King James Version

The Book of Genesis

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attack – usually aimed at networks, this type of attack focuses on open ports and connections in the network or system to flood them with requests and “pings” in order to overwhelm it. This is akin to the Mongolian Hordes descending suddenly upon a city before the citizens had time to react and defend themselves. Usually the attacks are made by third-party systems that are probably unaware that they are part of a network of attackers – compromised systems or systems with little or no security are usually the unwitting accomplices of the hacker.


1. A DDoS Attack can seriously undermine a network by causing one or more systems and their resources to shut down or crash, removing them from use. An example of this type of attack would be the recent attempt to close down the majority of the American Internet backbone in October.
   
   The good news is that the majority of the major systems, as witnessed last October, while temporarily hampered by these attacks, recover completely and easily from them. Most networks are now self-monitored by software that “roves” the network, watching for outages or unusual occurrences. Most server software now includes “flags” that watch for unusual activity and suddenly pop up to let the network monitor know that something may be amiss.
   
   
2. Trojan Horse – this is the electronic version of the downfall of Troy. Basically, software disguised as something else (sometimes something useful) makes it way to your system by your own hand – you wanted the software, right? This software usually contains a “back door,” a “trigger,” or something similar. A “back door” allows someone to enter your system while you're using the software and do what they wish. The more common “trigger” method waits for a certain trigger (a date, a time, a series of events, etc.) and then sets itself off like a bomb. The results can be any number of things from system shut down to the sudden launch of an attack using your computer and its network or Internet connection. It's not uncommon for a trojan horse to be spread around as the part of a DDoS attack – triggered to all go off at the same time.
   
   A perhaps less malicious, but no less worrysome, version of this type of software would be the SpyWare available on the Internet. This is software that performs a neat function – like Gator filling commonly-used form fields for you – while also collecting information about you to send to advertisers and marketing companies.
   
   These are by far the hardest things to find. Until someone notices what they are, they won't be reported to be cared for by any anti-virus software companies or “spyware” lists. By downloading shareware and freeware, you are taking the risk of installing one of these onto your system. For myself, this is a risk that I have to take as there is way too much great software out there for me to limit myself to only what I can find on the shelf at the store. It pays to read the terms and conditions carefully and to note where you are getting the software from. If it's from a source you don't know well (this includes eBooks and the like!), you may want to reconsider whether you really NEED to download that software or whether it's available from a more reliable source.
   
   
3. Virus – this term is fairly commonly used by people, both online and off. Everyone has heard of a computer virus at one time or another. They are the most common and usually the most sensational of the five major attacks. A computer virus functions in the same way a biological virus does. It's primary concern is usually reproduction. If you think of each computer connected to the Internet as a cell in your body and the network connections (email, data, etc.) as blood vessels transporting lifeblood (information) from one computer to the next; it's easy to see how a computer virus (usually spread via email) can reproduce itself (make copies) and spread from one system to another quickly. Most viruses focus on this point above all others – many times doing nothing more than spreading themselves. Others spread themselves and then destroy or attempt an attack on the host system (the system it is currently on).
   
   A good example of the virus, as already mentioned, is the current Klez epidemic spreading from computer to computer around the 'Net.
   
   The two best defenses against this virus are, luckily, generally included with most new computers: anti-virus software and a network firewall. If you keep your virus definitions up-to-date, scan your system regularly for viruses, and make sure that a functional firewall is in place, you will avoid most virus attacks. I, myself, get about a dozen flags from my anti-virus software every day as viruses are sent to me by various people online.
   
   
4. Websites – Most people are unaware that certain Web technologies have “holes” that can be exploited by less than stellar individuals who build malicious websites. These sites, using known security holes in technologies like ActiveX, Java, JavaScript, and others, can trigger your web browser to start doing things to your system. For instance, a well-known hole in an older version of ActiveX allowed the entire contents of any one folder or directory on your hard drive to be automatically uploaded to a web directory or emailed to a receiver. Another hole in early versions of JavaScript allowed the writer of the script to cause Outlook (in Internet Explorer) to silently send an email to anyone, effectively giving your email address away to the website owner for a SPAM list.
   
