NetMeeting

How do I make a backup cd for my computer without data corruption?

2006-03-27T23:42:00.000-08:00

How do I make a backup cd for my computer without data corruption?

Experience is the best teacher of the mankind. Bad experience teaches you what not to do or what to avoid. Many people do not share their bad experience with others in anticipation to enjoy the replication of the fiasco previously happened with themselves (i.e. victims of bad experience). But I would like to share my bad experience with you so that you will not also become a victim like me. Let's start the topic...Being a victim of data loss I know the intensity of pain of loosing data. Yes, I am talking of data loss, the worst experience I ever faced in my life. I used term the "worst" experience, because I lost the backup data stored on CDs. Read this article to know why this happened and what solutions for continuous data protection I found to overcome it.

How to avoid data corruption?

I had some essential data to refer to that was backed up on a CD close to eight months ago. Being in a hurry when I burned the CD, I opted to buy a couple of unbranded CDs from my local shop for cheap. I was shocked when the CDs simply didn't work on my PC.

But I'll have you know that how can you avoid this? All you have to do is simply take a few precautionary steps when you first burn your CDs and while handling them later. This will definitely ascertain a longevity and better stability of your precious data on the CD.

Never compromise for quality

Quality is one of the important factors to have good endurance of data on the CDs. There are many unbranded CDs available in the market. No doubt, these the cheapest available way to backup data. But the fact is the quality of the CD directly affects the data stored on it. Higher the quality of CD, longer the data will be stored on it. Cheap quality unbranded CDs will probably stop working within six to twelve months. I will recommend you to use branded CDs such as Samsung, Sony and Moserbaer, and relax!

Importance of data rotation

If you are not comfortable or not confident about the quality of CD. If you don't want to rely blindly on CD, you can keep rotating the data every six to twelve months onto newer CD. This is what I learned from my very own experience.

Handle with care

Handle CDs correctly if you want them to stay longer. I will recommend you to hold it by placing your thumb on the rim and inserting your index finger in the center hole of CD. This will protect CD from finger print impressions on them.

Use marker pen to write on CD

If you don't want to damage the underlying data layer of your CD, I will recommend you to use marker pen to mark the CD. Never try ball pen for this purpose.

How to handle unlabelled CDs?

CDS and DVDs without labels or stickers especially unbranded CDs start to crack over a period of time. The cracks go down to the layer of the material where the data is stored. If this happens there's no solution to retrieve the stored data on it. In this case the only solution is to simply throw away the damaged CDs or if you still involved in them simply use them as tea mats. To avoid this situation use CD labels and stick them on CDs. If you're buying a printer go for printers that can print cd labels.

Protecting and storing CDs

Many people don't know the importance of protecting cd copying and storing CDs in proper way. I don't know why people let the CDs or DVDs lie around in the open instead of placing it back in its cover. A small dust particle is enough to make scratch on CD irrespective of fact that whether you let a CD out face up or face down. So it's always better to place it back in its cover as soon as you finish your work.

Regular clean up of CDs

Cleanliness is next to godliness, why? It's better to timely clean your CDs and DVDs rather than remembering God later for retrieving the lost data. Remove fingerprint marks and dirt wiping CD using lint-free cloth and wipe the CD/DVD in a straight line starting from the center towards rim in smooth manner.

Mild Washing of CDs

Don't hesitate to wash the CDs/DVDs if you feel that they need mild cleaning. Use lukewarm water with mild detergent, dip CDs into water and gently shake the CD in the solution. To dry CDs/DVDs again use the same lint-free clothe and soak up the water. To avoid scratches never scrub the CD for drying.

I never saw seriously towards protecting the stored data on CDs, but the day I realize that only CD backup is not enough reason to rely on, I decided to find the permanent data storage solution to protect the data stored on CDs and DVDs. I hope you will also find the above tips useful for buying and protecting your CDS and DVDs.

Learn Data Protection Solutions...

