June 29, 2004
Gmail security alert
Going to the Gmail page this evening, I got the following security alert:
"The name on the security certificate is invalid or does not match the name of the site." Hmmm, that doesn't sound so good. What to do...
Google Site Stats
I saw this funny little box on the Mill-Max webpage today. What is Google Site Stats? It shows up at the end of everything, after the </HTML>. Wrapped around is some javascript coming from http://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/conversion.js.
June 28, 2004
Organic mangoes... from Ranch?!?!
Sonja brought home organic mangoes from Ranch 99. That's really something. On the sticker it says "Certified Organic, AWE SUM Organics, #94312, Product of Mexico". These are really big mangoes too, not those puny champagne ones. The whole case (13) was $6.99. The photos are not perfect, but they tell the story.
Pagerank and Alexa
I noticed several weeks ago, when my Page Rank went from 4 to 5, that my Alexa Traffic Rank went from 1,000,000+ to 950,937. My theory, these are one and the same. Page Rank according the Google Toolbar would then be given by 10-log10(Alexa Traffic Rank). You can test it out. The site 'patents.com' has a Page Rank of 7/10, they have a traffic rank of 263,218. Oh wait, that doesn't really work does it. Hmmm... Delphion has a Page Rank of 8/10, and a traffic rank of 43,119. Google has a traffic rank of 4, and a Page Rank of 10/10.
Suppose that a traffic rank of 1,000,000 corresponded to a Page Rank of 5, and that the measure is logarithmic. That would mean that we are looking at log base 15.8489 (approximately). So, to convert traffic rank to Page Rank you would take 10-log(Traffic Rank)/log(15.8489). Let's see if it works. For 'patents.com', I get a Page Rank of ~5.5. For Delphion, I get a Page rank of 6.1. Ok, maybe this doesn't really work. The best way is to plot and see. Maybe it was all just a coincidence. Why should page rank be linked to traffic rank anyway? What was I thinking...
Never mind, just forget about this whole post, there is no relation except for indirect reasons...
June 27, 2004
Vanilla-scented granola - it works!
It isn't as clumpy as store bought granola - but it definitely has the right taste and texture. I made some modifications to the original recipe, i.e., eliminating 2 tbsp sugar and using crushed almonds instead of almond slivers. Also, I didn't have a cookie sheet so I used a pyrex pan instead. Here's what I did...
2 cups Quaker Oats
1 cup crushed almonds
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup olive oil + extra for greasing the pan
1/4 cup honey
4 tsp vanilla
1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Grease the pan. I used an olive oil spray bottle followed by a paper towel. It doesn't have to be too greasy, just enough so the granola won't stick.
2. Mix the 5 dry ingredients, making sure to break up the brown sugar.
3. In a saucepan, heat up the olive oil-honey mixture at medium until it simmers. Remember that the boiling point of olive oil is much higher than water, so it is hot! When it starts simmering, take it off the burner and add the vanilla. You are supposed to stir the mixture, I just swished it around. It will be very thin.
4. Pour the liquid into the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. Don't worry if it doesn't look clumpy, it won't be. Now comes the fun part. Wash your hands with warm soap and water and then come back and toss the granola. Woo woo!
5. Pour everything into the greased pan and then put it in the oven for 30-40 minutes, mixing every 10 minutes or so. When it looks like time (it'll be a bit browner than it starts), take it out and let it cool. It won't be crispy yet, but once it cools it will be. (I let mine go for a little longer than needed thinking it would crisp in the oven.)
6. Enjoy! (You can put the leftovers, if there are any, in an airtight container after it all cools...)
Making granola
I found a great article on making granola this morning. I really love granola but it is always so expensive in stores that I always end up putting the box back on the shelf. It turns out that it is quite cheap to make. I think I will try the vanilla-scented granola.
Though [Katie] Heikkinen regularly makes her recipe for camping trips now, she started making granola because of a tight budget when she lived communally with 20 other students attending the Holma College of Integral Studies in Sweden. Her recipe, which fed 20 people for a week, consists simply of oat flakes, wheat flakes, rye flakes, sugar, flax seeds, sesame seeds and some oil. The entire mixture costs Heikkinen just over $3.
Wi-LAN OFDM patents
ZDNet reported last week on Wi-LAN setting its sights on Cisco. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Wi-LAN owns several patents on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and is now filing lawsuits against 802.11a and 802.11g chipmakers. The claim is that OFDM forms the basis of these protocols. Here's the quote of the week, from Ken Wetherell, vice president of corporate communications for Wi-LAN:
"Without our OFDM patents, there would be no 802.11a/g. We didn't enforce these patents sooner, because we didn't want to slow down development in the market. But now that the technologies are firmly established, we feel we must protect our intellectual property. (emphasis mine)"Oooo, so generous huh? Philips and Fujitsu are license holders.
June 26, 2004
Storing IP addresses in MySQL
If you ever need to store an IP address in a MySQL database, use ip2long and store it in an int(11). I think that is the best way.
int ip2long ( string ip_address)Of course, to go back, just use long2ip.
The function ip2long() generates an IPv4 Internet network address from its Internet standard format (dotted string) representation. If ip_address is invalid then -1 is returned. Note that -1 does not evaluate as FALSE in PHP.In PHP 5 ip2long() returns FALSE when the ip_address is in valid.
June 24, 2004
Consiliere? Consillieri?
