Technology Vault - NewsBytes
Monday 30 September, 2002
AVG Update by @ 10:32 pm
Grisoft's free anti-virus software AVG has just been updated. Grisoft says that they have added detection of two new viruses - I-Worm/Opas and I-Worm/Keywo.
The file size is 917.4kb and a restart of your system is not required.
If you run the Outlook Express plug-in, you should see the following message at the bottom of your out-going emails:
Version: 6.0.393 / Virus Database: 223 - Release Date: 30/09/2002
Whatever anti-virus software you have, check for updates at least once a week.
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Saturday 28 September, 2002
Another new driver from Nvidia by @ 8:01 pm
In a suprise move after the release of the 40.71 beta drivers on Thursday, Nvidia have released version 30.87 official Detonator driver update for Windows 95/98/ME and 2000/XP.
No details are given for these new drivers on the site and they are not on the usual driver download page. In fact, they have been added to the 3D Stereo driver download page.
These new drivers come in two flavours.
Windows XP/2000 Display Driver
Version: 30.87
File Size: 10.4 MB
Release Date: September 27, 2002
Windows 95/98/Me
Version: 30.87
File Size: 8.5 MB
Release Date: September 27, 2002
I have had emails sent in by users who have tried these new drivers and they describe these new drivers as 'Rock Solid'.
You can download them from THIS PAGE on the Nvidia website.
I've yet to try them.
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Friday 27 September, 2002
P2P sabotage on the cards? by bluetracker @ 11:14 pm
Congress asked to provide wider ranging powers in the fight against P2P networks
Reports abound about record labels' attempts to sabotage P2P networks by flooding them with 'bogus' files. Now they are asking permission to carry the fight even further, effectivley 'upping the ante' in the war against copyrighted material being shared on the WWW.
In the USA the recording industry has recently asked for Congress' blessing to gum up the online networks they blame for slowing their sales.
Congress for their part are already considering expanding legal protection for record labels who resort to sabotage of "peer to peer" networks where users freely trade music, movies and other copyrighted material.
Some of the tactics they are proposing include blocking transfers as well as flooding the network with dummy songs.The industry has used this so-called decoy service heavily, to the point where (it claims) nine out of ten downloads on a peer-to-peer network may be nothing more than meaningless random code of the same size as the title of a particular song or video footage. P2P networks however dismiss these figures claiming little or no reaction from users downloading 'bogus' files.
Some people are however naturally worried.... quoting from one article on CNN..."overzealous copyright protection measures could end up targeting innocent computer users".
For them to actually target individual computers as they are asking permission to do however, would surely lead them into the realms of anti-hacking laws already in exsistance, and open up a whole new "Kettle of Anchovies" in the process.
Not unlike a scene from the well publicised Microsoft anti-trust case, it appears that once again surfers of the net may face other companies attempting clandestine installations of Phone Home software onto their machines. But at least, in this instance anyway they actually ARE asking permission to do so first.
The recording industry successfully campaigned to shut Napster down and this was hailed as a victory over copyright piracy. To date it has been less successful against next-generation services that are based outside the USA, if reports are to be believed.
The industry has reportedly tried different tactics recently, targeting individual users with automated web-based tracking software and launching advertising campaigns in the US to discourage illegal downloads. They have even been reports of them demanding the users ISP disconnect a person when they supect a user to be downloading copyrighted material. This has backfired on them several times when it was proved that the material uploaded/downloaded was in fact not copyrighted material at all. One such "gaff" being the work of a private individual who mis-guidedly uploaded a file with a similar title to a song once sung by the Beatles!
On the P2P front, KaZaA have recently released a new version that allows users to screen out unreliable files and this has been mooted as an escalation of the Arms Race between Recording companies and P2P networks.
Whatever your views on the subject one cannot fail to be concerned at this latest attempt from the recording industry at escalating hostilities in this so called 'war'. We will watch this one with interest and await developments, suitably attired in Flak jacket and tin hat with fingers poised over the disconnect option waiting for the first sign of intrusion!
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Thursday 26 September, 2002
New Beta Detonator 40.71 drivers from Nvidia - Updated by @ 4:24 pm
Hi folks, I was just typing out a story about a rumour that Nvidia was about to launch a new set of Detonator 40 drivers. As I was typing and checking the Nvidia ftp site, the new folder appeared. Talk about hot off the press, had to delete 90% of my story.
These are BETA Nvidia drivers for Windows98/ME and 2000/XP.
Nvidia have now linked to these drivers
Click HERE for the 2000/XP version
Click HERE for the Windows98/ME version
The file size is a massive 14.4mb for 2000/XP and 12.2mb for the 98/ME version.
I've had an email from my friend Jimmy over at Riva3D who would like me to tell you that these drivers are also available from his site HERE Many thanks Jimmy!
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Wednesday 25 September, 2002
Windows Media Player 9 - New version available by @ 4:18 pm
Microsoft have just released a new updated version of their media player 9. This new build (2800) fixes the problem it had with working through firewalls and using surround sound speakers.
Arrh, see, it wasn't me after all. I tried Microsoft's all singing all dancing media player but was unable to stream any media with it at all. I found that if I turned the ZoneAlarm firewall off, it would work fine. Microsoft have noticed this little glitch and have bought out build number 2800 which fixes this problem.
It also fixes the problem with surround sound speakers.
Microsoft says: the Windows Media Player 9 Series Beta Refresh addresses reported issues related to personal firewalls and surround sound speaker settings.
