[Ctrl] [Alt] [Del]
This calls up the windows task manager and allows you to shut down programs that are either using up resources or have become unresponsive.

[Windows] [r]
This activates the program line. You can then type either 'notepad' and press [enter] to call up a new notepad or type 'calc' and [enter] to call up the Windows calculator.

[Ctrl] [a]
Selects all the text you are reading

[Ctrl] [c]
Copies highlighted or selected text

[Shift] [Insert]
Inserts a copy of the selected text.

[Alt][Enter]
Maximises the screen on a Windows multimedia player

[Ctrl] [e]
Centres text in a Windows document

[Ctrl][L]
Left aligns text in a Windows document

[Ctrl][R]
Right aligns text in a Windows document

There are others but it would fill pages. For short cut keys compatible with most Windows operating systems,
visit Microsoft's keyboard results.

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2. About the BugBear virus.
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The BugBear virus is one of the most virulent viruses to hit computers in recent times. It's been said that 2 million computers in Australia were infected within two days. (Though how anyone could get that figure without everyone calling in and reporting it I don't know)
For the full information on how it works go to Norton AntiVirus information site here:
Here is a quick summary.
(a) It gets into computer systems via the internet and searches for the email addresses on your computer then sends copies of itself out to everyone in your lists.
(b) It also attempts to send out copies of itself via guessed email addresses based on the addresses it finds.
(c) It can also change the 'from' address to someone elses email (similar to Klez) before sending.
(d) It is also programmed to disable Anti-Virus software. So, if you haven't updated your virus definitions on your Norton or McAfee or whatever program you have and you get BugBear, you won't be able to update them and remove it without a bit of help.
(e)While it is doing this it is installing a 'backdoor' program on your computer to record all your personal passwords via your keyboard. So any password you type will be recorded and sent back to a hacker.

Short comment on viruses and AntiVirus software.
AntiVirus software is like a flu injection. It will innoculate you against the strains that have been detected or exist but unless you get another shot each time a new strain is developed it won't innoculate you against anything new. AntiVirus software attempts to update as frequently as possible, some companies have a turn around time of a day to find a cure and send it to you straight away. But if you don't connect to the net that frequently, and when you do you view your emails straight away, chances are the update won't make it to you in time.

Most viruses are developed by people who want to bring down large corporations and companies with home users being the 'collateral damage'. Bugbear is specially designed for destroying networks. There are thousands of viruses out there and if you have a look at your AntiVirus software logs you'll be able to see a list of the hundreds or so that your software has quietly prevented from entering your computer.

Tim has been very busy in the past weeks removing the BugBear virus from our clients computers. Even from clients who had AntiVirus software. If Bugbear gets through the gate before your virus definitions are updated (usually weekly) then there is nothing much you can do about it besides call Tim out to fix your computer for you.

Some computers only took an hour to fix while others took over 2 hours depending on the damage that the virus had done. We always recommend that you back up regularly and make sure your antivirus software is updating frequently. If you believe you have the bugbear virus, please call contact us so that we can arrange for a consultant to visit you.

If you would prefer to get the latest Norton Anti-Virus software, 2003, this has just begun selling in stores and includes a few software improvements. We can't see a major difference between 2002 and 2003 besides the fact that it now scans instant messaging services. (So, if you use ICQ, AOL Messenger or Yahoo Instant Messenger you will be better protected from the viruses developed for that software) As long as you have any kind of updating AntiVirus software you will be safer. You could either shop around for it, or you could download it from the net. The Norton Anti-Virus US link to visit is here:

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3. Storm Warning.
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Had a storm lately? Some computers can survive the occasional spike that surges down the line. Most can't. If you see the lights flicker during a storm, or a fuse suddenly goes or a lightning strike nearby causes a black out, chances are you've had an electrical surge. If your computer was on at the time, after the storm has passed, check to make sure that everything is working.

It is best to have some kind of surge protector between your computer and your electricity plug before a storm happens. Your local Electrical store should be able to advise you on the best protector for your system. We recommend that if you are about to have a major storm that you turn off your computer and disconnect it from both the electricity plug and the telephone line. When some circuit boards are so sensitive that even a static electric charge from your hand can damage them, it is best to be safe than sorry.

Recently an electrical storm disrupted several clients computers, burning out their modems and disabling some programs. We were all thankful that they didn't lose anything major. But it did mean the modem needed replacing.
So, if you know there's going to be a storm, back up your files and turn off your computer and peripherals, disconnecting them from everything until it is safe to turn everything on again.

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4. EDS short staffed during November.
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Well, with yours truly on holiday during November and another staff member unavailable, we'll be a bit short staffed during that month. If you're looking to clean up your system or have viruses removed or any other service that we can provide, you'll find our times to visit you are a little more flexible during October. If you can schedule during that time that would be great. When you call in November, Tim will be your point of contact and will be able to tell you straight away the hours that he can call on you. We should be back to normal in December with additional staff to help everyone over Christmas.

That's it for this issue. So, until next time, backup your files and make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. While no AntiVirus software guarantees 100% protection, 90%+ is better than 0% so please make sure yours is working properly. Until then, backup daily, defrag weekly and scandisk monthly.

Best regards

The Team at Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd

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Copyright 2002 Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd

ABN 54 065 417 665

Mention of products, services, ideas, articles, news etc is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither a recommendation nor an endorsement. Electronic Desktop Solutions Pty Ltd assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of these products, services or information. Unless otherwise indicated all pricing is RRP in Australian dollars correct at time of publication. All URL's are correct at time of emailing. Product specifications are subject to change. No responsibility is taken for information read from the off site links.