Category: Uncategorized

2016 "The Mill's Got Talent" June HM play

The actual play June 23 and 24, 2016

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2016 HM Players - Rehearsals April - June

'The Mill's Got Talent' play June 2016 East HS

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Dress Rehearsal 2014

June 25th East HS "A Day in the Life of Hershey's Mill"

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Increase Your Windows XP Security

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Microsoft ended security updates for Windows XP in April of this year. Almost every computer guru thought the malware hackers would take advantage of this unfortunate situation to gain control of XP computers. Fortunately this has not happened. The idea behind this was that they would reverse engineer current Microsoft updates for Windows 7 & 8 to see if they could be applied to XP. No one really knows why that has not happened but that doesn’t mean you can let down your guard.

Here are some items to keep in mind if you are still using XP.

1. Don’t Use Internet Explorer. It’s not being updated any longer and it’s also 3 versions behind Internet Explorer 11 which is currently used in Windows 8.1. Instead of IE, use a browser such as Google Chrome (preferred) or Mozilla Firefox that still receives security patches. Download Chrome here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/chrome/browser/
Download Firefox here: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/

2. If you must use IE you can mitigate the risks by uninstalling Java and Adobe Flash. Go to the Control Panel, click Add/Remove Programs and uninstall those 2 programs. Adobe Reader, which opens PDF files, should be updated to the latest version. If you don’t use it, uninstall it. However, if you need Adobe Reader you can get the latest version at http://get.adobe.com/reader/

3. Increase Data Execution Prevention Protection. Go to the Control Panel, double click the System icon, click the Advanced tab, click the Settings button under Performance. Next, click the Data Execution Prevention tab and choose “Turn on DEP for all programs and Services except those I select”. Should a program not open or run correctly you can click the Add button to make it exempt from DEP. Browse to the Program Files folder then to the program folder containing the program you want to make exempt. Click Open and you are done.

4. Make sure you have an up to date and currently active anti-virus program installed and running. My current choice is the free Bitdefender. It can be downloaded from http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html. After installation make sure you create an account to continue to receive the free updates beyond the 30 day trial period. In addition, download the free Malwarebytes from https://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/
Malwarebytes does a very good job in detecting and removing annoying pop-up ads along with other unwanted programs (PUPS).

By following these tips you can upgrade XP’s security to keep it going for a while longer. When it comes time to move to a new computer, Windows 8.1 is a fine choice. Don’t let anyone mislead you about all the “problems” Windows 8 has. This current version is stable with very fast boot times and can easily be set up to boot to the familiar Desktop screen.

Learn more about computers by attending our monthly PC Club meetings held on the second Tuesday at 7PM upstairs in the Community Center.

Windows XP – Security

Increase Your Windows XP Security

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Microsoft ended security updates for Windows XP in April of this year (2014). Almost every computer guru thought the malware hackers would take advantage of this unfortunate situation to gain control of XP computers. Fortunately this has not happened. The idea behind this was that they would reverse engineer current Microsoft updates for Windows 7 & 8 to see if they could be applied to XP. No one really knows why that has not happened but that doesn’t mean you can let down your guard.

Here are some items to keep in mind if you are still using XP.

Learn more about computers by attending our monthly PC Club meetings held on the second Tuesday at 7PM upstairs in the Community Center.

Telephone Scams

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Have you received an unsolicited phone call from a person identifying themselves as either a Windows or Microsoft tech who will help repair all the errors on your PC? Many HM residents have received such a call.

Certain types of Malware running on your computer allow scammers to monitor your computer and they’re not doing it to provide free tech support. In fact, they don’t want you to know that they’re watching you.

Unless they’re returning your call, legitimate tech people don’t call you. Microsoft never does and there is no valid “Windows” support company. Think about the last time you called tech support. You were probably on hold for an uncomfortable amount of time. Do you really think they’re going to call you and offer support you didn’t know you needed?

So if you get this type of call, consider it a scam. It almost certainly is.

Quite often, the people calling claim to be from Microsoft or another legitimate company. They may try to convince you to download their “repair program,” which is actually Malware. They’ll try to trick you into giving them remote access to your PC, allowing them to look for passwords and other sensitive information. Remote access also lets them change settings and lower your PC’s protections.

And, of course, since they’re providing you with a “desperately needed service,” they expect to be paid for their trouble. Your credit card number is a valuable asset for a criminal.

So what should you do when you get a call of this nature?

First and foremost, don’t do anything they ask. Don’t install their software. Don’t give them remote access to your PC. And don’t give them any useful information.

But play along long enough to get some information on them. If you have caller ID, note their number. If you don’t, ask for their phone number and promise to call them back.

Then, as soon as you’re off the phone, call the East Goshen Police at 610-692-5100 and report the incident. They are interested in hearing from you.

