A new spyware infection has started showing up on our benches called Brave Sentry. The Brave Sentry and Brave Sentry 2.0 infections are modeled after the SpyFalcon, SpySheriff, and SpywareQuake infection models.

This particular infection is usually delivered when someone using your computer clicks on a pop-up message that states the computer is already infected with spyware. The message claims it can remove the spyware for you. When users click on the message, they are instructed to download Brave Sentry to clean their systems.

Read More

Microsoft released 12 new security updates on Tuesday, and the Department of Homeland Security is urging Windows users to install them as quickly as possible to plug a new security vulnerability similar to the one that the MS-Blaster virus exploited.

Homeland Security is urging Windows users to install Microsoft’s MS06-040 patch as soon as possible. Viruses that exploit RPC vulnerabilities like MS Blaster did tend to cut through antivirus programs like Swiss cheese, resulting in a potentially hefty repair bill.

Microsoft has already reported that the exploit is being used to begin infecting computers, and some security companies have already started making tools that will help you determine if your computer has been patched or not.

Read More

Microsoft released 12 new security updates on Tuesday, and the Department of Homeland Security is urging Windows users to install them as quickly as possible to plug a new security vulnerability similar to the one that the MS-Blaster virus exploited.

Homeland Security is urging Windows users to install Microsoft’s MS06-040 patch as soon as possible. Viruses that exploit RPC vulnerabilities like MS Blaster did tend to cut through antivirus programs like Swiss cheese, resulting in a potentially hefty repair bill.

Microsoft has already reported that the exploit is being used to begin infecting computers, and some security companies have already started making tools that will help you determine if your computer has been patched or not.

Read More

For those of you who are not aware, my wife and I are in the process of adopting. We received a call last Thursday from a birthmother in Hastings, NE who was due that day with a baby boy. Our birthmother found us on our open adoption website and after a long conversation, she decided to place her baby with our family for adoption!

Read More

As more and more big security players create products to help consumers rid their computers of Malware, the creators of the malware are incorporating a new tool into their arsenal – stealth.

It is estimated that 90% of all computers are infected with some degree of Malware (malware is a global term that encompasses spyware, adware, and scumware). Typically systems become infected when users install software programs from the Internet that contain the malware as an additional component.

At present, the delivery vehicle that installs the malware on a user’s computer remains behind after the infection is complete. This makes it easy to dissect it and release information on how to prevent the delivery vehicle from deploying the malware in the first place. But the days of easy removal instructions may be coming to a close as a new strain of malware threats is waiting in the wings.

Read More

Pentium

Adios. Its over. No more Blueman Group, no more Weird Al Yankovic songs, no more MMX – Pentium is dead. The Pentium-Class processor officially ended its 13-year run as Intel’s flagship processor today, while its replacement, the Core 2 Duo, takes center stage.

When the Pentium processor was released in 1993, it revolutionized the world of computing. Intel’s unique microarchitecture allowed a processor to complete tens of thousands of instructions much more quickly than its predecessor, the 486dx. Rivals soon fell by the wayside as the Pentium overdrive processor boosted processing speeds to a staggering (at the time) 90 MHz. Technologies like MMX allowed for more detailed graphic processing than ever. The Pentium processor was a recommended system requirement for Windows 95, and the world took its first toddler steps into home supercomputing.

Read More

I received an alert today from Symantec about a disturbing rise in the number of fake email messages that purport to be from legitimate online retailers. Apparently, these messages are sent via bulk-email to unsuspecting individuals. The emails state that an invoice for a recent purchase at the online retailer is attached, and that you should open it to verify your order.

When the email attachment is opened, the user’s computer is infected with a Trojan horse virus that allows an unknown party to take control of your computer and its Internet connection at a later time for any number of nefarious purposes.

Read More

If you fail to ride the wave of change you will find yourself beneath it. For the past 4 weeks that overused motivational phrase has been my compass as all of the employees of Schrock from our web developers to our technicians have come together to launch a new chapter in Schrock Innovations history.

As many of you may have heard on the radio Saturday, I launched Schrock’s 2006 Back to School Sale. For the first time ever, we are now carrying notebook computers in stock. While I could bore you with all of the logistics and reasons we have not done this in the past, I think it is much more interesting to explain why it is important for the future.

It is common knowledge that the price of computer hardware has been on a downward spiral for years now. There are actually places you can buy a desktop tower system for a mere $299 on occasion. Schrock has never claimed to be the least expensive PC maker in town, but we do pride ourselves on having the best service and support. For the past few years we have catered to individuals who are willing to pay a few extra dollars to have a local, trusted source for help and support. I understand that is what makes us special and that will never change.

Read More

On a voice vote today the United States Senate passed the 163-page revision to the Child Protection and Safety Act. The bill would make it a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison to lure minors to a website using words like “furby” or “barbie” that is intended to deliver pornographic images.
Read More

The Journal Star’s feature article today about the new E-Waste recycling program available at Schrock Innovations has generated a surge in demand for computer recycling services.

Last week Schrock Innovations announced a major change to its policies on recycling old and obsolete computers. We are now the only place in Lincoln where businesses and consumers can recycle unlimited e-waste with no disposal fees.
Read More