The old e-mail bag ripped open again this week so let’s open a few letters of general interest and see if there is a solution to the problems.

Long time reader Mike pens, “Skype is offering a free upgrade. They opened a window (which I have seen other times) that asks, "do you want this program to change my computer"? Yes or No. I always say No, which doesn't allow the upgrade, but concerned that if I say Yes I will be messing up my computer and won't know how to correct it. Is this a valid concern?”

This question actually has two components. First there is the upgrade, and the upgrade or update can be from any program currently on our binary buddy or even one that is attempting to install for the first time. Legitimate programs do offer updates from time to time, sometimes to fix a problem or to add features that the program didn’t previously have. Other examples are iTunes, Adobe Reader and more. The second component is our operating system. Every time a program is updated or changed or even installed for the first time, the computer’s operating system, Windows, is going to be changed. New entries will be written to the registry; programs added and uninstall executables added to Programs and Features.  The OS then asks, “Do you want this program to make these changes to the computer?” If we know what the program is, for example Skype, then answer yes and the changes are made. If we say no, then the update, install or upgrade is not completed and we will be asked the same question the next time the program tries to update.

Another e-mail received this week was from Carbonite. This is a company that I use to back up all the files and pictures on my digital domestiques. It can be downloaded and installed from www.bitsandbytesonline.com, just look for the Carbonite logo, click on it and follow the instructions. The e-mail indicated that Carbonite was resetting all the users’ passwords and that we must log in and set a new password. This was not due to a computer hack of Carbonite but a hack of Linkedin a social networking site. Apparently, passwords and user id’s were stolen from Linkedin and as many of us do, some of those credentials were also used as the login information for many other sites as well. Two things to do here, if we use the same password and user id for multiple sites, think about changing them. Also if we receive an e-mail claiming a security issue with one of the companies we do business with telling us to login and reset our password, remember to never ever click on a link in the e-mail to initiate the reset. Go to the site from a browser’s URL. Example: surf to www.mybank.com and reset from there. The e-mail could very likely be a phishing attempt using current news to trick us into clicking on the link and giving up our login credentials.

Keep those cards and letter coming.