Swap meet: The hi-tech handshake

2006-03-20T00:24:00.000-08:00

Swap meet: The hi-tech handshake

Isaac Asimov was one of the great sci-fi writers of all times. Recently I read Book by Isaac Asimov Titled I Robot one of the Isaac Asimov Collections. Being a fan of him I am always fascinated by the fantastic ideas described in his books. As you know imagination has no limits...I was always dreaming of swapping data through a handshake. Now it's going to be a reality soon.
The "RedTacton" technology is about to make it possible. Microsystems Integration Laboratories of the telecom giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are developing this technology.

This swap magic is possible with a 50g device of a matchbox size. If two people wear this device, they could simply receive each other's details into their mobile phones or PDA through body contact.

Working principle

The device works on a principle of optical electric field sensors that identifies similar electric fields on other bodies. The data goes through the body with a small amount of voltage when contact is made. Finally winding up in a portable terminal such as a mobile. This technology will also allow people to unlock a door by touching the door.

Now you can transmit data such as your visiting card information in single swap meet. In future, exchanging business cards could become a thing of the past and you can swap data simply through a handshake.

Trojan Ransomware: The hitech ransom collecting tool

2006-03-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

Trojan Ransomware: The hitech ransom collecting tool

"It's been very difficult to fight with unknown enemy." Well said by Churchill or Roosevelt I don't know exactly by whom but you can experience it with a new computer bug, which locks up a user's file with encryption and demands a ransom of $300.

The security firm LURHQ discovered this "Ransomware" Trojan. Once infected with this Trojan the users of infected computers receive a ransom note via e-mail. The message says that their files have been encrypted and will not be unlocked unless they transfer $300 to a special account hold by the hackers.

The security firm LURHQ is not sure how the Trojan was spread. According to experts Ransomware spreads through infected e-mails, some experts also believe that visiting certain Web sites could be the reason of infection.

Backup is the only solution if you don't want to pay the ransom money. Organizations who take regular backups of their data may not suffer.

Six windows vista versions in pipeline

2006-03-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Six windows vista versions in pipeline

Although nobody knows windows vista release date but six core offerings of its upcoming Windows Vista operating system are in pipeline. This time Microsoft plans to launch six verisons, targeting how people use computers instead of PC hardware specifications. I think Bill Gates is seriously thinking about Microsoft Windows Vista optimization.

Out of six offerings three offerings aimed at consumers, two at business users and a stripped-down edition for emerging markets. This time Microsoft Windows Vista will skip advanced 64-bit computing, multimedia computers or Tablet PCs.

Microsoft assured to deliver same number of offerings as in Windows XP, the differnce is that each of those offerings are targeted differently with a different set of features.

Home Premium with multimedia functions

Windows Vista Home Premium will be the major consumer product. It will allow users to record and watch HDTV, burn and author DVDs. Importance is given to the multimedia functions. It also enables Tablet PC technology to decipher handwriting to allow users write notes on the computer.

For consumers Vista Home Premium will be the middle option between the high-end Windows Vista Ultimate, It will include business-oriented features, and a bare-bone Windows Vista Home Basic without the multimedia functions.

Microsoft also plans Windows Vista Business for small and medium-sized businesses. Vista Enterprise will be aimed at global companies, having encryption features to protect information even if a computer is stolen.

The new microsoft windows vista versions are available for both 32-bit or 64-bit computer systems.

Bill tightens security Gates

2006-02-16T23:02:00.000-08:00

Bill tightens security Gates

Bill Gates on Tuesday unveils Microsoft's latest security software tool. It will provide the customers a virtual Internet security to safely store their personal information for online transactions.

The virtual wallet Code-named "InfoCard," will enable Internet users to safely manage their online identities. The aim of Infocard is to enhance the security by reducing dependence on user IDs and passwords, which are vulnerable and mostly targeted by hackers.

Advantages

The upcoming Windows Vista operating system with Infocard will get benefit by stopping phishing attacks made by hackers. InfoCard will help computer users to protect their personal information such as user ID and password; without having the risk of losing it or getting it stolen by hackers. It will also increase the network security of large organizations.

Infocard will provide the freedom to users to use identification and authentication services without any fear putting the power in the hands of the user.

