MSN.COM - W32.Spybot.Worm in the wild

There appears to be some malware in the wild.  I received a MSN note from one of my MSN Contacts this afternoon.  The FQDN for the link was gallery.aokhost.com and the link includes my MSN e-mail address and it has a sentence about "Hey, is this really your pic?" or a similar phrase.  The URL includes a PHP script and the users MSN contact (username@domain.com).  It appears the PHP script loads the malware and the user Contact is used only to lure you to click the link.  The malware is dumped to C:\Windows\msn.com on my Windows XP Pro system.

I am running Symantec Endpoint Protection 11 with current virus definitions. It appears to have run once, then SEP11 quarantined it, but a system restart was required to fully remove it from my system.

It does not appear that any other damage was done to my system other than hitting my Contacts and spawning the IM's to everyone on my list.

Symantec Corp Edition 10.1 with current virus definitions will remove the infected file after a system restart.  The Symantec link is below and they have a whole page of remediation tools for W32 malware.

http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2003-053013-5943-99

Technorati Tags: malware,MSN,software,antivirus

YouTube - Bush booed at 2008 Nationals home opener

YouTube - Bush booed at 2008 Nationals home opener

I think the title says it all. All the bone heads that wanted a president "they could have a beer with..." got what they voted for...

MacBook Air Parody

YouTube - MacBook Air Parody

It's already well established that I'm not a big fan of Apple Stores. I'm still put out that the manager of the Marlton, NJ store manager who wouldn't let me take photos inside the store. I just wanted to prove to my friends that I was in your store, you little freak show. Also, they need to rename the "Genius Bar", or staff them with real geniuses, at least someone smarter than our dog (who eats rabbit poo in the backyard and considers it a fine dining).

Anyhow, this is a brilliant parody from the folks at The Bureau (even though the video wasn't running when I tried it).

Recycling symbols explained

This is a good article that walks you through the triangular symbol containing a number between '1' and '7'. From PETE (polyethylene terephthalate) to "Other".

In our NJ neighborhood, they recycle 1 and 2 - polyethylene terephthalate and HDPE (high density polyethylene). One thing I haven't found out, but will Google now) is where they have two numbers on one container. I suspect the second number is for the cap or lid, but it's not very clear.

::: HTC ::: Smart Mobility :::

::: HTC ::: Smart Mobility :::

HTC Mogul firmware update. I had problems with my Mogul not responding when it was locked and in standby mode. I found the firmware was a full revision behind and the latest ROM date was 2/22/08.

The update wipes your phone, so you have to re-install third party software and any customizations. I like the application management feature (Task Manager) with the new release, but I haven't really noticed the EV-DO speed increase. I will test more tomorrow.

The software upgrade posted below provides several key enhancements for
your Mogul:
1. Adds EV-DO Rev.A functionality for faster download and upload speeds when transmitting data wherever EV-DO Rev. A coverage is available.
2. Adds advanced GPS functionality including the software for Sprint Navigation.
3. Adds a Task Manager to the Today screen for easier access and management of Running Programs.
4. Improves Bluetooth performance including usage with Phone As Modem and wireless stereo headsets.
5. Corrects an issue where Windows Live Messenger content may be erased when the device power
cycles.

Microsoft PowerShell

PowerShell is the preferred scripting language for new Microsoft Server products and a requirement for management and administration for Exchange 2007. 

PowerGUI is a PowerShell GUI described as "an extensible administrative console based on Windows PowerShell".  The site (powergui.org) includes some video tutorials and user community forums.   The latest PowerGui build can be downloaded here.

Best card for foreign exchange?

I'm headed to the UK for a Microsoft training session in our Milton Keynes office.

It has been 15 years this August since we moved back to the US from Ireland, so I needed to re-visit travel and the best way to exchange money for the trip.

A great resource is the FlyerGuide Wiki.

I'll update this post when I return with a summary of the trip.

Technorati Tags: travel,currency,UK