As of 2:15PM we havent seen the Microsoft Patch on Windows Update. However we just received another announcement from Microsoft that they are holding a conference call today at 1PM Pacific Time which is 4PM Eastern Time. We expect shortly thereafter to see the patch made available on Windows Update Servers. This is remember an out of band patch and the patches on a regular cycle or normally issued at 1PM Eastern Time.
Java Vulnerability Fix
Microsoft & Oracle both have released critical security updates today.
The Java flaw is significantly more wide-spread than the Internet Explorer vulnerability, affecting any machine with Oracle’s Java client installed – an estimated 850 million desktops and laptops around the world. The flaw was serious enough for browser makers, including Firefox creator Mozilla, to temporarily Java from loading in order to provide some level of protection against attack.
Microsoft is breaking with its self-imposed monthly patch cycle to address a serious security vulnerability in its Internet Explorer web browser as well.
The Microsoft Patch can be downloaded from Windows Update in Control Panel
The Java Update 11 can be downloaded from www.java.com
Once Java has been installed and patched you can reenable Java in your browser.
Just follow the instructions on our website to disable it and this time click on enable
Java Vulernability Discovered
Java Vulnerability Discovered
Cyber criminals are exploiting a vulnerability in Java, a widely used add-on or plug-in for most browser applications. We recommend you disable Java from your browser or uninstall Java immediately.
Procedures to disable Java in
• Internet Explorer (IE)
- If you use Internet Explorer version 7 or above, open Internet Explorer and select Tools | Manage Add-ons then skip to Step 3.If you use an older version of Internet Explorer, open Internet Explorer and select Tools | Internet Options and continue to Step 2.
- From the Internet Options window, click the Programs tab and select Manage Add-ons.
- From the Add-ons windows, click once to select (highlight) Java Plug-in then click the Disable button. Click Close and OK to accept the change.
- Alternatively, you can also click Tools | Internet Options | Advanced. If Java is installed in your browser, you will see a listing for Sun Java in the Internet Options menu. Just uncheck it to disable.
- When you encounter a site that requires Java (for example, some small online games and calculators), you can re-enable Java easily by following the same steps above, this time selecting the enable option.
• Firefox
- At the top of the Firefox window, click on the Firefox button (Tools menu in Windows XP), and then click Add-onsOn the menu bar, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-onsAt the top of the Firefox window, click on the Tools menu, and then click Add-ons. The Add-ons Manager tab will open.
- In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the Plugins panel.
- Click on the Java (TM) Platform pluginJava Plug-in 2 for NPAPI Browsers (Mac OS 10.5 & 10.6) or Java Applet Plug-in (Mac OS 10.7 and above)Java plugin to select it.
- Click on the Disable button (if the button says Enable, Java is already disabled).
• Chrome
- Click the Chrome menu
and select Settings.
- Click Show advanced settings.
- In the “Privacy section”, click the Content settings button.
- In the “Plug-ins” section, select the following:
- Click to play: Chrome will block all plug-ins. However, you can click the plug-in icon
to run it this time.
- Block all: Chrome will prevent any plug-ins from running
- Click to play: Chrome will block all plug-ins. However, you can click the plug-in icon
• Safari
To disable the Java web plug-in in Safari, follow these steps:
- In Safari, choose Safari > Preferences
- Click “Security”.
- Uncheck (deselect) “Enable Java”.
- Close the Safari preferences window.
You can find more complete information from this Computerworld article http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9235550/Attackers_are_now_exploiting_a_Java_zero_day_vulnerability.
Dick Tracy’s Technology Update?
Back in 1946, Dick Tracy, the famous comic-strip detective, broke technological ground when he began wearing his 2-Way Wrist Radio. Sixty-seven years later, we’re hearing a lot of rumors about a new Apple iWatch.
