Christmas themed Spamvertising campaigns debut early

NEWs (so what's new?):  Another security threat...
The Cyber-Grinches are always busy plotting ways to part you from your money and info and this year is no exception.  This year marks the earliest start to their socially engineered attempts and it promises to be a busy holiday season, so be vigilant

A couple of tips are to Google an apparent legit product/email and check to see if there are reports already about the product/email made by other consumers.  If there are links within the email you can usually right click on the link and see the properties behind it.  If it isn't a recognizable https:// address or points to a foreign country domain be careful.

Read more about these latest threats at:  http://www.zdnet.com/cybercriminals-start-spamvertising-xmas-themed-scams-and-malware-campaigns-7000007178/?s_cid=e550

NEW $799 MAC Mini:  how to be a Pariah at the Genius Bar.
Hooray, the new Apple Mac Mini is out.  It along with Windows emulation software Parallels will allow you to run Windows software and actually be productive.  I wonder when the major software companies will abandon Microsoft and port their software over to OS X allowing users to run their applications without the added cost of emulation software, plus the added layer that degrades performance.  However there may be no need to add Apple compatibility, the Cloud is negating the need to do so which means...

The Cloud:  how the PC (desktop computer) will be history...
Microsoft for one has been busy with a cloud-centric focus.  They offer Office 365-Cloud Collaboration for Business, which is a very viable alternative for small businesses.  Microsoft Dynamics, their Accounting Solution has already migrated much of their offerings to the cloud and soon the GP 2013, the starter version will be cloud based as well.

This trend is helping to accelerate the demise of the desktop computer.  The Cloud movement provides stimulus to the BYOD movement.  In case you missed it, BYOD means Bring Your Own Device.  An employee can access company data and materials from their web enabled device and work independently of an office bound PC.  Upside/Downside:  Think of the hardware savings for companies if they can put the hardware expense on the employee... think of the implementation costs of managing printing and security for a multitude of different devices and OS's.

Microsoft again has been perpetuating the migration to the Cloud with their Web based Office Apps.  Anyone with an existing Hotmail or Outlook.com account can log in via their browser (including Apple's Safari) and have access to Word, Excel and PowerPoint based Web Apps.  In addition you get 7 GB of storage with SkyDrive.  If you haven't done so already, sign up for an Outlook.com account and reap the benefits.  If you hate Microsoft, Google Docs may be an alternative for you and DropBox is a business favorite.


Resolutions:  Goals and desires, (Procrastinate... who me?)
2013 Goal.  Driving Force's plan for the New Year is to free ourselves of our in-house servers for real time company data.  I am in the process of pushing all company data to the cloud for access via my Window 8 or Android tablets.  I already have an Office 365 contract and will be implementing a Cloud based server to migrate Driving Force's Microsoft Dynamics GP accounting data and use Terminal Services for accessing and performing accounting tasks (my current version, GP 2010 is not Cloud based).   In case you are wondering I will not yet be keeping any client data Cloud based and will maintain an in-house server for migrating and development on the client side due to privacy policies.

However Driving Force's critical data will be cloud based and therefore I will be free of worrying about hardware failure, backup and virus protection, it's a wonderful thing.

BTW, my next purchase will be a ChromeBook.  Looking forward to implementing Google's new Remote Desktop connection so I can access my desktop, for what I don't know.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57548748-1/how-a-chromebook-got-me-through-hurricane-sandy/

Until next time, buy a PC!

Massive Overseas theft of South Carolina Tax Data, Chrome Remote Desktop, iPad 4

South Carolina DOR Hacked.

Tax data belonging to as many as 675,000 South Carolina businesses and information from tax forms belonging to 3.6 million people who filed since 1998 including credit card information has been compromised by overseas hackers.  State offering free year of credit monitoring.

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=817902#.UJJ-FIb0fQI

http://www.thestate.com/2012/10/31/2502825/suit-filed-over-sc-data-hack.html#.UJJ8IIb0fW8


Google announces Chrome Remote Desktop

Tech giant Google has announced that its Chrome Remote Desktop has moved out of beta.  The move coincides and complement Google's new Chromebook, allowing users to access their Mac or PC with the portable and easy to use Chromebook while on the go.  The new Chromebook is made by Samsung and retails at only $249.

The Remote Desktop includes Printer  support as well as the ability to access another person's computer for support assistance.  For more details see,

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411565,00.asp?google_editors_picks=true

Apple surprises with new iPad 4 announcement.

