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A word from the Chief Guru: Doing what we do best

Since our last issue of the CyberGuru Newsletter, I have successfully received qualifications as a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist in Microsoft Windows Vista - Configuration, one of the first in the world. I have also attained a foundations certification in IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). ITIL the most widely accepted approach to information technology service management in the world which provides a cohesive set of best practice processes in support and delivery of information technology. For more information on ITIL, please visit the official ITIL website at http://www.itil.co.uk.

We continue to do what we do best, providing award-winning, professional and affordable computer solutions. Already this year, CyberGuru has undertaken considerable investment to improving our client services through a range of projects detailed in our business plan. In forthcoming issues of the CyberGuru Newsletter you will receive some further insight on what we are doing to make our business even more relevant to our clients by focussing on their needs by being dynamic, proactive and responsive.

As an example of this, the Hints, Tips and Tricks section of the CyberGuru Newsletter responds to concerns from our clients and provides recommendations on how to handle the issues discussed. In this issue, we provide information on the handling of virus warnings and hoaxes. Previous issues have covered phishing and mobile phone scams. If there's any issue you would like to see covered, please let us know.

Another is our development of Windows Vista resources freely available via our website which will be discussed in more details later in this newsletter. However, answers to client-specific information is available by appointment and it is recommended we visit before you purchase any new hardware and software so we can suggest the requirements best suited for your needs.

CyberGuru wishes all our clients, prospective clients, family and friends a safe and happy Easter.


Chris Jeffery
Proprietor/Chief Guru



News: Windows Vista and Office 2007 launched

Following the launch of Windows Vista on 30 January 2007, CyberGuru released a opinion paper on our website (http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_opinion_windowsvistareview.htm). This was mentioned in the last issue of the CyberGuru Newsletter, which is available from the Newsletter Archives page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_newsletter_archives.htm.

We also announced that we would answer questions and assist with Windows Vista issues through our web form and answer the questions as part of the frequently asked questions and as part of an series of articles on Windows Vista in the CyberGuru Newsletter.

A selection of the questions we have been asked so far include:
* What is the new Windows Vista startup sound?
* Where can I find out if my hardware will work in Windows Vista?
* I am running Windows Vista Business Edition but I can't seem to find the games. Do they come with this edition?
* How can I change the "sleep" button to "shut down" on the Start menu?
* Where is Windows Live Messenger?

Answers to these questions and many more can be found at the CyberGuru Microsoft Windows Vista Review page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_opinion_windowsvistareview.htm.

We have written several news articles available from our News page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/about_news.htm, including details on the estimated retail pricing for the newly released products, as well as a range of screenshots and the ability to test drive the new products without requiring you to install it on your computer. If you have any suggestions for articles, please feel free to contact us.



Hints, Tips and Tricks: Virus Warnings and Hoaxes

Over the years since we have started writing newsletters, there has been a much heightened alert about viruses and spyware. Whilst these are the most likely problems that may affect your computer as they cause havoc and destruction to your files. However there is a deadlier form of these out there, they are the virus warnings and hoaxes, usually sent via email forwarded from reputable people or organisations requesting they are forwarded to "everyone you know". Similar hoaxes also exist for competitions you may have won or other offers that seem to be good to be true.

Unfortunately, there are many warnings and hoaxes that circulate on the internet on a regular basis. They usually arrive forwarded in an email from someone you know and you consequently end up trusting this information and it can difficult to assess whether the information is correct or a hoax.

Organisations such as AusCERT (Australian Computer Emergency Response Team) is the national leading advisor in the Asia/Pacific region provide information freely available to anyone who subscribes, and the best source of valid information on such threats. However, they do not suggest forwarding of their emails and they provide valid references to prove the statements in their bulletins.

In addition, companies who produce internet security products such as Symantec and McAfee provide advise and updates via their respective websites.
Both companies also provide lists of legitimate threats and risks (including hoaxes). If you receive what appears to be a virus warning, hoax or not, or a promotion that sounds too good to be true, visit the following websites:
Symantec: http://www.symantec.com/enterprise/security_response/threatexplorer/index.jsp
McAfee: http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp

For several years, CyberGuru has been advising those who forward such warnings and hoaxes onto us to confirm via these websites whether these hoaxes are true. We can verify that the many virus notices we have received have all been hoaxes. When we receive these, we provide a link to our website listing the current threats, tools and advisories, sourced from the Symantec website, which is available at our Security and Virus Warnings page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_securityandviruswarnings.htm. We also provide the forwarded information on where to find out more about the hoax itself and should your receive any similar messages where to find out about them as well.

Typically, CyberGuru does not send virus warnings as these websites provide more up-to-date information we have access to. However, if we do discover that an actual virus requires such a warning, we will make every effort to provide this information to you on the Security and Virus Warnings page. We may send you an email to advise you to check the website, confirming we are the source of the information and provide valid references on where further information can be found and invite you to contact us if you require further assistance.

Our advice is that if you receive a virus warning, disregard and delete it straight away without opening it or any attachments. Do not forward it as this continues it. Even if the sender forwards it on in good faith, it is likely to be a hoax. They are constantly sent purposely trying to frightening or misleading users (often with instructions to perform actions on your computer including deleting system files) and then requesting you send it on and the loop goes on. If you are unsure about what to do please call us.

It is timely to remind you to ensure that you have an up-to-date internet security product installed on your computer. Should you receive such a virus, then your product will pick up and remove any virus discovered.

This article is available from our Hints, Tips and Tricks page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_hintstipstricks.htm.



How-to Guide: Important Computer House-Keeping Duties (Using Microsoft Windows Vista)

This how-to guide has been updated to cover the new features in Windows Vista, covering error-checking (formerly Chkdsk), Disk Defragmenter, Backup and Restore Centre, Disk Cleanup and more.

This how-to guide is available from our How-to Guides page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_hintstipstricks.htm.



How-to Guide: Running Avast Home Edition 4.7

Avast is antivirus software suited home and non-commercial users that that provides many of the features of the major commercial packages. Whilst we still recommend commercial versions of internet security products for these users, some clients have requested details of a suitable no-cost alternative for which we believe the Home Edition of Avast would suit. CyberGuru provides no guarantee or support for the suitability of this product on your computer.

This how-to guide is available from our How-to Guides page at http://www.cyberguru.com.au/helpdesk_hintstipstricks.htm.



Joke: Computer Terminology Explained in Plain English

WORD COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY PLAIN ENGLISH
Code software instruction cryptic message
Boot loading operating system footwear
Virus makes computer sick makes you sick
Memory data storage retained ideas
News usenet ABC/Seven/Nine/Ten/SBS News
Mail electronic letters bills/letters/junk mail
Pen pointing device writing with ink
Slip external communications an undergarment
Tip open line for communications dollars for waiters and waitresses
Mouse pointing device rodent
Screen terminal face metal mesh
Spool swap device thing that holds thread
Thread code structure method stuff on spools
OOP C++ a mistake
Ports serial, parallel and USB place where ships dock
Hard drive fixed disk difficult trip
Windows GUI nightmare cleaning nightmare
Root UNIX system administrator bottom part of plant
Smalltalk programming language chit chat



Thanks!

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If we can assist you in any way through our solutions, please contact us.

Christopher Jeffery trading as CyberGuru
Web: http://www.cyberguru.com.au
Email: cyberguruDONOTSPAM@cyberguru.com.au