Chester Gould, creator of Dick Tracy, gave his character the new communication device after visiting with inventor Al Gross, a pioneer in mobile wireless communication. Gould upgraded Tracy to a 2-Way Wrist TV in 1964, but we’re way beyond that today.
Some people have put their older iPod Nanos on wristbands, essentially making them into multi-functional wristwatches. Other manufacturers have put “smart watches” on the market, but they haven’t achieved Rolex status. However, nobody can match Apple’s technology buzz. The reports we’ve come across as this newsletter went to publication indicate that manufacturing is gearing up for getting the new device on the market this summer.
I would find it especially helpful. We all have smartphones clipped to our belts or in our purses, and they’re hard to access just to see who’s calling. With a device on our wrist and Bluetooth, it would be as simple as checking the time to see the caller ID and know if you need to pull out your phone or activate it with a voice command.
Other manufacturers have some capability with smartphones, wrist-borne devices and Bluetooth already on the market, so this type of device makes sense for Apple. We’ll be watching.
We’ll also be watching for a possible new iPad – rumored to be released in March – and new developments in Apple TV. Maybe this and a new wrist device will enable us to watch Dick Tracy reruns while we’re walking the dog or waiting for a bus or train.
Check in for updates on our website or Facebook page.
Cutting the Cable? Ditching the Dish?
Evolving technologies that stream content to our TVs and mobile devices are portending the end for cable and satellite TV. They’re not going away all that quickly, but it’s just a matter of time. HDMI allows you watch anything from a computer on a TV. So, if you can wait a day to watch your favorite TV show, you can go to a website and watch it at your convenience. Live sports and news are another story, but you know the technology will be there to deliver the content.
As for TVs, our experience shows that the best deals on big flat screen TVs usually come in the middle of January – two weeks before the Super Bowl.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
New Stuff – Hardware and Software
With the holidays in our rearview mirrors, it’s time to look at what’s new, already, besides the ever-present Apple rumors. One new product that’s here is Brookstone’s HDMI pocket projector. Let’s take a look at it along with some other new hardware and software products.
The pocket projector looks really cool, and it fits with where many of us are headed in 2013 – a move to more mobile devices and greater use of the cloud. For personal uses, you can show pictures stored on a web-based service or use an app to show a YouTube video. If you have photos or videos already stored on your device, you can access them directly. Either way, you don’t have to pass your phone or tablet around to everyone in your group.
For those of you who give presentations, you can now avoid dragging along a laptop and avoiding all the things that can possibly go wrong when you hook your computer to a projector. You can connect one of these to your smartphone or tablet and use an app that works with programs such as Keynote or Documents to Go, which emulate Word, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office programs. Mobile devices have good reliability records, and you usually have the option of connecting to remote servers via Wi-Fi or cellular service. Just make sure you have the right cables. It comes with adapters and cables for most devices. If you have an iPhone or iPad, yes, you will need to get special adapters and connectors.
If your need is new “standard” technology for 2013, our Windows OS saga continues. We continue to see a lot of customers having difficulty with Windows 8. You can send the computers back, but it’s a cumbersome process.
The better path is to do some careful research. You can order certain desktop and laptop computer models from most manufacturers with an option to have it run Windows 7. Just be sure to read all the product details and technical specs to see that the computer meets all of your performance needs and has the ability to run Windows 7. If you’re not sure or have any questions, call us (973-433-6676) or email us for answers and advice.
Making a List
Now is a good time to take an inventory of your computers, servers and other office equipment. Many of our clients have “evolving” technology – moving from older to newer equipment in stages. We’ve been taking inventories of computers, servers, versions of Office and operating systems as we visit for service calls. Many don’t believe their systems are as old as they are. However, an accurate inventory will help you plan and budget for new systems in an orderly manner and minimize office disruptions.
On the software side, the Microsoft Outlook web app has some good upgrades, which you get automatically if you subscribe to Office 365. We posted a link on our Facebook page to an article from Microsoft that describes the features in the upgrade.
