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SPCUG Home Page | Officers | Newsletter | SIGs | Regular Meetings | Sarasota | Join NOW! |
| Coming Attractions | Favorite Links | Calendar | Search | Site Map | Dave "Bytes"
| Dave "Bytes" Please remember to use your thinker, before you tinker! |
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A Periodic Newsletter for the Members of the Sarasota PC User Group and the World!!
Click here to subscribe to Dave "Bytes"
(Please provide your full name and email address)
Let's Start With A Web Browsing Tip
Temporary Internet Files are downloaded onto your computer whenever a web site is accessed through your web browser. For example, if the web site consists of pictures, those pictures are downloaded and stored on your computer. Similarly, if the web site contains text, the text is downloaded and saved to your computer.
The function of Temporary Internet Files are to act as an Internet 'cache'. So, for example: when a web site is referenced, your browser will first check to see if the web site files ("Temporary Internet Files") exist on your computer -- locally -- before attempting to download them remotely. Obviously, it is much quicker to access something locally than by remote destination. To put it another way: the web site would appear to load faster if the majority of its web files were cached on your system (via Temporary Internet Files).
Considering that each web site could have hundreds -- or even thousands -- of individual Temporary Internet Files saved to your computer, the downside is that you will lose hard drive space. Having said that: if you constantly delete your Temporary Internet Files strictly 'out of habit', you'll not only save space, but you'll also severely fragment your hard drive. This is especially true if you have more than ample space to store your Temporary Internet Files (and deleting the files is therefore not necessary).
A single file can span across multiple areas on a hard disk drive. If the file is fragmented, the hard drive heads must move back and forth to read or write each portion of the file. This is also referred to as hard drive latency or access time. As files are deleted [old Temporary Internet Files] and new ones are added [newer Temporary Internet Files], the "free space" on the drive starts to resemble that of Swiss Cheese. Defragging, on the other hand, puts related files in a close proximity so that when they are accessed, the drive head efficiently moves (at best) in 1 direction, rather than sporadically. The drive arm is referred to as the "boom", and a move in one direction of the boom is referred to as a "sweep"
Yes, you can clean up the Temporary Internet Files, Cookies, and Web Site History: but I recommend doing this *only* if hard drive space is an issue or if you notice your browser acting a bit sluggish. And of course, I also recommend that you defrag your hard drive after every cleaning.
BITS |
| BYTES |
Every Sunday
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See Who Won Last Sunday
See What You Can Win This Sunday
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Clicking on Dave will take you to the
"Bits & Bytes Radio Show"
site where you can listen to the most recent broadcast
| Click to Every Sunday at 9:30 am eastern |  |
Anti-Spyware Basics
You've just come home with your new computer. How delightful! Now you're ready to surf the web and download some music -- legally of course -- and send out a few emails to family and friends.
As you're about to plug in the networking cable you remember something the sales associate mentioned.
"Be sure and get some anti-spyware and security stuff".
"Bah," you figure. The guy is just trying to sell you more that you don't want or need, right?
Onward you go, dismissing the comment and salivating as Google pulls up page after page of amazing information about things you never knew existed. Need to know about livestock birthing? No problem! Have a hankering for finding just the right flap settings for your Cessna? Piece of cake!
But wait, what's with these 'extra' windows that keep popping up and obscuring your view? And why is it that your homepage is now set at
www.somePornSite.com?
"Hmmmm," you wonder, thinking back to what the sales associate said...
Welcome to the Net! You have just been hijacked and had your first "drive-by" install. No -- not the type of drive-by from the gang downtown, guns a' blazing, tires screeching -- it appears to have come from that "friendly" website who just happened to be pushing some 'extra' software onto unsuspecting users such as yourself.
The scenario above is an all too common occurrence -- though, more than likely, excluding both of those searches via Google. And if you did actually perform those searches, you are indeed unique to say the least. Just don't write me if you're a farmer transporting a pregnant cow in a Cessna. ;-)
And so, some basic security info is at hand. At least, enough to get you down the road to securely surf the Web with confidence.
Here's a list of things you should do before plugging into the Net:
1. Be sure you have both a firewall and anti-virus protection. Without either, it could be literally only 10 or 15 minutes before your system is compromised. Typically, free products give you bare bones applications, which is fine if you're not going to do any heavy surfing. Going to be online 3, 4, 5 hours a day? Make the investment and get a few extra perks.
