I’ve been scouring the web the past couple days looking for the most popular stories/rumors/news/facts and have compiled a list of some bullet points I thought the readers would find interesting to read.

Check out some of these cool facts and tidbits, they make great conversation starters and are cool oddities to know to increase your computer protection/user knowledge!

• Jessica Biel recently was named the most “dangerous” celebrity to search on the web.  Research has shown that her name/pictures/videos/screensavers come attached with the most amount of malware and viruses.  I guess her good looks come at a cost. (Brad Pitt was the previous name holder and now holds his spot in second followed by former ex Jennifer Aniston)
• The recession has created a further rise in cybercrime around the world.  Apparently, the more attention given to prevent local crime as well as world terrorism takes away efforts to prevent cybercrime. Social sites have also given more room for these criminals to increase there electronic scams.
• The United States was ranked the 28th fastest in Internet Connection Speed.  A report by the Communications Workers at America said the top download speed is in South Korea with an average of 20.3 mbps.the US average is 5.1 mbps.  Japan, Sweden and the Netherlands hold the next three spots following South Korea respectively.

I hope you enjoyed the tech gossip from this week, submit your own gossip via our ASK button.  I’ll try my best to include all the submitted stories!

For those of you who may seem a bit skeptical on why you should write for What the Tech, look no further.  What the Tech is one of the most up and coming tech sites out there with a blog directly catered to its members.  We get as personal in a blog in relation to our users as possible!  Become “published” in the tech industry and you may find yourself showered with more perks and recognition then you can imagine.  Oh, and for you goodie-goodies, you get that warm feeling inside that you made a difference and helped someone.

Eagerly interested? Check out how to apply:

• Compose a couple posts about anything tech related.  A couple ideas may be along the lines of finding a cool gadget you use all the time that you want to show off to other members or a common customized setting you use on your computer experience that you think others may find useful!  They don’t have to be as long as the articles you find in magazines, just a couple paragraphs as you see here on the site!
• Draft up a quick personal info sheet that contains the following: name, contact information, brief explanation about why you you should write for What the Tech and a little bit about yourself.
• Send an email to apply@whatthetech.com and we’ll send you a response as soon as possible!

We encourage all applicants as we’re looking for people who best fits our blogging team.

Good luck…the next article you see on the site could be yours!

If you remember XP SP1, you may be underwhelmed with Windows Vista SP1. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Microsoft has been telling anyone who will listen that there’s no reason to wait for SP1 before installing Vista. They may have been right. While SP1 contains a number of improvements in performance, and overall quality; most of those have already been available through Windows Update.

Advances in Windows Update, as well as the widespread availability of broadband Internet means that you no longer have to wait for a service pack. Updates are introduced continuously. A service pack is just a roll-up of those updates conveniently packaged. Gone are the days of waiting for a service pack to introduce new applications, and features.

By the numbers, Windows Vista SP1 rolls together 23 security updates, and 550 hotfixes into a whopping 434.5MB download (726.5MB for the 64-bit version). It also includes some changes not previously addresses by Windows Update. If you have automatic updates enabled, Windows Update will gradually download the service pack to your system starting mid-April. Or, you can go to Windows Update and install it now.

It’s possible you may not see Service Pack 1 when visiting Windows Update. SP1 is currently available in only 5 languages. It requires some prerequisites to be installed via Windows Update first. Some drivers cause issues when SP1 is installed. So, if you’re running one of these drivers you won’t be able to install it until resolved. See the Windows Vista Blog for complete details.

The most notable fix in SP1 is probably the file copying improvements. It’s not only much faster, but estimates for completion will no longer display erroneous estimates of many years. Estimates are also calculated much faster making the entire file copy experience ‘feel’ faster.

Other changes include a tweaked User Account Control (UAC) that includes fewer prompts, although some may have hoped for even bigger changes to UAC. Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) has adapted to address some exploits used by hackers to run unlicensed versions. If activation has not been successful in SP1, ‘Reduced Functionality Mode’ has been replaced with a notification mode.

If you haven’t installed Windows Vista, Service Pack 1 marks an important milestone. If you’ve already installed Windows Vista, SP1 corrects many of the frustrations, while improving performance and security. Retail packs and OEM installations will soon include Service Pack 1, negating the need to install it, or a number of Windows Updates.