It's properly spelled "consigliare", as in
counsel
1. consigliare, raccomandare
2. avviso, consiglio
IV curve for the Keithley 6430
I "finished" a simple IV curve application for the Keithley 6430 this morning. For those of you who are interested, you can pick up the VI here. You will need to use the included debugged Keithley library, kei6430.llb. I would put this in the C:/Program Files/National Instruments/LabVIEW 7.0/instr.lib directory. The main file, anu_02.vi, can be run from anywhere. The VI itself is quite simple, simply enter the start and stopping points and the number of points and it will do a linear sweep. Everything else is in AUTO mode.
June 22, 2004
The Overture-Google patent lawsuit
Patently Obvious reported this morning on Google amending its SEC filing to discuss the Overture patent.
Overture Services (now owned by Yahoo) has sued the Company, claiming that the Google AdWords program infringes certain claims of an Overture Services patent. It also claims that the patent relates to an Overture Services own bid-for-ad placement business model and its pay-for-performance technologies. The Company is currently litigating this case. If Overture Services wins, it may significantly limit the Company’s ability to use the AdWords program, and the Company also may be required to pay damages. The Company has asserted defenses of non-infringement, invalidity of the patent in question and unenforceability of the patent. The Company plans to continue to rigorously defend this lawsuit. Management currently believes that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to this action will not materially affect the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of the Company, however the ultimate outcome of any litigation is uncertain. Were an unfavorable outcome to occur, the impact could be material to the Company.
The Overture patent, entitled "System and method for influencing a position on a search result list generated by a computer network search engine," has the following abstract:
A system and method for enabling information providers using a computer network such as the Internet to influence a position for a search listing within a search result list generated by an Internet search engine. The system and method of the present invention provides a database having accounts for the network information providers. Each account contains contact and billing information for a network information provider. In addition, each account contains at least one search listing having at least three components: a description, a search term comprising one or more keywords, and a bid amount. The network information provider may add, delete, or modify a search listing after logging into his or her account via an authentication process. The network information provider influences a position for a search listing in the provider ' s account by first selecting a search term relevant to the content of the web site or other information source to be listed. The network information provider enters the search term and the description into a search listing. The network information provider influences the position for a search listing through a continuous online competitive bidding process. The bidding process occurs when the network information provider enters a new bid amount, which is preferably a money amount, for a search listing. The system and method of the present invention then compares this bid amount with all other bid amounts for the same search term, and generates a rank value for all search listings having that search term. The rank value generated by the bidding process determines where the network information providers listing will appear on the search results list page that is generated in response to a query of the search term by a searcher located at a client computer on the computer network. A higher bid by a network information provider will result in a higher rank value and a more advantageous placement
Wise Guys from the East
One of today's reading was from Matthew 2 for which a large section is dedicated to the story of the magi from the east. The magi or magoi in Greek, were an Eastern religious order of astronomers trained in Babylon and Persia. It makes me wonder if they had left any notes - maybe a couple labbooks. Too bad it didn't happen today, we might even have a blog and some digital pictures.
June 21, 2004
Analyzing memory in Perl
What to do about the "out of memory" error? There are two Perl-specific ways to analyze memory usage: $ENV{PERL_DEBUG_MSTATS} and -DL command-line switch. The first is available only if Perl is compiled with Perl's malloc(); the second only if Perl was built with -DDEBUGGING. Hmmm...
Update
I couldn't do what I wanted to do with either of these methods. I ended up using 'ps', as in 'ps -lp $$', to get the amount of memory being used by the process at important points in my code. Fortunately I was able to figure out the problem, but that's another story for another day.
June 19, 2004
Friendship Village, MD - the densest place in America
According to US census data, the densest place in America is Friendship Village, MD coming in at 81992 people per square mile. At about 0.055 square miles, it can hardly be called a town.
DBI bind_param_inout and MySQL
The short answer is that it doesn't work because bind_param_inout is not implemented for MySQL. For those of you that are curious, bind_param_inout allows you to pass a reference into an SQL statement instead of the actual block of data. It conserves memory since duplicate copies of the data do not have to exist. The error you might see if you try to do this is "Output parameters not implemented". That's too bad. I wonder why it isn't implemented./***************************************************************************
*
* Name: dbd_bind_ph
*
* Purpose: Binds a statement value to a parameter
*
* Input: sth - statement handle
* imp_sth - drivers private statement handle data
* param - parameter number, counting starts with 1
* value - value being inserted for parameter "param"
* sql_type - SQL type of the value
* attribs - bind parameter attributes, currently this must be
* one of the values SQL_CHAR, ...
* inout - TRUE, if parameter is an output variable (currently
* this is not supported)
* maxlen - ???
*
* Returns: TRUE for success, FALSE otherwise
*
**************************************************************************/
int dbd_bind_ph (SV *sth, imp_sth_t *imp_sth, SV *param, SV *value,
IV sql_type, SV *attribs, int is_inout, IV maxlen) {
int paramNum = SvIV(param);
if (paramNum <= 0 || paramNum > DBIc_NUM_PARAMS(imp_sth)) {
do_error(sth, JW_ERR_ILLEGAL_PARAM_NUM,
"Illegal parameter number");
return FALSE;
}
if (is_inout) {
do_error(sth, JW_ERR_NOT_IMPLEMENTED,
"Output parameters not implemented");
return FALSE;
}
return BindParam(&imp_sth->params[paramNum - 1], value, sql_type);
}June 18, 2004
David Ludlow's Leak-Proof Spa
There was an interesting press release today on Utah-based David Ludlow, founder of Bullfrog International (Bluffdale, UT). Bullfrog International holds six patents related to "the world's only virtually leak-proof, and upgradeable spa".
