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View this newsletter online at  http://www.usfamily.net/tip-2003-09-05.html

USFamily.Net Fall Dialup Pool Expansion

We have started adding addtional modem pool lines for the heavy fall period. This expansion includes a new modem pool number for new customers. Anyone is welcome to use this pool (but there is no requirement to do so).
Primary access number: 612-236-1101 Secondary access number 612-435-0100 For help go to http://www.usfamily.net/chgnum.html

*IMPORTANT* - VIRUSES HIT INTERNET

Just like the rest of the country, we became aware of two serious viruses affecting the Internet over the past two weeks. These viruses are more technically known as worms and travel from computer to computer, negatively affecting computer systems without user knowledge. We have been actively pursuing these viruses to minimize their effects on our users, and to prevent further spread of the problem.

In the short term, we have disabled the process which these viruses utilize to find computers to infect. We are also closely monitoring our access systems for high levels of potential virus traffic. While we take the necessary precautions to make your internet experience the most enjoyable it can be, there are some procedures you can follow that will help protect your computer from current and future viruses. Please follow the instructions listed below:

PATCH YOUR COMPUTER TO PROTECT FROM VIRUSES

If you have Windows NT, XP or 2000 please follow these steps immediately, if you have not already done so (follow the steps in the exact order shown)

1. Download and install the Microsoft patch that fixes the hole these viruses enter through:
   Users with Windows NT (must have Service Pack 6): CLICK HERE
   Users with Windows XP: CLICK HERE
   Users with Windows 2000: CLICK HERE
2. Download the Blaster fix tool: http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/FixBlast.exe
   
3. Download and run the Welchia fix tool: http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/FixWelch.exe
4. Run a complete virus scan: http://www.mcafee.com/myapps/mfs/

On a lighter note…
Don’t forget to Reap the USFamily.Net REFERRAL REWARDS!

This fall, you can receive one FREE month of Internet Access for every friend, associate, or family member that signs up for USFamily.Net Internet Access through your referrals.

By simply sharing the benefits of USFamily.Net with your friends and family by introducing them to Minnesota’s low priced Internet Access and E-Mail Access (complete with FREE Spam Filtering), you can enjoy the benefits of USFamily.Net Referral Rewards.

To begin reaping the rewards (credits to your account), simply e-mail the names, addresses and/or e-mail addresses to referrals@usfamily.net or fill out our online referral form today! (*Program Details: Between August 8, 2003 and December 31, 2003, $8.99 credit will be posted to the account of any USFamily.Net customer for every referral they submit resulting in the referral becoming a paying customer of USFamily.net.)