Mail rule to block the w32.sobig.f spam worm

[*]   Our problems could be So Big

[*]   Good School / Bad School

[*]   Not using Macs causing more jobs to go overseas?

[*]   Computer World tells IT to look closer at Mac OS for servers

[*]   FDA Tips for Nonprescription Children

[*]   Shareware turns Nokia 3650 into 'universal remote'

[*]   16 states enact anti-spam laws so far this year

[*]   Voice recognition gets better

[*]   Want to set up a private BBS system?

[*]   (FW) Give me a break!

[*]   (SW) Graphics AND MP3 Stitching

[*]   Transparent Window Envy?

[*]   Alternative to Sherlock?

[*]   PowerBooks called too fragile?

[*]   Games: Think More, Twitch Less

[*]   (SW) Keeping your desktop clean has never been so easy!

[*]   Mac OS X OpenOffice due date announced

[*]   Dr. Bob Sez: "Back'em up or lose'em"

[*]   Now Software Closes Minneapolis office

[*]   Need a driver for that device?

[*]   .Mac users to get iSinc training

[*]   Quotes: Pope; Emerson and Kleiser
 

Create a Mail rule to block the w32.sobig.f spam worm

MacOSX Hints quotes Andrew Stone, who sent in a rule to use in Mail that helps deal with the w32.sobig.f worm that's currently making the rounds of Windows machines. They list the complete rule. It will handle the vast majority of these worms for now. It does seem to mutate and change subjects. Unfortunately, the rule seems to be such that it could also catch a lot of legitimate mail. Fortunately, it is set to deactivate on September 10.
To read more about the worm go to Symantec at:
http://www.sarc.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sobig.f@mm.html

Fred Comments: MacOSX Hints may 'filter' but they won't 'block'
We have to be careful about what terms we use for our information these days, because already people have a totally wrong conception of "blocking" spam and/or virus/worms. This misinformation gives everyone a false sense of security. One hard and fast rule: if it makes it to your machine, it's too late, it cannot be "blocked". Blocking occurs at server level, and where on the server or router it gets block will determine whether or not the end user will be affected.
      The computer community has already been made too complacent about spam by the anti-spam software companies (those who make "blocking" software) and other white-collar extortionists. Even if you no longer see it, if you had to install software to intercept it on your local machine, it wasn't blocked, and the software is a useless waste of money. With that said, let me add the following:

Our problems could be So Big

The current plague of the "SoBig" worm is no trivial problem. It is not a Mac problem, or a Windows problem -- it's everyone's problem. About 30% of InfoManager readers are Windows users, and they are the ones immediately at risk-- for now. Many more of our readers who use Macs at home or at school, use Windows at work. However, the w32.sobig worm began back in January and in each progressive version we've see a substantial increase in maturity and sophistication. This month's version ("f") has an actual mail server built in -- complete with more heavily constructed and encrypted code which sends more sophisticated commands. The commands weren't known until Friday at 3PM when infected test machines at MessageLabs (running Microsoft Windows) began trying to download a program, and send email. Engineers say it will try until about 6PM, then stop and try again one Monday. (Today)
      On Tuesday I released a memo via the InfoManager's list that the worm is tied to spammers. Then in a Reuters story Sunday, my suspicions were confirmed by a number of experts who now agree that Sobig.F was designed to turn computers into spam relay machines. (Additional reporting by Eric Auchard, Kenneth Li and Derek Caney in New York, Tim McLaughlin in Boston, Jim Christie and Andrea Orr in San Francisco and Bernhard Warner in London)
      Thursday, internet service provider Easynews.com in Phoenix, Arizona was identified by the FBI as the origin of the worm, and was visited on Friday by an FBI agent with subpoena. An FBI spokesman indicated they are working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the case.
      We had better get wise about such email terrorist activities. Sobig is nothing but a "Proof of Concept" test to fine-tune the capabilities of the worm. The possibilities for really destructive versions seem inevitable. Each new version has improved upon the last with faster deployment, more complicated instruction sets, and tougher encryption. We have to ask what might be the programmer's desired goal in terms of performance, and what future surprises may be in store with the advent of Sobig G. and beyond
      I believe very strongly that Mac users should count their blessings that Apple only holds about an 8% market share. This is way too small of a target to inspire hackers and worm/virus programmers. So for the time being, Mac users are safe. That doesn't let them off the hook however from being well informed, and from helping inform others in their communities.
      As we saw in the recent "Blackout of 2003" it doesn't take much to bring mechanized society to a screeching halt. I'm not saying a worm or even a computer caused that -- because that's child's play compared to what the worm is capable of doing right now.
      After today's results I'll be posting a complete story with all links and references at the AACUG SafeNet site.
http://www.aacug.org/safenet/sobig.html

Good School / Bad School

Robyn L. Minor, of the Bowling Green Daily News passed along this tail of two city's schools...
      The Bowling Green City Schools began having serious problems Wednesday, when the Nachiworm began shutting down computers equipped with Windows 2000 and Windows XP until the entire network was crippled. Warren County schools, on the other hand, werenÕt affected, according to Warren's Technology Coordinator Pat Stewart, because they use Apple computers, which have been immune thus far to the viruses.
      Does that tell you something? Which platform is your school system running?
http://www.bgdailynews.com/

Not using Macs causing more jobs to go overseas?