Traditional spas are built with hundreds of glue joints, long networks of pipe, and dozens of pipe connections buried in foam insulation, restricting water pressure and flow. Ludlow designed Bullfrog spas to eliminate 90 percent of the pipe and pipe fittings, reducing the number of pipe connections in the plumbing systems. With up to 90 percent of the plumbing and jets in the spa water and zero holes drilled into the spa seatbacks,So how does this thing work?
Bullfrog spas are virtually leak-proof.
The broadband version of their website, Bullfrog Spas, has a cool Flash application that explains how it all works. Click on "Launch SpaDesign". Essentially, the water comes from the edge, squirts into these modular seats, which then spray the water. In this way, the main body is hole-free and leaks are virtually impossible. Very clever.
June 16, 2004
"britax car seat" wins
This is kind of interesting, if you take a look at Overture's Search Term Suggestion Tool for the term "car seat", you can probably guess which brand of car seats are selling the best. In order of searches, I present:What did I learn? Recaro, I've never heard of that brand of car seat before - apparently, not many other people have either.
Here's the whole thing:
Fun huh?
June 14, 2004
Invisible cloak via retro-reflectum
I've been thinking about how to do this for several years - but someone has actually gone and done it! Imagine, an invisible cloak just like Frodo. The BBC has the scoop. The inventor is Susumu Tachi, who started developing the idea in 1977. He is a professor at the University of Tokyo in the Deptartment of Information Physics and Computing. The cloak was on-exhibition this month in San Francisco.
So what is retro-reflectum? Also referred to as retro-reflective material, the term brings up absolutely nothing on Google. The answer can be found in the latest of Professor Tachi's patents, US6341869.
A projector is disposed at a position that is optically conjugated to a position of eyes of an observer. The projector projects an image to a screen that has retroreflection function so as to provide information of virtual space to the observer. If a real object such as a tactile sense provision device that is to be shielded by the virtual space exists, a part or the whole of the real object is optically hidden from the projection of the projector by a shielding member having retroreflection function, for example, by placing a shielding screen on which a retroreflection material is coated, or by coating the retroreflection material.Demonstrations of the technology can be found on their project website. So cool!
June 11, 2004
California car seat law
I couldn't find anything on rear-facing versus forward-facing, though the American Pediatrics Association recommends not forward-facing until 1 year old. #2 actually fits the weight and height restrictions already. Also interesting, there doesn't appear to be any mention of 5-point harnesses...CALIFORNIA CODES
VEHICLE CODE SECTION 27360-27368
27360. (a) No parent or legal guardian, when present in a motor vehicle, as
defined in Section 27315, shall permit his or her child or ward to be
transported upon a highway in the motor vehicle without providing and properly
securing the child or ward, in a child passenger restraint system meeting
applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards unless the child or ward is at
least one of the following:
(1) Six years of age or older.
(2) Weighs 60 pounds or more.
(b) No driver shall transport on a highway any
child in a motor vehicle, as defined in Section 27315, without providing and
properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system meeting
applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards unless the child is at least
one of the following:
(1) Six years of age or older.
(2) Weighs 60 pounds or more.
This subdivision does not apply to a driver if the parent or legal guardian of
the child is also present in the vehicle and is not the driver.
(c) (1) A first offense under this section is
punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100), except that the court may
reduce or waive the fine if the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the
court that he or she is economically disadvantaged, and the court, instead,
refers the defendant to a community education program that includes, but is not
limited to, education on the proper installation and use of child passenger
restraint systems for children of all ages, and provides certification to the
court of completion of that program. Upon completion of the program, the
defendant shall provide proof of participation in the program. If an education
program on the proper installation and use of a child passenger restraint system
is not available within 50 miles of the residence of the defendant, the
requirement to participate in that program shall be waived. If the fine is paid,
waived, or reduced, the court shall report the conviction to the department
pursuant to Section 1803.
The court may, at its discretion, require any defendant described under this
section to attend an education program that includes demonstration of proper
installation and use of child passenger restraint systems and provides
certification to the court that the defendant has presented for inspection a
child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal safety standards.
(2) A second or subsequent offense
under this section is punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250),
no part of which may be waived by the court, except that the court may reduce or
waive the fine if the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the court
that he or she is economically disadvantaged, and the court, instead refers the
defendant to a community education program that includes, but is not limited to,
education on the proper installation and use of child passenger restraint
systems for children of all ages, and provides certification to the court of
completion of that program. Upon completion of the program, the defendant shall
provide proof of participation in the program. If an education program on the
proper installation and use of a child passenger restraint system is not
available within 50 miles of the residence of the defendant, the requirement to
participate in that program shall be waived. If the fine is paid, waived, or
reduced, the court shall report the conviction to the department pursuant to
Section 1803.
The court may, at its discretion, require any defendant described under this
section to attend an education program that includes demonstration of proper
installation and use of child passenger restraint systems and provides
certification to the court that the defendant has presented for inspection a
child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal safety standards.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the fines collected for a
violation of this section shall be allocated as follows:
(1) Sixty percent to health
departments of local jurisdictions, as defined in Section 16700 of the Welfare
and Institutions Code, where the violation occurred, to be used for a community
education program that includes, but is not limited to, demonstration of the
installation of a child passenger restraint system for children of all ages and
also assists economically disadvantaged families in obtaining those restraint
systems through low-cost purchases or loans. The county or city health
department shall designate a coordinator to facilitate the creation of a special
account and to develop a relationship with the municipal court system to
facilitate the transfer of funds to the program. The county or city may contract
for the implementation of the program. Prior to obtaining possession of a child
passenger restraint system pursuant to this section, a person shall attend an
education program that includes demonstration of proper installation and use of
child passenger restraint systems.
