October, 2000

Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam,
Spam, Internet and Spam

by Bill Hibler
     Junk mail. We all get it, and thank goodness for recycling.
      But it also happens on the Internet now. We call it spam.
      When spam happens, it clogs your incoming E-mailbox. Sometimes it's so copious, you can't even figure out which mail is junk mail and which mail is from people from whom you actually want to hear.
      But dang, it's annoying.
      Like real junk mail, there are ways to avoid it. If you're one of those people who hates spam – the junk E-mail, not the luncheon meat – then here are some suggestions.
      First, you can have it blocked. Sort of. If you ask your Internet Service Provider - whether it's Quid'•nunc or some other ISP – all E-mail from a specific domain can be blocked. Think about this. If you're getting unwanted E-mail from someone with an America Online address, to have all AOL E-mail blocked will also mean blocking E-mail from people from AOL whom you like.
      There are more basic ways to avoid spam. Start by being a little less outgoing on the Web. Every time you fill out somebody's form, you're most likely being added to someone's E-mail blast list. Worse for you, those lists are just as salable now as any other mailing list. Fill out a list at a sporting goods site, and you might be getting E-mail from sports magazines, beer companies, clothing stores and more.
      Then there are those helpful E-mails that tell you that if you want to be removed from their list, all you need to do is reply with a certain phrase. However, sometimes that tells a spamming site that your E-mail address is good. This means more spam. That's because software will generate random E-mails and keep track of the ones that are real. These may then be used later, sent from a different E-mailer.
      Most ISPs will discipline or even cancel the account of a spammer upon notification. But you need a spammer's real address. Forward the message – along with the full set of Internet traveling information (all that junk at the top of the message that you never look at) – to "abuse" at the domain the message came from (e.g., abuse@spamsender.com).
      You can also visit www.spamcop.com for a lot of valuable information.
      Finally, many E-mail programs contain spam filters that prevent you from receiving seem - or more specifically, routing your spam to your recycle bin or trash. Use these wisely, however; you may wind up missing mail you wanted. Consider not trashing your spam, but saving it to a mailbox you can visually skim once in a while just in case.

Bill's Byte

Going
National

      A lot of our ISP customers travel. And when they do, most times they can log onto the Internet through Quid'•nunc without spending money on a long-distance connection.
      We have local access numbers in 40 states. Going to New York to watch the Subway Series? (Isn't the Internet wonderful, the printed copy of this newsletter is already out of date but we've corrected your electronic copy) We'll connect you at (212) 202-5465. On the loose in Los Angeles? Hook up from (323) 843-0534 (and about 30 more). Meandering around Miami? Make your connection at (305) 675-5465.
      Yes, you'll need a Quid'•nunc ISP account but, at $19.95 per month, the account is a good deal. And isn't anything better than having to dial up America Online while you're on the road?

Trick or Treat
at Quid'•nunc

      We think you might be into ghouls and mechanical warriors and ninjas. We get that idea from the software you buy here. And we've seen you with candy.
      So remember to stop by on October 28 for Trick or Treat at The Junction. Not only will you get the usual treatment, but Quid'•nunc customers will be entertained by a real, live clown.
      We'd love to see you then - in costume!

Quid'·nunc Best-Sellers
June '00 / August '00
Indicates second consecutive month as best seller

Accessories Recordable CDs Ink Cartridges Photo Paper Hardware Printer Cables CD-ROM Drives Network Cards Memory Books & Magazines Computer Gaming World (Magazine) MacFormat (Magazine) Maximum PC (Magazine) MacHome Journal (Magazine) Education (Adult) Mavis Bacon Typing Foreign Languages Kids Humongous Triple Treat Putt-Putt Joins The Circus Backyard Baseball 2001

Productivity Windows 98 Upgrade Norton Antivirus 2001 Virtual Seattle Windows Me Step-Up Action/Adventure Games Diablo II Rogue Spear EverQuest Ice Wind Dale Strategy/Puzzle Games The Sims Livin' Large Age of Empires Conquerors The Sims Warcraft Battle Chest Other Games Madden 2001 Links LS 2000 Jane's WWII Fighters

 

 

New Service
For Businesses

      When your business grows and you add computers, it's essential for productivity to network them. But networking computers isn't exactly the easiest thing to do - and it probably isn't the highest and best use of your time, either.
      Relax. Quid'•nunc can help you set up that network. From top to bottom.
      We'll build the server.
      We'll install the software.
      And you can be sure that we've provided all necessary hardware and software, including Internet security.
      If you're in business and you've got more than one computer, call us at 932-8795 or E-mail us at quidnunc@quidnunc.net for more details.

 

An Easy, Quick Fix For Windows 98       Weird things can happen that have no explanation. Slow running, freezes, crashes, blips. And yet, Windows 98 has figured out how to solve those problems. Problems like missing files created by installation of software, or corrupted files.       This month's hint from our A+-certified technicians is a Windows 98 function called System File Checker.       Here's how to get there with your Windows 98 computer (unless otherwise indicated, all mouse clicks are with the left button):       • Click "start"       • Click "run"       • Type "MSINF032" (without the quote marks)       • Press the "enter" key       • Click "tools"       • Click "system file checker"       • Click "scan for altered files"       Once you've done this, it'll be just a few seconds before Windows 98 identifies the culprit, fixes it... and your computer will be running beautifully again.

Click "system file checker" System Configuration Utility

We Support Qwest DSL. . . More To Come!       If you're on the Internet a lot, you need DSL. It's faster, it keeps your phone line free for incoming phone calls from people... and it's supported by Quid'•nunc ISP       So if you want to download all those great movie and sound files quickly -– or get streaming audio then call us, come in, or visit www.quidnunc.net to learn how you can get DSL now. DSL is not only fast but it lets you be on the Internet while still using your phone line to take a call.

DSL is not only fast, but it lets you be on the Internet while still using your phone line to take a call.

Class Schedule  Create Your Own Website       Thursdays, 7:30PM. Call the store for dates and details. $125.  Introduction to Computers & Windows 95/Windows 98.       Tuesdays, 7:30PM. Call the store for dates and details. $175