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Browser Security (Apr 2016)

Technology Tips – published April 2016 in the Guide and Digest

by Don Trauger – Kennett

I haven’t written about security in your computer for some time now. In previous articles I have recommended Bitdefender Free Anti-Virus. Download it here: http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html), Malwarebytes free. Download it here: https://www.malwarebytes.org/ and AdwCleaner. Download it here: https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/. Malwarebytes has changed the way their free program is offered. You get a 14 day premium free trial with the download. After that it reverts back to manual scan and updates if you want to stay with the free version.

 

Now, I suggest you take an additional approach to increase security particularly when you browse the Internet. Yes, your anti virus can still protect you when a malicious file is downloaded into your computer. However, anti-virus programs are not where most of the malicious action is currently. For technical reasons hackers can’t make money writing virus code. Their attention has turned to other ways that Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner can detect and remove. There are still viruses out there but not at the same level as previously. The additional approach should now include improving browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) security.

 

What I suggest is to add 1 program and 2 Add-ins. The program to be added is Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit. Download it here: https://www.malwarebytes.org/antiexploit/. Download the free 14 day free trial. It should revert to the free version after 14 days. Next, make sure you are using the Chrome browser. If not, get it here: https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/. Chrome is perceived to be the safest browser. The 2 add-ins are Adblock Plus https://adblockplus.org/ and Traffic Light from Bitdefender http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/trafficlight.html.

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit guards against web sites that may harbor malicious exploits. Exploit kits are designed by hackers to find and exploit any vulnerabilities in your computer. This program works only when a browser is opened but works on all browsers. Adblock Plus is an ad blocker. It offers blocking to 3rd party ad servers that are often compromised by hackers that can infect your computer by putting malicious ads on your computer. It doesn’t block all ads. Ads originating from the web site itself will still come through. Traffic light examines the web address you are entering. If it’s malicious it will block the connection to that site.

 

Adblock Plus will install on the popular web browsers but Traffic Light will not work on Internet Explorer. I recommend only one change. For Adblock Plus click the red Adblock Plus icon in the upper right corner of Chrome, click Options, and uncheck “Allow some non-intrusive advertising”. These 3 tools work only when you open your browser. In my testing I have not seen any compatibility problems between the programs mentioned in this article.

 


The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need to be answered, be sure to attend on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center. April’s topic will cover Browser Security.

Toolbars

Last month I wrote about reducing the number of programs that start up with your
computer. This month follows that theme only it is narrower in scope. It involves
only your Web browser, typically Internet Explorer, and the various installed
toolbars.

There are well over a dozen popular toolbars that are available for download or
come as part of other programs that are installed on your computer. To name a few
there is the Yahoo toolbar, AOL toolbar, MSN toolbar, Comcast toolbar, and of course
the very popular Google toolbar. Basically these toolbars are convenient entry points
for searching the Internet for almost anything you can think of plus a myriad of other
buttons that whisk you off to specialized locations. They occupy a location in Internet
Explorer near the top of the window you are viewing. I’ve seen computers that have
at least three of these toolbars installed. This reduces the ability of Internet
Explorer to display the full height of the Web page. Although you can move the vertical
scroll bar to the right of the window to see the full page, it requires you to
manipulate the mouse more than you should. This of course is user preference but it
can be annoying too.

The problem with multiple toolbars is that they have their own behind-the-scene agenda.
Many of them offer anti-phishing, anti-spam, anti-spyware, and a pop-up blocker.
This built-in protection scheme often conflicts with your own installed security
software.

My advice is to uninstall all toolbars. To do this click Start, click Control Panel,
click Add or Remove Programs, click the toolbar you want to remove, then click on
Change/Remove or Remove. For Vista users, in the Control Panel under Programs, click
Uninstall a Program, click the unneeded toolbar, then click Uninstall. I can hear you
now – “I really use my toolbar”. I understand, however Internet Explorer can be
configured to use any search engine you wish without using a toolbar. Open Internet
Explorer and click the tiny down arrow under the “X” in the upper right corner of the
window. Click Find More Providers. Under Web Search are the popular search engine
providers. Google is the preferred choice. Click Google if it is not installed and
click the Add Provider button in the pop-up window. By clicking that same down arrow
again you should now see Google has been added. To make Google the default search
engine for Internet Explorer click that down arrow again and click Change Search
Defaults. Next click Google and click Set Default and OK the window. You should now
see Google in the grayed out search field of Internet Explorer. Type a search request
in this field then click the magnifying icon next to the search field and you will
automatically be taken to Google. The first ten search results will show in the
opening window.