InfoCard will act as a strongroom or vault that holds multiple identities and other security information, created and managed by the online users. This technology will be available for users later this year, it will support the upcoming Internet Explorer 7 on Vista, Windows XP with Service Pack 2 and the latest version of Windows Server 2003.

The Valentine's day and facts about Valentine Virus

2006-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

The Valentine's day and facts about Valentine Virus

What may be the occassion, the virus writers wanna have reason to attack your computer. I know on Valentine's Day you are eager to open all those Valentine Day messages in your mailbox, be cautious! A Valentine virus could just cause your computer to crash. Some of them could be genuine messages, but my aim is to keep away the message of valentine virus. Computer hacker and virus writer motives are clear, take the advantage of valentine 's day fever.

Valentine Day virus may not be as harmless as it appear to be. A click on the email attachment could lead your computer to crash or hackers could remotely handle your computer. After infection your computer could begin spamming your contacts from your address list.

Many security experts treat this virus as Hoax, usually arrive in the form of an email. Experts recommend to disregard the hoax emails because they contain bogus warnings with the only intention of frightening or misleading users. The best solution is to simply delete these hoax emails and enjoy valentine's day and party.

What is in a domain name?

2006-02-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

What is in a domain name?

William Shakespeare would never had been dared to say, "What is in a name?" if he would have alive in today's world of Internet. On the net every letter helps to make or break the meaning of your web site address, URL or domain name.

One of my friends has a pen shop named Pen Island, he contacted me and showed his interest in opening a web site to show his online presence and he also decided the name for his web site; "www.penisland.com" But when I showed him the another meaning of that domain name which reflects pornographic meaning he get shocked and temporarily postpone his plan to launch his website.

To be or not to be...

If to be or not to be, that is the question. Don't become Hamlet like my friend. Selecting a suitable domain name for your web site is the major decision you have to take. Finding a good domain name is a game of creative imagination. After all domain name can affect almost every aspect of your online business.

Recently I heard that my Italian friend who is the manufacturer of the Inverter and UPS is looking for a domain name "www.powergenitalia.com"

Click here to make sure that your web site's domain name is not misunderstood.

Thin papers work on embedded systems

2006-02-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

Thin papers work on embedded systems

No more check forgery, no more currency forgery, no more stamp paper forgery... Thanks to Hitachi for developing world's smallest and thinnest IC chip that can be embedded in paper to track down parcels or prove the authenticity of a document.

The miniature IC chip is merely has a size of dust particle measuring just 0.15 millimeters by 0.15 millimeters and 7.5 micrometers thick.

How it works?

It works on power from electrical waves using an external antenna. These tiny chips are less expensive because the number of chips can be made from a single wafer, it could be used in thin papers on embedded systems products that are usually printed in large numbers.

The chip could also be used as parcel wrappers so they can be tracked down as they are delivered.

Kama sutra a tale of love or virus

2006-02-02T02:59:00.000-08:00

Kama sutra a tale of love or virus

Many years back Vatsayan the Indian Love Guru gifted Kama sutra a tale of love to love making community. But the modern Vatsayans are busy in gifting Kamasutra to the community of Internet users. "Kamasutra" a computer virus will strike on February 3, it will corrupt doc, pdf and zip files.

Kamasutra first emerged on January 16, led to crash 300,000 computers across the world. But this time impact of Kamasutra will be worst on February 3. The most affected countries will be Italy, Peru and India. This virus will especially target computer users using Norton antivirus program.

Variants of Kamasutra

CME-24
MyWife or BlackWorm

The only motive behind spreading Kamasutra is to destroy Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint documents and Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop files of an infected computer. Amazingly it has been noticed that, hackers don't have the money making motive.

It is seemed that apart from disabling anti-virus softwares, Kama Sutra will also attack address books to find e-mail addresses and disable mouse and keyboard. Almost all Windows OS are under threat to be under attack. The virus will come as email attachment having embedded with malicious code, which has actually attachment of falsely, claimed pornographic videos and pictures.

Solution

If your keyboard and mouse don't work and you have been forced to reboot your PC, it's the symptom of the infection Kamasutra virus. The only solution you can save your files from Kamasutra virus is by updating your anti-virus program before February 3.

Want to know how is spyware related to viruses?

