Maki & Brian DeLaet EduCyber founders

October 2004 EduNotes

EduCyber is pleased to present the October edition of EduNotes. This month we bring you up-to-date on what you can expect from Windows XP Service Pack 2, take the confusion out of understanding spyware, and give our thoughts on printing digital photos. Enjoy and as always, send feedback to edunotes@educyber.com .

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Service Pack 2 for Windows XP
Service Pack 2 for Windows XP was released in August. We've tested it on several different PC's and have only had a few minor problems. Our current recommendation is to install this service pack UNLESS you run some kind of proprietary software (i.e. special database or accounting software) and the manufacturer's website indicates there may be problems. In most cases, if there are issues with programs, the manufacturer has already created and posted a software update on their web site.
One of the best features that comes with this service pack is the new Security Center control panel that brings into one location the ability to manage your Internet Options, Automatic Updating, AntiVirus program, and the newly strengthened Windows Firewall.
The only surprise we've run into so far is being asked to Block or Unblock an application the first time it is run after the SP is installed. If you have attempted to run an application, like Word or Quickbooks, and are prompted to either Block or Unblock, you will probably want to Unblock it or the application may not function.
Another feature that many people like is the pop-up blocker. Almost since it was created, we have recommended the Google toolbar, almost as much for its built in pop-up blocker as for its search functions. Now you no longer need a third party pop-up blocker as the service pack includes a pop-up stopper that effectively stops most pop-up windows. As with most of the new features, the pop-up blocker is turned on by default. To modify your pop-up settings, click on Tools and then Pop-Up Blocker. You can override the blocking of pop-up (and thereby allow the popup window) by pressing the CTRL button when clicking on a link.
There are many other ins and outs of this service pack. For more information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx.

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Spyware Explained
If you've been on the Internet at all of late, there is a strong probability that your computer has been compromised with spyware. And you ought to be concerned about it as your privacy could be at risk.
But just what is spyware and why ought you be concerned?
Webopedia.com (my favorite online technology dictionary) defines spyware as “Any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes.” Another term for spyware is adware.
While the typical purpose may be for advertising, there are far more nefarious purposes for some of these spyware programs, such as keystroke logging.
Imagine your computer is running one such program while you conduct your online banking. The next thing you know, your bank account is empty and the bank can verify that your username and password were used to withdraw or transfer the funds.
I just ran across a client that had inadvertently installed a spyware program named Virtual Bouncer. This nasty little program actually advertises itself as an adware or spyware remover when it is adware itself. Then, when you get fed up with the program you thought would stop spyware, the folks at virtual bouncer will gladly help you remove the product . . . for a fee.
So, now that we have established that you don't want spyware on your computer, what do you do? There ARE several companies that have real programs to remove spyware and adware from your computer:
Lavasoft ( http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ ) has a free (for personal home use) program called Ad-Aware SE. The business version costs $26.95 per license and is well worth the cost.
Spybot Search & Destroy ( http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html ) is a donation based program – you can get it for free but they ask for a donation. Spybot and Ad-Aware together have been very effective at getting rid of any ad-ware programs we've encountered but there are others such as http://www.pestpatrol.com/ (costs $40 for the standalone version) and http://www.spysweeper.com/ which is $30 for a subscription but free for a trial.

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Printing Digital Photos (by Maki DeLaet)
Ever since I went into digital photography and bought my first digital camera, I've been taking a lot more pictures. From my digital camera, I can download the pictures onto my computer and view them any time I want. I don't waste any film if the picture didn't turn out the way I wanted; I simply delete it and keep taking more. Besides, it doesn't take much physical space to store them at all. It does take up some hard disk space but this problem can be solved by burning them onto CD's as pictures accumulate. Depending on the camera's file compression settings, a normal 700 MB CD can store between 140 and 360+ pictures (at the 5 megapixels setting) each, which is a very high quality photo, fit to print on 16”x20” paper. (If your camera takes pictures at a lower resolution or with fewer pixels, you can store even more pictures in a CD.) However, it is still a good idea to print out some of your favorite ones so that you have them to show off whenever you want to. But how?
I looked into printing pictures at home. HP has very nice printers with slots for the memory cards that make it very easy to print at home. The cost of printing pictures varies depending on the cost of cartridges, photo papers, and printers. Most of the photo printers take a long time to print a high quality photo. I face the same problem which most people in the US face today – I don't have time for it!
Then I looked into the digital photo printing services offered in my area and here is what I learned. I burned the pictures I wanted to print on a CD but you can also just print them using the memory card from your camera.
First, I tried Wal-Mart as it was the closest place. The one in my neighborhood has 2 different kinds of machines; the one that you can print right away and the other one that takes about 4-5 days. I used the latter as it was only 24 cents per picture or 20 cents per picture for 4x6 photos when you order more than 50 pictures. You can crop and edit your pictures using their machine, which is all manipulated by touch screen. Or, you can place an order via their website at www.walmart.com . You can still edit and crop your pictures using your computer then either you pay the shipping and have them send the prints to your home or pick them up at your local store for no shipping cost.
I then tried Walgreen's. They, also have the same photo printing machine available, with which you can use any digital media card, memory stick or CD. The machine is pretty simple to use, but they, too, have staff available to answer your questions. They charge 29 cents per print for 4x6's and it is a little more than Wal-Mart but my prints were done in just one hour for no extra charge. This, of course, depends on how busy they are. Walgreen's also offers online orders with store pick up the next day at www.walgreens.com . The web site features a cropping and touch up tool so again, you can make it look just the way you want before you get it printed.
Wolf Camera is another store in my neighborhood so I tried them, too. This time, I got on the internet right away and went their website. www.printatwolf.com Their 4x6's are 29 cents per copy but if you know you'll be printing a lot of pictures (that is, more than 800 pictures per year to make it worth your while), you can also join their Frequent Printer's club for $15.99 a year and get the member rate of 27 cents per copy. Online orders from there can be picked up in two hours. Wolf Camera also has self serve digital photo machines and staff available for help. Your photos come in a nice box instead of an envelope for protection and storage.
Comparing the quality of the pictures, I thought that all were equally good. Service-wise, I liked Walgreen's the best. On the web, each site was fairly easy to use, and I liked being able to do all the editing and cropping at home. Even with your 35mm film, these places can put the pictures on CD for you. So if you don't have the time or patience to print your pictures out at home, give one of these places a try.

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Fall Special
The leaves are falling. The temperatures are dropping. And you're spending more time at your computer. Before virus and security problems overwhelm you, try out our fall special – up to 3 hours of consulting for a total cost to you of $100. Figure out how your wireless network is supposed to work. Ensure that your computer(s) is/are secure from hackers and viruses. Learn how to use your applications better. Get rid of spyware and adware that slow your computers down and tracks you on the Internet. Get three hours and peace of mind this fall. Call (720) 275 -4646.

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