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January - May 2005
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Proactive in the Reactive World of Viruses & Spyware
Internet Security Systems Inc. unveiled it's new virus-fighting technology that does not rely on known digital signatures to detect malware. Called Proventia Desktop, the intrusion prevention system uses virtual-machine technology to execute potentially malicious attachment in a controlled & isolated spot on PCs to observes its behavior.
If the program exhibits malicious behavior, such as attempting to read addresses from Microsoft Outlook or trys to disable anti-virus software, Proventia quarantines the message and attachment.
Originally developed to replace anti-virus software, now only offered as a compliment to a full security suite including anti-virus, spyware and firewall protection.
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Tiger on the Loose
April 29th, Apple Computer's latest version of it's operating systems, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger, is released.
A single-user license for the desktop edition will cost $129. And for a five user, single residence version, called the Mac OS X Tiger Family pack, $199.
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Microsoft releases 64-bit Windows, Sort of...
Microsoft will start selling 64-bit editions of both Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP Professional but it won't be showing up on shelves at a store near you. Customers buying a server or desktop PC with a 64-bit chip will have the option of getting the new Windows operating system, while people who already own a 64-bit machine will have to trade in their old 32-bit version of Windows to Microsoft if they want to get the 64-bit upgrade.
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Next Generation Secure Computing Base (NGSCB)
It's been over a year since I last updated you on Microsofts "Trusted Windows" initiative, known as the Next Generation Secure Computing Base, or NGSCB. According to Microsoft NGSCB is still coming. Well, parts of it. And, you'll have to buy a new version of Windows, code named Longhorn, to get it. Oh, and some of the feature will require you to buy new hardware.
In short, it's still vapor.
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Longhorn, or Longwait as it's known by some, does have a new release date around year end 2006. For a screenshots of the beta, which most are calling nothing more than the next version of XP with a new look, click the link below.
(clicking this link takes you to another site not affiliated with systemsby.com)
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You'd have to be blind...
...Not to notice our new look. Welcome to the new systemsby.com web site. Over the next few months we will be adding many new resources, so if you haven't already, please bookmark our site and stay in touch.
One new feature we've added is the coupon code page which contains discount codes to help stretch those IT dollars.
Thank you for continuing to visit systemsby.com.
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Security Isn't Getting any Easier
Microsoft is trying to simplify the download and install process for a patch that fixes a security flaw in Windows XP, Server 2003 and Microsoft Office.
Currently applying the patch, which fixes a hole that could allow hackers to take control of someone else's computer, is a difficult process that could prove too time-consuming for home PC users.
Hackers infect computers by planting a worm in "JPEG" formatted digital image files. The worm would be able to spread merely by having a the user click on the file or open an e-mail containing a JPEG image.
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Some Mac News
Apple Releases Security Patch
September 7, 2004 -- Apple releases an update to fix 15 security issues in the Mac OS X operating system. The patch is available for Mac OS X 10.3.5 and Mac OS X 10.3.4, and is also available for Mac OS X 10.2, known as 'Jaguar'. More information and download links for this patch are available on Apples web site.
Checking Security in your Apple System
Here are a few items to help with checking and improving the security of your system:
* See the Mac OS X Technologies Safe and sound web page for an overview of Mac OS X security features, including a link to view and download the "Security Technology Brief" PDF document.
* Be sure that you are running the latest version of system software. Apple will release security updates from time to time, and having the latest available system software version should improve the security of your system. Check the Security Updates page for more information.
* In addition to the Mac OS X built-in security features, the Macintosh Products Guide contains offerings from third-party providers that could help to increase the security of your system in particular situations.
Apple is augmenting its commitment to security by seeking Common Criteria certification for both Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server.
Apple's Download Page
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New Acer 17" Flat Screens under $400
Whether creating spreadsheets, word processing or searching the Web, you'll see sharp detail and vivid images on a 17.0" LCD. Ideal for the needs of users in large corporations, small businesses and home settings.
