billso.com

This article first appeared on my old blog at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/wsodeman?id=46

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060814/ap_on_hi_te/dell_battery_recall

“The [Consumer Product Safety Commission]. knows of 339 incidents in which lithium batteries used in laptops and cell phones — not just Dell products — overheated between 2003 and 2005, Wolfson said.”

When we’re talking about overheating, we’re talking about explosions and fires.

Last week, British officials banned laptop computers and audio players as carry-on items, following the gel bomb arrests.

A UPS cargo plane was destroyed by fire last February in Philadelphia. The blaze may have been started by a crate full of laptop computer batteries.

This Dell recall may inspire airlines or the FAA to draft tighter restrictions on laptop computers, iPods and cell phones in commercial airplanes. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in both devices, as they perform well and last longer than other rechargeable batteries.

Passengers may not be happy. I always carry my electronic devices in my carry-on bag when I fly, simply because I don’t want them jostled and fondled in my checked baggage.

See the chapter on computer hardware in the IS 6100 textbook.

Laptop computers require a large amount of electrical energy. While it is possible to power a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone from an RJ-45 network jack, this only needs about 5 watts of electrical power.

You may be familiar with the watt, as it’s the standard measure for household light bulbs.

Five watts not nearly enough to power a laptop computer. Even the smallest laptops use much more powerful batteries.

In comparison, a AAA battery delivers only a few watts, and for a limited amount of time.

August 15: Here’s some additional information from Engadget, which has been covering this story for several months. Check the multiple links regarding explosions in this article. A reader posted a link to Dell’s statement here, including instrucitons on replacement batteries.

The New York Times reports that Sony management confirmed that the company manufactured and sold the affected batteries to Dell. The batteries were shipped to Dell customers in computers sold between April 2004 and July 18.

CNN reported on August 15 that Sony is paying most or all of the recall costs. While this minimizes Dell’s direct losses, they will see an immediate drop in sales revenue as customers choose Dell’s competitors.

The Houston Chronicle reports that customers are hammering Dell with e-mails and phone calls as news spreads about the recall.

Engadget reported on August 6 that an Apple PowerBook exploded. Apple has already mounted a recall for some PowerBook and MacBook models, and Sony batteries are involved.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/15/chronotechs-bluevoice-combines-wristwatch-headset/

Bluetooth Watches is offering a combination headset wristwatch that is the ugliest electronic device I’ve seen this week.

Bluetooth is the trade name for a radio-frequency standard that enables low-speed, short-range wireless network connections.

The short version: it’s a replacement for audio cables.

WiFi is much faster and has a longer range than Bluetooth, but Bluetooth requires less electrical power. Thus, Bluetooth is a good choice for small devices like mobile phones and headsets. Manufacturers can include Bluetooth features in their devices without adding a large battery and antenna.

Bluetooth is somewhat limited. While there are stereo Bluetooth headsets available that connect to PDAs, phones and iPods, these headsets don’t work with some computers.

Another major limitation of Bluetooth is its security features. Encryption is weak or non-existent in some implementations, and many users simply leave the Bluetooth settings wide open. This can allow a nearby hacker to gain access to a device.

Then again, because of the limited range and power used, a hacker would have to be within 20 meters of his victim in most circumstances.

This article first appeared on my old blog at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/wsodeman?id=48

URL: Dell facing slew of Chinese lawsuits over CPU switcheroo

To some consumers, it may seem like a minor change. Dell shipped the Chinese version of its Inspiron 640M portable computer with an Intel 200M CPU. The marketing materials indicated the model used a more expensive process, the 2300.

The major difference between the two processors is that the 2300 includes hardware support for virtualization. This allows the computer to run several different sessions and operating sessions at the same time with a minimal performance loss, when compared to older technologies such as emulation.

When used in a Macintosh, this technology allows users to run Windows, Linux, DOS, or almost any other operating system while they run the default MacOS.

Virtualization is also a key technology in server deployment. Dell, HP and other computer manufacturers sell large multiprocessor cmoputers that behave as many different servers. Each server runs in its own virtual session, so one large computer can replace several separate computers that were each dedicated to specific functions, such as e-mail, the Web, and transaction processing.

In a consumer-grade laptop, the loss of virtualization is not as as critical as it might be on a server computer.

