Stamp Column Archives

The Glassine Surfer Column Archive

This column originally appeared in the American Philatelic Society's monthly magazine, "The American Philatelist." Since then some of the information may be out-of-date depending on how far back you're reading.

July 2000

WSH

Without a program called Windows Scripting Host, files like the ILY VBS virus can't run.  You can remove the WSH from your system, but remember that all automated tasks that whatever require WSH will no longer be available.

Disable Windows Scripting Host by going to 1) Control Panel, 2) Add/Remove Programs, 3) Windows Setup tab, 4) double-click on Accessories folder, 5) remove the checkmark (if present) from Windows Scripting Host, 6) click OK.

You can reinstall WSH in the future by putting the checkmark back in the box and installing it from your CD.

Forewarned is Forearmed

Of course only those who weren't warned in advance opened the ILOVEYOU message so make it a point to stay informed and to know where to turn to when a new infectious plague hits the Web.  Make it a point to visit a site or two once a week and see what's in the news.

Just a couple of days after the ILY virus broke out several variants were spotted, but the scariest thought of all is that on the scale of technological terrorism this virus attack was nothing more than a juvenile Halloween prank.  

Network Associates, anti-virus software
http://www.nai.com/

Symantec, anti-virus software
http://www.symantec.com

Guide to Anti-virus information
http://antivirus.about.com

CERT, Net security
http://www.cert.org

ER Center
http://antivirus.about.com/library/bldownld.htm

Trend Micro's free on-line virus scanner
http://housecall.antivirus.com/

Zoniania

Zonians or CZbrats are people who were either born, raised in, retired from or left the Panama Canal Zone, and Wayne Worthington, a Zonian and AP reader, suggested that Zonians, CZ collectors and AP readers might appreciate knowing about some Web Zone resources.

A Web contact point for this 750-member APS affilate with some basic information.

The Canal Zone Study Group.  
http://home.att.net/~a.bentz/Czsg.htm

An extensive collection of photographs from around the CZ by many different people.  It also hosts Wayne Worthington's extensive CZ postcard collection.

Dino's Panama Photo Album.
http://www.chagres.com/

Here's an entire directory of everything you'd want to know about the Canal Zone, complete with a real time web cam.  You might also have some fun with the web site's cursor.

CZ Brats
http://www.czbrats.com/

The official online presence of the canal's management, featuring history, information and news is right here.

The Panama Canal
http://www.pancanal.com/

Halfway down the left-hand side under "Photos and Slide Shows" is a link to the "Canal Zone stamps slide show."  You'll enjoy it.  It's a java presentation of the Zone's US issues.

The Zonian
http://www.zonian.com/

Thanks for the suggestion Wayne.  

Philately & Education

Education International is a group working to provide free, quality education for all people, particularly for women and children around the globe.  Their site honors teachers and education, and they have a strong section related to commemorative postage stamps and education