Microsoft Warning Users

Some of you may have heard about a recent security exploit that is beginning to circulate around the globe. This new exploit is coming from attackers who are taking advantage of a vulnerability in Windows using infected USB Flash Drives.

This is also gaining lots of attention since Microsoft just ended support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 only days ago, so that means when a patch is ready, Windows XP SP2 users won’t be receiving it. Users must upgrade to either Windows XP SP3, Vista or Windows 7. However no OS is safe at the moment, this new exploit affects Windows 7 as well, it even affects the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Beta which was released last week.

Computer Business is Still Using XP

We reported yesterday that Microsoft had extended downgrade rights for Windows XP from Windows 7, but the reason seems to stem from the fact that a reported 74% of work PCs are still running Windows XP.

This seems odd given that it was also recently reported that 50% of business either have or are ready to upgrade to Windows 7. So what’s the anomaly and what’s causing the problem?

The problem is three-fold in the business space. The first hurdle is that installations of Windows 7 will normally come with new PCs and far too many businesses are still tightening their belts and waiting for the ‘green shoots’ of worldwide economic recovery. While PC sales generally are healthy, they are much lower than they would be if the downturn hadn’t happened.

The second reason is the learning curve. While people may be far happier moving to Windows 7 than they were moving to Vista, there is still the cost and time of training staff with the new operating system. One good way around this is to put it off until lots of staff have new PCs at home, so they are either au-fait with it already or can train each other. I know this is a cynical view but it’s quite common.

Finally there’s the ‘major’ stumbling block and this is Windows Server. Ever since Windows Server got a complete overhaul in 2003 it’s been a fantastic server product, Windows Server 2008 makes it even better.

These server products can help mitigate a great many of the shortfalls of Windows XP, certainly where security is concerned, as the group policy, security policy, patch rollout and monitoring tools are excellent.

It still remains to be seen where the anomaly between the two figures we’ve seen now fits. Will this 74% figure change soon, especially when Service Pack 1 is released later in the year, or will businesses doggedly stick with Windows XP and the secure Windows Server combination? It’s an interesting year coming for WIndows 7

Windows 7 Goes to 64-bit Computing

The realization of 64-bit computing probably won’t hit the masses until more developers and computer manufacturers take advantage of the newer architecture, but that isn’t stopping users from flocking in droves to the latest technology and Windows 7 is helping.

The Windows Blog and other sources have recently published numbers which look very good for the future of both Windows and Microsoft. Their numbers suggest that 64-bit processors are the current trend in computers running Windows 7, which makes sense. According to the chart below, nearly 46% of Windows 7 computers are running the 64-bit flavor of Windows.

There are a few reasons given for the uptick in 64-bit adoption: the price of RAM has gone down considerably than in past years, nearly all computers sold now come standard with 64-bit capable hardware, Windows 7 64 is the OS option most computers now offer, the software and hardware compatibility factor is now a non-issue, for the most part.

We knew it was coming, but I didn’t think it would be Windows 7 that would have been the Windows to finally move most users to the newer processor technology. Keep in mind that other companies, namely Apple, are also shipping iMacs and MacBook’s with only 64-bit hardware, so the swing in 64-bit usage was inevitable.

How about you? Are you still clinging to Windows 7 32-bit or another Windows version with 32-bit capability? What’s your reason for not switching and do you expect to make the leap come Windows 8?

Microsoft Office 2010 Certification

For years, Microsoft and other companies like Cisco and Novell, have offered certifications to help validate a technical skill set. It could be servers, routers, or networking as the knowledge base became more sophisticated so did the need to demonstrate proficiency.

With the release of Office 2010 Microsoft is extending the certification track to applications. This is not the first time as Microsoft has had certifications for its Office 2003 and 2007 suite. The difference now is that in today’s economy expertise is valued and can make the difference in whether one gets a job or even a job interview.I am a technical trainer for New Horizons in Texas, and I have pushed various certifications and certification tracks to the students that enroll in our program. The MCSE (Networking Engineer), MCSA (networking knowledgeable but not at the engineer level), MCITP (specialized in different technical areas), MCTS (specialized exams), MDPD (programming), are certs that have on more than one occasion have led to job interviews, and employment as well. This even though some students come in with a wealth of technical experience; they weren’t even able to get an interview. But the cert changed that.

