Windows only: Smartly schedule system shutdowns with Poweroff, a small free Windows utility. Similar to previously mentioned WinOFF, (but with a few different features), you can set your computer to shut down after a process ends or at a specific time. Additionally, you can shut down or wake on LAN a remote computer with Poweroff, great if you want to get to the home computer while you’re away for the holidays but don’t want it killing your electric bill the whole time. Poweroff is a free download for Windows XP.
Possilbe DNS Redirect
According to a recent report by PCWorld, research teams working out of Google and the Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a series of open-recursive DNS servers that were classified as behaving “suspiciously.” Open-recursive DNS servers are DNS servers that will answer any lookup request, no matter where it originates. So long as the DNS servers return accurate information—and the vast, vast, majority do—everything is kosher. When open DNS servers don’t return valid information, however, they open the door to an entire world of problems.
This method of poisoning would also allow for cross-site scripting exploits. If a user’s computer is set to allow all JavaScript and cookies from, say, MySpace, the fake MySpace web site would be able to run code as if it was the real web site. This opens the door to all sorts of further exploits and general bad things, all of which might go undetected by the user for quite some time. This type of attack could also be used to build an effective botnet—and more botnets are something we really don’t need.
[Via Arstechnica]
I am really concerned with this little development. Go read the full article and let me know what you think.
Take Control of an Unresponsive PC with AntiFreeze
Windows only: Take control of your unresponsive computer next time it freezes up with freeware system tray app AntiFreeze. After you’ve installed it, just wait for the next time your computer hangs and hit Alt-Ctrl-Win-Home to activate AntiFreeze, suspend your running programs, and free up your memory and CPU cycles. You can then use AntiFreeze’s interface to selectively resume processes or end the process that you suspect is to blame. You probably won’t use it a lot, but it does seem like a good alternative to the reset button as a last resort. I’ve installed and tested AntiFreeze, but I’ll admit that I wasn’t able to put it to a full test because I haven’t hit any significant hangs, so your mileage may vary. If you get a really good test case, let’s hear how it worked for you in the comments. AntiFreeze is freeware, Windows only.
I’ll have to try this out myself, with vista sometimes programs like to freeze and all!!
Windows Vista SP1 (release candidate) publicly available
You’ve heard about it, you know what it’s got, you want it like crazy — and about 11 months after launch Microsoft delivers on Vista’s first service pack (in release candidate form, anyway). Go crazy!
P.S. -How big is this download really? The installer’s under 400k, but we’re still trying to find the big kahuna offline update package. Hit us up in comments.
[Thanks, Michael]
[Via Engadget]
I’ve tried finding it but can’t!! If anyone can give me the direct to this download I’ll look at it myself. All I’ve found is either updates to RC1 or the release notes to SP1. Enjoy!
NBC continues anything-but-Apple strategy with SanDisk deal
It’s a day of the week that ends in “day,” so that means NBC is furiously working on yet another online TV venture that has nothing to do with Apple. Today’s announcement involves a partnership with SanDisk that will allow the users of SanDisk’s Fanfare service to watch current shows from several of NBC’s channels. In addition to several “vintage” shows, content from NBC, USA Network, the SCI FI Channel, and Bravo will be available through Fanfare beginning in January.
By “protecting content,” Perrette means that SanDisk will be utilizing its security expertise to implement some serious DRM on the video files. The companies plan to “explore the implementation” of watermarking and filtering technology, but neither elaborated further on what either of those things would entail. We assume, however, that NBC’s content will be strictly tied to the PC it was downloaded through, the TakeTV player it has been placed on, and its corresponding TV dock.
[Via Arstechnica]
Well they are still trying to prove DRM is a good thing, I don’t think. I think it is a waste of time!! Oh well, Only time will tell!!
