Microsoft warns of serious computer security hole

Microsoft Corp. has taken the rare step of warning about a serious computer security vulnerability it hasn’t fixed yet. The vulnerability disclosed Monday affects Internet Explorer users whose computers run the Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 operating software. It can allow hackers to remotely take control of victims’ machines. The victims don’t need to do anything to get infected except visit a Web site that’s been hacked. Security experts say criminals have been attacking the vulnerability for nearly a week. Thousands of sites have been hacked to serve up malicious software that exploits the vulnerability. People are drawn to these sites by clicking a link in spam e-mail. Full Story : Yahoo.com……

Microsoft backtracks, extends XP availability to 2011

Just hours after a noted research analyst criticized Microsoft’s plans to limit sales of Windows XP PCs, the company said it would extend the aged operating system’s lifespan in the post-Windows 7 world to as late as April 2011. Microsoft also slipped in a reminder about XP’s limited lifespan in its e-mailed announcement. “Windows XP is currently in the extended support phase and Microsoft encourages customers to migrate to either Windows Vista or Windows 7 as soon as possible,” the spokeswoman said yesterday. Full Story : ComputerWorld.com….

Windows XP ATM’s Under Hacker Attacks in Europe

There have been approximately 20 ATM’s in Eastern Europe that have been compromised. These attacks are in the early stages of development and would probably gain momentum and even spread to US ATM machines. A security outfit, TrustWave’s SpiderLabs performed the analysis of malware found installed on compromised ATMs in the Eastern European region. The ATM’s that were compromised ran Microsoft Windows XP. The malware captures magnetic stripe data and PIN codes from the private memory space of transaction-processing applications installed on infected ATM. Full Story : PhysOrg.com….

EU may mandate multiple browser bundling with new PCs

According to The Wall Street Journal, the EU is considering forcing Windows users to choose a browser to download and install before they can first browse the Internet. The EU is looking into more sanctions against the software giant for including Internet Explorer with Windows, according to WSJ’s sources, and will likely announce a final ruling in the next few weeks. An EU spokesperson said that if the regulator rules against Microsoft, any remedy “would be based on the fundamental principle of unbiased choice” while a Microsoft spokesman says the company is “committed” to “full compliance” with EU law. Full Story : ArsTechnica.com….

Google Accelerates Chrome 2 For Windows

Google’s Chrome browser got faster Thursday with the release of Chrome 2.0.172.28. The new Chrome 2 is mainly about speed. It runs JavaScript-heavy Web pages about 30% faster than the last stable version of Chrome, according to Google. Beyond its speediness, the new Chrome 2 includes embarrassment mitigation (an improved New Tab page that allows the ability to remove thumbnails of visited sites), a title bar-concealment option for full-screen presentations, and form autofill. It’s also more stable, a state arrived at through the termination of more than 300 bugs since Chrome’s launch last year. Full Story : InformationWeek.com…..

Android, Not Windows Mobile, To Motorola’s Rescue?

Motorola on Thursday said it would launch several smartphones based on Google’s Android platform in the fourth quarter of 2009, with CEO Sanjay Jha telling investors during the company’s quarterly earnings call that Motorola Android phones will mean a “differentiated consumer experience.” Full Story : CRM….

Microsoft begs Windows 7 testers to start from scratch

Microsoft is imploring millions of Windows 7 beta testers to perform a clean install of the forthcoming Release Candidate, rather than upgrade from the beta. Microsoft warns that those who don’t perform a clean install may suffer “some oddities after upgrade”. Full Story : PCpro…..

Windows XP support runs out next week

Windows XP will pass another milestone on the road to retirement next week when Microsoft withdraws mainstream support for the operating system. While the company said that it will continue to provide free security fixes for XP until 2014, any future bugs found in the platform will not be fixed unless customers pay for additional support. Full Story : PCAuthority.com…..

Security fears spark Linux drive in Iran

Iran has become the latest country to edge towards ditching Windows in favour of Linux. Around the world, several governments have been embracing Linux as a way to save money, break free from Microsoft’s virtual monopoly and evade the daily barrages of viruses that bombard Windows systems. Iran’s Linux initiative is now three years old, but the idea is beginning to catch on. A Farsi-language Linux Live CD has just become available in what is the first concrete step to a changeover. Full Story : Theage.com.au………..

@ a glance : Dell to Make Google and Microsoft Phones

Dell is said to announce two iPhone and Blackberry competitors sometime next month. Code named MePhone (hopefully not the final name), the phones will run on Google Android and Microsoft Windows Mobile respectively. Full Story : PCWorld…..

Russia to Develop an alternative to Windows.

Russia is planning to develop a new national operating system, according to CNews. The Russian plan will base its efforts on Linux and expects a worldwide impact. The Chinese government successfully lowered its Microsoft licensing costs through an early investment in a national Linux distribution.

Millions hit by Windows Virus

A virus known as Conficker, Downadup, or Kido spreads through removal media like USB memory sticks and networks posing a growing threat to Windows users. Approximately, 3.5 millions machines have been infected by the worm so far. Once executed, the virus disables a number of system services and then connects to a malicious server, where it downloads additional malware to install on the infected computer. So it’s important that Windows users, install the latest Microsoft security patch.

Microsoft Windows 7 hits Public Beta

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has announced a free public beta of the new OS, at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Microsoft says Windows 7 only requires 1 GB memory. Its notable that Vista has the same memory requirement but runs extremely slow on systems with 1GB of RAM.

Mac’s Market Share Continues to Grow

Mac’s user base is growing in a rapid phase,thanks to iPod’s popularity. More and more personal users and small business community are moving to Apple’s Mac computers from Windows PC. Analysts believe Mac’s growing popularity is partly due to a “halo effect,” created by Apple’s iPod. Apple had a 10.4 home market share at the end of the first quarter of this year, compared to 7.5 percent for the first quarter of 2007, and 5.4 percent for the first quarter of 2006. Release of Microsoft’s new operating system Windows Vista also helped Mac to furthered its success.

Midori Web based OS by MicroSoft

MicroSoft researchers are working on a new operating system code named Midori. Midori is said to be a web based operating system. With more and more web based applications taking the place of individual applications, client operating systems like Windows will become obsolete soon. It seems Microsoft is getting ready for that day. Although Microsoft won’t comment publicly on what Midori is, the company has confirmed that it exists. The current version of Windows Vista, has been poorly received by IT managers.

Windows 7,next year

Windows 7, Microsoft’s New version of Windows operating system will be released next year, according to Bill Gates. He said new versions of Windows would help revolutionize mobile phones and run the desk of the future.

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