2006-01-20T01:28:00.000-08:00

Want to know how is spyware related to viruses?

Many people want to know how is spyware related to viruses? A virus is a piece of malicious software code. This software code is actually a program, which is intentionally written to cause damage to a computer system or network. Virus enters into your PC via email attachment through Internet. If anyone clicks the email attachment then only virus infects the computer. The best policy to keep your PC virus free is to avoid clicking unknown email attachments.

"Spyware" as name indicates is designed to keep watch on your online activities. The ultimate aim of spyware is to steal something. Spyware is more notorious than virus. It is very difficult to remove spyware due to its replicating nature. It also deeply hides somewhere on the hard drive.

Spyware is installed on your computer when a browser redirects towards spoof site made by hackers. Once installed spyware will record your activities and pass important data like your credit card number, important passwords, your bank account number etc. to hackers. Then hackers will use this data for their benefit.

Spyware is program that hide on your PC's hard drive without your knowledge. Hackers use it to track your surfing behavior. They will study your online activities like websites you visit, items you buy etc. and use this information to dupe you.

The hackers literally control your PC. They will even modify the search results with their manipulated results. What hackers can do is an endless list. In short, they can harm you using spyware.

Internet users often ask me the question which anti-virus program they should use to remove spyware. Well to be very frank there is no such foolproof anti-virus program available. I would rather recommend you to use good quality anti-spyware program like "Spybot search and destroy" and stay away from fake spyware programs which actually install their own spyware after removing their rival spyware.

Gates unwraps Windows Vista

2006-01-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Gates unwraps Windows Vista

Recently Bill Gates unveils much talked about operating system, Windows Vista. The entire presentation ceremony was aimed to project the software giant as the entertainment hub for next-generation digitally connected homes.

Vista will allow users to plug their digital cable directly into their PC to watch and record high-definition cable content. New features of Vista highlighted by Gates is expected to have Windows Media Center's plug-and-play technology which is compatible with digital cable cards that allow high-definition programming without a set-top box. Gates proclaimed, these features would create a true multimedia experience.

Gates also proclaimed that it will also work in combination with DIRECTV to enable the transfer of digital content among Windows PCs, DIRECTV devices and the Xbox 360 to allow customers to watch movies and programs they get on their TV and play them on a number of different devices simultaneously.

According to Gates, among the other key features of Vista will include better graphics for video games, a new user interface, easier search across the PC's hard drive and improved parental controls.

Gates also unveiled MTV Network's Urge Music Service, which will be the part of the Windows Media Center 11 and enables users to have instant access to 2 million songs and videos from library of MTV.

Emperor of the web, Google!

2006-01-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

Emperor of the web, Google!

According to a poll of cnn.com users, Google is the most significant development in the 15-Year History Of the Internet. Hats off to Google! The cnn.com carried out a survey for three weeks nearly 18,000 users voted in this survey.

cnn.com sorted out a list of the top 10 defining moments during this time, and asked viewers whether they agreed with the list. 41% i.e. 7,198 people agreed that the advent of Google had the biggest impact on the World Wide Web.

Google has redefined search by inventing a new search tool and created a solid impact on search engine business. cnn.com invited several viewers to write and express their opinions about the selected list of top moments, and their views on the web.

List of top 10 web moments:

1. Google

2. Hotmail

3. Boom and bust

4. Tsunami and 9/11

5. Lewinsky scandal

6. Napster goes offline

7. Live 8 on AOL

8. Skype

9. Webcams and photo sharing

10. WiFi hotspots

Although some cnn.com users disagreed with the list. Some of them pointed out that list should have included e-mail, Ebay, Amazon, etc.

Merry Christmas Everyone but beware of Santa virus

2005-12-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone but beware of Santa virus

Merry Christmas Netizens! On the Christmas Eve I wish you a happy Christmas. I have a ray of hope in my mind, this year Santa will shower the gifts of a joy, peace and prosperity on entire world. Although my Christmas Wish List is unlimited but at least I hope, the satanic virus writers will not spoil our Christmas mood. But no I am wrong.

