MalekTips: 02-01-2005
 
Welcome to the latest issue of the MalekTips newsletter, providing computer and technology help and tips. We appreciate your subscription!
 
We have 30 new tips, found below in the latest issue of MalekTips, including:
 
* Do you use CDs and DVDs to backup your documents, music, or photographs? Think they will last forever? Think again. Read a study that discusses how long media should last and some tips that can help prolong the life of CDs and DVDs. Plus, learn why buying cheaper media might cause you to spend extra time burning CDs and DVDs.
 
* Beginner to digital photography? Don't try learning everything at once because there's much to know when it comes to composition, lighting, and advanced techniques. As you learn more about your digital camera, record your settings as you take photos so you can learn what works. This newsletter also includes some advice useful for even experienced digital photographers.
 
* This newsletter also includes tips for Adobe Reader 7.0 including how a configuration option may make PDFs easier to read on LCD monitors and laptops; information on Microsoft AntiSpyware features such as the Advanced File Analyzer and Internet Explorer Browser Helper Object (BHO) Viewer; Microsoft Word 2003 techniques such as how you can change styles on-the-fly; and where to download the RealPlayer 10.5 multimedia viewer and get updates.
 
Remember - if you have a computer question, be sure to visit the MalekTips forums at http://www.malektips.com/forums
 
Andrew Malek MalekTips.Com
 
* Tell a Friend! *
 
Don't keep all these great tips to yourself - be sure to tell a friend about what's available, at no cost, on MalekTips.Com, and please pass this newsletter along! Let them know they can sign up to receive notifications regarding new tips added to the site.
 
Point them to the following web address to sign up and read past newsletters online: http://malektips.com/maillist
 
* Recent MalekTips Front Page Stories *
 
1-31-2005: Apple the Top Global Brand, According to Survey
 
According to a survey done by brandchannel.com, Apple has supplanted Google as the "brand with the most global impact". Although this is just one survey, it does show the brand awareness Apple has created thanks to the popularity of its iPod music (and now photo) player.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.brandchannel.com/start1.asp?fa_id=248
 
1-31-2005: Mozilla, Firefox, Thunderbird Vulnerabilities
 
Security firm Secunia has reported several vulnerabilities in Mozilla (prior to 1.7.5), Firefox (prior to 1.0), and Thunderbird (prior to 1.0). These vulnerabilities can lead to spoofing attacks, remote downloading of malicious software, remote code execution, and more. Be sure to download the latest versions of the software from the Mozilla web site.
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/14017/
 
Link (External Site): http://www.mozilla.org/
 
1-28-2005: Andrew Malek Will be on Photo Talk Radio
 
I will be on Photo Talk Radio, "The Worldwide Voice of Photography", again this Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11a-noon EST (8a-9a PST). You can listen in by visiting "The Worldwide Voice of Photography", again this Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11a-noon EST (8a-9a PST). You can listen in by visiting http://www.phototalkradio.com. Plus, you can call-in and ask questions during the LIVE show free in the United States and Canada at 888-514-2100, or (toll call) 001-858-268-3068 from all other communities worldwide. The first three callers who go on the air will receive a copy of "The Joy of Digital Photography", courtesy of the author Jeff Wignall, plus a free LensPen cleaner.
 
If you can't listen in live, an archive of the show will be available.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.phototalkradio.com/
 
1-27-2005: Worm Alert
 
Anti-virus firm McAfee has raised a Medium Risk to worm W32/Bagle.BJ@MM. Distributed via mass-mailing and copying to shared folders, this worm also attempts to stop the running of various security-related programs such as McAfee and Norton's and opens up a remote-access (backdoor) component.
 
Update your antivirus definition files, and ALWAYS be careful of email with executable file attachments such as .exe, .scr, .com, and .cpl, even if you know the sender! Sender information can be forged by this and other worms/viruses.
 
Link (External Site): http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=desc
ription&virus_k=131351
 
1-26-2005: Mac OS X Security Update
 
Security firm Secunia is reporting about a security update for Mac OS X that fixes various vulnerabilities. If exploited, these vulnerabilities can lead to privilege escalation, DoS (Denial of Service) attacks, script attacks, website content spoofing, and more. Security Update 2005-001 can be downloaded at Apple's website.
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/14005/
 
Link (External Site): http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=300
770
 
1-22-2005: Photo Talk Radio Show Archive
 
Didn't catch Andrew Malek on Photo Talk Radio, "The Worldwide Voice of Photography"? You can listen to the episode in the Photo Talk Radio archive at Worldwide Voice of Photography"? You can listen to the episode in the Photo Talk Radio archive at http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=3242. Topics discussed on the show included how to care for and store a digital camera, digital night photography, archiving your pictures, transferring digital photos securely, and much more.
 