   If you are using the latest versions of your browser or limit your use of Internet technologies, you are in little danger from these attacks. Usually, once the security hole is found, patches and fixes are quickly available before anyone can take advantage of the holes to any large extent. If you are running a newer version of your browser of choice and have the latest patches and updates for the various plugins you may be using, you should be relatively safe from this type of attack.
   
   
5. Worm – finally we come to the last of the big five. The worm is much like a virus, but usually serves a different purpose. A worm is kind of like a tapeworm in your belly. It consumes and consumes resources until finally it's too large for you to host or you die from its thievery. On some levels, a worm is a combination of a DDoS and a virus attack. Worms usually reproduce as often as possible (growing) to spread as widely as they can. However, a worm's primary function is to suck resources. In most cases, the worm is built for a certain type of system (a PC running Windows 98, a Linux server running Apache, an Apple computer running OS X, etc.) and is benign to all others. Once it finds it's intended target, however, it begins sucking resources – usually quietly – until the system finally becomes overloaded and ceases to function.
   
   The Klez virus has been deemed a “worm” by some, though instances of it taking over resources are not common. Worms are most commonly aimed at larger systems (mainframes, corporate networks, etc.) and some are built to “consume” data and filter it back out to someone who shouldn't have it (corporate spies, for instance).
   
   For the average Internet user, a worm is of little consequence and is usually covered by the same software that protects you from viruses. It must be said, however, that worms are sometimes undetected for quite some time as, like a trojan horse, it usually has to do something before it is noticed.

An Easy way to Deal with Email Viruses and Worms

Summary: A step by step guide to setting rules in Outlook to deal with email worms and viruses.

In the course of my career, I’ve worked with many people who I knew were smart but were convinced that they couldn’t learn how to do new things on a computer. At some point, they’d convinced themselves that they weren’t one of those “computer people”. I would try to teach them how to do something that would make their work a lot easier or faster, and I could see them shut down immediately. “I can’t do stuff like that. I’m just not good at it.”

In a few cases, my colleagues were simply amazed that I knew how to do things like upload photos to the Internet or how to start a new folder in Windows. Some would tell me that I must have some special gift for technology. I would just laugh and tell them that nothing could be further from the truth! I have a degree in psychology. I’m not a math and science type of person, and if it weren’t for the patience of my tech-minded husband and friends, I never would have learned how to do these things.

The fact is, computers are such a part of our lives, that you can’t afford to think of yourself as not a “computer person”. The reason I think that a lot of people are intimidated when learning about computers is that so much of the instructions and directions are full of jargon and assume that people have as much technological knowledge as people who work with computers for a living.

I’m convinced that if I can do it, anyone else can do it too. All it takes is an open mind, confidence, and someone to explain things to you step by step in plain English.

Aside from using anti-virus software, there is another way to keep some email viruses or worms from driving you crazy and clogging up your inbox. While the "Sobig" virus seems to have died down, there are sure to be some like it in the future. If you would like to prevent these bogus Emails from reaching your inbox, you can set up rules in Outlook or Outlook Express to send them directly to the delete folder.

Although the Sobig virus seems to be under control, it might be good practice to do this now. That way when the next big virus comes around, you'll be able to filter it out right away. It might seem like its difficult, but I know that anyone can do this. If you're smart enough to do your taxes and balance your checkbook, you can do this, trust me.

If you're using Outlook Express, go to Tools, then select "message rules" and then "mail". A box will pop up with buttons on the right side of the window. Hit the "new" button. Another box pops up with three windows. In the first box, click the box next to "Where the subject line contains specific words".

In the second box, click "delete it". Now in the third box it should say, "Apply this rule after the message arrives/Where the Subject line contains specific words/Delete it." Click on the words "contains specific words".

This is where you tell the program what words to look for in the subject line. It’s very important to remember that this is case sensitive, meaning that if you put "abc" in, it will only delete emails with "abc" in the subject, and not "ABC" or "Abc".

