WinScribe's Advanced Telephony Server (ATS)

Available for use with WinScribe version 3.5.3, ATS represents a replacement for WinScribe's standard telephony functionality with many new features and functions, such as:

Scripting: includes the ability for scripts to take complete control over phone calls allowing detailed customization to user requirements.

Voice Line Configuration: enables each voice line to be configured separately to specify language, facility, keypad, script and line usage.

Keypads: have new definitions allowing multi-level commands

Text to Speech: scripts that will pass text to ATS and convert it to audio

Outbound Dialing: enables scripts to perform outbound calls

Advanced Review: allows reviewers to select jobs by key field, job type, job number, Author ID or a combination of all of the above. Also, scripting can be used to expand job selection criteria to exactly the information the reviewer wants.

Key Logging: enables the logging of user responses to telephony prompts.

To find out further information regarding WinScribe's ATS, please contact WinScribe on 1300 666 799

Spyware, Adware, Malware and Hijacks

What are they? And why are they so dangerous?

You know that when you decide to go on the internet, that danger lurks from viruses, so you purchase anti-virus software. There are a couple of free programs out there, but I've seen viruses get past them. You also know that in order to keep safe, the anti-virus program needs to be updated at least on a weekly basis since new viruses come out daily.

Spyware is now in that same category. There are excellent free programs, but they only help AFTER the program is downloaded and possibly already causing problems. It is highly suggested that everyone begin to consider purchasing anti-spyware programs that can monitor against downloading these dangerous programs in the first place. Further, they need to be kept current every week, just like anti-virus software.

So, what is spyware in the first place?

Spyware is software or hardware installed on a computer without the user's knowledge which gathers information about that user for later retrieval by whomever controls the spyware.

Spyware: Spyware has become a generic term that also encompasses adware, malware and many Trojans. Actually spyware is generally a program that looks to see what you are doing (like your web surfing habits), then "phones home". You might think that isn't a problem until it's almost impossible for you to use your internet browser anymore because the program is taking up your resources in constantly sending information back to the source. It's also using up resources on your computer - CPU and RAM. In some cases, the spyware is looking for your email address, passwords, any personal information stored in the computer and information about the computer itself. Not only is your bandwidth being used, you could lose important information that could be used in identity theft. This is not just an annoyance, it's serious.

Adware: Adware is a program that creates pop-up ads on your computer or supports banner ads on websites. These are quite often pornographic. Adware is often bundled with popular downloads or is the main reason for some popular software like Gator. Bonzai Buddy is loaded with many themes and wallpapers. Comet Cursor contains spyware that tracks web browsing. Some browser "helpers" are actually spyware. Some adware is very aggressive and actually adds a string to your browser to constantly send information back to the source. Some of it adds software to your start up, slowing down your computer considerably. Some of it can hijack your browser. This happened to a Truth Miners member as a result of downloading and using Kazaa (known spyware/malware music sharing program).

Malware: This is defined as "malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse." It can also drop programs into your computer called backdoors. These Trojans and backdoors can be used to hijack your computer, even to hijacking your mouse and keyboard. Your computer can be used to hack other computers. Viruses can be executed in your computer. Worst of all, these things bury their activation process into different sections of the registry, making them very difficult to remove, even by many anti-spyware programs. This makes it all the better that the program should never be downloaded in the first place.

Browser Hijacks: Your browser home page can be hijacked by a "malicious" website. The home page would then only open to a porn page or page of ads. Another type of hijacking concerns your modem. A porn dialler can be installed on your computer without your knowledge. It may come bundled in some kind of fun software, theme or screen saver. If you are online when the dialler actually installs, it will cut your current modem connection and dial into a porn site in another country. The billing will appear on your next phone bill and could be substantial.

corporate air services installs sanctuary

APNG - Airlines of Papua New Guinea is one of PNG's two major International and Domestic Airlines servicing more than 120 aerodromes. APNG, through its associated company, Corporate Air Services (CAS), operates gates at Cairns International Airport and a Logistic Office at the Cairns Airport General Aviation Area.

