July 17 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #226 Mark Donaldson

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NOW AVAILABLE FOR SAFARI USERS. 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 July 17 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #226 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.


July 17 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #226 Mark Donaldson



Major changes to this newsletter are coming soon

Google is discontinuing Google Pages and will be moving my archive to Google Sites. However their hosting rules will also change. My html files will not be allowed due to "security reasons". This means I would have to use Google's online webpage creation program which would be more time consuming for me and bigger webpages that load slower for you.

I have checked other free hosts and can not find any that will allow me to continue as before without cost. Therefore I will have to change things. What this will mean for subscribers is very little difference. What this will mean for non-subscribers who view the newsletter online and people accessing old newsletters, "Just The Links" and "Specialized Search Engines" webpages may be drastic. I will keep you informed. Mark.




Learn to use MS Office Like a Pro!

Carol’s Word Bytes Newsletter is published twice a month, both a free and a premium edition. A premium edition gives you access to an archive of five years of information in a downloadable .pdf format, as well as discounts on all books and tutorials.

If you just use MS Office programs occasionally you should at least subscribe to her free newsletter. But if you want to become a Office power user get her paid premium subscription now.

Carol's Corner Office - Microsoft Office tips and tricks - Home of the Word Bytes Newsletter: http://www.carolscorneroffice.com/

Word Bytes - Free Edition July 15, 2009: http://www.carolscorneroffice.com/free_newsletter/20090715free.php




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

No newsletter this week

Latest newsletter http://freewarewiki.com/ClifNotesNewsletter090614
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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




"National Cyber Alert System Cyber Security Alert SA09-195A Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities Original release date: July 14, 2009 Source: US-CERT Systems Affected * Microsoft Windows * Microsoft Office Publisher Overview: Microsoft has released updates that address vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Publisher. Solution: Install updates The updates to address these vulnerabilities are available on the Microsoft Update site (requires Internet Explorer). We recommend enabling Automatic Updates. Description: In the Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for July 2009, Microsoft released updates to address vulnerabilities that affect Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office Publisher. These vulnerabilities could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code, gain elevated privileges, or cause a vulnerable application to crash. Microsoft indicates that two of these vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows are being exploited by attackers. References * US-CERT Technical Cyber Security Alert TA09-195A - http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-195A.html "



"Websense Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) is currently tracking exploit sites related to a new zero-day vulnerability in Microsoft Office Web Components. CVE-2009-1136 has been allocated to this vulnerability. The vulnerable component is an ActiveX object used by Internet Explorer to display and publish spreadsheets, charts, and databases to the Web. Microsoft Security Advisory 973472 offers a workaround for the zero-day and further technical information can be found on Microsoft's Security Research and Defense blog.

Threatseeker has spotted the attack in an IP block from China, initally found to be serving exploits for the recent MS Msvidctl Zero Day. This new exploit is now circulating in the wild and is suspected to be integrated to Web exploit kits.

ISC also offers additional updates on this threat.

ThreatSeeker is tracking this attack and we will provide updates as new information emerges.

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/3437.aspx "



'Browse And Get Owned' Patch Coming Tuesday - Infopackets.com: http://www.infopackets.com/news/security/2009/20090710_browse_and_get_...ed_patc

DirectX targeted in Microsoft security updates: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=280129603-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Microsoft delivers 9 patches, but leaves one hole open for hackers: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/print/9135506/Microsoft_deliver..._patche

Microsoft plugs critical DirectShow, Video ActiveX holes: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=296841528-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

MS Admits 2008 ActiveX Security Exploit, Still No Fix: http://go.infopackets.com/e20090713-05

Protecting a Windows smartphone from viruses - Tips, Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show: http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=6984

The Truth About the Saliva Test and the Discount Medical Card. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/salivatest.html

Twitter is suspending accounts of people whose computers are found to be infected with a particular piece of malware: http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/twitter-suspends-accounts-of

Users upset after CA anti-virus detects Windows system file as virus. False positives prompt confusion and anger among CA anti-virus users: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=280129601-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Watch out for Facebook and Twitter scams - Tips, Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show: http://komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=6753

Zero-day flaw found in Firefox 3.5: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=296841525-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-


They Tried To Scam Me

I got 1 new scam email this week. You can see it online today at http://luem42.googlepages.com/sub.html or tomorrow at http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html . Mark


Here It Is:


