The Vent and Rant Thread - Page 1536

cromag · 09-23-2013, 09:00 PM

I got nailed by a truly amazing virus attack in 2006. It really was phenomenal. The really sad thing is that anyone who could craft the series of programs that nailed me could probably have made a very decent (and honest) living in the tech world.

Fortunately, I was sitting at the screen when it launched. At the time I really only relied on an antivirus program, but it did a valiant job. Between the AV and me, we were at least able to prevent the attack from installing a rootkit, but it still took about 6 weeks to get the PC cleaned.

Now, I run an antivirus program, a paid anti-malware program, a strong firewall, a script blocker, a cookie whitelist add-on for my browser, and I keep a strong (and updated) Hosts file. It's a pain in the butt, but it works.

Oh ... and I do most of my "surfing" with my Linux-based netbook.

KyBunnies · 09-23-2013, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

Now, I run an antivirus program, a paid anti-malware program, a strong firewall, a script blocker, a cookie whitelist add-on for my browser, and I keep a strong (and updated) Hosts file. It's a pain in the butt, but it works.

What is a script blocker??

Dylrob · 09-25-2013, 01:58 AM

****. My little fuzzies have been infested with fleas! This has never happened with them before, so I've been caught massively off guard.

bjones6416 · 09-25-2013, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dylrob

****. My little fuzzies have been infested with fleas! This has never happened with them before, so I've been caught massively off guard.

Fleas have been terrible here this year. I've been pretty lucky with Sammy Dog and managed to stay (mostly) ahead of them, but my sister's about ready to nuke her house from space. Hope you can get your critters comfortable!

cromag · 09-25-2013, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KyBunnies

What is a script blocker??

It prevents any Javascript, Flash video, or other "active content" from running unless you specifically approve. You can permit a site to run scripts on a onetime basis, or allow it to run scripts until revoked.

Scripts are very useful and it can be cumbersome to keep approving new sites. On the other hand, scripts are one way for a hacker to deliver malware to your computer.

I use the NoScript add-on for Firefox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NoScript

WT Sharpe · 09-25-2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

It prevents any Javascript, Flash video, or other "active content" from running unless you specifically approve. You can permit a site to run scripts on a onetime basis, or allow it to run scripts until revoked.

Scripts are very useful and it can be cumbersome to keep approving new sites. On the other hand, scripts are one way for a hacker to deliver malware to your computer.

I use the NoScript add-on for Firefox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NoScript

I use NoScript for Firefox also and it appears to work very well. It's a pain in the butt at times having to approve every site for running scripts, but it sure beats the alternative.

KyBunnies · 09-25-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

It prevents any Javascript, Flash video, or other "active content" from running unless you specifically approve. You can permit a site to run scripts on a onetime basis, or allow it to run scripts until revoked.

Scripts are very useful and it can be cumbersome to keep approving new sites. On the other hand, scripts are one way for a hacker to deliver malware to your computer.

I use the NoScript add-on for Firefox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NoScript

This add-on ~~NoScript Security Suite 2.6.8.1
http://noscript.net/

I use Firefox, but then that is the only browser I will use.

I do have Do Not Track Me, Ghoestry, & AdBlock plus also. But I did not know about scripts.

Stitchawl · 09-25-2013, 08:56 PM

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr................................. ........

My US bank has decided to implement new security protocols for on-line banking. Two months ago they asked customers to verify a telephone number at which they can be reached for a one-time check. I immediately wrote to Customer Service and told them that I was out of the country and asked how I could deal with this as my phone number in Thailand is different than the one in the US. I was told by a very clever representative that I needed to come into the bank to change the number. I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to change the number, but that my son was AT my number and could take the call. The same rep wrote back that I should add my son's name to the account for that to work. I wrote back and asked her to add my son's name to my account. She wrote back saying that I would have to come into the bank to add his name... I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to add his name. I asked again HOW I could deal with this problem while being out of the country. She wrote back and told me that her supervisor told her that SHE could enter my Thai phone number, which she did. Unfortunately, their automated system, while allowing for longer numbers to include dialing International country codes, doesn't allow for the 011 prefix to allow their system to access the International dialing service. And their human Customer Service can't override the new computer security protocols... It must be accessed by the automated computer system.

