October, 2008Archive for

Microsoft releases critical security patch

It's been a while since Microsoft has published a critical security patch outside of their monthly schedule.  On October 23rd, 2008 a bulletin was released announcing a patch is breaking the cycle. Microsoft rates today's fix a level 3 critical patch.  (maybe Microsoft should adopt the color coded Homeland Security alert system?) Reviewing the bulletin, the non-technical explanation is that bad data sent from one computer can allow unauthorized users to run programs on another computer. Thi...

Windows XP downgrade deadline extended to July 31, 2009

Microsoft originally planned to stop distributing Windows XP media to large OEMs (OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, such as Dell/HP) on Jan. 31, 2009, but this week Microsoft said it would move the deadline to July 31 of next year. With Windows 7, the followup to Vista, scheduled for release in 2010, there may be just six months difference in time between availability of XP and the *next* version of Windows.  Our bet is that XP will remain available until the day Windows 7 ships...

Service Request Surveys

Starting October 1st 2008, every completed Service Request will include a link to a brief online survey.  We welcome your feedback and look forward to putting your suggestions into action! Look for these survey links in your next completed Service Request notification.  Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your thoughts.