ARM - Adjustable Rate Mortgage

N

Norman Harker

Hi Oke!

Just email direct and I'll send you one.

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)

It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its April
Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible. It is
believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON that
exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these patches is VERY
HIGH
 
H

Harlan Grove

Norman Harker said:
It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its
April Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible.
It is believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON
that exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these
patches is VERY HIGH
....

What a catchy signature! Maybe I'll try one like

Avoid worms and other Internet nastiness - minimize use of Microsoft
software!

This is off-topic in anything other than Windows newsgroups. These urgent
security fixes are a nonissue for Mac Excel users and those few clever
enough to be running Excel under Linux or BSD using wine or Crossover
Office.

Also, why not provide the url for the security update site so users can read
about these wonderful patches and what they protect against.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/200404_windows.asp

They can also read in the FAQ how little Microsoft cares about cheapskate
users still using Windows 98/Me:

"How does the extended support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition,
and Windows Millennium Edition affect the release of security updates for
these operating systems?

Microsoft will only release security updates for critical security issues.
Non-critical security issues are not offered during this support period. For
more information about the Microsoft Support Lifecycle policies for these
operating systems, visit the following Web site."

Pity the really cheap users still using Windows 95.

I don't mean to belittle the importance of these security fixes. I do mean
to belittle "The Sky Is Falling" tone of your new signature line. None of
the fixes is a substitute for good anti-virus software and sensible computer
usage, like not opening file attachments from people you don't know (which
happens to be what you're asking to OP to do -Ah, irony!).
 
N

Norman Harker

Hi Harlan!

It's a short term signature aimed at reaching a wider audience.

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)

It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its April
Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible. It is
believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON that
exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these patches is VERY
HIGH
 
D

Dave Peterson

But Harlan's suggestion about adding the URL makes it easier for that wider
audience.
 
N

Norman Harker

Hi Dave!

Difficulty choosing the best URL but I think that the following might
serve.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)

It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its April
Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible. It is
believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON that
exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these patches is VERY
HIGH.
See:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
 
H

Harlan Grove

Difficulty choosing the best URL but I think that the following might
serve.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
...

This url displays very general, common sense suggestions - at least #1 and #3.
#2, as it seems clear I failed to make explicit, is arguable, especially as
Microsoft presents them. As long as the common security steps are taken, e.g.,
disabling unused ports and unused services, *ESPECIALLY* Microsoft's miserable
messaging system, there's little more that needs to be done.

Also, the printed instructions available from this url state that NT is no
longer supported. However, the url I provided earlier,

http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/200404_windows.asp

shows that NT is, in fact, still supported.

There's no difficulty choosing the most appropriate url. The most appropriate
one is the one with information SPECIFIC to the upgrade you're advising other
people to install, not the one with luke warm, overly general and INACCURATE in
the details advice.

Do you have a problem with computer users exercising informed consent? Do you
believe the typical Excel user should be treated like a somewhat dim child? It
sure seems like it.

Bluntly, WHY DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM POINTING PEOPLE TO THE SECURITY BULLETINS
SPECIFIC TO THE UPGRADES YOU SEEM TO BE ADVISING THEM TO INSTALL?
 
C

Confused

I'm one of the readers you are all trying to help.

Saw Harlen's first warning (tkx) and thought ****, better
check this out, like fast.
No link, no problem, obvious first place is
www.microsoft.com and there plain to see is a link on the
right to critical updates.

Well that was easy, the link took me straight into W98
Update, normal checking ritual (I'm impressed, MS really
have this sussed), wait a while, read the report.

But nothing about any new update. What to do, bit more
searching, blah blah, find info about the update, which as
reported earlier in this thread does not include W98.
More searching and eventually find
www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-013.mspx

Got it. This includes my setup with W98SE and O-Express
5.5 and a link to download the critical update, specific
to my needs. Finally, just what I need, click the link -

MS04-013 Issued: April 13, 2004
Supported OS: W2000 Service Pack 3, Windows 2000 Service
Pack 4, Windows ME

W98SE is specifically NOT included.

