ATTENTION - Updates from Panda Software

Panda Software are warning about the Mytob.LX worm which is mass-mailed in an email message which informs users that in order to continue using the services of a certain security company, they must visit a web page (in order to confirm their email address). However, when users access this website, a file called Confirmation_Sheet.pif is downloaded, which is a copy of the Mytob.LX worm!

A new Trojan, Nabload.U is distributing itself through MSN Messenger and also downloads another Trojan called Banker.bsx, which is currently the number one detected piece of malware (mailicious software) from Panda's ActiveScan. DO NOT click on the URL link (which begins either http or www.) because if you do it is able to download a Trojan and obtain passwords and other data from your PC, without leaving any tracks.

Until a security patch is made available to fix a vulnerability in Windows, you are advised not to access web pages you have been invited to visit from untrusted sources (e.g. - links in unsolicited emails, Instant Messaging, Newsgroups Web Forums etc). Microsoft are currently working on the fix so please make sure that you are keeping your Windows fully updated as and when you are reminded.

ATTENTION - Bogus Faxes

Fax scams are still around, so it is useful to go to www.fpsonline.org.uk. This site allows you to submit the fax number being sent to you for further investigation by clicking the Bogus FPS Calls link, as shown below. When we spoke to them last week suggesting that it may be a good idea to list current scams, they informed us that this was being planned for the future, so keep a look out on this site if you are being sent bogus faxes.

How to Change your Home Page

Your web browser may be set by default to open a particular page when it loads. For example, Internet Explorer may open with the MSN Website. You can change this to suit your own way of working. In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and select Internet Options. Click on the Use Current button to set the page you have open at the moment as your home page or type in the address (e.g. www.google.co.uk) of the web page you would like to use. If you just want to get surfing, and don't want a particular home page, click on the Use Blank button.

How to use Windows Help

Most people get to grips with the basics in Windows quite quickly. However, even fairly experienced users won't know everything. When you need help, the best place to look is the Windows Help files. Click on the Start button and select Help and Support (or just Help in different versions of Windows). Alternatively, return to the desktop area and press F1. In Windows XP the dialogue box is radically different with more helpful options. If you just want to look up a keyword, however, click on the Index button at the top of the screen. With older versions, a more standard box appears with three tabs. Contents is a good way to get to know Windows but it isn't the quickest way to find an answer to a problem. For that you can try the Index tab. Type a word into the space at the top of the Dialogue Box and a list of matching entries will appear. Double-click on the entry that best matches your enquiry to learn more about the topic.

How to Uncover the Recycle Bin

The quickest way to delete a file or group of files is simply to drag and drop them into the Recycle Bin. In Windows XP, the Recycle Bin is placed above the clock in the System tray by default, although you may have moved it to a place that best suits you. Even so, there will be times when you've got so many windows open that access to the Recycle Bin is blocked.

There's a handy little feature in Windows that can help you out. Grab the file or files that you want to delete and drag them over a clear area on the Taskbar (but do not release the mouse button). After a second, all the open windows will automatically minimise, leaving your way to the Recycle Bin nice and clear.

How to Browse Faster

An option for speeding up the amount of time it takes your web browser to download a web page is to set it so that only text is displayed, and graphic files, which take a lot longer to load, aren't displayed. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools (along the top of the page), Options and then select the Advanced Tab. The option Show pictures - is normally set to ON. Change this to OFF by clicking the box to remove the tick. This may not be suitable for all websites as many rely on graphics for navigation around the site.

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