If you insist on having a toolbar make sure only one is installed to avoid conflicts.
Look for where the Preferences or Options are in the toolbar and turn off or disable
all the extra and unneeded security functions it offers. The Comcast toolbar can be a
troublesome toolbar so that one should be uninstalled as described earlier.

I find the pop-up blocker built into Windows to be more than adequate. To use Window’s
pop-up blocker open Internet Explorer, click on Tools, move to Pop-Up Blocker and turn
it on if necessary. Also under Tools is a Phishing Filter. If your security software
provides this function do not use Internet Explorer’s Phishing Filter.

The basic rule is to not run your computer with multiple security programs of the same
type at the same time. Only one anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, phishing filter,
or pop-up blocker should be operational at a given time.

More information about this and other subjects can be obtained if you attend our monthly PC Club meetings. They
are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Community Center.

Don Trauger

 

Facilities

A multitude of events occur in Hershey’s Mill, a community for active adults.

 

HM Facility

Photograph

 Read about it too

Community Center

 Completely renovated in 2012, the Community Center boasts a large great room with stone fireplace, a library, billiards, game rooms, as well as places to hold meetings.
Link to HM Community Center Calendar.

Library

 Inside the Community Center is a well-stocked library for the use of residents. The library has its own website where you can find hours and browse the library catalog online.
Go to Hershey’s Mill Library website

Sullivan House

 A restored mansion sits on a hill as part of the 800 acres in Hershey’s Mill.
The mansion is available for private parties and village functions. A model rail road group uses three rooms on the top floor.
Go to Friends of Sullivan House in Activities.Link to HM Sullivan House Calendar.

HM Golf Club

 The Hershey’s Mill Golf Club is a championship 18 hole private golf club (par 71/6742 yds) offering various levels along with a practice facility. Both Golf and House memberships are available. The Club offers casual and formal dining areas as well as banquet facilities.
Link to HM Golf Club web site.

HMCTV

 TV20bldg-leaves Hershey’s Mill has its own independent community access TV Station – channels 1970 & 1971. Channel 1970 features our original programming, movies, and the TV bulletin board when the previous two are not being shown. Channel 1971 shows only the TV bulletin board. Both channels operate 24 hours/day 365 days/year.The station boasts a taping studio,and broadcasts movies, trip schedules and many other informative programs on a variety of topics.
Link to HM Cable Television on this website.

HM Security

 Hershey’s Mill is a gated community with a 24/7 manned main gate.  Most residences include central monitoring for fire, smoke and medical emergency.  A marked security vehicle traverses the community at various times 24 hours a day.
Link to HM Security options.

HM Wood Shop

 Residents can restore furniture or create wood objects.  A stand-alone, fully equipped wood shop is available.
Link to HM Wood Shop in activities.

HM Courts

 Courts for Tennis, pickleball and winter paddle can help you keep in shape all year round. “The Hershey’s Mill Sports Group” is very active in planning local and interclub events for players of all levels. Shuffle Board, bocce, and horseshoes round out the Sports Group venues.

Link to HM Sports Group plus HMSG photos.

HM Pool

 During the summer a pool with life guards, temperature control, locker room, diving board, lap lanes, free-action section, shallow wading, simple entry, Mermaid Cove  for residents snacking. Aquacise is available six days a week. Often pool parties are held, some include music, food or water volleyball. Guests are permitted for a small fee.
Link to HM Pool pages on this website.

HM trails

 Nature sets the stage for walking, nature and various trails throughout Hershey’s Mill.
Link to Hershey’s Mill nature photos.

HM Gardens

 Next to the Lake sits the garden area with parcels available for residents who wish to plant vegetables and flowers for harvesting and enjoying. Gardening tools and mulch are provided as well as access to water.
For more information see HM Gardens in activities.

HM Model Railroad

 photo HM Railroad A model railroad group includes tracks, railroad cars, and scenery spanning three rooms in the third floor of the Sullivan House.
Link to HM Model Railroaders in activities.

