CDR OUTLET

Archive for the ‘Laptops’ Category

Think about this: Is a simple antivirus application enough to protect your PC against all threats?

No longer are viruses the only threat on the internet. In recent years other threats have evolved which include spyware, adware, hacking, identity theft, information theft, pop-ups and the loss of information.

Let’s begin with the basics. We all need to protect our PC in the same way we protect our home, car and bank account. We wouldn’t give a stranger the keys to our car, home or bank account now would we. If you don’t protect your PC it is like giving the keys to a stranger and letting him/her have full access to your PC. Once the stranger has the keys they can snoop around and take whatever they want. I know, your thinking how can they do this, my computer is in my house and my doors are locked. Well, today you can be anywhere in the world and access someone’s computer via the internet. Since the introduction of cable modems and DSL everyone’s PC is online all the time and accessible.

Why do I need to protect my PC, I don’t keep any important information on it? Ask yourself a couple of questions.

1. Do I bank online?

2. Do I shop online?

3. Do I create documents, spreadsheets?

4. Do I let other people use my PC?

5. Do I download music, files onto my PC?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then your PC is vulnerable. If you bank online then you are sending personal confidential information to your bank via the Internet. For Example: Let’s say you are infected with spyware and you are typing in your account number plus password. A spyware installation can record key strokes and then send them off to a site on the internet. Now the people who setup the site have your account number and password to your bank. Here is one more example, if you answered yes to I let other people use my pc, here is what happens. The other person decides that they like this new cool piece of software. They download and double click on the exe, msi or whatever installs the software. The adware, spyware or virus installs. Now the infection is installed and now it can start stealing confidential information or cause havoc on your PC. You get onto the PC as always, since you don’t know this has happened and start doing what you always do, type documents, go to chat rooms, do your banking online, reconcile your banking with quicken and all this time your confidential information is stolen and you are completely unaware that this occurred.

The million dollar question, what do I do? Well, you can follow this approach.

1. Install a Spyware application and install and configure correctly. If you already have spyware application installed make sure it is up to date and make sure that is configured properly.

2. Install an Adware application and install and configure properly. If you already have adware application installed make sure it is up to date and make sure that is configured properly.

3. Install an AntiVirus application and install and configure properly. If you already have antivirus application installed make sure it is up to date and make sure that is configured properly.

4. Install backup software, why because if something does get through your defenses or delete something by accident you always have a way of retrieving the information. You should try to backup your system at least every other day.

5. Install Encryption software. This software will encrypt files like word docs, spreadsheets, banking file on quicken. This way if someone does steal your information they will not be able to read it.

6. Install a Firewall. The Firewall can either be software or hardware based. I would install both especially if you bring your laptop with you and connect to the internet at different locations. The Firewall will block hackers trying to scan your system while you are on the Internet.

Many people have these applications installed but they do not configure them correctly. Just installing the application does not mean that the application is working properly to stop the threat/infection. On some applications you need to configure the setting to make the application work the way it was designed to. Find out how to configure and install the software properly either by reading a how to book or getting someone to help. If you already have the application installed make sure it is up to date and make sure that is configured properly. All of the software needs to be up to date and kept current. As new threats are release on the internet, all applications will need the current updates to fight these threats.

If you would like to find out if you’re PC is protected you can take the test. This will not harm your PC it just checks for vulnerabilities and lets you know if you passed or failed. The application is a single exe and DOES NOT NEED TO BE INSTALLED.

AMD today announced new consumer notebook platform for a new brand identity VISION, and its Chinese name as “visual” in the hope to buy from a PC to guide technical parameters into application-oriented experience-oriented.

“For consumers, they enter the shop to buy a computer, do not necessarily need us to explain to them is to rely on the work of a computer in the end, they attached even greater importance is the purchase of this computer, he can get what kind of experience. Therefore, we launched VISION logo, it is hoped to better communicate with consumers able to bring any kind of PC user experience. “spoke launch of VISION’s mind when he was known as the AMD staff” VISION “Father of the NigelDessau say.

VISION focus on Leading the Future

As a Latin root, VISION is not only a “visual” means, but also has a “vision” means. Promotion VISION logo, thus freeing the user from the technology, but also AMD’s vision.

Nigel revealed that 18 months ago, AMD began to study the concrete implementation of this strategy means. After, AMD for more than 4000 users conducted an investigation. This process, VISION has gradually taken shape.

