Date: June 30, 2006

Subject: Is Disaster Stalking Your Computer?

It's summertime and the living is easy. Easy, that is, unless you're a computer or computer user with potential disaster lurking around almost every corner. With this month's issue of the ELM Bulletin we address some of the potential problems that make being a computer, or using one, more of an concern than you might think.

PROBLEM # 1 - Over The Hill - Microsoft's recent announcement that it would not be releasing security upgrades for the Windows 98 operating system after July 11, 2006 means that many older computers still running Windows 98 could present a significant security risk to the organizations where they are used. In fact, a recent Internet Explorer patch closing a well known security hole was not issued for Windows 98 due to the amount of modification that would have been required. Consequently, Windows 98 systems using Internet Explorer to browse the Internet are already a weak point in your network's security system.

What can you do to minimize this threat? You could upgrade to Windows XP but it is very likely that your Windows 98 system is too old to run Windows XP or that you do not want to spend approximately $500.00 to upgrade a system worth considerably less than that amount. As an alternative then, you could purchase a new computer pre-configured with Windows XP offering superior performance and functionality. Any system you buy will be superior to your Windows 98 computer. Configuration and setup of this new system could cost up to $500.00 in addition to the cost of the system but you would then be able to rest comfortably knowing that your computer infrastructure is secure, at least as far as the operating system is concerned.

If you would like to discuss your options in further detail please call us at your convenience.

PROBLEM # 2 - In-Security - One thing about high speed Internet, it is a definite productivity booster when used properly. However, all that time and money that you saved through increased productivity can be lost on a single system crash or service call due to a virus or spyware. It shouldn't have to be this way, yet it is.

What can you do to protect yourself from viruses, spyware and other harmful software and reclaim your productivity boost? We strongly suggest installing an Internet Security package. My current recommendation is for the excellent ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite (available from the ZoneLabs website at: www.zonelabs.com). The ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite has consistently earned high ratings in trade journal reviews and has been running well on my computer since I installed it six months ago.

Please call us if you feel that your computer has already been compromised or shows symptoms typical of the presence of harmful software such as:

- erratic behaviour

- recurring random restarts

- established websites continually display "Page not found"

- cannot access security software provider websites

 

(please note that this is not an exhaustive list)

PROBLEM # 3 - Lack Of Energy - Many computer systems, including corporate network server systems, are plugged directly into the nearest power outlet rather than to an electrical surge protector or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Although surge protectors have been recommended by IT specialist for decades the greater harm in connecting a computer system directly to a wall outlet is only realized when the power fails and all your unsaved data is suddenly and irrevocably lost.

What can you do? We recommend that all computers be plugged into a UPS. A UPS guarantees that the user will have about 15 minutes to save data and shut the computer down when the power fails. Almost all UPS devices also include electrical surge protection to limit damage from lightning strikes and power surges due to failing electrical equipment. UPS devices are distinguished from each other by their power outputs. For the average desktop a UPS with a power output of 500 will supply about 10 minutes of power while for a server system the same amount of time will be supplied by a UPS with a power output of 1500. Our preferred brand of UPS devices is American Power Conversions (APC), available at ELM as well as most electronic retailers.

PROBLEM # 4 - I've Fallen And I Can't Get Up - In addition to not using a UPS, most computer users also fail to ensure that the data that they've spent years accumulating is adequately protected. Whether you simply copy your data to a CD or use an elaborate tape backup system with a sophisticated tape rotation scheme, it is imperative that you ensure that you can get your data back if you can no longer access it from its original location.

There are many backup solutions available, one is certain to meet your needs. If you want help to find the right one just give us a call, we'll be happy to help.

Previous issues of the ELM Bulletin are available from our website.

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