HM Wastewater Treatment

 We have our own sewage treatment plant located right here in Hershey’s Mill. Having the Plant here in Hershey’s Mill saves residents on township sewage fees and provides water for the golf course. Knowledgeable HM residents and others make up the Board that runs the plant.

The Water Treatment Process. Read about how our plant purifies wastewater using naturally occurring microbes.

East Goshen information on the Township’s sanitary sewer system..

Historical information on ties between our Golf Course and our sewage plant..
HM place    Photo Text detail

PA ORDER for everyone to wear a Face Mask

Hershey’s Mill Master Association

*****************************SPECIAL ALERT******************************
NEW COVID-19 Government ORDER
Face Masks

Fellow Hershey’s Mill Residents,

(This has been sent to all HM residents registered on the HM email platform)
Update #   (Alternatives at the end)

The PA Governor & PA Dept of Health have issued an ORDER for everyone to wear a Face Mask when entering a place of business.  Customers without Face Masks will be denied entry*.  This is an ORDER in addition to the instructions that “everyone should wear a Face Mask when leaving their home” issued by the CDC, US Surgeon General & PA Dept of Health previously.  NEW ORDER effective Sunday, April 19, 2020 at 8:00PM.

Order to wear masks

This email contains:
1) Face Masks and HM Helping Hands
2) Options for obtaining a face mask
3) 45 Second Video from Dr. Jerome Adams, Surgeon General on How to Make A Quick Face Mask
4) Short Video on Why Face Masks are Important

5) a short note from Mitchell A. Fremlin, MD. a surgeon, about masks
6) More Information on Face Masks and making Face Masks
7) Ready Made Masks from things you may already have at home
1)********************HM HELPING HANDS****************
IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT FACE MASKS
Helping Hands has more requests for Face Masks than we can fill immediately.
Please be patient as we make masks.
Volunteers to make masks are urgently needed. We have materials for you to use. Please email helpinghandshmill@gmail.com with the word Volunteer in the Subject line.If you have requested and are waiting for a mask, please read the changes below:If you called and left a voice mail requesting a mask, and have NOT received a call back yet, please email helpinghandshmill@gmail.com as detailed below:

If you want to request a Face Mask, we are not able to respond to all the phone calls requesting face masks at this time. Please email as detailed below instead.

To request a Face Mask, please do the following:
EMAIL ONLY:
Name of each HM resident requesting a Face Mask
Address of each HM resident requesting a Face Mask
Number of HM residents needing a Face Mask
Phone number you may be reached on. (Answer your phone even if from an unknown phone number or area code, until you hear from us.)
Any explanation of emergency need

Orders will be filled on a first request, first filled basis
*******************************************************************************

2) Face Masks – we have located an alternate source for Face Masks.  These face masks are $10.00 each.
These masks are made with 100% Cotton, pleated, triple layered, with elastic ear loops.
a. Orders must be placed by village, no individual orders.
b. Please organize or designate one person within your village to gather  orders.
c. Payment is made directly to the seamstress at time of picking up the masks.                One check per village; no individual checks. Cash is acceptable.
d. Masks will be picked up, each mask will be placed in a plastic bag and all will be delivered back to the village representative.
e. The first bulk order goes in Friday at 4 PM.  First Order, First Receive.

3) Dr. Jerome Adams, US Surgeon General, 45 Seconds on making a Face Mask with NO SEWING.
Click here for a 45 second YouTube on how to make a face mask – no sewing

4) My Mask Protects You, Your Mask Protects Me. Scientist and Doctors, Worldwide are sharing critical and vital information with each other.  Here is an important message about Masks:

5) How to Put on a Face Mask and How to Wear It Properly, Dr. Mitchell A. Fremlin

“You may have heard that surgical masks don’t work for preventing viral infections and may increase the risk of infection. Why is this? It is because people not accustomed to wearing masks can’t keep their hands off them. They constantly fiddle with them, adjust them, pull them down to talk and so on. Every time they do this, they are contaminating their mask with their hands, and if their hands have virus or bacteria on them, then they are risking infection.
As a surgeon, I am used to standing around for hours without touching my mask or my face, but it is very difficult for someone who is not used to this. So, if you decide to wear a mask for protection against viral or bacterial infection, here is what you need to do:
(1) Start with a clean mask. If you are reusing a mask, make sure that you keep it clean when you are not wearing it.
(2) Wash your hands well with soap and water, for a minimum of 20 seconds but preferably more.
(3) Place your mask and get it adjusted perfectly. It may help to do this in front of a mirror.
(4) Now wash your hands again. You are doing this to protect everyone else since you have contaminated your hands by touching your face.
(5) Do not ever touch the mask or any part of your face again unless you repeat steps 2 to 4.
That’s it. It may be hard to get in the habit, but if surgeons can do it, you can, too!”
Mitchell A. Fremlin
Westminster, Colo.

