Ooops!
Thursday, 3. May 2007, 14:21:37
There is always a lot of 'Oh Yeah!?!? Well my computer/system/setup/whatever is better than yours! Here's Why... blah blah blah...'
Now that I have tested out as only 62% Geek, I know I can't compete in that arena. However I do want to make a comment about something I saw on the net yesterday.
It seems that users of the Windows operating system are always getting security updates. That's well and good because it is too easy to encounter a virus these days.
But it was getting a little overwhelming to keep it all straight I guess, so a company decided to make it easy for people to keep track of which updates they had installed, which version of Widows they were using, information about their computer etc. So they would scan the person's PC and create a file on the person's computer that organized all this very neatly for them. Nice huh? Sooooo what's up?
You won't believe it... read on!
Now that I have tested out as only 62% Geek, I know I can't compete in that arena. However I do want to make a comment about something I saw on the net yesterday.
It seems that users of the Windows operating system are always getting security updates. That's well and good because it is too easy to encounter a virus these days.
But it was getting a little overwhelming to keep it all straight I guess, so a company decided to make it easy for people to keep track of which updates they had installed, which version of Widows they were using, information about their computer etc. So they would scan the person's PC and create a file on the person's computer that organized all this very neatly for them. Nice huh? Sooooo what's up?
You won't believe it... read on!
The file that was put - so helpfully - on the person's PC listed all this information:
( <<<<< LOOK or omitted was added by me!)
The information on this page was created locally on your PC by the Advisor. Your computer profile was not sent to a web server. Click here for more info.
Computer Profile Summary:
Computer Name: omitted
Profile Date: Thursday, February 06, 2003 19:19:59
Advisor Version: 5.1g
Windows Logon: omitted
Operating System System Model
Windows 98 (build 4.10.1998) ECS M920 1.0
Asset Tag: 0123ABC
Processor a Main Circuit Board
1600 megahertz Intel Pentium 4
8 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache Board: ECS M920 1.0
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 07.00T 04/02/01
Drives Memory Modules
60.41 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
41.73 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
NEC CD-ROM DRIVE:282
SAMSUNG CD-R/RW SW-224B [CD-ROM drive]
Generic floppy disk drive (3.5")
Generic IDE hard disk drive (20.41 GB) -- drive 1
Generic IDE hard disk drive (40.01 GB) -- drive 0 512 Megabytes Installed Memory
Slot '0' has 256 MB
Slot '1' has 256 MB
Slot '2' is Empty
Slot '3' is Empty
Local Drive Volumes
c: (on drive 0) 40.01 GB 31.86 GB free
d: (on drive 1) 20.41 GB 9.87 GB free
Logins Network Drives
Installed Microsoft Hotfixes Printers
No details available
Click here to see all available security Hotfixes. An unmarked HotFix lacks the data to allow verification
AdobePS Acrobat Distiller omitted.pdf
HP DeskJet 640C Series on \\omitted
Lexmark Z22-Z32 Series on USB-Lexmark_Z22-Z32
Controllers Display
Standard Floppy Disk Controller
Primary IDE controller (dual fifo)
Secondary IDE controller (dual fifo)
VIA Bus Master PCI IDE Controller NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Model 64/Model 64 Pro 12.41 [Display adapter]
Plug and Play Monitor
Bus Adapters Multimedia
VIA VT83C572/VT82C586 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
VIA VT83C572/VT82C586 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller
VIA VT83C572/VT82C586 PCI to USB Universal Host Controller Creative SB Live!
