Currently, a worm known as Downadup aka Kido aka Conficker is infiltrating and spreading through networks with low security, and may very well expose millions of PCs. The Downadup worm exploits a bug in Microsoft Windows that potentially exposes infected PCs to hijack. Originating in the Ukraine, this worm may enable people to steal financial or personal information on your computer.

So far, the Downadup worm has infected mostly corporate networks. Business owners should be aware of this and take precaution. This worm can be prevented by employing strong passwords that are long and difficult. You should also maintain up-to-date virus protection with the atch from Microsoft known as MS08-067.

This virus can be removed from your computer. If you believe your computer may be infectedwith the Downadup Worm, contact us about our virus removal and computer repair services and we'll be happy to help.

It's a little early in the year, but PC Magazine decided to get a jumpstart on the competition and release a list of their best free software of the year. These are mostly audio player apps, but this list represents only a portion of the overall list of free software. For the full list, visit PC Magazine.

1. Circle Dock
circledock.wikidot.com
Windows
New twist on on dock widgets.

2. ObjectDock
www.stardock.com
Windows
Displays information such as time, weather, and a Web search form in a Mac-lik Windows Taskbar and Quick Launch toolbar.

3. Launchy
www.launchy.net
Windows | Linux
Launchy is a free windows and linux utility designed to help you forget about your start menu, the icons on your desktop, and even your file manager. Launchy indexes the programs in your start menu and can launch your documents, project files, folders, and bookmarks with just a few keystrokes!

4. Quicksilver
www.blacktree.com
Mac OS
A keyboard quick launch program.

5. Audacity
audacity.sourceforge.net
Windows | Mac OS | Linux
 A free sound editor.

6. Banshee
banshee-project.org
Linux
iTunes Linux-only iTunes riff.

7. EphPod
www.ephpod.com
Windows
Another alternative iTunes.

8. foobar2000
www.foobar2000.org
Windows
An iTunes-like media player.

9. imeem (formerly Anywhere.FM)
www.imeem.com
Web
Another media player.

10. iTunes
www.apple.com/itunes
Windows | Mac OS
The real deal!

Computer repair services offered by chain retailers are extremely expense. Going by crafty names such as the “Nerd Herd,” these big box services are making a killing by offering computer repair services from unsuspecting and desperate customers who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Central Arkansas Networking is a locally owned alternative to these fly by night retail chains. Located between Benton and Bryant, you can bring your computer in or our technicians can come to you.

We often find common computer problems that can be resolved quickly by upgrading software, installing virus scanning software, restoring or changing computer settings that may be interfering with performance. We can also back up your important files and make a copy of information on your computer so you won't have to fear a natural computer disaster.