There is a some ill will in Apple World with the unveiling of the 4th Generation iPad last week at Apple's iPad mini event.  Only 7 months into the 3rd generation iPad, Apple without any warning has dropped a bomb on buyers of the iPad 3.  The 4th gen iPad has the new A6X processor which Apple says "doubles the performance of CPU Tasks."  The previous iPad 3 has the same processor as the iPad 2, A5X.  The other notable differences are, IOS 6 (iPad3 which came with IOS 5.1 but is upgradeable), the 4th gen has the new 8 pin Lightning connector and LTE wireless connectivity for super fast mobile internet when you are out and about.

(from PadGadget's site), If you are the kind of person that likes to have the latest and greatest Apple device, then this fourth generation tablet is that must have product. It’s twice as fast (in regards to both CPU and graphical capabilities), has a better FaceTime camera, faster Wi-Fi, and improved LTE.

Read more here;

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57538502-285/peeved-apple-will-exchange-your-3rd-gen-ipad-for-the-newer-model/

http://www.kotaku.com.au/2012/10/it-only-took-seven-months-for-apple-to-make-me-feel-like-a-chump/

http://www.techradar.com/us/news/mobile-computing/tablets/ipad-3-vs-ipad-4-the-key-differences-1106685

http://www.padgadget.com/2012/10/25/the-ipad-3-vs-the-ipad-4-why-you-should-upgrade-now/

10/26/2012 - Windows 8 Launch!!!

Today is the Official Launch date of Windows 8!

New buyer upgrade: If you purchased a Windows 7 PC after June 2, 2012 you can get a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $14.99. Microsoft started accepting upgrade registrations in August, but you can sign up now via windowsupgradeoffer.com. Starting today, Microsoft will send out promo codes via email. When you upgrade via Windows.com, Microsoft will display the $39.99 price for general upgrades; enter the promo code on the confirmation page to get the $14.99 price. Users have until Feb. 28, 2013 to use their promo code. For more, see Microsoft's FAQ.  If you have purchased a new computer on or after June 2, 2012, you have until 01/31/2012 to apply for your $14.99 upgrade special.

https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US

if you have questions: 

http://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US/Home/Faq

If you have a PC purchased prior to 06/02/2012 and it has Window XP (SP3), Vista or Windows 7, and you wish to upgrade, the cost will be $39.99 for download only or $69.99 for media and shipping.

Upgrade your existing PC online: PC users running Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 can upgrade their PCs to Windows 8 Pro via a $39.99 download from now until Jan. 31, 2013. First, Microsoft will run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to make sure your computer can handle Windows 8. If you're in the clear, you will be walked through the upgrade process. Those with Windows 7 will have their files, apps, and settings automatically transferred to Windows 8 Pro (though it's always good to have a backup). If you have a PC with XP or Vista, you will have to reinstall apps.

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msstore/html/pbpage.Windows_8_Pro?WT.term=windows+8+upgrade&WT.mc_id=pointitsem_Microsoft+US_google_5+-+Windows+8&WT.medium=cpc&WT.campaign=5+-+Windows+8&WT.srch=1&WT.content=mXXO62qV&WT.source=google&cshift_ck=611b95e1-2e35-462d-bf19-d1c7663d2656csmXXO62qV

SPECIAL NOTE:  This is for the Windows 8 Pro version.  It doesn’t matter if you are running Home Premium or Home Basic, for the prices above you will receive the Windows 8 Pro edition.

Cover my Butt Caveat:  I really like the new Windows 8 a lot!  However, it is different and there may be some device drivers that are not compatible.  That is why you run the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant.  I cannot say what the price of Windows 8 will be after 01/31/2013 but I have seen it range from $139.99 (OEM-NewEgg) to $199.99 (Full Version) online.  Download and save it!

Thanks for reading!!!

