FireFox 3.5 Released Today

The new and improved FireFox, the one we’ve all been waiting for, finally came out of the gate today.

There’s ton of new feature which promise to make this the best FireFox ever.

New features for end users:

Location aware browsing

If you choose, you may allow Firefox 3.5 to share information about your current location with web sites.  Firefox 3.5 can use information about the network you’re connected to to share your location. Of course, it asks for your permission before doing so, to ensure your privacy.

Open audio and video support

Firefox 3.5 supports embedded video and audio using the open Ogg format, as well as WAV for audio. No plugins, no confusing error messages about needing to install something or other that turns out not to be available on your platform anyway.

Local data storage

Web applications can now use Web Storage’s local storage capabilities to store data on your computer.  This is great for anything from site preferences to more complex data.

Private Browsing

Need to use someone else’s computer? Switch on Private Browsing mode and nothing will be recorded about your session, including cookies, history, and any other potentially private information.

Better privacy controls

The Privacy preference pane has been completely redesigned to offer users more control over their private information. Users can choose to retain or discard anything including history information, cookies, downloads, and form field information.  In addition, users can specify whether or not to include history and/or bookmarks in the location bar’s automated suggestions, so you can keep private web addresses from popping up unexpectedly while typing in the location bar.

Faster JavaScript performance

JavaScript, the “J” in “AJAX,” is sped up dramatically in Firefox 3.5 with the new TraceMonkey JavaScript engine.  Web applications are much faster than in Firefox 3.

Faster page rendering

Web content draws faster in Firefox 3.5, thanks to technologies such as “speculative parsing.” Your users don’t need to know what it means, other than “it makes things draw faster.”

Download at: FileHippo

Email Spammers Are Smarter Than You Think

I long ago came to the conclusion that spammers are some of the craftiest people on the planet. I say this not in admiration of what they do, but instead, how they do it.

Mainstream advertisers and business in general, could take away some valuable lessons from the methods used by spammers to achieve maximum market penetration.

A case in point:

I operate multiple email accounts most of which I established 10/12 years ago. Recently, I setup a new email account on Gmail to allow readers of my WordPress site to contact me directly. Almost immediately, I noticed the type of Spam directed at this account was considerably different from the daily Spam going to my long established accounts.

Generally, the Spam aimed at the older email accounts is fairly harmless and not particularly dangerous, since most of it is calculated to attempt to sell me something I don’t want, and that I have absolutely no interest in. After all, how many “male enhancement” products, vitamin pills, or fake watches does a person really need?

While these emails are not harmless given that sending spam violates the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) of almost all Internet Service Providers, it’s the phishing emails aimed at my relatively new Gmail account that causes me the most frustration. These emails are often designed to trick me into revealing financial information that can then be used to steal my money.

It seems to me that phishing spammers target new or relatively new email accounts, more often than well established accounts. And why not? In a spammer’s view, I suspect, the theory is – an experienced Internet user is less likely to respond to this type of email, while the percentage of relatively new users who respond should be higher due to the new user’s inexperience.

The following graphic illustrates just how pervasive this type of phishing Spam can be in a new email account inbox. Click on the graphic for a larger view.

Looking closely at just one of these fraudulent emails, it’s easy to see problems with the construction of the message. This misconstruction should always be a tipoff something is wrong.

“Dear B a n k (the spacing in this word is off) of America member,

Bank of America ask (missing letter “s”) you kindly to take part in our quick and easy question survey (missing punctuation – no period).

In return we will credit $50.00 to your account. Just for your time!

- In order to help us please spare two minutes of yout (misspelled word – should read “your”) time and take part in our survey.

- To contiunue (misspelled word – should read “continue”) please click on the link below:

http://sitekey.bankofamerica.com.survey.departament.djwjggh5.net/srv/survey.htm?id=5984 (a questionable site based on the URL) – The following graphic illustrates how FireFox handles this type of site – in this case based on my personal security preferences.

Thank you for your time!

B a n k of America Survey Department.

© 2001-2009 B a n k of America. All rights reserved”.

Clicking on the link (assuming my Browser had not warned me), would have redirected me to a spoof page, comparable to the original site, and I would then have begun the process whereby the scammers would have stripped me of all the confidential information I was willing to provide.

It’s possible, my financial and personal details, had I entered them, would then have been harvested by the cyber-crooks behind this fraudulent email who could then have used this information to commit identity and financial theft.

If you are a relatively new Internet user the following are the minimum safety precautions (familiar to regular readers), you should take:

Be kind to your friends, relatives, and associates, particularly new Internet users, and let them know that these types of scams are now epidemic on the Internet. In that way, it raises the level of protection for all of us.