The MOS (Microsoft Office Specialization) cert that Microsoft is touting gives consumers a knowledge base that many didn’t have before, or only skimmed over. Take Excel for instance; many users of Excel have a basic understanding of the spreadsheet program. Their knowledge comes up short on areas of If Statements, and advanced formula construction.

The MOS certification program is designed to prepare students and professionals for the work force and college. Many high schools are offering MOS training to help students prepare for college or the work force. MOS helps individuals gain mastery of all Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint Server, and Project.

The 2010 MOS certification programs provide three levels of certification: Specialist, Expert and Master. Each successive level requires individuals to master a greater number of programs. Testing is conducted by Certiport, a commercial testing service, at more than 10,000 testing sites in schools and businesses around the world.

Windows 7 on Android Phone

First things first, this isn’t a way to actually get Windows 7 running on an Android phone, that would be silly. It’s much cleverer than that.

Thin-client specialists Wyse have released software to allow you to use a remote desktop feature and see your Windows 7 PC on your mobile phone. Why would you want to do this..? erm…

It will also work with a host of other Windows operating systems including Windows Server, where it Anyway I’ve had a chance now to think about why you might actually want to do this and I might have thought of something. It will allow you to run desktop software remotely, such as, say presentations or graphics packages that you can then see on your… oh I give up!

The software is available from the Android store for those people who either can’t stand to be away from their PC or who simply forgot to switch it off… ooh! I thought of a use for it!!

Full specifications for the software are…

Wyse PocketCloud Beta Highlights for Android

* Custom keyboard with function and short-cut keys
* International Keyboard support: support for accented characters
* Newly-designed mouse touch pointer
* Redesigned look and feel of the computer’s list
* Remote app scrolling (scroll within Microsoft Word or PowerPoint)
* Switches to turn on/off wallpapers, themes, Window dragging
* QuickZoom feature: one button to zoom in/out quickly to your remote desktop
* Console login support

Thin-Client-On-the-Go

* For Android based devices.

Wyse Proprietary RDP 6.1 Engine

* Fast: Optimized for handheld devices
* Enterprise grade security: 128-bit encryption and FIPS support
* Microsoft Terminal Services support

3G and Wi-Fi Optimized

* Works smoothly with 3G connections and Wi-Fi
* Works with Android-powered handheld devices such as the Motorolla DROID, HTC Evo 4G, HTC Hero, HTC Droid Incredible, T-Mobile G1 and Nexus One — to name a few.

VMware View

* Support for:
o Direct connections and advanced tunneling
o SSL encryption
o Experimental support for RSA Two-Factor Authentication

Optimized Android GUI

* Fast, interactive, and enjoyable user experience
* Advanced high-accuracy mouse cursor

Free Windows Companion Application

* Whenever a keyboard is needed, Wyse PocketCloud Windows Companion software notifies the Wyse PocketCloud on the device to invoke the virtual keyboard

Game For Windows 7

Right now, the newest version of the Windows operating system, known as Windows 7, is close to being released to the general public for sale. Like previous versions of Windows software, there will be new features to discover and play around with, especially in the games department. If you ever wondered what kind of preinstalled games Windows 7 has to offer, then here is your chance to find out.Windows 7 Desktop Games

Windows 7′s built-in game catalog will come well-stocked with interesting games that help pass the time. Most of these games were brought over from Windows Vista, such as Chess Titans, Hearts, Mahjong Titans and Purble Place. Old-school favorites such as Minesweeper, Solitaire and FreeCell also make a comeback from other Windows versions. The only troubling thing about this new lineup of games is that one is noticeably missing from the picture. For some reason, Inkball, a game that can be found on Windows Vista, is a no-show in Windows 7. But considering that Windows 7 is still close to the release candidate stages, anything can change.
The Windows 7 operating system also comes with Internet games such as Internet Backgammon, Internet Checkers and Internet Spades. These games have been noticeably revamped in comparison to their older predecessors, both in looks and feel. With these internet games, you can square off against human competitors online, with three skill levels that match you to equally skilled opponents no matter where they are on the globe, and if your opponent drops out of the game, the computer picks up where they left off in order to finish the game. You can also choose between different card and background designs, as well as track your win and loss stats.
With all of these fun built in games on hand, you are sure to pass the time away in enjoyment. If you haven’t had enough fun, you can also get more games from Microsoft’s MSN Games website just by clicking on the Play Free Games on MSN Games located in the right hand panel of the Games folder.