WIndows 8 Launch Oct 26th, BYOD has many options

Friday 10/26/12, Windows 8 Official Launch Date
Microsoft $499 Surface Tablet sells out, Office 2013 free upgrade, iPad Mini, Chromebook

Office 2013 free upgrade for owners of Office 2010
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9232656/Microsoft_kicks_off_free_Office_2013_upgrades

Microsoft Sells out of $500 Surface RT Pre-Orders in One Day
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2012/10/microsoft-sells-out-of-500-surface-rt-pre-orders-in-one-day/

and as the BYOD trend gains momemtum, (IT security headaches will abound)

iPad Mini will hit Stores November 2
http://techcrunch.com/2012/10/19/source-ipad-mini-will-hit-stores-and-ship-to-early-buyers-november-2/

Apple phasing out iPad 2
 http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/10/19/apple-predicted-to-phase-out-ipad-2-to-streamline-product-line-for-ipad-mini


Google Chromebooks available for $249, something useable rather than a tablet.
http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/features.html

 Security News, Issues and Concerns

The recent increase in DDoS attacks on banks by Iranian, Russian crime syndicates and other foreign sources are cause for alarm for increased vigilance by businesses and consumers.  The attacks have demonstrated weaknesses in the banking systems security and hopefully will put the banks on a higher state of alert to patch and implement added security.

http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/interviews/ddos-first-line-defense-i-1683

The latest scheme involve hackers backed by investors to target online users.  An international gang of cyber crooks is plotting a major campaign to steal money from the online accounts of thousands of consumers at 30 or more major U.S. banks, security firm RSA warned... to read more click on link below;

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9232117/Cybercriminals_plot_massive_banking_Trojan_attack?source=rss_keyword_edpicks&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+computerworld%2Fs%2Ffeed%2Fkeyword%2FEditorsPicks+%28Computerworld+Editors%27+Picks%29&google_editors_picks=true

and as the BYOD trend gains momemtum, (IT security headaches will abound), Malware on mobile devices, tablets and phone on the rise.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a consumer alert warning of malware attacks against mobile devices that run the Android operating system.
http://www.bankinfosecurity.com/fbi-warns-mobile-malware-risks-a-5216

GoDaddy DNS and Website Hosting servers taken down

09/11/2012 - Yesterday at 10 am PDT, GoDaddy, a large service provider of website hosting, DNS and associated services including email began experiencing intermittent outages.

We knew there was a problem around 2 pm EDT ourselves when I was attempting to demo a new website to a client and could not bring it up.  I attempted to ping the site and then I tried to reach GoDaddy's site direct.  That attempt also failed along with attempts to reach my own websites.

For all my clients who called yesterday with email issues, I am sure the problems are linked to the GoDaddy issues and hopefully will be resolved today.

An Anonymous hacker has claimed responsibility for a DOS attack on GoDaddy's servers.

Today the following message is posted at the top of GoDaddy's homepage;

NOTICE... .

At 10:25 am PT, GoDaddy.com and associated customer services experienced intermittent outages. Services began to be restored for the bulk of affected customers at 2:43 pm PT. At no time was any sensitive customer information, such as credit card data, passwords or names and addresses, compromised. We will provide an additional update within the next 24 hours. We want to thank our customers for their patience and support.

Read more below:

http://asia.cnet.com/go-daddy-sites-get-hit-with-dos-attacks-62218649.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/sep/11/godaddy-businesses-suffer-websites-crash?newsfeed=true

http://techcrunch.com/2012/09/10/godaddy-outage-takes-down-millions-of-sites/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57509753-83/go-daddy-serviced-web-sites-go-down-hacker-takes-credit/

Special Windows 8 Pricing available until January 31, 2012

08/23/12 In past posts I have written to advise consumers who bought new PCs or were considering a new computer about the $14.95 special upgrade offer for Windows 8 available to those who purchased a new computer after June 2, 2012.  Microsoft has announced special upgrade options for all users regardless of when they purchased their computer.

When Windows 8 officially launches on 10/26/2012, special upgrade pricing will be available for all users until it expires on 01/31/2013.  Microsoft previously announced its $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade pricing for existing Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 users — a price available exclusively online for those wishing to download the software without a DVD option. Retailers will stock a $69.99 Windows 8 Pro option in stores, one that may be offered as a traditional full version of Windows for those without a previous copy. Both the Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro copies will be made available from retailers on October 26th

Microsoft's Windows 8 Pro software will be priced at $199 after the promotional price of $69.99 expires on January 31st 2013. The software maker will also offer a Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro upgrade option at retail stores for $69.99 until January 31st when the price reverts to $99.99.

Should you upgrade... I know the next question, would it be worth upgrading my older computer?