Cannot receive a stream through a personal firewall
If you have a personal firewall product installed on your computer, in some cases Windows Media Player fails to receive content over a network, or crashes when trying to receive streaming content. The problem is related to the firewall software, which does not work with new Windows XP and Microsoft Windows .NET Server networking APIs. Windows Media Player 9 Series Beta Refresh (build 2800) has been released which fixes these issues.
No sound when playing audio files/Windows Media Player is crashing
If Windows Media Player starts to play audio but there is no sound, check to see if your speaker settings are set to Surround Audio. There is a known issue in Windows Media Player 9 Series beta where the Player may crash when you play regular stereo or mono Windows Media Audio (WMA) files while your speaker settings are set to Surround; even if the Player does not crash, you still won't hear any audio. Windows Media Player 9 Series Beta Refresh (build 2800) has been released which fixes these issues.
You can read the full release notes for Windows Media Player 9 HERE
If you would like to install Windows Media Player 9, you can HERE. You are advised to read the release notes. Especially the method of uninstalling this beta version if you decide it's not for you. You can't uninstall it! You have to do a system restore. Download this player at your own risk.
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Tuesday 24 September, 2002
Beware of Policeware by @ 4:25 pm
'Say NO to Policeware' that's what people in the US are being asked to do.
Stop Policeware banner
Policeware is compulsory software that all users in the US may have to have installed on their computers if the law is passed called CBDTPA ("Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act").
This software will monitor and restrict your use of copyright material including music files and CD's, video clips, DVD's, e-books, and more.
The software would enable the authorities to send you to jail if you are one of the millions of Americans who burn CDs.
So why worry, this law is in America not in the UK? It's just that what usually takes place in the US gets taken on over here in the UK. We always seem to be just one step behind. When the UK authorities sees this system running in the US, you can bet your bottom dollar they will introduce it here.
A website called www.stoppoliceware.org has been set up to ask people to sign a petition and say NO to Policeware. If you have a website, they ask you to add a little banner and link to their page.
Newsbytes would like to thank Tone for sending us this story.
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New Nvidia reference drivers 40.52 by @ 12:25 pm
A new Nvidia reference driver for Windows98 and 2000/XP version 40.52 has been leaked. These new drivers seem to have support for a range of new entries in the build (8x AGP).
These new leaked drivers have support for the following new cards
NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 with AGP8X
NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440SE with AGP8X
NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 420 with AGP8X
NVIDIA Quadro4 580 XGL
NNVIDIA Quadro4 280 NVS
NVIDIA Quadro4 380 XG
NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4600 with AGP8X
NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200 with AGP8X
NVIDIA Quadro4 980 XGL
NVIDIA Quadro4 780 XGL
NVIDIA NV30
NVIDIA NV30GL
No word on performance yet!
You are reminded that these drivers are BETA drivers. Download them and use them at your own risk. Make sure you uninstall any previous drivers first.
You can download them from 3DGuru and also Riva3D
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Sunday 22 September, 2002
GeForce FAQ's New Home by @ 9:32 pm
The Technology Vault is pleased to announce that it is taking over the development and upkeep of the world famous "GeForce FAQ". It's the most respected GeForce graphics card problem solving resource in the world.
GeForce FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is a knowledge base that contains information relating to all NVIDIA GeForce, GeForce2, GeForce3 and GeForce4 based cards, and especially Creative cards. It is *The* most respected GeForce graphics card problem solving resource in the world, having been translated into 5 different languages with around 14 other languages in progress. It is also used by some card manufacturers as part of their technical support programmes.
Geforce FAQ was founded by English born Christopher Hill (minkus@ntlworld.com) in 1999 and updated on an ongoing basis. Earlier this year some 'Cyber Squatters' bought his popular www.geforcefaq.com domain name when before Christopher could renew it. They bought it to exploit the domain name's popularity to use as a directory for advertising purposes and making money. The same group of people who snapped this domain name have a track record of this kind of activity and have snapped up many popular and busy web sites' domain names and pointed it to their own.
Taking this into account, combined with heavy work commitments, Christopher decided that he didn't have the time to put into the FAQ any more and started looking for another web site to take it on and to continue with its development.
As from today GeForce FAQ will have a new home at The Technology Vault. GeForceFAQ Gold can be found at
www.technologyvault.co.uk/faq
The Technology Vault was also founded in 1999 by 'dad' as a 'fanbase' for the now defunct Sky Television channel [.tv] (a channel dedicated to technology and PC related issues) and was known as "The Unofficial [.tv] users' site". It has since developed its own brand of technical support and has become one of the most respected computer and technology related help web sites in the UK getting between 100,000 and 150,000 page views a month. 'Dad' also has several volunteer helpers who help to run the site.
Dad said: "Obviously we're over the moon that Christopher has chosen The Technology Vault to take over where he left off. GeForce FAQ is the main resource that people around the world use to find a solution to their PC graphics and gaming related problems with the knowledge that the answer to their problem will almost certainly be there."