As the proceeds from fines become available, county or city health departments
shall prepare and maintain a listing of all child passenger restraint low-cost
purchase or loaner programs in their counties, including a semiannual
verification that all programs listed are in existence. Each county or city
shall forward the listing to the Office of Traffic Safety in the Business,
Transportation and Housing Agency and the courts, birthing centers, community
child health and disability prevention programs, county clinics, prenatal
clinics, women, infants, and children programs, and county hospitals in that
county, who shall make the listing available to the public. The Office of
Traffic Safety shall maintain a listing of all of the programs in the state.
(2) Twenty-five percent to
the county or city for the administration of the program.
(3) Fifteen percent to the city, to
be deposited in its general fund except that, if the violation occurred in an
unincorporated area, this amount shall be allocated to the county for purposes
of
paragraph (1).
(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2002.
27360.5. (a) No parent or legal guardian, when present in a motor vehicle, as
defined in Section 27315, may permit his or her child or ward who is six years
of age, but less than 16 years of age, or who is less than six years of age and
weighs 60 pounds or more to be transported upon a highway in the motor vehicle
without providing and properly securing the child or ward in an appropriate
child passenger restraint system or safety belt meeting applicable federal motor
vehicle safety standards.
(b) No driver may transport on a highway any
child who is six years of age, but less than 16 years of age, or who is less
than six years of age and weighs 60 pounds or more in a motor vehicle, as
defined in Section 27315, without providing and properly securing the child in a
child passenger restraint system or safety belt meeting applicable federal motor
vehicle safety standards. This subdivision does not apply to a driver if the
parent or legal guardian of the child is also present in the vehicle and is not
the driver.
(c) (1) A first offense under this section is
punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100), except that the court may
reduce or waive the fine if the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the
court that he or she is economically disadvantaged, and the court, instead,
refers the defendant to a child restraint education program that includes, but
is not limited to, demonstration of the proper installation and use of child
passenger restraint systems for children of all ages, and provides economically
disadvantaged families with a child passenger restraint low-cost purchase or
loaner program. Upon completion of the program, the defendant shall provide
proof of participation in the program that includes an inspection of a child
passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal safety standards. If an
education program on the proper installation and use of a child passenger
restraint system is not available within 50 miles of the residence of the
defendant, the requirement to participate in that program shall be waived. If
the fine is paid, waived, or reduced, the court shall report the conviction to
the department pursuant to Section 1803.
The court may, at its discretion, require any defendant described under this
section to attend an education program that includes demonstration of proper
installation and use of child passenger restraint systems and provides
certification to the court that the defendant has presented for inspection a
child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal safety standards.
(2) A second or subsequent offense
under this section is punishable by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250),
no part of which may be waived by the court, except that the court may reduce or
waive the fine if the defendant establishes to the satisfaction of the court
that he or she is economically disadvantaged, and the court, instead refers the
defendant to a community education program that includes, but is not limited to,
education on the proper installation and use of child passenger restraint
systems for children of all ages, and provides certification to the court of
completion of that program. Upon completion of the program, the defendant shall
provide proof of participation in the program. If an education program on the
proper installation and use of a child passenger restraint system is not
available within 50 miles of the residence of the defendant, the requirement to
participate in that program shall be waived. If the fine is paid, waived, or
reduced, the court shall report the conviction to the department pursuant to
Section 1803.
The court may at its discretion, require any defendant described under this
section to attend an education program that includes demonstration of proper
installation and use of child passenger restraint systems and provides
certification to the court that the defendant has presented for inspection a
child passenger restraint system that meets applicable federal safety standards.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be allocated as
follows:
(1) Sixty percent to county or city
health departments where the violation occurred, to be used for an education
program that includes, but is not limited to, the demonstration of proper
installation and use of child passenger restraint systems for children of all
ages and provides child restraints for loan or low-cost purchase.
(2) Twenty-five percent to the
county or city for the administration of the program.
(3) Fifteen percent to the city, to
be deposited in its general fund except that, if the violation occurred in an
unincorporated area, this amount shall be allocated to the county for purposes
of paragraph (1).
(e) This section shall become operative on
January 1, 2002.
27361. Any law enforcement officer reasonably suspecting a violation of Section
27360 or 27360.5, or both of those sections, may stop any vehicle transporting a
child appearing to the officer to be within the age or weight specified in
Section 27360 or 27360.5. The officer may issue a notice to appear for a
violation of Section 27360.
27362. (a) No manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer shall sell, offer for sale,
or install in any motor vehicle any child passenger restraint system not
conforming to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards on the date
of sale or installation. Responsibility for compliance with this section shall
rest with the individual selling, offering for sale, or installing the system.
Every person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be
punished as follows:
(1) Upon a first conviction, by a
fine not exceeding four hundred dollars ($400) or by imprisonment in the county
jail for a period of not more than 90 days, or both.
(2) Upon a second or subsequent
conviction, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by
imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than 180 days, or both.
(b) The fines collected for a violation of this
section shall be allocated as follows:
(1) Sixty percent to county health
departments where the violation occurred, to be used for a child passenger
restraint low-cost purchase or loaner program which shall include, but not be
limited to, education on the proper installation and use of a child passenger
restraint system. The county health department shall designate a coordinator to
facilitate the creation of a special account and to develop a relationship with
the superior court to facilitate the transfer of funds to the program. The
county may contract for the implementation of the program. Prior to obtaining
possession of a child passenger restraint system pursuant to this section, a
person shall receive information relating to the importance of utilizing that
system.
