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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Microsoft offers $14.99 Windows 8 Upgrade
DFORCE Core i3 and 3rd Gen Core i5 workstations
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
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.
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
• 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
• 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
• Eight threads (with Hyper-Threading)
• Turbo Boost 2.0
• 8MB Smart Cache
• Intel HD 4000 graphics
• Virtualisation
• Best matched to Z77 chipset
Friday, April 27, 2012
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
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
Friday, April 6, 2012
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/
Monday, May 16, 2011
Tech News Week ending 05/15/11, Cloud Worries, Devices
What Microsoft's online outage says about its cloud strategy
Last week, Microsoft had four separate issues that knocked its cloud-based e-mail services offline for up to 9 hours. Those incidents highlight the most important thing to keep in mind when buying any cloud service ..
Microsoft beefs up Office Web Apps
Amazon cloud used in PlayStation Network hack
Last week, Microsoft had four separate issues that knocked its cloud-based e-mail services offline for up to 9 hours. Those incidents highlight the most important thing to keep in mind when buying any cloud service ..
Pyramid: Why Windows Phone will beat Android
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-20061820-75.html#ixzz1MQMsTXJaAmazon cloud used in PlayStation Network hack
This isn't the first time that Amazon's EC2 service has been used by a third party for shady purposes. A German researcher showed earlier this year that one could use EC2 to launch brute-force attacks against a WPA-ASK-protected wireless network. For the grand cost of $1.68 and twenty minutes of time, Thomas Roth successfully forced his way into the secured network without issue. A brute-force attack isn't the most sophisticated of techniques, but it's certainly cheap, easy, and successful: Roth estimates that he'd be able to cut the time down to six minutes.
Are Leaked iPhone 5G Cases a Sign Apple is 'iPad-izing' the iPhone?
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Microsoft Office 365 Public Beta available
Office 365, Microsoft's offering of cloud based services for small business is now available for testing via a public beta. This is a wonderful opportunity for enhancing the way you conduct business. It replaces many of the tools required for sharing data, remote desktop access, online meetings and data security. Your data is protected by Microsoft Forefront Data Protection.
The product includes support for Safari, Mozilla and with support for Google Chrome in the not distant future. It will work from almost anywhere and get automatically updated email, calendar, and contacts on the devices you use most, including PCs, Macintosh computers, iPhone, Android phones, Blackberry smartphones**, Windows Mobile, and Windows Phones*.
The product offering begins with a plan for Professionals and small businesses up to 25 users for $6 a month per user (25x6=$150 max). For organizations with larger needs there are Enterprise plans.
Office 365 for professionals and small businesses includes:
Email & Calendar
Office Web Apps powered by Microsoft SharePoint Online. It includes Office 2010 versions of Word, Excel, OneNote and Powerpoint.
Websites & Collaboration powered by Microsoft Sharepoint Online. This allows one to share large files inside and outside your organization. This is great for professionals who need to collaborate on projects with others in distant locales without the hassles of dropbox, FTP sites and large-email attachments work arounds.
IM & Online Meetings powered by Mircosoft Lync Online. This allows you to find and connect with associates via instant messaging (IM), Lync video calls or online meetings. You can even share your desktop.
You must sign up for the beta and wait for approval so sign up today to test drive the cloud. Click on the link below to get started.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/online-software.aspx
Driving Force Spring 2011 SPECIALS
DF Value line of Desktops, Intel Core i3 and i5
Dell Vostro 3500 Notebook $579
The product includes support for Safari, Mozilla and with support for Google Chrome in the not distant future. It will work from almost anywhere and get automatically updated email, calendar, and contacts on the devices you use most, including PCs, Macintosh computers, iPhone, Android phones, Blackberry smartphones**, Windows Mobile, and Windows Phones*.
The product offering begins with a plan for Professionals and small businesses up to 25 users for $6 a month per user (25x6=$150 max). For organizations with larger needs there are Enterprise plans.
Office 365 for professionals and small businesses includes:
Email & Calendar
Office Web Apps powered by Microsoft SharePoint Online. It includes Office 2010 versions of Word, Excel, OneNote and Powerpoint.
Websites & Collaboration powered by Microsoft Sharepoint Online. This allows one to share large files inside and outside your organization. This is great for professionals who need to collaborate on projects with others in distant locales without the hassles of dropbox, FTP sites and large-email attachments work arounds.
IM & Online Meetings powered by Mircosoft Lync Online. This allows you to find and connect with associates via instant messaging (IM), Lync video calls or online meetings. You can even share your desktop.