"We are really excited about taking over the FAQ. We feel honoured that Christopher has confidence in our expertise to continue to develop his project" I have used it myself on many occasions and found the answer to my problem straight away. It is *The* most respected source of problem solving for the most popular graphics cards in the world". "We've now developed it and put all of the data into a searchable database for ease of use. We've also added more FAQ's and updated all of the original ones. Because of the FAQ's popularity we've doubled our web site's capacity to cope with the extra visitors that will be using the site. We've got a dedicated team who will be working on the FAQ. Technology Vault team members thecaretaker and eggz, who both have extensive knowledge on Graphics card issues, will also be making sure that the FAQ is kept up to date and accurate"
The Technology Vault has also opened a new "GeForceFAQ" forum. In the unlikely event that visitors can't find the solution to their problem in the FAQ then they'll be able to visit the forum where experts will be on hand to help them out".
A Message From Christopher Hill, Founder of GeForce FAQ
The first edition of the FAQ was created on the 23rd December 1999. I posted it with all 24 questions of the then 'creative.products.3d_blaster.annihilator FAQ' to the newsgroup of the same name (you can still find it in Google Groups today), and since then it's just got bigger... and bigger... and bigger!
It has made the transition from plain text to an HTML webpage, included aversion history, gone through a change of email address by myself, a change of hosting when it got too popular for my old ISP's bandwidth, the purchase of a domain name, the addition of advertising, commercial sites giving me hardware to use the FAQ and much more!
The last version, 19.4, was posted on the 2nd of January 2002 and since then I have not made time to update it because of my work as a sysadmin and work at my church.
I lost the www.geforcefaq.com domain due to the fact that I was not aware that it was so close to expiring, and it was taken up by a company named Ultimate Search, who have never replied to any of my emails requesting information on how I can reacquire the domain. A number of NVIDIA fan sites contacted me, one of whom was The Technology Vault. I told them amongst other things that I was interested in passing on the FAQ to another site as I did not have time to update it any more, and they took up the offer.
In a way I'm sad to give up something that I've spent so much time and effort of and am personally very proud of, but on the other hand it's good to see that it is going to people that are dedicated to improving and bettering the work that I started off, and who I'm sure will do the FAQ justice and be a service to the NVIDIA fanbase!
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Friday 20 September, 2002
512kb ADSL from £12.99 per month - UPDATED by @ 7:34 pm
A new kid on the block is offering a 512kb ADSL service for only £12.99 per month. They are even offering a 300 hours per week dial up service for £10.95 and even a 24/7 dial-up package with "No restrictions - 24hr Access" at £12.95 per month.
FreeDial.biz is a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) who are about to launch some of the cheapest ever internet packages ever seen.
They are offering a budget 512kb ADSL broadband package at only £12.99 per month with a 50:1 contention ratio. Two other packages home 24/7 will cost you £26.95 per month also with a 50:1 contention ratio or a Biz 24/7 service costing £34.95 per month with a contention ratio of 20:1.
Dial-up packages start at only £3.95 per month with, get this 'NO CUT OFF' from 1am - 8am with a 1:1 contention ratio. They offer a Evenings and weekend package at £7.95 per month, a Daytime package at £9.95 per month and finally a 24/7 dial-up service with (and I quote) "No restrictions - 24hr Access" at £12.95 per month.
FreeDial says: We are aiming to be the UK's best value provider of ISP DialUp & ADSL/Broadband services. Our target is to provide a superior network, first class support and innovative packages to earn a solid reputation for quality and service.
How they intend to stay in business charging these sort of prices remains to be seen. They are also claiming: To maintain reliable, fast, 'first attempt' connections we are limiting signups to a first come first served basis. Each plan has a limited number of accounts.
You can pre-register for their services HERE
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FreeDial has just been in contact with Newsbytes and would like us to add the following statement in reply to my comment "How they intend to stay in business charging these sort of prices remains to be seen."
This is of course a great concern to many customers and potential customers but our strategy has been meticulously worked out. Some of our associate partners are very "big names" in the communications world and with their help we feel we have worked out a very viable solution.
Truthfully only time will tell but we do have the infrastructure and finance in place to support the Budget DSL plan for at least the next 2 years. And who knows what could happen in the world of ADSL in the next two years?
FreeDial would also like to me explain that their Budget DSL package is a fully fledged 24hr access package as are all their ADSL plans.
They have also sent some useful links. HERE is a recent statement from their MD.
You can discuss the new services from FreeDial on their Forum
FreeDial also have a comprehensive FAQ HERE
Newsbytes would like to add: We are sure that the FreeDial services will be of interest to many of our readers and we wish you every sucess with your new venture.
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Thursday 19 September, 2002
Zone Alarm Update by @ 11:21 pm
Zonelabs have updated their free (for personal use) software firewall Zonealarm just weeks after releasing a new version. Version 3.1.395 is now available to download.
Only a week or two ago Zonelabs released version 3.1.291 and now they have updated it to version 3.1.395.
Zonelabs tell us that this newer version improved performance and loading time, improved interoperability with proxy server applications and improved user interface with new maximize/minimize button. Also, the update offers New Features and Functionality, Improved Performance and Increased Stability.
If you don't have ZoneAlarm set up to auto update then you will need to manually update it from the control panel.
The file size is 3.90mb
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Windows Critical Update for "Java Applet" vulnerabilities in Microsoft VM by @ 9:33 pm
Microsoft have added a patch that will fix 3 vulnerabilities in Microsoft virtual machine (Microsoft VM) version 3805. Windows Update will detect if you have this version and offer you the download.
Microsoft says: This update resolves the "Java Applet" vulnerabilities in Microsoft virtual machine (Microsoft VM)
Impact of vulnerability: Three vulnerabilities, the most serious of which could enable an attacker to gain complete control over a user’s system.
Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Recommendation: Customers should apply the patch immediately.
The update is for all Windows systems that's running Microsoft VM version 3805.
More details can be found on this webpage.
To get your update go to Windows Update. You will find a link to Windows Update in the tools menu in Internet Explorer.
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AVG Update by @ 9:08 pm
Grisoft have just updated their free anti-virus software AVG.
Grisoft tells us: Update 391 available. Added detection of new viruses, e.g. BackDoor.Milousek, Worm/Dander, I-Worm/Deev, I-Worm/Heidi, I-Worm/Indor, I-Worm/Oror, I-Worm/Pepex, I-Worm/Xiv, Worm/Efno, Worm/SeeSix, Worm/Toguivi and new variants of Win32/Flatei, I-Worm/Icecubes, Worm/Surnova, Worm/Spear.
- September 19, 2002 -
If you use the Outlook Express plug-in you should see the following message: Version: 6.0.391 / Virus Database: 222 - Release Date: 19/09/2002
A reset of your computer is not required.
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Microsoft release RDP fix for XP and W2000 by bluetracker @ 8:55 pm
Microsoft have just recently posted information here about an update for Remote Data Protocol (RDP), data transmission protocol used by Terminal Services in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000, and by the Remote Desktop service in Windows XP.
As Panda's Oxygennewsletter informs us.....
This update fixes the following vulnerabilities:
A security problem that affects the way session decryption is implemented in some RDP versions. In fact, if an attacker could listen to communication and record a RDP session, they would be able to launch a cryptanalytic attack on checksums used and recover transmitted traffic (even if this was encrypted). This vulnerability affects Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
The vulnerability is related to how the RDP implementation in Windows XP handles maliciously crafted packets. In fact, when these packets are received, the Remote Desktop service and the operating system fail. An attacker would not need to authenticate to the affected system to be able to send malicious packets to it.
Thanks once again to Pandasoftware for the info!
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Be certain of what you download by bluetracker @ 8:33 pm
Viruses wear many faces!
To the unwary the Internet holds a plethora of places to download items such as music, games, screensavers/Desktop themes or even video clips.
Young and inexperienced surfers are often lulled into a false sense of security; by promises of all manner of goodies that are just one mouse click away when logged onto the WWW.
This is where the writers of viruses make themselves known on the WWW. They employ all sorts of tricks to make sure as many computers share their ‘masterpeices’ as possible. Some of the most common decoys used by virus writers (often referred to as malicious code programmers) include 'supposed' downloads of the latest videogames or 'cool' options (screensavers, desktop themes etc) targeting the younger generation or inexperienced surfer.
Those nice people at Panda Antivirus, in their latest newsletter tell us some of the threats to a happy surfing experience that await the unwise or unwary. Using just some of the info they supplied, I hope the following helps you to help make surfing the Internet the pleasure it really should be, for those taking their first tentative steps into the World Wide Web.
W32/Kazoa
This wee beast (a 'worm') spreads through the file-sharing program Kazaa. It uses the names of popular computer games, movies or music files to trick the user into opening the file carrying the worm.
W32/Zoek
This one spreads by sending messages with the subject heading "Maxima Screensaver!" and lures users to visit a website where they can download free screensavers. When users enter the site, instead of a screensaver what they are actually downloading is malicious code.
Freedesktop
A mass mailing worm, infiltrates systems using a fake Internet address "freedesktopthemes.com". Under this disguise, it tries to trick users into believing that they have received a web address from which they can download desktop themes. However, if the user runs the attached file, Freedesktop will send itself out to every entry it finds in the Windows and any mail program's address books. Moreover, the worm looks for the default mail server in order to connect to it directly and initiate a mass e-mail attack.
BAT/Newo and WorldCup (VBS/Chick.F)
One more spread by e-mail, this worm sends messages about the World Cup in Korea and Japan. Although outdated this one still manages to turn up on computers, evidence perhaps of the youth and inexperience of some surfers today.
As more and more people get access to a computer either at home, at work or school we are spending more and more time connected to the Internet, many seem unaware of just what could be lurking behind every click of the mouse button.
On these boards we drone on time and again about the importance of having some sort of Antivirus utility installed on your computer and this is an opportunity for me to do just that!
These programs when kept up-to date significantly reduces the risk of your machine catching something you would rather it hadn't! They cannot protect you against viruses if they aren’t switched on or you choose to ignore any advice they may throw up from time to time!
Without using the proper safety measures; user negligence or inexperience often leads to costly and/or time-consuming mistakes. A little time teaching youngsters to follow safe Internet practices (like rejecting unsolicited files in chats, or not downloading programs from unknown sources), is a worthwhile step to ensuring your systems' security.
It is in the learning of these 'safe practices’ that they can continue to enjoy all the opportunities that the Internet provides without them running unnecessary risks.
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Wednesday 18 September, 2002
UTVip An ISP to be proud of by @ 10:27 pm
UTVip is a new flat rate internet provider in Ireland. Customers are so please with their service, they want me to tell you how good they are!
My mailbox is filling up with reports from happy customers in Ireland who use the new service from UTVip. So, In true Newsbytes fashion, I've taken a look at these claims. Lets face it, I don't know of a single isp (Internet Service Provider) in the UK that can boast such a loyal following.
First of all, lets take a look at what UTVip offers. If you go to their main site, you are given two options which depend on what part of the country you live in. They offer two main packages a lite for light users and a flat package for heavy users. We will take a look at the flat package as this seems to be the one customers are praising the most.