2. Now that you have a firewall and anti-virus installed, you can go online. Make sure the operating system that came installed by the reseller has all critical patches from Microsoft installed. This single event, should it be skipped could be the most damaging. You see, malware writers know all the exploits and vulnerabilities in the OS, and write accordingly to take advantage of them to deliver their bundles of joy.
3. Find a dependable source for anti-spyware. Many of the most respected applications on this category are free, with some very nice paid versions as well.
Now doing those three simple basic things will get you started. You still need to read up about tweaking Internet Explorer, to help tighten its out of the box security (kind of like adding extra stuff to a new car). Then deciding what kind of security settings or software to use for email.
Hopefully you're not overwhelmed just yet. My purpose is to inform on a basic level for the new user. Once you're up and running, other subjects delving deeper into technical issues can be addressed.
The "Bytes" Beg, Bargain & Barter Basement
Got something "computer related" to sell? Looking for that rare peripheral? If it's computer related you can submit a short classified ad for exposure in Dave "Bytes". Be sure to include your name and e-mail address in the ad. You can also include a picture of the item. Now some would suggest that there be a charge for this feature but alas, since my bookkeeping skills leave much to be desired I've determined that this will be a free service to all SPCUG members in good standing. "Bytes" is currently sent to almost 1500 homes in the area. Ad requests will be included as soon as possible. I assume absolutely no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of supplied info. All transactions are between consulting adults which leaves me entirely off the hook. Please let me know by clicking HERE when your merchandise is sold so that I can remove it from the listing. I will try to run each ad for a month.
Click Here To Submit Your Ad
For Sale
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On www.logitech.com for $99.00
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Call or E-Mail Dave
941-929-1823
davegerber@comcast.net
Works Great With Comcast Video Mail
| Video enthusiasts get ready... the QuickCam was made just for you. By combining a digital zoom, built-in microphone, and high-quality VGA CCD sensor, the QuickCam Pro 4000 lets you express your creativity like a pro. Now you can create amazing videos and shoot 1.3 megapixel still photos with ease. Or add live video to your instant messages while you chat. You can also make live video calls, set up a video monitoring system, or send photos and video along with your email. You can even add video to your eBay auctions. Enhance the way you communicate and animate your life.
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The Creative Way to Get Closer
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Here's A Special Holiday Offer To SPCUG Members from Chronicle Software
Chronicle Software (remember they were our General Meeting Presenter in October) will give Sarasota Computer User Group members a holiday special:
3 LifeJournal CDs for $89.00, including shipping all three CDs to one address. This is about a 45% discount.
To order call Ruth Folik toll-free at 877-456-8762 between 9 AM and 5 PM M-F
This is available until December 31, 2005.
For more info about this easy to use Journal program visit www.lifejournal.com
Here's A Special Holiday Offer To SPCUG Members from User Group Relations
As a way to thank our user group customers at this holiday season, we are offering three new Acronis products at a very special bundle price of $59. Included are the new releases of Acronis True Image 9.0,
Acronis has updated all of their main end-user products in the past few weeks and you can get them all at this very special bundle price of $59. Acronis True Image 9.0 came out the end of September with many new features that included individual file backups, differential backup images, and enhanced backup scheduling ability.
At this holiday season, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a great new year. We value having you as customers and friends.
Gene & Linda Barlow
User Group Relations
St
| And Now Here's Dave's Cool Downloads |  |
ClearTweak™ allows you to change the contrast setting of the ClearType® setting for Windows XP
ClearType is designed to enhance LCD displays. It may appear slightly blurry on standard desktop monitors.
It does not hurt to try ClearTweak™ on a CRT monitor. Even though ClearType™ is designed for LCD's, some people see an improvement on CRT's.
ClearTweak™ does not contain any spyware, adware, or any other type of embedded monitoring software.
TaxAct 2005 Standard
ABSOLUTELY FREE!
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No Limitations or Missing Functionality
Standard has no limitations or missing functionality, unlike other free tax software products.
Includes Over 120 Forms & Schedules
There's no hassle getting those last-minute copies of the right tax forms. See our complete list of forms & schedules
Makes Completing Your Tax Return Fast & Easy!
