Despite the hype, not much happened April 1 when the conficker virus was scheduled to activate. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7976099.stm
Use Opendns to monitor websites visited, and detect the Conficker virus.
http://blog.opendns.com/2009/02/09/stats-are-back-and-conficker/
Detection and repair tools are here:
www.confickerworkinggroup.org/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=ANY.RepairTools
Another new variant which exploits the same security flaw:
www.scmagazineus.com/New-Neeris-worm-variant-imitates-spread-methods-of-Conficker/article/130172/
 
Windows security updates released Tuesday April 14^th include an important update for Internet explorer, and Office. Be sure to install updates. SBS 2008 users will need to approve updates on their server in WSUS (computer management/ security tab). ISA server also has a critical patch.
www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms09-Apr.mspx
 
Zero day (no patch yet) flaw in PowerPoint. Be careful of PowerPoint files emailed or from an unknown source. www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/969136.mspx
http://secunia.com/advisories/34572
 
Internet Explorer 8 is out. www.microsoft.com/windows/Internet-explorer/default.aspx
It will be offered later this month as a high-priority Windows update. Don’t install it yet, but plan on upgrading after testing. There are some compatibility problems.
Many improvements are similar to what Firefox does. New features include color coded tabs; improvements in search; security improvements; speed improvements; and “web slices” which display a portion of a web site you visit often, such as weather. A compatibility button allows viewing pages as they would show in IE7. Firefox users should upgrade to take advantage of the security enhancements, even if they mainly use Firefox. Known compatibility problems: TurboTax, Google Toolbar (update available), Real Player 11, Roxio DLA, Skype. Java may need to be updated. There have been reports of conflicts with some antivirus /web filtering software.
www.winsupersite.com/live/ie8.asp Review
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/dd441788.aspx Known issues
 
You may be offered an Office Live “update” with windows updates, particularly on Vista. Just say no, unless you are actually using office live. Office live is also coming preinstalled on many new computers. It uses a SQL express database, which uses significant resources in the background. Uninstall it unless you actually use office live.
 
Be cautious of tools that offer to add your contacts to social networking sites. Viralinviter.com, TrafficXplode.com, TheTsunamiEffect.com and Reunion.com are reselling or reusing the email information they gather.
www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lazarus16apr16,1,4041604,full.column
A fake Plaxo update is going around. Also beware of fake emails regarding bank mergers.
www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt089.shtm
More on phishing: www.apwg.com
 
If you keep being prompted for the Autorun windows security update (KB967715), Roxio DLA could be the culprit. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=38665
 
Mainstream support ended for a number of Microsoft products on April 14^th. Office 2003, Windows XP, Server 2003 and SBS 2003, Exchange Server 2003. Updates will continue to be released for critical patches. Free phone support will end, and no more enhancements or service packs will be released.
http://blogs.technet.com/office_sustained_engineering/archive/2009/03/27/office-2003-to-leave-mainstream-support-phase.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy  Support policy
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselect products support schedule
There are rumors that the sales of XP will be extended yet again. Support has ended on schedule.
www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Microsoft/Microsoft-Extends-Windows-XP-Support-Again-473469
 
Office 2007 SP2 will be released soon. It will include support for .pdf and Open Document format files.
 
Windows 7 may release as early as this June, more likely around October this year.
http://www.microsoft-watch.com/content/windows_7/dont_expect_windows_7_for_back_to_school.html?kc=MWMSWEMNL04012009STR3
 
A new version of Windows server for fewer than 15 users is coming. Pricing should be very attractive to small offices. It will be sold only bundled with hardware.
http://ts2community.com/blogs/snoor/archive/2009/04/02/windows-foundation-server-2008-announced.aspx
www.networkworld.com/community/node/40505
 
www.softwarepatch.com/ is another good source for downloading updates, covering most popular software, not just Windows updates. Also, we continue to recommend www.secunia.com for tracking updates needed on your computer.
 
Inside look at the Google data center www.flixxy.com/google-data-center.htm
 
Verizon shares your phone usage data by default. To opt out, you need to create an online account here: http://tinyurl.com/d6x3ue
http://blogs.pcmag.com/securitywatch/2009/04/how_to_tell_verizon_not_to_sha.php
 
Skype can run on your smart phone. www.skype.com/mobile
 
Specific models of HP and Dell notebooks have bad Nvidia chip, causing overheating and motherboard failures. An extended warranty is available if you know to ask.
HP: Pavilion dv2000/dv6000/dv9000 and Compaq Presario v3000/v6000 Series Notebook http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01087277&cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en
Dell: Inspiron 1420, Latitude D630/630c, Precision M2300 Vostro 1310/1400/1510/1710 XPS M1330/M1530   http://en.community.dell.com/blogs/direct2dell/archive/2008/07/25/nvidia-gpu-update-for-dell-laptop-owners.aspx
 
April Fools
www.technologyreview.com/wire/22383/?nlid=1908&a=f
Tired of being inundated with the contradictory and offensive beliefs of others? Today, the scientists at Yahoo! are releasing a groundbreaking new search filter that keeps controversy out of your search experience. I’m extremely pleased to announce the immediate availability of Ideological Search, which allows you to control the ideology of your search results. http://ycorpblog.com
www.eweek.com/c/a/Search-Engines/Googles-April-Fools-Prank-Tradition-Continues-with-CADIE-432833/?kc=EWKNLBOE04032009STR2
www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/23279/?nlid=1908 New class of Galaxies
 
Preston passed his SQL 2005 Certification exam. Tim passed the Microsoft Virtual Server exam.

Tim Torian
Torian, Group, Inc.
http://www.toriangroup.com