You must sign up for the beta and wait for approval so sign up today to test drive the cloud. Click on the link below to get started.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/office365/online-software.aspx
Driving Force Spring 2011 SPECIALS
DF Value line of Desktops, Intel Core i3 and i5
Dell Vostro 3500 Notebook $579
Monday, September 13, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
WHS 2010 - Windows Home Server 2010
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
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The wait is over, Microsoft Office 2010 is here!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Office_2010
But even more exciting is the release of Microsoft Office 2010 Web Apps
http://office.live.com
Microsoft has now provided slim down versions of it's best selling Office Suite for free on the Web. The lightweight suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. In addition to these free to use apps, Microsoft is including SkyDrive, 25 GB of free space to store documents and other files of your choosing. The only requirements are a Windows Live ID and of course an internet connection. If you have a Microsoft Office Live account currently, your Office Live account will be converted to SkyDrive storage sometime in the near future.
Many new computer buyers will be able to forego the cost of the MS Office 2010 Suite. Most home users never need more than the basic formatting and editing features found in the MS Office Web Apps.
Portability: Office on the GO!
I have been using the beta version of MS Office 2010 for the past year and like it very much. However with the release of MS Office 2010 Web Apps, the scope of my office portability has just greatly expanded. I have been hesitant about purchasing an iPad because the device did not support Microsoft's Office for MACs (that and no way to attach an external keyboard). But now even though you are forced to use Apple's proprietary browser Safari, one is able to create/edit a basic Office document and save it to SkyDrive to be retrieved and edited later using a Desktop computer and Office Application.
BTW, I did this Blog posting using the new Office Web App!
Google Apps came close to satisfying my portable workspace needs but there is nothing like the real thing.
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html
I had the first netbook, the ASUS eee 3 years ago and circumvented the use of Open Office by using the Mozilla Brower within the Linux OS to access my desktop via Log Mein, satisfactory but cumbersome. With the release of MS Office 2010 Web Apps I can fire up the little ASUS and wait for the Dell Streak Tablet or an HTC Android 2.2 based phone, both of which have connectivity features lacking in the iPad.
If you must know, I do like the iPad. It is helping to usher in a new era of computing. Facebookers and other social media fans can keep each other abreast of their daily lives without the need for a computer or the limitations of their Smart Phone app.
With the advent of GPS incorporated into the phones and new technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication, credit card/cash transactions by cell phone), it is no wonder that anti-virus and security software vendors are introducing applications for mobile devices.
It is also no surprise that AT&T has dropped the unlimited data plans... device security and data plans. Sounds like new revenue streams to me...
Run Microsoft Office on Linux!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Office_2010
But even more exciting is the release of Microsoft Office 2010 Web Apps
http://office.live.com
Microsoft has now provided slim down versions of it's best selling Office Suite for free on the Web. The lightweight suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. In addition to these free to use apps, Microsoft is including SkyDrive, 25 GB of free space to store documents and other files of your choosing. The only requirements are a Windows Live ID and of course an internet connection. If you have a Microsoft Office Live account currently, your Office Live account will be converted to SkyDrive storage sometime in the near future.
Many new computer buyers will be able to forego the cost of the MS Office 2010 Suite. Most home users never need more than the basic formatting and editing features found in the MS Office Web Apps.
Portability: Office on the GO!
I have been using the beta version of MS Office 2010 for the past year and like it very much. However with the release of MS Office 2010 Web Apps, the scope of my office portability has just greatly expanded. I have been hesitant about purchasing an iPad because the device did not support Microsoft's Office for MACs (that and no way to attach an external keyboard). But now even though you are forced to use Apple's proprietary browser Safari, one is able to create/edit a basic Office document and save it to SkyDrive to be retrieved and edited later using a Desktop computer and Office Application.
BTW, I did this Blog posting using the new Office Web App!
Google Apps came close to satisfying my portable workspace needs but there is nothing like the real thing.
http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/group/index.html
I had the first netbook, the ASUS eee 3 years ago and circumvented the use of Open Office by using the Mozilla Brower within the Linux OS to access my desktop via Log Mein, satisfactory but cumbersome. With the release of MS Office 2010 Web Apps I can fire up the little ASUS and wait for the Dell Streak Tablet or an HTC Android 2.2 based phone, both of which have connectivity features lacking in the iPad.
If you must know, I do like the iPad. It is helping to usher in a new era of computing. Facebookers and other social media fans can keep each other abreast of their daily lives without the need for a computer or the limitations of their Smart Phone app.
With the advent of GPS incorporated into the phones and new technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication, credit card/cash transactions by cell phone), it is no wonder that anti-virus and security software vendors are introducing applications for mobile devices.
It is also no surprise that AT&T has dropped the unlimited data plans... device security and data plans. Sounds like new revenue streams to me...
Run Microsoft Office on Linux!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
PATCH TUESDAY! Next week... it’s that time again, second Tuesday of the month.
“Microsoft plans to ship two bulletins next Tuesday to fix multiple remote code execution vulnerabilities in Windows, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications. Both bulletins are rated “critical,” Microsoft’s highest severity rating. The company describes a critical flaw as one whose exploitation could allow the propagation of an Internet worm without user action.”
