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No 30                                                                                    August 2004

Modem Dialers

I nearly got stung. The following is developed from the Xtra Site As a small business, operating from home, I was using a client's lap-top that didn't have the protections of my PC. The costs would have appeared on my phone bill in a month or two after I sent the PC back.

What are they?

Modem dialers are small pieces of software that are automatically downloaded to your computer when you visit certain Web sites and force your modem to dial another number - usually long distance at hefty overseas toll rates to get access to 'free' or 'premium' material online.

Generally, the source of modem dialers are Web sites offering 'free' or 'premium' content relating to adult, gaming or gambling material, but not always. The site I visited was a French small business site (that is now "off the air").

If you visit a Web site that contains a modem dialer it can download itself to your computer automatically, stop your connection to Xtra and then reconnect to another Internet provider via an 0900 or international toll number. As 0900 and toll numbers are often expensive, the end result can be a nasty shock when you next receive your telephone bill.

This process of forcing your modem to dial another number is also know as Internet dumping, Modem jacking and Trojan dialing or Internet dialing.

How do they work?

If you visit a Web site that has modem dialer software hidden on it, the modem dialer software can download in the background without any warning.

This can happen automatically and you may not notice it happening.

You can also download the dialer by clicking on pop-up ads that appear, offering 'free' or 'premium' services.

Once the modem dialer software is downloaded it can install itself on your computer. Modem dialer software can reset your homepage and automatically run every time your computer starts up.

There are two common scenarios.

Your modem disconnects and then dials up to the 'premium' service. Your modem speaker may be turned off, and normal dial up prompts blocked by the software so that you may not notice the new connection happening.

The software is installed and only runs after your current Internet session ends, your dialer name may stay the same even though the rest of its settings have been changed - the intention is to hide any change.

Also, you may be able to recognise this problem because your homepage will have changed 'by itself', or a new icon may appear on your desktop or Start program menu.

How can I protect my computer?

There are a number of simple steps you can take:

Some websites are riskier than others i.e. adult, gaming, gambling, peer to peer - avoid going to these sites.

Avoid going to Web sites that offer 'free' or illegal content.

Be careful what you are agreeing to when a Web page or program is prompting you to press an 'OK' or 'Yes' button.

Keep your anti-virus software up to date This will protect you from some modem dialers, depending on your version of anti-virus software.

Have Telecom put an 0900 bar and/or toll bar with a PIN access code on your phone to stop unwanted calls.

Telecom and other phone companies can provide the 0900 bar at no charge and this will stop any charges from New Zealand based modem dialers appearing on your bill. However, as an 0900 bar will not prevent charges from dialers that operate in other countries, you might also want to consider having an international toll bar installed. There is a charge for this service.

You can find out more about 0900 and other toll bars on from your telephone company.

Install and run Internet security software such as Ad-aware and pop-up blocking software.

Check your Add/Remove Programs control panel for any suspicious programs and remove any that you find. This is particularly important to do if you regularly visit websites containing high risk content. To do this, follow the instructions below:

• Open your Control Panel.
• Open the Add/Remove Programs control panel.
• Select the Web site dialer from your list of installed programs.
• Click the Remove button. You may be prompted to reboot your PC.

If you have any problems connecting to your ISP and the Internet then check your settings

©2004 Xtra Limited

Making that speech or Presentation

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are a few ideas on how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations:

Know the room.

Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids

Know the audience.

Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.

Know your material.

If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.

Relax.

Ease tension by doing exercises.

Visualise yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.

Realise that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to fail.

Don't apologise.

If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent

Concentrate on the message -- not the medium.

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.

Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.

Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.

The NEWORKer can be viewed online at the Work & Age Website http://www.nework.co.nz

© 2003 The Nework Centre   |   email neworknz@yahoo.co.nz

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