software

The relationship that Microsoft shares with their Windows XP operating system can be likened to the same kind of relationship shared between Dr. Frankenstein and his monster: what began as a beautiful creation must now be destroyed at all costs. ... While a tad extreme, this is essentially the message that Microsoft is sending out to the world after announcing that the next version of the free Windows Live Essentials software will not run on XP. In a recent blog post, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of the Windows Live Experience Chris Jones confirmed the news, although web-based versions of ... (view more)

Symantec researchers have discovered that the software accompanying Energizer's DUO battery charger may have been injecting PCs with malware since May 2007. Energizer has recently discontinued the product, but for those who've already purchased the ... charger, it's important they know a workaround for the problem. Trojan Creation Date Not Known According to Symantec Global Intelligence Network director Dean Turner, it's tough to tell if the Trojan has been kicking around the full three years. "It's really impossible to say for sure that this Trojan has always been in the USB charger- ... (view more)

Microsoft is cautioning users not to download fake versions of Microsoft Security Essentials, which are similarly named to the original, but are in fact rogue. The original Microsoft Security Essentials is fully functional and free from Microsoft ... and without charge for all legitimately registered users of MS Windows. Fake Antivirus Storms Internet, Duping Users Rogue antivirus products are notorious for having similar names, appearances and functions of legitimate antivirus software in an attempt to coax unsuspecting users into doling out hundreds of dollars towards unnecessary, and often ... (view more)

With thousands of computer security companies spending millions of dollars in research and product development each year, some might question how the influence of hackers continues to be a growing problem. One company has apparently found success in ... reducing the spread of viruses and malware by doing things the "hard" way. Hardware-Based Antivirus Best for Rootkits Kaspersky Lab announced the acquisition of a U.S. patent for a hardware-based antivirus solution. The success of this form of antivirus will limit the amount of damage done by the stealthiest of malware because the ... (view more)

In electronics and computing, firmware is a term often used to denote fixed programs and data structures that internally control various electronic devices. Typical examples of devices containing firmware range from end-user products such as PCs, ... laptops, netbooks, remote controls and calculators, and even include scientific instrumentation and industrial robotics. More complex consumer devices, such as mobile phones and digital cameras, contain firmware to define the device's basic operation as well as implementing higher-level functions in the future. Firmware Versus Software Technically, ... (view more)

Security firm Sophos tells PC World that two security measures introduced in Windows Vista and expanded in Windows 7 have had a marked effect on levels of infection on computers. Nevertheless, several online security professionals have reminded ... users of Windows 7 that while the new operating system (OS) offers enhanced security over its predecessors, it's not invulnerable. They note that human vulnerabilities will always leave people at risk to hackers. Two New Security Features Mark Improvements Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) partially randomizes the order in which data is stored ... (view more)

Microsoft is proving that the old adage "If you can't beat them, join them" still holds true. Earlier this month, the company agreed to add a new software license option for U.S. customers called "Rental Rights" that, in a nutshell, allows companies ... to purchase Windows and Office licenses like never before. More than a few companies have expressed their desire to act as a "middle man" in renting or leasing Microsoft software to their customers. An Internet cafe, for example, would be interested in a deal with Microsoft. In failing to strike a compromise in the past, these ... (view more)

Microsoft has announced their involvement in the war against illicit child photos by creating a new software tool that will give those looking to abolish such unethical material an upper hand. The software, which is somewhat similar to an antivirus ... program, will identify signatures in content to find images of those being abused. Microsoft researchers worked alongside Dartmouth College computer science professor Henry Farid to produce PhotoDNA. The software is able to accurately pinpoint certain characteristics in digital images that computers can scan online. Said Farid, "The basic idea is ... (view more)

Many consumers think it's less likely you'll contract a malware infection if you buy your computer software at a store rather than online. For one U.S. woman, however, her latest store-bought accessory corrupted her computer minutes into the ... installation process. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Anna Giesman bought a $10 webcam for her daughter to chat with her friend who had just moved to Germany. But when she put the CD that came pre-packed along with the Markvision Magnetic Webcam into her computer, a menu instantly popped up offering drivers and a link to the Markvision website. Trusting ... (view more)

Acronis True Image 2010 has recently been released and if you plan to take the plunge to from Windows XP to Windows 7 -- or even Vista to Windows 7, for that matter -- you will definitely want to use this program. From Windows XP to Windows 7: My ... Experience When I moved from XP to Windows 7, I used Acronis True Image no less than 15 times to regain access to my previous Windows installation in order to extract files I simply forgot to backup. In one instance, I used True Image to rescue a configuration file containing 25 email filters I had previously used on my old Windows XP system. I sure ... (view more)