July
2006
www.MrModem.com
Used with permission. Copyright © 2006 Get-the-Net, Inc. All rights reserved.
Q. In one of your
answers a few months ago, you mentioned a program that sounded interesting, so I
went to the Web site referenced to give it a try. When I clicked to download
the program, I got a message with words to the effect, “This file can harm your
computer if it contains malicious code." Reading that message frightened me. Is
the program safe to download?
A. The message you’re
seeing is just Windows’ way of attempting to protect you, though sometimes
it is a bit overzealous. The appearance of that warning does not mean that
the file is dangerous or harmful. Think of it as kindly, ever-caring Mr.
Gates asking you to think about what you’re doing. If I recommend a file or
program in this column or in my weekly newsletter, you can rest assured that
I’ve downloaded it, used it, and experienced no difficulties.
Q. I lost my font bar that appeared above the message
area of my Outlook Express. I tried everything I can think of to get it back,
but I can’t figure out how to do that. Can you help, Mr. M?
A. The formatting toolbar (it contains the styles of
font, size, bold, italics, etc.) is only visible when you click Reply to a
message. So the next time you click Reply, if you don't see it, click View
> Toolbars > Formatting Bar to display it.
Q. Sometimes I get email that’s nothing but words that
are not related to each other. It’s not trying to sell me anything; it’s just a
lot of meaningless words. Can you explain what these types of emails are about?
A. In a word, spam. Those seemingly nonsensical messages
come from spammers attempting to circumvent spam filters by trying to trick
them, based on the rules used to identify and delete spam.
In essence, certain spam filters look for words most
commonly used by spammers (e.g. vitamins, mortgage, prescriptions, Viagra,
etc.), then compute the percentage of known spam words against the total
number of words used. So spammers assume—and sometimes this actually
works—that if they use a tremendous number of words, they can dilute the
percentage of actual spam terms used, and if they can do that, their
messages have a better chance of slithering past your (or your ISP’s) spam
filters in the future.
It’s amazing to what lengths spammers will go in order to
get you to open an email, so whenever you receive spam, never click any
links in the message, never, EVER reply, and instead just delete it.
Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em)
Sites of the Month - July 2006 www.MrModem.com
Consumer Search
Recipient of the coveted Mr. Modem “Squeal of Approval”
award, this site provides consumers with fast answers about top-rated
products, as well as an easy-to-use search engine to locate the best
articles on any given product or service. The objective here is to reduce to
minutes the time it takes to make an informed decision and thus an
intelligent purchase. That’s the theory, anyway.
www.consumersearch.com
Herbal Safety
While many individuals buy herbal remedies from health food
stores, trained herbalists, and even drug stores, it’s important to be informed
about the potency and potential interactions that natural medicines may have.
This site, sponsored by the University of Texas, clarifies the therapeutic
benefits attributed to specific herbs, and warns of any possible dangers linked
with their use. www.herbalsafety.utep.edu
Memory Trainer
Exercises created to expand your mind (no, not like in the
‘60s), enhance your brainpower, develop and strengthen your… your… memory!
That’s it! A free, seven-day trial membership is available during which you can
access a vast assortment of mental exercises and view your cognitive profile.
Monthly memberships start at $12.99. Partners in this site include the Discovery
Health Channel, brain.com, and ThirdAge. The exercises are challenging,
enlightening, and beneficial. Think of it as a personal trainer for your… your…
www.happyneuron.com/gbhappyneuron
Hot off the press! Mr. Modem’s new
CD-ROM features more than 1400 of the best Web sites! For more
information, including how to obtain this treasure-trove of Web sites
for FREE (free shipping, too!), visit
www.MrModem.com
For
personal answers to your questions by email, plus easy-to-understand computer
tips and helpful information delivered to you each week, subscribe to Mr.
Modem’s newsletter. Check out Mr. M.’s new CD-ROM featuring more than 1400 of
the best Web sites! For more information, visit
www.MrModem.com.
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