For a long time I really disliked seeing USB network adapters. The main reason is the performance. USB 1 can only do ~ 12Mbps which compared to a 10/100 ethernet controller “significantly limits your ability to do more than 10…” Even USB 2 supports 480 Mbps which should give you the ability to get full throughput of up to 200mbps with full duplexing. However, I still cringed at USB network adapters….
Tag: Windows
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Microsoft December 2005 Security updates
Sans has the tip that information on the critical Windows updates expected tomorrow from Microsoft has started to be released.
MS 05-54: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer
This will hopefully patch the javascript issues…
MS 05-55: Vulnerability in Windows Kernel Could Allow Elevation of Privilege.
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Internet Explorer in standalone mode?
Now, it can be useful to run several versions of the same program at the same time (especially if it’s a web browser.) I’ve accomplished this under linux with internet explorer, but didn’t realize there was a way to do so on Windows. Sunbelt blog found a good guide to installing Internet Explorer 7 beta 1 on a system without tampering with their (working) IE 6 install.
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Tools of the trade…. External USB drive adapter
This is the first of a few articles that will highlight some of the tools/gadgets/gizmos that I find useful. I’m starting off with one that’s almost essential. External USB hard drive adapter. Recently, I’ve been looking for something a bit leaner than your typical usb -> hard drive converter. Yes, I’ve carried something like this for large (3.5″) hard drives to appointments. The idea is if you need to transfer data from an old pc to a new one, put the old drive in an external adapter and copy away.
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Microsoft sued over software flaw
A South Korean man claims that Microsoft hid information about a flaw in Windows and has filed suit against the Operating System maker.
Jang Young-ha, 47, filed the lawsuit against Microsoft with the Suwon District Court on charges of deception, accusing the US software giant of selling the flawed program for use in handheld electronic devices.
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Another interesting spyaxe note
Incidents.org has a note on a recently noted trojan.spaxe.exe, that when on a system will mimic the windows notification dialogue “bubble” near the system tray with the following text.
“Your computer is infected!
Windows has detected spyware infection.It is recommended to use special antispyware tools to prevent data loss.
Windows will now download and install the most up-to-date antispyware for you.Click here to protect your computer from spyware.”
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Sunncomm/Mediamax software fix FLAWED
Once more in the continuing story…. According to freedom-to-tinker, the “fix” released today for the SunnComm/Mediamax DRM software (the “other” DRM software on sony/bmg discs). Is fatally flawed. The problem the software initially poses is much worse than the company lets on in their release and their advise is…. 1) don’t play a mediamax protected disc in your pc. 2)don’t use the fix, 3) don’t use the old uninstaller.
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Microsoft Fined $32 Million
Microsoft has been fined $32 million by South Korea’s fair trade commision. They are calling for Microsoft to either remove the Media Player and Instant Messenger from Windows, or include competing software. Microsoft has said that such changes may require it to “delay offering new versions in South Korea”, or withdraw Windows from the South Korea market entirely.
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The perils of Metadata in documents
Loose lips sink ships, so the old saying goes. These days documents are emailed back and forth and many times, revisions are made to “polite the text” up or “sanitize” or “redact sensitive information”. With many file formats though, the metadata about the revisions (or even the old versions of the data itself) are still there. The Security Fix has a great article on the topic today.
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Rhapsody welcomes other operating systems
There was a time when you had to download Windows-only software to access Rhapsody (an online music service owned by real networks.) However, that has changed. It’s a move that I’m glad to see as a linux user, but just in general it makes sense that they can open it up to anyone with a web browser.