One of the new features we like is the ability to use webmail offline. However, you need to have IE 10, Safari 5 or Chrome 16. We want to assume it will work with Firefox soon, if it hasn’t already been done. Once we have the chance to test it all, we’ll give you a report.
If you use Microsoft Exchange for your email, datacenter enhancements have enabled the service to increase the limit of sending 1,500 emails per day to 10,000. The limits protect the online service from becoming a source of spam and keep customers’ email messages flowing.
We believe in the cloud and highly recommend it for many of our clients for better data security, easier access to data and automatic upgrades to keep your systems current. Call us – 973-433-6676 – or email us for questions about or help in moving to the cloud.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
Old Stuff – Hardware Disposal
Getting rid of old computers, copiers, printers, gaming systems, monitors and other equipment is more than just putting it out for trash. As we noted, most of it must be sent to a recycling facility. But even before you take them to a facility or arrange a pick-up, make sure you erase all data stored on them.
Unless you are using cloud-based systems exclusively, you’re storing data on your computer’s hard drive, and the data files likely contain sensitive information. Merely deleting files doesn’t erase data. We can help you with the destruction if your hard drive goes to Green Vision Inc. (see our front-page article). We are there at least once a week, and we can arrange to supervise the destruction of your drives. If we are working at your office or home, we can take your old equipment to Green Vision and supervise the destruction.
Keep in mind; computers are not the only devices that store data on hard drives or memory chips. Many personal printers have memory chips, and so do fax machines and “all-in-one” devices that print, copy scan and fax. We can make sure those storage media are removed and destroyed. If you plan to donate or sell that old equipment for somebody else to use, make sure you call us to wipe those devices clean.
Large multi-function devices used for printing, copying, scanning and faxing do have hard drives. If you have a leased machine, it’s critical to make sure all data are erased before you return the machine intact. You should call your equipment provider to find out how to erase the data or find out if you have the option of removing the hard drive. You may need to replace it, but any additional cost could be a bargain when compared to the cost of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.
In addition to computers and office machines, you also need to recycle items such as:
- Computer accessories (mouse, keyboards, speakers, wires and cords)
- Audio visual components (VCR, DVD, CD, cassette, record and 8-track players)
- Radios
- Telephones and cell phones
- Small kitchen appliances (toasters, microwaves, coffee makers, can openers, blenders, etc.)
- Vacuum cleaners (with dust bags out or cans emptied)
- LCD monitors
- CRT monitors
- Tube TVs
Green Vision has a New Jersey recycling fact sheet on its website. You should consult the laws in the state(s) where you live and/or work for disposal and recycling information. We can assist you with disposal; just call – 973-433-6676 – or email us with your questions.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
Windows 8 ‘Issues Report’
We’ve tested Windows 8 and talked with a number of clients about the OS from Microsoft. Some of them have returned Windows 8-loaded computers because it’s too much of a change. We’re still concerned about hardware interfaces. Here’s what we’ve found so far.
Humans are creatures of habit, especially when using their computers. Pressured to be productive, we really don’t like being moved away from processes we know and follow as second nature. Sure, some of us like the “latest and greatest” in technology, but Windows 8 isn’t great for a lot of users.
The key issue is the look and feel. The new OS looks and feels like a tablet, and Microsoft’s strategy is to “tabletize” desktop and laptop computers to be like tablets and smartphones. That should make it easier for users to operate Windows-based computers and devices. It may happen over time, but not now.
Long-time Windows users have grown accustomed to trays along the bottom of their desktop that allow them to launch commonly used programs or applications. They can also click on the Start button to see and launch all programs, reboot (or restart or shutdown) their computer, open the control panel and access any function.
All of this functionality is not so easy to find with Windows 8. You need to press the “flag” key – the key between the Ctrl and Alt keys – to access the Start menu. The functionality is there but not in the place most users expect to find it. It’s just not the way most people want to work.
