Replies

JB writes:

Because I know so little about computers I don’t even understand what Autorun is or what the problem is. Do I have to worry about something if I put a Costco pictures Cd in my computer with my family photos? Or if I install Hallmark Card Studio?? Or is there a problem with plugging things into USB ports?? Please explain in plain language as best as you can.

JB, until Microsoft sorts it all out, all you really need to do is remember to hold down the Shift key whenever you put something in your computer – USB drives, especially, but it doesn’t hurt to do the same thing with CDs or camera memory cards.

If you hold down the Shift key, Windows won’t come out and ask you if you want to play the music or view the photos, and it won’t automatically start playing songs or movies. In order to do that, you have to use some other part of Windows to open the data on the USB drive, CD, or memory card.

By the way, don’t be bashful! If you don’t follow one of my blog postings, I apologize in advance – I try not to get swept up in all of the confusing terminology, but sometimes I falter. Post a message here on AskWoody and I’ll be very happy to explain.

And if you have general questions about Windows or Office, feel free to click the link on the right to “Ask a question about Windows or Office in the Lounge.” Thousands of people in the Lounge are there to help. Free. No hassles.

Sure enough, the CNET site has Quicktime Version 7.6.

Hans, I like the idea of using the Codec Package (and VLC), but this is one of the machines that I have to keep as close to kosher as possible.

By the way, I assume y’all know that Windows 7 is supposed to include native support for the MOV file format – thus eliminating every reason I know for using QuickTime. Some people think they have to use iTunes to feed their iPods. (iTunes requires QuickTime.) I switched to WinAmp for my iPods long ago.

Brilliant sleuthing. Let me get this to Microsoft right away. Thanks!

Tim –

Just remember to hold down the Shift key every time you put the USB stick in your PC. Easy.

HA!

Good catch. “Jack” is Jack Mayo and he and a team of people wrote the post.

Steve approved it. But you can bet that a zillion folks at WagEd (Microsoft’s PR agency) vetted it.

Yep, that’s exactly what I’m talking about.

Right now, Conficker is the high profile piece of malware that propagates this way, but I’ve even heard of people who get their camera SD cards returned from photo processing services with an infected Autorun.

The easiest way to bypass all of it is to simply remember to hold down the Shift key when you stick anything into your computer. But if you can’t remember to do that all the time, follow Susan’s steps and get patched up.

Yes. Either that, or remove .NET Framework from your system (which ain’t a bad idea, unless you really need it for some application).

I hate to say it, but if you have .NET Framework installed, you really do need to get it updated.

Bob –

Thanks. Seth came up with a design that conveys the information, but is still “fun,” I think…

I shoulda done a site makeover years ago.

Liz –

Weird. KB 948881 is the old MS08-023 Security Bulletin, with ActiveX killbit updates. No idea why you’re seeing it again. I would hold off until somebody figures it out.

There’s at least one person complaining about KB 960544, http://www.techsupportforum.com/microsoft-support/windows-vista-support/346239-solved-issue-vista-since-auto-update.html . I would hold off on that, too.

Bob –

Nope, I only use the Windows Firewall, inadequate as it may be.

The problem with rootkit detection is the quality of the detectors that run under Windows. Blacklight has the advantage that you can cold boot to it.

I always turn off the AVG LinkScanner, for privacy reasonsl – the performance boost is an added benefit. I’ll be writing about that in my Windows 7 book.

Sanda –

Secunia PSI is free for personal use. You can follow the link in the blog and install it, and you’ll never be bothered for money.

At least, that’s the way it works this week. I don’t think Secunia has any plans to charge for PSI.

Bob –

The new Lounge is up and running! An amazing makeover…

Hans –

OY! And Microsoft’s solution involves re-compiling the application. Whotta mess.

Harry –

I think they fixed it…