Wave Device for Voice Modem
Communications Other Devices
Zoom 56K PCI Faxmodem
VIA PCI 10/100Mb Fast Ethernet Adapter
Network Card MAC Address: omitted <<<<<<<<<<<<<< LOOK
Network IP Address: omitted <<<<<<<<<<<<<< LOOK
Creative Gameport Joystick
Creative MultiMedia Interface
Creative SB16 Emulation
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
InkJet Color Printer
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub
Software Licenses <<<<<<<<<<< LOOK! (the actual licenses are not here, but could be)
Adobe - Photoshopomitted
Adobe Systems, Inc. - Adobe Acrobat 5.0omitted
Adobe Systems, Inc. - Adobe Illustrator 9.0omitted
Adobe Systems, Inc. - Adobe Photoshop 7.0omitted
Microsoft - Internet Exploreromitted
Microsoft - MediaPlayeromitted
Microsoft - Works 2000omitted
Microsoft - Officeomitted
Microsoft - Windows 98omitted
Microsoft - Office 2000 Professionalomitted
Symantec Corporation - Norton SystemWorks 2002omitted
Software Versions <<<<<<<<< LOOK
3D Softworks - FS Real Time Version 1.00.0046*
Adaptec - DirectCD Version 3.01d (177)*
Adaptec - Web-CheckUp Version 1.01d (268)*
AddAce Standard Version 1.10.05*
Adobe Acrobat Version 5.0.0.0*
Adobe Atmosphere Browser *
Adobe Atmosphere Builder *
Adobe GoLive Version 6.0*
Adobe Illustrator Version 9.0*
Adobe ImageReady (tm) 7.0 Version 7.0*
Adobe Photoshop Version 7.0*
Adobe Systems Incorporated. - Acrobat ® Distiller ® for Windows Version 5.0.000*
AdvDev Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
AGSatellite *
Ahead Software AG Karlsbad Germany Phone: ++49-7248-911-800 Fax: ++49-7248-911-888 e-mail: info@nero.com - LANGUAGE_English2 Version 5, 5, 7, 8*
ahead software gmbh im stoeckmaedle 6 76307 karlsbad, germany e-mail: info@nero.com - NeroImageDrive Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
ahead software gmbh, karlsbad - Cover Designer Version 2, 1, 0, 8*
Aircraft Editor *
America Online, Inc. - AOL Instant Messenger (SM) Version 3.0.1470*
Apple Computer, Inc. - QuickTime QuickTime 5.0.1*
Belarc Advisor and BelLive - Belarc's Content Personalization with Privacy Version 5.1g*
Bicycle® High Stakes Casino *
Bicycle® Totally Cool Card Games *
Blighty Design - SPADE Application Version 1, 12, 0, 1*
Bruce Adelsman - AtomTime98 Version 2.0.001*
Cakewalk - Virtual Jukebox(TM) for Windows 95 Version 1.0*
Cakewalk® Pro Audio(TM) Version 1.0*
CMP Sound Converter *
CommsWizard Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Convert Signature Edition Courses *
Course Designer *
CoursePlaner Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Creative Diagnostics Version 1.1.1*
Creative Keytar Version 1.5.0*
Creative Labs in Milpitas CA - SoundFont Showcase Version 1, 0, 0, 2*
Creative Labs, Inc. 3D Stuff Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Creative Launcher Version 1.0*
Creative LAVA! Player Version 1.0*
Creative PlayCenter Version 1.53*
Creative Recorder Version 1.0*
Creative Rhythmania Version 1.3.0*
Creative Surround Mixer Version 1.1.0. 0*
Creative Technology Ltd. - AudioHQ Version 1.0.185*
Creative Technology Ltd. - Creatice Restore Defaults Version 1.00*
Creative WaveStudio Version 4.06*
CyberLink - PowerVCR II Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
CyberLink agent Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
CyberLink Corp. - CyberEPG Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
CyberLink Corp. - PlayListAgent Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Decoder Configuration *
dirhtml2 Application Version 4, 5, 3, 0*
Dirt Track Racing - Sprint Cars *
DivX Player 2.0 Alpha *
Dream ScreenSaver Maker Version 2.01*
DreamSoft Uninstaller Version 1.00*
EA SPORTS - TW2003 Application Version 1, 0, 0, 0*
EA Technical help *
EAsy *
eauninstall Application Version 1, 0, 32, 0*
Elaborate Bytes - CloneCD Version 3, 0, 2, 1*
Elaborate Bytes - CloneCD Version 4, 0, 0, 0*
Elaborate Bytes - CloneCD Version 4.0.1.10*
Electronic Arts (Canada), Inc. - 3DSetup Application Version 1.25*
Electronic Arts (Canada), Inc. - 3DSetup Application Version 2.05*
Electronic Arts (Canada), Inc. - 3DSetup Application Version 2.30*
Electronic Arts - Network Play System Version 1.1*
Electronic Arts Canada, Ltd. nbawind Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Electronic Arts Inc. - Medal of Honor Allied Assault Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Electronic Arts System Information Version 2, 1, 0, 5*
Electronic Arts, Inc. - Need For Speed III Version 3, 0*
EReg Application Version 2, 0, 0, 0*
EReg Application Version 2, 0, 0, 2*
EReg Application Version 3, 0, 0, 0*
Erik Deppe - DriveSpeed Application Version 1, 6, 0, 0*
Erik Deppe - Nero CD Speed Version 0, 8, 5, 0*
Expert Software - autorun Version 1.00*
Expert Software, Inc - Project1 Version 1.00*
Eyst Pty Ltd EystAVI Version 1, 0, 0, 2*
Fighter Ace II (An On-Line flight combat game) 20, 7, 5, 2092*
Fishbone Designs - NAB Conduit Install Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Flight Simulator Works Group - Fs Sky World 2002 Version 1.00*
FreeHand 10 Clipart Viewer *
FreshDevices Corp. - FreshUI Version 4.10.0.0*
