Microsoft changing MS Update address

The new address(s):

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/index.php?board=26;action=display;threadid=12490

Regards - Charles

 

charlesvar--Strange. When I clicked on
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
(which was the old Windows Update URL) I was redirected to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp
which has been the new URL for some months now. And I still accessed Windows Update. Of course, I run Win98 which is not affected by Blaster.

 

Hi

I was not affected by the worm as I had my system patched & my AV up-to-date. I have clicked on the links provided above & all I see is the notice to thank me for visiting etc Update does not see to recognise that I have XP & offer the scan as it always has done

I am totally confused now. I never had any problems with the update site before. I would be grateful for any advice as to why this has happened. Thanks. miniB

EDIT : I have just used the other link to the old site & it has shown the page as before. RELIEF !

 

Hello MiniB,

Try after today, let the "dust" settle. From all accounts, too many are trying to access MS sites and whatever fallout from the Denial of service attacks which were scheduled for today.

Regards - Charles

 

This may or may not be part of the problem

We are having a lot more going on over here other than the Virus.

And all things combined are raising pure hell with the Internet.

This is actually the FOURTH attemp at getting this reply posted as I am having real problems keeping a solid grip on this site.

Praying that it goes as planned.
BillyBob

 

For anyone having trouble with the update site:

From MSNBC:

quote
.....the exploiters of the Microsoft flaw made a mistake themselves. The worm instructed computers to call up http://windowsupdate.com "” which is an incorrect address for reaching the actual Microsoft Web site that houses the software patch. Although Microsoft has long redirected those who visited that incorrect address to the real site "” http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com "” the company disabled the automatic redirection Thursday in preparation for the onslaught of infected computers.
End quote

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks charlesvar for the added info

Then that may explain what I get a different site when trying to access the Updates from different links/machines Tools or Start Menu.

Also couple that with the actuall problem the Virus did cause and then add the Blackout from Mass to Michigan & Canada ( I understand that there still a lot power out ) it requires PATIENCE on our part. And a LOT of it.

BB

 

Hi

Thanks for the further info.Charles.

I have just noticed on another (UK)site who have a warning telling users to stay away from all M$ as the worm is still very dangerous.
I don't think I need to go to M$ sites but do not understand how the worm could infect my system when I have the patch + my AV up-to-date. I have not seen this warning anywhere else.

miniB

 

Hi MiniB,

If you are patched and firewalled, I wouldn't worry about.

Regards - Charles

 

Thanks again Charles

I am actually getting a new desktop PC this week but have copied all the updates to CD to enable me to install the patch before going online to download the firewall updates.

A bad time to have a new PC but I will have prioity on Patch & firewall before anything. At least the tech. who has built the PC will be aware of the worm & help me to get my firewall established ASAP !

miniB

 

I would also suggest adding a Router to your list of hardware.

It will not block 100% of incoming attempts and may not stop a Virus or Worm or Trojan that rides in on via an already open port, but it DOES take a tremendous load off of the Software Firewall.

A Router is a great first line of defense.

Plus as an added Bonus using a 4 Port Router/Switch it gives you the chance to get more than one machine on line at the same time with only one account.

As another added Bonus a Router keeps the LAN and the Internet separated. The Lan will use non-translateable addresses.

BillyBob

 

Hi BillyBob

I am totally in the dark about Routers I realise they are mentioned quite a lot on the BBS forum.

I would appreciate if you would advise on what the best type of router is and does it work OK with an ADSL USB modem. Sorry but routers are not mentioned a lot in the UK ! It seems to be all software firewalls that are concentrated on.
I have read about them with networked computers but not as a home user type. I certainly will start my research on this as I know that it is a better line of defence BUT that is just the basic knowledge I have.

Thanks again ~ miniB

 

As far as the Modem itself ( at least over here in the US ) the newer ones can be used on either a network card or USB. Most are capable of DSL or Cable Internet. It depends on the Model.

In regards to the USB part I am lost. I use as little USB as possible. None of my essential equipment ( modem, keyboard, mouse or Printer ) are USB. My Scanner, one mouse and joystick are USB. But I can do without them if need be.

I have read about them with networked computers but not as a home user type.

They are just as useful for home use are they are anywhere.

I get the feeling that you are thinking of something like an Office Network. A Home network is the same thing. That is why I mentioned Router/Switch. It Routes the traffic to the proper place and switches between the Internet and the LAN depending on the instructions it is given.

There is also a Router/Switch made for use with just one PC. ( I believe anyway. ) But they may be hard too find.

And DO NOT let anyone talk you into using a HUB. They are MUCH slower and offer NO PROTECTION whatsover from the Internet.

I hope others jump in here and help me out. Especially with the USB Modem part.

BillyBob

 

Hello again BillyBob

Many thanks for your prompt response to my ?????
I realise there are differences in USA & UK PC setups etc

My ISP ( the main telephone name over here ) are lauching Broadband Internet access over the region at different times. It is odd to think that I live in Northern Ireland (very much smaller than the mainland UK) but have had the advantage of BB for a few years whereas friends living in LONDON are still waiting.

This aside - I have 2 options - one being with my current ISP who provided me with an Alcatel Speedtouch modem (which has not other way to connect to my PC except via a USB port) this is with all ISP who provide Broadband - the modems are all USB connected. I think there is some sort of security with the data cable itself but do not think it is to the strength of the router type. (in fact I know it would not be) Our internal modem set ups just provide 56K dial up access.
I do not leave my connection on 24/7 at all. I just use the speed of broadband when using the Internet. I may have it running throughout the day when I get my new PC as it is more than capable of running like this but not all night.

My other option would have been to change to a cable company and have a cable connection which also offers faster speeds. Unfortunatley the service provider for this just did not appeal to me at all. Firstly the person who tried to gain my interest did not have answers to relatively simple questions ! I am not considering this option in the near future anyway.

This leaves me with my USB connection if I want Broadband which I most certainly do. The PC which I am expecting this week will be very much more powerful than my old desktop etc I have done my utmost to get the best spec I could therefore do not want to compromise on any security issues. I will take time to see what my options are regarding the router. I am sure they are about but I just did not realise that they could be used for the home environment. I am the only one who uses the PC but saying that I may well be setting up my laptop to my new PC to enable me to use it about the house therefore it would be more of a network scenario !

Hopefully I will be in some PC component type shops over the next few weeks & will make sure to look at the router otpions + do online homework.
I hope I have explained a USB modem adequately. It is merely a plug and go modem that is outside the PC connected to a USB port (Broadband this side of the world bar the cable option)

Found a link to let you see how odd it looks! I may be able to find router info. here also.


USB modem

miniB

 

A Router would be very useful there. You could have both units on at the same time with only one account. At least I can. I have had as many as four on at the same time. And going to four different places on the Net.

And I believe the Router would deffinetly provide more protection than the DSL. ( I only THINK so ) And again the Router does take a tremendous load off of the software Firewall.

But Again I know NOTHING about USB Modems and/or DSL.

Also as you said things are different over there. You may well not have the same equipment/services available that I have.

And there are times when I DO NOT even think about that until someone such as yourself mentions it.

BillyBob

 

Hello again

I will post back and let you know if I find out anything about my set up & routers. Likewise this post made me think about something which lurked at the back of my head BUT never thought anything more about it until now I do like the ' takes the pressure of the software Firewall '

miniB searching yet again! Wonder why my dad never believes me when I tell him I don't need anything else