However, word spread quickly through Chinese forums and web sites that Dell had advertised a more expensive processor than it actually shipped. In Windows, it is easy to check what processor your computer is using, by examining the System Properties box in the Control Panel. Try using the shortcut keys Windows+Break.
Dell managers blame a mixup between manufacturing and marketing, and have offered an apology and full refund to customers. The apology is crucial in Asian markets. However, some litigious Chinese customers have decided to sue Dell’s Chinese subsidiary for damages.

This article first appeared on my old blog at http://www.bloglines.com/blog/wsodeman?id=50

http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/08/15/spammer.gold.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

“AOL said Tuesday it intends to search for gold and platinum bars the company suspects are hidden near the home of Davis Wolfgang Hawke’s parents on two acres in Medfield, Massachusetts.”

AOL has already won a USD13M judgment against Hawke, who sent millions of unsolicited commercial messages (UCEs) to AOL customers. Winning the lawsuit was the easy part - now AOL is trying to collect from a defendant who never appeared at his own trial. AOL lawyers believe Hawke converted some of his holdings to previous metals and then buried the bars near his parents’ home.

Hawke’s mother said she that the family has not heard from her son in over a year. “We don’t know where is he,” she said. “We certainly wouldn’t allow him to put any gold on our property.”

If nothing else, I hope that Time Warner has bought the movie and TV rights. This will make an interesting story, especially if AOL’s prospectors find buried treasure. Ahoy!

You may want to print this post and save the hard copy for later use. If your computer does become infected by a virus, you might not be able to retrieve this information.

On one of the hobby web sites that I visit, I noticed a forum thread this morning. Several users complained that a web ad posted on that site gave their computers a virus infection - specifically, Trojan.Ducky.B or Bloodhound.Exploit.56. (Yes, there are several groups that name the same viruses, and it can be confusing.)

Web ad brokers such as ValueClick are supposed to provide clean, free web ads to sites. Web sites that display the ads earn commissions when users click through the ads. Unfortunately, these ad distribution networks are a sneaky way to infect Windows machines and turn them into zombies.

I don’t offer repair services for my students, but I can point you towards other reliable reosurces. So here’s some advice, no warranty expressed or implied, for home and personal Windows users.

Always consult your organization’s or company’s IT department if it’s their computer, because they already have software and procedures in place for you. Those policies and agreements are usually considered part of your employment contract. Also, their software may be part of a corporate or enterprise system.

I have talked to Windows users who refuse to run a virus program or use Windows Update. I try not to laugh or scold, but their behavior is like walking on the freeway. Sooner or later, if you have a cable modem, DSL, or WiFi connection, you will get hit, and your computer will receive a virus.

My computer’s security systems block several virus attempts every day. I didn’t do anything wrong. These viruses are out “in the wild”, attached to incoming e-mail and hidden on web sites.

Unless you paid for premium service that specifically includes virus infections, your warranty or service plan does not cover virus removal and data recovery. Your computer’s manufacturer and Microsoft won’t provide much help if you call them, especially if you haven’t taken steps to secure your computer.

Check with your Internet Service Provider

A few large Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including EarthLink, Road Runner, Hawaiian Telcom and AOL, provide free antivirus programs and limited support for subscribers. It’s worth checking out before you have a problem.

Why do ISPs give away software that you could buy in a local store? It’s in an ISP’s best interests to do so, as a major virus outbreak can compromise their connection quality and create a spike in call center volume.

Some ISPs and companies use network appliances that scan and clean incoming and outgoing network traffic. These are excellent tools, but they are expensive. Also, it is generally assumed that the final sender or recipient of a message is responsible for scanning it.

If there are viruses in the wild, then why don’t we scan the Internet itself? It makes little sense to scan traffic as it goes through the Internet. If the packets are encrypted, they probably cannot be scanned at all. Also, in the United States, there are regulations and privacy restrictions that prevent the casual snooping of data, except in the interests of national security.

The most compelling argument against a perpetual virus scan of the Internet is the cost. It’s more effective and efficient to place the traps at the points of entry and delivery.

In the end, if it’s your own computer, then it’s your data. This is why organizations and businesses have IT departments - to protect hardware, software and data before something bad happens. See our discussion of disaster recovery for more information.

