Another Day With My PC

Microsoft has recently announced the availability of the latest (and you could bet your motherboard that it’s going to be the last) service pack for its best-selling OS. The release of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) was devoid of any fanfare, though.

The glitter-less presentation of XP’s major update is not surprising. Aside from the fact that Redmond is not that keen on giving a few more oxygen tanks on its aging software, Service Pack 3 hardly packs any punch at all. Its seeming irrelevance is highlighted further by the fact that the upgrade is merely optional.

Mere Collection of Previous and New Updates

XP users are not expected to rise up in arms against Microsoft’s nonchalance on their OS. Everybody knows that no overhaul could transform XP to Vista, and SP3 is far from being the upgrade or renovation that would restore a bit of youth to this once dominant OS.

To satisfy your curiosity (in case you still have any), SP3 is a collection of updates, many of which have already been released before. If you’ve been very generous in offering precious hard drive space to the updates that Microsoft have been regularly issuing, then you might find SP3 as nothing but a big zipped file of all the patches that you’ve downloaded during the past several months. Of course, there’s more to SP3 than just a big hairball of updates. However, they’re either negligible or too few to be easily noticed.

To Download or Not to Download

I doubt if many would immediately download the latest service pack. The fact that it’s optional further dampens whatever enthusiasm that XP users have over the upgrade. Some even argue that it would be better not to download SP3 at all, and their contentions are quite convincing.

Skeptics point to the fact that SP3 could wreak havoc on some systems. Just like in SP2, the SP3 installer would first advise you to back up your files as it is possible that unforeseen or unavoidable disruptions could occur which could temporarily or permanently jumble up the data and programs in your hard drive. If you depend too much on your PC on just about anything, would you risk it for an upgrade that you either already have or do not need? I think the question has already answered itself.

Only if You’re Ready

Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m not suggesting a snub. All I’m saying is that there’s no urgency in installing the update. Therefore, do not go out of your way and put a halt to the things that you’re doing just so that you could download the update. Do so when you have the time and when you’re prepared for the consequences. Any update is, of course, beneficial. But it doesn’t mean that it is also necessary.

If you’re really eager in stacking your hard drive with additional files, then by all means do so. I myself would download it over the weekend (my old desktop runs on XP). Before you download it, make sure that you’ve uninstalled any beta version of XP3. Microsoft also suggests that you use IE7 when downloading SP3.

No matter how fast your processor is, chances are is that your surfing speed would soon drag down due to unwanted data build up, plug-in issues, or failure to update your browser. You don’t need an antivirus or anti-spyware program for these problems. Putting grease into your laggard browser is as easy as clicking a few buttons.

If you’re using Internet Explorer, just click on Tools • Internet Options then click on Delete Browsing History. If you’re using a third-party utility suite, such as Norton Systemworks, then you have to open up its control center and choose the appropriate option to delete unwanted browser clutter.

For plug-in problems, all you have to do is disable it. In Firefox, just choose Tools • Add-ons, then Disable. In Internet Explorer, click on Start • All Programs • Accessories • Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

As for the updates, you don’t have to worry about Internet Explorer if you’re using Windows and Windows Update is set to automatically receive patches. For Firefox, just click on Help • Check for Updates.

What is it about Microsoft and leaks?

NeoSmart Technologies has recently revealed that Windows XP’s third service pack will be featuring patches and updates that are primarily designed for Vista. The leak has fueled speculations that Microsoft is indeed bent on extending the life of its most successful OS by incorporating Vista technology into it.

Among the handful of Vista features inserted in SP3 include Network Access Protection (NAP). This security component functions as a filter, checking client PCs before they’re allowed to connect with other computers in a network.

Another Vista feature that will be incorporated in XP through SP3 is a new activation procedure that dispenses with tedious checkpoints and would allow users to immediately use or install the product without being asked for the activation key.

Windows XP SP3 will be made available by early next year. The new service pack brings a sigh of relief to millions of PC users who still haven’t shifted to the new OS as this would ensure the viability of the software for a few more years.

Are you still using Windows XP? Chances are is that you’ll be nodding to the question, especially when we’re talking about your PC in the office.

Despite the fact that big companies have the resources to wipe out old programs and replace it with new ones in just a blink of an eye, many of them are holding their horses as far as shifting to Vista is concerned. A recent report has shown that there are still many apprehensions playing in the minds of IT managers with regard to using Vista.

