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Solidgoldmonthly for October October 18, 2003 It's a jungle out there! The purpose of this ezine is to guide you through the swamp and onto the mountaintop. Life is a journey; Solidgoldmonthly is here to bring provisions and guide maps to assist you in finding the path of success. It is hard to believe that summer is over and that October is halfway gone. This is my favorite month of the year with the beautiful sunsets and the trees turning colors. If you have never been to the Upstate of South Carolina then visit Upstate Pictures Everytime you log onto the internet you are placing your pocketbook at risk. This month we are continuing our series on Identity Theft and announcing a new Identity Theft Shield service from Pre-Paid Legal.
Thank you for agreeing to receive our ezine. Please feel free to forward this issue to your friends. Comments and article submissions are always welcome. Our email address is solidgoldhome@charter.net. If you wish to subscribe or view past issues please visit our website at Solidgold Home Business. If you have not already downloaded your fr*e ebooks the email addresses are below. ------------------------------------
Contents A New Trojan Horse - No not the one from Troy Thought - The Rules of Life Opting Out - A Good Idea Twinkies and a Root Beer Identity Theft Shield Interesting Links Free Ebooks ------------------------------------------
Trojans, named after the "Trojan Horse" of Greek mythology, are programs that masquarade as normal programs, but instead contain code designed to break into a system. In one of the latest attacks to become public, the Securities and Exchange Commission arrested a college student on charges that he hacked into someone else’s computer, logged onto his brokerage account, and left the victim with an investment loss of over $40,000. The student allegedly used a version of the "Beast" software that gave him control over the victim’s computer. The Beast is an extension of legitimate computer software that some people call spyware. Some corporations use spyware to keep track of what their employees are doing on company computers. Parents have bought versions to peek at what their children are up to online. It is even marketed as a way to check up on Web wanderings of an errant spouse. Typically hackers embed the Trojan horse programs in software that pass themselves off as something they are not. In this case the Beast was disguised as a program for tracking stocks. The student, Van T. Dinh, 19, was accused of offering the tracking program online as a free download, and when one investor decided to try it, the software surreptitiously installed itself on the victim’s computer. Sometimes, Trojan horses are sent as file attachments claiming to be such things as a security update or a picture of a naked tennis star. When a user opens such an attachment, the program installs itself and sends an instant message to the hacker who sent it. The program transmits information that will tell its controller how to find the compromised computer on the network, shuts down any firewall and then awaits orders. Once that has been accomplished, a hacker might as well be sitting at the victim’s computer with a list of passwords in hand. Options on the Beast’s interface give hackers the power to turn off programs running on the victim’s computer or to see what is on the victim’s screen at any time. A file manager window gives the hacker access to any files on the victim’s hard drive. It can even eavesdrop on running Web cams. To protect yourself from Trojans never download any software unless you are sure of the source. Even then you should run Spybot Search and Destroy on a routine basis. This program is free and guaranteed not to contain any Trojan Horses.
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RULES OF LIFE Sometimes we need to remember WHAT the Rules of Life really are. Never give yourself a haircut after three alcoholic beverages of any kind. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use the WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the duct tape. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship are "I apologize" and "You are right." Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately. It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm. The only really good advice that your mother ever gave you was: "Go! You might meet somebody!" If he/she says that you are too good for him/her -- believe them. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself, "Will this matter one year from now? How about one month? One week? One day?" Never pass up an opportunity to pee. If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You have another chance! Living well really is the best revenge. Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just might mean that the other person was right about you. Work is good, but it's not that important. And finally; Be really nice to your friends and family. You never know when you are going to need them to empty your bedpan. ------------------------------------ Opt Out - A Good Idea One common way a thief steals your identity is through the numerous credit card offers you receive in the mail. By searching through the trash they take the information and open an account in your name. Lenders, insurers and banks may use information in your credit file as a basis for sending you unsolicited offers of credit or insurance. This is known as "prescreening." However, you have a right to opt out of these offers. The toll-free number - 1-888-567-8688 - is the "opt-out" line for the major credit bureaus for "prescreened" offers only. Opting out will also help stop all of those solications that seem to come right when you are sitting down to supper. -----------------------------------
Identity Theft Shield Pre-Paid Legal has just introduced a new service the Identity Theft Shield. The benefits include a current credit report, a current credit score analysis, continuous credit monitoring, and up to $25,000 in Theft Restoration Reimbursement Benefit. It is available to members at 9.95 per month and nonmembers at 12.95. If you frequently buy items online, trade stocks online, or travel extensively then we highly recommend this service. In addition most people do not understand their credit score and this is an excellent way to get advice on improving your score if you are considering a major purchase on credit. In most cases the interest rate you receive is based on your credit score. Just a change of a few points can mean thousands of dollar over the life of a loan. This is not yet available online so contact us at 800-550-3308 for full details and an application. -------------------------------------------
Interesting Links Flu Shot? If you haven't already, you will soon be subjected to some quite aggressive marketing of a new flu nasal spray vaccine called FluMist. The manufacturers MedImmune/Wyeth have earmarked $25M for direct to consumer advertising and another $75M for marketing to Doctors. They will have a highly convincing sales pitch. What you have to consider is if it really is worth taking. Click on newsletters and go to the October 2003 issue. XTEND LIFE
Having a problem with your computer and who isn't? Ask your question at the Forum. Newbie Club
Do you market on Ebay? Are you tired of trips to the Post Office for stamps. Now have your own Post Office at home and recieve $80.00 in free services. Stamps.Com
Just how fast are those state troopers, anyway? Think about this the next time you see those flashing lights and think you might have the ponies to outrun them. Hot Pursuit
----------------------------------------- FR*E EBOOKS For The Bluelight Special send a blank email to mailto:bluelightspecial@sendfree.com For Ebay Marketing Secrets send a blank email to mailto:solidgoldebay@sendfree.com
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