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Acer 1714
slim, light weight, fast response lcd
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Acer 1713m
built-in speakers, attractive budget price
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The flicker-free and ultra bright picture eliminates distortion and secures a quality view. Image smoothing and color scaling with automatic adjustments for a fast and easy personalization of view according to work needs. The slim and modern styled 17" TFT lowers the total cost of ownership thanks to a longer life cycle and reduced power consumption.
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Have you Rebooted your Car Stereo Today?
Microsoft and Fiat announced they will jointly develop ways to integrate personal electronic devices such as cell phones, handheld computers and digital music players into cars.
Company officials said they will design telematics systems that let drivers to tap into personal address books and contacts from a handset through the use of Web services and a Bluetooth connection. They will also be able to listen to music stored in players via a USB connection in the dashboard. All of the systems will feature voice activation.
The new systems will feature Windows Automotive software and will be based on standard hardware. Fiat's component arm, Magneti Marelli, will develop the hardware on which the systems are integrated, using a reference design to be developed by Microsoft and Fiat.
Although past efforts have so far failed to go anywhere, Microsoft has been trying to convince automakers to use in_car computers for entertainment, navigation and other information devices.
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NETGEAR Recall of Wall Plug Ethernet Bridges
NETGEAR Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif. announces recall of Wall Plug Ethernet Bridges due to a possible shock hazard. Consumers should stop using the product immediately. Remove electrical power source to the receptacle and unplug the unit. Contact the company for a free repair kit. The free repair kit when affixed will ensure that the plastic housing will not become loose or separated.
The Wall Plug Ethernet Bridge is used to extend internet availability throughout a home or business. It is 2.75 inches high, 3.5 inches wide, and 2 inches thick, with a grayish silver plastic housing. "NETGEAR" is written on the top of the housing. The plastic housing contains a label with the model number and the serial number on it. The model number is XE102 and the serial numbers are XE12A32LB000001 through XE12A32LB005000 and XE12134LB005021 through XE12143LB053586.
About 53,500 units were sold at various electronics stores, Web sites, and through the NETGEAR Web site from February 2003 through May 2004 for between $50 and $80.
Call NETGEAR Inc., toll-free at (800) 303-5507 anytime for a free repair kit. Consumers also can register at the company’s Web site www.netgear.com to order a free repair kit.
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I want my LCD!
If you're waiting for the price of LCD monitors and televisions to fall, then you are one major step closer. Sony and Samsung have annouced the completion of their $3 billion joint venture manufacturing plant which will produce the LCD panels used in computer monitors, handheld devices and televisions. Production doesn't start until the second quarter of 2005.
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May - June 2004
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I Never Open Programs Attached to Email
If the MyDoom worm isn't enough of a head ache for you, you're in luck! A new security hole in Microsoft's Internet Explorer was found that could let someone hide the file extension of an attachment. So for example, you think you're clicking on a movie, audio or PDF file not knowing that it is a script (.vbs) or program file (.exe .com) which could contain little nasties.
Now that Microsoft releases security patches just once a month, let's hope they fix this one soon. Wouldn't want to wait another whole month to get it fixed.
Just a Reminder
Many viruses, including MyDoom, spoof the sender (from name) when sending infected email. So if someone else's computer is infected and it sends email as if it were from YOU, the infect computer just keeps sending those infected email messages. This makes it more difficult to figure out which computer was compromised. It also creates a head ache for those of us who get these bounced messages that weren't from us to begin with.
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Another once in a lifetime, no selling, get rich quick, risk_free, too good to be true, such_a_deal, offer you can refuse.....
Internet Safety Tip from Law Enforcement
With the click of a mouse, the Internet allows you to buy many goods & services. Good deals, convenience and a world of information abound for anyone with a computer and a connection.
However, as the legitimate use of the Internet increases, the wrongful use of the Internet to commit crime and victimize people also increases. Law enforcement officials across the nation are reporting an ever-increasing variety of crimes being perpetuated via the Internet.