The flat package:
A package suited to moderate & heavy internet users.
€29.99 per month
150 hours (off-peak)
Additional off-peak hours charged at just 0.95 cent per minute (inc. VAT)
Unlimited peak time access charged at 3.8 cent per minute (eircom standard rate inc. VAT minus 25%)
Optional peak internet access for 1.8c per minute
Well, that's not bad at all for the internet starved back waters of Southern Ireland. Is the speed any better than anywhere else? No. Is the package a give away? No. So what is it that customers are so happy with?
Well, it seems to be that for the first time an internet service provider has taken time out to listen to it's customers wants and needs. Not only have they listened, but they acted upon their customers needs and have even adjusted their terms and conditions to be more flexible.
They use a bulletin board to interact with customers. You can read the posts on this bulletin board HERE. But be warned, there are more than 25 pages of interaction to trawl through.
If you live in the area and would like to join UTVip, you can visit their website HERE
It's really nice to know that an isp can generate so many happy customers. Well done UTVip, many UK ISPs could take a leaf out of your book. Unfortunatly, you have to live in Ireland to sign up. You could always move to Ireland, I understand all that fresh air and moisture is good for you.
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A GeForce4 Ti4600 at half the price by @ 12:49 pm
This is what Abit will offer who have developed a new cooling system for the GeForceTi4200. The GeForceTi4200 can be clocked up to the Ti4600 rate but will only cost around £150 when it is released on 23 September this year.
The ABIT's Revolutionary VGA Card claims to be more than 15% cooler than standard systems. Abits tell us:
ABIT's Siluro GF4 Ti4200 with OTES Technology is revolutionary. With the patent-pending cooling system, stability, overclocking and performance all see gains. Looking at ABIT's OTES Technology, you are looking at the future standard of VGA Cards. Be a part of that future now. Do not even consider another VGA Card. ABIT's Siluro GF4 Ti4200 with OTES is the ultimate VGA Card available. September 23rd, 2002 is the day OTES is available for your system.
You can view some of the features of this Revolutionary VGA Card HERE
The card will be supplied with the tools for users to overclock it when sold.
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New Linux Audio driver version 1.20 by @ 12:28 pm
Via have released new Linux Audio drivers. The new driver package contains the driver for the VT8233, VT8233C & VT8233A southbridges in one folder and the driver for the VT686A, 686B & VT8321 southbridges in another folder.
Readme files with further instructions can be found within the package. This driver is version 1.20 of both driver sets.
You can download them from HERE
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Monday 16 September, 2002
AVG Update by @ 10:29 pm
Grisoft have just updated their free anti-virus software AVG.
Grisoft tells us: Update 389 available. Added detection of new viruses, e.g. Win32/Flatei, I-Worm/Chet, I-Worm/Gismor, Worm/Magcall, Worm/Resdoc and new variants of I-Worm/Hunch, Worm/Zaka.
- September 16, 2002 -
If you use the Outlook Express plug-in you should see the following message:
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.389 / Virus Database: 220 - Release Date: 16/09/2002
As always, you can get full details of this and previous updates from the Grisoft homepage.
The file size is 916KBytes in size and a reset of your computer is not required.
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Friday 13 September, 2002
New Via 4in1 drivers by @ 7:03 pm
Via have released an updated set of 4in1 drivers for computers with their via chipset. Version 4.43 is now available for download. So what's new in these drivers?
Well, not alot more than was in the previous version 4.42. They have just added MS WHQL Logo CAT file of via AGP and INF driver and added the letter 'a' after it. However, version 4.42 was a leap forwards as it offered support for 8xAGP for the first time.
The 4in1 drivers are the same for all VIA chipsets and for all Microsoft Operating systems - Win 95, 98, 98SE, NT, Win ME, 2000 & XP. As Nvidia would say, they are unified.
To download these new drivers and to read the release information, visit the Viaarena website.
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Windows Media Player - Part of the OS? by @ 2:27 pm
People who use Windows ME or XP can try Microsofts latest 9 series media player, but once downloaded and installed, your stuck with it. Unlike Microsoft's latest Service Pack 1 for the XP which gives an option to uninstall later, Windows Media Player 9 has no uninstall.
The only way to rid yourself of Windows Media Player 9 series is to do a system restore to an earlier point. All previous versions of the media player had an option to uninstall it from your system via the add/remove functions of the control panel.
It seems that Microsoft are hell bent on making all the programs that make up an operating system tightly linked to it. Indeed, with Microsoft's latest operating system Windows XP, you can only hide some of it's features not uninstall them.
The down side to this is that users like myself who have something go wrong with one of the components, in my case it was Internet Explorer, previously you could uninstall, repair or install a fresh copy over the top of the old to get back to normal running again. Not anymore, I had to spend 14 hours doing a full format and re-install of the operating system (WinXP) and re-installing a full years work back on to it.
I am sure I'm not the only person to suffer at the hands of Bill Gates's new philosophy.
If you head over to Z-Net you will find an extremely interesting article written by Joe Wilcocks on the very same subject. They quote an interview with David Caulton who is Media product manager at Windows. I find it very odd that a man who is obviously sticking up for his bosses decision to make Windows Media Player part of the operating system cannot answer to the question "With the service pack you can go back to the original state, why not Media Player?". Calton simply says "I'm not sure what the answer to that question is, so I would hate to speculate."
