February 27 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #206 by Mark Donaldson

luem42 · Joined: Aug 02, 2003 Posts: 308

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 February 27 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #206 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.

February 27 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #206 by Mark Donaldson

Subscribers who don'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 ET, 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

Welcome to Clif Notes Newsletter
February 22, 2009

Thanks for reading. I'm sorry I was away so long.

# REVIEWS
1. Digital Clip Factory - easy to use photo to video tool
2. WinSplit Revolution
3. Snowbird Search - still very fast but has a new look and new features
4. Can you replace Windows default search?
5. Freebyte Task Scheduler - small and portable automation
6. Print What You Like - website helps you save paper
7. Old Newsletter

# TIPS AND FEEDBACK
1. What free software do you need?
2. What freebie should I try next?
3. Comments from the last newsletter
4. Internet Fixes Weekend Windup

# COOL WEBSITES
1. Tabbloid.com - have RSS feeds sent to your email
2. ActiveFreeStuff.com - all kinds of stuff, no money needed
3. 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

http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotesNewsletter090222

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Security News and Links

I get these links and news from good sources however I do not test the programs myself because I just don't have the time. The definitive source of rogue info is Spyware Warrior- Rogue-Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm

"Websense Security LabsT ThreatSeekerT Network has discovered that numerous newly-registered fake securities Web sites have started to appear in China. These phishing sites host a large amount of false information about stock and negotiable securities under the names of some of the big securities Web sites, trying to deceive people into paying for the information or registering for their stock analysis service. They then collect personal information such as social insurance number, full name, address, date of birth, mother's maiden name, and credit card information.
To view the details of this alert http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3308.aspx "

"Websense Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that the eWeek.com Web site is serving malicious advertisements (malvertisements) to visitors.

eWeek.com is the online version of the popular business computing magazine.

When users browse to the home page of eWeek, a malvertisement hosted on the DoubleClick advertisement network performs a redirect to a malicious Web site through a series of iframes. This causes a redirect to one of two files on hxxp://[removed]inside.com/

Either a pdf document containing exploit code is served, or index.php redirects to the rogue ad-server.

With no user interaction, a file named "winratit.exe" (MD5: A12DA1D62B7335CBE6D6EA270247BBC1) is installed in the user's temporary files folder. Two additional files are dropped onto the user's machine and are bound to startup. The host file is also modified so that if the user tries to browse to popular software download sites to remedy the infected machine, s/he is instead directed to a malicious Web site offering further rogue AV downloads.

The name of the rogue AV application is Anti-Virus-1. If the user chooses to register the rogue AV, a connection is made to hxxp://[removed]-site.info/ which has been setup to collect payment details.

Websense® Security Labs has let eWeek know about the problem and they are working to fix it.

Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against this attack.

To view the details of this alert http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3310.aspx "

"National Cyber Alert System Cyber Security Alert SA09-051A Adobe Acrobat and Reader Vulnerability Original release date: February 20, 2009 Source: US-CERT Systems Affected * Adobe Reader version 9 and earlier * Adobe Acrobat (Professional, 3D, and Standard) version 9 and earlier Overview: Vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader and Acrobat may allow an attacker to take control of your computer. Adobe has released Security Bulletin APSB09-01, which describes this issue. Solution: Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat Disabling Javascript may prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Acrobat JavaScript can be disabled using the Preferences menu (Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript and un-check Enable Acrobat JavaScript). Disable the display of PDF documents in the web browser Preventing PDF documents from opening inside a web browser will help mitigate this vulnerability. To prevent PDF documents from automatically being opened in a web browser, do the following: 1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader. 2. Open the Edit menu. 3. Choose the preferences option. 4. Choose the Internet section. 5. Un-check the "Display PDF in browser" check box. Do not access PDF documents from untrusted sources Do not open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF documents, particularly those hosted on web sites or delivered as email attachments. Please see Cyber Security Tip ST04-010. Description: In Security Bulletin APSB09-01, Adobe describes an issue that affects some versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat. By convincing a user to visit a web site and opening a malicious PDF file in the user's browser, an attacker could execute code or cause a computer to crash. Note that web browsers may be configured to open PDF files automatically. More technical information is available in US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/alerts/SA09-051A.html . References * Adobe Security Bulletin http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa09-01.html "

"Websense Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that the official Web site of The American Society of Sydney, Australia has been compromised and is infecting site visitors with malicious code. The malicious code found on the main page of the site leads to an Adobe Reader PDF exploit such as CVE-2007-5659.

The American Society of Sydney (AMSOC) was founded in 1922 as a place for Americans living in Sydney to gather, meet, acclimate to life in and around Sydney and celebrate American culture from afar. It aims to help and support all Americans who have relocated to live and work in Sydney.