Go back one page, notice that W98 users should read the
the FAQ
"Are W98, W98SE or W-ME critically affected by the
vulnerability addressed within this security bulletin?
Yes. This vulnerability is critical in severity ..."

AFAIK W98 is still supported. What am I to conclude. MS
clearly tell me I need the update but I can't get it.

Confused
 
N

Norman Harker

Hi Confused!

There is also the possibility in your "normal checking ritual" that
you have already been updated. Especially if you have been through the
process and have not seen any critical updates listed. I think that
there may be a history of updates link that will let you find out.

One reason why I pointed to http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
was that it allows you to select your operating system.

I see that Win 98 is in that list and Step 2 of the security process
looks like it leads you to what you want. You can order a CD that
updates your system but that is hardly appropriate in view of several
recent reports that exploitation is imminent!

Unfortunately, I can't check whether this works as I have a different
operating system.

But try it out and report back. I certainly share your concern about
difficulties of updating; remember it is not just you who suffers if
you get attacked but many others.

--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)

It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its April
Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible. It is
believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON that
exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these patches is VERY
HIGH.
See:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
 
C

Confused

Hi Norman,
There is also the possibility in your "normal checking
ritual" that you have already been updated.

Thought of that, but the last update I did was March 04
which would not include the recent critically required
update, confirmed by checking the update history.
One reason why I pointed to
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
was that it allows you to select your operating system.
I see that Win 98 is in that list and Step 2 of the
security process looks like it leads you to what you want

This leads
www.microsoft.com/security/protect/windows9x/updates.asp
and tells me
W9x incl W98SE have reached the ends of their product
support life cycles (W98 as of Sept 03)

Oh no, I didn't know! I really do NOT want to upgrade my
OS.

Yet MS clearly say W98 users NEED the critical update. But
MS will not deliver it. The online W98 update feature
still works but apparently on "archived basis".

I'm even more confused!

I'm no all round PC expert / web searcher etc, but
relative to zillions of users I guess I must be in one of
the upper quartiles. What are others supposed to do!

Thanks & regards,
Confused & Alarmed
 
H

Harlan Grove

. . . What are others supposed to do!

Upgrade, pay Microsoft more $$$. Do you think they want you using any version of
Windows for more than 3 years at most?!

It's illuminating to see that Microsoft claims in some places that NT4 is as end
of support life cycle as 95 and 98, but NT4 is included in the April security
bulletins and patches. Why the difference? Could it be that 95 and 98 are used
mostly by individuals at home about whom Microsoft doesn't give a damn while NT4
is still used by large corporations which Microsoft can't afford to piss off?
Surely that must be an inaccurate assessment!

Another possibility is that 95 and 98 simply aren't vulnerable, but if (I
haven't checked) Me is included in the vulnerable versions, it's almost certain
95 and 98 are also vulnerable.
 
N

Norman Harker

Hi Confused!

I posted a question to a security newsgroup and the reply won't make
you happy:

Quote>>
You have to call the support number and get it over the phone. Prior
to
this [04-007] the info that the patch was needed by 98 wasn't even
listed.

This will not come down via Windows update unless it is a "critical".
If it's just moderate you will need to call for the patch [btw it's a
free call]
<<End Quote

Not happy! But don't shoot the messenger.

I suppose that there does have to be a limit to length of support but
for security patches!! I really can't see the problem of some form of
link to a download as long as the download exists. I see more problems
making it difficult to download security patches as it is not just a
case of one user suffering if you get infected.

Also I can understand a reluctance to upgrade. Apart from the cost,
many ran 98SE for a long time without any problems. Not as rock solid
as XP but if it's running OK... I upgraded a computer last night to
full version of XP from 98SE upgraded to ME and the entire process
took about 4 hours for a clean install and we still have to add back
all the programs. That is a bigger consideration to me than cost of
upgrade.
 
