This is what the COOLSITES Toolbar looks like. Click here for more info:
http://luem42.com/toolbar.html Click here to get it:
http://luem42.OurToolbar.com
I have published the December 12 2008 COOLSITES Newsletter #195 by Mark Donaldson.
The following is an excerpt from this weeks newsletter. To see the full newsletter with all of the COOLSITES links please click and bookmark this link:
http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html and check it each week. Thank you. Mark.
December 12 2008 COOLSITES Newsletter #195 by Mark Donaldson
Subscribers who didn't receive the newsletter, due to stupid filters, may use a private link to download the newsletter in the text ( .txt ), html ( .html ) and the MS Word Doc ( .doc ) format in a zip file. I will upload the zip files to my archive site right after I send out the newsletter on Friday morning. If a subscriber doesn't receive the newsletter, by 9am EDT, they can quickly download it, unzip it and peruse it offline. You can also read it online from there.
If you are a subscriber and don't know the private link you can email me for it. These zip files are less than 40K which is smaller than the 100K or more for the newsletter.
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Semper Gratis (forever free) of cost
COOLSITES is a list of safe, fun, useful, informative and just plain cool websites and programs that are FREE, FREE and FREE. All of the programs and websites I list are free. If I list anything that is so good but isn't free I will list the price with it.
My website is Dialup Friendly. All pages except "Just The Links" and "Specialized Search Engines" load up in under 15 seconds.
Wherever you go if you see the user name LUEM42 that's me
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Pirillo's Picks for February 13 2007
"And if you think that's a lot of links, you should see how many
http://luem42.com/ collects every day. It's enough to make you wanna never leave the house again as long as you live" Yours Digitally, Chris Pirillo
http://chris.pirillo.com/
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Clif Notes Newsletter, Feb 2007
http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotes
"The COOLSITES Newsletter - find the coolest links here. This fella named Mark Donaldson has been sending out his lists of cool sites since 2003. I'd never heard of him before last week. One day I was Googling myself to see who was posting links to my newsletter, and I found his website. I guess he's mentioned my newsletter at least 3 times. I like the COOLSITES website too, but I think it could use some reformatting to make it a bit easier to read. What I really like is the content there. Mark must really read a lot of stuff on the web and he takes the best links then tells you about them."
http://freewarewiki.com/CoolSitesNewsletter
Greetings from Clif Notes Newsletter
December 7, 2008
# REVIEWS
1. SaveIt - Locking Programs and Files with a password
2. Driver Backup2 - free portable Windows Drivers backup and restore
3. PicPick - great free portable screenshot capture
4. Recuva - undelete and recover files
5. PagePlus SE - alternative to MS Publisher
6. Old Newsletter
# TIPS AND FEEDBACK
1. What free software do you need?
2. Comments last week
3. Internet Fixes Weekend Windup
# COOL WEBSITES
1. World Golf Tour - lifelike free online flash game
2. Views from the Hubble Telescope set to music
3. Beware Of The Doghouse - don't give lame gifts
4. CoolSites Newsletter this week
# NEW NEWS
1. SnapFiles.com - new and updated freeware
2. News from Sarah in Tampa
3. Security news from Malware Advisor
4. A view from CyberNirvana
Latest Newsletter
http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotesNewsletter081207
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Security News
"National Cyber Alert System Cyber Security Alert SA08-340A Sun Java Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities Original release date: December 05, 2008 Source: US-CERT Systems Affected Sun Java Runtime Environment versions * JDK and JRE 6 Update 10 and earlier * JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 16 and earlier * SDK and JRE 1.4.2_18 and earlier * SDK and JRE 1.3.1_23 and earlier. Overview: There are multiple vulnerabilities affecting the Sun Java Runtime Environment. Solution: Apply an update from Sun These issues are addressed in the following versions of the Sun Java Runtime Environment: * JDK and JRE 6 Update 11 * JDK and JRE 5.0 Update 17 * SDK and JRE 1.4.2_19 * SDK and JRE 1.3.1_24 If you install the latest version of Java, older versions may remain installed on your computer. If you do not need these older versions, you can remove them by following Sun's instructions. Disable Java Disable Java in your web browser, as described in the Securing Your Web Browser document. While this does not fix the underlying vulnerabilities, it does block a common attack vector. Description: The Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) allows users to run Java applications. Sun has released alerts to address multiple vulnerabilities in the JRE. The most severe of these vulnerabilities could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code. More information is available in US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA08-340A. References * US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA08-340A -
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-340A.html "
"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered a ploy by scammers to trick users into executing a supposed fix for a Microsoft Security Advisory.