If you have or think you have Malware running on your computer, you should run an anti-malware program. Malwarebytes is free and the best one to choose. An anti-virus program will not necessarily detect or remove many types of malware because it’s not engineered to be a Malware removal program. Malwarebytes can be downloaded from http://www.malwarebytes.org/

In addition, make sure you have a basic understanding of your PC’s security software to be sure you are getting daily updates. Also doing a scan of your computer on a frequent basis will result in good protection for you. My recommendations are, along with Malwarebytes, the free Bitdefender anti-virus program. That can be downloaded from Bitdefender at http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html. Bitdefender updates and scans automatically so there is little to do on your part. Malwarebytes needs to be updated manually but come to the PC Club Meeting on July 8th at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Community Center to learn how to do it.

Windows 8.1 computer – Setting Up

Technology Tips

Setting up a Windows 8.1 Computer

By Don Trauger – Kennett

If you have purchased a new Windows 8.1 computer, reading the following will help in the transition from Windows XP To Windows 8.1. If you have held off buying a new computer go to our web site at http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org/. Move your mouse to Resources > Tech Tips > General Computer/Printer Tips > and click on Buying a New Computer. The article mentions Windows 7 but the information also applies to Windows 8 and 8.1. The information on the web site should help you to decide what to buy. An all-in-one computer (not mentioned in the article) is also a good choice for efficient use of space and minimal cables.

After unpacking, connecting cables and turning it on, you will be prompted to configure your computer for its first use. The on-screen information is mostly straight forward except for one new item. During the configuration you will be asked to set up a Microsoft account. This is new and is required to proceed with the configuration. Simply use your regular or an alternate email address and password. The following explains how Microsoft would use your email address. When you sign in to your PC or device with a Microsoft account, you can get apps from the Windows Store, back up all your important data and files using free cloud storage, and keep all your favorite stuff—devices, photos, friends, games, settings, music, and so on—up to date and in sync. If this isn’t your preferred way to start operating your new PC you can revert back to what Microsoft calls a Local Account. Converting to a Local Account will allow your computer to start up and optionally present you with a log-on (sign-in) screen.

Here’s how to convert to a Local Account. Point the mouse to either the extreme upper right or lower right corner of the screen. You should see the “Charms” bar with five icons pop out from the right edge of the screen. Move the mouse to the gear icon which is the bottom one and click it. At the bottom of the right side of the screen click “Change PC settings”. The next window will show various PC settings on the left. Click “Accounts” then click “Your Account”. Click “Disconnect” on the right, type your password, click Next, leave all the fields blank if no password is desired except for your User name field then click Next again. Click “Sign out and finish”. If you see a rainbow colored screen appear just click it to continue. Click the user name you assigned to continue. Also, remember when you are in Windows 8 full screen mode you must put the mouse in the right hand upper or lower corner to access the Charms bar and click the Windows 8 Start button to get back to the tile interface screen.

The following change is quite easy and will boot the computer into the familiar Desktop screen mode like Windows XP.

Locate the Desktop tile on the Windows 8 interface screen and click it. Next, right click a blank spot on the Task bar (the bar at the bottom of the screen) and right click it. Click Properties and click the Navigation tab at the top. Under Start screen click “When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start”.

Of course there’s more to learn, but changing these 2 items will help in transitioning from Windows XP to Windows 8.1.

The PC Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center to help you with computer problems.

UPass – Gate SECURITY Entry System

Security and Marc Fraser announced the installation of UPass, a new gate entry system utilizing EZPass type technology for residents in 2014.

Hershey’s Mill is no longer able to purchase any of past gate access devices which necessitated the purchase and installation of a new gate access system. The UPass system works in addition to existing devices. This means that current clickers and swipe cards will remain operational for the foreseeable future. However, they will no longer be able to purchase.

UPass tag readers are installed at all four of the Hershey’s Mill resident entry gates. When a vehicle containing a UPass windshield tag or proximity card approaches within 9-12 feet of the gate, the UPass reader receives a signal from the UPass windshield tag or card; and the gate will open for the resident.

UPass windshield tags and proximity cards can be ordered by residents from the Hershey’s Mill Security Center located at the Main Gate. Simply stop by the Security Center, fill out an order form, and someone from the Security Department will call when your order is ready to be picked up. Keep in mind that each residence is still allowed a total of only 6 gate devices (clickers, swipe cards, and UPass devices). If a residence already has the maximum number of 6 devices, you will not be able to purchase a UPass device unless you forfeit one of your existing 6 devices.

UPass windshield tags cost $15 each while UPass proximity cards cost $20 each.

