Boundary IT Services Ltd

Microsoft to release emergency IE patch – Jan 2010

Boundary — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:42:47 +0000

Microsoft has started dropping broad hints that an emergency patch for Internet Explorer will be released very soon to counter targeted attacks and the publication of exploit code for a “browse and you’re owned” vulnerability in its flagship Web browser.

The out-of-band update will be released once the company is satisfied that it has been properly tested against all affected versions of Windows. This could happen as early as this weekend.

Microsoft Patches for January 2010

Boundary — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:47:04 +0000

The first Microsoft patch for 2010 is out, providing cover for a solitary vulnerability in the way Windows handles EOT (Embedded OpenType) fonts.

The update is rated “critical” but Microsoft says there is a low likelihood of exploitation on its newer operating systems.

The vulnerability, which was discovered by Google security engineer Tavis Ormandy, is a remote code execution issue in the way that the Microsoft Windows Embedded OpenType (EOT) Font Engine decompresses specially crafted EOT fonts.

Because Microsoft considers this a very difficult vulnerability to exploit on most operating systems, it is rated “critical” only for Windows 2000.

However, it’s important to note that Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are all affected by this flaw.

Microsoft Patches for December 2009

Boundary — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:20:44 +0000

Microsoft today shipped six bulletins with patches for a total of 12 documented security vulnerabilities in a wide range of widely deployed software products. Three of the six bulletins are rated

Microsoft Patches for November 2009

Boundary — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:19:11 +0000

As part of its scheduled batch of patches for November, Microsoft today issued six security bulletins with fixes for a total of 15 vulnerabilities affecting its Windows and Office product lines.

Three of the six bulletins are rated

Are you paying too much for your IT Support?

Boundary — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:11:38 +0000

Every company now depends on its IT Systems for the day to day operation of the business. From the availability of reliable internet and email access, having the tools to be able to communicate effectively with your customers and suppliers right through to ensuring that your critical data is being securely backed up.

But how much should you be paying to a support company to keep your IT running smoothly? Most of the new customers who have taken out a support contract with Boundary IT in recent months have been staggered by how much they are saving each month, and how with a little TLC their systems run smoothly & require hardly any maintenance.

Small businesses often fall into the trap of paying an IT Consultant by the hour to manage their network. This is a blank cheque, and many hours can be spent diagnosing the simplest of issues, and can ultimately cost your business thousands of pounds with very little to show for it.

As a rough guide, a small business with a single server for email, file & backup in house should something in the region of:

5 Users –

Microsoft Patches for October 2009 – 13 critical

Boundary — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:05:16 +0000

Microsoft is planning a bumper Patch Tuesday next week

PST Backup

Boundary — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:33:56 +0000

PFBackup is a simple tool from Microsoft for backing up your PST – and it’s free!

If you are using Outlook for POP3 mail, chances are all your email & items are stored in a PST file on your Workstation. If the workstation hard disk corrupts, or if you lose the Workstation, then all your email is gone.

PFBackup is quick & simple to install, and can be configured to automatically remind you to backup when exiting Outlook. You can configure the backup to point to a memory stick, or another PC on your network, and once configured the whole thing is fully automated.

You can download PFBackup here

For information on how Boundary IT Services can help to ensure your systems are up to date & protected from the latest threats see Monitoring & Support.

Microsoft Patches for September 2009

Boundary — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:04:07 +0000

Microsoft

Microsoft Patches for June 2009 – 6 critical

Boundary — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:59:26 +0000

According to the Microsoft Security Response Center, Microsoft will issue 10 Security Bulletins on Tuesday, and it will host a webcast to address customer questions on the bulletin the following day (June 10 at 11:00am PST, if you’re interested). Six of the vulnerabilities are rated “Critical,” three are marked as “Important,” and the last one is considered “Moderate.” All of the Critical vulnerabilities earned their rating through a remote code execution impact, meaning a hacker could potentially gain control of an infected machine. At least seven of the 10 patches will require a restart.

Windows 7 to launch on October 22

Boundary — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 08:51:50 +0000

The official date on which Windows 7 will be available for general purchase is October 22, 2009. The RTM code will be delivered to partners at the end of July.

In addition, Microsoft has confirmed its plans to make an upgrade option available for PC makers to offer customers who purchase a new PC with Windows Vista between the beginning of the “Tech Guarantee” period and the general-availability date.

Microsoft’s press release with details of the announcement is now available. The official word came in a speech by Steve Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President of the OEM Division, in a speech at the Computex tradeshow in Taipei:

Today during a keynote address at Computex 2009 in Taipei, Microsoft’s OEM Division Corporate Vice President Steve Guggenheimer revealed that the company is confident with the progress made with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and that as a result, Microsoft will deliver Release to Manufacturing (RTM) code to partners in the second half of July. Windows 7 will become generally available on Oct. 22, 2009, and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be broadly available at the same time.

“As we’ve said many times, quality is our primary goal,” Guggenheimer said. “We announce each milestone once we’re confident of where we are in the development cycle and that it is ready to be shared with customers and partners. We’ve received great feedback from our partners who are looking forward to offering Windows 7 to their customers in time for the holidays.”

In addition to this, Guggenheimer announced that Microsoft will make available an upgrade option, so partners can offer customers the ability to purchase a Windows Vista-based PC and install Windows 7 when it’s ready.

“Microsoft has been working closely with partners to help our mutual customers be able to enjoy the many benefits of Windows 7,” he said. “With that in mind, we’re excited to say that there will be a Windows upgrade program available. Consumers can buy that new PC, whether for a student heading off to college or just because they need a new one, and know they’ll get Windows 7 as part of the deal.”

The actual start date for the program will be announced when it is ready for consumers, and partners are ready to provide details to customers.