Plus, view a gallery of twelve photographs including downtown Manhattan, the oldest city in the country - St. Augustine, Chicago at dusk, scenes from the Smoky Mountains, and more.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.worldtalkradio.com/archive.asp?aid=3242
 
* Tips! *
 
These tips are NOT available to the general public yet! You can find them here first in the MalekTips newsletter! Thanks for subscribing.
 
Adobe Reader 7 - View Document Security Properties
Determine whether or not you can print, comment on, or extract information from a PDF document with Adobe Reader 7.
 
Adobe Reader 7 - Use CoolType to Make PDFs Easier to Read
Smooth the display of text in your PDF documents when viewed in Adobe Reader 7.
 
Adobe Reader 7 - Describe What All Toolbar Buttons Do
Make Adobe Reader 7 easier to use by labeling the toolbar buttons’ functions.
 
Adobe Reader 7 - Change Background Color in Full Screen Mode
Display PDF documents in full screen with a background color of your choice in Adobe Reader 7.0.
 
Adobe Reader 7 - Manually Check for Updates
Download security and performance updates to Adobe Reader 7.
 
CDs and DVDs - How Long Do They Last?
You may use CDs and DVDs to backup your information. Just how long will they last?
 
CDs and DVDs - Usage Tips for Longer Life
How can you handle and store CDs and DVDs to ensure a long shelf life?
 
CDs and DVDs - Don't Rely on the Operating System to Burn Media
Professional CD and DVD burning software may offer you many benefits not available with the base operating system.
 
CDs and DVDs - Media Speed and Cheaper CDs and DVDs
Ensure your purchased CD and DVD media speed match that of your burner.
 
CDs and DVDs - What is -R Versus -RW?
With CDs and DVDs, what is the difference between -R and -RW media? And what is -RAM?
 
Digital Photography - Don't Worry about Reciprocity Failure
Reciprocity failure is not a problem with long digital camera exposures - but noise can be.
 
Digital Photography - Sometimes Less is More
Digital photos can be too cluttered or 'busy'.
 
Digital Photography - Don't Try Learning Everything at Once
Learn a few digital photography techniques at a time and practice, practice, practice!
 
Digital Photography - Record Your Settings
Keep track of your settings as you try out new digital camera features.
 
Digital Photography - Focus on Objects Not in your Viewfinder's Center
How can you apply the 'rule of thirds' if the middle of your viewfinder or LCD is what's in focus?
 
Microsoft AntiSpyware - Remove Threats From Ignore List
Determine that ignored threats Microsoft AntiSpyware finds should actually be removed from your system?
 
Microsoft AntiSpyware - Advanced File Analyzer
Use Microsoft AntiSpyware to view detailed information about files and software on your system.
 
Microsoft AntiSpyware - View and Disable Internet Explorer Browser Helper Objects (BHOs)
Remove potentially dangerous Internet Explorer add-ins with Microsoft AntiSpyware.
 
Microsoft AntiSpyware - Don't Apply Updates without Notification
Force Microsoft AntiSpyware to only warn you of potential software updates without installing them automatically.
 
Microsoft AntiSpyware - View Running Processes
Microsoft AntiSpyware can show you what software is running on your system and let you disable potentially dangerous tasks.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Change Styles on the Fly
Update styles in your Word 2003 documents without going through multiple configuration screens.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Custom Spacing in a Paragraph
Add custom spacing options in your Word 2003 documents above and beyond merely single or double-spacing text.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - More Help for WordPerfect Users
Transitioning to Word 2003 from WordPerfect? Read online help to ease the changes.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Change the Draft Font
Quickly preview your Microsoft Word 2003 documents with fonts other than Courier New.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Preview Your Document as a Web Page
See how your Word document will appear over the Internet.
 
RealPlayer 10.5 - Where to Download
How to download the latest version of the free RealPlayer multimedia software.
 
RealPlayer 10.5 - Don't Add Desktop and Quick Launch Icons
Prevent the installation of RealPlayer 10.5 from cluttering your Desktop and Quick Launch bar with icons.
 
RealPlayer 10.5 - Send a Multimedia Clip's URL to a Friend
Easily let a friend know about a great multimedia file you played with RealPlayer 10.5 without retyping the URL.
 
RealPlayer 10.5 - Manually Check for Update
See if updates exist for RealPlayer that address performance, security, bug fixes, or new features.
 
RealPlayer 10.5 - CPU Sluggish When Playing Clips
Multitask better when RealPlayer is running.
 
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* Copyright Notice *
 
This newsletter can be redistributed, in electronic or print, provided that no changes are made to this document and this notice is left intact. If you wish to redistribute just pieces of this newsletter, such as certain articles, contact Andrew Malek for information.
 
MalekTips is published by Envision Programming:
 
Envision Programming attn: MalekTips PO Box 11592 Knoxville, TN 37939-1592
 
This issue of MalekTips is Copyright 2005 Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. All other copyrights and trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

Note that due to tip recategorization, some of the URLs mentioned in the newsletter may have changed. If you have any problems finding a particular tip, use the MalekTips "Search" feature to conveniently find what you are looking for.

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