Just answer simple interview questions and your data will automatically be entered into the appropriate tax forms. Or, enter data directly onto the tax forms—it's your choice!
Packed with features to make taxes fast & easy:
Get your refund fast with low-cost E-filing—Receive a refund in about half the time as a paper filer, or even faster with Direct Deposit. At only $7.95, we offer one of the lowest prices on the Web! And, it's risk-free—you don't have to decide to e-file until after you've completed your return and are satisfied with the results.
In-depth Form Instructions give guidance for every entry in the Tax QnA.
Alerts help you steer clear of problems—TaxACT meticulously inspects your return and alerts you to errors, omissions, and valuable tax-saving opportunities you may have missed.
Automatic Update Wizard—Auto-installs the latest version of the software!
Handy "Tax Refund" or "Amount Owed" display—The refund or amount owed is constantly visible on-screen, updating automatically so you know your moment-to-moment tax situation.
The tax forms you need—right at your fingertips:
Over 110 forms, schedules, and worksheets—including 1040, 1040A, Schedule C and many more. And, you can be sure your forms and schedules are up-to-date, reflecting all the latest tax law changes. (For a complete listing, see the Forms, Schedules, and Worksheets Charts.)
Multiple occurrences of supporting forms? Piece of cake! Enter as many copies of a supporting form as necessary. If you changed jobs in the middle of the year and have two W-2 forms, TaxACT can handle it!
Online Help is only a click away! TaxACT includes in-product online help to guide you through using the program.
How To Bypass Those Annoying Voice Mail Prompts And Hopefully Reach A "Human"
FINANCE PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN America First Credit Union 800-999-3961 0 or say "member services" American Express 800-528-4800 0 repeatedly Bank of America 800-900-9000 00 or dial 813-882-1103 for Executive Office. Bank of America 800-622-8731 * Bank of America 800-432-1000 Say "operator" or "associate" at any point in the menu. Bank One 877-226-5663 00 Capital One 800-903-3637 0000 Capital One 800-955-7070 000 Charles Schwab 800-435-9050 3, 0 Chase 800-CHASE24 5 pause 1 4 Chase Credit Card 800-945-2006 0 Chrysler Financial 800-700-0738 Select language, then press 00 Citi AAdvantage 888-766-2484 Ignore prompts and wait for a human. Citi Card 800-967-8500 0,0,0,0,0 CitiFinancial 800-643-5607 0,0,0,0,0 CitiMortgage 800-283-7918 ### Citizens Bank 800-922-9999 0,0,0 Coutrywide Loans 800-669-5864 *0 repeatedly Diner's Club 800-729-5309 2 Discover 800-347-2683 **** e*Trade 800-786-2575 #### (4 pound signs) Equifax 800-997-2493 See also. Experian 888-397-3742 See also. Exxon Mobil Card 800-344-4355 000 ignoring message Fidelity 800-544-6666 ignore prompt for social security number, just enter ### Fidelity NetBenefits 800-581-5800 1,################# GE Finance CareCredit 866-893-7864 1, 6, 5, 0, 0 HSBC 800-477-6000 1, 3, 0 ING 800-464-3473 Direct to human. MasterCard 800-MC-ASSIST 000 on each menu MBNA 800-421-2110 00 when menu starts Mellon Investor 800-649-3593 Wait through initial recording finishes, select nothing--wait--you will be connected to a live customer service rep PayPal 402-935-7733 (or 2050) Say "agent." See also. Paypal Buyer Credit 866-571-3012 Be silent and at the end of the options press 6. Sovereign Bank 800-SOV-BANK 1 english; 1 personal; 3 then social#; passcode, #; then 0 (1-3x) Transunion 800-888-4213 See also. US Bank 800-872-2657 0000 Visa 800-847-2911 000 (ignore prompts saying that it's an invalid entry) Wachovia 800-922-4684 0, 0 Wal Mart Credit Card 866-888-3868 0 Washington Mutual 800-756-8000 At any time after the announcement(s) press 0,0. Wells Fargo 800-869-3557 0,0,0 or when asked for account number say "I don't know" Western Union 800-325-6000 * then ## GOVERNMENT PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN 1-800-MEDICARE(Re;new Rx plan) 1-800-MEDICARE RE; info for