I would like to thank our forum member Tone for pointing out this story. I'm sure we havn't heard the last about it.
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Tuesday 10 September, 2002
SP1, the bit they forgot? by @ 6:15 pm
Bet you didn't think I'd write another Newsbyte about this baby so soon, well your wrong. It seems Microsoft forgot to add something to SP1, a very important bit - the documentation that goes with it.
If you used the full install program of Windows XP SP1 then you may well be missing the Documentation. Microsoft have added this 985kb file to Windows Update.
Well, it was like this. Out of habit I clicked on the Windows Update link in Internet Explorer expecting to see the 3 files sitting there that I don't want and the old Creative SB driver that hasn't been updated yet (It's great this tool, isn't it) when my jaw dropped as I saw 4 updates available. 'What the...', I thought, I only just installed SP1 at the weekend!!
Microsoft says:
This update provides new information about security and privacy. Download now to learn what steps you can take to keep your personal information private and how to make your computer more secure.
System Requirements
This update applies to Windows XP with Service Pack 1 (SP1).
That's a pretty big doc they got there:-)
This updated documentation applies to Windows XP Home, Professional and 64bit version. If you want to see it, head over to the Windows Update site. You will find it under the tools menu in Internet Explorer.
If you used the official quick update you will not need this fix. You only need it if you used the full install (132mb approx.) or a CD version that didn't include it. Oh well, better late than never! Anyone want to put bet on when the next critical update will be... Let me tell you, it's on the way very soon:-)
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AVG fix bug with update by @ 5:16 am
Grisoft have just fixed a bug to the last antivirus update that caused a false alarm when detecting the Backdoor.Buxtehude virus.
Your email plug-in should now read:
Version: 6.0.386 / Virus Database: 218 - Release Date: 09/09/2002
I didn't catch any other details this time as AVG did the update automatically.
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Monday 9 September, 2002
Kodak recalls cameras by @ 7:03 pm
Do you own a Kodak DC5000 digital camera? Then you could be in for a shock. Kodak are recalling 75,000 DC5000 digital cameras due to complaints from customers that they get electric shocks when replacing the bateries, plugging in the USB cable or inserting the memory card.
The US based Eastman Kodak company who manufacture and sell digital cameras worldwide will meet all customer costs to have thier cameras checked out.
You can read the full report HERE
Kodak had 12 complaints from customers (6 of these complaints came from the US) but Kodak says there have been no reports of serious injury.
Kodak said, Consumers should immediately stop using the Kodak DC5000 Zoom Digital Camera and contact Kodak. The company will cover the cost of inspection, any necessary repair and shipping to and from Kodak repair centers. To receive a postage-paid mailer to return your camera, or for more information, contact Kodak online at www.kodak.com
Kodak admit that this problem is due to a manufacturing defect in their product.
Kodak adds, This recall includes the DC5000 model only. No other Kodak cameras are affected by this recall.
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Sunday 8 September, 2002
Heads up! by bluetracker @ 1:47 pm
Viruses posted to Tech vault addys!
In view of the recent e-mail attacks against the news mail addresses of this site I thought it prudent to give a “Heads up” on viruses curently doing the rounds.
Perhaps by the reading of this info (which I hope to be able to post on a weekly basis) users of these boards will become aware of potential virus threats and take the appropriate ‘Anti-viral’ action before allowing their machines to be used as a means to spread these wee beasties.
Panda antivirus publishes a weekly newsletter Oxygen3 on this same subject; and it is by this means that the information will be passed to you. If anyone knows/gets to know, of a virus threat before we manage to post it here, then please publicise it in the Newsbytes forum or alternatively e-mail the info to the Caretaker or me and we will do the rest.
This weeks report from Panda…………(oh… and me of course!)
- Weekly virus report -
September's first weekly virus report looks at four malicious codes: a virus called W32/Duksten and three e-mail worms.
W32/Duksten is a semi-polymorphic, encrypted virus that spreads via e-mail
in a message with the subject "NetsKudo,proteccion IP para Windows9x/Me/Nt/2000/XP" and the following attached file: "SKUDO.ZIP". In this way, the virus tries to trick users into running the attached file, as this is presented as a utility for protecting IP addresses. Finally,
W32/Duksten infects Windows PE (portable executable) files.
…………………..
HTML/Gaggle is a damaging worm that sends itself out in an e-mail message with the attached file "AngelDelMar.HTML" to every address in the affected computer's Address Book. It uses 'social engineering' techniques; as the e-mail that carries the malicious code tries to catch the recipient's attention by offering them something useful, such as an article or a software download web page.
The threat that HTML/Gaggle poses lies in its capacity to delete the files that grant access to the Windows Registry, as well as the Windows Help files. It also infects every file with an HTM extension found in the affected computer. Furthermore, and depending on the system date, HTML/Gaggle can display a text on the screen or change the Internet Explorer home page.
…………………..
The second worm the Panda bulletin deals with is [b]W32/Oror[b], written in the Visual C++ 6.0 programming language. This worm spreads mainly by e-mail, but also via IRC (chat) or across network drives. It is very difficult to identify the message that carries this worm as its subject and contents are variable. [b]W32/Oror deletes files that belong to some antivirus programs.[/b]
…………………..
Panda finishes the report with W32/HLLW.Kilonce, a worm written in Delphi and compressed with UPX v 0.72 that spreads across networks, creating unrestricted shares in affected computers. This worm carries out its most destructive action on December 13th. (Can’t accuse me of not warning you in time for THIS one!) On that date, W32/HLLW.Kilonce modifies the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, in order to delete every file and subdirectory in the C:\ drive.