Old Fears

One of the reasons why companies are still reluctant to retire Vista’s predecessor is the former’s reputation of conking out due to compatibility problems. While this issue hounded the new OS during its first month in the market, it’s quite surprising to know that this worry still lingers considering the fact that third-party device driver finders and providers already abound on the Internet. The lack of system utilities for Vista has also already been addressed, with many antivirus and registry cleaner programs having been labeled as “Vista-ready.”

Waiting for SP1

So why are corporations still not taking the plunge despite developments which makes such a move already safe and feasible?

Analysts point to the pending release of the operating system’s first service pack as one of the reasons why potential corporate clients are still playing the waiting game. Vista’s SP1 contains a collection of patches, security applications, and drivers which would greatly enhance the OS’ ability to respond to threats and errors. While there are already many Vista problem-solvers on the market, many are still counting on Microsoft to fix things for free. Until Microsoft releases the pack, big companies would most likely continue to squeeze some extra mileage out of XP.

Still in Life Support

Another reason why big clients are shunning Vista is Redmond’s continued support for XP. Bill Gates probably thought that XP would die a natural death once users start to ditch it for Vista. However, this did not happen, or at least not at the pace at which Microsoft had hoped for.

It has been suggested that in order to convince (or force) users to embrace Vista, it has to cut the air flowing into XP. Microsoft contemplated such a move, but was met by stiff resistance and threats from those who are reluctant to use the new OS until every apprehension with regard to its safety and compatibility has been addressed. The operating system’s maker immediately blinked, probably because it still hasn’t found the answers to many of the problems plaguing Vista.

No Need to Rush

The shift to Vista is inevitable. This event might not take place as quickly as Microsoft wants to, but it will certainly happen. This is the reason why Microsoft is not in a rush to kill its most successful product. As long as it continues to breathe life to XP, it will have ample time to plug the holes that presently turn off big companies in accepting Windows Vista.

Talk about one-upping malware authors.

Microsoft recently blew two bombs on its face that were originally intended for its enemies. The patches that it recently released to bolster the security of its latest Web browser turned out to be the more dangerous threat to its customers’ systems. The first killer pill that it released was supposed to be its answer to threats from Web pages that have infected COM objects. Users who log on or browse through these infected sites could inadvertently allow other people to take control of their PC. The second one deals with Internet Explorer 7’s property method.

Freeze!

There were no figures given as to how many users were affected by the poisoned patches. Vista users who have downloaded and installed it might experience a system freeze or crash. The problem is caused by IE 7’s inability to utilize or recognize the changes in the location of Window’s Temporary Internet Files folder.

Vista users are not the only ones affected by the problem. Reports say that Windows XP SP2, 2000 SP4, and Server 2003 users might not be able to access Windows or Microsoft Update after they’ve installed the defective patches.

Earnest Effort

We all know that Microsoft is always frantically plugging holes in its products, especially in its operating systems. Sometimes the Redmond company finishes first. Of course, that isn’t usually the case. Many of the tears in its applications are usually discovered after they’ve been exploited. Hence, they usually release patches or updates with a red face.

I pity the programmers at Microsoft for always being blamed for everything that goes wrong with XP and Vista. Sure, they’re the ones who have created it. However, bugs and glitches are already indelible facts of computing life. People shouldn’t be too harsh in condemning software authors for their PC mishaps.

I’m not saying that programmers should be exonerated for all the imperfections of their creations, though. As every product has a warranty that it’s free from defects, or at least that a solution would be provided for by the manufacturer should an inherent defect be found, it’s only right that software makers should continuously see to it that their products would be able to function despite the threats around it. Updates or patches are great ways by which application authors warrant the viability of their goods.

Goodwill

The task or responsibility of a manufacturer towards its product doesn’t end upon the ringing of the cash register. It’s not enough that it should see to it that its creation meets the expectations of the consumer. Many companies are investing on ways by which they would be able to make their old customers feel that they’ve made the right choice when they bought the product. Releasing patches or updates is one of the ways by which businesses, especially software companies, could assure their customers that the product that they’ve bought will be able to sail through any contingency that might not have been possible or perceived during the time the program was originally released.

Now this is something Microsoft would love to gloat upon.

Apple has just revealed that it would be releasing patches for the MAC OS X. The affected versions include 10.3.9 and 10.4.9, covering both the standard and server editions for each version.

