Computer maintenance tips, information, and technology news
Year: <span>2009</span>

Year: 2009

Use Adobe Reader? Disable JavaScript!

A new vulnerability has been found in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat. In order to stay protected until a patch is issued, Adobe recommends that users disable JavaScript in these programs.

Disabling JavaScript is a fast, simple procedure. From within Adobe Reader, go to Edit, choose Preferences, then on the left-side of the window, click JavaScript. Uncheck Enable Acrobat JavaScript, then click OK.

Adobe is expected to issue a patch for this vulnerability during the second week of January. Until then, you can stay protected by disabling JavaScript.

PC Security

Emergency Microsoft Windows Patches

Yesterday, Microsoft took the unusual step of releasing two emergency updates, one for a Critical Vulnerability in Internet Explorer and another for Visual Studio. It is rare for Microsoft to deviate from it's monthly patch schedule, which should give you an idea of how important this particular update is. Normally, patches are issued once a month (on the second Tuesday).

PC Security

DirectShow Vulnerabilities

Users of Internet Explorer in Windows 2000 and XP are being targeted thanks to a Video Active X exploit in DirectShow that is allowing PCs to become compromised.

Many websites have been hacked with a malicious script that checks for the vulnerability and if you visit the website with Windows 2000 or XP and do not have the vulnerability patched, the site will attempt to re-route you to a malicious site that will silently download and execute a keylogging program.

In addition to this latest exploit is another vulnerability in DirectShow that has not been patched by Microsoft either and affects ALL browsers. Both vulnerabilities are dangerous and considered “drive by downloads“.

Patches for these exploits are not yet available via Windows Update but Microsoft has created Advisories for each and Workaround fixes that can be used in the meantime to mitigate your risk.

PC Security

Pre-Order Windows 7 Now

Microsoft Windows 7 is currently available for Pre-Order until July 11th (while supplies last). At only $49.99, the Premium Home version is a steal. I wasted no time in pre-ordering my upgrade licenses and will be counting down the days until October 22nd (the expected shipping date). If you don't plan on purchasing a new PC in the near future and your PC currently has Windows Vista or XP, this is your best chance to get a fantastic Operating System at a great price.

Tech News

Firefox Updated to 3.0.8

If you currently use Firefox, you'll want to update to version 3.0.8 (just released by Mozilla). This latest version fixes two critical security issues.

Mozilla continues to impress by issuing updates quickly whenever it becomes aware of vulnerabilities in it's browser.

In addition to the two security vulnerabilities, there were also a few bug fixed.

Software | Tech News