Now you don’t have to be content with just the games that come with the Windows 7 operating system. There are also games you can buy for your computer that are largely compatible for the Windows 7 operating system, depending on the performance of your machine. You can check the second tab located in the right hand panel within the Games folder to briefly check your computer’s overall performance rating, just in case you want to make sure that your machine has what it takes to run your favorite games.

Windows Embedded Handheld

Microsoft recently released Windows Embedded Handheld, a software developed for handheld devices business or enterprise. The first devices that will run this new platform is the Motorola ES400, a device called "enterprise digital assistant" (EDA), which was launched simultaneously with the Anyar platform.

News that Microsoft launched its platform specifically for handheld devices or mobile-phone enterprise may sound strange. Because, during the year 2009 and then, only about 2.3 million mobile phones are shipped enterprise. This amount is expected to increase, namely more than 4.3 million units. But this estimate to 2014 next year. However, Microsoft seem to see different trends. Handheld device enterprise that the future will be increasingly needed by workers or business people in various fields, all over the world.

"Windows Embedded Business will be focused to extend Windows features and benefits of cloud computing, to a particular device," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer as a new platform was launched in New York, last weekend.

Windows Embedded Handheld is designed to meet the business needs and improve the productivity of labor. This platform allows users to capture, access and act upon critical business information, where and when they need it.

"This platform will provide management functions and security of a proven, gives its customers a belief that investment in handheld devices and enterprise business applications will be protected from time to time," said Ballmer.

The first release with brand platform Windows Embedded Handheld is scheduled for this year as well, and built on the platform of Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, which is equipped with features management and reliable security.

Devices that were promised would be planted this software has a function that varies, and can enhance business applications, and user experience through features a touch screen or response movement (gesture). Not to mention their connectivity capabilities for Windows-based PCs, servers and services of his enterprise, is much more improved.

In addition, Ballmer announced that the Windows Embedded Handheld will also continue to support application development tools, such as Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Forms. Platform Windows Embedded Handheld updated based on the technology of Windows 7 (Windows Embedded Compact 7) which will be released in the second half of 2011 to come.

Microsoft About Windows 8 Leaks to Internet

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta - A document sent to the client computer manufacturer Microsoft leaked to the Internet. Documents show the outline of a large project of Microsoft, namely Windows 8.

In the slides that document are shown in Microsoft's vision for the ecosystem of Windows 8, namely: the targeted computer design, hardware capabilities, and demand that this parameter will be installed on OEM computers. One feature that looks ambitious is Windows Store. This is a store for application software developers who will be easily accessible from Windows or from the Internet.

This store will handle standard features, such as account management and software updates, providing the ability to replicate applications and their management in a variety of different devices. Targeted competitor is the App Store from Apple.

Microsoft itself is actually already have the Microsoft Marketplace although not successful. So, odd that when a company based in Redmond, United States, tried again.

Windows 8 prepared as the successor to Windows 7, which was launched in October last year. His ability has been improved. When the previous Windows 7 not too much to reach the sensor and location-based applications and Windows 8 will be better.

According to Microsoft, Windows 8 will reach a wider range of sensors. Like GPS, the BTS tower-based positioning, proximity sensor, accelerometer, and a web camera.

In a document distributed in April did not say when Windows 8 will be launched. However, there are also mentioned about the plan to release Beta versions of Internet Explorer 9 in August.

Microsoft spokesman declined to comment on the documents and their validity. But analysts said that document, even if true, better known as a mere discourse.

Section, the Windows 7 just a year old yet. Therefore, there may be Windows 8 is launched before 2012.

"That document is an effort to get input," said Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft. "This is an effort from Microsoft to say what they are thinking."