October 2004 Edition
 
 


Welcome to the October 2004 edition of the eNewsletter!

This month we have information on the recent problems with the PayPal site which caused a nightmare for some eBay auction users. We also have an update on the "Spy Act" which recently passed almost unanimously through the House of Representatives.

Tech Tips this month explains how to backup Outlook Express using Windows XP's File and Settings Transfer Wizard. This month's Hot Site is on eHow, a site dedicated to simplifying instructions for just about anything. As always, we have up-to-the minute virus and security alerts from Symantec.
Tech Tips*

Easily Backup Outlook Express Email with Windows XP!

If you are purchasing a new computer or need to backup your email in case of a computer failure, it can easily be done with Outlook Express in Windows XP by using the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. Follow the steps outlined below to backup your email and Outlook Express settings. This wizard not only backs up your email, but can also backup your computer’s settings so that you can return to them anytime!

  1. Start the XP File and Settings Transfer Wizard by navigating to the Start menu and then clicking on ALL PROGRAMS > ACCESSORIES > SYSTEM TOOLS > FILES AND SETTINGS TRANSFER WIZARD. This will open the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.
  2. Select OLD computer and click the "Next" button.
  3. If you wish to immediately transfer your data to a CD-R or other large removable media such as a Zip Disk, choose "Floppy drive or other removable media." If you want to save it the data as a file on your computer which you can backup later, choose "Other" as transfer method and enter the path for your backup. Click the "Next" button.
  4. Be sure to select "Both files and settings." Also, select the "Let me select a custom list of files and settings." Click the "Next" button.
  5. The following window will let you choose what is backed up. Scroll through the list to determine what files and settings you wish to backup. Click the "Remove" button to deselect an item. If you only want to backup your email, delete all entries, except "Outlook Express" settings. When you are satisfied with your backup list click the "Next" button.
  6. The next window will allow you to review what you have selected to backup. When you are satisfied with your backup list click the "Next" button to start the backup!
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Technology News

PayPal Glitches Causes Nightmare for eBay Users

For over five days, PayPal battled a system glitch which appears to have been caused by a problem with an update that was made to the source code late Thursday, October 7. Users complained of dramatically slow responses from the PayPal site and others were completely unable to access their online accounts. Some users have reported problems accessing their funds using their PayPal Credit/Debit cards.

PayPal, which was purchased by eBay over two years ago, has become one of the largest e-wallet services on the Internet. Since eBay purchased PayPal, they have worked diligently in integrating their auction service with the popular online payment service. The integration between the two sites makes a failure at PayPal catastrophic for auctioneers on eBay. According to PayPal sources, they currently service over 50 million user accounts worldwide. Amanda Pires, spokeswoman for eBay, said that the total number of affected users remains unclear.

eBay transactions have reportedly dropped since the glitch occurred, as users were unable to complete transactions through the PayPal service. Some eBay users experienced errors in auctions that were tied to PayPal payments. Users in chat rooms and message boards discussed revenue losses and auctions that closed with bids dramatically lower than expected. Other users have discussed the probability of a class-action lawsuit. eBay contends that they are protected against such lawsuits by their Usage Agreements.

"Spy Act" Imposes Large Fines For Spyware

Spyware has become one of the largest privacy problems on the Internet in recent years. In many cases, it's also the most under protected threat on desktop computers. Congress has pushed for strong penalties against companies who create and distribute such software. On Tuesday, October 5, the House of Representatives passed the bill, 399 votes to 1, which will impose hefty fines for those who secretly install software on an unsuspecting user's computer.

Spyware is defined by Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary as "any software that covertly gathers information about a user while he/she navigates the Internet and transmits the information to an individual or company that uses it for marketing or other purposes; also called adware." It's uncommon to find an Internet user who has not had an issue with Spyware. Spyware can cause computer performance issues as well as slower Internet browsing speeds.

Although the "Spy Act" has good intentions of preventing the snooping of user's computers, many experts expect it to be as effective as the "CAN-SPAM Act". The "CAN-SPAM" act that was passed late last year, has done very little to slow the distribution of unsolicited emails.

The House bill explicitly permits spyware built by the FBI or other spy agencies to secretly collect information. However, these government agencies must obtain a court order or other legal permission in order to deploy the software. The bill's bans against spyware would begin a year after it becomes law and would automatically expire after 2009 unless it would be renewed by Congress.

Like virus protection, there are many software products available to keep your system clear of spyware and adware. Products such as Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition and Spybot -Search and Destroy have spent months at the top of the Most Popular downloads list on downloads.com with a combined total of over 2.5 million downloads. Spy Sweeper is another popular product and is available at most retail computer stores. Visit http://www.download.com or http://www.tucows.com to obtain a copy for your computer.**

Hot Site of the Month

eHow
Clear Instructions on How To Do (just about) Everything

Have you ever tried to read the instructions for a home theater system? Or for computer software? Or maybe for a special diet? Reading a novel to turn on a CD player is not generally what most consumers have in mind after a new purchase. That's why there is eHow. The eHow website is loaded with straight to the point instructions on thousands of topics in dozens of categories. From Automotive to Travel, eHow has it all. Specifically for Halloween, they have included a section for tips on making costumes and even pumpkin carving templates.

eHow has clear step-by-step instructions with special tips and warnings. The easy to navigate site is great for novices, but is loaded with information to make everyone a pro! To visit eHow, point your browser to http://www.ehow.com.
 
 

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*Technical support will not be able to assist with problems or questions outside of relation to our Internet Service. Tech Tips are based on our knowledge and experience. However, since we - just like you - are only users of this software you should consult with Microsoft if you need reliable advice or support. **Technical Support will not be able to assist in installation or support of any product outside of our Internet service . Downloading and installing any software is at your own risk. ***Technical support will not be able to assist with problems directly relating to the eHow website.