If your Windows computer is already infected

If your computer is already infected by a virus, and you’re in Honolulu, disconnect the computer from the Internet and shut it down. You don’t want to spread the virus, and restarting the computer might make the situation worse.

If this is your own computer, consider calling a local computer reapir service such as CompUSA or Personal Touch Computers. SuperGeeks has stores on Honolulu, Kailua-Kona and Maui. They will remove the virus infection for a fee.

If this is your company’s computer, report the problem immediately to your IT staff. They will help you remove the virus.

If this is not a corporate computer, and you want to try cleaning it yourself, go to a clean computer, and visit your antivirus vendor’s web site. Here’s an example from Symantec. Some antivirus vendors post free cleaning programs that will disinfect some viruses. Son’t buy and install a new antivirus program on an infected computer. You can download the cleaner to a USB memory stick or other external media. Be sure that media is clean and free of viruses first!

If your antivitus program came with a CD, check the manual. That CD may also be a bootable disk that can be used to clean an infected computer. You may need to read your computer’s manual to change your BIOS settings first.

Windows Update vs Microsoft Update

One way to keep your Windows system secure is to run Windows Update and apply the patches regularly. Microsoft issues a set of patches on the second Tuesday of each month. Check your settings in the Control Panel’s Security Center, if you use Windows XP.

Better yet, do the free upgrade to Microsoft Update. Go to Windows Update, and if you see the Microsoft Update invitation, click on the link. Microsoft Update adds Microsoft Office updates to the patches. You may need your Office installation CDs if you installed that suite from disk.

You do need a legal copy of Windows and Office to qualify - pirated or cracked copies might not receive automatic updates.

Other security tools

I’ve seen one download that might prevent these ad-based infections. It’s called GreenBorder, and it works on Windows to protect Interenet Explorer from exploits. It’s not an antivirus program, so you can use it with your current antivirus setup.

My father tried GreenBorder after reading Walt Mossberg’s recommendation in the WSJ, and dad likes it a lot. I tried it, but I have been using Firefox as my web browser for a couple of years. Its extensions, like GreaseMonkey, give me a lot of control in blocking browser ads.

Another tool that I like is SpywareBlaster. It’s a free download for Windows, but it’s not an “always-on” scanner. This software finds and closes known holes in Internet Explorer and Firefox. I would install, update and run it once a month.

Free antivirus programs

I do meet students who say they can’t afford an antivirus program, or they let their update subscription lapse because it was too expensive.

If you need a free antivirus scanner and subscription, and you subscribe to Earthlink, HawTel, Road Runner, or AOL, see my recommendations above.

If you want to use something else, I can recommend two programs. They are free for home or personal use, and I like them better than McAfee or Norton.

Both programs will automagically update themselves if you set the preferences correctly, and have an always-on connection to the Internet.

freeav.com
avast.com

Only one at a time

Always, always UNINSTALL your previous antivirus before installing a new one, even if you are only “trying out” a new antivirus like avase or FreeeAV.

NEVER, EVER RUN TWO ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMS AT THE SAME TIME ON THE SAME COMPUTER.

I’ve heard users say that two antivirus programs must be better than one. It doesn’t work that way. If you install and run two antivirus scanners on the same computer, they will each act as if the other scanner is a virus. Every antivirus scanning program assumes that it is the only one scanning your computer.

An antivirus scanner works at a privileged level in your operating system, so that it can intercept, access and scan files before other applications can do so. That’s what these scanners are designed to do.

If a second scanner is monitoring the activity, the first scanner’s behavior will appears to be viral. Your files will be caught in the middle, and your computer might not restart properly.

Be aware that some “Interent security” suites like McAfee and Norton include antivirus protection along with software firewalls and other features. You may have to open your security suite and permanently disable its antivirus feature before installing another antivirus program.

Frankly, I would not run a security suite and a separate antivirus program. The risk to my data is too great.

Installing a new antivirus program safely

Download your new antivirus program and save it to your desktop, or to external media such as a USB memory stick.

Don’t run the new antivirus right away. Disable or unplug your Internet connection on the computer that requires the new antivirus program.

I recommend removing your old antivirus program. Disabling it not may not be enough - the new antivirus might recognize the old antivirus, even when the old program is disabled.

Go to the Control Panel and Add/Remove Programs to uninstall your old antivirus program. Restart your computer, then install the new antivirus.