Windows Vista has not enjoyed a great reception. While SP1 doesn’t address every concern, it has many welcome improvements, and support for future technologies. Many of the early problems deploying Windows Vista were related to drivers, and driver support is constantly improving. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 will see wide spread adoption by businesses. IT departments, and enterprise customers have been waiting for the bug fixes in Service Pack 1. Server 2008 and Vista SP1 share the same core (or kernel), and work better together. Retail prices have recently been lowered. There’s really never been a better time to upgrade to Windows Vista.

 

Microsoft and Dell have joined forces with (Product) Red. For every (Product) Red branded Dell product sold, Microsoft and Dell will make a donation to this charity that provides global AIDS support, with a focus on women and children in Africa. At no extra cost to the buyer.

Products to be included are specially branded XPS desktops, notebooks, and an all-in-one printer. The Dell hardware is very stylish with red accents, and will run special versions of Windows Vista Ultimate (Product) Red with custom wallpapers, screen savers, and gadgets. Unique and very attractive products that also support a great cause.

Microsoft (Product) Red Blog

Bill’s Last Day: The CES Keynote video

(requires Silverlight to view)

Beginning Feb. 18, 2009, anyone who does not own a television with a digital tuner will cease to receive their programming via over-the-air antennas. They will no longer receive an analog signal. That day analog signals will go dark, and only digital signals will be broadcast free. Goodbye black-and-white, goodbye color, hello digital high-definition television. It has not only arrived, it will be the only signal broadcast by “free” over-the-air TV after Feb. 18, 2009.

Of course there are many millions of TVs manufactured that can’t receive digital signals. According to the AP, congress and the US government have come up with a plan to allow everyone to watch TV. It’s only available to the first 22 million requests. Basically, it allows a $40 government coupon that could be applied to special converter boxes.

The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 and will be available at most big box and electronic retailers.

To request a coupon, consumers can apply online at http://www.dtv2009.gov. The government also has set up a 24-hour hotline to take requests, 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

However, Spysweeper hasn’t kept pace with recent infections, and we rarely recommend it. It’s mostly irrelevant these days. Even worse they’ve chosen to install the Ask! toolbar by default. While this leads to more revenue for them, it potentially leads to less privacy for its users.

If you’re old enough to remember Happy Days you may know where the term “Jumping the Shark” comes from. Just as Fonzie jumps the shark to try and revive ratings, in my opinion Spysweeper is jumping the shark by offering a free year trial to revive its flagging Spysweeper product. Too bad they didn’t chose to improve it instead.

Many free security applications are being bundled with toolbars, and/or gather information about your system and surfing habits. Often these add-ons are installed by default, and not clearly explained. Here are some examples:

• Recently it seems Ask! has been courting security publishers. Webroot’s Spy Sweeper, and ZoneAlarm both have the option to install the Ask search toolbar pre-checked, or installed by default. ZoneAlarm goes so far to call it “ZoneAlarm Spy Blocker”, which may make you think it’s a security add-on. Judging by the reaction in support forums, most people are surprised to find the Ask! toolbar installed after installing one of these applications.
• Spyware Doctor is available as a free download from Google, as part of their Google Pack [affiliate]. However, the default Google Pack installation will also include (pre-checked) Google Earth, Norton Security Scan, Google Desktop, Picasa, Google Photos Screensaver, the Google Toolbar for IE, Firefox with Google Toolbar, Adobe Reader, and will change your homepage and default search engine to Google.
• Trend Micro’s HijackThis “Analyze This” button. Per their license agreement, clicking this button submits the data from your HijackThis log to Trend Micro’s servers for them to collect, store, analyze, and disclose to third parties. Prior to Trend Micro’s acquisition, HijackThis never performed any data collection, or transmitted any information.

Why do they do it? In the case of Trend Micro, they are hoping to use the data to improve their own products, and could likely sell it to others. Google drives more customers to it’s products and search engines. The Ask toolbar pays publishers to install it.

What do you think, is it okay for these free applications to come with strings (or toolbars) attached? Does it affect your decision whether to install them? Did we miss any?