As you know, usually a festive season (or the satanic forces?) forces the virus writers to spread the malicious viruses on the Internet. Even the international events and personalities like Osama Bin Laden and capture of Saddam Hussein inspire the virus writers to do some nuisance to spread the viruses of their name (Variants of Bobax worm).

This time a Trojan named TROJ-SAMX .A containing an attachment named MERRY CHRISTMAS !.rar through email. Beware while clicking on your online Christmas gifts or egreetings cards and in hurry if you tempted to click, please don't click on one ending in a "rar". TrendMicro, an anti-virus company has detected this Trojan.

Unfortunately if you click on it, a non-malicious , Christmas-related animation file SWF file, MERRY CHRISTMAS!.swf, opens distracting users and drops a file named SQLSERVER.EXE.

This Trojan has low nuisance value and it just opens a port and spreads itself in the system and may damage some files, it might be dangerous when it opens a port and leaves it free, if the virus writer tracks open ports he can intrude into your system and use your data.

The affected systems...

The TROJ-SAMX .A affects Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP, and Server 2003 operating systems and execute on system startup. TROJ-SAMX .A acts as a proxy server and forward requests from a user to a target server. On receipt of a reply it forwards the reply to the original user. It allows spammer to hide their actual locations.

So friends, be cautious! This Christmas Santa Claus is coming to cyber world with Santa virus in his pouch.

Beware of credit card skimming!

2005-12-21T23:21:00.000-08:00

Beware of credit card skimming!

Last month I went to a famous shopping mall with my wife for a shopping. Can you guess what did I purchase? You are right guys the diamond jewellery for my wife (very easy to guess), iPod for me and xBox 360 for my son. Surprisingly I couldn't guess the figure in my credit card statement for this purchase. I was shocked when I saw the credit card statement...not because of jewellery bill...but the amount charged for the purchase that I didn't do.

Amazing, but it's true. A point of sale operator, waiter or a cashier could have swiped an extra swipe of your credit card to whom you have handed over your credit card for payments. A small hand-held device known as a skimmer makes it possible. The skimmer is a credit card skimming machine and is easily available on Internet.

Credit card skimming machine simply copies the information from your credit card, which is used by a fraudster to make a cloned credit card. A single credit card skimming machine has the capacity to hold data from hundreds of different credit cards.

Important tips to fight against credit card skimming

Keep a close eye on your transactions made by credit card when paying in a mall, restaurant or gas station. If possible follow a waiter back to the payment terminal in a restaurant. It may look awkward and silly but it's essential to avoid your credit card to be cloned and misused.

Get More Tips...

A worm Dasher boards on Internet

2005-12-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

A worm Dasher boards on Internet

On the eve of Christmas holidays a worm Dasher boards on the Internet. It is the malicious software, which mainly targets Windows 2000 systems. Dasher began circulating on Thursday, two more variants of the worm have now been reported F-Secure Corp.

Dasher is a component of the operating system that is commonly used by database software to help manage transactions. This bug is rated "critical" for Windows 2000 systems.

Dasher has two known variants in circulation, which install software to infect other systems and can also be used to log keystrokes and turn the computer into a remotely controlled "bot" system.

The Dasher worm was discovered during enterprise Java application designing. According to security researchers Dasher could be used to create a worm similar to Zotob attack, which was responsible for crashing numbers of system across the world.

Holiday Phishing: Information on phishing scams

2005-12-17T01:54:00.000-08:00

Holiday Phishing: Information on phishing scams

Friends! Festive mood has been warming up gradually and so is the online shopping fever. Make sure you enjoy trouble-free online shopping in this season and wel-come year 2006 with smiling face.

Every now and then, fly-by-night online store comes and vanished. It's very difficult to discriminate between genuine site and spoof site. The online scams have becoming more and more common. This article will guide you to differentiate between good and bad and what to do if you're involved in a phishing scam? In this article I also tried to give you some useful tips to avoid such scams.

Play safe with online shopping

The secure site has a padlock icon in the locked position in the lower right hand corner of your browser window. This is the indication of the site uses encryption technology to send information from your computer to the computer of online shopping mall.