Extensive use has been made of computers throughout all Divisions of APNG to ensure rapid information transfer. With this in place, APNG and CAS needed a solution that would manage the security of all their workstations from one central location. They looked to SecureWave's Sanctuary's Application Control Custom Edition to not only protect the organisation from the inside but to help lock out the every increasing outside threats.

With over 100 workstations, managing the corporate network from Cairns was always a major challenge. With SecureWave's Sanctuary Application Control solution, CAS is now able to take back ownership of the network and enforce a common operating environment.

SecureWave's Sanctuary Application Control solution provides unprecedented network security and stability by immunising the organisation from known and most importantly - unknown and future threats from viruses, Trojan horses, hacker tools and unauthorised applications such as games, shareware, unlicensed software and other undesirable user behaviour. SecureWave's Sanctuary Application Control also provides a cost-effective software assurance program which allows CAS to take advantage of help desk support and product updates.

CAS opted for a staggered approach to the implementation of SecureWave's Sanctuary Application Control introducing it workgroup by workgroup across APNG. Using this contained approach CAS has been able to build a library of authorised applications while minimising the impact to the business.

For more information about the implementation of SecureWave's Sanctuary's Application Control Custom Edition at APNG please contact;
Phil Braz, IT & Telecommunications Manger
CORPORATE AIR SERVICES
07 40406708
phil.braz@apng.com

Remote Support -
Vitural Network Computing (VNC)

As an IT company, Integrated Solutions / Winscribe have clients spread throughout Australia and the South Pacific. We utilise a variety of tools to support remote sites for fast and effective resolution of problems. Frequently, misunderstandings can occur between what the problem actually is, how it may be described and how we interpret what we hear. This interpretation can lead to unhelpful results and frustration depending on the problem. Remote support staff utilise a variety of different applications to enable us to logon or control workstations and servers.

The solution I will discuss today is VNC.

VNC or Virtual Network Computing is a tool initally devised by Olivetti and AT&T and freely distributed. It differs from Terminal Server or RDP clients in that it displays the actual screen that the customer sees. So if you have a problem then we can see it also.

With TightVNC, you not only are able to see the desktop of a remote machine you can also control it with your local mouse and keyboard, just like you would do it sitting in the front of that computer. The free nature of this tool - both financially as well as intellectually makes it an ideal fit for some companies.

VNC does have an undeserved reputation for being insecure. In its default configuration it does leave itself open to being exploited but this is easily resolved by only permitting access through encrypted tunnels. In this way your network remains secure while our ability to help you is enhanced.

For further information on VNC or other remote support applications, contact Integrated Solutions

frame your digital images

Something a bit different in the shed this month. These Digital Photo Frames are truly an original breakthrough. Now you can display dynamic slide shows and images (and even sound with the AX Frame) on your desk-top, mantelpiece, bedside table, the wall, wherever. These dynamic frames have high quality matrix TFT LCD displays, providing vibrant high-resolution images, and they make it a piece of cake to display images. No longer are your digital photos either stuck in your computer or camera, now you can put them all on view!

The standard (5" x 7") frame will hold up to 50 images, and the larger AX (10" x 8") will hold 80 images. They both have 11 transition effects to chose from, so your images can slide seamlessly from one picture to the next, with an adjustable transition time from 15 seconds to several hours (for your real favourites). The AX frame has the nifty added bonus of you being able to add sound to an image, so you if have a holiday beach shot you can add the sound of breaking waves to play when that picture is shown.

They're wonderfully simple to use, all you need to do is plug your camera (or computer) into the frame via a USB connection (lead supplied) and then you can download single images, or the whole lot. You can even load images onto the frames from key-drives and card readers. You can then, via a simple menu, edit the transition time and effect between every image. It's easy to add or delete images, and the frames automatically size your pictures to fit. They'll stand either as landscape or portrait frames.

new staff member...

Integrated Solutions and WinScribe would like to welcome to the firm, Lisa Page.

Lisa joins the team as Administration Assistant and will be based in our head office in Cairns. She will be your first point of contact with our firm when you call or visit, and will direct you to the appropriate person.