It's a good thing Life Support isn't computer controlled. Oh... wait....

Stitchawl

kindlekitten · 09-26-2013, 02:25 AM

Stitchy!? no, don't go to the light all bank things are not important

says she who grits her teeth while battling the off shore kindle support people at 1130

KyBunnies · 09-26-2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

It prevents any Javascript, Flash video, or other "active content" from running unless you specifically approve. You can permit a site to run scripts on a onetime basis, or allow it to run scripts until revoked.

Scripts are very useful and it can be cumbersome to keep approving new sites. On the other hand, scripts are one way for a hacker to deliver malware to your computer.

I use the NoScript add-on for Firefox.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NoScript

Thanks a bunch I have it installed.

Also would you please private message me, I have a questions and I bet you can help me figure out how to solve this.

Thanks

HomeInMyShoes · 09-26-2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr................................. ........

My US bank has decided to implement new security protocols for on-line banking. Two months ago they asked customers to verify a telephone number at which they can be reached for a one-time check. I immediately wrote to Customer Service and told them that I was out of the country and asked how I could deal with this as my phone number in Thailand is different than the one in the US. I was told by a very clever representative that I needed to come into the bank to change the number. I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to change the number, but that my son was AT my number and could take the call. The same rep wrote back that I should add my son's name to the account for that to work. I wrote back and asked her to add my son's name to my account. She wrote back saying that I would have to come into the bank to add his name... I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to add his name. I asked again HOW I could deal with this problem while being out of the country. She wrote back and told me that her supervisor told her that SHE could enter my Thai phone number, which she did. Unfortunately, their automated system, while allowing for longer numbers to include dialing International country codes, doesn't allow for the 011 prefix to allow their system to access the International dialing service. And their human Customer Service can't override the new computer security protocols... It must be accessed by the automated computer system.

It's a good thing Life Support isn't computer controlled. Oh... wait....

Stitchawl

I work in IT and I have a mantra, it goes like this: all systems are powerful until one adds business rules.

I also have another mantra: technology: bad for you; bad for me.

I was thinking of printing t-shirts and wearing them on Fridays.

covingtoncat73 · 09-26-2013, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr................................. ........

My US bank has decided to implement new security protocols for on-line banking. Two months ago they asked customers to verify a telephone number at which they can be reached for a one-time check. I immediately wrote to Customer Service and told them that I was out of the country and asked how I could deal with this as my phone number in Thailand is different than the one in the US. I was told by a very clever representative that I needed to come into the bank to change the number. I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to change the number, but that my son was AT my number and could take the call. The same rep wrote back that I should add my son's name to the account for that to work. I wrote back and asked her to add my son's name to my account. She wrote back saying that I would have to come into the bank to add his name... I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to add his name. I asked again HOW I could deal with this problem while being out of the country. She wrote back and told me that her supervisor told her that SHE could enter my Thai phone number, which she did. Unfortunately, their automated system, while allowing for longer numbers to include dialing International country codes, doesn't allow for the 011 prefix to allow their system to access the International dialing service. And their human Customer Service can't override the new computer security protocols... It must be accessed by the automated computer system.

It's a good thing Life Support isn't computer controlled. Oh... wait....

Stitchawl

Oh, gee, Stitch. Banks can be so obnoxious, can't they? As to computer-controlled, it reminds me of this show I was watching on Netflix that is kind of a take on Stirling's "Dies the Fire" series. Anyway, a one of the characters, a Gates/Jobs-type-guy, feels pretty useless without computers and Internet. The episode that gave a bit of his backstory was my favorite.

Another genealogy vent here. I got my greatx3 grandfather's marriage licenses (or copies thereof, I think) from the New Orleans Public Library, who were nice and speedy as possible in getting me those ($2 a pop because his first wife died young and he remarried, so there were 2).

Anyway, I was so disappointed! There was really no information on there pertinent to what wanted beyond what I found in the online index. No names of the bride or groom's parents. The witness wasn't even one of my greatx3 grandfather's brothers, so I can't even be 100% sure I got the right guy, though I am reasonably certain. *Sigh* I really wanted his first wife (my greatx3 grandmother's) mother's name.