I have installed Windows 8 on an Acer Iconia Tablet, replacing the underwhelming Windows 7 that came installed and have also installed Windows 8 on a 5 year old Intel Duo Core desktop.  In the case of the Acer tablet the performance was improved significantly and it gave the tablet the features that I was expecting with a tablet.  Best of all, I was able to install MS Office 2007 and with my Bluetooth keyboard use my tablet as I would a notebook when needed.  The desktop I installed Windows 8 on performed as well if not better than before with Windows XP.  Although it lacked the touchscreen drag and swipe of a tablet, I used the mouse buttons to emulate that capability with no problem.

In the case of the older computers, I would not attempt to upgrade with less than 4 GB of RAM and if you are short on drive space then a new computer may be the best choice for you.  However, with the software priced at $39.99 for download and $69.99 for boxed product, I think not to purchase the upgrade would be a missed opportunity.  The following video states that the $69.99 boxed product can be installed as a new installation as well as an in place upgrade.  Below are some more links for your reading pleasure.

 

 

Installing Windows 8 on your old PC could turn it into Greased - Z

Windows 8 Boots on a 5 1/2 Year-Old PC in 8 Seconds! - YouTube        DForce Xtreme computers

Microsoft is taking sign-ups for Windows 8 Pro upgrade

08/22/2012 - As of Monday 08/20/2012 Microsoft started accepting sign-ups for the $15 Windows 8 upgrade. Anyone who purchased a new PC on 06/02/2012 or later is eligible for the offer. To register for the offer visit, WindowsUpgradeOffer.

The $14.95 upgrade will be available in the form of a download starting October 26, the official release date of Windows 8 and Microsoft's Surface Tablet.

If you have registered, you will be sent an email containing a link to an upgrade wizard which will check for compatibility and then guide you through the download/upgrade process. Microsoft will offer a DVD for an additional fee, plus shipping any applicable taxes/fees.

I would recommend that users download and create their own DVD or USB installation media rather than use the online upgrade.

To register for the $14.95 upgrade you will need the following:

PC Model Number 
Where/vendor where you bought it and on what date 
Valid phone number and e-mail 

You may need your Windows key, either on the side of your computer or on the package that your Windows installation media came in.

A plus for Windows Home Premium users is that all PCs will be upgraded to Windows 8 Pro version regardless of which Windows version is installed. The exception to this is computers running Windows 7 starter version which is not eligible for the upgrade.

To find out more about Windows 8 please visit the Microsoft Windows page where you can find out more and watch a MP4 presentation and check out other offers.  Click here to visit -> Windows 8 

To explore other opinions and info about Windows 8 please enjoy these links.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/261170/windows_8_15_upgrade_offer_faqs_for_recent_pc_buyers.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/256650/windows_8_upgrades_cost_15_but_you_should_wait.html#tk.mod_stln 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/259917/microsoft_surface_tablet_your_next_windows_pc.html 


Microsoft Office 2010 discounted 15%. 
Microsoft has discounted Office 2010 15%, Home and Student version available as low as $119.99 (1 PC), $127.49 (up to 3 PCs).
 http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/home-and-student?WT%2Emc%5Fid=ODC%5FenUS%5FQ1offer%5FMainHP%5FTreatment#fbid=9J2xaOUDQDf


Finally a tale of caution and prevention to the Apple Fans.

http://www.zdnet.com/lessons-learned-from-the-recent-find-my-mac-remote-wipe-attack-7000002847/

DFORCE Xtreme computers (Windows 8 Ready)

 

HotMail is going away... Outlook.com is taking it's place

Microsoft's venerable but tarnished consumer Hotmail service is being replaced with a new service with a familiar name, Outlook.com.  If you have an existing Hotmail or Live.com account you can continue to use it at the new Outlook.com.  However, if you wish to create a new account you may do so and since it is new you will want to head over to the site so you can create and obtain the account name you wish before it is taken.  Microsoft is taking aim at Google's GMail service which is now 8 years old and lacks many of the new features users have come to expect.  In addition to the new email service you get free Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps built in and 7 GB of free cloud storage.  The most exciting feature about the new Outlook.com is the not only does it work on your PC, it also works on your Mac, phone and tablet.


To try the new interface or create an account head on over to Outlook.com


To read more in detail click here.