For the Sobig virus, there were seven subject lines that were commonly used. If you would like to read more about this, go to http://www.webpro.com/iq/SobigF.asp The subject lines are:

That movie Wicked screensaver Your application Approved My details Details Your details Thank you

It’s a good idea to copy and paste the phrases above to make sure the capitalization is exactly the same. (copy=control C, Paste=Control V) Enter the first phrase into the box and then click on the "add" button to the right. That phrase will appear in the box below. You can add as many phrases as you'd like, clicking "add" after each one. When you're done, hit "ok" Then hit "ok" again.

At this point, we are back to one box open with buttons on the right. Be sure to click the "apply now" button if you want the rule to apply to the email that is already in your inbox as well as any future emails. When you are done with that, click the "ok" button and you're finished.

If you use Outlook, the process is a little different. First go to Tools, and then choose "Rules Wizard". Click on the "new" button on the right. It should say at the top of a new box "What type of rule would you like to create?" There will be a list of types of rules: you want to choose "Check messages when they arrive", which is at the top so it should already be highlighted. Simply click on "next".

The next box asks you "which conditions do you want to check?" with a list of choices, each with an empty box next to it. Scroll down until you get to "with specific words in the subject", and click the box in front of it.

Once you click it, you'll notice that "with specific words in the subject" appears in the box below. Click on the "specific words" in the lower box here to specify which words the program should look for.

This is where you tell the program what words to look for in the subject line. It’s very important to remember that this is case sensitive, meaning that if you put "abc" in, it will only delete emails with "abc" in the subject, and not "ABC" or "Abc".

For the Sobig virus, there were seven subject lines that were commonly used. If you would like to read more about this, go to http://www.webpro.com/iq/SobigF.asp The subject lines are:

That movie Wicked screensaver Your application Approved My details Details Your details Thank you

A new box will pop up that says, "search text" at the top. Enter one of the phrases you want to filter out and click "add". You may enter as many phrases as you'd like, clicking "add" after each one. When you're finished, click "Ok". You'll be taken back to the previous box. Click "next" at the bottom.

At this point, you have two choices. You can either specify that these emails go into your delete file to be reviewed later, or you can specify that they be permanently deleted from Outlook so that you never see them. At this point, either click in the box next to "delete it", which simply moves it automatically to the delete folder, or click "permanently delete", which means that you will never see the email at all and won't be able to get it back.

Click "next" again and you're now at the exceptions box. I can see no reason to use the exceptions when dealing with the Sobig viruses and others like it. There might be a temptation to make an exception for people who are in your address book or close friends. But remember, a virus will take over someone else's address book and send you emails without the person ever knowing. Anyone in your address book could send you an infected email without knowing it. I recommend that you hit “next” without selecting any exceptions at this point.

In the next box, the program would like to know the name of the rule you've just created. You might want to call it "viruses #1" or something similar.

Click finish after naming your rule. At this point you have another choice: you can apply the rule you just created to the mail already in your inbox, or you can choose to have it apply only to the incoming mail from now on. Choose either "run now" or "ok".

You're finished. That wasn't SO hard, was it? You might even want to set up some more rules to help you organize your inbox or to filter out spam or unwanted email.

E-mail: heather@virtuassist.net
Author's URL: http://www.virtuassist.net
Heather Dickson is a Virtual Assistant and owner of Virtuassist.net, a member of the International Virtual Assistants Association and a Certified Real Estate Support Specialist. Her VA practice specializes in writing, editing, database maintenance, website maintenance and more.

IdeaMarketers - www.ideamarketers.com

-Visualize- Visualize your goal. Visualize your Story. Visualize your life the way you want it to be.

-Prepare- Prepare your work space. Prepare your family for your writing schedule. Prepare yourself for all the possiblities that will open up to you.

-Create- Create an environment that you can work in. Create characters that you will enjoy spending time with. Create an entire world for them to come to life in.

-Announce- Announce out loud to yourself every morning what your goal is. Announce to those supportive of you that you are finally going to put pen to paper. Announce your need for their support and cooperation.

-Collaborate- Collaborate with other writers for ideas. Collaborate with your children and find out what kids actually want to hear about. Collaborate with librarians in your area to see what types of stories are selling.

