It seems that Microsoft is announcing critical flaws nearly every week. Just how long will it before someone finds something so serious that Windows installations worldwide are destroyed. [CNN]
Category Archives: Software
Really Strong PalmOS Security
Tranzoa has released an updated version of it’s security application for PalmOS: OnlyMe. The new version works with PalmOS version 5 and all previous versions of the simple-to-use operating system.
OnlyMe stops people from trying one password after another. By preventing these brute force hacks the user can create a shorter, easier-to-remember password that would otherwise be required. In addition, OnlyMe stops incoming beams and unauthorized HotSyncs (both cabled or network).
The security app also locks the handheld after a set time or when powered off, preventing the user from accidentally forgetting to lock the system.
Passwords can be entered as screen taps, Graffiti (letters, digits, or both), or hardware buttons.
Dave’s Opinion
I’ve been using OnlyMe since the late 90s, and I just upgraded to the current version. It’s just as great as the previous versions. The interface hasn’t changed, so there was no learning curve, just install and go. I’ve tried a number of security apps on my various PalmOS handhelds, and OnlyMe is the only one that gives me a degree of comfort. I strongly recommend this application for all users who have a PalmOS handheld.
Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
References
Tranzoa
Call GeekNews on Skype!
There a variety of ways you can communicate with us here at GeekNews and now for a short time I will give you the opportunity to call me with Skype my username on the service is GeekNews the software and service is free and if you want to test VOIP without incurring charge give it a try. [Skype]
Skype has the Telecommunications companies worried!
This piece of software has flown under my radar and I got hot on the trail this afternoon. Like millions of consumers I am quite sick of paying extra for caller ID and three way calling on my land-line and in a quiet protest removed those features from my land line as I explore the VOIP world.
Well Skype is brought to you by the same folks who created Kazaa and it seems to be at the top of the download charts at the moment with over a million downloads in a month. The NYT has a full review of what the telecommunications industry is worried about.
I will give you a full review of Skype after I play with it for a few days. For those of you here at Geek News I will make available my contact info and ya all can call me via Skype and give it a try. [Skype] [New York Times]
Microsoft Sued Over Security Flaws
Marcy Levitas Hamilton, a media corporation CEO, has filed suit and is seeking to class action status for her complaint against Microsoft. Hamilton says that the software giant is responsible for a cracker’s being able to steal her Social Security number’s using a flaw in Microsoft’s software.
This is a new type of complaint: holding Microsoft legally responsible for the security of its applications and operating systems because the software maker’s disclaimers against responsibility for security flaws are an unfair business practice under the laws of California since consumers have few options other than using Microsoft products.
Dave’s Opinion
This is an interesting legal argument: should software makers be held to a standard of liability similar to the standards of other major industries.
Microsoft says that Hamilton’s law suit is misdirected because the theft is the work of vandals. But I think Microsoft is missing the point — it manages the only building in town and left the door open. Shouldn’t Microsoft, as the only landlord in town, be responsible to lock the door against the vandals?
Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
Amazon checks into Microsoft’s Office
Microsoft announced a partnership Tuesday with retail giant Amazon.com under which the software giant will add links to Amazon services within its new Office applications. [News.com]
Microsoft Windows: Simple Security, Strong Security
There are two ways the Microsoft Windows users can protect themselves from common computer risks: 1) update virus signatures every day and 2) use Windows 2000/XP with a screen saver password.
Antivirus Software
When was the last time you updated your antivirus software? Are you protected from the new Internet worm that was just released into the wild of the Internet this morning and is now headed toward your computer? If you’re not updating your antivirus software every day, you’re not sufficiently protected.
Panda Software’s Titanium antivirus product checks for updated virus signatures every time you connect to the net. Symantec’s Norton Antivirus product checks once a week; however, updates can be manually downloaded every weekday. Network Associates’ McAfee VirusScan updates every week; daily updates aren’t available.
Installing a reputable antivirus program and keeping it updated will protect your computer (and your network) from the approximately
Screensaver Passwords
Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP require a logon password as the operating system boots. The password, if sufficiently cryptic will keep most snooping coworkers and hackers from gaining access to the computer and its connected network servers. Protecting access to the system desktop will prevent these ne’er-do-wells from reading private e-mail messages, documents, and other files.
Dave’s Opinion
In addition to installing a solid antivirus software, be sure to not open e-mail attachments unless you’re expecting the attachment. Remember, there are many worms that automatically send infected e-mail, so if an acquaintance’s computer becomes infected, you may receive the worm in an e-mail attachment, and it will appear that your acquaintance sent the message.
Upgrading to Windows 2000 or Windows XP is a required first-step when building a secure business or home Windows network. Previous versions of Microsoft Windows weren’t designed with security in mind. Even if you’re running a stand alone computer, moving from older versions to the current version of Microsoft Windows is a good security idea.
Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.
References
Panda Software
Symantec
Network Associates