IT Security

Most new age businesses depend a lot on technology for the efficient running of their operations. Security has found a new meaning for these traditional businesses. With increasing risks to networks from external threats like hackers, spyware, malware as well internal ones like their own employees, it is imperative that businesses assess such risks and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the networks as well as that of data.

Endpoint Security Tool allows you to run a simple online scan to determine which removable devices like USB sticks, CDs, floppies, smart phones, MP3 players, handhelds, iPods or digital cameras have been plugged in to the corporate network. It also assesses the risk from each device. In conclusion, it tells you the overall risk category that your business is placed in. Theft of data can be major headache apart from the lawsuits and other issues.

To run the scan, go to Endpoint Scan. Make sure you have Active X enabled in Firefox or other browsers. The scan is configured for Internet Explorer by default. It takes about 30 seconds for the results but that depends on the speed of your pipe (internet connection). Have you IP address handy before starting the scan. The simplest way to find out what your IP address is to visit http://whatismyip.com

Presentations: An addition to Google Docs

In addition to documents and spreadsheets, Google will add presentations as well. This is surely going to be watched keenly by Microsoft whose market for the Office package will surely take a hit with users lapping up the easy and convenient option. It’s surely the age of remote hosted applications where the consumer doesn’t have to own the software or the resources to host such applications. What still remains a question is whether Google will continue to provide this service free of cost. It would be a good idea to charge business users for additional features such as improvements in collaboration with other users, password-protection and so on.

Find the original post at http://eguru.info

Official Google Blog: We're expecting

Use Windows Vista legally without Activation for a year

Brian Livingston, a Windows expert has revealed to users of windows that it is possible to use Windows Vista legally without Activation for a year. Though, Microsoft has labeled this a ‘hack’ to signify that it is illegal, it stated just a month ago that this process would not be a violation of the End User License Agreement (EULA).

Livingston revealed that a one-line command lets users postpone the activation up to three times. Combine this with the 30 day grace period that Vista comes with, and you have 120 days to activate the operating system. In fact, Livingston claims that Microsoft has built a feature in Vista that allows users to postpone activation not just three times but many times more.

Microsoft documented the key and described it as SkipRearm and describes it as follows:

SkipRearm specifies whether to run the Windows Software Licensing Rearm program.Rearming a computer restores the Windows system to the original licensing state. All licensing and registry data related to activation is either removed or reset. Any grace period timers are reset as well.

Read the full article at http://eguru.info

Andhravilas returned my money

If you scroll down and read my earlier post, you will realize that I talked about a scam called Andhravilas. I paid a very small sum of $4 to watch their movies but had to face a lot of frustration since they never replied to my emails. I was facing technical difficulties on the site and my computer is no dinosaur.

I opened a case with Paypal (since I made the payment through them), and asked Andhravilas if they had permission from the movie producers to broadcast their movies on the website. I also told them very frankly that I won't hesitate to file a claim with the Federal Trade Commission. I would have actually contacted the FBI's computer crime cell and the Anti-piracy cell in Hyderabd and reported them for unauthorized broadcasting of movies but they decided that it was smarter to return my money. I'm not going to have a big party with that money but when I have the time, I will surely follow up on this issue and see what I can do to stop their shady affairs.

Time for Vista?

For those of you who have Windows XP and are not sure whether it’s time for you to upgrade to Vista, here are a few bits of information that might help you make a rational decision. Vista needs at least 1GB of RAM to be able to run normally. Some people prefer to call that ‘memory hogging’. The new interface imitates the look and feel of a Mac. Microsoft of course would never admit that. The creativity of their team is beyond doubt. If you remember the initial confusion you faced when you first worked on Windows XP, Vista promises you a lot more. By the way, Microsoft has already released some patches for its ultra-new operating system. So much to speak of security.

A pointer for those of you who are planning to go ahead with the upgrade. If you have Symantec Norton installed on Windows XP, uninstall it before upgrading to Vista or you’ll surely have a headache afterwards.

Original article at http://eguru.info/2007/02/14/time-for-vista/

Andhravilas is a sham

For a lot of NRI's living outside the country, its a boon to have websites that offer music, videos and bunch of other stuff that bring back memories of their homeland. Andhravilas-dot-com started as one such site. Catering to the needs of Andhrites, they started playing movies for 'Donated Members'. Basically, they tell you that they are offering a Paypal donation link 'based on popular demand'. They accept donations of $4 (175 rupees approx) and above. Once you donate, your account is automatically upgraded and you can view the movies as long as you have Real Player installed on your computer.

The problem starts if you begin seeing error messages. Don't expect a reply from them even if you send a hundred emails to customer support. Since the payment through Paypal was not a payment but a donation link, I'm not sure if they will return the money. Anyway, the summary of this experience is that Andhravilas is a sham. Don't lose your money to them. Also, I doubt if they have permission from the movie producers to broadcast the movies on their site.

CPA Review

I'll be covering some CPA exam related material here over the next few weeks. For those of you who have been planning to give the exam, here is a good opportunity to discuss and review a few things before the big day.

The new 7 wonders of the world

I chanced upon this new website that allows people from around the world to vote for their favourite 7 wonders of the world. The list is down to 21 choices now and it's time for us to act. The final 7 winners will be announced in an official ceremony in July this year. Visit www.new7wonders.com to vote for your choice of the 7 wonders. Time to get the Taj Mahal in to that category. The Taj is currently one of the hot favourites.

To vote by SMS in India, follow the procedure listed below

To vote for the Taj Mahal, send "TAJ" to 6767.

To vote for any of the 21 candidates, send "WONDER" followed by the two-number candidate code to 6767.
For example: To vote for Stonehenge, send "WONDER 18" to 6767.

The cost to send an SMS is:
Rs. 3 - Airtel, Idea, Escotel, Spice Prepaid, Reliance CDMA, Aircel
Rs. 2 - Reliance GSM, Hutch, MTNL Prepaid, Spice Postpaid, BPL, TATA Indicom
Rs. 1 - MTNL Postpaid, BSNL Prepaid
Rs. 0.8 - BSNL Postpaid

Trip to Boise

I'll be traveling to Boise, Idaho on Tuesday. It's going to be a short trip but entails missing my classes all week. The drive takes about eight hours and the roads are pretty icy and slick.