A concept users frequently have difficulty understanding is the difference between “logging off” a system, “restarting a system,” and “shutting down” a system. This article will clear that up. Read the rest of this entry »
What is the Difference Between Log Off, Restart, and Shut Down?October 26th, 2010An Example of Why Your Password is Yours and Yours AloneSeptember 17th, 2010Today I participated in an investigation which led to the termination of employment at a client location. The employer cited numerous violations of company policy, including, among others, inappropriate use of company computers for personal use, e.g., spending time on Facebook, Craigslist, and Match.com for non-business purposes. Read the rest of this entry » Windows 2000 End of LifeJuly 13th, 2010Today marks the end of life (all forms of support) for Windows 2000 and Windows XP Service Pack 2. This means that, while new threats and bugs will continue to be found in these operating systems for some time, they will receive no further updates from Microsoft. If you are still running these at your business or at home, an upgrade is called for as soon as possible. Google Dumps Windows (At Least, Unofficially)June 4th, 2010This Financial Times article reports that Google, without question one of the Internet’s strongest influences today, has decided to ditch Windows and move employees to Macintosh and Linux PCs. This move is reportedly largely due to the January hacks on Google and many other corporations, allegedly originating from China. Windows has a long-standing perceived history of having a worse security track record than its competition, and a large part of this comes because it’s simply the largest attack surface. Not surprisingly, the same thing that makes it the most widely developed-for platform for applications keeps it the highest profile target for malware and security exploits as well. I applaud this move toward security and productivity. I don’t think it will be a easy task for Google, but I believe it will be worth the effort in the long run. Does your company need to consider switching away from Windows? Safe Browsing Tip: Mozilla Plugin CheckMay 24th, 2010The Mozilla project recently expanded their popular and successful (and free) Plugin Check service to support non-Mozilla browsers. So now, not only does this service, which scans your browser’s settings for outdated plugins, e.g., Adobe Flash Player, work with Firefox, but also with Opera, Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and even, to a limited extent, Microsoft Internet Explorer. Given that unpatched client software, especially operating systems, browsers, and browser plugins, remain the top cyber-security concern today, everyone should stop what they’re doing and go to Mozilla Plugin Check right now. Still Think You Want Those Admin Rights Over Your PC? Think Again.May 10th, 2010In case you missed a previous post or two on the topic of why end users should not have administrative rights over their PCs, BeyondTrust has released a very compelling report on this issue. But first, let me ask the reader a few questions. Read the rest of this entry » Why Computers from Box Stores Don’t Save You MoneyApril 29th, 2010Why should you pay $600-$1200 for a computer we quoted, when you can go into (Best Buy/BJ’s/Walmart/Staples) and purchase a “fully loaded” computer for $350-$500?
Here are a few reasons: Read the rest of this entry »
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