NeoCode - Slashdot User

Windows 7 Users Warned Over Filename Security Risk 613

Posted by timothy on Thursday May 07, 2009 @03:54PM from the death's-too-good-for-some-people dept.

nandemoari writes "Would-be Windows 7 users have been warned to change a default setting which could leave them vulnerable to attack via bogus files. As a result, Microsoft is taking flak for failing to correct a problem found in previous editions of Windows. The issue involves the way Windows Explorer displays filenames. In all editions of Windows after Windows 98, the default setting hides the filename extension (which identifies what type of file it is). This means that a Word file titled 'partyinvite.doc' will show up in Windows Explorer as simply 'partyinvite'. The only exception to this rule is if Windows does not recognize the file type. The reason for this setting is that it makes for a less cluttered look and avoids filling the screen with redundant detail. However, a flaw in the way it works leaves it liable to exploitation by hackers. They can take an executable file (which can do much more damage to a computer when opened) and disguise it by calling it 'partyinvite.doc.exe.'"

Comment Re:Agreed. My two cents... (Score 1) 578

by nonane on Thursday August 03, 2006 @05:00PM (#15842709) Attached to: Is Windows Vista Ready? 'No. God, no.'

5472 wasn't RC1 - it was a technical refresh of Beta 2.

RC1 is yet to come.

Senate Passes Patriot Act Renewal 705

Posted by CowboyNeal on Friday March 03, 2006 @01:17AM from the not-dead-yet dept.

IAmTheDave writes "The Senate has passed a renewal of the Patriot act, 89-10, after two extensions caused by months of negotiations. The only thing standing in the way of a full renewal is a House vote, expected to pass next week. The renewal comes with some privacy protections attached, however, some worry they are only cosmetic. Some lawmakers who voted for the package acknowledged deep reservations about the power it would grant to any president. "Our support for the Patriot Act does not mean a blank check for the president," said Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada, who voted to pass the bill package. Certain lawmakers supported passing the bill even though they were still wary about it - Arlen Specter urged his colleagues to pass it even as he promised to introduce a new measure and hold hearings on how to fix it. Terrorism aside, the bill also includes new legislation that has almost nothing to do with terrorism, like one measure, which would make it harder for illicit labs to obtain ingredients for methamphetamine by requiring pharmacies to sell nonprescription cold medicines only from behind the counter. I know that people like Arlen Specter promise further hearings - but why pass what you know is flawed?"

Comment Used to the noise (Score 1) 275

by NeoCode on Tuesday August 09, 2005 @01:50PM (#13280278) Attached to: Completely Silent Media PC

I realized this when my computer died on me one day. I never turn my PC off and that was the first time in months that my PC was off for the night. I couldn't not go to sleep that night. I got used to the noise so much that without it I kept tossing and turning the whole night.

The silence during the night creeped me out so much that I turned on my fan (in the middle of winter), took another blanket and only then was I able to sleep.

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