I've just released a new version, 1.5, of the DataStorm Locator software (the one that updates your position on this website's map). It's available for download from the same location as previous versions:
The only change (I hope!) is a fairly minor bug fix; v1.4 would truncate trailing digits from the lat/lon if the Retrieve button was pressed repeatedly under certain conditions. If you can live with that - and presumably, you have been up 'til now - there's no need for you to upgrade.
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Sterling, I have no idea what you mean, or if it is necessary, but I really appreciate that you continue to try to make this GREAT utility as usable as possible. Many thanks.
-------------------- Bill Adams Winegard Company Posts: 15703 | From: Traveling the Western US | Registered: May 2003
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Thanks for the feedback! I think the summary is that if you haven't noticed the problem with your existing Locator, there's no need to upgrade. I can just be a bit of a perfectionist at times.
We have been plagued with viruses. To the point that I have McAfee firewall, virus shield, and Windows xp firewall - all running. We still have been getting hit hard (and I NEVER open an attachment without asking for it first). It seems to be effecting (and infecting) only IE. I turned on all kinds of IE privacy and security functions, and high cookie guards, and that seems to help. But makes running ANYTHING under IE a real pain, so we have drifted to Netscape for almost all our browser functions. Deleting most cookies daily, etc etc under IE as well.
Here's the Q. Is it easy to make your locator work under Netscape? I miss that program, as it wants IE only.
Thanks
Don Smucker
Posts: 111 | From: San Angelo, Texas and mobile | Registered: May 2003
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I'll have a look. A few years ago Netscape cookies were pretty easy to get at, but I haven't looked recently.
However, as (at least) an interim measure, if you go through the "Show your location" web pages once in IE - and you allow its cookie - that should be enough for my program. That cookie should be retained on your system, unless you actually uninstall IE, without you needing to use IE as your main browser.
Give it a try, and I'll have a look at at Netscape.
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Originally posted by DWSson: It seems to be effecting (and infecting) only IE. I turned on all kinds of IE privacy and security functions, and high cookie guards, and that seems to help.
OK, time to play devil's advocate. What kind of virus can you get with IE that is possible to occur because you accept a cookie? For that matter, if you do not allow ActiveX controls to run, and you have Java Permissions set for high safety, can anyone tell me any known virus/worm/trojan etc. that is possible to get through browsing with IE?
Computer guru I am not. I did not write down the name of the virus, but it was some kind of .exe file. It's most obvious feature was to change the default browser location, which immediately reloaded a worm or other virus of some kind. MaCaffee found it, but it would then reside initially in temp internet files, and be unable to be cleaned. It also migrated to standard windows files, or so at least the virus checker identified the files that way, and the only way to delete the files was to note the file location, go into safe mode, and manually delete the windows file via dos. At least one time, it lodged itself in notepad. One time in the IE files. After multiple cleanings, we finally got rid of it, but the only way we found to keep it out was the shotgun approach. Custom set security at highest levels for most functions - or at least lots of "prompt" requirements. High security on Java permissions, prompt on ActiveX, scripting, etc etc. With cookies set on high, many programs don't work. It is now set on medium high, and I seem to be remaining virus free, but have to go through multiple prompt oks, just to refresh e-mail (Yahoo), etc etc. We use Netscape a lot too, and reset those parameters as well...
So, tell me, which parameters can I safely relax?
Don Smucker
Posts: 111 | From: San Angelo, Texas and mobile | Registered: May 2003
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One more thing. After posting above, in Quick Reply, the program froze on "Sit tight, we are taking you back to the forum....". Also, I went to the forum site and reloaded my map stuff and submitted. Then I went back to Sterling's utility (which is so nice) and tried to show my position - it still barfs - says it cannot find my user id, even while I am still logged in, and asks me to open IE and log in to the forum.
Poop.
I hate viruses and what it does to us. Ought to do physical bodily harm to those rascaillians...
Don Smucker
Posts: 111 | From: San Angelo, Texas and mobile | Registered: May 2003
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Originally posted by DWSson: So, tell me, which parameters can I safely relax?
The cookies. Cookies are purely a privacy issue, and I don't believe there is anyone ever claiming it is possible to get a virus via one.
I don't accept third-party cookies. That pretty much handles the privacy problems, and causes me no trouble when browsing or using shopping sites.
I do not believe you caught your virus because of, or through, IE per se. I will take some convincing, including a link to some trusted security authority who says it is possible, before I believe it.
I'll amend the latter to say that the only way would be for you to click on "open" instead of "save" when prompted to download an executable file. That could happen from any browser, but would take explicit action.
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Originally posted by DWSson: Then I went back to Sterling's utility (which is so nice) and tried to show my position - it still barfs - says it cannot find my user id, even while I am still logged in, and asks me to open IE and log in to the forum.
That might happen if you are only allowing session cookies. You need a persistent cookie to make his utility work, I think. Does the forum "remember" you when you come back? If not, you have a session cookie only.
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- there's no need for you to upgrade.