*******************************************************************************

6) More Face Mask Information:

****PA DOH: Wearing a mask DOES NOT mean that you can go visit friends or family in person or go back to work at a non-essential business. Stay home, PA!****

CDC on Home made Face coverings – No sewing and sewing

From the PA Dept of Health – How to Make a Face Mask Sewing

Life under Stay at Home orders for the majority of Hershey’s Mill residents means leaving your home for essentially four things, including trips for:
–       food, including grocery stores or take out,
–       pharmacy,
–       doctor or vet for our pets, only after calling first as most ‘visits’ are telemedicine visits today.  Medicare has recently approved telemedicine as covered.
–       exercise
keeping a safe distance apart.  For us here in HM, we can walk on our many walking trails and for this special period of time on the golf course until it reopens for play.

7) Ready Made Masks from things you may already have at home

See photos below

NEIGHBORS:

– Please check on your neighbors regularly.  A simple phone call checking in may make all the difference in someone’s day. We are all in this together – call a neighbor or two today.  If you just moved here an don’t know any one, call one of your Village Council members.

-Please communicate this information to any neighbor that does not receive emails.

– Please check with your friends and neighbors to be sure they see the COVID-19 emails.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

1)    Please tune into Hershey’s Mill Community TV (HMTC) Channel 1971 for updates via scrolling banners

2)    Please log onto hersheysmill.org for updates on the HersheyMill website.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate these unprecedented times.

On behalf of the Technology Committee,

To your health and safety,

Wash your hands, stay healthy,

Bill and Sherry Kane
Co-Chairs, HM Technology Committee

Note: Emails sent out Community wide through the HM Email Platform are for internal HM use only and not for public distribution, posting on any type of website, with the exception of the hersheysmill.org website, or used in any other manner available to the general public or those residing outside Hershey’s Mill.

6 Emergency Procedures to Shut Down/Reboot Windows 10/11 (Aug 2023)

Technology Tips – Published August 2023 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

Once in a while a computer will really act up. In fact it may be prevented from any normal use. Microsoft has an undocumented trick that may free up a computer that that is acting up and won’t shut down properly. First, let’s review the normal shutdown procedure with Method 1.

  • Method 1: For Windows 10 click the Start button (lower left corner of the screen). select the Power button and then select Shut down.
  • For Windows 11 click the Start icon in the lower left corner of the screen. In the pop-up window, click the icon in the lower right corner then click Shut down.
  • Method 2:Hold down “Ctrl and Alt keys together and press the Del key” and then click on the power button in the bottom right-hand corner.
  • Method 3:On the Windows desktop, hold down the Alt key then press the F4 key and then select “Reboot” from the drop-down menu.
  • Method 4: Hold down the power button until the screen is blank.
  • Method 5: Open the command prompt with admin rights, type -shutdown -r -t 00and press Enter.
  • Method 6:Go to the Windows Powershell, type “Restart-Computer” and press Enter.
  • Method 7:The hidden emergency restart option.

Note: I use Method 3 to Reboot or Shut down as a normal function.

Method 7: To get to the hidden emergency restart function, first hold down Ctrl and Alt keys together then press Del on your keyboard. The usual “lock,” “switch user,” “sign off,” and “Task manager” options will appear in a full screen. To initiate the emergency restart, hold down Crtl button and in the lower right corner of the window click the power button. In the window “Click OK to immediately restart. Any unsaved data will be lost.” It then ends with this with this message: “Use this only as a last resort.”

Hopefully this will correct the Shutdown/Reboot condition but be prepared for additional troubleshooting.