Minimum safety precautions you should take.

Consider every email, telephone call, or text message requesting confirmation of your personal and financial information as a scam.

When contacting your bank; use a telephone number from your statement, a telephone book, or another independent source.

Don’t open emails that come from untrusted sources.

Don’t run files that you receive via email without making sure of their origin.

Don’t click links in emails. If they come from a known source, type them on the browser’s address bar. If they come from an untrusted source, simply ignore them, as they could take you to a web designed to download malware onto your computer.

Keep your computer protected. Install a security solution and keep it up-to-date.

Stretch Your Software Dollars – 26 Free Applications For Hard Economic Times

Times are tough, the economy is in the tank, and if anything, times will get much tougher long before they get better.

We are all now faced with the task of trimming expenses this year, and software applications that cost hundreds of dollars are not going to be number one on our list of must haves.

Luckily, they don’t need to be.

There’s a wealth of tried and tested free software out in the wild blue of the Internet that will meet virtually every need you’re likely to have this year. Take a look at the following recommended free downloads that will help you communicate, get needed work done, have some fun, and manage and protect your system while you’re surfing the Internet.

To download the application/s of your choice, simply click on the application name.

Process those words:

OpenOffice:

OpenOffice 3 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages including Microsoft Word.

AbiWord:

AbiWord is a free light weight word processing program similar to Microsoft Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.

WordWeb:

WordWeb is a one-click English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows that can look up words in almost any program. It works off-line, but can also look up words in web references such as the Wikipedia encyclopedia.

Manipulate and correct your pics – put them online:

FastStone Image Viewer:

This is one of my favorite photo applications, with good reason. It’s not just a viewer, but an image browser, converter, and an editor as well. You’ll find the interface intuitive and very easy to use. This program is loaded with features including, renaming, cropping, color adjustments, lossless JPEG transformation, drop shadow effects, image frames, scanner support, histogram and much more.

IrfanView:

IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative graphic viewer for Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista. Unusual name – terrific application.

Google Picasa:

A free software application that helps you locate and organize all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks and share your photos with others through email, prints and on the web.

Play those tunes:

Audacity:

Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. Definitely the best of breed.

iTunes:

According to Apple this is the world’s best digital music jukebox. Download music, TV shows, movies, and more.

Winamp:

A multimedia player that supports numerous audio and video formats. It also plays streamed video and audio content, live and recorded, authored worldwide.

Watch your favorite videos:

Miro:

Miro is a free application for channels of internet video (also known as ‘video podcasts and video rss). Miro is designed to be easy to use and to give you an elegant full screen viewing experience.

VLC:

A highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg …) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Free FLV Converter:

This free software let you search YouTube and dailyMotion videos without opening your browser and you can even watch the videos using the built-in video player.

Free Video To iPhone Converter:

Convert video files to Apple iPhone MP4 video format. Convert the whole movie or select a partition from the movie to convert (trim video).

iPod Video Converter:

Free iPod Video Converter provides an easy and completed way to convert all popular video formats to iPod video.

Better browsing:

FireFox:

FireFox includes tons of useful features such as tabbed browsing, built-in and customizable search bars, a built-in RSS reader and a huge library of extensions developed by thousand of developers.

Opera:

Opera introduces Speed Dial which vastly improves navigation to your favorite sites. In addition, there’s Fraud protection, anti-phishing detection keeps browsing safe and secure.

Web of Trust (WOT):

WOT is a free Internet Browser add-on (my personal favorite), that has established an impressive 4.5/5.0 star user rating on CNET. WOT tests web sites you are visiting for spyware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, unreliable online shops, phishing, and online scams, helping you avoid unsafe web sites.

Protect your system:

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition:

This free version of the award winning program, with its easy to use interface, is used by millions of people worldwide to protect their computers; it’s reported there are a million+ additional downloads every week.

AVG Anti-Virus:

AVG Anti-Virus Free now incorporates protection against spyware through a new combined anti-virus and anti-spyware engine as well as a “safe-searching component” which has been incorporated into the new AVG Internet Security Toolbar. This program scans files on access, on demand, and on schedule and scans email incoming and outgoing. For those on Vista, you’re in luck, it’s Vista-ready

Comodo Firewall Pro:

The definitive free firewall, Comodo Firewall protects your system by defeating hackers and restricting unauthorized programs from accessing the Internet. I have been using this application for 10 months and I continue to feel very secure. It resists being forcibly terminated and it works as well, or better, than any firewall I’ve paid for. This is one I highly recommend. Amazing that it’s free!

