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By Dan Law
Starting with the most\
important recent news for
those of you still using an older
computer with the Windows
XP operating system, there was
a very important update from
Microsoft on January’s Patch
Tuesday (third Tuesday of the
month). This patch shored up
a vulnerability that can lead to
computers being taken over entirely by attackers. Please take a moment to run an
update to make sure you got this one.
Another urgently important issue for Windows XP users is that you will receive
only a few more monthly security patches or updates before Microsoft completely
discontinues this practice at the end of April. After that time, you will be on your
own in defending your computer from hackers, Trojans and malware. It is strongly
recommended that all XP owners purchase a newer operating system or upgrade
to a new computer before Microsoft’s support ends.
Another major update on January’s Patch Tuesday was one for Microsoft Word
to repair a similar vulnerability, which corrected a flaw that could have allowed
hackers to gain administrative control of your computer. It’s a good practice to
set your computer to automatically download and install all updates. You can
do this by clicking Start >A11 Programs >Windows Update. This will open your
computer’s update window where you can turn on Check for Updates to set your
downloading preferences.
Late last year, we heard that hackers had gained access to the purchase transac
tions in major retailers, stealing the financial information of holiday shoppers.
This one of the reasons I advise that it is important to use a credit card instead
of a debit card when shopping either online or in the stores in person. It is much
quicker and easier to recover funds taken from a credit card. This story is still
unfolding and no information has been released as to how it happened and how
many customers ultimately will be affected. The current theory is that hackers
managed to upload a financial malware bug to the store computers.
If you have kept your systems updated and protected with effective antivirus,
anti-malware and anti-spyware software that I have continually recommended,
your computer is most likely safe and free of all the nasty bugs that have been
circulating over the last several months. If you need recommendations, my favor
ites are Malwarebytes anti-malware, Spybot Search & Destroy, CC Cleaner and
Microsoft Security Essentials or Windows Defender (all free software downloads
for home users). If, like me, you frequently shop online and log into your bank
accounts, consider buying a leader in the industry. My choice is Norton Internet
Security Suite.
There were also other major problems for Skype users and World of Warcraft
gamers, despite there being superb log-in requirements to overcome. Just having
the correct defenders installed as I discussed above may not be enough. I suggest
that you also download and install another software updater that will take care of
all the third party software on your computer that didn’t come from Microsoft.
Secunia PSI will silently search for updates and patches for all the software in
stalled and will automatically install these repairs or notify you of software which
needs your attention. Just follow its prompts and it will guide you through the
updating process.
If you would like more in-depth information on threats to your computer. I’d
recommend reading an online article, “How to protect Your PC Against Devious
Security Traps,” which can be found at www.pcworld.com/article/2048726/how-
to-protect-your-pc-against-devious-security-traps.html.
Nellie Seale
By Tom Tempel
People come to the Country Club of the Crystal Coast (CCCC) to enjoy their fam
ily and friends in a pleasant and peaceful facility in our island community. The beauti
ful setting with its view of Bogue Sound is something special. In a friendly atmo
sphere, members and guests enjoy golf, tennis, swimming at the pool, water aerobics,
fine dining, the member lounge, bridge games and classes, other classes, book club,
monthly art shows, yoga, special parties and many other social events. The banquets,
weddings, wedding receptions and other large gatherings have received many compli
ments from participants.
Considering the history of the club over the past five years, we are happy to report
that we ended 2012 on a positive financial note and recently finished 2013 on a much
more positive note. Additionally, in 2013 we had a net gain of around 30 new mem
bers. We look to 2014 to be an even better year in every area.
Joan Lamsons term as president of the CCCC and all other officers’ terms ended
on December 31. We offered a heartfelt “Thank You” to Joan for her many years of
service on the CCCC board and especially as our president the past two years. We ap
preciate her business savvy and dedication to the future financial stability of our club.
We thanked Sandy Hale for her work as vice president and we are happy she will again
chair the membership committee. Eddie Briley is a central figure in financial stabil
ity of our club and we appreciated his role as treasurer. We are especially happy Eddie
will chair the finance committee for 2014. .
The new officers for 2014 are Tom Tempel, president; Bill Knecht, vice president;
Carl Ragsdale, treasurer; and Linda Strader, secretary. Other board members are Eddie
Briley, Sandy Hale, Glenn Mills, Ryan Crosser and John Ferguson. Chip Chamberlin
is an outstanding general manager and PGA pro. All board members and Chip share
the philosophy that we do what’s best for members in every area of the club. We value
open, honest communication with members, board members, staff and guests. Mem
bers and prospective members are always welcome at our monthly board meetings.
Since officers were selected after the deadline for the January Shoreline, TO recap
events in December and January. On December 15, we held our annual Christmas
party/dinner theater event. The food was amazing, thanks to Executive Chef Scott
Stiehl and Aubrey’s serving staff. The show, produced and directed by Bud Pitzer and
starring member actors, was one laugh after another, and we were sold out with 180
members and guests attending. It was a wonderful evening for friends and guests to
start the holiday season.
January, February and March are our slowest months of the year. In January and
February dining is available on Friday and Saturday from 12-8 p.m. and Sunday from
12-3 p.m. In March, the dining schedule will be expanded to include Thursdays from
12-8 p.m. Yoga and bridge classes are going strong, along with Wednesday and Thurs
day bridge playing. Water aerobics is going full speed at the Peppertree Resort pool
during the winter. Weather permitting, golf and tennis are being played.
If anyone is interested in the CCCC, give me a call at 725-3013 or email
ttempelpks@gmail.com and I’ll take you on a tour of our facilities. Have a great 2014.
Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Asset
Protection for Senior Citizens
Jane Gordon,
Attorney at Law
Kiw(man, Whitford, Brady,
Berryman & Farias, PA
General Practice Attorneys
jgordon@ldrkmanwhitford.com
710 Arcndell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557
252-726-8411
)avvyers@kirkman\vhitford.com • www.kirkmamvhitford.coin
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