There haven't been many posts the last week as I took a week off to get away from it all. It allowed me to detox from the computer world and allow me some clear sight on my personal and business goals. The article linked below gives some great advice that does not only apply to the IT World but the entire business world. If you are someone you work with is at 'burnout', be sure to read the piece.
Which Browser is Best?
A new review of the most popular browsers is out and they all get passing marks. Depending on the needs of the user, each has there benefits and drawbacks.
Certify Business Savvy IT Professionals
An interesting article out of PC World suggests that people should be certified for their ability to utilize multiple IT roles in a business environment. This would be done instead of certifications on specific platforms or products that could isolate a function a person could perform inside a company. Also, certifications in Microsoft or Cisco does not equate to working with people or relating the cost of hardware to a non-technical manager or President of a company.
Best Way to Steal Company Secrets Is By Asking
A conference of hackers in Las Vegas were able to break into some of the most hallowed corporations, not by some programs or techniques, but by using the telephone. Consultants were able to call these companies and by talking to people on the other end, were able to get sensitive information within 20 minutes.
Shortcut Flaw Patched ASAP by Microsoft
Microsoft released a fix before its monthly patch releases due to the severity of the issue. Hackers can use the Windows Shell to distribute nasty code that exploits Windows desktop shortcuts. The biggest problem? One need not to click the shortcut for the malicious code to activate. With the seriousness of the flaw, it has been patched immediately. If you see the Windows Update beckoning you to run it, do so immediately!
Beware of that App you might be downloading to your phone!
At a conference in Las Vegas focused on technology's security and vulnerabilities, a report came out that there is an Android application that gathers personal information about your phone and sends it to China. Researchers found that this wallpaper application sends "the phone’s SIM card number, subscriber identification, and even your voicemail password, as long as it is programmed automatically into your phone. "
Internet Explorer 8 Bats Way 1 Billion Malware Downloads
Machines around the world are safer, thanks to Internet Explorer 8. Microsoft's latest browser has blocked over 1 billion attempts of malware to download itself on to systems. This is thanks to its Smartscreen filter that continually updates its database with addresses of known malware sites.
Laptops under $300, Good for Business?
Both Walmart and Best Buy are planning on releasing sub $300 laptops just in time for school. Are these Compaq laptops worth purchasing for business? Reviews have been positive, but also know that these systems are great if you just want to do internet work or some basic Office work. Anything more than that, and you should look at better solutions.
How to save your company money on bills
Keeping up to date on many different news outlets (online and television), one occasionally finds an interesting nugget of gold. This website, www.billtiger.com, allows you to save your home AND business money. How? You enter your phone (land and cell), internet, and/or television (cable and satellite) bills and they will work with the provider in lowering your service charges without your intervention at all. They are not a bill collector or debt reduction service. You pay NOTHING unless they can save you over $100 and then they only charge you $50. Many people claim they have saved their home and businesses hundreds of dollars a month. They are posted with the Better Business Bureau and Verisign so your information is safe.
Things Microsoft has killed this year
This month marks the last patches available for Windows 2000 and Windows XP Service Pack 2 systems. People and businesses will need to upgrade to XP Service Pack 3 or above to continue to receive patches and avoid any malicious attacks on their systems. Microsoft reports that it will be stopping the Bing Cashback service and other programs and services in its huge realm.