Software Report
September 1st, 2004
proudly presented by
PC World
Technology Advice You Can Trust
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/1/0/
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Help with pesky software annoyances, tips on taming and improving
Windows performance, and an expert look at the most useful (and
sometimes crucial) shareware. Plus, an enthusiast's look at Linux.
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September 1st, 2004
Bugs and Fixes: Security Holes Plague Windows Help
Contrib. Ed. Stuart J. Johnston
Editor's Note: "Unbeknownst to us at PC World, a recently recommended
file contained adware. 3D Solar Traveler has been removed from our
site. If you downloaded it, please follow our instructions in "Ridding
Your System of 3D Solar Traveler's Malware" to remove any malware from
your system:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754792/0/
* Windows HTML Help Security Holes *
As its name implies, the Windows HTML Help system is designed to help
PC users by providing graphics, multimedia elements, and hyperlinks to
additional information. But it turns out that attackers can use this
system to help themselves to your files, and even to take control of
your PC.
Two newly discovered security holes affect the HTML Help system and
the Task Scheduler in Windows XP and 2000. The Help security bug also
affects earlier versions of Windows, including 98, 98 SE, and Me.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet finished developing patches for
the older Windows versions and can't say when they'll be ready. When
they are, the company says, users will be able to get the patches
through Windows Update:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754793/0/
One minor blessing: The older versions of the Windows operating system
aren't susceptible to the Task Scheduler bug. (Task Scheduler allows
users to set the times when specific jobs, such as system maintenance
programs, will run.)
Before a malevolent cracker could exploit either security flaw, you
would have to visit a Web site that hosted a malicious link, or click
a link in an HTML e-mail that took you to the attacker's site. Like
many security flaws in Microsoft products, these holes could be
exploited by sending the system faulty or excessive information,
causing the machine to malfunction. Then the attacker would transmit a
program of his or her own to take control of your PC.
Microsoft designated the holes as "critical" because a cracker's
successful assault could result in the complete takeover of your
machine: The evildoer would then have free rein to steal your personal
files or even to wipe out the contents of your hard disk.
Microsoft has now released patches for both flaws in Windows XP and
2000. If you use XP, I recommend getting Service Pack 2. Though the
company hasn't yet posted patches for Windows 98 and Me systems, it
has provided workarounds for both bugs.
So far, there have been no reports of attacks, but don't take any
chances. Go to Microsoft's site and download patches for both of the
flaws:
HTML Help flaw (numbered 840315)
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754794/0/
Task Scheduler fix (numbered 841873)
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754795/0/
Both fixes are included in SP2. For PC World's take on Microsoft's
megapatch, read "Windows XP's Big Fix":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754796/0/
* Internet Explorer Fix Blocks New Virus *
Microsoft's cumulative patch for IE plugs three newly discovered
security holes that it rates as "critical," including one that could
result in something similar to a serious--but not widespread--virus
attack launched this past July that is known as the "download.ject" or
"Scob" virus; the attack involves logging a user's keystrokes. For
more info, read "Microsoft: Cripple IE to Protect Your PC":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754797/0/
The patch aims to head off recurrences of that incident, which
exploited weaknesses in Windows and in Microsoft's Web server
software. The update also contains previously released patches for IE,
fixing flaws in Windows XP and 2000--but not 98 and Me yet. Go to
Microsoft's site to get the patch (numbered 867801):
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754798/0/
* In Brief *
Dell Adapter Recall
Dell is recalling power adapters for some Latitude and Inspiron
notebooks. It is possible to plug the wrong power cord into the
adapters, posing a shock hazard. Read "Dell Recalls Portable Power
Adapters" for details:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754799/0/
Go to Dell's site for information about a free retrofit kit:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754800/0/
Mozilla Patch
A new patch fixes a flaw discovered in the protocol handling functions
of Firefox, Thunderbird, and the Mozilla Application Suite. The bug
affects only Mozilla browsers on Windows PCs--not those on Linux PCs
or Macs. The fixed versions are Mozilla 1.7.1, Firefox 0.9.2, and
Thunderbird 0.7.2. For more info, read "Mozilla Fixes Security Flaw":
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754801/0/
Go to the Mozilla site to download the patch:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754802/0/
D-Link Firmware Upgrade
D-Link has released new firmware for its AirPlus DI-614+ wireless
routers. The update, version 3.43, fixes a hole that could allow
Denial of Service attacks. You can download the update here:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754803/0/
Bugged?
Found a hardware or software bug? Write to Stuart Johnston:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Read Stuart J. Johnston's regularly published "Bugs and Fixes"
columns:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/515650/0/
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Top News From PC World
* Hall of Shame & Hall of Fame
We spotlight people and products that pester us...and the heroes
saving us from annoyances.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/754773/0/
* Onkyo's DVD Changer Spins a New Tune
Here's a hands-on look at the moderately priced, multiformat DV-CP802.
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* Check out all of today's news...
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=====================================================================
Editors' Picks
Best E-mail Utilities: Find Lost Messages, Improve Outlook
Feeling constrained by Outlook? Encrypt e-mail, locate lost messages,
and kill spam with these programs.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737197/0/
Sam Spade v1.14
Level the playing field against spammers with this network-query suite
of tools.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/516544/0/
PGP Freeware v8.0.3
Encrypt your e-mail messages and ensure they are not intercepted by
snoopers.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/1400/0/
DBXtract v4.50
Extract mail messages from individual DBX files.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737198/0/
OEBackup v2.9.0.3
Free utility may not be pretty, but it backs up OE files and settings.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737199/0/
PocoMail v3.1
Keep your e-mail virus-free with this client.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737200/0/
Mozilla Thunderbird v0.7.1
Download the mail client for Mozilla's browser.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737201/0/
X1
Locate lost files, email messages, attachments and contact
information.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737202/0/
For a full list of this week's Editors' Picks, go to:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737197/0/
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* Reviews *
* Top 10 Digital Cameras
This month's only new model, the Canon PowerShot S60, offers a nice
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http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737203/0/
Check the latest prices on Cameras:
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* Top 10 17-Inch LCD Monitors
Five newcomers, including Best Buys from LG Electronics and Sharp,
capture spots on this month's chart.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737204/0/
Check the latest prices on Flat Panels/LCD:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/85/0/
* Top Multifunction Printers
The print speeds of both inkjet and laser MFPs impressed us, but copy
and scan speeds--as well as output quality--were mixed.
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/737205/0/
Check the latest prices on Printers:
http://pcwnl.pcworld.com/t/209645/21421683/237/0/
See all Reviews:
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