The hidden power of smiling! :-)

I love TED Talks. Check out Ron Gutman's talk on the hidden power of smiling. Did you know we are born smiling? Or that, "one smile can generate the same level of brain stimulation as up to 2,000 bars of chocolate." The description states: "Did you know your smile can be a predictor of how long you'll live -- and that a simple smile has a measurable effect on your overall well-being? Prepare to flex a few facial muscles as you learn more about this evolutionarily contagious behavior."

:-)

Reports of "Scareware" targeted at Mac users

This article from Computer World magazine last week shares information about "nuisance" or "scareware" software named MacDefender that may download to your computer when you visit certain websites. (A similar program called "MacProtector" downloaded on my computer over the weekend when I visited a site about textbooks.)

Here are several things you need to be aware of:
1) As "real" as the popup window seems, your computer is most likely not infected (especially if you have current anti-virus software).
2) You can prevent the installer from automatically launching by changing your Safari preferences to NOT open "safe" files after downloading.

and,
3) Remember that programs will NOT install unless you enter in your computer's password. (However, if you HAD allowed the installation, the program will not quit until you either pay for the software, or go through several steps to remove it).

Here's a link to a similar article at: http://techplz.com/2011/05/04/fake-rogue-anti-malware-programs-also-hit-mac-best-mac-antivirus-and-mac-defender/

Remember to keep your anti-virus software up to date, back up your files regularly, and practice safe computing by only visiting "trusted" websites!