Updates - July 21, 2010

You should receive a message to update, when the program loads.

Is it just me???????? I have SuperAntiSpyware Pro. Paid version. It works like a champ, updates definintions just fine. It will not update the program itself. I would not have even known about v.4.41.1000 if not for KY331. And for added fun I have to uninstall the old version and then install the new.

Am I doing something wrong or not doing something I should?? I am also on the email list for them but usually find out about updates here! Heck of a way to run a railroad.

Jeff

P.S. KY331 on Facebook??????????????? I never thought I'd see the day!!

Hi Jeff:

I don't use the paid version of SAS, but was offered this upgrade to v4.41.1000 tonight when I opened the program. It updated and installed with no problems. No need to uninstall the older version.

I suspect that had you waited a bit longer, you would have experienced the same.

As for ky331 0n Facebook, I have no knowledge. As the Romans were wont to say: "De gustibus non est disputandum".

Jeff,

upon offering a program update, most security programs "phase it on" over a few days, so as not to overload their servers.   (HOW they determine who to offer it to first is unclear... whether they do so by geographic location or some other criteria.   One would assume that they might offer it to paid customers before free, but i guess that's not the case.)

as Joe said, had you waited a bit longer, you might have gotten the notification... and would not have needed to go through the uninstall/reinstall procedure.

for SAS, I've found that sometimes, by RIGHT-clicking on the SAS "bug" icon in your system tray, and selecting "Check for updates" from that icon (rather than from inside the program itself), it may find the PROGRAM update.   In contrast, the "check for updates" within the program seems to check for DATABASE updates.   at least, that seems to be the pattern of my experience.

If i have a chance, I'll say a few words about facebook later.

Okay, Facebook.

I have two step-children, who, being part of the modern computer generation, "advertise" (portions of) their lives via "social media" sites.   At first, it was MySpace... and they later switched over to FaceBook.

My wife quickly set up an account to follow their activities.   Not having an account of my own, it soon became apparent that I was often being "left in the dark".   Especially when my wife would refer to something the kids had posted... and I had absolutely no idea WHAT she was referring to :emotion-7:

So basically, in order to keep up with the family, I HAD to set up my own account... which I did first on MySpace (when they were there), and later on Facebook.

So that's the WHY.

As for WHAT/HOW, being security conscious (and paranoid :emotion-5: ), I've taken whatever precautions I believe I could.   I have striven NOT list any "personal" information... most of which is optional... and so I chose not to include it.   I have also "tweaked" any settings they offer to either suppress --- or at least limit --- publication of the (minimal) information I gave them.

I "masquerade" on Facebook:   I have chosen a screen name (NOT ky331) that won't gather my "usual" crowd of people.

I am using a separate e-mail address [and even more important, a separate/dedicated password] on facebook... which, if compromised, won't mean "the end of the world" for me.

Of course, by "disguising" myself, it makes it essentially impossible for people to "seek me out", either as ky331 or using my real name (for family and personal friends/acquaintances who know me).    But since I'm not there to "socialize" [nor "hook-up" with long-lost childhood friends or classmates], I don't see that as a problem.

-------------------

On a related note, I've actually come across an interesting/useful bunch of SECURITY-related sites on Facebook, which I can recommend to anyone here that's also on FB.

Starting with SOFOS http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophos/28552295016

and SpywareHammer http://www.facebook.com/pages/SpywareHammer/267607262511

Both offer great "news feeds", that keep people up-to-date with Security-related matters... and especially about malware and hoaxes that are circulating on FaceBook.

There's also occasionally good information from 

Microsoft's Malware Protection Center http://www.facebook.com/pages/Microsoft-Malware-Protection-Center/29456973460

MalwareBytes http://www.facebook.com/Malwarebytes

WOT http://www.facebook.com/weboftrust

OpenDNS http://www.facebook.com/OpenDNS

 and since you're interested in SAS, they have a Users and Fans Group  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115953226718

and here's one for Firefox http://www.facebook.com/Firefox

I'm sure there are others, but you should get the idea.

Don't forget this one:  http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=1012#!/security

I just thought it was a little (LOT) out of character for any of the Gurus' to use Facebook.

I thought one of the commandments was "Thou shalt NOT Facebook"

But you did give me some ideas to help protect my system from my wife's Facebook addiction!

Thanks as usual.

Jeff

I thought one of the commandments was "Thou shalt NOT Facebook"

Your wife might also like to visit this forum discussion:  Social Media Security

FaceBook users might also consider the Defensio application http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/p/19334269/19703846.aspx#19703846

Jeff:   the bottom line is that anything can be abused.   Water is essential for life... but if a person ingested "way too much", they (in the extreme case) could "explode".

Facebook has its merits.   As noted, I actually obtain fairly-quick notice about the availability of security programs... or facebook scams... from SOPHOS and/or SpywareHammer.   So I strongly recommend these two to any security-conscious Facebook user.

as long I take every reasonable precaution to protect my identity and private information, it's somewhat analogous to "safe surfing".   Use intelligently, and proceed with caution.

Forum seems to be double-posting at the same time stamp again. :emotion-3:

FaceBook users might also consider the Defensio application http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/virus-spyware/f/3522/p/19334269/19703846.aspx#19703846

I installed Defensio when it was first brought to my attention on this forum. It works very well and you can customize it quite a bit. Different levels of tolerence for different age groups or tastes etc.

I suppose I should apologize if some of my posts appear to be silly. I understand that this is a serious forum dealing with serious issues. I just enjoy a laugh once in a while. I'll try to keep it to a minimum.

Jeff

I suppose I should apologize if some of my posts appear to be silly.

On the contrary, Jeff, I saw nothing silly posted in this thread (apart from my fractured Latin, perhaps). You raised an important question, given all the negative publicity and privacy concerns about FB recently.

I do not use SNs only because I don't have a personal need for them, but can understand why others do. Your comments resulted in a lot of useful info and links being posted in this thread on how to go about this safely. I have bookmarked it, against the day when (and if) my needs change.