More Reading:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9229834/Microsoft_s_Outlook.com_may_be_one_two_punch_against_Google

Google Fiber, iPhone 5 and Microsoft's Surface Tablet

Google Fiber Offering Super Fast Internet for $70 Per Month

On July 26, 2012 Google officially launched Google Fiber and in the process became a service provider.  The service will provide 1 Gigabyte Internet access and TV service.  Initially the service will be available only in Kansas City.  The service will only roll out after enough people have pre-registered within a neighborhood.  Pre-registration is open until September 9 at which point Google will see how many people have signed up and decide if an area qualifies to make it cost effective to roll out.  Neighborhoods need between 5-25 percent of homes to sign on in order for it to be cost effective.

I pre-registered but was notified that Fiber was not available in my neighborhood, however I know that it is close.  To pre-register click here.

The service will be offered in 3 packages:

1.  Web only Gigabit Internet plan at $70/month.  It includes network box with advanced Wi-Fi and 1TB of cloud storage.

 2.  Gigabit Internet and Google Fiber TV, $120/month.  It includes hundreds of channels and on-demand shows as well as 2TB of DVR storage.  In addition subscribers will get a new Nexus 7 tablet which will function as a remote control.

3.   Free!  Google is also offering free Internet service to those who pay a $300 construction fee.  The service will offer 5 Mbps Internet access at no monthly charge.  The $300 fee can be paid over 12 months and the free service will be available for 7 years.

For more detailed info on Google Fiber check out this LINK

Sneak Preview of iPhone 5

A Japanese Apple repair lab says that they have simply collected all of the repair parts and put them together to construct a complete iPhone 5.  The result is a longer, slimmer phone than the current 4S and it has a larger screen and smaller dock connection.  The link mentions that this could all be a smokescreen, that Apple may have released some fake parts to throw speculators off.  Click on the links and see for yourself.

Microsoft Surface to land October 26 alongside Windows 8

Microsoft's highly anticipated Surface Tablet will make it's debut October 26, 2012, the same day as Windows 8 is slated for release.  Surface RT ARM tablets will appear on October 26 followed within 90 days by the Intel based Surface Pro (January, 2013).  Surface Tablet prices are rumored in the $500-$1000 range.

Newest version of Microsoft Office Public Preview

07/17/2012 - Microsoft Office 15 (2013) has arrived.

Microsoft announced yesterday the public preview for the upcoming Office 15.

 

 

http://www.microsoft.com/office/preview/en

The latest version of Microsoft’s Office suite was redesigned with both touch screens and desktops in mind.  It will be available in Cloud and traditional Suite formats.  I am currently reading news releases and using the public preview.  I will post later in the week and try to present a more informed opinion of the latest Microsoft offering.

In the interim please feel  free to utilize the following links to educate and prepare yourself and your organization for the latest incarnation of Microsoft’s venerable Office software.

FAQ: Microsoft previews Office 2013, suite sub plans

  

Microsoft pops preview of 'biggest, most ambitious' Office yet

 

 

Microsoft shifts main Office product to the cloud

 

 

Does it still make sense to buy Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 Traditional Disc, 2 PCs T5D- 

CRASHPlan Computer Backup

If you are yet to established a computer backup plan, here is an affordable option available that you cannot overlook.  I'm sure that everyone has heard of Carbonite and MozyPro or seen their commercials on TV.  CrashPlan is an alternative option whose features and prices are far beyond what the other two offer.

CrashPlan offers support for not only Windows but Mac, Linux and Solaris as well.  There are no file size limits, backup frequency and unlike the other two, CrashPlan holds deleted files forever.

CrashPlan Offers several plans.

CrashPlan is free and includes Onsite & Offsite computer backup.  You can use an external hard drive and through CrashPlan's pioneering social backup concept you can easily backup to computers belonging to your network of friends or family for offsite security. 
http://www.crashplan.com/consumer/crashplan.html

If you choose CrashPlan and want to implement a simple external drive backup, Driving Force recommends a LaCie 2TB ruggedXL external drive, LaCie drives are great in performance and reliability.

CrashPlan+ offers realtime backup (continuous) as well as secure cloud backup & online storage.  Plans start at $1.50/month for 10 GB or $3/month per computer for unlimited storage.  Plus there is a household plan for $6.00/month for up to 10 computers, unlimited GB.
http://www.crashplan.com/consumer/crashplan-plus.html

CrashPlanPro, for Business Users a 100GB plan for 1 computer is available for $27.46/month, 250GB is $62.46/month.  These are incredible prices when compared with MozyPro and Carbonite not to mention the features that are unavailbe with the other competitors.  Use the onscreen calculator to see how much your plan would cost.  Simple enter the number of computers to be backed up and then use the button on the slider rule to pick the amount of storage needed.
https://www.crashplanpro.com/business/store.vtl

There is CrashPlanPROe for enterprise storage needs.
http://www.crashplan.com/enterprise/

So if your data has not been backed up or you are unhappy with the performance/price of your present system be sure to check out Crashplan.

