As one of my contacts you are invited to make use of my web portal at Netslinger.com.  It is totally free service that features all sorts of useful information including: free software, technical tips, code samples, links that are particularly useful, how to articles, timely warnings that I call User Alerts, and insight to some places I find interesting. 

I apologize for not getting this out sooner.  I planned to follow-up with everyone individually after we met, but I just haven't found the time.  I have been busy since 911 wrestling with computer hackers, spammers, and industry heads to keep our computers secured, which makes one wonder why we have to go to such extremes to protect our computer resources and keep them running smoothly... 

Last month I published a "How to article" on the site so everyone could figure out how to use the Spam Filters that come with Windows.  I recommend that everyone read this article.  While there take a moment to check out the links for the most highly recommended "SpyBot" remover, which also happens to be free.  Also on the site are some links for a free pop-up blocker and some links to receive free web based virus scanning. 

During September the hackers decided to unleash a new type of threat through some enticing eMails.  One was an eBay spoof which attempts to collect your personal information with intent of committing identity theft.  The other is a Microsoft Update spoof, which is a ruse they are using to plant a Trojan Horse on your computer.  You will find this information in the User Alerts section. 

It gets worse.  You need to shield yourself from more than just the shadowy characters.  Domain Registrars are into the act.   It very likely that you will receive a piece of snail mail telling you to renew your domain name.  What you don't know is that its disguised to look like it came from your registrar when it did not.  Verisign, a name you thought you could trust, has been caught in using these deceitful sales tactics, and the smaller players have been following suit.  So beware of this trap.  It could cost you dearly to get out, and you could end up paying triple the going rate for your domain service.

Last week GoDaddy decided to sue them for unfair trade practices, because they were using their position to do away with the "page not found" display for unused domain names.  They plan to replace it with one of their advertisement pages.  Take note that there are more than 200 registrars now.  Their job is to sell domains and maintain the contact information.  The routing of domain requests is still done in one central place.  For a complete list of registrars refer to the Internic's web site. 

David Doyle James
TheComputerWiz@Netslinger.com