Polymorphic w32/Scribble and what that is:

Having read the Graham Cluley's Blog about "Court halted by fast-spreading virus". I wanted to talk about this one because of the need to let people know about this little Virus and what you see when you are infected.

This virus modifies the Windows Host file so it redirects the host to a loopback address. It also uses the I-frame Injection into HTM, PHP or ASP file extensions. W32/Scribble-a, also known as Virus.Win32.Virut.ce, PE_VIRUX.A, or Virus:Win32/Virut.BM allows a users to control the machine through IRC.
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Although originally misidentified at the time of the initial infection on 4th February as the Conficker worm, the infection was ultimately declared by officials to be "W32/Virut.n" (which Sophos has detected as the W32/Scribble-A virus since 3rd February).

[Via Graham Cluley's Blog]

Sopho's Has a removal tool for this to help disinfect a system that is infected. I also want to remind people about the need for backups and the need for Anti-virus Software, including a free firewall, will not protect you 100% of the time but will help you identify and possibliy remove a virus, Trojan, and worm from you system. Just like the seriousness of the Conflicker Worm, this too should be taken seriously due to how it is easily spreading. And with Valentines Day just a few days and some Other Holidays that will be coming up, you can bet this virus will start infecting even more systems. You should also backup your data weekly if not monthly. I'd suggest doing a backup on a Early Sunday Morning before 4am so the system won't be used.  I'll update you if there is anything else about this virus on my blog later.  Just wanted to let people know to be watching for this little virus on and offline!!

Western Digital To Shed 2,500 people from the workforce!

I saw this on Engadget and had to talk about this.    If you are getting Laid off.   This will be over shortly,  I am sure of it!!!

[ad#ad2-right]Just in time for the holidays, it's Tickle Me Layoffs. Western Digital is cutting loose 5% of its workforce -- that's 2,500 more people who'll be staying home against their will. Hey Nintendo, why are you so happy?

[Via Engadget]

This is sad just before the holidays people will have to stay home and worry about the coming year.   I hope they get some help with the government.   Where is the second check that we are supposed to get?

PS3 launches "HOME" so you don't have to go anywhere for the Holidays!

Sony, Launches "Home" today and according to the Washington Post and I'll quote:

PS3 owners will be able to download and check out the new service starting tomorrow. Home is free to Web-connected owners of the game console, though users may opt to spend money to spiff up their avatars and virtual apartments.

[via Washington Post]

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It looks very much like it will be a success with the users.   This should make it a lot easier to meet people and discuss what they are playing.   It looks like they are trying this in BETA and should out of beta in a couple of months.  Sony should start offering service for everyone  as they roll out it to all parts of the world.   It will take time for it to get to all the pople so please be patient.

Is this Hardcore PC Falcon Northwest Mach V Extreme or not?

[ad#ad2-right]Just saw this on PcWorld Reviews and thought I'd talk about the specs. I would love to get one of these for my self. It comes with:

• Silverstone Temjin TJ03 full tower case


• Intel Core i7 965 Extreme processor -- Overclocked to 3.8 GHZ

12GB of DDR3-1066

7200-rpm Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 hard drive

dual 2GB ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 graphics

• 22-inch Samsung 2243 LCD

All these are links are for those who would like to make this computer yourself.   The links are where you could go to buy the parts. The price after you buy the parts are estimated at $7395 price and I think you could get that down to 5000$ if you look for rebates and other incentives.   I wouldn't mind having this computer for gaming myself.   It sure would be nice to give for someone on the holidays.  This would be good for people wh o are looking to computer game developers or people who are into 3D rendering.  Just though I share this little  review with you.   They really did a fantastic review of this product on there site.

Microsoft issues Vista patches out of Monthly Patch Cycle!

Microsoft issues Out of cycle patch for Vista.   These patches are as Followed:
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Kb957321


An update rollup is available for the Microsoft Windows Imaging Component (WIC) in Windows Vista or in Windows Server 2008. This update rollup resolves the problems that are documented in the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

954708 An update to add support for the serialization of complex Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) data types in the Windows Imaging Component

945060 There may be inconsistencies in the Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) and Exchangeable Image File (EXIF) values for an image file in Windows Vista and in Windows XP

KB959108

The Windows Portable Device (WPD) API collects and transfers Software Quality Metrics (SQM) data to Microsoft servers. The SQM data is collected only on an opt-in basis through the Microsoft Customer Experience Improvement Program. An update is available that disables the collection and transfer of SQL data to Microsoft servers.



This update affects Windows Vista-based computers, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1)-based computers, and Windows Server 2008-based computers that are in the Microsoft Windows Media Player Customer Experience Improvement Program.

KB959130

On a Windows Vista-based computer or on a Windows Server 2008-based computer, you install a third-party Web browser. You set the third-party Web browser as the default Web browser. Then, you run the Connect to the Internet Wizard. However, if you select the Browse the Internet now option, Windows Internet Explorer starts instead of the third-party Web browser that you set as the default Web browser.

[ad#ad2-right]This seems to be not so important.  All of these are not really security related but it does surprise me that Microsoft wanted to release these out of Cycle.   If your planning on using your Vista laptop during the holidays you might want to update your vista machine before you go.  I don't think there is going to be any major issues with this but if there is, you can always remove these updates later.

Hulu Launches the Hulu for the Holidays!

[ad#ad2-right]This is near and dear to my heart.  Hulu finally launches the Hulu for the Holidays sponsored by Wal-Mart.   I have talked about what they might bring to the holiday season and if you want to find out what I thought might come to Hulu check out these links:

• 
  Some Movies that might be coming to HULU!
  


• 
  Hulu Brings on Paramount Movies!
  

Some movies or show that will probably come to Hulu are going to be Christmas themes.  I would wager it will be Charlie Brown, Peanuts, The Grinch who Stole Christmas.  I am sure there will be even more later on, ones that I didn't think would come to Hulu.   We shall see what comes from what they want to do the next few weeks.  To bad they aren't doing clues this time around people seemed to like doing that.

Left 4 Dead Sneak Peak!

[ad#ad2-left]Yes they finally released the demo. According to my sources and I'll quote:

Newell said: "We will be releasing demos for both the Xbox and for the PC. I don't know what the date is for release on that, though. I think it's going to contain the first part of one of the campaigns. I think it'll probably be Hospital but I'm not sure. That's a decision that Doug Lombardi is making."

[Via Videogamer]

If you want to see the game screen shots you and preview the pictures all you need to do is go HERE.  You can also start pre-purchasing Left 4 Dead on The PC and be ready to play when it comes out. Watch the Video from Steam for Left 4 Dead Intro In English. You can also Gift the Game for the Holidays, I would like one to get and try it out so if you want to give me the Gift just send it to me via my email address.  According to Steam, you will haveto pre-purchase Left 4 Dead and then the Demo will be available for you a week before hand!! so that is one good thing!!  So go buy it and enjoy!!!  Also you will need to install Steam to enjoy the demo.