Google Chrome

Have you tried out Google Chrome? It is a web browser, and a free download, offering an alternative way to access the internet. You can still use your current browser, (i.e. Internet Explorer or Firefox), but you might want to give this browser a try.

Here are a couple of reasons why I really like Chrome.

1. It's very fast.

2. It's very simple: Like many Google apps and services, Chrome emphasizes ease of use. Compared with Internet Explorer, there are fewer menus, options, and features to configure. Usually that's a good thing, but not always.

3. Better security: Chrome is a paradise of protection compared to Internet Explorer due in part to two factors: architecture and obscurity. Chrome's use of "sandboxing," isolating Internet commands from the operating system and other apps and data, makes it harder for hackers to load malware onto PCs. It is important to note, however, that Chrome's low market share also contributes to its relative safety.

4. Runs well on older hardware: Chrome's speediness is ideal for older hardware with slower components.

If you would like to try it out google 'Google Chrome' and click this download link.

Snopes.com and the F1 Key Virus

Have you heard of www.snopes.com?

It is known as the official Urban Legends Reference Pages. This website discusses urban legends, Internet rumors, e-mail forwards, and other stories of uncertain or questionable origin. Snopes.com is the best-known resource for validating and debunking such stories in American popular culture.

For example: you might get an email asking you to send money to various causes, or someone tells you about a potential virus and you are not sure what to believe - go to www.snopes.com and check it out.

Here is an article of interest that a fellow e-connector sent to me about a questionable virus called the F1 Key Virus.

Claim: A form of malware can be activated by prompting Internet Explorer users to press the F1 key.

TRUE

Microsoft has issued a warning against a new virus that they do not yet have a patch for ... it is attached to Internet Explorer and the user will get a window prompt requesting them to press the F1 key. Doing this then causes malicious code to be run on your computer.

So ... DO NOT press F1 if you are prompted - no matter how many times. Evidently, it will pester you repeatedly. Either X out of the window or Explorer all together.