January 9 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #199 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 January 9 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #199 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.

January 9 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #199 by Mark Donaldson

Next week the 200th issue with news about my adventures in upgrading my computer system

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

Greetings from Clif Notes Newsletter
January 4, 2009

Below are the headlines from this week's letter.
Go to http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotesNewsletter090104 to see it.

# REVIEWS
1. Outlook Export - helps move emails to other applications
2. My time with Ubuntu - freedom isn't always easy
3. Returnil Virtual System - super protection from malware or accidents
4. Iron - portable web browser without Google spies
5. Golden Rules Organizer - java based project and contacts manager
6. Dexpot - up to 20 virtual desktops
7. Old Newsletter

# TIPS AND FEEDBACK
1. What free software do you need?
2. Comments last week
3. Internet Fixes Weekend Windup

# COOL WEBSITES
1. Daves Freeware Forum - got questions or tips about freeware?
2. Freeware Mission - how can you use only freeware?
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

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Security News

"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that the Zhongsou.com Web site in China has been compromised. The site has been infected with JavaScript code that delivers a malicious payload. The code has been injected in different parts of the economics page on the Web site.
Zhongsou.com is one of the most famous portal sites in China. The site's main business focus is personal user portal services, and it has a huge user base in China.

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/3273.aspx "

"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that the official Web site of the Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Toronto has been compromised, and is infecting site visitors with malicious code. Multiple pages on the site, including the home page, contain malicious JavaScript code. The code de-obfuscates into multiple iframes that deliver malicious payloads from different hosts.

The Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Toronto performs all the usual consular functions relating to visa requirements, legalization, and authentication of signatures on documents. Websense ThreatSeeker Network has been tracking how such attacks prevail over reputed Web sites, targeting their peers and other visitors.

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/3274.aspx "

"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered that a large regional-based portal site named Shangdu in China is infected with a mass JavaScript injection that delivers a malicious payload. The reported page on the site has been mass-injected, attempting to deliver malicious payloads from 16 different hosts.

Websense ThreatSeeker Network has been tracking how such attacks prevail over high traffic Web sites, targeting their peers and other visitors.

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/3275.aspx "

"Websense® Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered a phishing site emulating the Web site belonging to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the UK government's taxation authority. The fake site is hosted in Denmark and uses the same stylesheet and graphics as the real HMRC Web site.

Recipients first receive an email advising them that they are due a tax refund. This email contains a link to the phishing Web site. The phishing site aims to collect personal information such as name, address, and credit card information. Upon submitting the data, the user is redirected to the real HMRC site.

The sending of the email is very timely with certain HMRC deadlines for online applications of tax returns imminent (31st January 2009).

Websense has advised HMRC of this threat.

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/3276.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

10 Top Tips To Beat the Scammers -- Part 1 Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/scammers1.html

50 Free Internet Tools for Tin-Foil Hat Wearers: http://www.great-isp-deals.com/blog/2008/08/50-free-internet-tools-for...n-foil-

British Government Wants Private Firm To Monitor Super Database Of Every Person In Britain - Infopackets.com: http://www.infopackets.com/news/censorship/2009/20090106_british_gover...nt_want

Don't get taken! Protect yourself on eBay: http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=210

How to stop Skype spam: http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=5984&page=2#tip

Microsoft offers official fix for failing Zunes Frozen by Leap Year: http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasi...mp;arti

Photo Frames Still Carrying Viruses: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/02/BUV9150IH8...L&f

Stopping Phone Spam on Your Cell Phone. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/phonespam.html

Update. PC Tools AntiVirus™ 5.0.1.1 Free Edition: http://www.pctools.com/free-antivirus/

Update. Sandboxie 3.34 run programs in a sandbox: http://www.sandboxie.com/

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Consumer News and Links

10 Reasons Digital TV Switch Will be Rocky: http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/technology/2008/12/31/10-reaso...digital

12 Lessons for Investors from 2008. how not to repeat the financial mistakes: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123057779565940131.html