Staying in touch:

Windows Live messenger:

The next generation MSN Messenger. It comes with everything that were already available in Messenger, and a new i’m Initiative that makes helping your favorite charity as easy as sending an instant message.

Pidgin:

A multi-protocol Instant Messaging client that allows you to use all of your IM accounts at once. Pidgin can work with: AIM, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo!, MySpaceIM and many more.

Trillian:

A fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC.

System Tools:

CCleaner:

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system – allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast; normally taking less than a second to run.

Glary Utilities:

Glary Utilities, a free all-in-one utility, is a terrific collection of system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. Personal experience with this application for the last 8 months has convinced me that a typical user can really benefit by having this application on their system. With this free program you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users.

Revo Uninstaller:

Revo Uninstaller is a superior program to uninstall programs from your computer. This free program with its advanced and fast algorithm scans before, and after you uninstall an application. After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over (those “orphaned” registry entries we talked about earlier), on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

FireFox 3.0.11 Released – Fixes Crash and Security Issues

The last version of FireFox that worked properly on my machines was version 3.0.8. – versions 3.0.9 and 3.0.10, totally sucked.

Both of these versions caused very uneven performance while surfing the Net. I have to admit, this uneven performance drove me slightly crazy. Unexplained crashes, slow site connections, and timed out errors do that to me.

Now comes word that Mozilla has just released FireFox 3.0.11, which addresses these very issues. Once again Mozilla is a dollar short and a day late!

This new release addresses the following stability and security issues.

Issues Fixed in Firefox 3.0.11

MFSA 2009-32 JavaScript chrome privilege escalation

MFSA 2009-31 XUL scripts bypass content-policy checks

MFSA 2009-30 Incorrect principal set for file: resources loaded via location bar

MFSA 2009-29 Arbitrary code execution using event listeners attached to an element whose owner document is null

MFSA 2009-28 Race condition while accessing the private data of a NPObject JS wrapper class object

MFSA 2009-27 SSL tampering via non-200 responses to proxy CONNECT requests

MFSA 2009-26 Arbitrary domain cookie access by local file: resources

MFSA 2009-25 URL spoofing with invalid unicode characters

MFSA 2009-24 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.9.0.11)

If you are running FireFox 3.0.10, I strongly recommend that you update to release 3.0.11.

Download at: Mozilla

If you are weary of these constant FireFox updates from Mozilla, and you want the speed in a Browser that FireFox was once noted for, then checkout “Portable Browsing with TheWorld Browser” by guest writer Rick Robinette, on this site.

Portable Browsing with TheWorld Browser

Guest writer Rick Robinette introduces you to TheWorld Browser – checkout why.

For those who may not know what a web browser is, it is simply a software application, such as Internet Explorer, that is specifically crafted for retrieving, presenting and traversing information resources on the internet. Many computer users do not realize that there are other browser options out there, other than Internet Explorer; the most popular being Firefox, Google Chrome and Opera (to name a few).

Recently I have been on the hunt for a good portable version of a browser to run from my flash drive. I have tried and used extensively the portable versions of the most popular browsers such as Firefox, Opera, and Chrome; however, I found that after long periods of usage (from the flash drive), the browsers would start to bog down and/or errors would start to develop.

Sometimes we get so locked into what is popular and forget that there are other options. It was at this point I starting looking outside that circle of “popular browsers” for something different. During that hunt, I tried and tested many (such as Maxthon, Browzar, QtWeb). I eventually came across a browser called “TheWorld Browser” that not only caught my eye, but has performed beautifully from my flash drive. As a matter of fact, the more I use it, the more I like it.

TheWorld Browser is a “fast, safe and easy way to browse the web” that has features that many of the other browsers do not.  TheWorld Browser is dependent on the Internet Explorer engine, and is guaranteed to be 100% malware free.  This app is small in size (1.4 MB) and, in my opinion, is very fast to the draw…  If you are looking for an Internet Explorer replacement on your PC or a browser to carry with you on your flash drive, I say give this browser a try!

Publisher’s Description

Multi-threaded frame.
TheWorld Browser version 2.0 is among the first multi-threaded frame browser in the world (the first is Internet Explorer 7.0), the multi-threaded window frame can prevent the web pages from freezing.

Intelligent Ad blocking + Blacklist filter.
TheWorld can block popup ad. and float ad. automatically.
TheWorld can block popups and float ads automatically. You can also use a blacklist to filter ads. The blacklist filter works from lower level of HTTP protocol, with regular expression so that you can filter out anything you want.