Windows 10 – The Future of the PC

Tech Tips

The Future of the PC – Windows 10

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Microsoft is going to get it’s operating system right this time. Consumers liked Windows XP and Windows 7. They hated Windows Vista and Windows 8 although Windows 8.1 is somewhere in the neutral zone. Microsoft has made Windows 10 (W10) available for free to test and send feedback to Microsoft. The feedback system seems to be working with users who communicate their likes and dislikes. In the meantime Microsoft is continually updating W10  with new features. W10 will remain in a test phase for the next 6-8 months before the final version is released on new PC’s. This is the first time Microsoft has bent over backwards to communicate and listen to users about a new operating system.

Now for the real good news. Microsoft has decided to make W10 available to current users of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 for FREE when it’s released. The free upgrade will last for a year after the release date. The only concern I have is whether your programs installed on your current system will remain intact after the upgrade. Your files and other data should be no problem.

Let’s take a look at some of the new features of W10.

W10 atones for one of Windows 8’s greatest sins by returning the Start menu to its rightful spot in the lower left-hand corner of the desktop. But rather than focusing on desktop apps alone, the Windows 10 Start Menu mixes in a dash of the tile screen’s functionality, sprinkling Live Tiles of Windows 8-style apps next to shortcuts of the more traditional PC software. These tiles (apps) can be turned off and make the Desktop screen appear like Windows 7 or you can have something in between. The choice is yours.

In Windows 10, launching a Live Tile app on your PC opens it in a desktop window, rather than dumping you into a full-screen app. Previously users got “lost” in the full-screen mode wondering what to click. The windowed apps have a mouse-friendly toolbar of options across the top, and even alter their interface to best fit the size of the window.

W10 includes a handy “Continuum” feature that dynamically switches the interface between the PC-friendly desktop and a Windows 8-like mode that’s better suited for fingers, depending on how you’re using the device. In other words W10 will adjust itself automatically if you are using a touchscreen or a mouse-friendly mode.

The Action Center, shown as a white flag icon near the clock in Windows 8 (8.1), will be expanded and become more useful in W10.

Cortana, Microsoft’s clever voice controlled digital assistant, will be introduced in W10 where she assumes control of the operating system’s search functions. Cortana will want to access your personal info, then use that info along with her Bing-powered cloud smarts to intelligently locate information you’re searching and perform other helpful tasks. Cortana can help you call a friend, schedule a reminder, set an alarm, check your calendar, compare stocks, and more, all via natural language queries you ask using text or voice commands.

One of the odder design decisions within Windows 8 was the separation of Settings into two buckets, one each for the Desktop and the tile interfaces. With W10, that goes away. Now, there is one Settings menu, available from the Start button. The annoying Charms menu has vanished.

I’ve highlighted a few of the new features of W10. There will be more coming as Microsoft works toward the final build-out of W10.


See the newest build of W10 at the March PC Club meeting. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center. We will also try to answer any problems that you may be experiencing with your current PC.

Hard Drive Health

By Don Trauger, Kennett

            The hard drive in a computer is where all of your data, programs, and the Windows operating system are stored. This electromechanical device is critical to the operation of a computer. You have all heard the term backup. This means to store copies of your data files in another safe place besides the hard drive in your computer. These devices do fail and without remote access to your data then all could be lost.

 

            Hard drives can relate to phonograph players and records. Substitute the tone arm for a magnetic pick-up head and the turntable for a motor that spins a disc with magnetic properties. The disc has magnetic tracks instead of grooves as on a phonograph record. Each track is divided into sectors where your data is stored. Hard drive manufacturers document all of the hard drive’s operating conditions in a table called S.M.A.R.T.             which stands for Self Monitoring and Analysis Reporting Technology. Don’t let that scare you away from continuing to read this because I’m recommending a program that makes this technical jargon easy to understand.

 

            We all get medical tests to find out if we are in good health or need follow-up with a medical problem. We don’t understand the technical aspects of how medical tests are accomplished but we do understand the results. It’s the same with analyzing the health of your hard drive. The name of the program to monitor the health of your disk drive is called Crystal Disk Info. To download this free program go to http://crystalmark.info/software/CrystalDiskInfo/index-e.html. You can copy this address into your browser. At the CrystalDiskInfo web site, click a blue image with the number 5 on the left side to download the installer file. The current version is 5.0.5 but that may change by the time you read this. Choose your Desktop as a save location. After it is downloaded double click the new CrystalDiskInfo icon to start the installation. Follow the screen prompts and remember not to install ANY other software (toolbars, etc.) that may be piggybacked on the installer. Uncheck or decline any options to install additional software.