For a full feature comparison between the 3 competing products click on the link below:

http://www.crashplan.com/business/compare.html#stackup

Microsoft offers $14.99 Windows 8 Upgrade

		Windows 7 PC Now. Windows 8 Pro Later. When your customers buy a Windows 7 PC now, they can get Windows 8 Pro later for just $14.99*. Windows 8—You may have already heard that it’s coming soon. But what you may not have heard is that your customers don’t have to wait to buy a new PC in order to get Windows 8 when it becomes available. Today’s Windows 7 PCs come out of the box with everything your customers need now and later—including an opportunity to move to Windows 8 Pro when it becomes available—at a great price. Microsoft is offering a great deal for savvy PC resellers: From June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013, your customers buy a Windows 7 PC now or a copy of Microsoft OEM Windows 7 Pro, and they get Windows 8 Pro when it becomes available—for $14.99. Why wait? Now’s the time for your customers to get a head start with Windows 8 by taking advantage of this Windows 7 PC offer! *Offer valid June 2, 2012 through January 31, 2013. For complete details, visit www.windowsupgradeoffer.com.  er Microsoft Upgrade Offer DFORCE Core i3 and 3rd Gen Core i5 workstations

Flame Malware news, IPv6 kicks off Wednesday and Intel 3rd generation processors

Flame Malware
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/75281.html

As reported here over a year ago (Stuxnet worm), computer sabotage via clandestine means is ongoing between adversarial countries and intelligence agencies.  The latest threat, Flame reportedly may have been created by a nation state.  While not destructive as the Stuxnet worm which brought the Iranian centrifuges to a halt, the Flame malware appears to gather information reporting back to it's creators screen shots, audio recordings   The primary targets appear to be users in the Middle East.

While I am for restricting the proliferation of nuclear weapons, it gives pause to ponder that Governments can deliver stealthy code to monitor and report activity unbeknownst to the individual user.  While everyone says they have nothing to hide it is unnerving to know that your online activities could be monitored and tracked by organization who have the power and money to overwhelm IT departments and $59 antivirus software which is by design always a step behind.

Ultimately the code ends up in the hands of cyber criminals who then use it for their own means. The criminals will find it easier to hide after the shift from IPv4 to IPv6 which is scheduled to kick off tomorrow, 06/06/2012.

Shift to IPv6 set for Wednesday
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-57445157-83/fbi-new-internet-addresses-could-hinder-police-investigations/

The formal shift from the old Internet numbering system, IPv4, and the new system, IPv6, is scheduled to kick off Wednesday, and not everyone will be sighing with relief about the Internet solving its dwindling IP address problem.
For the FBI, the new system's nearly unending number of IP addresses is just another step in what it's calling its "Going Dark" problem -- the steady decline of law enforcement's ability to see what criminal elements are doing.

New Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 and i7 Processors
http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/pc_components/intel/3rd_generation_core_i7-3770k_cpu/422506

The code name is Ivy Bridge, but you'll end up knowing them better as Intel's 3rd generation Core CPUs. These are the CPUs that will appear in brand new desktop computers and high-end notebooks starting this month, and they will also make their way into Ultrabooks in a few months. We can tell you it will be worth the wait. The new CPUs offer better performance and power efficiency than their predecessors, which were already the best on the market. If you build your own PCs, then you can get a 3rd generation Core CPU right now [actually, from 29 April - Ed], with street prices varying from $240-300 for quad-core Core i5-3450, Core i5-3550 and Core i5-3570K models, and the Core i7-3770 costing $380. There are more models on the way.

The smaller process and the new 3D technology allows for more transistors to be packed in to a CPU, and packed in much closer, therefore boosting performance and power efficiency — for example, a 3rd generation Core i5 has a maximum thermal design power rating that is 18W lower (77W) than a 2nd generation Core i5 CPU (95W) at the same speed grade. Intel says the nature of the new 3D transistors has led to better control of the electrical current and it means the new transistors can switch between on and off states at a much greater rate than ever before.

