"Multi-platform attacks are rare, but they represent a considerable evolution to be considered. Multi-platform malware represents a great evolution for cyber crime because they provide the opportunity for an attacker to infect a greater number of machines. The mechanism is simple: Using a JAR, the malware is able to identify the OS and then download the right files to infect the targeted machine. After identifying the type of operating system a unit is running, a Java class file will download the appropriate malware, with the purpose to open a backdoor to allow remote access to the machine. This isn't the first multi-platform malware detected. In 2010 for example the Boonana malware was detected which also used a malicious Java applet to spread itself. Malware of this type will increase in number in coming months, and no platform is immune, so it is desirable that internet users are aware of the threat and take appropriate precautions. A backdoor trojan differs from a trojan in that it also opens a backdoor to your system. They're also sometimes call Remote Access Trojans (RAT). These are the most widespread and also the most dangerous type of trojan. They are so dangerous because the have the potential to allow remote adminstration of your system. As if a hacker were sitting at your keyboard, only worse. There's almost no limit to what they can do. Some common uses: 1 Use your system and Internet connection to send spam (yes, the majority of spam is now generated by infected systems). 2 Steal your online and offline passwords, credit card numbers, address, phone number, and other information stored on your computer that could be used for identity theft, or other financial fraud. 3 Log your activity, read email, view and download contents of documents, pictures, videos and other private data. 4 Use your computer and Internet connection, in conjunction with others to launch Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Modify system files, disable antivirus, delete files, change system settings, to cover tracks, or just to wreak havoc. Backdoor:W32/GetShell.A is the Windows-specific payload of Trojan-Downloader:Java/GetShell.A, a malicious Java applet that detects your OS and installs an appropriate type of backdoor Trojan. Backdoor:W32/GetShell.A is responsible for the same dangers that are common to most backdoor Trojans, including opening up your PC to unwanted control by third parties, disabling or reducing your computers security features and, potentially, downloading additional PC threats or stealing private information. Keep your Computer up dated, practice safe surfing habits as always.. Joe

"Learning Linux - best to be middle aged - like 16." Well my friend, that may be true. Even though I may never "learn" Linux, it really doesn't matter (I never was an "expert" at Windows either) since I can now run it just like Windows and have the satisfaction that that the operating system now belongs to me. It is also nice to not be required to have a super computer to keep up with the Joneses (check out requirements for Vista) to be able to do the tasks that need to be done. I'll be satisfied just to learn some basic commands and leave the heavy stuff to the teenagers. Here is an interesting quote from Open-source Guru Eric Raymond who recently joined the Freespire team: http://www.desktoplinux.com/news/NS2603651519.html "...if the Linux desktop is ever to grab a large share of the desktop market it must do it soon or it will never happen." "Desktop Linux must advance now," said Raymond. "If desktop Linux is to advance to a broader audience, it must work with iPods and other MP3 players, play DVD movies, view Windows Media and Quick Time content on the web, and so on. I wish users didn't require these proprietary formats, but it's naive and unrealistic to expect the masses to forgo these requirements in the near future. Linux must make some compromises to attract mainstream users." Raymond believes desktop Linux is entering into a critical period, noting that historically, users have shifted operating systems during periods of fundamental changes in hardware platforms. He believes the PC vendors' embrace of 64-bit computing will provide desktop Linux a unique window of opportunity, which if missed, may not come along again for many years.

on my windows 7 I go to control panel then on the list the row to the far right there is the Java it is a small square with a coffee cup in it, click that then in there you will see the update tab click that and select update now.Java looks like this I have java on every pc I have if not you will not see some websites displayed properly in many cases. It depends on the vendor of your pc most of the big ones do install java but a few do not. My HP, ACER and the Dells all do come with java and windows 7. It used to come bundled with windows till the lawsuit now it is up to the individual vendors. A tool I recommend to check your pc to see just what needs updating is this free secuinia scan, it also checks your java so you can run it and it will tell you exactly what needs updating and where to get the update. Welcome to Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI) this is the site to check your version of java online if you need to Verify Java Version It is important to only have the latest version of java on your computer so any old versions should be removed a program we recommend for that is javara JavaRa

I made a partition image to recover back to a stable-state, but too squeamish to try newest FF (got burned too many times). Richard, I asked this on the Mint forum, but no response yet. So I'll ask you. Suddenly Mint 17 Qiana is automounting all my partitions at startup where it didn't before??? Not urgent, but rather it NOT do this. Here's /etc/fstab: # <file system> <mount point> <type> <options> <dump> <pass> # / was on /dev/sda6 during installation UUID=048e0813-3eb0-4016-9b37-cb9d3ec43738 / ext4 relatime,errors=remount-ro 0 1 /mintswap.swp none swap sw 0 0 And /etc/mtab showing the last three partitions automounting: /dev/sda2 /media/bee/Windows\0407 fuseblk rw,nosuid,nodev,allow_other,default_permissions,blksize=4096 0 0 /dev/sda5 /media/bee/Share fuseblk rw,nosuid,nodev,allow_other,default_permissions,blksize=512 0 0 /dev/sda3 /media/bee/Linux1 ext4 rw,nosuid,nodev,uhelper=udisks2 0 0 Any idea?