The above quote is from the article found at the link below. I can’t stress the importance of keeping your computers up to date. The bad guys are always attempting to extract information related to your banking and credit card information. The problem isn’t just the operating system but your browser, toolbars, Office Suite programs, Adobe Flash, Apple I-tunes and QuickTime. I am always amazed at the toolbars I find installed on some computers, maybe four, five or more rows of toolbars installed. Toolbars are programs classified by your browser as add-ons that contain flaws used to exploit access into user’s computers. Not only are they security nightmares but they also eat up resources by installing items in operating system startup files that use memory and processor power to check for updates. Keep it simple and disable un-needed toolbars.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/ms-patch-tuesday-heads-up-2-critical-bulletins-but-no-sharepoint-fix/6364?tag=nl.e589
Nightmare on Elm Street, or Facebook? What a rush!
As I said, it’s not the operating system that is your only security concern; Facebook users read the following link. Who knew it was this easy to spy on others, simple mouse clicks? Beware of the info you share and remember when you are connected to the internet you have opened a door into your computer. It doesn’t matter what type computer or operating system you use, the browser opens the door that allows unwanted access over the threshold and into your web surfing experience.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/facebook-site-flaw-exposes-live-chat-sessions-user-data/6358?tag=mantle_skin;content
Can you believe it, Freddie is back! It was back in 1987, my older brother Johnny called and said he went with his two sons John and Britt to see a movie, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. He said, “if you want to be scared out of your wits go see this movie.” Yeah right, I thought. Needless to say I went to see it and when Freddie stripped the veins out of the kid’s arms and walked him like a string puppet, I almost bailed. Jeez I was tied in knots and hardly slept; it was a stormy night to boot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Nightmare_on_Elm_Street_(franchise)
I wish to extend a Happy Mother Day’s wish to all the wonderful women out there who we owe a lot of thanks to! If you don’t believe me just ask them, they are women… kidding MOMs!!!
As I digress further... I received the following piece of propaganda from a female client today,
A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two
groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!) editor's note: this was JudyC's comment, it goes downhill in my opinion.
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador') , because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model..
The women won.
I hope we talk again soon... until then happy and safe computing.
The above quote is from the article found at the link below. I can’t stress the importance of keeping your computers up to date. The bad guys are always attempting to extract information related to your banking and credit card information. The problem isn’t just the operating system but your browser, toolbars, Office Suite programs, Adobe Flash, Apple I-tunes and QuickTime. I am always amazed at the toolbars I find installed on some computers, maybe four, five or more rows of toolbars installed. Toolbars are programs classified by your browser as add-ons that contain flaws used to exploit access into user’s computers. Not only are they security nightmares but they also eat up resources by installing items in operating system startup files that use memory and processor power to check for updates. Keep it simple and disable un-needed toolbars.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/ms-patch-tuesday-heads-up-2-critical-bulletins-but-no-sharepoint-fix/6364?tag=nl.e589
Nightmare on Elm Street, or Facebook? What a rush!
As I said, it’s not the operating system that is your only security concern; Facebook users read the following link. Who knew it was this easy to spy on others, simple mouse clicks? Beware of the info you share and remember when you are connected to the internet you have opened a door into your computer. It doesn’t matter what type computer or operating system you use, the browser opens the door that allows unwanted access over the threshold and into your web surfing experience.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/facebook-site-flaw-exposes-live-chat-sessions-user-data/6358?tag=mantle_skin;content
Can you believe it, Freddie is back! It was back in 1987, my older brother Johnny called and said he went with his two sons John and Britt to see a movie, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. He said, “if you want to be scared out of your wits go see this movie.” Yeah right, I thought. Needless to say I went to see it and when Freddie stripped the veins out of the kid’s arms and walked him like a string puppet, I almost bailed. Jeez I was tied in knots and hardly slept; it was a stormy night to boot.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Nightmare_on_Elm_Street_(franchise)
I wish to extend a Happy Mother Day’s wish to all the wonderful women out there who we owe a lot of thanks to! If you don’t believe me just ask them, they are women… kidding MOMs!!!
As I digress further... I received the following piece of propaganda from a female client today,
A SPANISH Teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine.
'House' for instance, is feminine: 'la casa.'
'Pencil,' however, is masculine: 'el lapiz.'
A student asked, 'What gender is 'computer'?'
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two
groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether computer' should be a masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for its recommendation.
The men's group decided that 'computer' should definitely be of the feminine gender ('la computadora'), because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
(THIS GETS BETTER!) editor's note: this was JudyC's comment, it goes downhill in my opinion.
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be Masculine ('el computador') , because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model..
The women won.
I hope we talk again soon... until then happy and safe computing.
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