The fraudulent email message references a real Microsoft Security Advisory 951306 (also known as CVE-2008-1436). The email provides instructions in both French and English.
When the email's malicious attachment (MSC003-WIN.scr) is run, it connects via IRC to a BOT Controller, [removed]dns.be. This connection is not through the default port, but through port 81. The application binds to startup, ensuring it will be run automatically when the computer is restarted (as instructed in the email). The SHA1 of MSC003-WIN.scr is 2056c9fa1b97fca775cc7a01768fb39818963a94. Major antivirus vendors are not detecting the malicious attachment.
Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against these threats.
To view the details of this alert
http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3252.aspx "
"Websense® Security Labs(TM) is currently monitoring the use of an unpatched vulnerability (0-day) in Microsoft Internet Explorer 7. No user interaction is necessary for the exploit to be successful. A computer may become infected by simply visiting a malicious Web site. This vulnerability exists in the way XML is processed within Internet Explorer 7. This zero day was first made public on a Chinese discussion forum one day before Microsoft shipped its December set of Monthly patches.
The majority of the exploits that we analyzed download a malicious Trojan from Web sites that have been categorized by Websense since September of this year. This indicates that the exploit writers have been operating for some time. They may have purchased the exploit, or possibly discovered it on their own, and timed the attack to follow Microsoft's regular patch cycle.
Our research finds that the majority of malicious sites serving this exploit are originating from China To view the details of this alert
http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3259.aspx "
"National Cyber Alert System Cyber Security Alert SA08-344A Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities Original release date: December 09, 2008 Source: US-CERT Systems Affected * Microsoft Windows and related components * Microsoft Internet Explorer * Microsoft Word, Excel and related components. Overview: Multiple vulnerabilities exist in various Microsoft products, including Windows, Internet Explorer, and Office. The most severe of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to cause your computer to crash. Solution: Install updates The updates to address these vulnerabilities are available on the Microsoft Update site. We recommend enabling Automatic Updates. Description: In the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for December 2008, Microsoft released updates to address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer, Word, and Excel. The most severe of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to cause your computer to crash. More technical information is available in
http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-344A.html "
"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that the Taiwanese search engine "look.tw" has been compromised and is infecting site visitors with malicious code. The Web site has been injected with a recently announced Internet Explorer 7 Zero Day Attack .
The exploit on the site attempts to download a malicious excutable called "ieupdate.exe". The download location is currently down, but could come back at any moment.
Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against these threats.