Lady Blue · 10-04-2013, 07:43 AM

Speaking of flu shots .... like I mentioned in another thread, I got my flu shot yesterday. Pinched when I got it but have felt absolutely no soreness since. That's the good part.

I don't mean to start any kind of social, political or moral discussion or argument with this rant, but I just don't understand the logic of the following:

We've been hearing a lot about the new 4-strain flu shots available this year, but not every place giving flu shots will have it. Some places will still only have the 3-strain shots. Starting next year ALL shots will be a 4-strain variety I hear.

So when I go to get my shot I ask about it. Yes they have it. But ... my fabulous employer-paid health insurance coverage, which has pretty much, through all of health insurance history, and from everyone I know who's ever had it (including myself who's had their coverage for years); and I don't want to mention any names (Blue Cross Blue Shield) will not pay for the 4-strain shot. They'll only pay for the 3-strain shot!

GREAT! I got the 3-strain shot.

What is the point in not covering the better shot, I wonder? The price difference is not that great. It will cost them more if I happen to get that 4th strain of flu this year and need to see a doctor for it. How dumb. They'll be covering it NEXT year because that's all that will be available from what I hear.

I'm sure there's some very logical explanation for not paying for the "upgrade" but I can't imagine what that could be. You would think that for a $350 per month premium per employee, that BCBS could cover a $39 4-strain flu shot.

Lady Blue · 10-04-2013, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by covingtoncat73

Another genealogy vent here. I got my greatx3 grandfather's marriage licenses (or copies thereof, I think) from the New Orleans Public Library, who were nice and speedy as possible in getting me those ($2 a pop because his first wife died young and he remarried, so there were 2).

Anyway, I was so disappointed! There was really no information on there pertinent to what wanted beyond what I found in the online index. No names of the bride or groom's parents. The witness wasn't even one of my greatx3 grandfather's brothers, so I can't even be 100% sure I got the right guy, though I am reasonably certain. *Sigh* I really wanted his first wife (my greatx3 grandmother's) mother's name.

Do you have online access to census records? You seem to be in to genealogy pretty deep, so I would imagine you already checked census records for the names you need IF they would be listed in the 1850 census or later where individual names were listed. I'm sure you've already checked every avenue available. I was just wondering.

bjones6416 · 10-04-2013, 09:40 AM

I spent almost all of the past year dealing with frozen shoulder on the right side. It has pretty much resolved (with a lot of pt visits) but now the left one is freezing, even more painfully than the first one did. Lots of different opinions around about treatment, but pt helped me get through the last one (and I really like my therapist) so I'm going that route with this one. Except today I came home from pt and burst into tears, because the session was soooo painful.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I just have to vent...	lacymarie7575	Sony Reader	5	08-18-2010 07:59 PM
I need to vent! Booksonboard! Ugh!	Mrgauth	News	25	12-17-2009 09:26 AM
Why, Oh Why! [RANT]	Vesper	Lounge	19	06-19-2008 11:50 AM
Am I allowed to vent here?	sborsody	Which one should I buy?	25	06-12-2007 01:30 PM

09-23-2013, 09:00 PM	#23026
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 24,289 Karma: 459220161 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	I got nailed by a truly amazing virus attack in 2006. It really was phenomenal. The really sad thing is that anyone who could craft the series of programs that nailed me could probably have made a very decent (and honest) living in the tech world. Fortunately, I was sitting at the screen when it launched. At the time I really only relied on an antivirus program, but it did a valiant job. Between the AV and me, we were at least able to prevent the attack from installing a rootkit, but it still took about 6 weeks to get the PC cleaned. Now, I run an antivirus program, a paid anti-malware program, a strong firewall, a script blocker, a cookie whitelist add-on for my browser, and I keep a strong (and updated) Hosts file. It's a pain in the butt, but it works. Oh ... and I do most of my "surfing" with my Linux-based netbook.