The UPass system, simplifies gate entry, gives residents a less expensive alternative to clickers and swipe cards, and eliminates the often frustrating task of attempting to program a clicker signal into the overhead computer of an automobile! If you have any questions regarding the UPass gate entry system, please feel free to contact Security at 610-431-4006.

Setting up a Windows 8.1 Computer

By Don Trauger – Kennett
If you have purchased a new Windows 8.1 computer, reading the following will help in the transition from Windows XP To Windows 8.1. If you have held off buying a new computer go to our web site at http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org/. Move your mouse to Resources > Tech Tips > General Computer/Printer Tips > and click on Buying a New Computer. The article mentions Windows 7 but the information also applies to Windows 8 and 8.1. The information on the web site should help you to decide what to buy. An all-in-one computer (not mentioned in the article) is also a good choice for efficient use of space and minimal cables.

The following change is quite easy and will boot the computer into the familiar Desktop screen mode like Windows XP.

Of course there’s more to learn, but changing these 2 items will help in transitioning from Windows XP to Windows 8.1.

The PC Club meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center to help you with computer problems.

Kennett Maps

We have 2 maps:

Most like this one: Sharp but some house along Chandler are cut-off

But some like this one: all of Kennett Village streets and houses but not quite as sharp.

2015 Computer Security Summary

Computer Security by Don Trauger – Kennett
(Updated on website 2/23/2015)

Malware (malicious software) is an umbrella term for all sorts of infections including viruses, trojans, worms, keyloggers, etc. Escaping a malware infection over the life span of your computer is virtually impossible. Don’t confuse normal updates from Microsoft, Adobe, or Oracle (Java) and others with unwanted programs that invade and often take over your computer. Legitimate updates are vital to your security so allow them to install. If you do on-line banking it’s most important that your computer runs at a high security level. Read on to make your computer secure.

Become familiar with your Anti-Virus (A/V) program. Don’t ignore it just because you have one installed. All A/V programs should update automatically when you have an Internet connection. Open the A/V program you have installed to make sure the updates are actually current. If your A/V program is subscription based, make sure it is still active. A/V programs are virtually worthless if they are not up to date.

I’ve researched the latest field of free anti-virus programs and have decided Bitdefender is the best choice. Why a free Anti-virus program? Simply because Bitdefender ranks among the top in protection and the program code works well with XP. I also recommend it for newer operating systems such as Windows Vista, 7 & 8. In a recent test by an independent security company, Bitdefender had an 82% detection rate. Avast measured 79%. The highest was a paid-for brand at 84%. If you want to change to Bitdefender here’s what you need to do. Go to the Bitdefender web site (http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html) to download this free version.

If you have an outdated A/V program you can get a free one (non-subscription based) at http://www.filehippo.com/

Click on View More and also download Malwarebytes. Malwarebytes which can work with any A/V program and complements its performance. The combination of these programs will provide superior results compared to a single A/V program. Once you have determined that your A/V program is current, perform a manual scan. If you have never done this, do a full scan. I recommend a quick scan at least every 2 weeks and a full scan whenever something is detected during a quick scan. Scanning is very important as malware can sneak in and by-pass the protection. If your A/V program performs the scanning task automatically you should review the log file or the Quarantine or Virus Chest area to see what it found.

An Adware Protection program should also be considered. It is a program that searches for and deletes Adware, Toolbars, Potentially Unwanted Programs (PUP), and browser Hijackers from your computer. AdwCleaner is another free malware cleanup program that can be utilized should your computer become infected. Of course if you have previously installed my recommendation of Malwarebytes, you may not need AdwCleaner. However, I have seen several cases and have been told by another user that AdwCleaner removed some malware that Malwarebytes did not detect.

My three free security recommendations therefore are Malwarebytes, Bitdfender Anti-Virus and AdwCleaner.

AdwCleaner can be download from: https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/

Malwarebytes can be downloaded from: http://www.malwarebytes.org/

Bitdefender can be downloaded from: http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html

Some infections may disable your A/V program and that’s when serious trouble begins. If using XP, Vista, or Win 7, you can use Safe Mode to open your A/V program to run a full scan. Safe Mode is a Windows diagnostic mode that can help rid your computer of malware. To enter Safe Mode reboot the computer and hold down the F8 key for about a second, then release it for a second or so. Keep doing this until you see a Startup Menu or Advanced Boot Options. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press the Enter key. No mouse is available in this area so use the arrow keys on the keyboard.

If you have problems running a scan in Safe Mode, try an on-line scanner. These scanners are provided by a few of the major A/V companies. A good one from Eset can be run from http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ Another from F-Secure at http://www.f-secure.com/en/web/home_global/online-scanner is also good.

Discussion about computer security and other topics is available to all HM residents at the PC Club meetings. Meetings are held on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the upstairs Ardmore room of the Community Center.