Torian Group Times “Technology with Integrity”

Network solutions now registers domains to themselves when you search for available domain names. You can then buy your domain name from them but not from any other domain registrar. Network Solutions is known for shady practices.  Other domain companies may follow.

www.eweek.com/c/a/Infrastructure/NetSol-Abuses-the-Process-in-Order-to-Save-It

To safely search for available domain names use this site: https://www.easywhois.com

 

7 critical and 5 important security updates were released Tuesday Feb. 12th  through Microsoft automatic update.  Important patches are also out for Firefox, Adobe, and QuickTime.  www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-feb.mspx

www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa08-01.html

www.mozilla.org/projects/security/known-vulnerabilities.html#firefox2.0.0.12

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307407

 

.Net updates have been causing problems on some of our client computers. The .NET framework is a program that is needed to run Quickbooks and many other programs. If you see it showing up in windows updates repeatedly (even after installing it), you may need our help to uninstall and reinstall it. Two more automatic updates for .NET came out at the end of January. http://blogs.msdn.com/astebner/archive/2005/04/08/406671.aspx

 

Microsoft will release Windows Vista Service pack 1 in March. It will include all the patches to date. Expect improvements in speed and reliability. Many more drivers are available now, and some compatibility issues have been fixed. http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/02/04/announcing-the-rtm-of-windows-vista-sp1.aspx

Windows XP will stop being available on new computers in June. If you are thinking about buying new computers with XP, consider purchasing them before then. Also, some newer computers, (particularly laptops and low cost home pc’s) which come only with Vista no longer work with XP – drivers are not available for the hardware.

 

Amazon purchasing Audible, a major audio books company, for $300 Million.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/amazon_acquires_audible?source=NLT_BLOG

 

Newer windows mobile phones may require a SSL certificate on the server. We are recommending clients get a public SSL certificate if you are making use of remote web workplace and/or using mobile phones to access company email.

www.jacco2.dds.nl/networking/pfximprt.html

www.pocketpcfaq.com/faqs/activesync/mis.htm

 

About 20% of the population is now watching tv shows via the web rather than their TV.

www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/technology/article/80-million-remote-pick-mouse-wifi-tvtm-business-model-rises_471776_12.html

For more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_television

 

One phone number for all your phones http://grandcentral.com

Very low cost long distance service – enter your number and the number you want to call into the web site http://jajah.com. Chatterbug is a device you put on your phone line, allowing unlimited long distance for $10 / Month. www.chatterbug.com/config.do

We have been using MagicJack for internet calling on a daily basis with good results. Cost is about $20/year.  www.magicjack.com

 

Microsoft will release Windows Server 2008 and SQL server 2008 on Feb. 27th. There are some compelling benefits for Terminal Services users.

www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/evaluation/overview.mspx

www.microsoft.com/sql/2008/default.mspx

 

Later this year, perhaps August, we should see a new version of Windows Small Business Server based on Server 2008. It will include Exchange 2007, SQL 2005, and Sharepoint 3.0, as well as System Center Essentials, a server management tool. This will be a significant and worthwhile upgrade, requiring new server hardware. It will be 64 Bit only.  If you are planning to upgrade your server, wait for this if possible.

www.microsoft.com/WindowsServer2003/sbs/evaluation/faq/roadmap.mspx

 

Microsoft CRM 4.0 is due out this month as well. CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It allows you to track leads, customers, and sales.  www.microsoft.com/dynamics/crm

 

Dustin Schieler is our new graphic artist /web developer. He previously ran his own video production and advertising company.

Nino Renzi will be leaving us Feb. 15th to take a job with the Orosi school district.

 

Tim Torian will be presenting a seminar on Security and Compliance sponsored by the SBDC on March 12th from 12 – 2PM at the Visalia Chamber Board room. 

For info: www.toriangroup.com/events

 

Tim Torian

Torian, Group, Inc.

http://www.toriangroup.com