As the proceeds from fines become available, county health departments shall
prepare and maintain a listing of all child passenger restraint low-cost
purchase or loaner programs in their counties, including a semiannual
verification that all programs listed are in existence. Each county shall
forward the listing to the Office of Traffic Safety in the Business,
Transportation and Housing Agency and the courts, birthing centers, community
child health and disability prevention programs, and county hospitals in that
county, who shall make the listing available to the public. The Office of
Traffic Safety shall maintain a listing of all of the programs in the state.
(2) Twenty-five percent to
the county for the administration of the program.
(3) Fifteen percent to the city, to
be deposited in its general fund except that, if the violation occurred in an
unincorporated area, this amount shall be allocated to the county for purposes
of
paragraph (1).
27362.1. (a) No individual may sell or offer for sale a child passenger
restraint system that was in use by a child during an accident involving a motor
vehicle.
(b) A violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of one hundred
dollars ($100).
27363. (a) The court may exempt from the requirements of this article any class
of child by age, weight, or size if it is determined that the use of a child
passenger restraint system would be impractical by reason of physical unfitness,
medical condition, or size. The court may require satisfactory proof of the
child's physical unfitness, medical condition, or size and that an appropriate
special needs child passenger restraint system is not available.
(b) In case of a life-threatening emergency, or
when a child is being transported in an authorized emergency vehicle, if there
is no child passenger restraint system available, a child may be transported
without the use of that system, but the child shall be secured by a seatbelt.
(c) A child weighing more than 40 pounds may be
transported in the backseat of a vehicle while wearing only a lap safety belt
when the backseat of the vehicle is not equipped with a combination lap and
shoulder safety belt.
(d) This section shall become operative on
January 1, 2002.
27363.5. (a) Every public or private hospital, clinic, or birthing center,
shall, at the time of the discharge of a child provide and discuss information
on the current law requiring child passenger restraint systems to the parents or
the person to whom the child is released when at least one of the following
conditions is met:
(1) The child is less than six
years of age.
(2) The child weighs less than 60
pounds.
(b) A public or private hospital, clinic, or
birthing center shall not be responsible for the failure of the parent or person
to whom the child is released to use a child passenger restraint system.
(c) This section shall become operative on
January 1, 2002.
27364. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this article, to
insure that children, who are, because of their tender years, helpless dependent
passengers, are provided with the safest transportation possible.
(b) It is the further intent of the Legislature
to stress and communicate to all drivers in this state the importance of using
child passenger restraint systems.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed
to extend application of these provisions to a class of children other than the
class of children herein specified.
27365. (a) (1) Every car rental agency in California shall inform each of its
customers of Section 27360 by posting, in a place conspicuous to the public in
each established place of business of the agency, a notice not smaller than 15
inches by 20 inches which states the following: "CALIFORNIA LAW REQUIRES ALL
CHILDREN WHO ARE 5 YEARS OF AGE OR LESS AND WEIGH LESS THAN 60 POUNDS TO BE
TRANSPORTED IN A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM. THIS AGENCY IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE FOR
RENTAL A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM
YOURSELF."
(2) The posted notice specified in
paragraph (1) is not required if the car rental agency's place of business is
located in a hotel which has a business policy prohibiting the posting of signs
or notices in any area of the hotel. In that case, a car rental agency shall
furnish a written notice to each customer which contains the same information as
required for the posted notice.
(b) Every car rental agency in California shall
have available for, and shall, upon request, provide for rental to, adults
traveling with children under six years of age, child passenger seat restraint
systems that meet applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards on the date
of the rental transaction, are in good and safe condition, with no missing
original parts, and are not older than five years.
(c) A violation of this section is an
infraction punishable by a fine of one hundred dollars ($100).
(d) This section shall become operative on
January 1, 2002.
27366. (a) The department shall do the following:
(1) Prepare and disseminate
materials for the purpose of educating the public about the importance of using
passenger restraints for infants and children under 15 years of age. These
materials shall include, but are not limited to, audiovisual aids and written
materials that explain the effects of motor vehicle accidents on infants and
children and the reduction in risk of injury or death as a result of the
utilization of passenger restraints for infants and children.
(2) As funding is available,
produce and administer a billboard campaign stressing the importance of
utilizing child passenger restraint systems and instructing the public on where
to obtain those systems.
(b) The department, the Office of Traffic Safety, and the State Department of
Health Services shall meet annually to coordinate, share information about, and
outline the programs that each organization is pursuing in the area of child
passenger restraint systems.
27368. This article applies to child passengers in a fully enclosed
three-wheeled motor vehicle that is not less than seven feet in length and not
less than four feet in width, and has an unladen weight of 900 pounds or more.
Common Child Safety
Seat Errors
Four out of five child safety seats are used incorrectly
(National SAFE KIDS).
Rear facing infant in front seat with a passenger side air
bag.
Infant under age one facing forward.
Harness system missing, not buckled, too loose or positioned
under arms.
Safety belt not buckled, too loose or in wrong belt path.
Safety seat moves more than an inch forward or laterally.
Locking clip needed, but not used.
Child moved to booster seat too soon.
Airbags
Airbags have been accredited with saving more than 1,700
lives since the 1980s. They are also responsible for
the deaths of 32 children. Thirty of the 32 children killed were
either not properly restrained in a child safety seat
or other improper restraint (NHTSA).
Children of any age should ride in the back seat if at all
possible. Infants in rear- facing seats in vehicles with
passenger side air bags must be put in the back seat, without
exception.
Airbag on/off switches have been approved for vehicle
installation under special circumstances. For more
information, contact NHTSA Region IX at (415)744-3089.