Unless there’s a user revolt, it’s likely we’ll see this trend continue, and even become more invasive. If you don’t like it, contact the publishers and let them know.

Webroot: contact form, or call (866)-612-4227

ZoneAlarm contact form, or call (415)633-4500

Trend Micro: HijackThis Feedback form

Spyware Doctor: sales@pctools.com

Google: Google Pack Group

The malware classroom is a free, interactive, educational program that teaches participants the techniques, tools, and skills needed to remove the majority of malware infections. Malware removal has extended far beyond the once venerable tools HijackThis, Ad-aware, and Spybot S&D. The classroom teaches the use of a number of specialized tools, and advanced techniques for removal of spyware, trojans, rootkits, adware, dialers, keyloggers, and other malwares.

Would you like to learn to fight malware? Most successful candidates have average, or above average computer skills. It is also a major time commitment, and will likely take several weeks or months to complete. However, most people find it a very rewarding experience. It’s also very rewarding to help others with the knowledge you’ve gained. We look forward to having you become a part of our team. Classroom application link.

Windows Live for Windows Mobile.What is Windows Live? According to Microsoft:

Windows Live enhances your Windows experience with a set of online tools that brings the web right to you on your PC or mobile device, and lets you communicate and share with the people you care about.

Windows Live includes the Windows name because, ultimately, it is designed to enhance the power of Windows software and combine it with the flexibility and pervasiveness of online services to help seamlessly connect the PC and the Web for users.

I think Windows Live is some of the most exciting and creative applications coming out of Redmond. While, the message, and the software may have been slow to develop, I think you’ll find them worth the wait. Check them out today. Download the Windows Live Suite. ]]> http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/11/06/windows-live-services-final-launch/feed/ 0 http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/10/26/a-new-york-city-vista-experience/ http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/10/26/a-new-york-city-vista-experience/#comments Fri, 26 Oct 2007 23:59:22 +0000 Blair http://www.whatthetech.com/2007/10/26/a-new-york-city-vista-experience/

This past week I was invited with other Featured Community Members from around the world to attend the Windows Consumer Experience Space, in New York City. At Peter White Studios, we were given the opportunity for some one-on-one time with Microsoft senior program managers, and some hands-on time with new Vista systems, and Vista Certified devices.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said recently:

Apple is not [business-focused] and IBM is not [consumer-focused]. We’re trying to do both and meet the needs of workstyle and lifestyle.

This was certainly a consumer focused event. Among the mainstream press was Vogue, Cosmopolitan, GQ, even Playboy and Maxim. There was also a large contingent from overseas including Asia.

The message revolved around the digital life. Specifically memories, communication, and photos. It’s also the first time I can remember the Windows and Live teams so closely working together. Windows Live services are getting more closely tied to the Vista experience, and offering unique features.

Windows Live Mail (beta) makes it easier than ever to share pictures via email, and manage multiple email accounts. Windows Live Photo Gallery (beta) offers easy red-eye removal, automatic panoramic stitching, slide shows, and exclusive full-screen viewing. It also offers photo sharing via live.spaces or Flickr. The panoramic image above was created using Windows Live Photo Gallery by stitching 12 snapshots together. We’ll expand on these and other Live services in future posts.

Games for Windows takes lessons learned from the Xbox 360 and brings a console like experience to the PC. From the retail packaging to the installation experience, and linkage of your gamer tag to your Windows Live ID.

A Games for Windows logo means it’s passed quality standards. That it won’t do things like overwrite your video driver (without asking), and that it will work with your new widescreen LCD, as well as your Xbox 360 controller, and 64-bit systems. They also support parental controls in Vista.

Similarly, the Certified for Windows Vista logo aims to simplify the experience of installing hardware devices, and keeping the drivers up-to-date using Microsoft Update.

A wireless router is a good example of a hardware device that benefits from the Certified for Windows Vista logo. The logo means it will be suitable for hi-def video streaming, and online gaming. It has simplified security setup, is Xbox Live compatible, and provides quality VoIP and video regardless of network traffic. Maybe most importantly, it supports Windows Connect Now. If you’ve ever setup a wireless network, you may understand why up to 30% of wireless routers are returned because the purchaser couldn’t get them installed and configured. Windows Vista and a Certified for Windows Vista device will make it less painful. Some Digital cameras, printers, and other devices will carry the Certified for Windows Vista logo. Watch for them if you’re purchasing new hardware for a Vista system.