Furthermore, on Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the worm launches MS-DOS windows every now and then as if they were scheduled tasks.
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Saturday 7 September, 2002
Windows XP SP1 available now! by @ 7:45 am
The official English version of Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) is now (unofficially) available from Microsoft servers. Go get it before the rush on Monday. In readyness for the official release of Windows XP SP1 on Monday, Microsoft have put the files on their servers. They have not added any links to these files on the site yet, that will happen on Monday. So, to get in before the rush, click on one of the links below. Windows XP SP1 is just above 132mb. It's about a 9 hour download on a 56k dial up modem on a good day.
Windows XP SP1 English - Quality: V Good
Windows XP SP1 English - Quality: Fair/poor
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Friday 6 September, 2002
PSS Hacking Alert by @ 11:00 pm
"The Microsoft PSS team sends us a Hacking Alert"
The Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) Security Team is issuing an alert about an increased level of hacking activity that the PSS Security Team has been tracking. When I first read this alert, I thought it was some kind of joke, some spoof page that eggz had found and sent to Newsbytes. But after reading it, you know, I think they are serious!
Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - Q328691
The Microsoft Product Support Services (PSS) Security Team is issuing an alert about an increased level of hacking activity that the PSS Security Team has been tracking. The activity seems to involve similar hacking attempts. These hacking attempts show similar symptoms and behaviors. The PSS Security team has isolated the major similarities. This article lists these similarities, so that you can take any appropriate action to:
- Detect these hacking attempts.
- Respond to any hacking attempts you detect
Impact of Attack
Compromise of computer, denial-of-service because of security policy changes.
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Possible detection of Trojans such as Backdoor.IRC.Flood and its variants. This might include related Trojans with similar functionality. These Trojans may not necessarily be detected by your antivirus software after the hacker has made modifications to your computer.
Modification of the security policy on domain controllers. Some of the possible effects of a modified security policy are:
- Previously-disabled guest accounts have been re-enabled.
- Changed security permissions on your servers or in Active Directory.
- No one can log on to the domain from the workstations.
- Cannot open Active Directory snap-ins in the MMC.
- Error logs show multiple failed logon attempts from legitimate users who were locked out.
The following files and program have also been found on the computers that have been compromised:
- Gg.bat
- Gg.bat attempts to connect to other servers as 'administrator', 'admin', or 'root'. It then looks for Flashfxp and Ws_ftp on the server, and then copies several files including Ocxdll.exe to the server. Gg.bat then uses the Psexec program to execute commands on the remote server.
- Seced.bat
- Seced.bat changes the security policy.
- Nt32.ini
- Ocxdll.exe
- Psexec
- Ws_ftp
- Flashfxp
- Gates.txt
If these files are found on your computer and they were not installed by you or with your knowledge, run a thorough virus scan with an up-to-date virus-scanning program.
And now for the bit I really like: Recovery Because of the nature of hacking, there is almost no way to fully certify a computer as "clean" of all malicious software or changes that are made during the hack. If you are sure you have been hacked, Microsoft recommends you consult the CERT documentation about how to recover from a root compromise.
If you believe that you have been hacked, you may want to contact your legal counsel or law enforcement about your legal options.
To read the full monty, CLICK HERE
Many thanks to eggz for sending in this frightning bit of news to Newsbytes.
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Thursday 5 September, 2002
Today is KLEZ DAY! by bluetracker @ 11:46 pm
Don't say we didn't warn you!
Within it's innards, Klez.F is programmed so that on September 6,(that's TODAY peeps!) files with the following extensions will be overwritten: BAK, C, CPP, DOC, HTM, HTML, JPG, MP3, MPG,MPEG, PAS, TXT, WAB and XLS.
Hope you can all read this!
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Wednesday 4 September, 2002
AVG update by @ 8:21 pm
Grisoft have released an update to their popular free anti-virus software AVG.
Version: 6.0.385 / Virus Database: 217 is now available dated 04/09/2002.
Grisoft tells us that this update: Added detection of new viruses, Worm/WalRain, Win32/Bender, Win32/Etern, I-Worm/Oror, W97M/Creutze, W97M/Peddec, X97M/Domino and new variants of I-Worm/FBound, I-Worm/Hunch, I-Worm/Sahara, I-Worm/Soltern, I-Worm/Yaha.
The file is 921.4KBytes in size and a reset of your PC is not required.
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Windows Media Player 9 released today by @ 7:54 pm
Microsoft will release the latest version of their media player, previously named 'Corona', now called 'Windows Media Player 9 Series' today! Regular readers of Newsbytes will know from previous news items about some of the many new features of this player like the neat little toolbar player shown in the image below.
Toolbar Player - Windows Media Player 9 Series
Although Microsoft are making alot of noise about it's new features, some of these new features may not be loved by the public. We all like to watch things for free, but nothing in this world is really free is it! and Microsofts new 'real-time ad insertion features' might allow for 'Improved Economics' for companies offering steaming media but will such features detract from what a media player in meant to do - play media.
If you have a broadband connection then you are be most likely to benifit from some of the new features. Microsoft says:
Fast Streaming delivers an "instant-on, always-on" streaming experience for broadband users, effectively eliminating the ever-present buffering delays.
