County Agent News

Dan Folske

April 12, 2010

Rogue Antivirus

            Rogue Antivirus programs are viruses which pop up and tell you that your computer is infected with a bunch of viruses and the way to remove them is to buy the full version of the antivirus program. Recently we are seeing “fake rogue antivirus” viruses and “fake fake rogue antiviruses”.  The fake programs will take your money but don’t actually scan your computer or give you any protection. The “fake fake” programs don’t even have a website set up to take your money. Clicking on the button which says something like “Purchase Now” does not do anything.

            These can be serious programs which can be difficult to clean off so you need to be wary of them. One of the most common methods by which these infections occur is by clicking on a link in a website which offers a free virus scan or spyware scan. Another infection method I have seen lately has been through e-greeting cards. You get an email which indicates you have received an e-greeting card from a friend or family member and when you click on it the virus installs itself.

Super Gardening Saturday April 17th

Get information on vegetables and flowers during this all day program.

   The annual Super Gardening Saturday program will be April 17 at the North Central Research Extension Center. The format of the program will be a bit different this year. The program will start at 9:00 a.m. and the entire morning session will be devoted to vegetable gardening.

   Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension area horticulturist, will give two presentations. Kalb will give a program titled “Ten Steps to a Fantastic Garden” and he will discuss the vegetable trials that gardeners are participating in across the state.

    Holly Mawby, Director of the Entrepreneurial Center for Horticulture at Dakota College, will give a presentation titled, “Planning Your Garden Around Your Abilities.”

   The morning session will be completed with a 30-minute session that will give local organizations that are involved with gardening an opportunity to explain their involvement with vegetable production and local foods. Seven organizations will give short updates.

    The afternoon session will begin with a presentation on container gardening by Holly Mawby.  Mike Rose will give a slide show on North Dakota Wild Flowers, and Steve Wharton, Minot Horticulturalist, will conclude the event with an update on new annual flower varieties.

   Registration is required by April 14. Registration is $20.00 which includes a noon lunch. Register by calling 857-4136 or emailing minotpark@srt.com. Registration on the day of the session is $30.00.