Announcements

Viruses - Part 3 of 3!

Just a quick note to let you know that we're finally through our new and improved virus guide with today's newsletter. As soon as I get a chance, I'll put the whole 3 part series on the site as one complete feature. That way, you can refer back to it at any time. Hmm... You can even tell your friends where to go next time they send you a virus :-)

Awesome Norton System Works Deal!

We just received an awesome deal (we've had a few of these, but never enough to offer them as a newsletter special). We have Norton System Works 2002 Standard Edition for only $14.97 after mail-in upgrade rebate!

This is the retail box version that normally sells for $69.95. We have it on sale for only $44.97 (which by itself is an awesome deal), but if you qualify for the mail-in upgrade rebate (most people do), your final cost is only $14.97! Oh, and US Shipping is FREE!! Is that a deal or what? (This $44.97 price is only going to last until Sunday, May 19th, after that, it's going up).

This includes:

# 1 Norton Anti virus- OK, if you've been on this newsletter for more than a week, you already know that this is the anti virus software I'm always recommending. I personally think this is the best AV software on the market. It's quick, easy to use, and runs transparently in the background, always protecting you. Plus you can do automatic updates, so you're always safe.

I know there are a ton of competitive products out there and the truth is, I can sell them at our online store - but I don't. Why? I've seen these products miss viruses, see viruses where there were none, and cause increased computer lock-ups. No thanks - Norton Anti virus is the software I recommend to keep your computer safe from viruses.

# 2 Norton Utilities - Here's one we use all the time help speed up our computers (the defrag program is great). It finds and fixes problems, keeps your data safe from most hardware / software problems, keeps an eye on your hard drive, has its own scan disk and defrag programs (much more advanced than the stuff included with Windows), and can even fix most of the problems it finds - quickly and easily.

It addition, it can also help you recover deleted files, help optimize your PC for better performance, plus give you detailed information about your system. And more!

# 3 Norton Clean Sweep - Have too much junk on your hard drive? This software can help you remove unwanted programs (better than the Windows Add / Remove program thing), clean up internet temp files (cookies, excess plug-ins, temp files, etc), compress seldom used programs so they don't eat up a bunch of hard drive space, help you copy a program from one computer to another, and TONS more.

#4 - GoBack - Provides quick and easy system recovery. GoBack gives you the power to immediately undo common user errors and serious system problems on your PC. If you've ever messed up in a big way with your computer, this is for you. It lets you go back in time and retrieve lost data, unfreeze your computer when the system unexpectedly quits, or recover from a nasty computer viruses.

This was another one time deal. My suppliers just can't get these at this price anymore (at least for now). So, if you're interested, act today. Again, the sale price of $44.97 will end this Sunday (May 18th 2002). Frankly, I think we're going to run out before than anyway. So, here's the link:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/nortonsystem2002.htm

PS -

If you just need anti-virus, we have it, CD only, for $18.97. No rebates to mess with:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/nortonav2002.htm

If you need System Works Pro (the above is standard edition), we that too, CD only, for $28.97. Again, no rebates to mess with:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/syswks.htm

Computers 101

Q:
What is the difference between a Virus, Trojan, and Worm?

A:
Basically, they all fall under the generally category of "viruses". However, there are a few distinctions.

Virus - Technically, a virus infects another file (attaches or inserts itself into it). They usually infect program files or MS Office documents. From there, it can replicate, do damage, etc. Unlike a worm, these do not function as a stand alone (except possibly to infect a given file).

Worm - This is almost identical to a "true virus", except that it lives on its own and generally doesn't infect other files (although it can replace them). Usually, these copy themselves using e-mail, networks, disks, etc. Again, these are very close to a true virus, and can do the same kind of damage.

Trojan Horse - This type of program doesn't copy itself but does do damage to your computer. These types of programs rely on people to pass them around and to run them. They do not e-mail themselves. The idea is to make the program look like it's something harmless, like a screen saver or joke, so it gets sent around.

That's the crash course on virus types. Bottom line, you don't want any of the little nastys on your computer!

Have a question for the newsletter? Submit it at the link below:
http://www.worldstart.com/submitquestion.htm

Tip of the Day

Viruses - Part 3 of 3

Although e-mail viruses are by far the most common, you can still get infected in any number of other ways. In this last section of our virus guide, we'll look at keeping you safe from as many virus sources as possible.

Unknown download sites - Be careful when downloading software from the net, especially from a virtual shareware library. A virtual shareware library is a site that has software listings on it, but they don't keep the software on their server. Just hover your mouse pointer over the download link and look at the bottom of your browser. If the URL shown is not the same as the site's it's a virtual shareware library. Most shareware sites are.

This isn't to say that you're going to get a virus by downloading software from them. In fact, I've never had a problem (and I download tons of software).

What I normally do is try to go to the software's web page. If it seems to be a trustworthy company, I download. Then I double-check the file with my anti-virus software.

Floppy Disks - Passing around floppy disks use to be the number one way of getting a virus, but it isn't as common as it used to be. In general, just be careful about running programs on floppy disks, especially those from questionable sources.

Another thing to be careful of is floppy boot sector viruses. If you have an infected floppy with this type of virus on it, you'll be infected if you forget to take it out of your drive when you re-boot your computer. To avoid problems, just don't leave floppy disks in your drive.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to scan your floppy with your AV software either.

Macro Viruses - I had mentioned these back in section two. Be careful with MS office documents that come from questionable sources. They can contain what's called a macro virus. These can delete files, alter program menus, and more.

Unfortunately, these are relatively easy to write, so they are among the most widespread variety of viruses. Be extremely careful when opening unknown MS office files, especially Word documents. Probably a good idea to save these files to disk then check them with your anti-virus software before opening them.

Well, that's about it. I know we could easily fill a book discussing viruses, but I'm just trying to pass along the basics.

Just remember, keep your anti-virus software up to date and don't run / open any files you don't trust 110%.

Have a tip for the newsletter? Submit it below:
http://www.worldstart.com/submitatip.htm

Amanda's Cool Site of the Day

Holocaust Names

This is a wonderful site, dedicated to finding relatives and survivors of the Holocaust. You can post if you are a survivor so that family can find you, or you can search for family you may have lost due to the Holocaust.

There are pictures to look through, you can search by name and use their world chat to get in touch with lost loved ones. This is also a great site if you are doing research on the Holocaust.

Use the flash intro

http://holocaustnames.com/intro.html

-or- skip flash intro

http://holocaustnames.com/index_us.html

Do you have a cool site that you want to share? Send it to Amanda!! Here's the address:

amanda@worldstart.com

Oh, and we're looking for non-commercial sites. We generally don't run sites that are strictly for shopping.