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There are another round of Microsoft Critical Updates one of which patches a big vulnerability in Internet explorer. Be sure your computers are up to date. Check windows update from within Internet Explorer, or make sure we come by and get you up to date. http://www.microsoft.com/security/

The MyDoom Email virus was responsible for 20 to 30% of world wide email last week. It has a .zip attachment, and can look like a returned mail message. There are several variants. Do not open these messages. As always, make sure your antivirus software pattern files are up to date.

http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/virusencyclo/default5.asp?VName=WORM_MYDOOM.A

If you are using Microsoft Office, remember that it needs to be kept up to date as well. Patches come out regularly for bugs and vulnerabilities in the Office products. There is a link from within the Office menu: help/Check for Updates. If you have not been keeping up with the patches, be sure to apply them in the correct order.

GFI MailEssentials for Exchange is a server based spam filter. It has gotten good reviews from our clients that have tried it. The price is pretty reasonable, about $30 per user for 10 or more users. It requires that you have your own email server, such as the one that comes with Small Business Server. Spam now accounts for about 80% of email (not counting virus outbreaks). The anti-spam laws have had very little impact, as expected. http://www.gfi.com/mes/

With a Wireless PC phone card, you can enable your laptop to connect to the internet via cell phone. The technology has been too slow to be of much use – about the same as a dial up modem at best. The next generation cell phone technology is being tested in San Diego and Washington DC. Verizon offers a cell phone service with a data rate of about 2MB/Sec. – Plenty fast for most applications. This will open up a whole world of opportunities for working while out of the office. It may be a few years before we see it in Visalia. http://www.ipixcel.org/1xEVDO.htm

Bluetooth is finally starting to be usable. Bluetooth enabled phones and PDA’s allow you to sync with your pc using short distance (3-5 feet) wireless radio. It is also being used in headsets, RFID and barcoding, and other cordless applications. http://www.palowireless.com/bluetooth/products.asp#qualifiedproducts

http://www.bluetooth.com/

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Tim Torian