Full Circle Software, Inc. - Talkback Version 1.0*
GIF-X.Plugin 2.0 Home *
GtkRadiant-1.2.9-update *
Helge Schroeder - FSNavigator Version 3, 0, 0, 0*
IDM Computer Solutions, Inc. - UltraEdit-32 Version 7.20.*
Image Sorting Utility *
InstallShield Software Corporation - PackageForTheWeb Stub Version 1.32*
InstallShield Software Corporation - PackageForTheWeb Stub Version 2.02.001*
International Microcomputer Software, Inc. - TurboCAD(tm) for Windows Version 6.5.60.1*
Ipswitch, Inc. 81 Hartwell Ave. Lexington, MA - WS_FTP95 Version 6, 0, 1, 1*
Jack Nicklaus 4 *
KFEDIT Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Kontiki *
Kuju Entertainment Ltd - Microsoft Train Simulator Version 1,0,0,0*
Launch Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1* LavaSoft - Ad-aware, multi spyware removal utility Version 5.6*
LionHead Studios Ltd. lhd Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Macromedia Dreamweaver Version 4.0.1064*
Macromedia Extension Manager Version 1.2.027*
Macromedia Flash Version 5, 0, 6, 0*
Macromedia FreeHand 10 Version 10.0.0*
Macromedia Inc. - Fireworks Version 4.0*
Macromedia, Inc. - Flash 5.0 Version 5,0,30,0*
Madden NFL (TM) 2000 *
Made by Artech Digital Entertainments for Hasbro - Wheel of Fortune *
Maxis The Sims Version 1.0*
MEDITOR.EXE*
Microsoft (r) Windows Script Host Version 5.6.0.6626*
Microsoft Clip Gallery Version 5.1.00.1221*
Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator Version 1.0.5020*
Microsoft Corporation - DirectShow Version 6.4.07.1119*
Microsoft Corporation - Internet Explorer Version 6.00.2600.0000*
Microsoft Corporation - Pinball Arcade Version 1.01*
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Version 7.00.4781*
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2002 Version 8.00.010919.01*
Microsoft Game Controller Software Version 3.00.390*
Microsoft Games Setup Version 1.0.0.0*
Microsoft Office 2000 Version 9.0.2609*
Microsoft Office 2000 Version 9.0.2717*
Microsoft Office 2000 Version 9.0.2719*
Microsoft Outlook Version 9.0.2416*
Microsoft Piinball Arcade Uninstall *
Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows Version 9.0.2716*
Microsoft(R) Windows Media Player Version 7.01.00.3055*
Microsoft® Access Version 9.0.2719*
Microsoft® FrontPage(TM) Version 2.0.2.1118*
Microsoft® Internet Services Version 6.1.33.0*
Microsoft® NetMeeting® Version 2.11*
Microsoft® Works 2000 Version 5.00.2002.0*
Mijenix Corporation - Easy Update Version 2, 0, 0, 0*
MpLaunch.exe*
Multiplayer Server *
MUSICMATCH JUKEBOX Version 7.10.1040*
NASCAR 2000 *
Netscape Calendar Version 4, 7, 1, 610*
Netscape Communications nsnotify Version 4.5*
NETSCAPE Version 4.7*
NHL® 2003 Demo *
Nova version 1.6 Version 1.00.0006*
Nullsoft - Winamp Version 2.77*
Options Editor *
OptiSoft, S.L. - Blubster Servent Version 2.00*
Play Ghost Recon *
Play Quake III Arena *
Proxy *
Proxy Updates *
Radiant Application Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
RealNetworks, Inc. - RealPlayer (32-bit) Version 6.0.5.27*
Red Storm Entertainment - Ghost Recon Game Editor Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Remedy Entertainment - MaxPayne Application Version 1, 0, 0, 0*
Remedy Entertainment Ltd. - MaxED Version 1, 21, 45, 0*
Remedy Entertainment Ltd. - ParticleFX Version 1, 0, 2, 0*
Rhyme *
Roxio - CD Jewel Version 1.05 (409)*
Roxio - Easy CD Creator Version 4.05 (409)*
RunTactics Version 1.00*
SB Live! Experience *
Schedule Checker *
ScreenPrint Version 1.0.0.0*
Sharman Networks - KaZaA Media Desktop Version 1, 7, 0, 0*
SideWinder Central *
Sierra On-Line - ModCheck Version 1.01*
Sierra On-Line, Inc. - Swat 3 : Close Quarters Battle Version 1.7*
Sierra Studios - ScenarioEd Version 1.01*
SimView Application Version 2, 0, 0, 1*
SpeedBit Ltd. - Download Accelerator Plus Version 5, 0, 0, 1*
SpryCom - Active Submit *
Symantec Corporation - LiveAdvisor Version 2.0.6.1314*
Symantec Corporation - LiveUpdate Version 1.5.3.12*
Symantec Corporation - Norton AntiVirus Version 8.00.58*
Symantec Corporation - Norton CleanSweep Fast & Safe Cleanup Version 6.00*
Symantec Corporation - Norton CleanSweep Version 6.00*
Symantec Corporation - Norton Core Technology Version 15.1.0.24*
Symantec Corporation - Norton Ghost Explorer Version 7.0.0.414*
Symantec Corporation - Norton Integrator Version 5.01.02*
Symantec Corporation - Norton SystemWorks Version 2002.05.53*
Symantec Corporation - Norton Utilities for Windows Version 15.0.0.20*
Symantec Corporation - Norton Utilities Version 15.0.0.20*
Symantec ScriptBlocking Version 1, 1, 0, 126*
Symantec WinFax PRO Version 10.00*
System Diagnostic *
Test Drive Off-Road 3 *
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 Demo *
Treyarch LLC steel_debug Version 1, 0, 0, 1*
Triple Play 2001 *
tsunpack.exe*
Valve, L.L.C. - Worldcraft (tm) Version 3.3.3*
Virtos GmbH - WaveEdit DLL Version 1, 0, 3, 0*
WinRAR *
WinZip Version 8.1 (4331)*
Wise Solutions, Inc. - Check for Grokster Updates *
ZoneAlarm Version 2.1.25*
* Click to see where software is installed. <<<<<<<<<< LOOK (Hot Links to locations inside the person's PC!)