6/03
June 9, 2004
Patent number lookup via patents | oncloud8
I upgraded patents | oncloud8. The look and feel is much improved, abstract fetching is at least twice as fast, and I dropped the price for the PDF copy from $0.88 to $0.49. Looking up the abstract is free of course. Woo woo!
There are several fetch box beta features which are undocumented. For instance, instead of entering "US5000000", you can get away with "U.S. patent number 5,000,000". This makes cut and pasting numbers much easier. The key is to make sure that the entry either starts with the country code or just the number (if it is US). So "5,000,000" will give you "US5000000". It can also handle non-newline delimited phrases, e.g., "US 5,000,000, US 5,000,001 and US 5,000,002".
June 6, 2004
Killing the featured-results.com pop-up
This is really depressing. After I delete the suspect files, e.g., inetp60.dll and rundll32.exe. They reappear! Unbelieveable. It is self-healing adware. I finally brokedown and downloaded PestPatrol which, without payment, won't delete anything.Here's what I found:
| 1 | AtlasDMT.com Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@atdmt[2].txt Tracking URL: atdmt.com Hits: 3 Received: 6/5/2004 11:08:36 PM Expires: 6/4/2009 5:00:00 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 2 | Bluestreak.com Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@bluestreak[1].txt Tracking URL: bluestreak.com Hits: 5 Received: 6/6/2004 2:59:32 PM Expires: 6/4/2014 10:58:48 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 3 | DoubleClick Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@doubleclick[1].txt Tracking URL: doubleclick.net Hits: 10 Received: 6/6/2004 7:53:50 AM Expires: 6/6/2007 7:53:06 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 4 | Ehg.Hitbox Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@ehg.hitbox[2].txt Tracking URL: ehg.hitbox.com Hits: 2 Received: 6/6/2004 2:54:50 PM Expires: 6/6/2005 2:54:06 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 5 | HitBox.com Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@hitbox[2].txt Tracking URL: hitbox.com Hits: 5 Received: 6/6/2004 2:54:50 PM Expires: 6/6/2005 2:54:06 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 6 | Statcounter Spyware Cookie | Category: Spyware Cookie Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\Cookies\test@statcounter[2].txt Tracking URL: statcounter.com Hits: 3 Received: 6/6/2004 2:54:36 PM Expires: 6/5/2009 2:53:12 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete |
| 7 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{fac6e0e1-5d45-4907-bc00-302d702dcc73} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 8 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\cpr.iehelperop | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 9 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{91d91d21-8008-429d-821c-7266aac84a9f} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 10 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{ace8d3ba-7742-44c4-920d-fd25bd1e8245} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 11 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{fac6e0e1-5d45-4907-bc00-302d702dcc73} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 12 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\internet explorer\toolbar|{bdf6ce3d-f5c5-4462-9814-3c8eac330ca8} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 13 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{bdf6ce3d-f5c5-4462-9814-3c8eac330ca8} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 14 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{fac6e0e1-5d45-4907-bc00-302d702dcc73} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 15 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{9d1b86c7-1b93-4586-9009-ea3bd0ad63a5} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 16 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{b8afa251-4efb-4703-87d4-da7d2435ba5e} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 17 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{df7d760c-b7e2-4735-bb77-f5a1a9745e16} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 18 | BrowserAid | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\runwindowsupdate | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 19 | BrowserAid.ABCSearch | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{7eb64065-dfd1-41b0-99d7-6ba3e0a15916} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 20 | BrowserAid.ABCSearch | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\popup stopper | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 21 | BrowserPal | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\browser pal | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 22 | BrowserPal | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\browser pal | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 23 | BrowserPal | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\internet explorer\extensions\{07b7f771-1b8e-4b7b-823e-ffac1732aa9f} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 24 | DownloadWare | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\btieinscriptconfigproj.btieinscriptconfig | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 25 | DownloadWare | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\clsid\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418322} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 26 | DownloadWare | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418321} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 27 | DownloadWare | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418328} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 28 | DownloadWare | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\typelib\{53f066f0-a4c0-4f46-83eb-2dfd03f938cf} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 29 | ExactSearchBar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{53f066f0-a4c0-4f46-83eb-2dfd03f938cf} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 30 | Ezula TopText | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{226a045e-fd4e-4632-b51d-a112bd8254e5} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 31 | Ezula TopText | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\classes\interface\{f6fbfe07-ca76-438e-b34e-4f4dc41f0123} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 32 | FactoryNetwork Dialer | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\dksoftware | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 33 | Gigatech Superbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{9d1b86c7-1b93-4586-9009-ea3bd0ad63a5} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 34 | Gigatech Superbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{b8afa251-4efb-4703-87d4-da7d2435ba5e} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 35 | Gigatech Superbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{df7d760c-b7e2-4735-bb77-f5a1a9745e16} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 36 | HuntBar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418328} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 37 | IBIS Toolbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\btieinscriptconfigproj.btieinscriptconfig | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 38 | IBIS Toolbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418322} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 39 | IBIS Toolbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{26e8361f-bce7-4f75-a347-98c88b418321} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 40 | IBIS Toolbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\protocols\handler\relatedlinks | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 41 | IBIS Toolbar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\protocols\name-space handler\res\btlink.resprotocol | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 42 | IGetNet | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{226a045e-fd4e-4632-b51d-a112bd8254e5} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 43 | IGetNet | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{f6fbfe07-ca76-438e-b34e-4f4dc41f0123} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 44 | INetSpeak.Iexplorr | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{4cebbc6b-5cee-4644-80cf-38980bae93f6} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 45 | INetSpeak.Iexplorr | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\browser helper objects\{6b12dabb-0b7c-44fa-b0b3-4baff3790256} | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 46 | KaZaA | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\kazaa | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 47 | KaZaA | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\kazaa | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 48 | KaZaA | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\app paths\d:\installshield\kazaa | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 49 | Marketscore(Netsetter) | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\netsetter | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 50 | SAHAgent | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\vgroup | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 51 | WurldMedia | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Registry: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\tchk.tchkbho | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or ignore |