Web page mute.
TheWorld is the first browser that can disable a web page’s sound with one click.

Powerful Tools
Powerful Tools Built in tools like: Flash filter, unlock page script limited, zoom, Proxy quick switching, Auto complete, Quick media saver, Privacy guard, Mouse gestures, Custom hotkeys and Drag & drop support, make TheWorld one of the most powerful browsers around.

Safer.
TheWorld Browser has built-in safe guards that will protect you while surfing.

Built-in Download Manager.
Which consists of multi-thread download, resumable download, with intuitive download management.

Skins and plugins.
TheWorld Browser supports skins and plugins, we have hundreds of skins and plugins to customize the way you browse. TheWorld has native support for Internet Explorer’s plugins as well.

TheWorld Browser uses the Microsoft Internet Explorer engine and will run on Windows 98/me/2000/XP/Vista.

This is a guest post by Rick Robinette, who brings a background as a security/police officer professional, and as an information technology specialist to the Blogging world.

Why not pay a visit to Rick’s site at What’s On My PC. Like me, you’re sure to become a frequent visitor.

KidZui – Free, Safe Internet Browsing for Kids

Silki Garg has some great advice on how to give your child access to the Internet in a child safe environment.

Internet Browsers are windows to the outside world through which a user interacts with others. While they open up opportunities to access loads of information which is available on the web, they also expose the user to the bad side of this outside world.

The bad side, which is full of spam, malware, spyware, viruses, porn etc. will try to gain your attention with the intention of entrapping you for the benefit of cyber-criminals.

While an adult is expected to understand the nasty designs of these malware artists and stay clear of them, although to a limited extent; the situation becomes more critical for children.

Safeguarding kids, on the Internet, is a topic which has been discussed a great deal, with different tools taking different approaches to this problem. Most of these tools are of the restrictive type. They search and identify websites and places, which can potentially harm a child and then block the child’s access to these unsafe sites.

However, KidZui, takes a different approach. It searches and identifies websites, which are absolutely safe and fun for kids to visit. KidZui coordinates a large team of parents and teachers, which maintains a white-list of websites for children.

While it has grown slowly over the years, today KidZui has the one of the largest number of games, websites, videos and photos reviewed by parents and teachers, anywhere. In this way, children can find what they need to help them with schoolwork and so on, without parental guidance.

As a parent, you can keep track of what your kids are up to. KidZui sends a weekly email that lets you know you what your kids are doing online.

KidZui is more than just a simple browser. KidZui is a free Web browser, search engine and community for kids 3-12.

Features of KidZui

Search:

KidZui Search is tailored to the needs of kids.

Offers suggestions and spelling corrections.

Offers search results with content relevant for kids.

Graphical presentation that is easy for kids to understand.

Browsing and Content:

KidZui has the largest number of games, websites, videos and photos reviewed by parents and teachers anywhere.

Kids can browse all this content easily and independently.

Account:

A KidZui account gives kids the freedom to learn, play, and discover over 2 million games, websites, videos and photos approved by parents like you.

Kids can now safely express themselves with their Zui, backgrounds, tags and online status.

KidZui Community:

The KidZui community is tailored to kids as they learn all the things that make them productive adults.

It’s safe with no chat, no written text and no email.

KidZui is available in two forms. You can download the stand-alone version to your computer, or you can use it as a browser extension.

There is also a paid version of KidZui, but the free version seems to have all the essential components an average user will require.

Conclusion: Overall a neat application.

Download at: Kidzui.com

Related: 7 Toddler-Safe Web Browsers for Your Kid’s Internet Browsing

This is a guest post by Silki Garg. She advises on spyware removal, online threats and malware detection, on her Internet Security Blog. A visit to her Blog is highly recommended. You’re sure to find something of interest.

FireFox 3.0.10 Released – Fixes Crash Issues

Since updating to FireFox 3.0.9 last week, I have experienced very uneven performance while surfing the Net. I have to admit, this uneven performance drove me slightly crazy. Unexplained crashes, slow site connections, and timed out errors do that to me.

Despite hours investigating, I was unable to resolve these issues. Worse, I spend hours looking at my overall configuration including a heavy duty malware investigation of my system – all to no avail. Since I use the HTML Validator add-on, I was particularly affected.

My good buddy and fellow Blogger TechPaul keyed in on the cause of my problem by establishing that the root cause was one of my add-ons. But with 20+ add-ons, I must admit I had neither the time, nor the inclination to track it down and instead reverted back to running IE 8 –ugh!

Now comes word that Mozilla has just released FireFox 3.0.10, which addresses these very issues. Uh, a dollar short and a day late Mozilla!