a. Megahertz measurement may be inaccurate if other programs were busy during last analysis.
Copyright 2000-1, omitted, Inc. All rights reserved.
----------------------------------END----------------------------------
How it the heck did I get all this info about some stranger's PC? It was on the net. How did it get there? Google's search technology found it while the person was online. The page was added to the Google searchable database and THAT is available to ANYONE with a web browser and a net connection.
So, a lot of people were concerned with all the security problems, and perhaps confused as to whether they were up-to-date. The company said 'We will help keep track of everything on your computer, so that if a problem occurs, you can easily retrieve important information, and leave it all on your computer. WE won't make this available to anyone else.
The file saved on the person's PC was in HTML format, and accesable somehow to the net search bots. Who knows how many of these people's information was taken without their knowledge?
If you are going to use a computer, you have to be responsible for what is on it. If you connect to the internet, somebody might just be connecting to you too. I know I would be very upset to see my computer info displayed to anybody that was curious. So, don't try and find a convenient way to handle the complexities of the computer-internet connection. Learn enough to understand what you have to do to keep important files safe from prying eyes.
Good luck to us all!
WIDGETIZE
Kimberly # 5. May 2007, 06:07
not telling on myself either...lol
Kim
Jon # 5. May 2007, 16:50
I thought I had a lot of pictures and software until I saw what other people had on their pc!
-=J=-
Kimberly # 5. May 2007, 21:39
Kim
Jon # 6. May 2007, 03:30
You must put movies on them. I collect DVD disks. I lost count after 400. I decided that I will not put movies on the HD, unless I want to study something, like a yoga lesson.
I have almost 5000 jpg in my iPhoto library, but all that takes only 5 Gigs
My music is another 6 gigs.
I wonder what you have!?!?!
Kimberly # 6. May 2007, 03:35
u have baby photos compared to what i have on my computer. i have more than 500 folders on my computer just for various different photos, gif's, jpg's, & animated ones as well as bmp's.
if i were to put ALL of my music on my computer, even the OS would not fit on it. i have over 1000 music cds in my collection, have more than 500 dvds as well. but only about 100 of my cds r on here, and none of my dvds r on here.
Kim
Jon # 7. May 2007, 00:28
That is really a fantastic collection. How do you keep track of it? Is it hard to find something you need?
For the first 500 or so of my DVD collection, I had really neat disk cases that had an index on the lid, and a little sliding button on the front. When you slid the button to the index number and opened the lid, the proper disk was lifted out for use. This was all referenced via Excel in my computer, so I could find any movie easily.
That company went out of business I guess. The disk boxes on sale now are not as convenient, and I got out of the habit of indexing each disk. So of course I soon had piles and stacks of unknown disks. Then even though I had index-able cases, It is too big a project to take on casually.
Someday I might do it. Don't hold your breath...
The last big project I did was to clean my keyboard. Wow it was so dirty! I had no idea how much lint and dust falls between the keys. Now I am not afraid to take it apart and smooth out the sticky keys. It looks like a new keyboard, and almost feels like one too.
Kimberly # 7. May 2007, 00:57
i type my list out myself. i count every single cd i have, whether it is part of a set or not. the sets r counted as individual disks for the simple fact that some ppl don't like listening to ALL of the set just part of it.
in this manner, i am able to keep track of who has what movie, cd, dvd, etc. i do this same thing for the 350 BOOKS that i have as well.
Kim
Jon # 7. May 2007, 01:02
Now I have hyperindexophobia!
Kimberly # 7. May 2007, 01:08