INews Newsletter - Jul 31, 1998
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* * * I N e w s * * *
A publication of Internet Nebraska, composed and distributed by
* * * manager@inetnebr.com * * *
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Volume 1, Number 17 July 31, 1998
Welcome to another issue of INews, Internet Nebraska's customer newsletter.
This biweekly newsletter communicates service bulletins, announcements and
other useful information to our customers. Please let us know what you think
of it.
In this issue: E-mail Trojan Horse
Get 'Em While They Last
Beatrice POP Upgrade
Game & Parks
Reminders
*** E-mail "Virus" ***
There has been some mention in the news this past week about a new e-mail virus
that is spreading around the Internet. While not technically a virus, there is
a bug in Microsoft's Outlook 98 and Outlook Express e-mail programs for Windows
95, 98, and NT, as well as for the Macintosh. There is also a similar but
different flaw in Netscape Mail version 4.0 through 4.05 and 4.5b1. The
problems could possibly allow a malicious individual to send a carefully
constructed e-mail that could run arbitrary commands on your computer. Since
this information is contained in the MIME header of the message, it would not
be necessary to read this e-mail to activate the "trojan horse," but to simply
download the message header.
Although there are no reports of people actually taking advantage of this bug,
the possibility is there, and action should be taken to protect your computer.
Everyone running Outlook Express version 4.0 or 4.01 that was shipped with
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or 4.01 (including the version on the Internet
Nebraska CD) on Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0, and the Macintosh could be affected.
Windows 3.1 and Windows NT 3.5 users are not affected by this problem.
Microsoft has released a patch to fix this problem with the Outlook e-mail
client. You can read more about it, find out if you're affected, and obtain
software patches at http://www.microsoft.com/ie/security/oelong.htm
Netscape expects this problem to be fixed in Netscape version 4.06, to be
released within the next 2 weeks. More information and a work-around are
available from Netscape's web site at
http://www.netscape.com/products/security/resources/bugs/longfile.html
*** Computer Renaissance of Lincoln - Advertisement ***
Computer Renaissance. The new store
with the used computer equipment.
Quality, brand name computer
equipment at prices lower than you'll
find anywhere. Computer Renaissance
is where you can buy a computer, sell
your used one or upgrade to a computer
that's more your speed.
-- http://www.crlincoln.com/
*** USR 56K Modems For Sale ***
Internet Nebraska has just a few internal USR 56K x2 modems left for sale, and
we've priced them to move. For just $99, you can enjoy the kind of speedy
connectivity you've read so much about.
$99?!?! Why that's INSANE!!!
Yes, $99! And for another $20, we'll install it for you and upgrade you to
V.90. We don't have many left, so write manager@inetnebr.com to reserve yours
ASAP.
*** The Capital Soccer Association - Advertisement ***
Capital Soccer Association specializes in
teaching soccer. However we recognize that
soccer, or any other youth sport is merely
one tool in the development of a young
child. Teamwork and sportsmanship through
knowledge and proficiency of the game are
our main goals.
-- http://www.capitalsoccer.com/
*** Bigger Pipe to Beatrice ***
The Internet Nebraska point-of-presence in Beatrice at computers.etc was
upgraded to a full T1 this past week. Traffic had gotten very congested during
peak hours -- about 8pm-1am -- but now data flows across our network and into
customers' homes just as fast as our modems can move it. Web surfers have
noticed a significant decrease in wait times for downloads, and gamers are
especially pleased.
"This rocks," said one Beatrice-area Quake enthusiast. "I'm a death-dealing,
bloodletting, monster-eating KILLING MACHINE!"
*** Schaefer's TV & Appliance center - Advertisement ***
Schaefer's is an independently owned and
operated television, appliance, and home
theater retailer in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Born out of a small corner drugstore four
decades ago, Schaefer's TV & Appliance is a
22,000 square-foot "superstore" today,
specializing in commercial/professional-grade
appliances, whole house sound systems, home
theater and central vacuum systems. The
success of Schaefer's is key to repeat
business. If a customer happens to have a
problem with a product, Schaefer's will bend
over backwards to get it solved. Our service
center is the largest in the city, and has been
voted Lincoln's #1 servicer for 10 years in a
row! A knowledgeable sales staff, express
delivery, easy financing, and our customer
service representatives are just a few of the
ways in which we at Schaefer's distinguish
ourselves from the rest. Stop by our showroom
at 48th and R in Lincoln, or call us at
402-464-8888, and see for yourself.
-- http://www.schaeferstv.com/index2.htm
*** Nebraska Game and Parks Commission On-Line ***
For fishing, hunting and wildlife resources, as well as general "outdoorsy"
stuff, check out the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission's web page
( http://www.ngpc.state.ne.us ). This well-stocked site includes everything
you need to plan your fishing, hunting or camping trip.
Searchable databases provide information on area parks and lakes. A Weekly
Fishing and Hunting Report tells you where the bass are biting (and deer are
congregating). You can even purchase (and print out) a fishing or hunting
license on-line.
The site also features nearly a thousand images of Nebraska wildlife and park
subjects, an outdoor discussion forum (no, you do not have to take your
computer outside to participate), and a secure server with SSl online
transaction capability. Visitors can browse an online catalog and order
shirts, hats and coffee mugs with (what else?) pictures of animals on them.
The Nebraska Game and Parks web page has been on-line since October 1994,
which, we are told, makes it the first state government game and parks web site
in the country. It is worth a visit.
*** MicroAge Lincoln - Advertisement ***
MicroAge Lincoln is a full service computer
partner to the Lincoln, Nebraska area.
We offer business clients a full range of
services, including: software training,
network design and support, hardware repair,
and product sales. Whether you are
interested in computer training for yourself,
or you are a business that needs a network,
team up with MicroAge. We are committed to
your success.
-- http://www.microagelnk.com/index2.html
*** Some Friendly Reminders ***
We are _very_ grateful to those check payors who note their username in the
memo blanks of their checks, or in some other way help us to know which
accounts are being paid on. It can get incredibly confusing when we get a
check that is meant to go toward four different balances. Just jotting your
email address somewhere on the check or tucking the invoice in with your
payment helps ensure that your money goes toward your balance. Many users have
been doing this for us since we first started in about it, and we're crazy in
love with them.
Also, don't forget about EFT (electronic funds transfer). Several hundred of
our customers are using that method of payment, and enjoy not having to worry
about mailing off a check each month, or charging another payment to their
credit cards. If direct payment out of your checking account interests you,
visit http://www.inetnebr.com/eft/ and fill out the form. We'll mail you the
hardcopy form to get you on that program.
*** Advertise on Our Home Pages ***
What better way to advertise your business than on a web page that is
seen tens of thousands of time every month? None, if you're paying as
little as we charge for it! Give us a call at our office, 434-8680, and
ask how you can reserve banner spots on some of the hottest URL's in the
state, including our new search, kids, news, and restaurant pages. The
advertisers in this issue did, and we recommend them highly.