Secondly check whether a site is secure by checking the URL field of the browser and make sure that site uses the https:// prefix. The "s" after "http" stands for "secure" indicating that you are landed over the secure Web site.

Remember you can see the "s" or a locked padlock only if you actually go to the order page on the Web site. Please don't fully rely on "s", for safer side please check out the company's authenticity with reputed business bureau's site.

Read More...

iRobot Scooba- A perfect Christmas gift for wife

2005-12-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

iRobot Scooba- A perfect Christmas gift for wife

After getting twisted my arm in doing painful job of cleaning the floor of my home as punishment from my wife. I was madly in search of maidservant. Average looking or ugly maid will be additional qualification ...from my wife's perspective but for me beautiful maidservant is most welcome (please don't tell my wife). Jokes apart, finally iRobot Scooba came to my help.

iRobot Scooba is the Floor cleaning Robot. The Scooba sweeps, scrubs, mops, and it also dries the floor. You can relax, once you impart the floor cleaning duty to Scooba.

The Scooba is perfectly designed for picking up debris, later it applies a cleaning solution, and collects dirty water and dirt. I like one thing about Scooba is that it applies only clean water and Clorox cleaning solution to floors.

irobot scooba is very user-friendly...it's so simple to handle...The Scooba has only two buttons Power button and Clean button. Red and green light indicators show the power status whereas the clean button light indicates cleaning process messages.

Its service code indicator and message lights tell you when to check its tank, when the Scooba is baffled, and when something is forcing Scooba to stop the scrubbing roller brush.

The Scooba's robot brain thinks like us, first it navigates your entire room skipping obstacles, and will clean the entire room.

Scooba FAQs

First Windows Live Messenger Beta about to release

2005-12-13T02:15:00.000-08:00

First Windows Live Messenger Beta about to release

At last Microsoft Corp. is planning to release first beta version of its Windows Live Messenger beta instant-messaging service to testers this week. I have got information from reliable sources that Microsoft will launch the first Windows Live Messenger beta test on 13th Dec 2005.

Compare to existing version of messenger the new Windows Live Messenger will be as enjoyable as the present Messenger and it also offers you the facility to transfer your existing contact list and other personal stuff to new beta version.

Additional VOIP capabilities will also be included by Microsoft in its first Windows Live Messenger release. Previously this facility was included in MSN Messenger 7.0 release.

Make phone calls from PC

It will enable Windows Live Messenger users to make phone calls from PCs to any phone with help of MCI Inc. and MCI will sell Live Messenger users blocks of VOIP time.

Microsoft claims that the new amazing features are the point of attraction for new users. Microsoft also claims that Live Messenger release will have a new fresh look and feel and avail the users to make domestic and international PC-to-telephone calls at incredibly low rates.
Testers have already received beta invitations from Microsoft for this new beta version.

Wanna chat with a bot

2005-12-11T23:49:00.000-08:00

Wanna chat with a bot

Last week my friend's computer gets infected with malicious instant-message bot, which created awareness to gather the information about the bot. A well-known security firm issued the warning immediately after spotting these chat room bots. The security firm published details of a new threat known as IM.Myspace04.AIM. I heard that Yahoo chat bots, MSN chat bots are also names of chat bots.

After infecting the computer of an America Online Inc. IM user, the bot sends messages to targeted people on the infected user's buddy list, making the messages appear to come from the infected user. The interesting thing is that, user isn't aware that the messages are being sent. After clicking on a URL sent with a message, recipient's computer will also get infected and starts spreading the virus on healthy computers.

What is bot?

A bot has capability to interact with people or other programs. Going in more detail bot is auto-answering program usually used by messengers like AOL to answer the user's questions via IM, such as directory queries.

My friend told me the experience when this malicious bot replies to messages. If a recipient responds after the initial message, the bot replies with messages such as "lol no its not its a virus" and "lol thats cool." This could increase infections.

Some similar IM bots install spybots or keyloggers onto users' computers; these malicious programs record keystrokes or other user activities to hack user passwords or other personal information. So friends beware of such bots before they take over your machine.

Are you waiting for Vista beta release update?

