Comp-U-News from Comp-U-Talk

Winter 2002, Volume 1 - Issue 2

 In this Issue:
1. Today's Quote
2. Winter 2002 Computer Class Schedule
3. Virus Alert!
4. Featured Web Sites
5. Video Tape Transfers Available
6. Screaming Babies
7. Free Classes Online

Section 1:  Today's Quote

Contentment consists not in great wealth, but in few wants.  - Epictetus

 Section 2:  Winter 2002 Class Schedule

The winter class schedule is out.  We are offering two new classes this quarter.
For those who are feeling challenged by computer terminology we suggest the class tilted "Ram is Not a Sheep".   This class will "show & tell"  the different parts and pieces inside a computer, explaining their functions and what is necessary to run popular software applications today.  Also new this quarter is a Virus Awareness class.  The class will explain what a virus is, where it comes from, and several methods to protect your computer from becoming infected.   We will even have a live demonstration with a live virus, so you can see first hand how to find and remove “the real thing”!

As 2001 draws quickly to a close, it is time to consider getting your business financial records in order.  If you haven't already implemented an accounting system for your business, you might consider looking into QuickBooks.  A free demo of QuickBooks is available online at http://www.quickbooks.com/quickbooks/2001/.  We will be teaching the QuickBooks class in January.  Quickbooks won't be offered again until Fall 2002.

To register for class call 541-756-8770 or email: sales@comp-u-talk.com

Class size is limited to 12 students.  All classes are hands-on.  

Section 3: Virus Alert

It’s been a challenging week for the Internet Service department.  As many of you know, Coosnet was flooded with so many virus propagations that it killed our mail server last week.  (As an aside, let me say:  We are not infected, we are deleting the infected files as they come through.)  Anyway…  this quarters newsletter will attempt to educate you about the mysteries of computer viruses. 

--Where do viruses come from?

Computer viruses are man made; normally by males in their late teens or twenties.

--Why do they make viruses?

Because they can!  Some do it maliciously, some do it just to see if they can.

--What is the difference between a virus and a worm?

A virus normally attaches itself to program files.  Program files are the parts of the computer that actually let you do something.  For example:  Microsoft Word requires the program file winword.exe in order to run.  Solitaire requires the sol.exe program file.  Windows requires the file win.com.  Everything listed in your programs group requires a program file.  When viruses attach themselves to these programs, they mess up the functionality of the system.  Viruses will try to replicate themselves by infecting other program files on your computer and when possible, they will attach themselves to outgoing e-mail and infect your friends.

A worm is a program that makes exact copies of itself.  It spreads automatically by e-mailing itself to the folks in your address book. The message of the e-mail often suggests that the attachment will be something fun or important, and since the recipient is accustomed to receiving mail from you, they open the file.

--How do viruses spread?

The majority of viruses depend on the internet and e-mail for propagation.  BUT a virus program has to be run before it can infect your computer. 

--How is the virus program run?

When an infected file or e-mail is opened the virus runs automatically.

--I have an Anti-Virus Program but I was infected with a virus anyway.  Why is that?

Anti-Virus programs have been around for years.  Originally, viruses where of the type that infected program files.  Only recently, has the majority of viruses come in worm form.  Many of the Anti-virus programs offer to scan the boot sector (where the operating system files reside) and program files, when the computer comes on.  Unfortunately, viruses are spreading via e-mail and e-mail files are not included as part of the boot sector or program files. 

--How do I protect myself from viruses?

1. Don’t open e-mail from people you do not know.

2. Set your virus scan software to include e-mail files (sometimes listed as All Files)

3. Update your virus definition files weekly.  There are over 58,000 known virus with new ones discovered weekly.  Your Anti-virus software is only capable of eradicating the viruses it knows about.

--I need Virus Protection.  Where do I get it?

If you are not afraid to shop online, there is a link to McAfee on our website at www.comp-u-talk.com.

We have also been impressed with My E-trust available from https://www1.my-etrust.com/commerce/

or Nortons, available at: http://www.symantec.com/purchase/

If you are afraid to shop online, you may pick up a copy of  Nortons at the store.  For a limited time we are selling the CD for $25 each.

 Section 4:  Featured Web Sites

The featured local site for this month is www.columbiagoldbbq.com   Columbia Gold BBQ has a variety of award winning BBQ sauces - produced locally.  The gift boxes are perfect for your holiday giving.

The wise men followed a star to the Christ Child.  As we head into the Christmas season, we thought you might be interested in knowing what you are seeing in the sky.  The following site will show you the constellations visible from various areas around the world. http://www.fourmilab.to/yoursky/

Section 5:  Video Tape Transfers Available

Do you have videotapes that need to be preserved?  We can transfer up to  60 minutes of precious memories onto a CD-ROM disk.  Mention this newsletter and pay only $35 for up to 60 minutes.  Regular pricing is  $49. 

 To see a sample of what a video transfer would look like access this site:  www.comp-u-talk.com/videotransfer.htm

 Section 6:  The Screaming Baby

On sale this month is a P4-1.4 Gig Computer

It includes: 

• 256 Megs RAM

• 40 x 10 x 16 CD-RW

• 40 Gig-7200 RPM Hard Drive

• 3 1/2" Floppy Drive

• 32 Meg AGP Video Card

• Sound & Speakers

• 56k Modem

• 15" Flat Panel Monitor

• Your choice Windows 2000 Pro or Windows XP Pro

• 1 year local warranty on parts & labor

• 2 hours orientation time

• 1 month free internet service with Coosnet.com

 All this for only $1535

 We also have several refurbished systems that are internet and e-mail ready.  Pricing starts at $250.

 Section 7:  Free Classes

Have you already mastered the classes offered at the store?  Why not try some of the specialized classes offered online?  There are over 600 classes available and registration is as little as $55 per year, per person.  Click here to try a class for free before you decide.