Computer Support Network

For the last several years we’ve been dealing with a lot of Windows XP Kernel viruses.  These are viruses that infect the (normally unchangeable) Kernel of Windows XP only.  They’re devastating little viruses, and tend to require specialized tools to remove.  The problem is that once they’re in the Kernel, no standard antivirus in the world is going to get them out.  This is because the Kernel of an OS does not permit external changes to be made to itself.

But those viruses were always just infecting Windows XP.  There was no cross pollination to any other operating systems.  However, within the last couple months we’ve encountered the first generation of Rootkit viruses that target the modern OS.  Rootkit is just a term that implies it infects the Kernel.  This is a rather surprising development, as it means that the security and codes that protect the most recent versions of the Windows Kernel have been broken, and more viruses will eventually be developed that infect Vista and Windows 7.

So what if you are running Windows, what can you do to defend yourself?  Here are a few tips that can help protect your system from harm:

1. Make sure you have good antivirus and keep it up to date.  This is a fairly obvious tip but its surprising how many people and businesses have outdated virus software or none at all.
2. Check to see if your business has a system in place to run regular Malware scans with a program such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, Adaware or Spybot Search and Destroy.
3. Make sure you are keeping up to date on your system updates.  That little shield that pops up telling you to update is actually one of your best friends, don’t ignore him!
4. Don’t use Internet Explorer!  This might be difficult to control in a business setting but IE6 &7 are two of the most dangerous browsers you can use.  Switch to either Firefox or Google Chrome, they’re faster and far more secure. If you must use Internet Explorer make sure that it is upgraded to the newest version. (currently IE8)
5. 5)      Don’t trust e-mails from *anybody*!  There are a lot of viruses that infect your friends’ e-mail systems that then send out viruses from their account.  If you get a message from a friend that seems out of context for what that person normally sends and has a link or an attachment, don’t open it!
6. Have a good Windows password.  Sure, it’s annoying to have to enter it on startup every time, but this actually will keep about half of viruses out there at bay, as many of them need to know your Windows password in order to infect you.  Ask your system admin to help you or if you are on a personal computer you can set this by going to the Control Panel and then finding the Users option.

Just following those fairly simple rules will drastically cut back on your odds of getting a virus.  And should you actually get a virus shut down your email programs and stop computer communication with co-workers immediately.  If authorized you should also disconnect yourself from your company network.  The only sure way to prevent further spread of a virus is to isolate the source; in this case your infected computer.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

For the last couple months Microsoft has put forth a campaign to remind users that support for Windows XP SP2 will soon end. The official support end date for Windows XP Service Pack 2 will take place in the end of July 2010, roughly seven months from now. While this might seem like plenty of time it’s important to be prepared in the shift of support policy.

Microsoft reported on their official Blog that in addition to the closed support of XP, Windows 2000 Server and Client support will come to an end on July 13th 2010. Microsoft is hoping that most consumers will switch over to its new Windows 7 platform but at this time there are update alternatives. Even though support for Service Pack 2 will end, Microsoft will continue to address issues in SP3 until 2014. What this means is that one way or another, systems will now need to be patched and updated to receive official support. Additional information on potential upgrade and migration information is available on Microsoft’s Springboard Series Blog.

As of last October, it is estimated that Windows XP still operated 80% of the commercial PCs on the market which makes this a bold push from Microsoft. While Windows 7 has been highly received by many there is still much hesitation to upgrade after the debacle that was Windows Vista. The final verdict on Windows 7 is still out but as the final support days come to a close over the next year many will feel little alternative.

Whether you intend to upgrade to a new operating system or hold onto XP as long as possible now is the time to plan for the change. At the bare minimum, all of your systems should be upgraded to the newest service pack. The end of XP Support could be a headache but if you prepare for the change it doesn’t have to be.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

With Windows 7 planned for launch later this year it’s a good time to take a look at some of the changes you can expect from the new operating system. The first thing most people are interested in is whether or not Windows 7 is faster than the resource wasteful Vista. From early test the results are very positive with Windows 7 10%-15% faster than Windows Vista on similar hardware configuration. Less has been reported about the interface changes but as the user interface of Vista sparked debate so too will Windows 7.

First of all the basic user interface of Windows 7 shares much in common with Windows Vista. So much so that many people have labeled the OS Vista 2.0. The first change that will be apparent to anyone weaned on Windows 98 or XP is that the menu system is fundamentally different. Gone are the shortcuts that have adorned Windows desktops for over a decade. While I can understand the change people who have looked on at numerous icons on my desktop with horror will not be surprised that it fails to impress. I am happy to report that as with most of the changes in Windows 7 it is possible set to this to the old standard.

