Microsoft Releases Several Service Packs

Microsoft released MS Office 2003 Service Pack 2, OneNote Service Pack 2 and Windows SharePoint Services Service Pack 2 today. These Service Packs address security, reliability and performance issues in the related products.

We have installed the Service Packs on our machines and are in the process of testing them. Clients that are on our Maintenance Plan will have these Service Packs installed on our next scheduled visit after October 15th, which will give us time to complete our testing. Of course the Service Packs are available from the Microsoft Website for do it yourselfers.

Has It Been 10 Years

On this day 10 years ago, Microsoft released Windows 95. It was quite an event. People stayed up all night camping at computer stores to buy the new Operating System. Similar to Harry Potter books today I guess. I remember being impressed with Windows 95 but I also remember it was very buggy. Since that time, there has been Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP and BOB (Don't Ask!). Many of those operating systems had update releases like Windows 98 Second Edition (SE). Of course time and gas prices move on. We are now waiting for Windows Vista, which is scheduled to ship next year. I don't foresee any lines at Staples. However, the line is all ready forming on the Internet! Microsoft says this will be the most reliable and most secure Operating System yet. Funny, I thought that's what they said about Windows 95!

I Would Not Have Thought Of This

I am a big believer in using technology where you can to make things better, faster etc. But I never thought of this.  Not sure what I think about it yet.  But I am gathering content just in case.  Be sure to check out the sample video.  I wonder if they have a 42” model.   Check it out!

New Virus On The Loose

A new virus, Zotob, which exploits a Windows vulnerability made public last Tuesday, is spreading on the Internet. The virus takes advantage of an issue with the Microsoft Windows Plug and Play Service. The virus is a worm that can spread itself to unprotected computers. It will affect the workstation's access to the Internet and opens a backdoor for an intruder to gain access to the machine.

One of the patches released by Microsoft last week closes the hole that this virus takes advantage of. If you are running Norton AntiVirus, check to make sure your Virus Definition File is 8/14/05 rev 16 or higher in order to detect this virus.

If you do not have a method in place to update your workstations and servers with the latest Windows Updates give us a call. We can help you get this important function done.

More information on Zotob can be found here.

Problems With Norton Corporate AntiVirus 10.0

We have several reports of serious issues with Norton (Symantec) Corporate AntiVirus 10.0. These problems include the server rebooting at random times. Norton has posted a couple of fixes but I would suggest that 10.0 is not installed until it is verified that the problems are fixed.