 

            After the program is installed you may delete the installer file that was downloaded. Double click the CrystalDiskInfo program icon (not the installer icon) and immediately you will see the health of your disk drive on the left side of the window under Health Status. Shaded in blue, it should say “Good”. If there are problems with the drive it will be shaded in yellow and it will say “Caution”. If it’s red, you are in trouble!

 

            Since this program only monitors and does not correct problems what else should you do if you see “Caution”? Basically there is only one utility that can be run to fix hard drive problems. Click the Start button on your Desktop and to the right you should see “Run”. Click Run and type “chkdsk c: /r” (no quotes) and OK the window. When a black DOS window opens answer the question with a Y and press the Enter key. Reboot and this utility will run and analyze your hard drive for errors and make repairs if it can. It may take 2 hours or more to do this. After running the utility your hard drive will have be repaired if necessary. This will not change the reading from CrystalDiskInfo even if repairs were done. The reason is that once data is entered into the S.M.A.R.T. table it can’t be changed. To gain further insight into the using CrystalDiskInfo and interpreting the results of the chkdsk utility please attend our PC Club meeting. A decision to replace a hard drive can easily be made once you understand the reported results.        

 

            Our PC Computer Club is open to all residents. There is no formal membership or experience required. Your questions and problems will be addressed at the meeting. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM upstairs in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

Browser Security – Updated (May 2017)

Technology Tips – Published May 2017 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

Browser Security – Updated

I have revised and updated the information in this article which was originally published in April of 2016. It contains many links to click and may be best utilized while on your computer. To read and implement the programs mentioned below, click the following link: http:\\\\www.hersheysmill.org//hmc-tv20/diges/. Click on the May 2017 Guide and Digest.

 

In previous articles I have recommended the following security programs: Bitdefender Free Anti-Virus (download it here): https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html. Malwarebytes free (download it here): https://www.malwarebytes.com/. AdwCleaner (download it here): https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownload/1-adwcleaner/. Bitdfender Free comes in 2 flavors. The online version is the newest and is recommended for Windows 10. It appears first when you click the above Bitdefender link. A pop-up window comparing the older free version and a pay-for version may overlay the first window. Actually, both versions work fine on Windows 10. Malwarebytes offers a 14 day premium free trial with the download. After that it reverts back to manual scans and updates if you want to stay with the free version. NOTE: The new version of Malwarebytes (3.0) also contains an anti-virus. It can conflict with other anti-virus programs you may have installed. Remember that you can only have 1 anti-virus program running on your computer. Uninstall any other anti-virus program before installing Malwarebytes (3.0). Alternatively, if you have the older version of Bitdefender, click the white “B” icon on the Taskbar and turn off the Virus Shield while running Malwarebytes (3.0) during the trial period. After the Malwarebytes 14 day trial is over you can turn Bitdefender’s Virus Shield back on.

 

Now, I suggest you take an additional approach to increase security particularly when you browse the Internet. Yes, your anti virus can still protect you when a malicious file is downloaded into your computer. However, anti-virus programs are not currently where most of the malicious action is. For technical reasons hackers can’t make money writing virus code. Their attention has turned to other ways that Malwarebytes and AdwCleaner can detect and remove. There are still viruses out there but not at the same level as previously. The additional approach should now include improving browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) security.

 

Next, make sure you are using the Chrome browser. If not, get it here: https://www.google.com/chrome/browser/desktop/. Chrome is perceived to be the safest browser. What I suggest is to add 3 free Add-ins. The add-ins are Adblock Plus https://adblockplus.org/, TrafficLight from Bitdefender http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/trafficlight.html and Disconnect https://disconnect.me/freeprotection. All 3 can be added to Firefox as well as Chrome but Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge can only accept Adblock Plus.