VISION The purpose is to change the introduction of the user’s buying habits. But in fact, many users of technology worship complex still exists. Thus, AMD’s VISION is to focus on distant future. “As time goes on, consumers will be less attention to the various components of the computer technical parameters, and more attention to the computer as a whole experience for consumers.” Nigel said, “VISION fact, AMD and mainstream consumers a new way of communication. “

The future will continue to introduce new

At present, VISION into VISION, VISION and VISION Extreme Edition Deluxe Edition three versions. Nigel describes the different hardware technologies VISION identity with the corresponding counterparts in the process, AMD uses a push down the way, that is, first determine the level of VISION for each targeted for different users of major applications and experience standards, to re-introduce this level of VISION What kind of technology should be supporting.

The release site, Acer, ASUS, HP, MSI, and Samsung have demonstrated their VISION series of notebook computers. AMD Computation Products in Greater China Director of Product Marketing Tang Zhide revealed that by the end of November this year, there will be 19 models VISION logo branded laptops available in the country.

Nigel said that in the future identification, the identification may occur, or the date of algebra. However, given the introduction of the original intention of VISION is to give the user a more clear understanding of the way, AMD does not want to use quick change to the user algebra of confusion.

AMD more market-oriented

VISION appearance, reflecting the overall strategy to start with AMD more market-oriented factors, AMD began more than a technology-driven company, also began with a market-driven features. This shift is not only reflected in the VISION.

In July of this year, AMD and Hewlett-Packard, Tencent game is co-sponsored the “custom of the game” concept, and called it the “new blue ocean.” The next few months, the game is customization of the camp expanded, ASUS, Shanda Games, Acer, AMD perfect space-time has joined hands with the introduction of a variety of customization in this game.

Technology understanding and a combination of market momentum, giving AMD brings new achievements. Third quarter of 2009, AMD’s earnings report better than expected, where shipments of notebook processors, sequentially grew 28%. With the opening of VISION, the future AMD will achieve more outstanding results.

Test labs: we know that we need them. But getting one off the ground can seem an insurmountable task! So to help you roll up your sleeves and get started, here is a summary of how we set up test labs for our customers at Uptime, plus some practical ideas to help you get the most out of your test lab after it is up and running!

Hardware: In previous years, getting approval to set up a test environment was tough due to the number of devices and the class of hardware that were needed. As hardware has improved and virtualization technology has moved forward, we can now build a test lab using a single workstation!

When I set up a test lab for customers who are involved with developing application objects, both traditional and virtual, I recommend that, if possible, they dedicate a machine to the task. For customers who are testing servers, new applications, or a new operating system, setting up virtual machines on their personal workstations is a great option (particularly if they have a laptop). They can then work on the testing environment whenever they have time. Either way, here are some recommendations:

Make sure the hardware is relatively new. While it is tempting to re-purpose an older machine, you will quickly become frustrated if you don’t have enough RAM or disk space. Put as much RAM possible into the machine. Most testing can be done on machines with 4G of RAM. However, keep in mind that for testing products like ZCM, you may need even more. My dedicated test machine has 8G of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and runs Windows XP 64 bit. Purchase an inexpensive external drive. This is great for moving, sharing, and storing your virtual machine library. You can also use it for backup. Just be sure that you do a backup of this environment periodically, for obvious reasons!

Software: There are lots of free products out there to use when creating virtual machines. Of course, some are better than others. While it is tempting to use free products, you may quickly become frustrated with their limitations. Paid-for-products have features like unlimited snapshots and cloning. Be sure to check the software licensing particulars when creating clones to be sure that you are in compliance.

Virtual Machine Use: Here are just a few of the many ways you can use your virtual test lab!

Application Development: First, create a Windows Application Development virtual machine that just contains the base OS with patches and any application development tools needed, and take a snapshot. Then, for each application you develop, return to the original snapshot, develop the app and take a new snapshot. This creates a library of snapshots that you can return to when patching or adjusting settings for a given app.   Application Testing: You can also create a second VM with just the base OS, patches, antivirus, Novell client, ZEN agent, etc., for testing the applications. Be sure to take a base snapshot so that you can return to it after each test. (You don’t need to keep a snapshot of the app tests: just the base.) Whether you are developing virtualized applications or MSIs with AdminStudio, this environment will serve you well.  Pre-migration Testing: Set up one or multiple servers to mimic a production environment. Again, take a snapshot prior to making any changes. Then test the migration you are planning, such as upgrading GroupWise, migrating to OES Linux, etc. By keeping a library of base virtual machines, the sky is the limit on the types of testing you can do.  Teaching, Training, and Demos: Keep a library of virtual machines on an external drive. This gives you a great way to quickly set up for classes or provide a product demo for your staff or end-users. For example, you can do a lunch and learn to show your user community GroupWise tips and tricks, get your techs up to speed on ZCM, or present new software to management to show off its capabilities.

Virtualization software has become a must-have tool in our consulting practice. Hopefully the ideas presented above will give you just the encouragement you needed to get started!

Copyright 2009, Uptime NetManagement, Inc.