Some of you may not get the newsletter from Fairpoint Communications - or if you do, perhaps you don't bother to read it. I thought this was interesting information that came in one today:

Warning! – Arm Yourself In The Battle Against Botnets

In the most recent Microsoft Security Intelligence Report, the company warns that computers with older operating systems are more susceptible to infections from bot-related malware. What is a bot? The term is short for robot. It refers to what your computer becomes when criminals distribute malicious software that forces your computer to perform automated tasks over the Internet—without you knowing it. Large numbers of bots form a network called a botnet.

"It's a Robot Download Graphics to View." Criminals use botnets to send out spam e-mail messages, spread viruses, attack computers and servers, and commit other kinds of crime and fraud. It can be difficult to tell if your computer has become part of a botnet but there are warning signs including:

• Your computer slows down and seems sluggish.
• You receive mysterious e-mails accusing you of sending spam.

If you suspect your computer may be infected, you can visit https://consumersecuritysupport.microsoft.com and click on "I think my computer is infected" to access the online Safety Scanner.

To strengthen your computer's defenses in the battle against botnets, Microsoft recommends the following:

• Install antivirus and antispyware programs from a trusted source.
• Keep all software up to date.
• Use strong passwords and keep them secret.
• Never turn off your firewall.

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It seems there's always something new to worry about concerning computers.

I just received this cancellation notice:

Due to the weather and the number of people who have said they prefer not
to travel tonight, the Forum on the Future of the Coalition is postponed.

We hope you can join us on Wednesday, Feb. 2, same time - 6-8 p.m., Willey Building, in Cabot.

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Also postponed:
Tonight's Dramatic Performance by the Cabot Middle School students at the Cabot School Performing Arts Center (CSPAC), based on Vermont Reads novel, The Day of the Pelican. Watch for rescheduling.

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We are getting some pretty serious snow. It's been going on all day - now is up to 24 degrees, and I'm estimating we've had 3-4 inches. I'll measure at around 4:30 or so and make a report so it will get on tonight's weather report on WCAX at 6. I just heard someone on a road crew say it was letting up where he was. I don't always know where they are when I'm listening to their chatter unless they mention a landmark. They are busy plowing and sanding in most regions, and it doesn't seem to be letting up much here, and from what I'm hearing, they are expecting sleet and freezing rain. Not a good night for travel.

Bill, Monika and Jo-Ann came to have supper with us last night after the basketball game at Danville. The Waterford 5-6th grade girls won, 17-7, so it was a pretty good game. Jo-Ann is doing better all the time and scored some point in the tournament at Lisbon this weekend. She didn't score last night, but she loves to play. Unfortunately, the pictures we took came out fuzzy again - Fred said it's time to read the manual to see what we're doing wrong. He did get this picture of the display of retired numbers for Danville star players, Roxanne Carson and Dwayne Lynaugh. Lots of local folks will remember those names!