Fast Streaming also automatically optimizes the delivery of streaming audio and video to take advantage of the full bandwidth available to the user, which vastly reduces or eliminates the impact of congestion on the Web for broadband users.
Microsoft are due to make this download available within the next few hours. Keep an eye on the download pages at this Microsoft Windows Media Player 9 Series website.
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SONY LAUNCH TWO NEW DIGITAL PHOTO PRINTERS by bluetracker @ 7:07 pm
Sony DPP-EX5 & EX7… take centre stage please!
In a Press release on 03/09/02 Sony tells us of the release of two new digital photo printer models, The DPP-EX5 and DPP-EX7, like Sony's other printers, use dye sublimation technology, a process that creates durable lab-quality prints in vivid colour, monochrome, sepia or paint tone.
Partner with your PC, or Stand-Alone
Available now in the USA for about $200, the DPP-EX5 (Photo HERE )model offers a powerful feature set and a compact design (3.25" x 7.75" x 11") that puts the photo lab neatly next to your computer or television.
Coming in October (again this is for the USA ) priced at around $450, the DPP-EX7( Photo HERE) has a large 3.8-inch colour touch-screen liquid crystal display for viewing, editing and customizing pictures prior to printing, bypassing the need for a PC. Sony even thinks of the aesthetics of your home decorations! The Press release says... “Both printers come in pearl white, blending nicely with any home décor.” Continuing gushingly with…"What could be easier than putting your flash memory card into one of these printers, pressing one button and then having a beautiful 4" x 6" print in about 90 seconds?" said Jeff Clark, Sony Electronics' manager for digital photo printers. "It's fast and easy, but the even bigger benefits are the quality, durability and affordability of making your own prints."
Print What You Want, When You Want
Both printers we are told are….”…packed with built-in editing and creative tools, making it easy to adjust image sharpness, contrast, brightness and size. These tools also enable users to select and merge images as well as incorporate personalized messages into any print.”
“In addition to being PC and Mac® compatible via a USB connection and Sony supplied software drivers, the DPP-EX5 can also connect to a television for larger viewing and editing of photos in the “den” or living room, just like the slide shows of the past. Each printer has one dedicated slot for Memory Stick® media and the DPP-EX7 has an additional slot for Type II PC cards for other types of flash media used with a PC card adaptor, including SmartMedia™ and CompactFlash™, among others.”
Photo Quality That Never Dies
“Each print from DPP-EX5 and DPP-EX7 models is laminated with Super Coat 2™ laminate to seal and protect every photo, giving durability to withstand fading, spills, moisture and fingerprints.
The two new photo printers support the Exif print standard, which Sony says, “Significantly improves the printing process through colour consistency and final output quality. Both printers come bundled with a self-cleaning cartridge to help maintain and clean each printer at home.”
In addition, both printers can print on the new 3.5" x 5" borderless print paper as well as the current 4" x 6" and 3.5" x 4" print sizes, offering users greater flexibility in their printing options.
Extra so-called Printing packs containing paper, and no doubt the laminating sleeves will also be available to purchase although we are not yet able to confirm any prices for these items nor is the cost of the printing cartridge available at this point in time.
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Monday 2 September, 2002
What's in WinXP SP1 by @ 9:59 am
Microsoft have issued a press release that details some of the improvements to be found to Windows XP when you install Service Pack 1. Microsoft tells us that Windows XP SP1 brings enhanced security, reliability and compatibility to business and home users. Windows XP Service Pack 1 will be available to the general public Monday, Sept. 9.
Jim Allchin, group vice president for the Platforms Products Group at Microsoft says "Microsoft is always focused on improving the reliability and security of Windows for our customers, and Service Pack 1 is the latest delivery on our commitment to those customers,". He adds "Windows XP is the most secure and dependable operating system we have ever produced, but our work doesn't end when we ship the product. Windows XP Service Pack 1, along with services such as Windows Update, are examples of how we help customers keep their PCs updated with the latest and greatest technology."
SP1 Provides Enhanced Security
Windows XP SP1 includes all of the security patches available via Windows Update. It also contains all updates resulting from the Windows code review conducted earlier this year as part of the Trustworthy Computing initiative.
In addition to the traditional service pack updates, Windows XP SP1 delivers the required changes of the proposed consent decree signed with the U.S. Department of Justice and nine state attorneys general. The changes allow both computer manufacturers and users to remove end-user access to Microsoft® Internet Explorer browser software, Windows Media™ Player, Windows Messenger, Outlook® Express and Microsoft's Java virtual machine. This is just one of many components of the compliance effort undertaken by Microsoft since the consent decree was signed in November 2001.
Windows XP: The Foundation for the Future
Windows XP will serve as the basis for several new and exciting Microsoft products designed to extend users' experiences. Those products include the following:
- Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Software for a business-focused mobile PC with additional Tablet functionality that allows mobile users to take handwritten notes in meetings and on the go.
- Windows XP Media Center Edition. Software for a media-focused desktop PC for the home that allows users to access their digital media files from anywhere in the room using a new user interface and a remote control.
- Windows Powered Smart Display. The evolution of the PC monitor that will allow consumers to wirelessly connect to their Windows XP-based PC, liberating them from their desk and empowering them with more-convenient access - anywhere in the home -to the information, applications and services they enjoy most.
Windows XP SP1 Availability
Windows XP SP1 will be available to the general public Monday, Sept. 9, on the Windows XP Web site via download or CD fulfillment.
To read the full press release CLICK HERE
Not long to wait now.
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