As I was away last month crossing the Simpson Desert, Lyn Goodall (our VP) was keeping the seat warm and we thank her for taking on that role. In the intervening period, much has happened; let me share some of those topics.

PC Security

As part of testing Vista (the next Microsoft operating system), I have been reviewing key differences between Vista and XP. One major change is the user/admin concept. Most of us today using XP run as a single user with full Administrator privileges; this enables us to install programs and carry out other high level tasks. We then use that level for our normal, day-to-day usage. This is not a good practice, as it allows any Trojan or virus that arrives via Internet or external media (CD, USB disk) to inherit our admin privileges. Instead, we should define a second user for day-to-day usage that does not have admin rights, to minimise this exposure. In Vista by default, users do not have such privileges, and extra permissions are required for all high level functions.

Thus if you are a heavy Internet user with important information on your PC, I strongly recommend your look at this aspect. To create a second lower-level user, go to Control Panel User Accounts and create an extra "limited" account. Note, some older programs may not work in this mode. Swaps may be needed, using the limited account for the more risky Internet operations, and the admin account for the less-risk offline applications.

Internet Banking

Many people now use the Internet to access their bank accounts, presenting a bigger target for hackers to try and gain illegal access. Two attack methods currently causing concern are key logger viruses that can capture banking passwords when entered via the keyboard, and root kits where a hacker can hide their existence. Two key recommendations — ensure antivirus, firewall and systems software is regularly updated with probably daily checks — and have an alternate method available to protect your banking details. Examples are an OnScreen keyboard (as supposedly used by that bank) or extra passwords via SMS phone (as used by NAB).

Work from Home ?

Most will have seen the classic Nigerian scam, offering large sums of money and seeking banking details. But a more recent invitation headed "Internet Home Work from 800AUD Per Week" offers a "Financial manager position in your country" Work in Internet with good salary! One of the items requested in the response is personal banking details. As always, constant vigilance is needed to ensure we, our families and friends don't succumb to these scams disguised as great offers. Sadly, many do, every day.

APCUG Photo Contest

While we have been running competitions for some years, our global organization APCUG is now running a similar contest, and I am sure our members can readily compete at this international level. Four categories are provided, with full details available at http://apcug.net/events/photocontest  But be quick as the closing date of 30 September is only four weeks away.

Office Space

Due to some rearrangement, we now have two extra offices available. Anyone interested (or knowing of others who might be interested) in renting a standalone or serviced office within our Chadstone premises, email me at president@melbpc.org.au, or phone via the office at (03) 95678000.
 
Committee Nominations

Each November at our Annual General Meeting, we conduct elections for our Officers and Management Committee. Some of our long-serving Committee team will be retiring, and while others will be seeking re-election, we are now seeking extra nominations. As your President, I am therefore looking for some new faces around the table, and welcome people interested to contact me to discuss opportunities. Remember, we are all volunteers helping each other, and a contribution at Committee level can be a personally rewarding experience.

Monthly Meeting

The September 2006 Monthly Meeting is to be held at Deakin University, Burwood.

A number of members have asked for guidance in searching the Internet. The September meeting will cover this topic, showing both search techniques and extra sources. We will also see the latest ways to add TV functionality (including HDTV) to our PCs.

We will also have the usual Q&A session, and Door Prizes — so join us at 7pm on Wednesday 6 September on Deakin's Burwood campus. Plus of course, afterwards the WAFFLE get-together at Dolci's, 173 Middleborough Rd., between Elgar and Canterbury Roads.

Reprinted from the September 2006 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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