Hardware compatibility is another issue. Using the full version of Windows 8 requires a touchscreen monitor. That’s OK if you’re getting all new systems. But if you have a fairly new monitor that’s not a touchscreen, are you willing to spend money now to replace a perfectly serviceable peripheral? We doubt it.
We believe Windows 7 still has a lot of life. If you are in the market for a new Windows-based computer, we can help you get the Windows 7 OS and support it for you. We also support Windows XP. Microsoft will end its support of XP in 2014, but we’ll be able to help you with work-arounds and other steps to keep you going. By the time XP’s useful life ends for you, we’re betting Microsoft will have its next operating system on the market, resolving those Windows 8 issues.
Need help? We do Windows. Just call us at 973-433-6676 or email us with your questions or problems. We’ll clean them up – streak-free.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
Smartphone and Tablet Battery Life
Does it seem like you’re always recharging your smartphone or tablet? Is performance slow? Leaving apps running drains power and computing resources. Here’s how you shut down and reboot your device.
On an iPhone or iPad, simply double-click the Home button at the bottom of your phone or tablet. Every application that’s open will be displayed on a new tray across the bottom. If you’ve never closed apps before, then every one of them will be displayed down there. Don’t be alarmed if you need to swipe across the bottom to see them all.
If you hold a finger on any of them, a red circle with a minus sign will appear on all. Hold your finger on the minus sign, and the icon for the app will disappear. That means it’s closed. Hold your finger on the icon for any app you want to close and do them one-at-a-time. Once they’re closed, they won’t drain any power or use any your device’s computing power. It’s a good idea to do this every night.
You can delete downloaded apps from your wallpaper by holding your finger on any app. This time, you’ll see a black circle with an X. Press the X on the app you want to delete, and it’s gone.
You can reboot your device by powering it off and turning it back on. Just letting the screen go blank won’t do it. To power off your device, hold the power/sleep button down until the red power-off slider appears. Slide it to the end, and the device will power off.
While we focused on iPhones and iPads for this article, your Droid and Windows-based device operate essentially the same way.
By the way, closing down unused programs or apps on your computer will save battery power if you’re not plugged into an electrical outlet. It will also free more RAM and keep your computer running faster, regardless of whether you’re running on battery or electricity.
If you have any questions about what you can safely shut down or delete on your device or computer, give us a call at 973-433-6676 or email us. We can review what’s on your device or computer and help you decide what to do.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
What the WWW? Why Can’t I Get to This Website?
It seems like such a little thing, but it’s a major annoyance if not a business-loser when you or your customers and clients can’t connect to a website. Sometimes, it’s a typo. Sometimes it’s just how you type in the website’s address.
Here’s how to make sure you connect. It’s really very simple: Pay attention to the website address you’re given. There are times to type “www,” and there are times not to. The most common misconnections occur when checking email over the Internet. Most people routinely type “www.email.domain.com” and get an error message or get directed to some web page they don’t want.
There’s a technical reason for this, but the simple explanation is that it’s all in the coding for the location on the Internet. Here are some things you should be aware of both as a website visitor or as a business owner who is having a website built.
As someone who’s going to a website, make sure you type the address as instructed. If you’re instructed to type in the “www” prefix, do it. Browsers will use your browsing history to connect you without typing in the full address later, but on the first visit, follow instructions. If you are given specific instructions NOT to type in www, don’t type it. It’s a reflex for most of us, so take a second look. It’s one of the most common mistakes for not connecting to webmail sites. Some ISPs or browsers may offer some suggestions and ask you which website or address you trying to reach.
And while we’re talking about visiting websites, make sure you type in the web address in your browser’s address bar. Search-engine providers, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing all have search bars that sit near the address bar. If you type in a web address in a search bar, you’ll go to a search page.
If you are building a website or having it done for you, make sure you or your web builder codes your address as a c-name record. Again, it’s technical, but a c-name record will enable people to type in your domain name without the www, and that will help make sure customers, clients and prospects connect with you.
