August 2005

West Coast Communications (formerly Clear Sky Communications; West Coast Wireless) contacted me about the comment in the last newsletter – they were very upset that I recommended considering finding another provider, and wanted to make it clear that they are staying in business, and marginally profitable.

The Windows 2000 update rollup, which was to be the last update for Windows 2000, has a number of problems. Don’t apply it if you have not already. Microsoft will be releasing a corrected version later this month.    http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;891861

Cisco Routers with older software have a bug which can compromise the network if they have a certain protocol enabled. It has been making headlines. An update to the current version of IOS software fixes the problem (IPV6). If you have Cisco routers this should be checked. For details: http://cisco.com/warp/public/707/cisco-sa-20050729-ipv6.shtml . For the news story and commentary: http://radar.oreilly.com/archives/2005/07/businessweek_bl_1.html 

You may have noticed a new option when you go to Windows Update. On the right bar is an offer to upgrade to “Microsoft Update”.  This new version checks for updates on a wider range of Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office. I recommend installing it. As always, check for issues with updates before applying them if you are updating your own pc’s. 

We have been having good results with WSUS – Windows Software Update Service. It is a free Microsoft program which installs on a server and allows you to centrally manage Microsoft software patches/updates.

Microsoft has started enforcing “Genuine Windows Validation” when using Windows update or Microsoft update. This is designed to identify pirated copies of XP. They are offering a free copy of the OS if you unknowingly purchased an illegal copy and you provide evidence, and a low cost upgrade to a legal XP key if you don’t want to provide details of your purchase.

Offer details: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/FAQ.aspx?displaylang=en

Within a day of the new policy, several ways to bypass the check were revealed. Microsoft says they will fix these holes. http://www.boingboing.net/2005/07/28/microsoft_genuine_ad.html

http://www.sinhack.net/GenuineAdvantage/

“After closing and restarting Internet Explorer, users can then click Tools, Internet Options, Programs, Manage Add-Ons. Clear the check box next to Windows Genuine Advantage.”

Eric Lindberg, the new owner of Computer Gym, and Tim Torian will be presenting a free seminar on Personal Productivity through the SBDC on Aug 10.  www.toriangroup.com/events

Tim Torian

Torian, Group, Inc.

http://www.toriangroup.com