Panther is safe for the masses

As many close observers of the software scene know, it's rarely prudent to be an early adopter of new versions of any kind of software. The "point oh" (.0) versions of operating systems, word processors, video editing or any kind of software are almost certain to have at least a few annoying bugs, and sometimes data-destroying, computer-disabling consequences. "Panther"--Apple's version 10.3.0 of the osX operating system--was one of its more destructive upgrades. Certain external FireWire drives were so severely damaged when connected to a computer running 10.3.0 that the data on them was rendered lost.

Those problems, and many others, are now fixed. Apple Computer recently released a free patch that updates all versions of OS X Panther (10.3) to version 10.3.3. "Panther" now earns the Modern Mac seal of approval. It's safe to upgrade.

Wide open wireless
Wireless networks are becoming very popular. If you have set one up for your office or home, or are thinking about it, you should give a thought to making it secure.

As I write this email in a cafe in Harvard Square, miles from my office, I am able to access the internet and receive my email from one of two wireless networks that I'm within range of. I'm doing this without special hacking tools or advanced knowledge of networks (nor, admittedly, with the permission or awareness of the networks' owners). I'm using a standard network setting on my computer. No configuration is necessary.

With free software tools, a little advanced knowledge and some ill intent, I could access the other computers in the Harvard Square office or home I've been passively welcomed into. Once in, I may be able to steal and destroy information, or use the owner's internet connection for illegal uses (sending spam, hosting a porn server, etc).

Call us or send an email if you're interested in finding out how to make your wireless network more secure. Don't have a wireless network? We'll set one up for you, and make it secure from day one.

Gone phishing
Beware of emails urging you to "update" your bank account, insurance or other sensitive information. These are most likely "phishing" scams designed to empty your bank account.

Lately I've received several emails ostensibly from PayPal (a popular online credit card payment system). They warn me that my account is set to expire imminently and I must renew it by visiting their website via the convenient link. One click takes me to the Paypal website, with a form for me to fill out, prompting me for my credit card information. It looks on the up and up, but it's a "spoofed" site, not PayPal at all. The email and web address have "paypal" in them, and the graphics and layout of the site look like the PayPal site, but it's not.

By some estimates up to 5% of spoofed email recipients are suckered in, so these scams are proliferating. Customers of eBay, CitiBank, Fleet Bank, AOL, Earthlink and others have been targeted.

If you receive a suspicious email of this sort, don't respond to it. Call the institution being spoofed and find out if the email is legitimate.

Security: keeping your private files private
Many people have become more concerned about the vulnerability of their computers' data now that their homes and offices are connected to the internet via high speed services. With a few simple precautions you can keep your computer files reasonably secure.

If you are using Mac OS versions 8 or 9, make sure filesharing is off if you're not using it.

If you are sharing your files on your local network make sure that:

  • You are only sharing a folder or two (not your whole drive)
  • You are NOT allowing guests to connect
  • You & the users you do allow to connect have significant passwords (at least 6 characters, no names or words, mix of letters & numbers)
  • You are sharing via AppleTalk, not TCP/IP (if practical)
  • Turn off Web Sharing and FTP Server features

If you are using OS X:

  • Follow the advice for OS 8 and 9 (where applicable)
  • Keep your your computer's operating system up-to-date
  • By downloading and installing all of Apple's Security Updates via the Software Update feature (do not set Software Updates to automatically check and install updates — many have caused problems; just install the security updates; email me about the advisability of installing the other updates)
  • Check the Sharing System Preference to make sure there aren't any services enabled that you're not using

Apple's advice about choosing a good password may be found here.

You can also encrypt individual files on your computer, making it necessary to know a password to open them. This could be handy if your computer is physically accessible to others, as in an office cubicle. There are other options available. Call or email if you have further questions.

Modern Mac Repair Inc.
PO Box 563
Belmont, MA 02478
(617) 484-9185
(617) 507-6644 (fax)
Email: brian@modernmacrepair.com