News
Windows XP Licencing Extended
Microsoft has given yet another reprieve to the Windows XP operating system.
The cut off date to obtain licenses for the software was previously 31 January 2009, but now Microsoft has put in place a scheme that will allow manufacturers and system builders to get hold of XP licences until 30 May 2009.
Previously Microsoft had extended XP's life until 2010 - provided it was installed on netbooks and low-cost laptops.
Windows XP was originally due to disappear off shop shelves on 30 January 2008. It was to be removed so as to make way for Windows Vista which went on sale to consumers early in 2007. Despite Microsoft's claiming that Vista has sold well, UK consumers have reacted badly to its release and here at i7 Technologies, we sell very few Vista Systems, the majority being downgraded from Vista Business to XP Pro for our Customers.
Microsoft have granted the reprieve largely because of customer's preference for XP.
Microsoft has changed the terms allowing the resellers to order before 31 January but take delivery at any time up to 30 May.
The change in policy is another indication of the general resistance to Windows Vista.
i7 Comment: We currently sell the majority of systems with a DUAL LOAD configuration. As we tend to prefer the Business Grade laptops and notebooks from Fujitsu Siemens, these come with both Vista Business and XP Pro licences so you can install either and have disks to upgrade in the future if you wish. The "cheap" laptop deals at High Street retailers and via the Internet are generally installed with Vista Home or Home Premium which does NOT qualify for the downgrade. If you are in any doubt, please call us for more information - 01948 820787
Internet Explorer Security Patch
Internet Explorer Security Flaw
Users of Microsoft's Internet Explorer are being urged by experts to switch to a rival until a serious security flaw has been fixed.
The flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer could allow criminals to take control of people's computers and steal their passwords, internet experts say.
Microsoft urged people to be vigilant while it investigated and prepared an emergency patch to resolve it.
Microsoft is continuing its investigation of public reports of attacks against a new vulnerability in Internet Explorer said the firm in a security advisory alert about the flaw.
Microsoft says it has detected attacks against IE 7.0 but said the "underlying vulnerability" was present in all versions of the browser.
Other browsers, such as Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari, are not vulnerable to the flaw Microsoft has identified.
As many as 10,000 websites have been compromised since the vulnerability was discovered, he said.
"What we've seen from the exploit so far is it stealing game passwords, but it's inevitable that it will be adapted by criminals," he said. "It's just a question of modifying the payload the trojan installs."
MICROSOFT SECURITY ADVICE
Change IE security settings to high (Look under Tools/Internet Options)
Switch to a Windows user account with limited rights to change a PC's settings
With IE7 or 8 on Vista turn on Protected Mode
Ensure your PC is updated
Keep anti-virus and anti-spyware software up to date
Microsoft are trying to get this resolved as soon as possible. At present, it appears that this exploit only seems to affect 0.02% of internet sites in terms of vulnerability, it only seems to be affecting IE7 users at the moment, but could well encompass other versions in time
It won't be long before someone reverse engineers this exploit for more fraudulent purposes. The advice given of switching to an alternative web browser is very sensible
i7 Comment: If you are in any doubt about the security level of your Internet Browser, please call us for advice - 01948 820787. Currently the post common alternative browsers are Firefox and Opera, these can be downloaded and installed in a few minutes, again if you have any queries, please call us for further advice.
New interactive white board (IWB) safety advice
Schools across England are being urged to buy a new type of whiteboard equipment to eliminate a potential threat to children's eyesight.
Directors of children's services are being told to buy a new generation of "ultra-short-throw" projectors when purchasing or replacing the boards.
These eliminate any eye exposure to the potentially damaging projector beam.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued new advice after a long campaign to address concerns about safety.
The HSE advice says: "Recent technological developments in projector and interactive whiteboard design have allowed inherently safer 'ultra-short throw' devices to be brought to market. These employ sophisticated optics to enable the projector to be mounted above the display screen and so close to it that it becomes impossible for a user to directly expose their eyes to the beam."
The HSE adds that - because users sometimes disregard safe work procedures - it considers that employers and organisations should actively consider the new devices as an option.
This new advice is to supplement existing HSE guidelines which say that staring directly into the projector beam is avoided at all times.
Employers should also try to ensure that projectors are located so that they are not in a presenter's line-of-sight when they stand in front of the screen to address an audience.
i7 Comment: We are fitting Ultra Short Throw Projectors in Schools and Training Rooms in the majority of recent new installations. We have special deals where we can replace existing projectors at competative prices and are happy to come and survey your school providing you with options to comply with HSE advice. We can supply, fit, resite and maintain all major makes and models of projectors. We recommend the installation of secure "educational" projectors in Schools to deter theft, these special projectors are bright orange in colour (BECTA Approved) and can ONLY be operated using the supplied remote control. Lock away the remote and the Projector is useless. Other features include PIN Codes and Alarms to deter even the most persistant criminal.
Call Steve Farmer or Steve Lowndes to discuss your requirements and to arrange a survey of your school
01948 820787
Beware - Domain Name Scam !
Please beware of the latest SCAM involving your Domain Name becoming the subject of a ransom demand !