Internet Explorer 9 for all, except XP users

Beginning this week, Microsoft will offer IE9 via Windows Update to all Vista and Windows 7 computers.  What this means is that when you do a Windows Update, it will now show up as an optional, but recommended update if you do not already have it installed.  For those on Vista and Windows 7, I strongly recommend updating to it.  It is better, faster and reliable, but then again, so is Chrome and Firefox 4.  Heck, update to all of them.

Bleeping Thinkpoint!

Here I am, 2:30 in the morning removing a rogue malware infection called Thinkpoint from a customer's computer.  It's a neat, fun little infection that shuts down the whole system, even in safe mode.  Getting rid of it is not the issue, accessing the hard drive to back up personal files on it is.  Nevertheless, the task is done and the system is on the way back to a healthy state.  In researching this fun problem, I came across an interesting website called Bleepingcomputer.com.  It has detailed instructions on how to remove almost all of the nasty malware infections on your computer.  Word of warning, it is not for beginners, so if you are not comfortable in swimming in the guts of your windows settings, call a professional.  I know of a good one, lol.  Time for sleep.

The Flip is no more

Cisco has pulled the plug on the once popular Filp Handheld camcorder.  Once credited with the rise of video content on Youtube, it is no more.  Cameras equipped on smartphones and the like have made the Flip obsolete.  It was a nice little device, but it's time has come and gone.  Did You own one?

The Huffington Post has an interesting article on 9 gadgets that your smartphone has killed off (with the Flip being one of them).  In order: Voice recorders, Alarm clocks, MP3 players, Landline Phones, GPS units, wristwatches, flashlights, point and shoot cameras and the Flip (video cameras).  What's next?

How many updates are there?

I spent entirely too much time yesterday updating all these silly computers.  It seemed that everytime I would run an update, another was waiting.  The pain of owning a Windows computer.  3 computers and a couple of hours later, I think I am done.....I think.

Karma, good old fashion Karma...

It may start to be difficult to get an iPad2 from a certain Electronics retailer with the initials BB anytime soon.  As many of you know, the iPad2 has been sold out literally everywhere with waiting lists lasting weeks.  Word from Crunchgear that Apple is not very happy with BB over their sales techniques.  Apparently BB gets a stock and decides to put a quota on how many they will sell each day.  When that quota is met, they stop and tell all interested customers that they are sold out.  I imagine it helps store traffic to have people coming in everyday looking for an iPad, but Apple isnt smiling at this.  According to Crunchgear, BB is being blacklisted by Apple for now.  So they might want to keep that stock they have been hording up, they are not going to see a new stock for a long time.

To add insanity to this story, in another state, according to Crunchgear, some customers are being told they must buy the worthless BB extended warranty in order to get an iPad2 in stock.  When customers protested, some were told try and find one somewhere else. 

The hackers won today..

Adobe announces a zero-day exploit for Adobe Flash, Reader and Acrobat today.  The exploit is almost the same exploit that was patched a month ago.  It is back.  Also, Facebook has announced a virus on the site that is spreading.  Your only real danger is if you are a Twilight movie fan.  It is based in the game Breaking Dawn that followers have been passing around.  If given an invite to play the game, pass on it.  Adobe will be releasing a fix soon, we hope. 

This is in addition to the 64 fixes Microsoft will be issuing tomorrow with Windows Update.  Keep your systems updated.  Finally, a new ransomware program is circulating.  If you get it you will get the screen shown here:

This ransomware is particularly nasty.  It locks you out of windows completely (normal and safe mode).  You can only unlock it by calling a phone number to activate your copy of Windows again.  The number claims to be toll-free and to Microsoft, of course, neither are true.  You would be calling an expensive International number.  Your only recourse is to do a clean install of your system.