 Keeping Your Computer Safe
You've purchased a computer, software applications, installed it all and everything is working fine. Is that the end of the story? Unfortunately no. Gone are the days when you could buy software off the shelf and still be happily running the same version 2 years later. Whether it's your operating system or your word processor, there are not only software bugs waiting to catch you out but also security flaws that hackers and virus writers are all too willing to exploit. Anti virus software especially can date rapidly and needs to be updated regularly to keep pace with today’s virus writers.
The internet provides a fantastic doorway to a world that contains vast amounts of information, but being connected also opens a window for others to peek into your PC. The growing popularity of fast internet access heightens the risks of unauthorised access to your data as your PC can be more readily identified. Broadband connections tend to have a static address, so once a hacker has this address they can use it to try and gain access anytime your PC is on.
To combat these problems software companies not only provide new versions of software, but also release free patches to existing versions to correct flaws that have been reported. The patches, also known as Service Packs or Maintenance Releases, provide you with a way to minimise the chances of becoming a victim of fraud, virus attack, or hacking. More recent versions of software now incorporate "Live Update" features whereby the software itself will advise you that an update is available. Patches are also available for older versions of software, and can be accessed from the appropriate software manufacturer website.
In particular you should check to see if there are patches available for:
Internet Browser - Especially important as many security flaws have been found in browser software that may leave your computer vulnerable. E-Commerce relies on having secure connections so you can pass on your financial details such as credit card numbers safely.
Email software - With most viruses now delivered via email, up to date email software is essential to limit any impact these could have.
Anti Virus software - With new variants of viruses discovered every month you need to ensure that your anti-virus software can identify them. The only way to do this is to ensure you have the latest version. Most anti-virus software has a paid subscription service that gives you access to the latest virus libraries and signature files needed to trap new viruses.
Operating System - Important for bug fixes as well as security patches.
Applications - Word Processors, Spreadsheets and Database Managers can all be exploited if not kept up to date.
While some of these updates can be quite large, and take some time to download and install, the benefits cannot be underestimated. Many of today's viruses still take advantage of security flaws that have been identified and fixed sometime ago. These viruses will continue to spread as long as there are machines running software that does not have appropriate service packs or patches applied. The effort of staying up to date will not only give you peace of mind but will also help stop the spread of many known viruses. Below are links to several sites that may be useful to you:
Microsoft Support
http://support.microsoft.com
Operating Systems
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
Office Updates
http://office.microsoft.com/ProductUpdates/default.aspx
Service Packs
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=FH;[LN];sp&
Internet Explorer
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
Symantec
http://www.symantec.com/downloads
Future Developments in First Class
With 2003 well underway, Human Edge's programming division has been busily planning and working towards implementing many of the great suggestions we have had for enhancing our software. We are looking forward to an exciting year with major developments occurring across all our applications.
Some of the key updates to look forward to over the next few releases of First Class are:
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Extra options for printing timetables including the setting of margins for maximizing printable area and a "Fit to Page" option
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NSW Board of Studies exports
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Enhanced teacher load handling to show extra duties as well as teaching commitments
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The ability to publish PDFs in landscape
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An option to show "Teacher Free" or "Room Free" on timetables
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An option to change font sizes on grid reports
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We are of course working on many other aspects of First Class and the items listed above are only a few highlights! We are always happy to hear your feedback and if you have any suggestions for further improvements to the program we would love to hear from you. You can use the following link to send us your feedback:
Contact Us
Sydney Training Course
Our first Sydney based training course for 2003 has been scheduled and will be held at The Scots College in Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill.
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Introduction to First Class
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Wednesday 19 March 2003
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The introductory course provides a great overview of the software as well as tips for using shortcuts and other useful features.
The cost of the course is $280 per person (ex. GST) for schools on Service & Support, or $350 per person (ex. GST) for schools not on Service & Support. Discounts apply for multiple bookings, please see our website for further details.
http://www.humanedge.biz/firstclass/fc2000training.htm
A light lunch will be supplied and you will also receive a copy of the First Class training manual for you to keep.
On completion of the course you will know how to:
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Import data into First Class from other programs
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Export data from First Class to other programs
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Create and enter data into databases
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Create and enter data into a grid
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Resolve clashes
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Allocate students to classes
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Move students between classes
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Allocate extras
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Generate and edit a timetable
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The course commences at 9.00 am and concludes at approximately 4.00 pm. As our training courses are a forum for you to have your questions about the software dealt with, we remain flexible about the finishing time. Our instructors want to make sure that you get as much as possible out of your day and part of this is ensuring that we spend as much time as necessary answering your queries!
If you would like to reserve a place in this course please contact us using the link below or call 1300 550 765, we still have plenty of places available.
Training Booking
Did You Know?
Did you know about our online user forum?
An online user forum has been set up so you can post questions, comments, suggestions etc about First Class. To access the user forum:
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Go to our website www.humanedge.biz
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Click on SCHOOL TIMETABLING at the top of the screen
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Once the page has loaded, click on USER FORUMS on the left of the screen
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Take a few moments to register yourself as a contributor to the forum and you are set to take part in the sharing of knowledge about First Class
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Why is it better to post questions here rather than asking the Support Centre staff directly by phone or email?
When you call directly, or email a query to First Class support, only you take part in the correspondence and sometimes this is appropriate. However, often if you have a question, comment or suggestion others may benefit as well. Also, sometimes a question you wish to have answered or a comment or suggestion you wish to make may have already been posted, and all you may want to do is add your name to the people wanting answers to the question, or those contributing to the comment/suggestion.
Website of the Week
www.tipking.com
Do you have wine stains on the carpet, hands smelling like garlic, or a tough screw to undo? Then you need the Tip King!
The Tip King is a good source of helpful advice to assist you with day-to-day tasks and small problems. Basically it’s the sort of advice that was probably common knowledge in our parents and grandparents time.
There are several different categories of advice, ranging from Beauty, Car Care and Cleaning right through to Pests, Handyman and Home Remedies. If you are not sure which category your issue falls into you can use the search feature to find it.
The Tip Exchange is an online forum where you can ask for advice on how to solve a particular problem, send in your own tip or just chat to other Tip King visitors. If you would like to receive regular tips via email why not subscribe to the Tip King Newsletter?
Some of the tips on the site do seem a little unusual, for example the suggestion that a cure for warts is to have someone buy them from you! But if you use a bit of common sense you should find quite a few useful hints to remember and pass on to your friends.
Quote of the Week
"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle."
Abraham Lincoln
For more information, please contact:
Robert Bakker
Human Edge Software
Phone: 1300 301 931
Fax: +61 3 9690 2802
Email: firstclass@humanedge.biz
Human Edge adheres to a policy of not sending unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail. You are receiving this e-mail because you are listed as a contact for a product or service that our organisation provides or have requested that this service be activated for you. If you are receiving this message in error or wish to have our records changed please advise us via return e-mail or call us on +61 3 9690 5044
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