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Torian Group Times
“Technology with Integrity”
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Office 2003 SP3 disables certain older file formats. If you can’t open files that used to work get more information here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938810
http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2008/01/microsoft_updates_file_format.php
Two Windows critical updates were released Jan 8th www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-jan.mspx
Some Windows Vista computers may not have drivers for XP. Be careful buying Vista computers if you plan to run Windows XP on them. The hardware may work only with Vista.
Microsoft has extended the deadline for discontinuing XP through OEM (new computers) till June 2008.
Silverlight is Microsoft’s competing answer to Java for playing animations and movies on web sites. You may see notifications on web sites asking you to download Silverlight to be able to view the page. It is safe. www.microsoft.com/silverlight
http://bux.to pays you to view ads with your web browser. A new twist on direct marketing.
Real Player 11 has an unpatched flaw, making it vulnerable. www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9055038&source=rss_topic17
Fix is available for QuickTime flaw. Be sure to update to version 7.3.1 if you use QuickTime.
www.apple.com/support/downloads/quicktime731forwindows.html
http://secunia.com/advisories/28092/
Antivirus software may not be enough anymore, as criminals craft new viruses on a daily basis. About 1 in 4 new viruses are caught by current and patched AV software. Common sense is still your best defense.
www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=9054758
$3 Billion lost in US phishing attacks in 2007 www.echannelline.com/usa/story.cfm?item=22788
Ten free (and safe) games www.baselinemag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,1205,l=&s=27388&a=222579&po=1,00.asp?p=y&kc=EWKNLEND010408FEA1
Amazon Kindle eBook reader. Still expensive, but a trend to watch.
www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Device/dp/B000FI73MA
MP3 music downloads, with no annoying digital rights software.
www.amazon.com/mp3 www.emusic.com
Software that works with Vista compatibility list – Links to vendor web sites with information on compatibility and support policies. http://blogs.msdn.com/cjacks/archive/2007/12/06/the-list-which-applications-work-on-windows-vista.aspx www.appreadiness.com/default.aspx
Systemax buying CompUSA stores www.channelinsider.com/article/Systemax+to+Buy+CompUSA+Brand+Stores/222894_1.aspx
Blackberry offers credit for your old phone http://blackberry.tradeups.com
Flash Drive portable apps and menu system that run entirely without installing on the pc they are plugged in to. Handy if you visit clients and use their computer. http://portableapps.com
More portable apps http://www.techtastic.ca/articles/portable.html
Sears and Kmart use spyware for marketing
www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1540,2246054,00.asp?kc=BLBLBEMNL010808STR2
http://blogs.computerworld.com/sears_kmart_spyware_scandal_and_falkirk_wheel?source=NLT_BLOG
California security breach law extended to medical records. Companies are required to disclose loss of confidential information. SB 1386
www.scmagazineus.com/California-data-breach-disclosure-law-extended-to-cover-medical-records/PrintArticle/100459
Chris Pereira has joined our staff as a network tech. He previously worked at a network consulting company in Bakersfield, and has about 5 years experience with onsite service. He is a Microsoft certified professional. He will be taking over some of the work Scott was doing.
We will be presenting a seminar on Security and Compliance sponsored by the SBDC on March 12th from 12 – 1:30 at the Visalia Chamber Board room. For info: www.toriangroup.com/events
Tim Torian
Torian, Group, Inc.
http://www.toriangroup.com