This Month’s COMMON INTERNET CRIME: Pyramid Schemes
Pyramid schemes are similar to multi_level marketing. Pyramid schemes provide financial incentives to recruit new distributors. They are generally prohibited because it is a mathematical certainty that the pyramids will collapse when no new distributors can be recruited. When that happens, most people lose their money. The Internet offers a fast lane for pyramid builders by facilitating a large_scale recruitment pool in little or no time. Be extremely cautious if a promoter offers you an extremely large short_term return on any investment, particularly if there is a disclaimer that the investment is "high_risk and you could lose all of your money." Additionally, if there are no written claims delineating the returns on other's investments, you are quite possibly looking at a pyramid scheme. Beware of all get rich quick schemes. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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March - April 2004
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Bill Gates gives Keynote at RSA Conference
Does anyone else see the humor in Bill Gates giving the keynote speech at a security conference? May be it's just me...
Microsoft's Chief Software Architect (that would be Gates) outlined features of the upcoming Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP at the RSA's 13th annual conference. The major focus of SP2 is security, including a Windows Security Center that centralizes security management, firewall management, a pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer and an antispam initiative including safe lists and what it terms "Caller ID for e-mail" to authenticate e-mail.
I would've been happy if Microsoft just fixed the bugs in their software... May be it's just me.
Security Companies to Form New Lobby
With Washington's new interest in computer security, top security companies across the nation are breaking away from the existing computer technology lobby to form the new Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA).
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Could you get caught in a virus gang war?
It's a busy time for computer viruses and worms. Over the last three weeks, we've seen nearly two dozen variations of Bagle, Netsky, and MyDoom circulate the Net. What gives? It looks like gang warfare is responsible--drive-by shootings on the information highway. Want to avoid getting caught in the crossfire? Check out CNET's Security Watch for the lowdown.
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January - February 2004
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SCO Follows Microsofts Lead
With the MyDoom virus spreading over the internet at the speed of light, SCO, Inc, the target of this virus' payload, is offering a bounty as high as $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
I Never Open Programs Attached to Email
If the MyDoom worm isn't enough of a head ache for you, you're in luck! A new security hole in Microsoft's Internet Explorer was found that could let someone hide the file extension of an attachment. So for example, you think you're clicking on a movie, audio or PDF file not knowing that it is a script (.vbs) or program file (.exe .com) which could contain little nasties.
Now that Microsoft releases security patches just once a month, let's hope they fix this one soon. Wouldn't want to wait another whole month to get it fixed.
Just a Reminder
Many viruses, including MyDoom, spoof the sender (from name) when sending infected email. So if someone else's computer is infected and it sends email as if it were from YOU, the infect computer just keeps sending those infected email messages. This makes it more difficult to figure out which computer was compromised. It also creates a head ache for those of us who get these bounced messages that weren't from us to begin with.
Something Really Small & Nerdy
Toshiba unveiled 0.85-Inch (2.16 cm) Hard Drive at the Consumer Electronics Show CES. This is to directly challenge Hitachi's 1-inch 2 GB and 4 GB drives, even the small difference of 0.15 inches can be a big thing in the development of tiny devices.
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Microsoft Places Bounty on the Heads of Virus Writers
Microsoft offers a half-million dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the authors of the "Sobig" virus and the "Blaster" worm, the two most destructive and costly viruses to date. At $250,000 a piece Microsoft is hoping someone out there is willing to come forward. The unprecedented reward is from a $5 million fund Microsoft has set up to pay informants who turn in the authors of future viruses. The company announced the fund in early November at a press conference in Washington, D.C., held with officials from the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI and Interpol.
Personally I think the money would go a long way towards better testing and patching of the Windows Operating System. Microsoft still can take weeks or months to acknowledge flaws in Windows, denying the claims of experts in the computer industry just trying to get these issues resolved.
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Technuity Inc., Sony Corp., and OnQ Technologies Announce Recalls
Technuity Inc., of Indianapolis, Ind. is recalling 2,100 Energizer_brand Back_Up Power Supply devices. When used in conjunction with another power protection device, the power supply device can spark, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The recalled back_up power supply systems include the Energizer_brand UPS Model ER_PRO1000, which can be identified by a label on the back of the device. The black, breadbox like unit is about 14 inches deep, 6 inches wide, 8 inches tall and weighs about 20 pounds. The words, "Energizer" and "energizerups.com" appear on the front of the unit.
