Microsoft VISTA SP1 versus Windows XP SP2
There has been a lot of controversy regarding the performance of Microsoft’s most popular operating systems with the latest service packs (SP) installed. Well, Adrian Kingsley-Hughes took the time and trouble to run benchmark tests of various operations comparing the two. The overall conclusion was that Windows XP SP2 performs better. (You can skip to page 5 for a graphical comparison). With the upcoming release of Windows XP SP3, there promises to be even better performance in the future. For details of the testing and the ultimate results, go to: ( http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=1332&page=1 )
Poor Sony – First Beta, now HD DVD
Sony is about to lose another format war. (Remember the video tape war, “Beta vs. VHS”?) Warner Home Video’s announced in early January that it would support only the rival Blu-Ray Disc format after May 2008, Toshiba announced February 19th that it is immediately closing out the HD DVD business, and Wal-Mart recently announced that it would no longer carry the HD DVD products. Sony could have saved over $100 Million in investment if they made a decision to abandon the format 8 months ago. Sony did decide to use the Blu-Ray format for the release of their PS3 game console.Hackers Swipe FTP Server Credentials
It was discovered that a hacker’s database exists with over 8,700 FTP account credentials including user name, password, and server addresses. The hackers are using the information to deliver malware (spyware) as a service. What’s notable about this development is that hackers are using the “software as a service” (SaaS) model to deliver applications that are designed to abuse and trade FTP accounts. The exploit is known as “Neosploit 2”. According to a report, many Fortune 500 companies were affected by the hack. This is one of the reasons why many companies are requiring passwords to be changed on a regular basis. If you download files from the Internet, then you’re probably connecting to a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server. This is another reason to keep your anti-spyware definitions updated and run regular scans of your computer.
Trojan Targets Windows Mobile PocketPC
The Trojan (not yet named) disables security, installs via a memory card, can’t be uninstalled and makes itself your home page. The Trojan was packed inside a number of legitimate installation files and distributed widely. It has been distributed with Google Maps, applications for stock trading, and a collection of games. WinCE/InfoJack sends the infected device’s serial number, operating system and other information to the author of the Trojan (somewhere in China). It also leaves the infected mobile device vulnerable by allowing silent installation of malware (spyware). The Trojan modifies the infected device’s security setting to allow unsigned applications to be installed without a warning.Adobe has released Integrated Environment software, which will make Web applications act more like traditional desktop applications. The company plans to build AIR versions of many of its Web applications, including photo-imaging application Photoshop Express and Premier Express for editing video. Adobe says that there are over 100 AIR applications--and alternatives to AIR are starting to appear. Applications can run offline, access data on a person's hard drive, have a desktop icon, and run without the need of a browser. AIR is not competitive with Microsoft Windows or other operating systems; it's a layer above operating systems that enables people to use Web development techniques and toolkits. You can read more and download the software at: ( http://www.adobe.com/products/air/ )
Income Tax Information
Well, it’s time again to file your taxes, if you haven’t done so already. Well, there are a few sites that are willing to give you some free help, even the IRS! Below, I listed some links where you can download forms, find a “free” filing company, and get tax tips for 2008.
Yahoo Finance – Offers Articles, Calculators, Tools, and Tax Advise. Go to: ( http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes )
The IRS has setup a “Tax Tips for 2008” web page. Go to: ( http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=104608,00.html )
IRS “Free File” – If you made $54,000 or less in 2007, you can use this IRS on-line filing system. To learn more about the program, go to: ( http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html )
Stopping SPAM
Many of the available email client software programs, including Outlook and Outlook Express, include the option of creating “rules” to block SPAM (unsolicited email messages). You’ll have to enter some “keywords” that the software will recognize in the email message subject line or body and either move them to another folder or delete them. I’ve added words like “free”, “won”, “mortgage”, and etc., along with a list of words that I won’t publish here. The key is to watch for common words used in the messages and update your rules. Another option to eliminating the annoying mail is to have your mail server administrator enable a spam blocking program like, ”SpamAssassin”, which runs on your web server blocks email before it can get to your computer. Of course, the spammers are trying to bypass these rules by deliberately misspelling words.