The next change that is sure to throw off long time users is the complete removal of the “Run” box from the start menu. This is actually a step that began with windows Vista and its one I have come to appreciate. While disruptive at first the general Search window is more useful and far more intelligent. A quick test reveals that typing in the first three letters of a program will typically bring up a listing with the program you were looking for. This change goes hand in hand with the removal of the desktop shortcuts for finding programs quickly.

The last major change is one that while good for casual users will infuriate techs. The control panel from XP and Windows 98 has always been an area that you are either completely proficient with or scared to death of. In many ways this has been a good thing as casual users shouldn’t be accessing their control panel and techs rarely have a problem understanding it. The new system imposed by Windows 7 changes this but breaking the panel down into easy to understand sections. Tabs such as System and Security, Network and Internet, Programs, etc, make it easy for general users to find the settings they after. For people who use the control panel daily this will be a slow reeducation process as instead of an icon interface the display is now tabular.

None of the changes to Windows 7 should be deal breakers but they are things to consider if your office is ready to take on the OS. On the whole, Windows 7 has shaped up to be what Vista had promised to be. A user friendly and reliable OS with hardware upgrade potential. Until the OS officially launches it is hard to say if the promise will be fulfilled but so far the outlook is good.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

On Wednesday Microsoft announced that the previously expected end of year release of Internet Explorer 8 would be pushed back into 2009. IE8, which entered public beta in March has undergone scrutiny for compatibility issues but was still expected to be ready for a winter 2008 release. The news that this will no longer happen has unleashed further hostility in the community from those who have adopted Firefox.

Microsoft has touted a number of new features with the release of Internet Explorer 8 but the delay has stressed validity. The problem with many of the features, such as deleting browsing history and enhanced crash recovery is that these features have already been incorporated in competitors browser’s for years. Other features such as Web Slices feel gimmicky and not worthy of holding up a project. The most important upgrades are for security and an improved rendering engine, but again, these features have already been done. Why is it taking Microsoft so long to implement them?

The release of Windows 7 is planned for the second half of 2009 and is expected to ship with IE8. Considering the complications that would arise if the operating system shipped with a broken browser it can be expected that a standalone version will ship prior to the launch. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft can get its act together and release a product worthy of the version update by then.

For years Microsoft Internet Explorer has retained the largest market share of browsers despite falling into last place with performance. In recent years this has begun to fall but the majority of computer users still will not seek out a new browser and so Microsoft remains on top. With the eventual release of IE8 one can only hope Microsoft finally earns that place.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department

People within the IT world are still reeling from the introduction of Window Vista but already Microsoft is moving ahead with designs for a new “better” operating system. Although the actual specs are long from finalized it is believed that the 7th version of Windows will also be the last to use 32bit architecture. As many know 64 bit operating systems are nothing new, with both Vista and previous versions being offered but the limited hardware drivers have always been their weakness. By forcing the upgrade Microsoft is taking steps to improve overall performance but also open the door to numerous complications.

So what’s the benefit of a 64 bit operating system and why should you care? Well on the whole it comes down to system memory and the ability to process multiple operations at one time. On modern 32bit operating system systems are limited to around 3 gigabytes of memory. It’s important to remember that this is a limit on total memory of your system; so if you have a 500 mb graphics card the maximum amount of physical memory you can use is now only 2.5 gigs. While this may sound like a lot to many readers it is quickly becoming the lowest common denominator in design. When you consider that Windows Vista requires 2 GB of ram by itself to run at optimum levels it’s not hard to see why improvement will soon be needed.

While upgrading will allow new hardware and software capabilities it is still important to understand the headaches the transition period will create. Much like not updating an aging browser is detrimental to design and security not updating an operating system can create the same problems. Currently most hardware manufacturers do not fully support 64 bit operating systems. The reason? It’s not practical to spend half of your operating budget on 5% of your demographic. Even though the newer more powerful systems would be better if people are reluctant to upgrade then there is no reason to make them so. The end result is a vicious cycle of self reinforcing stagnation.

Version 8 of Windows is still a long ways off and jumping on the bandwagon just in the name of progress is never wise; that said there are still things you should do. First and foremost find out what the new operating system(s) will mean for you. Just like with Windows Vista find out if your current hardware will support the upgrade. If it does or even if it doesn’t find out if your company will gain a benefit from the upgrade. Major upgrades should never be taken lightly but a little bit of planning and some guidance from a knowledgeable source can make the whole process far less stressful.

- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department