Patch Tuesday - Microsoft OneCare Live

Patch Tuesday

Here we go again, the eve of Patch Tuesday.  Patch Tuesday is the second Tuesday of each month, on which Microsoft releases security patches.  Patch Tuesday evolved out of "Windows Update" that started with Windows 98.

Initially the Windows Update system suffered from two problems. The first was that the less-experienced user was often unaware of Windows Update and did not run it.  Microsoft's solution to that was the "Automatic Update," which notified each user that an update was available for his system.  Secondly, the problem with Automatic Updates was that sometimes it broke previously working software programs which caused problems for customers with many copies of Windows.  IT techs not only had to update every Windows deployment in the company but also uninstall patches issued by Microsoft that broke existing functionality.

In order to reduce the costs related to the deployment of patches, Microsoft introduced "Patch Tuesday". Security patches are accumulated over a period of one month and then dispatched all at once on the second Tuesday of each month.  System administrators may prepare, troubleshoot and resolve any conflicts and decide the best appropriate course for their systems.

The contents of this month's Patch Tuesday updates can be found at the following link; http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS10-sep.mspx

Also if you haven't already, you can sign up for an automatic notification from Microsoft that will be issued 3 days in advance, this link is; http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/dd252948.aspx

Exploit Wednesday

Did you know that the day following Patch Tuesday has become known as Exploit Wednesday?  Malware writers analyze the patch and quickly develop code to attack new entry points knowing that there will be an entire month before Microsoft releases any patch to fix it.

Microsoft OneCare Live

Microsoft once had a for pay anti-virus/malware system, "OneCare" that is now available for free.  Not only does it scan for malware and viruses, it also has a Registry Check/Fix that works very well.  To do a full scan takes some time depending upon how many files you have on your system... so allow time for the scan to run.  Start it if you are going to be away from the computer for awhile.  It is well worth the time.  Click here for the Microsoft OneCare link.

WHS 2010 - Windows Home Server 2010

In this blog I would like to address a glaring problem in both the enterprise and home arenas, BACKUP. Whether you have a backup system in place already... be it tape, cartridge or cloud based, are all the important data files really being backed up? In the SOHO you may have the server or central data location backed up but what about My Documents and PST files which are by default kept on workstations. If the hard drive fails on the workstation the user is usually out of luck. Some cloud backups, MOZY, Carbonite and others offer limited backup space to home users for free, while business owners become locked in at a monthly fee or a per/gigabyte rate.

Home users who have experienced hard drive failure lose cherished family memories in lost photos, films and important documents.

Enter Microsoft Home Server 2010. This is a super solution for SOHO users. It is a capable server and OS that not only supports Active Directory, it becomes a centralized location for all of your digitized media.

WHS 2010 capabilities include;

Media Server - Store and organize digital memories and media in one central location. Stream the digital content to Media devices.

Backup Software - Effortlessly backup your home computers daily and automatically.

Data Recovery - Easily restore lost files or even entire hard drive contents in a few steps.

Document Management - Get complete access to files from both inside and outside the home.

Remote Access - Share photos and home videos with friends and family with the built-in secure and personalized website address.

Add-ins - Easily extend the capabilities of the Server using software add-ins. Expand storage capacity easily as your needs increase.

DRIVING FORCE has implemented WHS in both home and enterprise situations and offer a range of appliances to meet your needs.

We are currently offering: The Acer Aspire easyStore H340-UA230N Server (pictured above) for

$395

Product Description Acer Aspire easyStore H340-UA230N - Atom 230 1.6 GHz
Type Server
Form Factor Tower
Dimensions (WxDxH) 7.9 in x 7.1 in x 8.3 in
Weight 11.2 lbs
Localization Canada, United States
Processor 1 x Intel Atom 230 / 1.6 GHz
Cache Memory 512 KB L2 cache
Cache Per Processor 512 KB
RAM 2 GB (installed) / 2 GB (max) - DDR2 SDRAM - 800 MHz
Flash Memory 256 MB
Storage Controller Serial ATA ( Serial ATA-300 )
Server Storage Bays Hot-swap 3.5"
Hard Drive 1 x 1 TB - hot-swap - Serial ATA-300
Monitor None.
Graphics Controller Intel GMA 950 Dynamic Video Memory Technology 3.0
Networking Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
OS Provided Microsoft Windows Home Server
Manufacturer Warranty 1 year warranty