2005-12-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

As a desperate technology lover I am badly waiting for Longhorn aka Vista. Although the name Longhorn vanishes somewhere in between but I am hopeful that on one fine day I will able to experience the crispy features of Windows Vista. I am very eager to know Windows Vista hardware specification.

Now I am sure that delay tack tics are a part of a game from Microsoft. Usually Microsoft do this to arise the interest for the upcoming OS or you may say this is a part of pre-launch stunt but this time I think that Team Microsoft is facing some problems therefore Microsoft Corp.'s business customers may have come to expect some delays in product releases. I think the Microsoft is going to be under pressure over the next year to deliver its Windows Vista operating system on time.

Even I don't think that majority of business customers will immediately switch to the Vista. According to reliable sources the official release will start a process for those planning major hardware and software upgrades and companies need about 18 months to test and deploy a new operating system for users.

Overall I predict that users of Windows 2000 are first to move to Vista, as likely poor support of vendor application in future while Windows XP users will take more time to switchover because support from Microsoft for that software will continue two years after the Vista release.

Windows Vista would face strong competition from vendors such as SAP AG or Oracle Corp. offering hosted enterprise applications running within browsers. Google Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc. are also working jointly on a software-as-services concept this may create a challenge to Microsoft.

Important Laptop Security Tips

2005-12-01T01:20:00.000-08:00

Example of a laptop security policy

While I was touring for my work one of the my colleagues lost his laptop. Thanks god I didn't, and off course I have strong reason rather I would say strong solutions for not to lose my laptop. I always carry laptop security locks along with my laptop on business tour. Yes... I mean it guys. The world has become so tiny that you can carry your entire world around on your laptop, mobile or PDA. But don't forget that opportunist thieves are always around you to rob you, and also not forget that laptop security cable is not sufficient to protect your expensive laptop with valuable data because hi-tech thieves might have oxyacetylene flame cutter with them. Relax friends I have precious tips on how to prevent your valuable data from being stolen by burglars.

Backup Your Valuable Data

What I do is email my important data to myself. This is my style of taking backup. Apart from this you can take hard copies of your important data, apply biometric security like a fingerprint reader that allows access only if your print matches.
Use laptop security cable locks

You can use cables locks for attaching your laptop to something fix. Many laptop computers come along with a Universal Security Slot (USS) that allows the laptops to be attached to a cable lock.
Motion-detecting alarms

You may also try small motion-detecting alarms that are placed in the bag with the laptop. These are fixed using the lock port and beep when burglar tries to steal the notebook.
Labeling and Laptop Tracking

Labeling your laptop is another idea to track your laptop. Use stick-on labels or digital labels if some good fellow finds your misplaced gadget, he may ship your device back to you.
Remote Tracking

Track your missing notebook or PDA with remote tracking software. This software, after installation, sends an e-mail message to your email address, as soon as your laptop connects to the Internet. So if you are lucky and the stolen laptop goes online, you could locate the thief and recover your laptop.
Encrypt your stolen data

If the thief gets access to your device, you can able to encrypt data on devices for security even after your laptop is stolen. Many such softwares available in market. But I would advice you not to store any confidential information on the notebook. Instead, keep it on your desktop PC and access it with GoToMyPC software.

If you want to compensate your monetary loss or recover the cost of your stolen laptop the insurance firm will compensate you for any loss or damage due to fire, lightning, theft, and accidental damage. So stop blaming fate and enjoy your tour.

Get More Tips...

Google click-to-call in pipeline

2005-11-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

Google click-to-call in pipeline

Google is always trying to provide the user-friendly services to public. Google begins testing new service click-to-call. This service enables users of its search engine to speak directly to advertisers on Google's search result page. Now you need not have to call advertiser on the phone.

Now, while surfing on Internet you can click a phone icon adjacent to an ad. Enter advertiser's phone number and click on connect for free button. Now Google service calls the advertiser's phone number and connects web surfer to an advertiser. Ultimately It will save your money on phone calls.

I appreciate Google's this move. Right from beginning i.e Google search, Google AdSense, Google Base and now Google's click-to-call, Google is trying to serve better and better. I again appreciate Google for trying to provide click-to-call utility for its user. After marvellous success of Google AdSense, Google's this move to give the benefit to its users is appreciable. Hats off to you! Google.

