Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

From the MSRC [MS resource center] Advanced Notification of upcoming February MS updates.
--MissM

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

99 performance tips for WinXP

Massive list of simple tweaks to improve your rig's performance.

I was reminded of everybody searching their memory trying to figure out how to get to System Restore during a recent OnComputers Radio Show, and I thought that having a handy dandy bookmark/favorite (You're not really still using IE are you? ;) ) "archived" on the blog, would be a good thing.

--MissM


read more | digg story

AND another kewl digg post about Nano Coatings. They will be able to protect your ipod screen and your car, its environmentally friendly, and cheaper!!

"liquid solids" composed of extremely tiny particles, possess unique characteristics -- like extreme flexibility, easy adhesion and resistance to corrosion and microbial growth -- that could profoundly change the manufacturing process.

read more | digg story

99 performance tips for WinXP

Massive list of simple tweaks to improve your rig's performance.

I was reminded of everybody searching their memory trying to figure out how to get to System Restore on OnComputers Radio Show, recently, and I thought that having a handy dandy bookmark/favorite (You're not really still using IE are you? ;) )



read more | digg story

I'll Stay "Small Time", Thank You

It's a story about the woes of computer and tech journalism. As one moves up the ladder of prominence, more and more of this stuff starts to happen.

I just turned down a gig with a noted cell phone handset maker because of the NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) they wanted signed. I simply didn't see why I should sit two whole days in my wheelchair (not to mention the travel difficulties) and then not be able to write or talk on the show about it until everyone else can, as well.

The company's reaction to this was to offer all sorts of goods for test as an inducement to attend. I have no idea whether anyone else got offered anything, but I think they were all slated to get the same goody bag as I got, just later in the process.

To the writer of the article cited above, this is a matter of journalistic integrity. To me, just a waste of my time. (You all know how little journalistic integrity I really have, so there's no sense in my trying to fly that lie past you, right?)

The article is worth a read for the way it tells you how some journalists, including those we depend on, are pressured.

Don’t use Google toolbar, says EFF

The link above is to a synopsis in The Inquirer. The Electronic Frontier Foundation warning is here.

The problem is, to put it very succinctly, that in order to index your computer for search, Google has to have copies of the docs indexed. These are open to subpoena from the government and subsequent data-mining. This whole deal must have federal security people salivating like a dog does over a steak.

Jack

For All Geek Kittys

Catproof your computer. Got this from an email to Fred Langa's newsletter, as the correspondent says: "I thought it was a joke at first, but its real"

The real question as Fred puts it is, "Will my own typing activate it?"
Joe, hally??? ;)


PawSense helps you catproof your computer.

--MissM

Microsoft Security Response Center Blog! : Two new security advisories posted

Two new security advisories posted

Hi folks, Mike Reavey here. Just wanted to point out two new security advisories that we posted late last night.

The first is related to a WMF vulnerability in older versions of Internet Explorer. This is different from the issue addressed by MS06-001 and only impacts older versions of Internet Explorer – if you’re using IE6SP1 or later, you’re protected from this issue. The second is related to a research paper regarding default services behavior that has already been addressed in Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003 SP1. For more information, check out the advisories located here:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/913333.mspx

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/914457.mspx

-Mike

*This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.*

Published Wednesday, February 08, 2006 5:42 PM by stepto

Microsoft Security Response Center Blog! : Two new security advisories posted

--MissM

Why I Do Not and Will Not Use GMail

The link is to an article in MIT's Technology Review. In it, the author details just how much of a leap of faith users must make to use GMail. Google has far and away the most comprehensive privacy policy in the business, but it does not go nearly far enough. The repositories of email on Google's servers are a tempting target for everyone from law enforcement to divorce lawyers trawling for evidence. Users have so little control over deletion of email that unwanted copies can (and probably do) lay about for months after the deletion command is given.

So, even though I have nothing to hide (except an ugly mole here or there, which is another story entirely) I refuse to use GMail. I simply do not trust the system or the owners of it enough to allow my personal business to be deposited there.

You might want to read this article, just so you are making an informed decision on whether or not to use GMail.

Jack

How Much RAM Do You Need?

It seems as if every computer user, plus their dogs, has an opinion on this. The show cast is pretty well in agreement on the subject, but so many variables apply that our opinions can hardly be said to apply globally.

In an article at XBit Labs.com, Ilya Gavrichenkov reveals some testing designed to measure up against the the common wisdom. While not conclusive at all, it certainly is food for thought and on that basis I recommend reading it.

Jack

OnComputers Radio show Podcast 02-05-06

This is the On Computers Radio show podcast for 02-05-06. If you prefer, you can download the same file here via ftp.