 

Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit is now contained in Malwarebytes Anti Malware version 3.0. It guards against web sites that may harbor malicious exploits also known as ransomware. Exploit kits are designed by hackers to find and exploit any vulnerabilities in your computer. This program works only when a browser is opened but works on all browsers. However, Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit will only run during the free trial or if you decide you want to have the pay-for version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. If you revert back to the free version after the free trial and want Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit you can download it from here: https://downloads.malwarebytes.org/file/mbae_current/. Adblock Plus is an ad blocker. It offers blocking to 3rd party ad servers that are often compromised by hackers that can infect your computer by putting malicious ads on your computer. It doesn’t block all ads. Some legitimate ads originating from the web site itself will still come through. Traffic light examines the web address you are entering. If it’s malicious it will block the connection to that site. Disconnect blocks tracking cookies that follow your various selections of websites.

 

I recommend only one setting change for Adblock Plus. Click the red Adblock Plus icon in the upper right corner of Chrome, click Options, and uncheck “Allow some non-intrusive advertising”. These 3 tools work only when you open your browser.

 

The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need to be answered, be sure to attend on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM upstairs in the Community Center. May’s topic will cover Browser Security.

 

Windows Update Reliability (Dec 2018)

Technology Tips – Published December 2018 in the Guide and Digest

By Don Trauger – Kennett

 

I don’t often make negative comments about anything PC related but in this article I will make you aware of very serious shortcomings with Windows Update.

Reliability with these updates has been in decline for months now. Patches on patches has been the routine for Microsoft. They have had to issue 2 or 3 patches to correct errors that the first one had. It’s obvious to me that Microsoft does not have control over their updates. They force these updates on your computer with no way to stop them or selectively allow only certain ones. It’s not just 1 or 2 updates issued that have problems and are cleared up with a new patch, it’s more like 4 or more that accumulate over months. HP laptops were affected by the faulty October updates but other manufacturers were also affected. Tried and true Windows 7 has also been affected. Strangely, Windows 8.1 has dodged almost all of the serious faulty updates. One of the October problem updates wiped out the contents of the Documents folder including Pictures, Music and Videos. Fortunately this faulty update only went out to power users that have joined Microsoft’s Insiders group but it came perilously close to world-wide distribution.

I no longer trust Microsoft to update my computers nor should you. If you think malware is a more serious problem then you need to rethink how to secure your computer in view of Microsoft’s inability to effectively control their update process. Of course use Malwarebytes free to scan for malware and Bitdefender free is the best anti-virus for your PC. That said, I have tested and recommend Windows Update Blocker V. 1.1 from Sordum.org. It’s a free program that effectively blocks any Windows Update from Microsoft. Other program updates, your browsers (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) for example, will continue normally.

To download this program go to sordum.org and click Windows Update Blocker which is 8th in the list on the right under Our Software. Read through the information about the program if desired and scroll near the bottom of the page and click the Download button. The program will be in your Downloads folder with the name Wub.zip. Double click it then double click the Wub_v1.1 folder to open it. Next, click Wub.exe to open the program. It comes ready to run – no installation needed. Click the Run button instead of the Extract all button. You should see the program window that displays a green shield with a white check. All you need to do is to select Disable Service and click Apply Now. The shield  turns red with a white X. You are now blocking these faulty updates from Microsoft. To turn the updates on simply select Enable Service and click Apply Now. You are now in control of Windows Updates to your computer.

I’m not totally against the concept of Windows Updates but the current situation demands more control by the user.

The following is my recommendation to control Windows Updates. With the Windows Update Blocker set to disable updates, wait for at least 2 months to install a major Spring/Fall update after it’s released to the public. This will allow time for major bugs to be corrected. To receive new updates open Windows Update Blocker and click Enable Service and click Apply Now. Click the Menu button and click Update Options then click Check for updates to download new updates. Normally, updates are issued starting the second Tuesday of the month with corrective patches on the following 2nd, 3rd and 4th Tuesdays as needed.  Remember to disable the Windows Updates in the blocker after you have received all the updates. Timing your updates is best done in the first week of the month following after the updates and corrections have been issued or 2 months after a major Spring or Fall update.

The major Fall update (1809) has been withheld by Microsoft since October 6, 2018 because of the aforementioned update problems. By the time you read this they probably will have corrected it and hopefully you will keep all of your documents. It’s always a good idea to back up your personal files. Use File History located in the Control Panel to back up your files.

For information on the Windows Update Blocker please attend our monthly meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM in the Ardmore room of the Community Center.

