Torian Group Times “Technology with Integrity”

There are 4 non critical Windows updates this month. Hold off on applying the SQL and DNS update to your server for now – both have had issues.

www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS08-jul.mspx

http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?n&storyid=4684

 

Adobe reader 9 is out. It now has more support for collaboration via Adobe services online. I recommend you wait a few weeks for any bugs to get worked out.  

www.adobe.com/go/EN_US-H-GET-READER.

 

We are continuing to see some problems with XP Service pack 3. Be cautious about installing it automatically.

 

Windows XP is no longer being sold on new computers.  You can purchase Vista, and then install XP as a “downgrade”.  We can still purchase XP as an OEM and sell it with a new computer.

http://news.cnet.com/The-XP-alternative-for-Vista-PCs/2100-1016_3-6209481.html?hhTest

Dell pc Downgrade options:

http://direct2dell.com/smallbusiness/archive/2008/05/01/windows-vista-downgrade-service-amp-xp-end-of-life.aspx

HP Downgrade options:

http://h20331.www2.hp.com/Hpsub/downloads/Vista_downgrade_FAQ.pdf

Downgrade rights chart – shows which Vista licenses can be used to install XP (Word download) http://download.microsoft.com/download/d/2/3/d23b9533-169d-4996-b198-7b9d3fe15611/downgrade_chart.doc 

How to downgrade a Vista install: http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/06/22/how-to-downgrade-windows-vista-to-xp

 

Disabling User Access control in Windows Vista causes the choice to run as administrator to not work, which can cause some programs to not work as intended.

http://www.vistax64.com/vista-security/112212-run-program-administrator-always-grayed-out.html

 

The IPhone 3G was released July 11. AT&T pricing without a service contract is $599 (8GB) or $699 (16GB).   www.apple.com/iphone  

www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/specials/iPhone.jsp  

Pricing: http://blogs.eweek.com/applewatch/content/iphone/atts_pay-even-more_policy.html?sp=0&kc=EWKNLSTR070308FEA1

 

PC Mag 20 best products under $100 www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2324496,00.asp

 

By next spring, businesses will be able to apply for any unused top-level domain. Top level domains currently include .com .net .edu .travel .us etc.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080626-confusion-icann-opens-up-pandoras-box-of-new-tlds.html  

 

Crossloop is a technology which provides free remote desktop sharing. Although XP remote desktop works well for remote control, it does not allow sharing a desktop session.  A small install program allows another user to enter a code which then allows the computers to securely share a desktop session.  www.crossloop.com

 

R*Hub web conferencing system provides remote access, web conferencing (including audio), and collaboration tools.  About $800 onetime cost. If you make extensive use of logmein, webx, or similar tools, it may be worth looking at.   www.rhub.com

 

Nuance PDF Converter Pro is a good alternative to Acrobat full at about $99. It is also a good tool for starting toward a paperless office, as it allows you do OCR on .pdf documents.

www.nuance.com/pdfconverter/professional

 

Copenric desktop search works well for searching .pdf, email and other documents. www.copernic.com/en/products/desktop-search/index.html

Windows desktop search also has a .pdf add in. As it is required by Outlook 2007, it may be the most compatible choice. www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/desktopsearch/default.mspx

Windows search add-ins including foxit .pdf Ifilter  http://gallery.live.com/default.aspx?pl=6

Google desktop search is another option. http://desktop.google.com/features.html

 

The official release date of Small Business Server 2008 was just announced: Nov. 12.  Accountants wanting to upgrade without purchasing the software would then have to wait for the next action pack delivery, which could put it into tax season. www.multiplyyourpower.com 

www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/jul08/07-07QAvanroekel.mspx

 

The warm weather is likely to lead to power outages. Make sure your server UPS is working correctly, and that the shutdown software works as expected. It protects your server by gracefully shutting it down. A sudden power loss can lead to corruption of files on the hard drive.

www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SADE-5TNQXZ_R2_EN.pdf  (.pdf download)

 

We have had a couple of instances of computers which had to be reformatted and set up again after getting viruses as a result of the trial version of their antivirus software expiring. Make sure you know when your software needs to be renewed or purchased. Many new computers come with a “free” antivirus program which expires in 30 to 90 days.  Viruses are so nasty now that it is usually not possible to remove them without damaging the operating system.

 

Bill Cross’s rate will go from $90 to $100/Hr. next month, to keep up with his increased skills and additional certification.  He has now been with us over 4 years.  Doris is going on her 10th year with us.

 

 

Tim Torian

Torian, Group, Inc.

http://www.toriangroup.com