Year: 2009

Microsoft sends out KB955430 to get ready for SP2

Paul3 Replies

kb955430

This looks like it is to help with some problems with other issues of updates that they have been having.  I am unsure of why they are wanting to install this update but it doesn’t look to be harmful.  I am betting this is to fix a flaw that has been exploited by the warez community to make them either pay for there copy or go with another OS.   For the one fact that this “will enable future updates” and “This update may be required before selected future updates can be installed“.

[ad#cricket-right-ez]I went to  KB9555430 support page:

Updates to the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation software are included in this update. The installation software is the component that handles the installation and the removal of software updates, language packs, optional Windows features, and service packs. This update is necessary to successfully install and to remove Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 on all versions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This update is not necessary to successfully install the service pack if you install the full file version of the service pack. The full file version of the service pack includes this update.

This is probably to get ready for the Service Pack that they are going to release soon for Vista. So I am guessing this will be required when the Service Pack comes out.

Scareware sites to pop up with Swine flu epidemic

Paul

This was to be expected when it comes to something that most people are worried about:

I’m sure it won’t be long before purveyors of rogue anti-virus products begin using search engine optimization techniques around the term “swine flu” to drive people to sites that try to scare people into buying the worthless software.

[Via Security Fix]

[ad#cricket-right-ez]

I am sure myself that this will undoubtedly start showing up in SEO routines.  This will most likely be like the Pifts.exe [intlink id=”3114″ type=”post”]scareware that popped up after the scare[/intlink].

This is just a matter of time before  someone tries to either sale you something or trick you into watching a video that supposed to be helpful.  The Video will most likely try telling you need to [intlink id=”2991″ type=”post”]install a fake codec or update Flash[/intlink].

Your best advice is if you get to a site that wants you to install something just to hit the back button or close down your browser.   Never install software from a site you just game to without doing a little research.

I would also assume that there would be [intlink id=”2970″ type=”post”]scareware sites that will pop up in search engines[/intlink] to scare you into buying fake anti-virus software, claiming you have a virus.  You can bet in no time flat that there will be some kinda of search term that will want to scare the user into buying something that really isn’t.   I would always recommend the [intlink id=”2205″ type=”page”]free versions of Anti-virus[/intlink], if you can’t afford the paid.  This way you are safer then if you didn’t have any anti-virus.   I’d Also recommend a [intlink id=”2205″ type=”page”]Free Firewalls[/intlink] also to help protect your computer from contacting any malicious site without your knowledge.

Be on the lookout for sites that do this, you can also discuss sites you have seen that have done this in my Forums this way you can help other users out and prevent people from being scammed.

Reviewing the Cricket A600 RF Connector

Paul

359921 - Cricket A600 359921 – Cricket A600 Connector

I also got two types of Antennas for this connector, ARC-FR0803R30 and AA-012 – Dual-Band Mini Magnetic Mount Cell Phone Antennas. Thanks to Wpsantennas for the chance to review them. I’ve found them to help reception and increase the response to load website. I also gained easily 1 bar of signal but in some cases I could gain 2 bars of signal with the ARC-FR0803R30. This product is useful because it can be used as an directional antenna and if you know the Cell towers and you can aim it, that way you get better signal.

I used the AA-012 around my area while my wife was driving and it helped keep the reception steady and not make it sluggish when you move from on tower to another. All in all, I find the Antennas from Wpsantennas.com to help signals. They have a full range of Antennas to use and also they have Amplifiers that will boost your signal, in case your on the edge of Cricket Broadband. This would give you a better chance at getting on the internet. The AWS (1700-2100 MHz) amplifier available yet but they assure me that they will be the first one to have it. I can’t wait to go on a long Highway drive and check out the Aa-012 on the Highway. In case you would like to know where the RF connector is [intlink id=”3337″ type=”post”]just check out this post[/intlink]

Zango Shuts it doors for Good!

Paul

In a post I did a few weeks ago about [intlink id=”3303″ type=”post”]Zango and Mythbuster[/intlink],  I talked about how the site wanted you to install Zango but Now it looks like they aren’t doing that anymore.

[ad#cricket-right-ez]Although this isn’t unexpected by me because of the need to have a way to check the affiliates sites and installing some where even exploiting a vulnerability in Windows to install the software.   Some would call this a Notorious Adware Vending and I tend to agree in a quote from Computerworld:

Zango’s Smith saw it differently. “The bigger problem was that the vast majority of our installs received inadequate consent: the user technically had an opportunity to decline the install, but wasn’t presented with enough information to make an informed choice,” he wrote.

[Via Computer World]

In a blog Entry from Ken Smith the former Co-founder of Zango talks a lot about what was the prime reasons for the downfall of the Zango Name.  The Demise of Zango isn’t one that we will ever truly know the reason for the downfall but I am for one glad this Adware site is down for good and according Graham Cluely blog post so his.  Graham raises a glass and I say “Here here!!”