C

Confused

Hi Harlan,
Upgrade, pay Microsoft more $$$.

What I got works just fine and does all I want. Also got a
whole bunch of stuff that makes upgrading a serious pain.
But I would pay $$ for the privilege of not having to
upgrade. OS is a serviceable item, say $40 pa after third
year would not be unreasonable. Having said that, after
initial bug fixes, subsequent updates only relate to
security issues.
Another possibility is that 95 and 98 simply aren't
vulnerable, but .. I haven't checked

MS clearly state ALL W9x are vulnerable to the latest
issue, but no link to fix it. When I say "clearly state",
you have to search every crevice, find the small print,
read it a few times, digest, and then it becomes clear.

Hi Norman,
You have to call the support number and get it over the
phone. Prior to this [04-007] the info that the patch was
needed by 98 wasn't even listed.
This will not come down via Windows update unless it is
a "critical". If it's just moderate you will need to call
for the patch [btw it's a free call]

MS say it IS critical but will NOT "Windows update"
Updrade [..etc..] That is a bigger consideration to me
than cost of upgrade. Exactly

Not happy! But don't shoot the messenger.

Sorry Norman, it's not your fault but I'm afraid I'm just
going to have to shoot you!

But seriously this is beyond extraordinary. There must be
millions in my overall position. Just when and how
are "the others" supposed to learn what you have gone to
considerable lengths to dig up.

Regards,
Confused & Bemused

PS This is so far off OP's topic, any way to add an
initial "H" to the subject?
 
N

Norman Harker

Hi Confused (and now Bemused)!

Re:
Sorry Norman, it's not your fault but I'm afraid I'm just
going to have to shoot you!

Missed! Try again and adjust for the curvature of the Earth.

Re:
But seriously this is beyond extraordinary. There must be
millions in my overall position. Just when and how
are "the others" supposed to learn what you have gone to
considerable lengths to dig up.

I agree! I can understand some loss of support after a period of time.
But I can't see how making updates for virus / worm protection
difficult to obtain is other than damaging to the general computer
using community and to Microsoft.


--
Regards
Norman Harker MVP (Excel)
Sydney, Australia
(e-mail address removed)

It is imperative that the patches provided by Microsoft in its April
Security Release be applied to Systems as soon as possible. It is
believed that the likelihood of a worm being released SOON that
exploits one of the vulnerabilities addressed by these patches is VERY
HIGH.
See:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
Confused said:
Hi Harlan,
Upgrade, pay Microsoft more $$$.

What I got works just fine and does all I want. Also got a
whole bunch of stuff that makes upgrading a serious pain.
But I would pay $$ for the privilege of not having to
upgrade. OS is a serviceable item, say $40 pa after third
year would not be unreasonable. Having said that, after
initial bug fixes, subsequent updates only relate to
security issues.
Another possibility is that 95 and 98 simply aren't
vulnerable, but .. I haven't checked

MS clearly state ALL W9x are vulnerable to the latest
issue, but no link to fix it. When I say "clearly state",
you have to search every crevice, find the small print,
read it a few times, digest, and then it becomes clear.

Hi Norman,
You have to call the support number and get it over the
phone. Prior to this [04-007] the info that the patch was
needed by 98 wasn't even listed.
This will not come down via Windows update unless it is
a "critical". If it's just moderate you will need to call
for the patch [btw it's a free call]

MS say it IS critical but will NOT "Windows update"
Updrade [..etc..] That is a bigger consideration to me
than cost of upgrade. Exactly

Not happy! But don't shoot the messenger.

Sorry Norman, it's not your fault but I'm afraid I'm just
going to have to shoot you!

But seriously this is beyond extraordinary. There must be
millions in my overall position. Just when and how
are "the others" supposed to learn what you have gone to
considerable lengths to dig up.

Regards,
Confused & Bemused

PS This is so far off OP's topic, any way to add an
initial "H" to the subject?
 

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