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April 2004 - Windows Update XP Newsletter

Subscriber List: 15,039

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http://www.updatexp.com 

Making Windows XP a little easier...
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This Newsletter's Contents:

Introduction...

1. Microsoft MVP 2004 Summit

2. Windows XP Registry eBook Is Launched!

3. Microsoft Security Alert

4. FREE Anti Virus Software

5. FREE Firewall Software

6. FREE Spyware Software

7. Movie Maker Transition

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Introduction...

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Well here is the April 2004 newsletter!

Most of you may realise that I work full time as an IT Professional for a UK Charity. This newsletter
and website are maintained in my "spare time".

However because I have been writing an ebook on the Windows XP Registry and have recently flown out to the US to attend the annual Microsoft MVP Summit, I have NOT been able to publish a regular newsletter!

I intend to make that up to you ALL in next months "BUMPER" edition!!!

Happy reading...


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1. Microsoft MVP 2004 Summit

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Well I have only just returned from my visit to Seattle, WA for the annual Microsoft MVP Summit. It was a great opportunity to review the new software and updates Microsoft has planned for release over the coming months.

Sadly I can not reveal much until the public release dates... This is due to MVP's signing a non disclosure agreement with Microsoft!

But the good news is I will have had an opportunity to test and use the software in advance. So when the public release dates arrive I can be one of the first to share with you the benefits and new features you are going to want to know about.

So stay subscribed to this newsletter and keep ahead of the pack!

Not sure what a Microsoft MVP is:

http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;mvpintro


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2. Windows XP Registry eBook Is Launched!

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Well after many evenings at my computer, I have finally finished the ebook on the Windows XP Registry.

This ebook has been written to help the home user understand the power of the Registry. It is not a book for the advanced user, but a "primer" to help you understand the basic concepts and key points...

But it does not stop there!

I have also made some screen movies with audio that help consolidate the knowledge the ebook will give you.

Also, those who purchase the ebook will receive the next edition (due out late summer) for FREE!!!

Windows XP is a personal passion of mine and I would love to be able to write more FREE articles and
post them on the website for all of you.

But this takes time, resources and money...

So I am publishing this ebook, and videos, as a way to finance the growth of this website!

If you purchase this ebook, you will be getting an excellent resource on the XP Registry AND you will
be helping me to write more articles for you to enjoy!!!

You can get 2 FREE Chapters today or purchase the ebook by visiting:

http://www.updatexp.com/windows-xp-registry.html

If you purchase the ebook and video access, you can now pay in multiple currencies from today! I listened to the comments from those of you who pre-ordered the ebook... you told me you did not just want to be restricted to paying in US Dollars. So I have teamed up with www.2checkout.com and now you have the option to choose from around eight currencies.

PLEASE support this site and purchase a copy today!

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3. Microsoft Security Alert

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You will no doubt of heard about the recent critical security updates Microsoft have released for Windows XP.

If you are NOT aware and have NOT installed the updates then do so NOW!!!

The vulnerabilities discovered will soon be exploited by virus writers and we will soon be seeing new attacks spreading via email etc.. So take action now!

Please read the April Security Bulletin:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/200404_windows.asp 

I also recommend you sign up for the FREE email bulletins from Microsoft at:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/alerts.asp

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4. FREE Anti Virus Software

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One of the reasons viruses can spread so fast is the lack of anti virus software used by home users!

Price is often cited as the reason why many do not install this important software, yet there are
several FREE versions available for the home user...

If you have no virus protection on your PC then PLEASE checkout the following FREE versions:


avast! 4 Home Edition

http://www.avast.com/index.html


AVG Free Edition

http://www.grisoft.com


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5. FREE Firewall Software

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A Firewall offers a defence against attacks against your machine originating from the Internet.

Whilst the BEST software firewalls cost money, there are also some very good FREE software firewalls
like the ones listed below...


Kerio Personal Firewall 4

Limited free edition for home users, Kerio Personal Firewall 4 is available in two flavors - the
full edition and the limited free edition.

After installation, KPF works as the full edition for 30 days, after which it becomes the limited free
edition if you have not purchased a license.

http://www.kerio.com


Zone Alarm Free Edition

This edition is not as fully functional as the paid for edition, however it will give you a great
level of protection!

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp

To learn more about why you need a firewall please read:

http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/whyFirewall.jsp?lid=chp_learn


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6. FREE Spyware Software

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A recent survey by the University of Washington in Seattle found that 1 in 20 of its campus PC's had Spyware on them!

http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994745

Many of you reading this article may have Spyware on your PC too, but not know it!

Spyware ranges from software that just invades your privacy by relaying your online activities to a remote computer, to the more serious password stealers.

Fortunately there is a robust and FREE solution on hand in the forma of "Spybot-Search & Destroy."

It does take some effort on your part to learn the software and download the updates. BUT it is WORTH it...

Get your copy at:

http://www.safer-networking.org


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7. Movie Maker Transition

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Fellow Digital Media MVP "PapaJohn" has released "Transition Maker 2", a utility to create custom personalized transitions
for Windows Movie Maker 2.

If you fancy adding a little extra creativity to your home movies then try out this utility on a free 7 day trial!

More information, tutorials etc. at:

http://www.eicsoftware.com/pictures/PapaJohn/Website-MM2/TM2/

"PapaJohn" - real name John Buechler, is also the author of the best selling book:-

Windows XP Movie Maker 2: Do Amazing Things by Microsoft Press.

He also maintains two websites dedicated to Windows Movie Maker 2 AND Photo Story 2:

http://www.papajohn.org

www.photostory.papajohn.org


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Parting Words...

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Well  that it for this issue :-)

I hope YOU found the articles helpful...

As a subscriber this is YOUR newsletter!

If you have a Windows XP problem, you can guarantee that MANY others on this list are having the same issue too.

Don't forget to tell your friends about us!

Until next time!

Kind Regards

Marc Liron
Microsoft MVP - Digital Media

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