July 3 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #224 Mark Donaldson

luem42 · Joined: Aug 02, 2003 Posts: 308

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 3 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #224 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 3 2009 COOLSITES Newsletter #224 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 1, 2009: http://www.carolscorneroffice.com/free_newsletter/20090701free.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

"Websense Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has detected that Torrentreactor, one of the oldest and most reliable torrent search engines on the Web, has been compromised and injected with malicious code. The site has been injected with an IFrame leading to a site laden with exploits. The exploits on the payload site include Internet Explorer (MDAC) and Microsoft Office Snapshot Viewer, as well as Acrobat Reader and Adobe Shockwave.

If the user's browser is successfully exploited, a malicious file is downloaded and run from the exploit site. The malicious file has an extremely low AV detection rate. The file (MD5: 24bd24f8673e3985fc82edb00b24ba73) is a Trojan Downloader and connects to a Bot C&C server at IP 78.109.29.116. After connecting to the IP, the file downloads a Rootkit installer from the same IP.

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/3430.aspx "

"Websense Security Labs(TM) ThreatSeeker(TM) Network has discovered spam emails offering recipients links to unpublished videos and pictures of singer Michael Jackson. According to news reports Michael Jackson's death was confirmed yesterday.

The spam email appears to offer a link to a YouTube video, but instead sends the recipient to a Trojan Downloader hosted on a compromised Web site. The file offered is called Michael.Jackson.videos.scr (MD5: 664cb28ef710e35dc5b7539eb633abca). This file is located on a legitimate Web site hosted in Australia belonging to a radio broadcasting station. Upon executing the file, a legitimate Web site at http://musica.uol.com.br/ultnot/2009/06/25/michael-jackson.jhtm is opened by the default browser in order to distract the user by presenting a news article for them to read.

In the background, three further information-stealing components are downloaded and installed by the malware. One of the downloaded files is called michael.gif, which has low AV detection rates - see VT results here. The malware then installs a malicious BHO that is registered with this file %windir%/Dynamic.dll and this GUID {FCADDC14-BD46-408A-9842-CDBE1C6D37EB}. Another component is bound to startup at %windir%\system32\kproces.exe. Another malicious file installed by the malware is %windir%\system32\fotos.exe.

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/3426.aspx "

They Tried To Scam Me

I got 2 new scam emails this week. You can see them online today at http://luem42.googlepages.com/sub.html or tomorrow at http://luem42.googlepages.com/coolsites.html . Mark

Here They Are:

FROM: THE DESK OF THE DIRECTORATE PROMOTIONS,INTERNATIONAL
PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT,
REF NO: M154S/WL04-F0442623
Finally today,we announce the winners of the AOL/MICROSOFT MEGA JACKPOT
LOTTO WINNINGS PROGRAMS held on 25th,June, 2009.Your personal e-mail
address, won in the second lottery category 002. Consequently,you have
therefore been approved for a total pay out of �500,000.00 Pounds (Five
Hundred Thousand pounds Sterllings) only. The following particulars are
attached to your lottery payment order:Credited to file REF NO: M154S/
WL04-F0442623.and MICRO (LOTTERY) CHIP NO: 9465021, you are the second
lucky winner of the total winners of 10.
All the 10 participants were selected through our Microsft computer
ballot system (MCBS) drawn from each continent, as part of
International "E-MAIL" Promotions Program, to promote the use of
emails all over the World, and to promote the use of Microsoft Office.
Your funds (certified and to promote the use of AOL/Microsoft Office.
Your funds (certified Cashiers cheque) have been insured with your REF
NO: M154S/WL04-F0442623.To claim your winning prize, you must first,
contact the claims agent with below required details.
1. Full Name
2. Contact Address
3. Age
4. Marital Status
5. Country
6. Telephone Number
7. Occupation
Note that you are to choose (1) of the above mention delivery Option
which best suit you for the claim of your winning funds.
(!) Courier Delivery Service
(!!) Bank to Bank Wire Transfer
ADMIN CLAIM AGENT DEPT.
Name: Danny Peterson,
Email: mltconsultantplc RemoveThis @yahoo.com.hk
Phone: +44 70111 72594
Fax: +44-87-1715-6352

Hi,
I am Mr. Vincent Cheng I have a Business Proposal of $30,500,000.00 for you to handle with me from my bank. I will need you to assist me in executing this Business Project from Hong Kong to your country. If interested, please reply
Regards,
Vincent Cheng. vincentcheng90 RemoveThis @gmail.com

Apple Planning Fix For iPhone SMS Flaw: http://www.informationweek.com/shared/printableArticle.jhtml;jsessioni...JWSOUZ2

Don-t get taken in by work-from-home scams - Kim-s Columns - Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show: http://www.komando.com/columns/index.aspx?id=6745

Essential and free security programs to protect your computer and your sanity: http://download.cnet.com/2701-2023_4-6-1.html

Finjan offers free SecureTwitter browser plug-in: http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=261174890-be56918137808c8d29d6177...a633af-

Free Parent Survival Kit. Amber Alert GPS™: http://www.amberalertgps.com/parent_kit.html

FTC opens all out assault on economic cyber-scammers. About time. Mark.: http://www.networkworld.com/cgi-bin/mailto/x.cgi?pagetosend=/export/ho...httpd/h

New. Outpost Firewall Free takes care of your most basic security needs: http://free.agnitum.com/

