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Welcome to this week's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Sunday, July 17, 2004
In this Issue:
Special Feature: Change Icons to Single Click
Tips & Tricks: Open a Link in a New Window
This Week's Topic: Detecting Spyware Programs
Websites of Interest: The Aviation History Online Museum; Solar Folklore; Library of Congress Map Collections
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Special Feature: Change Icons to Single Click
Question: I have very bad arthritis in my hands which makes it extremely difficult for me to use the mouse. Can I change the settings so that I only need to click once on an icon?
Answer:
Yes, you can. Here is how:
Windows ME and XP
Click Start and open Control Panel. Open Folders or Folder Options (depending on Windows version). In Windows XP, Category View, click Appearance and Themes, and then Folder Options.
Click the General tab. In the Click items as follows section, click to select Single click to open an item.
Click the OK Button and close all Control Panel windows.
Windows 98
Open Windows Explorer (Click Start, point to Programs, click Windows Explorer).
In the Windows Explorer window, click on View on the menu and then Folder Options. Click to select the Web Style button. Click the OK Button and close Windows Explorer.
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Tips & Tricks: Open a Link in a New Window
When I click on a link in Internet Explorer, it opens the new page and replaces the old page. If I want to get back to that old page, I have to click the Back button; sometimes several times. Is there a way to click on a link and open it in a different window so all I have to do is close that window?
Answer:
Yes, there is.
Right click on the link. From the resulting menu, left click on Open Link in a New Window.
When you are done with that website, or any links you click on in that website, all you have to do is close that window and you will see the window with the original website.
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Today's Topic: Detecting Spyware Programs
Question: I download games and other small programs from the Internet. Are there any indications that a download might be spyware or that my personal information will be sold?
Answer:
Always look for and read the Privacy Statement on a website before giving any personal information. You have to learn how to decipher the privacy statement, too. Most privacy statement won’t be as forthcoming as to say that they will sell your email address to spammers, so it’s up to you to interpret the meaning.
For example, a privacy statement may say something like this:
"We may share information with third parties so that they can inform you and your family about their products, which might be of interest to you."
In most cases, you can assume that the third parties they are referring to would be anyone willing to pay them for email addresses.
Also take a look at the program’s EULA, which is the End User Licensing Agreement. This will give you some idea as to what you will have to put up with in exchange for something free. Sometimes it may just be targeted pop-up ads based on your browsing habits. In other cases, you could give permission for intrusive and unstable adware and spyware to be installed on your computer.
Here’s a typical EULA statement when a program or website keeps track of or collects personal information:
"The web server may maintain customary records of the user's IP address, the date and time of access, and will record the search query made by the user for the purpose of generating aggregate search statistics."
Legally, if it is spelled out in the Privacy Statement or EULA, even in a cryptic way, nothing can be done about the program or website’s activities. Make sure you read both and try to interpret what is being said.
Here are some other examples of statements that can be found in Privacy Statement or EULAs. All of these are potential indicators of spyware or adware being installed on your computer.
"I further understand that search tool bar will be added to my web browser which will remain visible as long as the software is installed.”
“I agree that I wish to use your website for my web browsers default home page.”
“I understand that, by accepting these terms and conditions, bookmarks will be added to my favorites.”
“In order for us to keep this software free we will open advertisements while you surf the web."
If any of these statements appear in the Privacy Statement or EULA, you will have to decide if the program is important enough to you to risk the potential annoyances or hazards of its use.
Note: Google the Program
No matter how good your anti-spyware program is, it's always better to stay safe in the first place. Don't download software from companies you don't trust.
If in doubt, do a quick search on Google for company/program name + spyware" and see what people are saying about the program in question.
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Websites of Interest:
The Aviation History Online Museum
If you are interested in airplanes and the history of aviation, take a look at this website. You can see photos of all kinds of airplanes, information on flying theory, engines, airmen and plane design, and much more.
http://www.aviation-history.com
Solar Folklore
At this website, you will learn what role the sun has played in different cultures.
http://solar-center.stanford.edu/folklore/folklore.html
Library of Congress Map Collections
Visit the Library of Congress website to look at their map collection which includes maps dating as far back as the 1500's.
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html |