Note added Dec 31 2018
Tech Tips Special Report – Dec. 31, 2018.
by Don Trauger – Kennett

Windows Update Blocker for Windows 10 (December 2018 Issue of the Guide & Digest)

It is now safe to update your computer but only to get updates that you may be missing. It’s not recommended to install the “October” Feature update (V.1809) although I haven’t seen anything negative about it recently. I have tested the updating process on 3 computers and all completed their updates without a hitch.

Here’s what to do: Open Windows Update Blocker, click “Enable Service” then click “Apply Now”. Close Windows Update Blocker. Reboot the computer, click the 4 pane white icon (lower left corner) and click the “Settings” icon (gear) just above the “Power” icon. Click “Update & Security” and click “Windows Update” if necessary. Click “Check for updates”. You can then watch the automatic updating process. After the updates are installed open Windows Update Blocker, click “Disable Service” and click “Apply Now”. This will block future updates until further notice. Close Windows Update Blocker.

DO NOT CLICK THE “CHECK FOR UPDATES” BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE! If you do you will receive other updates that are not fully tested along with the October (V.1809) Feature update. Perform this procedure before January 8, 2019.

Village Council Meeting – May 3, 2023

In Attendance:  Mike Pincus, Jay Harter, Margaret Callahan, Bob Gottschall, Bill Shipley and Janet Burgess.

Meeting called to order at 8:59 AM by Mike Pincus.

March 16, 2023 Meeting minutes were approved.

Financial:  Jay Harter reported that we are about $20,000 under budget for the year.

Reserves for roof replacement options look good.

Jay attended a meeting of village treasurers. Reverse mortgages were discussed; there was no concern about them.  Some villages have had to take out loans for roof replacement. None of the other villages did a financial reserves study as Franklin did 10 years ago. The study helped Jay keep Franklin’s reserves on tract to pay for most if not all of the roof replacement.  Jefferson will be doing roof replacements in June.

Hershey’s Mill Landscaping will be coming out in May or June with a proposal for a 4 year contract renewal.  Mike said Ed McFalls said the contract would include a substantial increase over the past contract.

Committee Updates:

Architectural: There was an Architectural Committee meeting on April 29 for the committee members and residents interested in joining the committee. Dom Aleardi has announced that he will be resigning from the committee and the chair position as of May 15, 2023. Several other members also have decided to resign from the committee. The committee will be reorganized as soon as the new volunteers are found. Several residents have already volunteered.  A sub-committee will be reviewing the Architectural Guideline and Rules.

A request from Maryann DiNunzio for an addition was approved by council.

Landscaping: No updates on landscaping.  Council would again like to thank Michelle Cohen and her Committee for all their work.

Welcome Committee:  The committee has contacted our newest resident, Judith Melick, who purchased 566.  The sale of 606 is pending.  There are 2 more house that may be going up for sale this year.

Pool Committee:  The concrete contractor has provided an estimate for fixing part of the concrete apron around the pool.

CSK received the contract for 2023 from Rich Frey of Giuliani Pools. Council approved the contract and CSK signed the contract with Giuliani Pools.

The pool will be opening Memorial Day weekend.

Communications: All communications requested have been sent.

Garage & Street Lights:  Kevin Callahan is being contacted by residents to replace lights.

Maintenance: No response from the request for volunteers so far.

Document Committee: Documents are still being collected but most have already been catalogued.

A review of Architectural Guidelines and Rules will be taking place soon

Old Business: Paul Welle reviewed the information from Pipeview and came up with detailed advice and recommendations. Thanks Paul! Mike Pincus will continue to work with Ed McFalls concerning the drainage issues.

Roofing contractors Bachmann Roofing and Lemus Construction presented their proposals at our council meeting. After the presentations council voted to accept the proposal from Bachman Roofing.

Bachman was chosen because of their extensive references from other Hershey’s Mill villages, best price for the project, and recommendations from CSK. There was a discussion of replacing gutters when we replace the roofs. A quote will be requested from Bachman.

There will be a presentation by Bachman Roofing concerning roof replacement at the annual meeting on May 24th.

The change to the Franklin Village Declarations about the deductible amount for insurance was discussed.  Since the $7500 deductible that is stated in our Declarations will no longer be offered, the $7500 specification will be removed from the Declarations in order to have flexibility when changes to the deductible amount occur.

New Business: None.

The Franklin Village Annual meeting and council election will be held on Wednesday May 24, 2023.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:27 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Bill Shipley