part "D" Medicare Prescription Drug Plans- When recording begins say "Agent" 5+ times. Federal Trade Commission 877-382-4357 Don't press any keys, and eventually you will be transferred to a queue for an FTC counselor. FEMA 800-621-FEMA Select language (1 for English), Don't choose any option, just hold for human; or press 00 Medicare 800-633-4227 Say "Agent." Social Security 800-772-1213 00 US Dept. of Transportation 800-832-5660 000 US Postal Service 800-275-8777 Press 5 four times until you hear "transfering" (If you then get a recording, press 2.) Veterans Affairs 800-827-1000 1,0 INSURANCE PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN Aetna 800-537-9384 2, then say "operator" (check this) Aetna 800-680-3566 * then 0 anytime AIG 877-638-4244 Direct to human. CIGNA 800-516-2898 REGARDING A BILL Cigna 800-849-9000 ## Delta Dental 888-335-8227 00000, wait through message, select language, 4, 0. GEICO 800-841-3000 Wait for prompt then 6, 1, 5; Or dail 800-555-2752 Medco 800-251-7690 0000, enter member id or say "i don't have a member id." Medicare 800-633-4227 After the opening prompt say "agent". Principal Life 800-247-4695 1 for english, 2, then 0 several times. Prudential Financial 800-778-2255 Say "Customer Service Representative" several times after intro. United Health Care 866-844-4864 000000,0,0 USAA 800-531-6095 000 then #; or # initially to dial the extension of a specific representative PHARMACY PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN Caremark 800-262-7890 0 CVS local store Press 6 to connect to store manager. drugstore.com 800-378-4786 2, 5 Eckerd 800-325-3737 0 for pharmacy, 8* for manager Express Scripts - TriCare 866-363-8667 0, listen announcement, 0,0. MEDCO 800-987-5269 Say "representative" after each message (3x). Rite Aid local store Press 3 to speak to the pharmacy Walgreen's mail order prescriptions 800-635-3070 0,00 Walgreens local store 0 for a pharmacy employee PRODUCTS PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN Bose 800-444-2673 Direct to human. GE Appliance 800-626-2005 000 Kodak 800-235-6325 *7 or *28 Kodak Gallery (formerly Ofoto) 800-360-9098 Say "customer service representative" repeatedly. Konica Minolta 800-285-6422 0 Playstation 800-345-7669 0 Sonos 800-680-2345 1 sales; 2 support Sony 800-222-7669 When prompted, just say "Agent". RETAIL PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN Advance Auto Part 800-314-4243 Press 0 when the automated message begins. Amazon Visa 888-247-4080 Press 0 twice. Ignore invalid account message. Amazon.com 800-201-7575 0 See also. Apple Stores local store 5 as soon as you hear the automated menu Banana Republic 888-277-8953 0 Barnes & Noble local store Press 1 or 0 during greeting. Best Buy 888-237-8289 Listen to intro, then press 1,2,0,0 Best Buy Card 800-365-0292 00* Buy.com 949-389-2000 Dail 0 and direct to rep Circuit City Visa 888-363-8001 Press 0 a lot. eBay 800-322-9266 0,0 See also. Gap Credit Card 800-887-1198 000 Home Depot local store Direct to human. Home Depot 800-793-3768 # 2-3 times Home Shopping Net 800-284-3100 0 Ikea 800-434-4532 Press 0 many times quickly! JC Penney 800-222-6161 Press 0 twice, ignoring error message. K-Mart local store 0 Kohl's Credit 800 564-5740 After providing account info, press 0 three times LL Bean 800-441-5713 Direct to human. Lowe's 800-445-6937 Press 0 as the recording kicks in to get to the Operator NetFlix 888-638-3549 0 Old Navy 800-653-6289 Dial 0 direct to rep Overstock.com 800-843-2446 At the main menu, 0 three to four times to bypass the menu Petco local store 3 QVC 800-367-9444 0 Radio Shack 800-843-7422 0,0 RadioShack local store Direct to human. Rent-A-Center 800-422-8186 1 Safeway local store As soon as voice prompt starts type 1200 to get human Sears 800-4-MY-HOME Be silent to be put in queue for human. Sears (Home Delivery) 800-732-7747 *122 Sears (Repair Services) 800-469-4663 Repeat "Help" everytime the IVR tries to give options. Sharper Image 800-344-9919 Diect to human. Staples 800-333-3330 Just wait through