Robert Cringely in his weekly column not only points fingers at the IT professionals for not using Macs in order to maintain their jobs, but pretty much says that doing so is causing jobs to move to overseas areas. (We had often heard and thought that about the use of Windows over Mac in the past, but hadn't thought about the fact that the less efficient Windows group is now forcing companies to take their resources to India. Full article at: http://www.pbs.org

Computer World tells IT to look closer at Mac OS for servers

In an article entitled "Mac Myths and IT", Michael Gartenberg tells the readers of Computer World that they should consider Macs as an alternative to Windows servers. Full article at:
http://www.computerworld.com/

FDA Offers Tips for Giving Nonprescription Medicine to Children

The tip that the FDA sent out to me:
      "When giving over-the-counter medicines to children, read the drug's label carefully to make sure you are giving the right amount of the right medicine, FDA urges. The agency has a new website that lists 10 tips to help ensure that there's no guesswork when administering medicine to kids. The site, which also includes a recommended childhood immunization schedule, is available in PDF format at http://www.fda.gov/sickkids.pdf or as an online brochure in text form at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/sickkids.htm

Shareware turns Nokia 3650 into 'universal remote'

MacCentral is telling about a shareware program, Veta Universal and a freeware program, Romeo that allows you to turn your Nokia 3650 mobile phone into a universal remote control for your Mac. Apparently both will run iTunes, Quicktime Player, DVD Player and Keynote presentation program on your Mac. The later could be pretty useful for presentations. Romeo adds the ability to act as a mouse or a volume control.
Get the software at http://veta.irowan.com/ and
http://www.irowan.com/romeo/

16 states enact anti-spam laws so far this year

Internet Retailer talks about the fact that so far this year, 16 states have enacted new anti-spam laws. (About 30 states that have introduced legislation to curb unsolicited commercial and other forms of bulk e-mail.) That brings the number of states with anti-spam laws to 35, says Pam Greenberg, program manager for the National Conference of State Legislatures. It really appears to be working doesn't it?
      IR does make a good point that the "bad" spammers will ignore the law and use foreign or rerouted addresses. And advertisers who do have a relationship with a user will find themselves filtered out because they will obey the laws. Full story at:
http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=10032

Voice recognition gets better

MacSpeech has announced an update to iListen 1.6.2 - with new support for Desktop Microphones. This free update adds support for a desktop microphone - the Telex M 560 USB Digital Desktop Microphone, and has instituted "Acoustic Directional Processing"(TM) technology that is critical for accurate results with speech recognition software.
Now, if they'll just put all that into the next iPod, I'll buy one! Read more at:
http://www.aacug.org/MUG/2003/ilisten.html

Want to set up a private BBS system?

Haxial software has announced KDX, a powerful "BBS"-style (Bulletin Board System) encrypted internet communications system that provides chat, messaging, news, file and folder transfer, remote access, trackers and more. It uses strong encryption to protect your communications for security and privacy. It is particularly useful for groups that need to collaborate on a project via the Internet.
http://www.haxialsoftware.com/products/kdx/

(FW) Give me a break!

Since it's very easy to fall into bad habits when using a computer for hours on end -- try this free Mac OS X application to remind you to take regular breaks. You care about what you are doing, so can sometimes push yourself too far, or over-strain yourself. The human body isn't built to sit in one position for endless hours, gripping a mouse or typing on the keyboard. Dejal Time Out! is here to help. read more at:
http://www.aacug.org/MUG/shareware/dejal.html

(SW) Graphics AND MP3 Stitching

File Stitcher, a MacOS X utility that gives users an easy way to merge files together, now has an MP3 edition that does the same for your Music files! Simply drag and drop files onto the File Stitcher icon and click the button in the main window. Both Image and MP3 stitchers are shareware, and you can get the whole story at:
http://www.aacug.org/MUG/shareware/stitcher.html

Transparent Window Envy?

A lot of Windows users have become so envious of the Mac's effeminate new OS X interface and features they're looking for ways to make their '80s technology look like Mac! Yesterday we received a press release from "Actual Tools" for its new "intriguing Windows shell enhancement novelty" Transparent Windows. Obviously some developers see OS X's features as something more valuable than "eye candy"! If you want transparent windows for your Windows machine, ActualTools.com has it, it runs under Windows 2000/XP, and it will cost you twenty bucks:
http://www.ActualTools.com/

Alternative to Sherlock?

I want a Find-File utility that checks for updates over the Internet and finds files, folders or contents in any file WITHOUT the need for indexing. I need a case sensitive file finder, or one where I can do really insensitive searchs -- Boolean operators, wildcards and searching for phrases. Most of all, I'd like to see the location of each item in a separate column and even see invisible items or items within packages. Impossible you say? Take a look at:
http://www.aacug.org/MUG/shareware/devon.html

PowerBooks called too fragile?