New. Panda Cloud Antivirus FREE - The first free cloud antivirus against viruses, spyware, rootkits and adware: http://www.cloudantivirus.com/

Protecting Against Hoaxes Part I: http://www.lockergnome.com/it/2009/07/01/protecting-against-hoaxes-part-i/

Update. AVG AntiVirus Free 8.5.386a1586 Download Free Antivirus and Antispyware for Windows 7, Vista and XP: http://free.avg.com/

Update. Online Armor Personal Firewall Free 3.5.0.27: http://www.tallemu.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/

Are You Getting Duped on Propane Tank Exchanges?
Security Expert Nearly Scammed Selling on eBay
AMEX Lets Parents Control Secondary Cards
Many Eligible for Free Cells Haven't Applied
FTC to Monitor Blogs for "Paid" Reviews
Credit Scores Vary Based on Provider
Many Consumers Disappointed with Netbooks
Hot Topics on Twitter Can Lead to Malware
Alice.com to Sell Non-Food Groceries, Coupon Savings Automatically Deducted
Court Says Telephone Act Covers Text Message Ads
New Washing Machine Uses Only One Cup of Water
$3 off a $6 Purchase at Boston Market
TJX Settles with 41 State AGs over Data Breach
Uncle Sam Considering Methods to Encourage Savings
Top 10 Worst Selling Cars
Cybercrooks Breaking into Webmail Accounts
"White Box" Condos Offer No Frills, Lower Prices
Eliz Warren Urges Passage of Consumer Agency
8 Types of Credit Scores You've Never Heard of
The Business of "Going Out of Business" Rug Sales
Unlocking the Secrets of Gray Hair
Beware "Free" GPS App for iPhones
FTC Settles w/Fake Virus Removal Services
New Macbooks Only Come with Sealed-in Batteries
It's Time to Regulate Prepaid Cards
Obama Signs Cash for Clunkers Law
DazzleWhite Makes Buyers Grind Teeth, Not Shine Them
Home Foreclosed? You Could Owe Income Tax!

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 8th - Free Orange Cream Swirl shake with any sandwich purchase
July 15th - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
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

10 Things Your Moving Company Won't Tell You. dirty little secrets: http://www.smartmoney.com/spending/deals/10-things-your-moving-company...nt-tell

9 seats for $9 on every flight. Who is offering 9 seats for $9 on every flight: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12756044/729041/80520/0/

Bait and switch- Online electronics stores caught in fraud. All of the companies were based in Brooklyn, and while their names invoke digital photography: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10274730-1.html?tag=nl.e404

Best online banks. How did your bank fare: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12756044/729041/80517/0/

Better Business Bureau warns of Michael Jackson memorabilia scams: http://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2009/06/29/daily33.html

Cellular broadband without a contract - Tips, Reviews and Advice on All Things Digital - The Kim Komando Radio Show: http://www.komando.com/tips/index.aspx?id=5652

Citi raises rates on millions of credit cards- report just months before curbs on such rises come into effect: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090701/bs_nm/us_citigroup

Consumer Reports says you can get a better rate on hotels 83% of the time just for the asking. See other product categories where haggling works: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12756044/729041/80523/0/

Consumer Reports. Best Ways to Sell Your Old Junk. which items sell best: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/shopping/shopping-tips/best-w...-to-sel

Free Cell Phone Case. Celltonica: http://celltonica.com/gift.php?language=en

Free Samples and More: http://www.freestuffroundup.com/

Frugal Mechanic - Auto Parts Comparison Shopping. Find the Lowest Price on Auto Parts: http://frugalmechanic.com/

MarysFreebies.com - Freebies, Bargains, Free Shipping Offers, Recipes, Jokes, FUN, Scriptures, Love Inspiration since 1999!: http://www.marysfreebies.com/

More bank fees coming. Protect your wallet: http://lmax.clarkhoward.com/t/12756044/729041/80514/0/

Mouse Print. chicken processors have found a way put their thumb on the scale and charge you chicken prices for water: http://www.mouseprint.org/

ShipGooder- Courier Rate Search, Shipping Rate Search for FedEx, DHL and the United States Postal Service: http://www.shipgooder.com/

Supermarket ratings revealed, new Sam's Club auction site on clarkhoward.com: http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2009/06/18/16012/

Watch Out for Mortgage Reconstruction and Foreclosure Scams. Scambusters.org: http://www.scambusters.org/foreclosurescams.html

What Will Your Home be Worth in 2012. what real estate prices will be like in three years: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/06/0618_house_worth_2012/index.htm

Yes, Virginia, you can get your iPhone Apps refunded: http://geeks.pirillo.com/profiles/blogs/how-i-got-two-iphone-apps
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Windows Secrets Newsletter

Free content posted on July 2, 2009:

TOP STORY
By Scott Spanbauer
It's confirmed: Windows may update unexpectedly
Forced updates can result in headaches
Microsoft isn't saying exactly what's going on

KNOWN ISSUES
By Dennis O'Reilly
Forced updates plague Windows users worldwide
Storm brewing over unexpected update behavior
More evidence of behind-the-scenes AU changes

PATCH WATCH
By Susan Bradley
Fake e-mails to patch Outlook lead to malware

WACKY WEB WEEK
By Katy Abby
The cure for the office cheerleader is here!

http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/090702
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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 134 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.