25 Years of Microsoft Windows

n the 1970′s two computer enthusiasts, Bill Gates and Paul Allen changed the future of personal computing forever.  Microsoft, a software we use on a daily basis, began small but as a huge vision and began to change the way we work.

IBM approaches Microsoft about a project named “Chess”.  Microsoft starts to focus on a new operating system that not only manages computer hardware but serves as a bridge for the hardware and programs.  The new operating system became MS-DOS.

Windows is always evolving, Microsoft Windows XP will not continue any support as of April 14, 2014. 

With the continued use of Windows XP, your computer might become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses.  Contact us at 619-325-0990 or support@hyphenet.com for information on upgrades.

 

  

 

Here are some “Geek Trivia” provided by Microsoft Windows:

1. MS‑DOS stands for Microsoft Disk Operating System.
2. Remember floppy disks and kilobytes? Windows 1.0 requires a minimum of 256 kilobytes (KB), two double-sided floppy disk drives, and a graphics adapter card. A hard disk and 512 KB memory is recommended for running multiple programs or when using DOS 3.0 or higher.
3. Control Panel makes its first appearance in Windows 2.0.
4. The group that develops Windows NT was originally called the “Portable Systems” team.
5. In 1996, Microsoft releases Flight Simulator for Windows 95—the first time in its 14-year history that it’s available for Windows.
6. Technically speaking, Windows Me was the last Microsoft operating system to be based on the Windows 95 code base. Microsoft announced that all future operating system products would be based on the Windows NT and Windows 2000 kernel.
7. The nightly stress test performed on Windows 2000 during development is the equivalent of three months of run time on up to 1,500 computers.
8. Windows XP is compiled from 45 million lines of code.
9. More than 1.5 million devices are compatible with Windows Vista at launch.
10. Windows 7 was evaluated by 8 million beta testers worldwide before it was released.
11. Power users will notice that Windows 8 has made the detection and correction of file system errors both more transparent and less intrusive.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet or “Like” us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest computer security threats.
What do you think about the evolution of Microsoft Windows?  Please leave your comments below!

References:
Windows 8.1 – C|Net
http://news.cnet.com/2300-11386_3-10018608-13.html
A history of Windows Highlights from the first 25 years – Microsoft Windows
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/history

Microsoft Windows XP Upgrade or Risk Infinite “Zero-Days”

Image Credit: Computer Weekly

For everyone who is using Microsoft Windows XP, you may want to abort the program.  The 12-year-old operating system will no longer have support by next April. You need to upgrade your  Microsoft Windows XP or risk infinite “zero-days”.
Tim Rains, director of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing, posted a blog last week reminding customers of the risk they would be taking if they continued to run Windows XP.  All users are urgently asked to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.
April 8, 2014, Windows XP will have a Service Pack 3 (SP3) stating that customers will no longer receive secuity news updates.  Also, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options and online technical content updates will no longer be available.
When Microsoft ends support for Windows XP, it will probably be vulnerable to outdated Windows versions.  So attackers and spammers will have free reign on XP endpoints.  With that said, Windows XP will have a ‘zero day‘ susceptibility forever.
With knowledge of zero-day, you will never know if you can trust the computing base system you are on.  Attackers know about this vulnerability and are well aware of the compromised situation.  You must stay ahead of the game, and protect yourself.

Who’s In?

According to a study handled by VMware, 64 percent of enterprise-size companies have not migrated to Microsoft Windows XP.  52 percent of midsize firms and 61 percent of SMBs are also at risk.

“Common challenges such as end-user-downtime, data loss, migration failures and effort to upgrade remote employees can all be avoided if you plan ahead, “wrote Sarah Semple, VMware’s director of product marketing.

Many companies haven’t switched over because of the cost of the implementation.  It is estimated that, based on a 10,000-PC environment, the expense of migration is between $1,205 and $1,999 per machine.  That is a lot of money, but if you look at the risk your company is susceptible of , it is very much worth it.

The Flaws

Microsoft also has 33 other flaws aside from the zero-day vulnerability.  The software giant issued seven bulletins in early July, six of those were rated “critical”.  The flaws urgency to be fixed in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, DirectShow, .NET, and Silverlight are targeted.  Remote attackers will gain access of discerning systems and files.
One of the flaws reported, had Metasploit module created and alows an attacker to elevate system privileges.

A Windows True Type Font parsing vulnerability that appears in three independent bulletins is also concerning, because it is found in an assortment of Microsoft products. – Technical Manager of Security Research and Development Group at Tripwire.
Microsoft revealed a new policy that requires developers to create apps for the Windows Store, Windows Phone Store, Office Store, and Azure Marketplace to fix any security vulnerabilities within a definitive time frame.  This policy demands developers to fix these security issues within six months.  The company declared the right to remove an app from any store that is being targeted or if it exceeds the six month brink.
So tell your friends and co-workers, get rid of Microsoft Windows XP before you put yourself at risk of an unnecessary attack.

References:
Microsoft: Upgrade from Windows XP or risk infinite “zero-days” – SCMagazine
http://www.scmagazine.com/microsoft-upgrade-from-windows-xp-or-risk-infinite-zero-days/article/307937/
August 19, 2013
Microsoft Patches Windows Zero-Day Flaw, Serious TrueType Error – CRN News
http://www.crn.com/news/security/240157990/microsoft-patches-windows-zero-day-flaw-serious-truetype-error.htm

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet,  “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.

Microsoft Windows 8.1 is Arriving!

Microsoft revealed their Windows 8.1 will be released on October 18, 2013.  Windows 8.1 will be released at 12 a.m. in New Zealand for it’s global tour.  Boxed discs, new hardware, and everything you need will be in stores by the 18th.  The Windows 8 users will be able to download and install the 8.1 version for free via the Microsoft Windows Store.
With all the traffic Microsoft will be getting, they are going to increase their rates on the new PCs and tablets.  Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 is available to be previewed as of June.  The new version of Windows offers a Start button, that is not a Start menu.  The button will allow you to return to the Start screen with a click, buttons are more fun than menus anyway, right?  If you would like to get down to business and bypass the Start screen entirely, there is a Boot to Desktop option.

Start em up

For the users who want to use the Start screen, they will find a fun and easy way to customize and personalize the menu.  There are special features like the All Apps screen and Search tools have been enhanced.  There are many other built-in apps that have improved as well.
The new Windows 8.1 is designed for both PCs and touch-screen devices.  Although, the new modern look of the UI may not be everyone’s favorite.  It has been a hit-or miss with its dueling Modern desktop approach.

References:

Windows 8.1 Preview
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/preview?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_Hero_Home_BlueRP_Pos2_01
Windows 8.1 digital download will be released October 17, full retail launch October 18 – PCWorld
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2046630/windows-8-1-digital-download-will-be-released-october-17-full-retail-launch-october-18.html
August 14, 2013
Microsoft: Windows 8.1 to roll out October 18 – C-Net
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57598456-75/microsoft-windows-8.1-to-roll-out-october-18/
August 14, 2013

Don’t miss out on the latest tech news and computer security alerts! Follow us on Twitter at @hyphenet, “Like” us on Facebook or add us to your circle on Google+.