| 52 | AdRoar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\cpr.dll Date: 12/18/2003 10:26:56 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 53 | AtomWire | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\iexplorr23.dll Date: 4/18/2003 4:32:20 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 54 | AtomWire | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\iexplorr24.dll Date: 4/18/2003 4:32:42 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 55 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\msbb.dll Date: 5/5/2003 8:57:50 PM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 56 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\msbb1.dll Date: 7/26/2003 7:50:56 AM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 57 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\mset_bbi8010.dll Date: 5/8/2003 9:30:54 PM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 58 | BargainBuddy | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\mset_bbi80101.dll Date: 7/22/2003 9:29:44 PM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 59 | BrowserAid.RunDLL16 | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\uptodate.exe Date: 3/25/2003 2:51:10 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 60 | BrowserAid.SearchandClick | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\inetp60.dll Date: 2/7/2004 9:38:46 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 61 | CommonName | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\winnet.ini Date: 9/24/2003 9:17:42 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 62 | Cydoor | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\local settings\temp\cd_clint.dll Date: 1/14/2002 2:57:00 PM Company Name: Cydoor Technologies, Inc. File Description: Cydoor Technologies ad-system File Version: 3, 2, 1, 0 Internal Name: CD_Clint.dll Legal Copyright: Copyright (C) Cydoor Technologies, Inc. 1999-2001 Original Filename: CD_Clint.dll Product Name: Cydoor Technologies ad-system Product Version: 3, 2, 1, 0 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 63 | ExactSearchBar | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\ezstubi.dll Date: 6/7/2003 6:34:04 PM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 64 | Ezula TopText | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\ezstubtt.exe Date: 6/7/2003 6:34:04 PM File Description: LOP Application File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: LOP Legal Copyright: Copyright (C) 2002 Original Filename: LOP.exe Product Name: LOP Application Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 65 | FavoriteMan | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\mbr32.dll Date: 5/10/2004 7:37:00 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 66 | FavoriteMan | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\mpz300.dll Date: 3/5/2003 4:09:58 PM File Description: F1 - Windows help for smart browsing File Version: 3, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: F1 Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: F1.DLL Product Name: F1 Product Version: 3, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 67 | IGetNet | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system\update_com.dll Date: 8/31/2003 11:28:24 AM Company Name: iGetNet.com File Description: Natural Language Navigation File Version: 6.00.0005 Internal Name: Rsp001 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 68 | IPInsight | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\sentry.ini Date: 5/4/2003 1:58:02 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 69 | MSView | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\inf\msview.inf Date: 6/16/2003 1:05:42 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 70 | MSView | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\msvprep.exe Date: 6/16/2003 1:03:20 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 71 | NCase | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\ncmyb.dll Date: 7/26/2003 7:53:12 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 72 | NetPal | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\netpals.dll Date: 8/19/2003 1:54:40 PM File Description: exe_in_dll Module File Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 Internal Name: exe_in_dll Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001 Original Filename: exe_in_dll.DLL Product Name: exe_in_dll Module Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 1 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 73 | NetSetter | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\csloa.dll Date: 4/29/2003 10:16:18 PM Company Name: comScore Inc. File Description: AOL Adapter File Version: 3, 0, 5, 41 Internal Name: csloa Legal Copyright: Copyright 2000 Original Filename: csloa.DLL Product Name: csloa Module Product Version: 3, 0, 5, 41 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 74 | SAHAgent | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\sahuninstall.exe Date: 5/6/2003 4:04:42 AM Company Name: - File Description: SAHUninstall File Version: 1, 1, 1, 17 Internal Name: SAHUninstall Legal Copyright: Copyright © 2002 Original Filename: SAHUninstall.dll Product Name: - SAHUninstall Product Version: 1, 1, 1, 17 | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 75 | BrowserAid.ABCSearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\application data\browser pal Date: 6/4/2003 5:55:50 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 76 | BrowserAid.ABCSearch? | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\application data\browser pal\bpcfg.xml Date: 6/4/2003 5:55:50 PM | Certainty: Suspected Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 77 | BrowserAid.ABCSearch? | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\application data\browser pal\pstopper.sts Date: 6/4/2003 10:30:12 PM | Certainty: Suspected Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 78 | ClearSearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\local settings\temp\clrsch Date: 6/6/2004 7:53:12 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 79 | ClearSearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\Test\locals~1\temp\clrsch Date: 6/6/2004 7:53:12 AM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 80 | IBIS Toolbar Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Program Files\common files\btlink Date: 1/17/2004 7:52:08 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 81 | Lycos Sidesearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Program Files\lycos Date: 10/3/2003 9:25:58 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 82 | Lycos Sidesearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Program Files\lycos\Sidesearch Date: 12/15/2003 11:15:14 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 83 | Lycos Sidesearch Directory | Category: Adware Background Info: Click here | In Directory: C:\Program Files\lycos\Sidesearch\temp Date: 12/16/2003 9:08:22 PM | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Confidentiality, Liability Risk: Low. Advice: Delete when empty |
| 84 | VX2.MSView | Category: Browser Helper Object Author: [Mindset Interactive] Release Date: 1/14/2003 0:00:00 Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\LastGood\MSView.DLL PVT: -122401757 MD5: 9de5c18a4ff98fce9c5da6ead8ec5f1b Date: 12/14/2002 10:17:32 AM Company Name: MSView Inc. File Description: MSView module File Version: 0, 0, 4, 12 Internal Name: MSView Legal Copyright: Copyright 2001, 2002 Original Filename: MSView.DLL Product Name: MSView Product Version: 0, 0, 4, 12 File Analysis: Look up with MD5 (recommended) or PVT. | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
| 85 | ClearSearch | Category: Hijacker Author: [Clear Search, Inc.] Release Date: 1/20/2004 0:00:00 Background Info: Click here | In File: C:\WINNT\system32\ClrSchP012.exe PVT: -1324841362 MD5: c9ca61949a0c9913ccb8883ad095c115 Date: 2/16/2004 9:57:08 PM Company Name: Clear Search File Description: Loader File Version: 1, 0, 0, 3 Internal Name: Loader Legal Copyright: Copyright © 2003 Original Filename: Loader.exe Product Name: Loader Product Version: 1, 0, 0, 3 File Analysis: Look up with MD5 (recommended) or PVT. | Certainty: Confirmed Threatens: Liability Risk: Moderate - this file can be executed! Advice: Delete or quarantine |
Depressing.