In an effort to protect their visitors, Websense® Security Labs has contacted The American Society of Sydney and advised them on this incident. Websense Messaging and Websense Web Security customers are protected against this attack. To view the details of this alert http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/3307.aspx "

Adobe patches Flash hole: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10172339-83.html?tag=nl.e757

Adobe warns of critical, unpatched security flaw: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=90533145-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

Attack exploits unpatched Excel security hole: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=96368506-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

Beware of fake CNET Download.com site and fake CNET Review site : http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=89587435-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

Bogus IRS e-mail scams. Find out how to avoid the scams.: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12267737/729041/65278/0/?u=aHR0cDovL2NsY...aG93YXJ

Facebook users targeted by bogus application Error Check System: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/technology/facebook/47...36/Face

Flash Player update available to address security vulnerabilities: http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-01.html

New. Virus Effect Remover is a tool which helps you to remove the effect of viruses from the Windows Registry and File System: http://sourceforge.net/projects/viruseffectremo/

'SMiShing' fishes for personal data over cell phone: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=96368503-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

Update. Norman Malware Cleaner 2009.02.20 is a Norman program utility that may be used to detect and remove specific malicious software: http://www.norman.com/Virus/Virus_removal_tools/24789/en

Update. PC Tools Firewall Plus 5.0.0.38 Free Firewall Download: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

Update. XP-AntiSpy 3.97-2: http://www.xp-antispy.org/

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Consumer News and Links

$99 iPhone 3G- It exists. It's a refurb: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=90796561-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

5 Reasons to Avoid Debt Settlement Firms: http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Rip-offs/Reasons-Hiring-a-Debt-Sett...ent-Fir

Best Buy Allegedly Had Secret Policy to Deny Price Matches: http://www.storefrontbacktalk.com/supply-chain/best-buys-price-match-p...lems-il

CELL FOR CASH - Get Cash for Your Old Cell Phones: http://www.cellforcash.com/index.asp?aff=IY4Y22&ref=51148

Chase trying to force customers out of fixed-rate cards. Chase has been a recipient of billions of dollars of our bailout money. So how have they turned around and thanked us- By raising rates on fixed-rate cards: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/02/11/15103/

Chuck E. Cheese - 25 Cent Fun. Special Offers: https://www.chuckecheese.com/chuck-e-club/v1/25cfun.php?utm_source=QIn...active&

Comcast Sued over Digital Cable Box Charges: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=270923

Consumer Reports. front loading washer woes: http://discussions.consumerreports.org/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=81&nav...ssages&

Credit Card Cos Offer Credit Helpline-Site: http://www.helpwithmycredit.org/

Customer Satisfaction Ratings Released ranked at the end of 2008: http://www.theacsi.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&...17&

FDA updates list of tainted weight-loss supplements. Supplements like Starcaps, 3x Slimming Power and 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming are among those being named: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/02/17/15145/

Free Arby's Extras exclusive try the NEW Roast Burger on us!: http://arbys.fbmta.com/members/ViewMailing.aspx?MailingID=27917289331

Free Coupon. Diet Dr Pepper: http://www.freedietdrpepper.com/

Kashi - Get a free frozen entrée: http://www.kashi.com/picturehunt

Kiplinger offers tips on cutting your food bill: http://kiplinger.com/features/archives/2009/02/print-all-ideas-save-fi...-dollar

Learn How to Get a Free Sub From Quiznos Million Sub Giveaway: http://www.millionsubs.com/Reg.php

Pampers. form to receive a free-- coupon for $1.50 towards your next purchase of Pampers: http://www.startsampling.com/sm/100502/captureAddress.iphtml?item=1005...amp;sou

RIP-OFF ALERT- We've all seen the ads running constantly on bad late-night TV that promise you can turn your unloved gold jewelry into cash: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/02/10/15093/

Save on new Nicorette White Ice™ Mint stop smoking gum: http://www.nicorette.com/Default.aspx

ShopRite Pharmacies will offer up to a 14 day supply of 35 commonly used antibiotics FREE: http://www.shoprite.com/cnt/Pharmacy.html

Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home: http://www.h2ouse.org/action/top5.cfm

Universal Cellphone Chargers Coming Shortly: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13970_7-10165603-78.html?part=rss&sub...ews&amp

Why Gas Prices are Going Up When Crude is Down: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghv9twSYxLLiFadLXgXp...zAhlQD9

Wondering About a Car Scam- 10 More Tricks and Tips You Need to Know About. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/carscam.html

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Windows Secrets Newsletter

Free content posted on Feb. 26, 2009:

TOP STORY
By Ryan Russell
Reviewers rate Norton the No. 1 security suite
Runner-up suites challenge Norton products
Finding the sweet spot of security suites
Firewall, updater, and browser round out Baseline

KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
Site owners stung by SiteAdvisor rating errors
SiteAdvisor plug-in may not be easy to remove
Another possible SiteAdvisor alternative

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Katy Abby
My smartphone is smarter than your smartphone!

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090226

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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 119 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.