7 Ways to Save in 2009: http://www.smartmoney.com/Spending/Deals/7-Ways-to-Save-in-2009/

8 trillion bailout. Many details of Obama's rescue plan remain uncertain. But it's likely to cost at least $700 billion - and that would push Uncle Sam's bailouts near $8 trillion: http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/06/news/economy/where_stimulus_fits_in/in....htm?cn

Caution Urged When Giving Kids Cold And Flu Medications: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090106140624.htm

Chicago Public Schools' cappuccino bill- $67,000: http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/1365268,CST-NWS-inspect07.article

Common Oral Osteoporosis Drugs Linked To Serious Jaw Necrosis: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090101135207.htm

Consumer Advocates Warn Against Tax Refund Loans: http://www.betterbudgeting.com/ezine/dec2008-027183.htm

Consumer Reports. Cars We Would Buy Again and some of the others with high and low ratings: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/cr-recommended/would-...-buy-th

Cosmetics Settlement - Information Website. As part of a class action settlement, $175 million worth of free cosmetics products will be distributed to members of the class: http://www.cosmeticssettlement.com/

Crash Test Results for Small Cars: http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr121708.html

Credit Card Issuers Willing to Negotiate Your Debt: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/business/03collect.html?partner=rss&...;emc=rs

Evidence For Protective Effect Of Fish Oil Not Conclusive: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081223193112.htm

Famous Brand Stores-Services Disappear in 2008: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/01/02/2008_was_the_year_o...isappea

Free pancakes at IHOP on Feb. 24 from 7-10AM. IHOP National Pancake Day - February 24, 2009 - Pancake Day Details: http://www.ihoppancakeday.com/pancake-day-details.html

Groups Asks FCC to Cut Digital TV Patent License Fees to Lower TV Prices for Consumers: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/01/AR2009...101789.

Ins and outs of self-publishing: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=73351829-be56918137808c8d29d61779...633af-b

IRS agents soften heart for delinquent taxpayers. waive late penalties, negotiate new payment plans and postpone asset seizures for delinquent taxpayers who are financially strapped: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20090106/D95HURKO1.html

Many illegal immigrants live in public housing when hundreds of thousands of citizens and legal residents are stuck waiting years for a spot: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090101/ap_on_re_us/public_housing_immigrants

Motorists' habits spur call for tax increases for fuel: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20090102/D95ETDMO0.html

Obama Eyes $300 Billion Tax Cut: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123111279694652423.html

Obama outlines plan for spending, tax breaks. President-elect says he wants to double renewable energy production, rebuild roads and schools and cut taxes. Next step- Consulting with Congress: http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/03/news/economy/obama_stimulus/index.htm?...tversio

Obama tax plan runs into opposition in Senate: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20090108/D95J3T0O0.html

Oil steady below $43 after plunging on US report: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20090108/D95ISEN80.html

Oregon looks at taxing mileage instead of gasoline: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090102/ap_on_re_us/mileage_tax

Save Money on Cell Phones, Cell Phone Plans and Credit Cards at Billshrink.: http://www.billshrink.com/

Text Messaging is Almost Free (for Carriers): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/business/28digi.html?partner=rss&amp...c=rss&a

Top 10 Health Search Engines 2008: http://www.altsearchengines.com/2008/12/29/the-top-10-health-search-en...es-of-2

Wellsphere - Health knowledge made personal: http://www.wellsphere.com/home.s

XDRIVE WILL CLOSE ON JAN. 12 Don't tarry on retrieving your files. After Jan. 12, Xdrive will no longer be available. Remaining files will be deleted: http://plus.xdrive.com/start/closing.jsp

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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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Windows Secrets Newsletter • Issue 180 • 2009-01-08

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090108

Free content posted on Jan. 8, 2009:

TOP STORY
By Dennis O'Reilly
XP deadline extended toward launch of Windows 7
Will the next Windows RTM make an early entrance?
Paying a premium to downgrade from Vista to XP

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Katy Abby
More exciting than circling classified ads!

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COOLSITES 96 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.