If you think you’ve already crossed the finish line after several hours of waiting for Windows 7 Beta to finish filling up your hard drive, then you’re in for a big disappointment.

Many antivirus software, including McAfee and Norton’s, are rejecting the new OS. While your primary security application cannot prohibit you from running or using the new Microsoft software, doing so would expose your system to numerous malware threats as the antivirus would cease to function.

This isn’t the first time that antivirus programs are raising the red flag on a Microsoft beta release. Early releases of previous operating systems, as well as some Windows updates, were even tagged as potentially harmful. While many were perplexed, a considerable number of users were already expecting it as numerous bulletins already warned the buyers of the new OS that a number of their existing software might not yet recognize the Microsoft newbie.

Don’t fret, though. As with the previous cases, the makers of the applications that get jittery with the new OS will release patches or updates that will correct the problem. For now, you could either just wait for the remedies to be released, or find another antivirus that recognizes Windows 7.

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As traffic around shopping malls get worse by the day, more and more people are finding it convenient to just shop at the comfort of their computer desks. And at a time when gas prices are again threatening to jump up to crisis levels, people are now more inclined to let their mouse do the shopping.

As with all things, e-commerce has its own set of pot holes. Hackers are always on the lookout for careless online buyers. Day by day, phishing sites proliferate like hot dog stands at every nook and cranny of cyberspace. It is therefore important to have a secure shopping cart whenever you scour the Internet for bargains.

One of the ways by which you could protect yourself from online thieves is by using the latest version of your browser. Newer browsers are more equipped to handle online transactions. They employ the latest encryption methods that meet industry standards, such as Secure Socket Layers (SSL).

Installing the latest version of your browser is not enough, though. You have to constantly update it. Check its maker’s site for updates or patches. Read the security bulletins carefully as it usually contains tips and suggestions on how to keep your credit card number and other financial details safe from phishers.

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Don’t get too nostalgic on your favorite antivirus software. While many are revolting on the growing complexity of applications, this cannot be a good justification in sticking to old versions of your programs, especially if those are tasked to keep your PC free from malware.

There are some people who stubbornly stick to old antivirus programs, contending that they seem to be more efficient and easy to use. However, a security tool is only efficient if it’s updated. Malware changes and evolve at a rapid pace. An antivirus or anti-spyware program that’s not updated is like an FBI agent who’s looking at a kindergarten picture of 23-year-old murder suspect.

Software makers do not release new versions of their creations just because they’ve changed its font or background color. Well, maybe some. But developers of security suites issue new versions or editions of their programs because the situation demands it. We all know that computer viruses are being born and release in cyberspace every minute. Hence, antivirus applications need to continuously evolve in order to keep up with the race.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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