News

October 23, 2008: Vulnerabiity in Server Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution (958644)

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS08-067.mspx

Make sure you have Automatic Updates enabled in your Windows Operation System.

October 8, 2008: In Tokyo Microsoft announced that on Nov. 19, 2008.

The XBOX 360 gaming console’s interface and features will be getting a facelift.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2008/oct08/10-08nxepr.mspx

• Xbox Live Party: Xbox 360 allows you to create a virtual party on your TV with up to seven friends.  With LIVE Party, voice chat while you play games, share photos in rela time and entertain friends all over the world.
• Personality Plus.  Create a customizable, animated avatar and literally jump into the world of Xbox LIVE.
• On-Demand Entertainment.  TV Shows and Netflix instant view features.

Windows Vista Tip:

Control Panel/Ease of Access Center:  The new Ease of Access Center in Windows Vista provides a centralized location where you can get quick access to adjust accessibility settings and manage assistive technology programs.

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/eoa.aspx

• Start the Magnifier
• Start the Narrator
• Start on-screen keyboard
• Setup high contrast
• Use the computer without a display (for the blind)
• Make the computer easier to see (optimizing the visual display
• Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard (use other input devices such as a microphone for speech recognition).
• Make the mouse easier to use: Adjust settings for the mouse or other pointing devices.
• Make the keyboard easier to use.
• Make it easier to focus on tasks.

 See http://www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windowsvista/eoa.aspx for more detail.

Backing up

Local Backup: A backup of your data that is stored at home for fast recovery in case of data loss.

• External USB hard drive http://www.maxtorsolutions.com
• Computer to Computer backup: If you have multiple computers on your network, you could setup your backup software to store files on other computers as a form of local Backup.

Offsite storage: A place where you store a copy of your local backup that is not in your home.   This is a good practice that will ensure that you can recover your data in the event of a fire or flood in your house.

Online backup: Online services where you will send your data over the internet for storage.   This would replace the offsite storage (above), but will not replace your local backup.

• http://www.mozy.com 4.95/month for unlimited storage (Windows & Mac)
• http://www.carbonite.com 49.95/year for unlimited storage (Windows & Mac(

Software to use to backup:

Most External USB drives come with software to perform backups.  Below are my recommendations:

Note: I suggest you use a program that will create the same file and folder structure 

• Smartsync Pro: http://www.smsync.com ($45.00)
• SyncToy: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads (FREE)
• Cobian Backup: http://www.cobian.se (Free): Useful for more advanced users.

Callers:

Koolguy asked for my recommendations on which Ipod Touch that he should purchase.  Since the differences are the amount of music and video, I suggested that he figure out how much he needs to store.  You need to determine which IPod Touch will be able to store all your music an videos.