Attachment Manager

For several days, I had been unable to download any files using web browsers (IE and Chrome). This included web mail, any file downloads from web pages, etc. On IE the download occurred, but the file simply disappeared after download finished. IE did not give any error messages. It was really annoying. I then tried the same on Chrome. Chrome did the same, the file simply disappeared after downloading. However, it provided a vital clue – it showed an error saying that the file virus check failed, and provided URL to Microsoft Attachment Manager description.

It turned out that the MS Attachment Manager tried to notify anti-virus software (happened to be Trend Micro’s OfficeScan) after downloading. However, this notification somehow failed. Since I don’t have permission to change anything in OfficeScan (it was installed by our IT department) the simplest way is for me to disable this notification because OfficeScan automatically checks any new files any way.

I changed the Windows Registry key from 3 (On) into 1 (Off):

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments

The Next Killer App

I absolutely hate to go to see doctors because I’d invariably wait for a long time, sometimes hours just to get 5 minutes of consultation time. It’s a waste of time. Alas, such is the sad reality of Medicare in Australia.

Wouldn’t it be great for the clinic to ping you on your mobile phone when it’s about your turn? Today we have mature enough technology and the infrastructure to make this a reality. I saw on the news that some theme park is already adopting this approach. We now need an innovative service provider (common, Telstra, Optus and all the tier-2/3 players) to provide such a service and app to smaller businesses such as clinics, chemists, restaurants, etc. Let’s face it, the market is there and the need is there, and has been there for ages.