MalekTips: 9-9-2004
 
Welcome to the latest issue of the MalekTips newsletter, providing computer and technology help and tips. We appreciate your subscription!
 
Read just some of what you can find by visiting the following web addresses:
 
* Still unsure about installing Service Pack 2 for Windows XP? Or have you installed the Service Pack but are running into difficulty? Either way, this newsletter has tips and information for you. Find out what can keep Service Pack 2 from installing correctly and what you can do about it. Plus, read about problems some people have after the upgrade and potential fixes.
 
* The latest version of the Windows Media Player software is out. Here's how you can download version 10. Plus, read tips on fixing possible annoyances during the upgrade. Shut down all other software during the upgrade. Enhance your privacy settings. Keep Winamp playing your MP3 files. And more.
 
* Another software package you may want to download in the fight against spyware and adware is Spybot Search and Destroy. This newsletter contains the download link plus various tips, including using advanced Immunization options, helping to prevent against malware ActiveX controls, and more.
 
* All this, plus tips for Word 2003, Outlook 2003, and advanced Google features, makes this a newsletter packed with help and information for you!
 
These tips and more, 35 in total, can be found below in the latest version of MalekTips - just access the links for the full tips. Enjoy! And remember - if you have a computer question, be sure to visit the MalekTips forums at http://www.malektips.com/forums
 
Andrew Malek MalekTips.Com
 
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* Recent MalekTips Front Page Stories *
 
9-7-2004: Printer Recall
 
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of several Lexmark, Dell, and IBM laser printers. Affected units include the following model numbers:
 
* Lexmark E232, E232t, E330, E332n, E332tn * IBM Infoprint 1412, 1412n * Dell 1700 and 1700n
 
The printers can potentially cause electrical shock. For more information, visit the CPSC or the following websites set up by the product manufacturers.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04211.
html
 
Link (External Site): http://recall.lexmark.com/
 
Link (External Site): http://www.printers.ibm.com/
 
Link (External Site): http://www.1700printer.com/
 
9-7-2004: WinZip 9.0 SR-1 Security Update
 
WinZip has released version 9.0 SR-1. This update patches several security vulnerabilities and adds minor improvements. According to security firm Secunia, this update affects WinZip 3.x - WinZip 9.x.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.winzip.com/wz90sr1.htm
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/12430/
 
9-7-2004: Winamp 5.05 Released
 
An upgrade to the multimedia player Winamp 5.05 has been released. Version 5.05 offers security bug fixes for the previously reported skin file code execution vulnerability.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.winamp.com/
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/12381/
 
9-4-2004: Hurricane Frances Live Video Stream
 
CBS 4 News (WFOR) out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, offered a live video stream during Hurricane Frances.
 
If you are able to help, the American Red Cross is taking donations for their Disaster Relief Fund.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.cbs4.com/
 
Link (External Site): http://www.redcross.org/
 
9-3-2004: Kazaa and Grokster Altnet Download Manager Vulnerability
 
Security firm Secunia has released information on a "Highly Critical" vulnerability with the Altnet Download Manager found in Kazaa. This buffer overflow vulnerability can result in a user's system being overrun. This program is also included in Grokster. The provided solution by Secunia is to remove the Altnet Download Manager ("adm.exe") or uninstall the file-sharing application using it.
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/12455/
 
Link (External Site): http://secunia.com/advisories/12446/
 
9-2-2004: Windows Media Player 10 (Final) Available
 
Microsoft has announced that the final version of Windows Media Player 10 is now available. This version includes a "streamlined design", links to several online music stores, enhanced device compability, more jukebox features, and more.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/sep0
4/09-02WMP10LaunchPR.asp
 
Link (External Site): http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10
/default.aspx
 
9-2-2004: IBM AC Adapter Recall
 
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, IBM is recalling ~ 225,000 AC adapters for various Thinkpad notebooks. The affected adapters can potentially overheat, causing a fire and shock hazard. According to the news release, "The recalled 56W AC power adapters were shipped primarily with IBM ThinkPad i Series, 390 and 240 Series, and s Series notebook computers. The adapters have three hollow pins at the AC inlet and part number 02K6549 on a label on the top of the unit. The IBM logo appears on top of the unit. Adapters with solid pins are not included in this recall." Visit the above link for more information, including how to obtain a replacement adapter.
 
Link (External Site): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04208.
html
 
* Tips! *
 
These tips are NOT available to the general public yet! You can find them here first in the MalekTips newsletter! Thanks for subscribing.
 
Google - Translate Pages or Text
Translate webpages or blocks of text using just the Google search engine.
 
Google - Search a University's Website
Get information from your local college or university using the Google search engine.
 
Google - Google as a Calculator
Calculate mathematical functions or convert measurements using the Google search engine.
 