Yes, we've heard it again and again. While Titanium is an incredibly strong metal, when used in very thin gauges, it offers little structural stability. If you're in a situation where you have to take that PowerBook along -- but can't be concerned about babying it -- check out the new hard-case Compushells. These industrial grade enclosures give you "Vault like" full-time protection, ergonomic tilt, improved cooling, superior impact resistance and also eliminates PowerBook frame flex. They hold your Powerbook full-time, providing use of all the ports and drives, right in the case. It's ideal for doing field work, or using the PowerBook in potentially dangerous environments. (Like on vacation with the kids!) Protect your investment! See:
http://compushell.com/

Games: Think More, Twitch Less

MacPlay is preparing to launch 3D strategy/programming game MindRover (September 15, 2003) and Mac gamers can pre-order it now.
      The action takes place in a research station on the ice-locked moon Europa, where the gas giant Jupiter dominates the sky. Players build robotic "rovers" with parts found in the lab and program the machines for a variety of behaviors. They then pit their creations against each other in one of four types of competitions: races, sports, battles, and puzzles.
http://www.macplay.com/

(SW) Keeping your desktop clean has never been so easy!

Not all of us clean up after ourselves, sometimes we leave downloaded files and documents cluttering up our desktop for weeks and never get around to moving them. Now you don't need to worry about it, MacMaid will do the cleaning for you! Read more at:
http://www.aacug.org/MUG/shareware/macmaid.html

Mac OS X OpenOffice due date announced

In a note posted on the OpenOffice web site, it is stated that a version that takes full advantage of OS X will not be available before 2006. That sounds like a long way off, but it will be version 2.0 which won't be available for most other platforms until mid 2005. So it will happen for Mac about 9 months later. See The Register for full story at:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/4/32436.html

Dr. Bob Sez: "Back'em up or lose'em"

In his Houston Chronicle column Bob LeVitus (Dr. Bob) said:
"It happened to me just a few days ago. I walked in one morning to find my Mac totally crashed. I couldn't move the cursor, force quit, or use the keyboard, so I pressed the reset button and hoped for the best. Alas, it refused to even recognize my internal hard drive, much less boot from it"
      He recommends Dantz Development's excellent Retrospect as a life saver. Follow along as he tells why:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.hts/business/2060220

Now Software Closes Minneapolis office

According to MacMinute news, Now Software, makers of the popular Now Up-to-Date & Contact has closed their Minneapolis, Minnesota office, laying off all employees. They are expanding their Columbus [Ohio] office, and tightening their belts. A strong indication that PIM/PDA software different from those bundled with the PDA devices may be on a spiral to extinction. http://www.nowsoftware.com/

Need a driver for that device?

Then Langalist* turned me on to the DriverGuide.com. It provides drivers for 10,000 devices. However for the most part it is for the older ones. Newer ones should still be available at the manufacturer's web site. See it at: http://www.driverguide.com/

.Mac users to get iSinc training

Apple's iSync product team will be offering .Mac members the opportunity to ask questions and get help in a live training session on Sept. 9, from 6PM PT/9PM ET. This is your chance to hear directly from the people who designed the product. By registering in advance, you'll be able to submit questions beforehand as well as during the online session. To attend, you are required to sign up: http://www.mac.com/1/focuson/isync.html

Quotes: Pope; Emerson and Kleiser

"A man should never be ashamed to say he has been wrong, which is but saying in other words that he is wiser today than he was yesterday."
      - Alexander Pope

"Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy."
      - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"It is often better to have a great deal of harm happen to one than a little; a great deal may rouse you to remove what a little will only accustom you to endure."
      - Grenville Kleiser

 
      pau

 

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Also see: MUG NEWS bursts from the AACUG Mac User Guide (MUG)

Note: Features schedule

The InfoManager invites user groups to use his column in full or in pieces in their newsletter. Or add a link to their web site. He would appreciate word that you are doing so however and if you can, please send a pdf version of the newsletter for his perusal. Or provide him with a link. The address is InfoManager@user-groups.net. You can also use that address for feed back.
Note: Features schedule
1st Monday Vendor of the Month; (VOM)
2nd Monday "InfoManager's Humble Opinion (IMHO);
3rd Monday TBA (What would you like to see?)
4th Monday: User Group Tips. (Send them in)
5th Monday: Nothing extra - my day of rest. ;-)
Of course I could make adjustments to this schedule as I see fit and will take suggestions. Have a great week! Note: In light of the new AACUG MUG tabloid publication, I may be changing the above schedule. Please send me your input.
Pau

The Info Manager is a veteran of the UGN (AOL User Groups Forum) and User Group Network. He's been a supporter and volunteer on many, many UGNet and User Group Academy projects. As a long time user group member, he's served as volunteer from Honolulu to Boston and many points in between. Currently working with the Apple Corp of Dallas, the Dallas Mac Pack, Cowtown MUG of Ft. Worth and TUMS (the Tulsa Users of Macintosh Society) doing newsletter articles and the monthly CD-ROM Update. Post a lead Info Manager should follow up on.

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