intro and you will be connected to a representative. Stop & Shop local number 0 Target local store 0 during greeting. The Company Store 800-285-3696 0 Toys "R" Us local store 0 Wal-Mart 800-925-6278 1 for directory SHIPPING PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN DHL 800-225-5345 Press 1, press 5, press 0, enter your phone number. FedEx 888-463-3339 At message say "Rep"; or press 0 Union Pacific Railroad 800-877-5123 Press # sign during main menu options. UPS 800-742-5877 0,0 TECHNOLOGY PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN AOL * 800-827-6364 0 *note from Dave: Unlikely to ever find a human here) Apple 800-275-2273 000; if virtual rep answers, say "operator" Compaq 800-652-6672 No easy escape Dell 888-560-8324 2 order; 3 support; 4 purchase help; or 00 to human Dell Service 800-624-9897 option 1, xt 7266966, option 1, option 4, option 4 Earthlink 888-earthlink 1 find a dialin number; 2 billing; 3 sales; 4 support Epson 800-922-8911 yes Gateway 800-846-2301 00# HP 800-474-6836 Say "agent". HP 888-560-8324 00 IBM 800-IBM-4YOU You go into a hold queue immediately Microsoft 800-936-5700 Always 0. This is true for just about any MS number. QuickBooks 888-729-1996 1 purchase; 2 billing; 3 registration; 4 tech support or 0 to human Symantec 800-441-7234 00 TELCO PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN AOL 800-827-6364 Press 0 repeatedly, ignoring all messages. AT&T 800-222-0300 #### then 1 if for current phone, else 2 to enter other, else 3 AT&T Credit Management Center 800-532-7486 90, 90 (Press 90 twice, ignoring message) AT&T Wireless 800-888-7600 During prompts, press * then # twice. BellSouth 877-678-2355 *0 Cellular One 888-910-9191 4, say "agent", then # Cingular 800-331-0500 Try the option to close your account; same people but quick answer. Cingular 800-211-2445 Direct to human. COMCAST 800-266-2278 dail 0 3-4 times or be silent MetroPcs 888-863-8786 #43 Nextel 800-639-6111 0 five times SBC 800-585-7928 Again, an (intelligent, this time) IVR wants YOUR phone number first. Sprint PCS 888-788-5001 If live person does not answer, 00, then say "agent" T-Mobile 800-TMOBILE Say "representative" at any time. Verizon DSL 800 567 6789 Say "I don't know it" then "technician" Verizon Wireless 800-922-0204 #00 or enter phone # then 0 then 4 TRAVEL PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN American Airlines 800-433-7300 00, then say "agent" Amtrak 800-872-7245 0 or say "agent" Delta 800-221-1212 say "agent" four times - every time it asks for a response from you Kayak.com 203 899-3120 0 National Car Rental 800-227-7368 Direct to human. Northwest 800-225-2525 Star, 0,0 after initial greeting Southwest 800-435-9792 Calls answered by operator; during busy times you might have to hold United 800-864-8331 Do nothing, wait for human. US Airways 800-428-4322 4, wait, 1 Walt Disney World 407-824-4521 Direct line to Magic Kingdom Guest Relations TV/SATELLITE PHONE STEPS TO FIND A HUMAN Comcast 800-266-2278 Customer service, but an IVR wants your number first. Direct TV 800-347-3288 0 repeatedly Sirius 888 539-7474 0 TiVo 877-367-8486 Say "Live Agent" XM Radio 800-998-7900 Direct to human!
Here's Another Reason Why I Don't Like Norton Anti-Virus
The image below is an actual screen shot taken from a member's computer.
Note the "Renewal Date" shown.
While Wandering The Web
 | Take the Speakeasy Speed Test and test your connection speed! By measuring the download and upload rate from the following locations you are able to accurately judge your current line throughput or internet connection speed. |
(be sure to choose the Sarasota PC Users Group where asked)
Please Sign The Dave "Bytes" Guestbook
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Here's A Neat Net Trick
Pause For Thought
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Mentioned In The LangaList Newsletter | As Seen In |
Website: http://www.spcug.org
© 2005. All Rights Reserved
Last Updated
09/20/2008 03:51 PM
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