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The following article brings out an important point about
maintaining your computer. I have seen so many computers out of date
in the area of updates. This is a serious issue today. Attackers are
invading computers at an astounding rate these days. The points Gina bring
out about security are so relevant it is scary. Please, if you get only one
thing out of this article get "security updates." Focus on
understanding the difference between a software update and a security
update.
To your success,
O'Lan Butler
Chief Computer Technologist
WHY CONSULTANTS DON’T TELL ABOUT COMPUTER SECURITY
Author: Gina Novelle
Article:
Copyright 07-2004 by Gina Novelle
Most people refuse to believe they need it. After all, their computer is
in their office or home and only turned on by them. They no longer use
diskettes and their e-mail is checked with the latest and greatest virus
checker.
Just try to advise your Boss, Mom, Dad, brother or sister that someone
could hack into their home or office computer and look at their files. Watch
their reaction. Most of them will say: "Well if someone really wants to
take the time to view my files, let them. I have nothing of value on that
computer anyway." This is the same reaction consultants receive from
clients.
So nothing of value is on your computer? What about Turbo Tax? If you did
your taxes last year, then your social security number is on your computer.
If you do online banking, then your bank account is on your computer. What
about your financial statement, your genealogy, your passwords? Oh, you have
passwords on your Accounting Files! Ha! Check out www.findpassword.com
So now let’s talk about the real world. Okay, a phone line, or DSL or
Cable line is a TWO WAY FLOW. There’s a key word here, a TWO WAY FLOW! Now
you think in a skeptic way, that this article is going to give you scare
tactics so it can sell you on the latest and greatest virus checker. Nope,
to plug the security leaks in your computer is absolutely free. You don’t
even have to pay for shipping, keep reading.
If it’s free, then why didn’t my computer consultant tell me about
it? You wouldn’t believe how many updates will need to be installed. My
Toshiba Windows XP system is barely 2 years old, and Windows had 49 + 18 + 2
updates. Why do I list them in that manner? First you must install the first
49, then another 18 are found, then an additional 2 more.
These are not just software updates, these are Security Updates. Now you
think there is no way; my machine would need all these updates. Besides how
bad could this security stuff be anyway? There’s that "I don’t have
stuff of value on my machine attitude again." Okay, with every security
patch, Microsoft has issued the following information:
"An issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to
compromise a computer running Windows and gain complete control over it. You
can help protect your computer by installing this update from
Microsoft."
Still don’t believe? Then see for yourself, and go to www.windowsupdate,
and view the updates you haven’t installed. But wait, there’s more! You
can order the CD for FREE, totally free; no shipping charges. Where? Go to
this website: http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp
I still didn’t fully answer why consultants don’t tell their
customers these updates exist. With each update, a client may experience a
change or problem. For example, when we installed the Security Update CD a
few weeks ago, we could no longer open e-mail attachments. On the web we
discovered that when the update installed, it also changed a setting in
Outlook Express under Tools, Options, Security. The update put a checkmark
on "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could
potentially be a virus." This little checkmark rendered several clients
unable to work, because they could no longer open any attachments, On
Microsoft’s website, this article appeared: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=329570
On another client’s machine, she could no longer open the database in
Versa Check Software. That company also had a patch to fix it. However, our
clients had to pay for our research to find and fix the problems the updates
created. Then it appears to a client, that their consultant has found a way
to "once again" hit their pocketbook. We are no longer heroes in
this industry. We have now become the villains in league with Microsoft.
This has led many consultants to a policy of "if they don’t ask, don’t
tell." But the real truth is: If you do not do the updates, then you
become a bigger victim, via a virus, or an identity theft victim! It’s
your choice!
About the author:
Gina Novelle writes computer How-To Manuals, is a graphic artist, and
program designer for Exclusive Markets in Las Vegas Nevada. Her company
sponsors the web site www.thirdpocket.com,
a support site for the self-employed. She has currently finished the book,
"Business Secrets Men Don’t Tell Women" revealing how women and
men view self-employment differently! This book is soon to be available at www.thirdpocket.com
E-mail: gina@exclusivemarkets.net
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