Teenage safety on internet

2005-11-28T01:29:00.000-08:00

Internet kids safety tips

I think nobody will disagree the point that Internet is marvelous source of information. Internet helps you to explore ocean of the knowledge, get information on your hobbies, and keep in touch with your love ones.

The worrying fact is unregulated nature of Internet. Anybody can take a fake identity and dupe the people resulting in financial frauds, online threats, publishing the pornographic materials on the Internet and more worrying part of Internet is that the innocent children can easily fall the prey of online anti-social activities.

If your unescorted children innocently search the Internet the chances of being they get encounter with an adult site, are more. The solution is to keep a track on each and every activity, which is more unlikely.

Kids and family internet security solutions

It may not possible for parents to keep close watch on their children but at least it is expected to set clear guidelines to the children. To avoid misuse of computer by children it is necessary to keep computer in common room instead of bedroom of children.
It is true that technology cannot be an alternative to the parental supervision but with the help of the Microsoft products you can able to protect your children from viewing obscene content on the Internet.
You can find many good sites for your kids. But if you don't want to compromise with privacy and if you don't agree with the privacy policy of a particular Web site then you may go for a similar site that doesn't require any personal information.
The best solution is to block the notorious Web sites before it gets to you. Some Microsoft softwares such as IE 6 Content Advisor, MSN 9 Parental Controls and Xbox Parental controls make you possible to block such notorious Web sites.

The bottomline is, if parents seriously think over it and set some safety rules, the Internet can be very useful place for their children.

Welcome Microsoft Xbox 360

2005-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome Microsoft Xbox 360

Thousands of Xbox fans waited in cold weather across the United States to give a warm welcome to Microsoft Corp.'s new Xbox 360 video game console on Tuesday.

Many of them are not so lucky as me since most stores displayed sold out board in front of them. Many of Xbox lovers were ready to pay $2,000 on ebay for this console.

Difference between xbox 360 and playstation 3 game graphics

What I found unique in the Xbox 360 is that it offers near-photo-realistic graphics, play music and video and link up gaming communities over the Internet that Sony and Nintendo is planning to offer next year.

I found $400 tag model of Xbox more appealing over the $300 as it has a removable hard drive and can play older Xbox titles. I am confident that $400 model will gain more popularity.

Compare Microsoft Xbox 360 with Sony PlayStation 3

The zombies virus real threat comes back

2005-11-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

The zombies virus real threat comes back

I had a nightmare last night where I was wandering on empty street in dark night. Suddenly I caught by the zombies. As soon as they tried to eat me I screamed up and got awake. If I am not mistaken Zombies are fictitious characters from Hollywood movies but in the cyber world Zombies are notorious characters known as spam zombies. Spam Zombies are most hated entities by Netizens.

With help from zombie machines infected by earlier editions of the Sober worm. Anti-virus vendors warned Netizens about a new variant of the Sober worm that was targeting e-mail servers across the world.

Sober.AG is the latest variant of mass e-mail worms. Appeared on Monday, after machines infected with older variants began spamming out the new version in a massive e-mail flood.
The spoof e-mail messages lure the recipients forcing them to open the virus attachment, including messages that falsely assume to come from the FBI and CIA.

MessageLabs said it blocked more than 2.7 million e-mail messages with the new Sober variant.
Symantec said that the company has received more than 1,600 samples of the worm from corporations and 300 from consumers.

Although Sober worms are not new, but it has been in limelight due to its latest variant that is much more widely distributed than other recent versions.
This new variant of Sober uses a variety of tempting messages to lure users both in German and English.
Messages pretend to come from the FBI or CIA request users that their IP address has been logged on more than 30 illegal Websites, and ask them to open an attached file containing a list of questions.

Many recipients of Sober.AG worm attachment get spoofed by the promises of a glimpse of videos of jet-setters Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Once you open the attachment Sober worm spreads and infects your PC.

The FBI has already alerted the public not to fall a prey to spam zombies and advised customers to update their anti-virus signatures immediately to stop spam zombies.