This new release addresses a major stability issue and one more security fix.

Issues fixed in FireFox 3.0.10

Crash in nsTextFrame::ClearTextRun

Crashes with HTML Validator when viewing source nsTextFrame

If you are running FireFox 3.0.9 I strongly recommend that you update to release 3.0.10.

Download at: Mozilla

SpywareBlaster – Blast Spyware for Free

SpywareBlaster, once installed, does not run in the background and yet continues to provide protection without the need for user interaction.

SpywareBlaster prevents ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, and browser hijackers from installing on your system by disabling the CLSIDs (a system used by software applications to identify a file or other item), of spyware ActiveX controls.

A secondary but equally important function offered by SpywareBlaster, is its ability to block spyware/tracking cookies and restrict the actions of spyware/adware/tracking sites in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Seamonkey, Flock and other browsers.

Since SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for, or clean spyware, but as stated earlier, prevents installation only, you should use it in combination with your active malware protection applications.

SpywareBlaster is definitely low maintenance and the only thing you need to remember is to update the database, which contains information on known spyware Active-X controls, regularly. Automatic update is also available for an annual fee of $9.95 USD.

SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature with which you can take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state, and later revert to this state, undoing any changes made by spyware and browser hijackers that have infected your system despite the security in place. I recommend that you take advantage of this important feature.

This is an important security protection tool to install on your system; particularly if your browser uses Active-X.

Latest release: April 9, 2009

Download at: Javacool Software

Need answers? Visit the SpywareBlaster Forum

Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer 8 Today

I know one shouldn’t run a Beta in a production environment, but despite this old truism, I have been running Windows 7 as my main, at home OS, for several months. I’m not unusual in this; virtually all of my tech associates have been doing the same thing.

Since Internet Explorer 8 (beta), is the onboard Internet browser packaged with Win 7, I have had ample opportunity to run IE 8 and put it through its paces.

Quick verdict:

In my view, this offering from Microsoft will not close the gap with FireFox. It’s still slow, and cumbersome; Microsoft at its best. There’s just not enough here to convince me to change from FireFox 3.

Internet Explorer 7 has had its fair share of problems, so it is advisable that you update to IE 8 if you are an IE 7 user.

Quick facts: (From Microsoft)

• Accelerators – Accelerators let you map directions, translate words, email your friends, and more in just a few mouse clicks.
• InPrivate Browsing – Browse the web without saving your history with Internet Explorer 8’s InPrivate Browsing.
• Web Slices – Keep up with changes to the sites you care about most. Add a Web Slice and you won’t have to go back to the same website again and again for updates on news, stock quotes, online auctions, weather, or even sports scores.
• Search suggestions – Search smarter with detailed suggestions from your favorite search providers and browsing history. See visual previews and get suggested content topics while you type in the enhanced Instant Search Box.
• SmartScreen Filter – New security features help to protect you against deceptive and malicious websites which can compromise your data, privacy and identity.
• Redesigned New Tab page – The New Tab page loads quickly and provided links make it easier to get started on your next browsing activity:
• Reopen closed tabs – Reopen a tab that you’ve closed in your current browsing session, which can be helpful when a tab is accidentally or prematurely closed.
• Reopen your last browsing session – Reopen all tabs that were open when Internet Explorer 8 was last closed, which can be useful if you accidentally close the browser.
• Improved Zoom – Adaptive Page Zoom improves upon traditional zoom-in/zoom-out functionality in the browser by intelligently relaying out the page content and eliminating the need to scroll left and right.
• A better back button – When using rich applications such as mapping on the Internet, you may be taken to the beginning of the application instead of the previous page when you hit the back button. Now when you hit the back button, more pages will behave the way you expect.

Download at: Microsoft

FireFox 3.1 beta 3 – Ready For Download

FireFox 3.1, beta 3, is finally ready for download, following one delay after another. Beta users are aware that this is the third beta release of FireFox 3.1.

According to Mozilla, “FireFox 3.1 is an incremental release on the previous version with significant changes to improve web compatibility, performance, and ease of use”

Changes to be aware of in this version include minor changes to the Private Browsing Mode, and the TraceMonkey JavaScript engine which, as Mozilla has stated, will improved performance and stability. Be aware however, this is beta software which may lead to compatibility problems with some websites and add-ons.

It will be the last version of the browser to use the name FireFox 3.1, as beta 4 will be called FireFox 3.5 beta 4. Go figure!

To download the new version, go to the Help drop-down menu and select the “Check For Updates” option. Alternatively, go to the Mozilla site and download directly.