Hijacked search results by featured-results.com
A very annoying thing. I thought this might have been coming from prizesurfer.exe in the last post, but I don't think it is. Here's the symptom, you go to Google, do a search, and surprise, out pops some quasi-helpful paid links not from Google. Yes, you have been hijacked.
Here's what it looks like for a search on "mesothelioma" from Google.
Where does this come from? It appears to be some sort of IE plugin. A scanning of C:\WINNT\Downloaded Program Files reveals
| name | id | CodeBase |
|---|---|---|
| {26E8361F-BCE7-4F75-A347-98C88B418322} | http://dst.trafficsyndicate.com/Dnl/T_50026/QDow.cab | |
| {41F17733-B041-4099-A042-B518BB6A408C} | http://a1540.g.akamai.net/7/1540/52/20021126/qtinstall.info.apple.com/borris/us/win/QuickTimeInstaller.exe | |
| Mediachip AD Player Control | {2D0C7226-747E-11D6-83F0-00E04C4A2F90} | http://www2.sznews.com/movies/MCADPlayer.cab |
among others. The rest looks ok. I started by killing the trafficsyndicate.com script, which was "damaged" anyway. Hey, how about that, I think that was it.
Update
It wasn't. I turned on the computer the next day to find the same problem. The offender turned out to be ClearSearch which you can get rid of by following the instructions in pestpatrol.
Update to the update
I was able to uninstall ClearSearch, but that wasn't it either.
June 5, 2004
Prizesurfer (prizesurfer.exe, rcsync.exe)
If you are experiencing strange pop-up ads, seemingly unaffected by pop-up blockers, you might have Prizesurfer installed on your computer. Fortunately, you can detect it simply by looking at processes using Windows Task Manager. Along with prizesurfer.exe, you might also see rcsync.exe. According to liutilities, it "allows users to win cash and prizes just for surfing the Internet and shopping online". I suspect the only prizes you are going to win are ads on your computer.
I suspect that this might be the cause of the pop-up ads from www.featured-results.com. To replicate the behavior, do a search on Google for something like "mesothelioma". A full-page pop-up will pop up and will look like this:
Do not click on the ads! We don't want to enrich these guys any more. Go ahead and kill rcsync.exe and prizesurfer.exe from the Windows Task Manager by right clicking and selecting "End Process". Now, try the Google search again. Shoot, it still does it. So scratch that. The featured-results thing is another problem. To finish up rcsync and prize surfer, per pestpatrol, go to the start button, select Run, and then type regedit. Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and you'll see the following:
Notice PrizeSurfer and RCSync. Now we could do the kill ourselves, but it turns out, conveniently, that the developers of PrizeSurfer, Pink Sands Media Group, offer an uninstaller (gee, I wonder what else it installs...). But, the link they give, http://www.prizesurfer.com/prkzesurfer_uninstall.zip, conveniently doesn't work - and may even cause your computer to hang. So, moving on, delete the two registry entries and then reboot.
I was unable to locate passkey.dll to unregister (it was gone) nor was I able to find the first five HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT entries. It maybe that Spybot already removed these.
All clear. Finally, erase everything in C:/Program Files/RCPrograms. Done.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\clsid\{7b91df1f-96e8-42ba-ab39-e1db9ce9f371}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\interface\{6d846abd-9ece-44ad-bb1b-e1b0b20e352f}
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\passkey.validate
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\passkey.validate.1
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\typelib\{be055af3-6567-4678-a901-d4b7d92e55fe}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\code store database\distribution units\{7b91df1f-96e8-42ba-ab39-e1db9ce9f371}
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\moduleusage\c:/windows/downloaded program files/passkey.dll
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run\prizesurfer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\run\rcsync
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\shareddlls\c:\windows\downloaded program files\passkey.dll
Logitech and BackWeb Lite
You can add Logitech to your list of sorta sketchy companies. Along with their so-called "free" desktop messenger comes BackWeb Lite. Spybot caught this in my father-in-law's PC. Despite multiple attempts of fixing the problem, BackWeb kept cropping up scan after scan. Per pestpatrol,
BackWeb is a generic, background downloading tool that software vendors can incorporate into their product to download data (e.g. product updates) to the user's PC. Its operation depends on the instructions given to it by the individual software vendor who bundles it.You can imagine this being used for good and evil. It could be used for upgrading the mouse dr