Dare we say it, connecting is critical. You don’t want a customer, client or prospect to get inconvenienced or not contact you at all. Just remember to tell your web builder to code your site so it can be accessed more easily.
If you have any concerns about coding for easier connectivity or need help in talking to your web builder, talk to us. Our phone line – 973-433-6676 – is always available, and we respond to email.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.
iPad Mini is Max
If you’re looking at the new iPad Mini for yourself or as a holiday gift, it looks like a winner to us. But there are plenty of other choices if you’re looking to give a tablet as a gift this year. We have a few ideas, so let’s start with the Mini
It’s the same configuration as the iPad, and it will compete with the Fire, Nexus and any other smaller tablet likely to hit the market. You’ll be able to download all the Apple apps, and at a much lower price than the “big” iPad, it might be a good gift idea. It could also work well for younger students who may find the smaller size easier to handle.
If you’re thinking about it for business, there’s a lot to recommend. If your network is already set up for iPads and iPhones, the new model will fit right in. You shouldn’t miss a beat for the apps, email, calendars and anything else you need.
As for the smaller size, we seem to like smaller devices. They’re easier to carry to meetings, and they take up less table space at your favorite coffee shop.
If the iPad in any of its models and derivatives don’t work for you or the person you’re giving it to, you can choose from several manufacturers, sizes, operating systems and features. Here are five considerations.
1. Size it Right
Today’s two most popular sizes are 7-inch and 10-inch models. The smaller ones are great for people who love to read books or play games during their commute or when traveling. The larger ones are better for working on documents, editing photos and, in some cases, replacing a laptop.
2. Pick the Best OS
Apple’s iOS for the iPad is the easiest to learn and use and has the largest library of apps for tablets. The latest iOS 6 software provides Facebook integration and Siri for the iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display. Lower-cost tablets like the Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Barnes & Noble Nook HD use customized versions of Android with interfaces geared toward watching movies, reading e-books and magazines and enjoying other content on the go. The Nexus 7 uses Android Jelly Bean, which has the look and feel of an Android phone. Google Now lets you search using your voice and remembers your searches. Windows 8 (and its close cousin, Windows RT) has a dynamic Live Tile interface that streams updates right to your Start screen on everything from email and news to social updates. And, you can run two apps at once on the same screen using Microsoft’s Snap feature.
3. Anticipate its Use
If the primary use will be surfing the Web and playing games, smaller, lower-cost tablets like the Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD, Nexus 7 and iPad mini will fill the bill. For a student, artist or mobile professional, think about a tablet with a built-in pen, such as the Galaxy Note 10.1 or the Galaxy Note II, which is a cross between a phone and a tablet. The ThinkPad Tablet 2 running Windows 8 is a great option for traveling executives. For work and play, the fourth-generation iPad with Retina Display and the A6X chip is great for editing HD video, and you can add an external keyboard. A Windows RT tablet, such as the Microsoft Surface or ASUS Vivo Tab come with external keyboards and Office 2013 preloaded.
4. Make it Kid-Friendly
There are a lot of kid-friendly tablets, many under $200. The Fuhu nabi 2 is a 7-inch Android with a drop-safe bumper, built-in parental controls and more than 2,500 lessons in English, math, science and other subjects from kindergarten to fifth grade. The Amazon Kindle Fire HD and Nook HD are also great options for kids. Amazon’s FreeTime feature lets you set daily screen-time limits and decide which content your kids can access from within profiles that you set up for each of them.
5. Price it Right
You have a lot of choices, ranging from $200 to $600. The Internet makes it easy to compare prices and features, and the competition will be hot.
If you get one (or more) and need help configuring with your network and other systems, we’re more than happy to help and share reviews of our favorite apps and features. A phone call – 973-433-6676 – or email will do the trick.
This article was published in Technology Update, the monthly newsletter from Sterling Rose LLC.