Google - USA Airline Flight Information and Airport Weather
Find out if your airplane will arrive or depart on time using the Google search engine.
 
Google - What's on the Horizon in Google?
Access beta technology developed by the Google laboratories.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Toggle Updating Fields/Links When Printing
Automatically update your Word 2003 document's field codes (including the table of contents) before printing.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Go Metric
Force Word 2003's ruler to use metric measurements.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Save Document Properties on First Save
Force Word 2003 to ask you for extended document properties.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Automatically Print Document Properties
Print a copy of your Word 2003 document's extended properties to assist in filing hard copies.
 
Microsoft Word 2003 - Embed Fonts so Others Can View Your Document
Develop complex Word 2003 documents with multiple fonts that others can easily view.
 
Outlook 2003 Security and Privacy - View E-Mail Internet Headers
Help detect where unwanted e-mail in your Outlook 2003 Inbox is actually coming from.
 
Outlook 2003 Security and Privacy - Ignore all Read Receipt Requests
Prevent Outlook 2003 from asking you to respond to return receipt requests.
 
Outlook 2003 Security and Privacy - Read All E-Mail in Plain Text
Read Outlook 2003 e-mail in plain text to help avoid possible HTML rendering exploits.
 
Outlook 2003 Security and Privacy - Clear Out Your Trash
Permanently remove all items in your Outlook 2003 Deleted Items folder upon close.
 
Outlook 2003 Security and Privacy - Prevent New E-Mail Desktop Alert from Appearing
Prevent passer-bys from accidentally spotting new e-mail arriving in your Outlook 2003 Inbox.
 
Spybot Search and Destroy - Where to Download to Remove Spyware
Download Spybot Search and Destroy to help remove spyware and adware from your machine.
 
Spybot Search and Destroy - Always Check for Updates
Keep Spybot Search and Destroy updated with the latest spyware and adware definition files.
 
Spybot Search and Destroy - View Installed ActiveX Controls and Browser Helper Objects
Browse detailed information about ActiveX Controls and Browser Helper Objects running in Internet Explorer.
 
Spybot Search and Destroy - Immunize Against Spyware
Help prevent your machine from getting infected with spyware using Spybot Search and Destroy's Immunization feature.
 
Spybot Search and Destroy - Prevent Against Bad Internet Explorer Downloads
Help prevent Internet Explorer from downloading malware ActiveX controls with Spybot Search and Destroy.
 
Windows Media Player 10 Download and Upgrade - Where to Download Windows Media Player 10
Download and install the latest version of the Windows Media Player software.
 
Windows Media Player 10 Download and Upgrade - Shut Down Software When Upgrading
Shut down all software before installing Windows Media Player 10 to help ensure a smooth upgrade.
 
Windows Media Player 10 Download and Upgrade - Set Privacy Options During Upgrade
During the install procedure, help increase your privacy when using Windows Media Player 10.
 
Windows Media Player 10 Download and Upgrade - Keep Winamp Hooked to MP3s During Upgrade
Prevent Windows Media Player 10 from hijacking MP3 playback from Winamp.
 
Windows Media Player 10 Download and Upgrade - Prevent Extra Shortcuts When Upgrading
Prevent Windows Media Player 10 from adding Desktop and Windows Taskbar shortcuts you don't need.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - How to Download
How to download and install Windows XP Service Pack 2.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Plan for an Hour at Least
You'll need plenty of time to download and install Windows XP Service Pack 2.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Check for Spyware Before Updating
Clean your Windows XP machine of spyware before installing Service Pack 2 to help ensure a smooth upgrade. Here's how.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Update Software Before Installing
Update key software before installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 to help ensure a smooth upgrade.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Visit Computer Manufacturer Websites for Updates
Before installing Windows XP Service Pack 2, check your computer manufacturer for BIOS or driver updates. Here's a list of some popular PC manufacturer websites.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - List of Fixes
Browse through a list of fixes available in Windows XP Service Pack 2.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Software that Will No Longer Function
Browse a list of software packages that may no longer work when you install Service Pack 2 for Windows XP.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Computer Restarts Continuously
A UMAX scanner may prevent Windows XP from running smoothly when you install Service Pack 2.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Full-Screen Multiplayer Games Fail
Play a lot of multiplayer games on your Windows XP computer? Here's why some of them may fail after upgrading to Service Pack 2 and what you can do about it.
 
Windows XP and Service Pack 2 - Stop Firewall, Anti-Virus, and/or Automatic Update Alerts
Prevent the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Security Center from alerting you whenever it cannot detect the status of an older firewall or anti-virus program.
 
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MalekTips is published by Envision Programming:
 
Envision Programming attn: MalekTips PO Box 11592 Knoxville, TN 37939-1592
 
This issue of MalekTips is Copyright 2004 Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. All other copyrights and trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

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