ATTN:
*Do you need a genuine loan processed within 4 banking days?
* Are you financially Squeezed?
* Do you seek funds to pay off credits and
debts
* Do you seek finance to set up your own
business?
* Are you in need of private or business loans
for various purposes?
* Do you seek loans to carry out large
projects
* Do you seek funding for various other
processes? * Flexible Loan Terms. Interested
Persons should contact me for application.
Simply Contact Us... to get your loan, your
credit will not disqualify you!
Email: owenmacrofinance.RemoveThis@gmail.com
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Consumer News and Links

BOGO. Ben & Jerry's is giving away a free sundae when you buy one on Mondays thru August

Just another good reason to subscribe and get this info before it expires

From http://www.consumerworld.org/



Beware Some Dollar Store Merchandise
Your Front Door Lock Can be Popped Easily [scary video]
Are Rental Car Firms Misclassifying Cars for Profit?
Amazon Mulls Including Ads in Kindle eBooks
Dell Misprices Laptops by 75% in Taiwan Again
Dell Shuts Taiwan Site Til Pricing Errors Fixed
As Banks Cut Credit Limits, Your Credit Score Falls
Mortgage Scammers Find Plenty to Prey on
New Nutrition Labels Can Make Choices Harder
Sprint Offers 99 Cent Netbook (w/2yr. agreement)
Consumer Reports Staff Faces Layoffs/Givebacks
Best and Worst Tooth Whiteners
Best Mutual Fund Categories Since January
Buying Eyeglasses Online vs. in-Store
Preconstruction Las Vegas Condo Buyers Want $ Back
SS Numbers May be Predictable from Public Data
Some Credit Card Issuers Settle for Less than Owed
Some Federal Websites Attacked Including FTC
Some People Live Payday Loan to Payday Loan
Fixed Rate Credit Cards May Disappear
Blogger Finds Fake Reviews on Amazon
Beware Texting Scam re: Your Local Bank Acct
NY-AG to Sue Tagged.com for Stealing Email Addresses
Consumers Confuse "Natural" and "Organic" on Labels
Little Known Mortgage Program Pays Mtg upon Job Loss
The Cons of Probiotics in So Many Foods
Will Smartphones w/GPS Replace GPS Only Units?
New Law Prohibits Recalled Items at Yard Sales
Plasma HDTV Bargains Abound in an LCD Market
Plasma TVs Blow Away LCDs in Tests



From: The TopSavings.com Team http://www.TopSavings.com

Eat Free @ Arby's on Wednesdays w/ Purchase (US)

You can go to Arby's every Wednesday and get free food. Here is the
schedule:


July 22nd - Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase
July 29th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
August 5th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
August 12th - Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase
August 19th - Free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
August 26th - Free Regular Beef 'n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase


2009 Credit Card Survey. nasty provisions and fees each had: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/2009-credit-card-study-th...ine-pri

2009 Credit Card Survey. specifics from each bank: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/2009-credit-card-study-results.aspx

Alice.com offers a new way to get brand names foods for less on clarkhoward.com: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/07/09/16176/

Alice.com You save on the products you use, choosing from 1000's of available items: http://alice.com/

BigLots.com 20- off coupon Offer valid 07-19-09 5pm to 9pm: http://www.biglots.com/coupon/buzzclubcoupon.aspx

Cell Data Networks Put to the Test. speed and reliability of Internet connections: http://www.pcworld.com/article/167391/a_day_in_the_life_of_3g.html

Consumer Reports. which fast food french fries were the best: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine-archive/august-2009/food/f...ch-frie

Get Free Stuff - Free Samples of brand-name products for FREE: http://www.freeflys.com/FreeSamples.php

Most reliable new cars. 2 picks for those on a budget: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12804193/729041/82091/0/

Most reliable new cars. what Consumer Reports thought: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12804193/729041/82092/0/

Mouse Print. Smart USA is offering a deal on their fortwo cars for only $99 a month. The little asterisk in their offer leads to a very very expensive surprise: http://www.mouseprint.org/
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Windows Secrets Newsletter

Free content posted on July 16, 2009:

TOP STORY
By Woody Leonhard
Some versions of Windows 7 worth it, others not
The big decision is Win7 Home Premium vs. Pro
Make the move from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Win7
Addressing readers' Windows 7 questions

KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
Readers suggest ways to improve OpenDNS
Microsoft's Win7 upgrade promo shut down early
New York takes action against contact scrapers

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Stephanie Small
Too busy to eat? Try this bag on for size

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090716
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Make My Start Page Your Home Page I have updated it on 6-25-2009 with Twitter

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, Twitter 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 50 cool links I messed up and lost half of my links this week

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.