Black Hat Security Conference Reports

Ars Technica and other sites have been covering some of the info being unearthed at the Black Hat Security Conference. Several security concerns regarding security features found in Vista are creating a lot of noise amongst consultants. Some of the exploits are rehashes of earlier security issues caused by the very languages used to create our applications, however some are more fundammental in nature. One security issue caused microsoft to create Data Execution Protection, or DEP. This protection mechanism protects against Buffer Overflow based attacks. However security researchers have been digging away and discovering new ways of taking advantage of these types of holes. Visit arstechnica.com/ to find out more...

MS Vista SP1 Will Break Apps...

Microsoft Vista Service Pack 1 will break a number of applications upon installation. Microsoft has posted a list of the 12 apps in a bulletin which can be found here. My recommendation is to read the bulletin and wait until updates to your problem apps have been posted before applying the service pack. As deployment and installation of Windows Vista SP1 spreads, additional incompatible programs may be discovered. Check the list before installing Windows Vista SP1.

Vista WGA Kill Switch Killed In SP1

The dreaded Kill Switch which is activated in Windows Vista by WGA, is apparently going to be killed off via Service Pack 1. This feature has been responsible for a number of users losing capabilities because Vista thinks it is an unlicensed/Illegal copy. The implimentation of WGA isn't smart enough to detect that changes in a system are not actually the result of an illegal install. Too many changes (including the installation of third party software and you get a disabled version of Vista... This From ZD-Net

Vista Deactivation Bug

It seems that doing something as simple as changing your video card may cause Vista to de-activate. This deactivation will place Vista into into reduced functionality after a couple of days requiring that you reapply to Microsoft for a new activation code. Microsoft have confirmed this bug to the folks over at APC Mag. The article where they have reported their experiences with this bug is a good read and details the real problems with the Activation system being used by Windows Vista.

The Cult of Mac

Jason Cross, over at ExtremeTech has published an article on his experiences with Mac User and also very briefly on his Mac. Many of his sentiments are sound and echo my own feelings about Mac Zombies and Apple worshippers. One of the cool things he mentions is that he actually spends equal time in Mac OS and Windows via BootCamp on his Macbook Pro. Before you decide to take a shot at me or Jason, let me tell you that I've worked with Macs since the days of the Mac Classic. I like Macs, I just don't like the uneducated and idiotic blatherings of the "Apple did it first and best" crowd. Pop on over to ExtremeTech and have a read.

I-O Data Announce 8GB USB Stick

I-O Data have added a new version of their 8GB Totebag Memory Stick. This new version supports ReadyBoost and thus Vista too.

Vista Update Soon

Reports at several sites on the web are indicating that there will most likley be a much needed update released for Windows Vista in the near future. Trusted Reviews are suggesting that a beta of the update will ship this month with an official roll out in november. Here's hoping...

Direct X 10 Put To The Test

Twitch Guru have put Direct X 10 to the test using Lost Planet on a Dell XPS running Vista. In their Test they compared the same game on the Dell XPS with Vista against a similarly configured Windows XP system with DX 9. The bottom line is that there are differences in performance and detail but not as great as we've been led to expect. Visit Twitch Guru to read more...

Dell Reintroduces Windows XP On New PCs

In a move which many users have been clamoring for, Dell have decided to offer the option of installing Windows XP on new machines. This is a reversal of their policy decision to offer only Windows Vista on new PCs. Dell said its customers have been asking for XP as part of its IdeaStorm project, in which Dell asked its customers to help the company come up with product ideas. It was amongst the most popular of requests.

Microsoft To End Sales Of XP In Jan 2008

Despite problems with Vista, Microsoft are planning to end the availability of Windows XP for sale with systems from January 2008. This means that all Windows PCs offered for sale after that date are going to have Windows Vista installed. This decision applies to all versions of Windows XP. Manufacturers like HP, Dell, Toshiba, and others will no longer be able to offer new systems with pre-installed versions of Windows XP.

Boot Camp Supports Vista

It appears, that Apple's Boot Camp Version 1.2, now supports Microsoft Windows Vista. Yet another reason, for me, to consider buying an Intel CoreDuo Mac... I've been playing with my recently restored OS-X based PowerMac, back at the office. I'm impressed and happy, with how well the system now works, especially after we had the faulty power supply replaced. I'm thinking of exchanging the stupid mac mouse with a two button mouse, having tried one on the Mac. I like the context sensitive menus offered with the right mouse button but I haven't tried the Mighty Mouse yet... Apple insists on reinventing everything, so I'll have to give one a try, before making any final decisions...

Samsung UMPC Upgrade Confirmed

Engadget announce that Samsung are planning to release the Q2. Features look to include a thinner profile with split keyboard on either side of the screen, a new 1,024 x 600 'WSVGA' resolution and connectivity features with wireless b/g, Bluetooth 2.0, HSDPA and WiBro, a non-Intel CPU, a 1.3MP digital camera and VGA camera for video conferencing and fingerprint scanner.

Fujitsu P1610 Tablet Announced With 3G HSDPA

Fujitsu announced the ultra-portable Lifebook P1610 tablet PC. This tablet includes embedded 3G WWAN, UMTS / HSDPA, EDGE / GPRS / GSM and Bluetooth connectivity. This Windows Vista-ready unit also features a Transflective WXGA TFT, 1280×768 pixel LCD, a Core Solo processor, up to 1GB of RAM, and an 80GB HD. Weighing inat around 1 Kilo it also has a generous 4-hour battery life. I'm going to take a look at this baby myself, hopefully it uses wacom enabled pen tech as well...