What it all boils down to is this: a 3rd generation Intel Core CPU is a must-have for any new system. The Core i7-3770K that we looked at is a fast and efficient performer, but the Core i5 models should live up to expectations, too. Ultrabooks won't benefit from the new models until later on in the year, and many of the vendors we talked to at the time of writing hadn't announced 3rd generation Core systems yet, desktop or otherwise. If you want to be one of the first to give Ivy Bridge a go, you'll have to go down the do-it-yourself route, which to us is the most exciting route anyway.

Main features of 3rd generation Core i3 desktop CPUs

• Two cores
• Up to four threads (with Hyper-Threading)
• 3MB Smart Cache
• Intel HD 2500 or HD 4000 graphics
• Virtualisation technology
• Best matched to H61 chipset

Main features of 3rd generation Core i5 desktop CPUs

• Four cores
• Up to four threads (no Hyper-Threading)
• Turbo Boost 2.0
• 6MB Smart Cache
• Intel HD 2500 or HD 4000 graphics
• Virtualisation technology
• Best matched to H77 chipset

Main features of 3rd generation Core i7 desktop CPUs

• Four cores
• Eight threads (with Hyper-Threading)
• Turbo Boost 2.0
• 8MB Smart Cache
• Intel HD 4000 graphics
• Virtualisation
• Best matched to Z77 chipset

Internet Shutdown postponed until July for millions of users.

Good news for the owners of the millions of computing devices affected by the malicious DNSChanger Trojan. The FBI obtained a court order to postpone the termination of the compromised DNS servers from March 8 to July 9, 2012, giving ISPs and companies 120 days to dispose of the malware.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Internet-Shutdown-Postponed-by-Court-to-July-9-2012-257202.shtml

In a nutshell, your computer refers to DNS servers to resolve the name of websites you enter to an IP address (www.fbi.gov 72.21.81.85), it is analogous to a street address.  Last year the FBI and other agencies took down some Eastern European cyber criminals who had managed to infect millions of computers with DNS changer malware.  Instead of using your legitimate DNS server to resolve your website inquiries, they direct you to their DNS server and send you to sites that profited them instead.  The extent of the infection and disruption of service was so huge that the FBI has been running legit DNS servers at the IP addresses of the criminal servers until the users and their ISPs could clean up the infected systems.  The original shutdown was to occur in March however since so many systems are still infected it has been postponed until July.  After July if an infected system queries for an IP address there will be no answer thus web searching will cease for this user.

If you have not checked to be certain that your computer is free of DNS changer malware yet then please use this site for a free test of your system.  This test is only for the DNS changer malware and your computer could be infected with other malware/trojans/worms/viruses as well.

http://dcwg.org

PC security is a responsibility you should take seriously not only for yourself but just being a good neighbor on the Internet so you are not helping to perpetuate the problem.  I have worked on many systems with hundreds and more of infected objects in which the owner knew they were infected but did not act until the system stopped.  One infection is too many and regular checks and maintenance are important.  Everyone should make sure they have some kind of current working Anti-virus/Spyware software and it is up to date.

APPLE 10 years behind Microsoft in Security.

Kaspersky the Russian Anti-virus company announced that Apple is 10 years behind Microsoft in Security issues.

http://malware.cbronline.com/news/apple-10-years-behind-microsoft-on-security-kaspersky-250412

Apple BotNet Threat

As I reported yesterday in an email blast to my clients, over 600,000 Apple Macs have been affected by a Java Script based Trojan, the "Flashback".  Apple has attempted a second patch to block the Trojan from unleashing it's payload on unsuspecting MAC users.  The new patch is only for the latest Apple OS and not for earlier versions.  The following link to Slashgear's website provides further links to determine if your MAC is infected and how to manually remove the Trojan from your MAC.

http://www.slashgear.com/apple-makes-second-attempt-at-trojan-java-block-06221830/

The Trojan first appeared around the first of the year and made inroads via Pirate downloads.  It is always the free fruit that entices the naive and unsuspecting.

http://www.slashgear.com/photoshop-mac-trojan-identified-in-pirate-downloads-2631895/

Now that Apple has surged in popularity among home users it is more susceptible to attacks.  For a detailed list of Antivirus software and reviews please visit the following site.

http://mac-antivirus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/