The patch reinforces the defenses of the Apple operating system by closing the doors on hackers which use PDF files to crash its host or make it execute malicious instructions. It also includes band aids from Fetchmail, Bind, and GNU Screen. The process involved in downloading and installing them is pretty much the same to that of Windows’.

Many wonder why the OS X doesn’t receive waves of patches unlike its more popular counterpart. If you’re an XP user, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Microsoft releases dozens of updates every week, mostly addressing security concerns. While it’s comforting to know that Microsoft is relentless in putting bricks and cement to its besieged product, you might also wonder if Windows is really or will ever be secured at all.

Downloading and installing patches are not enough as far as protecting your PC is concerned. You will definitely need the help of third-party system tools to keep your PC free from malware. Registry cleaners and Antivirus programs are must-haves. Hackers often target the registry since it controls or is the repository of all instructions that should be executed by the computer. Hence, make sure that you’re registry is not possessed by viruses or other malicious programs.

In case you’re notebook is dying out on you faster than it usually does, don’t rush to the nearest computer store to buy new batteries. Chances are is that it’s not a hardware problem.

Vista has drawn the ire of its users anew when it has recently been revealed that its Aero Glass interface has been sipping the energy out of laptop batteries like a glutton. This new video engine of Microsoft’s new OS allows images to be displayed seamlessly. It’s the feature that many ditched Windows XP for.

Many laptop owners weren’t aware of the consequence that the Aero Glass interface would have on their unit as far as battery mileage is concerned. The only concern that surfaced during the introduction of the graphics feature was that it will most likely consume a huge amount of actual and video memory. Little did many know that it’s also an energy hog.

I don’t know how Microsoft would remedy the problem. Some are suggesting patches that would modify the way Vista consumes energy. I’m not sure if they can simply fix the dilemma through a simple patch. The process would surely involve some changes in the registry.

Laptop manufacturers aren’t waiting for Microsoft to come up with a solution, though. They have already included various power management utilities in their products which overrides a similar feature or function in Vista. They claim that their utility provides more options to the user than the one integrated in the new OS.

At the rate programs, especially operating systems, get hacked everyday, one might not really be amused at contests which aim to expose the vulnerabilities of an application.

A software engineer and a security researcher who participated in a similar competition at the CanSecWest conference in Vancouver, Canada laid out a security glitch on Apple’s OS X by successful hacking a MacBook running on the said program.

Dino Dai Zovi created the exploit while Shane Macaulay handled the practical aspects of the hacking. They were able to get in to the system courtesy of some vulnerabilities in Safari. Macaulay won a laptop for his efforts, while Dai Zovi will be submitting his work on the Apple holes in a bid to win the $10,000 prize that is offered to anyone who can successfully hack an element of OS X.

It’s a good thing that Apple’s a sport and allowed this kind of competition to expose the weaknesses of its product. Many companies wouldn’t dare subject their software to such a test, especially amidst a losing campaign to wrest control of the industry that they’re in. The last thing that Apple needs is a reason for customers to further drift away from OS X and unconditionally embrace Microsoft’s Windows Vista.

I’m not a fan of OS X, but judging from the time and intricacy involved in developing the exploit, I think that the Apple OS is a fairly secured application. If you’ve been a Windows user since time immemorial, you’ll definitely agree that Bill Gates’ products are not that difficult to exploit. Patches after patches are continuously being released by Microsoft in order to stem the daily attacks that their OS is getting from hackers all over the world. It seems that the Redmond, Washington company doesn’t need to organize a competition anymore in order to inspire somebody to hack into their product.

So why did I just say that the OS X is still a good operating system despite the fact that Dai Zovi and Macaulay successfully crossed its moat? Well, for starters, the MacBook that was hacked did not have any security program in it. It only had the latest version of the OS X and all the necessary patches, but nothing more.

You might surmise, as I did, that the OS X would be virtually impregnable if its security functions or features are complemented by other system defenders, such as anti-spyware and antivirus programs. Indeed, I doubt it if Macaulay would’ve been able to bring home anything if the MacBook also had Symantec’s Norton Antivirus.

I’m not saying that hacking through a system that is protected by a third-party security suite is an impossible task. We all know that it’s definitely possible. Hackers have already put into shame some of the best antivirus and anti-spyware programs in the market.

I hope that software makers wouldn’t hesitate in sponsoring competitions that aim to dissect their products and expose any flaw that they may have overlooked. This would definitely contribute to a safer and more secured computing world.

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