09-25-2013, 01:58 AM	#23028
Dylrob Murderous Mustela Posts: 10,141 Karma: 47366760 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: The other land of schnitzel and beer Device: iPad M1 Pro, Kindle Paperwhite	****. My little fuzzies have been infested with fleas! This has never happened with them before, so I've been caught massively off guard.

09-25-2013, 08:56 PM	#23033
Stitchawl Opsimath Posts: 12,344 Karma: 187123287 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand Device: Sony PRS-650, iPhone 5, Kobo Glo, Sony PRS-350, iPad, Samsung Galaxy	Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr................................. ........ My US bank has decided to implement new security protocols for on-line banking. Two months ago they asked customers to verify a telephone number at which they can be reached for a one-time check. I immediately wrote to Customer Service and told them that I was out of the country and asked how I could deal with this as my phone number in Thailand is different than the one in the US. I was told by a very clever representative that I needed to come into the bank to change the number. I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to change the number, but that my son was AT my number and could take the call. The same rep wrote back that I should add my son's name to the account for that to work. I wrote back and asked her to add my son's name to my account. She wrote back saying that I would have to come into the bank to add his name... I wrote back that I was out of the country and could NOT come in to add his name. I asked again HOW I could deal with this problem while being out of the country. She wrote back and told me that her supervisor told her that SHE could enter my Thai phone number, which she did. Unfortunately, their automated system, while allowing for longer numbers to include dialing International country codes, doesn't allow for the 011 prefix to allow their system to access the International dialing service. And their human Customer Service can't override the new computer security protocols... It must be accessed by the automated computer system. It's a good thing Life Support isn't computer controlled. Oh... wait.... Stitchawl

09-26-2013, 02:25 AM	#23034
kindlekitten Professional Adventuress Posts: 13,368 Karma: 50260224 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!) Device: Kindle, the original! Times Two! and gifting an International Kindle	Stitchy!? no, don't go to the light all bank things are not important says she who grits her teeth while battling the off shore kindle support people at 1130

10-04-2013, 07:43 AM	#23038
Lady Blue the snarky blue one Posts: 6,001 Karma: 3877825 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: deep in the heart Device: PRS500, 505 & 600, PRST1 & T2, Kindle PW, Moto Razr, Galaxy Tab 2-10"	Speaking of flu shots .... like I mentioned in another thread, I got my flu shot yesterday. Pinched when I got it but have felt absolutely no soreness since. That's the good part. I don't mean to start any kind of social, political or moral discussion or argument with this rant, but I just don't understand the logic of the following: We've been hearing a lot about the new 4-strain flu shots available this year, but not every place giving flu shots will have it. Some places will still only have the 3-strain shots. Starting next year ALL shots will be a 4-strain variety I hear. So when I go to get my shot I ask about it. Yes they have it. But ... my fabulous employer-paid health insurance coverage, which has pretty much, through all of health insurance history, and from everyone I know who's ever had it (including myself who's had their coverage for years); and I don't want to mention any names (Blue Cross Blue Shield) will not pay for the 4-strain shot. They'll only pay for the 3-strain shot! GREAT! I got the 3-strain shot. What is the point in not covering the better shot, I wonder? The price difference is not that great. It will cost them more if I happen to get that 4th strain of flu this year and need to see a doctor for it. How dumb. They'll be covering it NEXT year because that's all that will be available from what I hear. I'm sure there's some very logical explanation for not paying for the "upgrade" but I can't imagine what that could be. You would think that for a $350 per month premium per employee, that BCBS could cover a $39 4-strain flu shot.

10-04-2013, 09:40 AM	#23040
bjones6416 ↓↓ Skirt!! Earrings!! Posts: 3,394 Karma: 17432172 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Georgia, USA Device: Acer netbook, JetBook Lite, Sony PRS-300, Kindle 2, Kindle Fire	I spent almost all of the past year dealing with frozen shoulder on the right side. It has pretty much resolved (with a lot of pt visits) but now the left one is freezing, even more painfully than the first one did. Lots of different opinions around about treatment, but pt helped me get through the last one (and I really like my therapist) so I'm going that route with this one. Except today I came home from pt and burst into tears, because the session was soooo painful.

Advert

Advert