To view the details of this alert
http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3260.aspx "
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Security Links
I get these links from good sources however I do not test the programs myself because I just don't have the time and most new programs won't work on my old 98 system. The definitive source of rogue info is Spyware Warrior- Rogue-Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites:
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
Does $110-yr Buy Real ID Theft Protection:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28036314/
How to handle ID fraud's youngest victims:
http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=72935659-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b
Identity Theft- Is Your Lender Complying With the New Red Flag Rules. Scambusters.org:
http://www.scambusters.org/redflagrules.html
Malware Hides As A Firefox Plugin:
http://www.lockergnome.com/blade/2008/12/04/malware-hides-as-a-firefox-plugin/
Microsoft bug revealed on huge patch day:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/121008-another-microsoft-bug-rev...ed-on.h
Microsoft issues slew of critical security patches:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/12/10/Microsoft_issues_slew_of_cri...al_secu
Microsoft warns customers against bogus 'Blue Edition' Office:
http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=72882535-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b
New. Anti-Malware Toolkit is a program that automatically downloads all of the recommended programs to help users clean their computers and have them running at peak performance:
http://www.lunarsoft.net/
New. Windows Vulnerability Scanner checks your system for Windows Vulnerabilities. It guides you to update with the right patch to make your system more secure:
http://majorgeeks.com/Windows_Vulnerability_Scanner_d5617.html
Security vendors warn of Christmas e-crime spike:
http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=72882537-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b
Update. SUPERAntiSpyware Free 4.23.1006 Beta:
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispyware.html
Update. xpy 0.10.9 disable the default threats of a Windows XP installation:
http://xpy.whyeye.org/about/
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Consumer News and Links
10 Holiday Money Mistakes:
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/starting/archive/2008/st1203.htm
A holiday season PSA- --Buy cheap HDMI cables:
http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=72966141-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b
Consumer Reports. advantages and disadvantages of LED Christmas lights:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/video-hub/video.htm?bcpid=132923356...mp;bcli
Free bag of popcorn at IMAX theaters. PDF download:
http://img.ed4.net/aeagle/2008/081204_imax/IMAX-AMCfreepopcornv1_Gener...Blast.p
Free small Natural Cut Fries at Carl’s Jr. PDF coupon:
http://www.freestufftimes.com/
Mouse Print. Toilet Paper Downsizes in a New Way:
http://www.mouseprint.org/
NYC All You Can Eatery Charges 3 Percent For Food You Waste:
http://wcbstv.com/seenon/food.waste.charge.2.882636.html
Oil may Plunge Below $25 Next Year, Merrill Lynch Says:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,462284,00.html
Online Shopping Discounts:
http://askbobrankin.com/online_shopping_discounts.html
Prices are Dropping on These 7 Things:
http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/20081202_seven_falling_pr...s_a1.as
Upside and Downside of Online Coupon Clipping:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Saving-with-online-brn-13755272.html
Which HDTVs are Most Reliable. list of the most reliable sets:
http://www.pcworld.com/zoom?id=154129&page=1&zoomIdx=1
Year-end Strategies to Cut Your Taxes:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122826885786474739.html
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Windows Secrets Newsletter • Issue 176a • 2008-11-26
Free content posted on Dec. 11, 2008
TOP STORY
By Scott Spanbauer
Microsoft DHCP bugs make Windows lose networking
How to troubleshoot XP and Vista network woes
KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
A manual approach to reinstalling .NET Framework
Free option for controlling kids' Net access
KNOWN ISSUES 2
By Susan Bradley
Does the glitch in .NET patching put you at risk?
WACKY WEB WEEK
By Katy Abby
Hang on, I've got the perfect song for this!
http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/081211
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Make My Start Page Your Home Page I have updated it on 10-3-8
Try my start page and make it your home page by clicking "Click here to make my start page your default homepage".
It has the following convenient logins and links such as: Google Mail Login, Yahoo Mail Login, Windows Live MSN HotMail Login, Froogle Price Search, Google Maps, MySpace Login, Lockergnome Cool Web Links, Weather Radar, BugMeNot, E! Online, Zap2it TV Guide, Snopes, Scambusters, YouTube, FaceBook, and links to my webpages. You can also google the web or my website. It also has a link for your suggestions so you can help me make it better.
The best thing about it is it's simple, small and loads up on dialup in less than one second. Check it out today at:
http://luem42.googlepages.com/start.html
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COOLSITES Toolbar has been updated to include the following gadgets:
LabpixiesTV
Calorie Calculator
Calculator
Todo
Sudoku
YouTube Top 10
FloodIt
Unit Converter
Invaders
Show My IP
Backgammon
NY Times Classic Crossword
Babylon
Notes
Wikipedia Search
Travelocity
Trio
Memory Game
Black Jack
Video Poker
The best thing is you don't have to do anything. The next time you open your browser the toolbar will be automatically updated to include them.
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COOLSITES 113 cool links
I harvest what I believe to be the best links from the best sources that are safe, fun, informative, useful and just plain cool. I categorize them and edit their descriptions for clarity. I may make comments about the links but you will know because I always sign them with "Mark".
To see the full newsletter with all of the COOLSITES links please click and bookmark this link:
http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html and check it each week. Thank you. Mark.
General