-Procceed- Proceed with your plan every day. Proceed to add pictures and ideas to your treasure map. Proceed toward the future that you deserve.

1. Brown Rings Ridder Recipe
   
   
   • 2 cups dry laundry detergent
   • 1 cup ammonia
   • 1 cup baby shampoo
   • 1 cup antiseptic mouthwash
   
   First: Take the laundry detergent and sprinkle it over the affected area and apply water.
   
   Second: Mix remaining ingredients in a 20 gallon sprayer and apply to the point of run-off.
   
   
2. Drain Cleaner
   
   
   • 2 - 3 antacid tablets
   • 1 cup white vinegar
   • Hot water
   
   
   Drop the antacid tablets down the drain followed by the vinegar. Wait 4 to 6 mnutes for the tablets and vinegar to power out the clog. Then run hot water for 3 to 4 minutes to flush all the "stuff" out of your systems.

• 4to40.Kids Portal for Parents
  - Indian Web Portal for Kids. A fun, entertaining and educational free mega site for children worldwide.
  
• Alice's Virtual Restaurant - A Little Food for Thought
  - This is a nice site with a clever way of providing links to the weird and wonderful.
  
• Babloo
  - Comprises of rhymes, stories, jokes, games, quiz, school subjects and other information. Wait for the pop-up page to load, this is where you will enter this wonderful site.
  
• BBC Kids Games
  - Tons of fun stuff on this UK Televisions Children dedicated site
  
• Billy Bear's Playground
  - A well thought out and very novel Site for Children and Adults! You have to go listen to the "Chicken Song"!!!
  
• BJ Pinchbeck's Help with Homework
  - This little entrepreneur has worked very hard at finding a large number of education related Sites.
  
• Children's Games from Around the World
  - This site focuses on the one thing Children have in common and that's games, all around the globe.
  
• http://www.4Kids.org
  - Cool Spots. Searching for some great sites 4Kids on the Web. Earl will help you find some in Cool Spots. ... Animals, Social Science, Cool Spots is a collection of articles about Web sites that we have reviewed in our newspaper feature for kids. .

• 4 U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish fillets
• cooking oil
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose f lour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup self-rising cornmeal*
• 1/2 cup self-rising f lour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup minced onion
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg, beaten
• cooking oil

• Train your dog using both voice and hand commands to ensure that your dog will always the - even if it begins to lose its sight or hearing.
  
• Keep to a daily routine. Older (and younger) dogs and cats find comfort in knowing what to expect.
  
• Brush your dog’s teeth dailyor use the many dental products available for both dogs and cats..
  
• Don’t move too quickly into your dog’s space or make sudden movements that might startle your pet.
  
• If necessary, give your dog more frequent bathroom breaks. Check the liter daily for cats and keep it fresh.
  
• If your pet has arthritis, make sure it has a warm place to sleep, and avoid activities that stress those old joints.)
  
• If your older dog is in good overall health, get involved (together) in moderate exercise.
  
• Match your dog’s caloric intake with its level of activity. · Frequently bathe and groom your dog. As pet's age, their skin glands produce less oil, which increases the chances of dry, flaky skin and matted hair.
  
• Take your pet in for semi annual veterinary checkups, or more often if it has an ongoing medical condition.

• Shaving Soap
  
  
  • 1/2 cup grated castle soap
  • 1 cup boiling distilled water (or a little less)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tbsp almond oil
  • 1 tbsp borax powder
  • 15-20 drops essential oil
    Dissolve soap in boiling water & put in a blender. Add remaining ingredients & blend until fluffy. Add essential oil & blend, pour slowly into shaving mug. Or use an ordinary large ceramic coffee mug.
    
    
  • Cooling Aftershave
    
    
  • 1/2 cup witch hazel
  • 2 tbsps of vodka
  • 1 tbsp of dried mint
  • 1 tbsp of dried lavender
  
  Mix all ingredients and store in dark cool place for 2 weeks. After the 2 weeks, strain liquid and discard solids.
  To use: Splash on face after shaving.