Weren’t able to make it to New York? Invite get lost in the mail? Here’s a virtual video tour:

Other details, including a Holiday Product Guide can be found at Microsoft PressPass.

Yes we have. Thanks for noticing!

The homepage was formerly an aggregate of security news posts from other sites, with an occasional commentary or unique story. We didn’t think it offered great value, or fit real well with the new name and theme of the site. So, the design was tweaked, and the focus changed to tech related questions and answers.

You likely noticed the prominent Ask! button. Clicking it presents the option of posting your questions in the forums (recommended), or in the form provided. Some questions submitted via the form will be posted and replied to on the homepage. All questions will be read, but not all will recive replies. We’ll feature the most common questions, and those with the broadest appeal.

If you have any questions or comments about the new layout, we’d like to hear them!

The Anti-Spware Coalition defines spyware as the following:

Spyware: The term Spyware has been used in two ways.

In its narrow sense, Spyware is a term for Tracking Software deployed without adequate notice, consent, or control for the user.

In its broader sense, Spyware is used as a synonym for what the ASC calls �Spyware (and Other Potentially Unwanted Technologies).�:

Technologies deployed without appropriate user consent and/or implemented in ways that impair control over.

• Material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security;
• Use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; and/or
• Collection, use, and distribution of their personal or other sensitive information.

This is HijackThis version 2.0.2 (the latest version) after scanning your system.

#3 is the new AnalyzeThis button:

Clicking AnalyzeThis will redirect to this page:

No where on the AnalyzeThis landing page does it inform that your HJT log data was just to be transferred to Trend Micro, or provide the option to opt-out of data submission. The only clue is a link titled, “stats on your log file entries”. Which contains mostly useless information on the popularity of your entries. Would you have any idea that HJT log data had just been transferred to Trend Micro?

What about Trend’s Quick Start Guide? No, just this:

3. Once the scan is complete, click the AnalyzeThis button. A web page will open containing helpful information regarding HijackThis.

Maybe the Frequently Asked Questions? No help, not even a mention of AnalyzeThis.

Excerpt from Trend Micro End User License Agreement :

5. REPORTS AND PRIVACY. At any time during the term of this Agreement, You may
choose to send to Trend Micro a report of log files that may include personal information
that the Software scanned on Your computer. By accepting this Agreement, You hereby
give Your consent to Trend Micro to process log file data provided by You (”Information”)
in connection with this Agreement; processing may include collection, registration,
storage, modification or disclosure of such Information to third parties. As a condition to
using the Software and by accepting this Agreement, You ensure, represent and warrant
that You are legally permitted to provide Trend Micro with access to the Information and
You also give Your consent to Trend Micro to transfer or store the Information in one or
more of its group companies, located in and/or outside the country where You are
located, and/or in jurisdictions which may have a lower level of protection of Information
than is applicable in the country where You are located or where pr
ivacy laws may not be as stringent as those in Your own country.

WhatTheTech (formerly TomCoyote) is no stranger to HijackThis. Our Quick Start Guide was included in version 1.99.1:

Trend Micro’s version 2.0.2 of HijackThis is currently supported by WhatTheTech in the forums. The Vista support and other improvements make it a necessary tool in some instances, and there are frankly few other good alternatives (although some are in development). Unless version 2.0.2 is requested or required by a Vista installation, we recommend the continued use of HJT version 1.99.1.

While technically the license agreement does address the data collection, we encourage you to contact Trend, and encourage them to stop the deceptive behavior with HijackThis. Due to the nature of the software, they should be extra careful to disclose any privacy concerns. Transparency is the issue. There should also be a clear warning when any data is about to be transferred, and an option to opt-out of all data submission.

digg story

From Vista’s EULA found here (PDF) :

13. UPGRADES. To use upgrade software, you must first be licensed for the software that is eligiblefor the upgrade. Upon upgrade, this agreement takes the place of the agreement for the software you upgraded from. After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.

For many people this may not be a problem, but it’s a change from earlier versions of Windows.

Update: Workaround posted here!

digg story