Staples stores nationwide and www.technuity.com sold the units for about $140.
Sony Corp., of Tokyo, Japan is recalling 5,600 Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG_FRV25 or PCG_FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. Users could receive a mild electric shock when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport. Sony previously announced this recall on July 10, 2003.
OnQ Technologies, of Middletown, Pa. is recalling 3,000 Telephone Line_Sharing Devices sold by distributors of electrical devices and professional installers nationwide and in Canada between November 2002 and June 2003 for about $80. Security systems connected to this device could be prevented from notifying emergency personnel of a hazard. The delay could cause consumers to suffer injuries.
The recalled units are labeled "OnQ" and "1x8 ENHANCED TELECOM w/SURGE." The devices are professionally installed as part of a telephone line_sharing system in homes. One of the slots on the device is labeled, "SECURITY." The security line should get priority in an emergency. Part number 364551_01, written on the product label, and a date code (DC) of "2303" (meaning the 23rd week of 2003) or earlier are included in the recall. The date code is located on the edge of the device, above the mounting tabs.
Consumers should stop using the recalled devices immediately and contact the company for a free replacement unit or repair.
Contact Technuity toll_free at (877) 577_0046 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the Web site www.technuity.com.
Call Sony at (800) 880_9743 anytime or visit their Web site at www.sony.com/pcsupport.
Call OnQ at (800) 321_2343 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
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From Law Enforcement we get these Internet Safety Tips
The Internet places a vast amount of information and exciting experiences at your command. With the click of a mouse, the Internet allows you to buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase your favorite stock. Good deals, convenience and a world of information abound for anyone with a computer and a connection.
However, as the legitimate use of the Internet increases throughout our nation and the world, the wrongful use of the Internet to commit crime and victimize people also increases. Law enforcement officials across the nation are reporting an ever-increasing variety of crimes being perpetuated via the Internet. The following Internet crime prevention information is meant to help you protect yourself, your loved ones, your friends, your neighbors and your community, and to make your journey on the Internet as safe, secure and crime free as possible.
This Month’s COMMON INTERNET CRIME: Fraud
Fraud on the Internet takes many forms. The Internet's promise of substantial consumer benefits is coupled with the potential for fraud and deception. Fraud operators are opportunists who are among the first to appreciate the potential of a new technology. A fraud artist can buy a powerful computer and a modem for less than $1000.00 and for $30.00 or less per month can establish and maintain a site on the World Wide Web to solicit consumers anywhere in the world. There is nothing new about Internet fraud, however, the size and potential market, relative ease, low cost, and speed with which a scam can be perpetrated has increased tremendously.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a civil law enforcement agency that can issue administrative complaints, conduct administrative adjudication for "cease and desist" orders, or file federal lawsuits for redress of injured consumers. The FTC may also seek criminal contempt proceedings against persons who violate court orders issued at the behest of the FTC.
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September - November 2003
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Snippets of Technology
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Cell Phone Users Free to Roam
As of November 24, new wireless portability regulations go into affect for the nation's top 100 metropolitan areas. In all other areas wireless providers are required to make cell phone numbers portable no later than May 24. These changes allow cell phone users to move their current phone number to another wireless carrier as required in the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Please be sure to check your current contract for early termination fees as these changes do not relieve you from your contracted responsibilities.
Check out “Seeing the Sites” below for a web site designed to help you select a wireless plan that meets your needs.
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My Inbox is Full Too
As many of you know, based on the email questions I've received, something is going on out there. You've done everything the computer gurus are telling you and yet your inbox is full of messages about virus infected emails you supposedly sent.
The goods news is you're most likely not infected. The bad news is someone else is and they're sending email with you in the From:.
The message you're seeing is an auto-reply from the intended recipients email server letting you know that the email was infected. Problem is the people running the email server are not complying with Internet standards. So instead of sending it back to the actual sender, they're sending the message to you, one of the victims, to victimize you yet again. Many estimate that these auto-replies are making the issue 3-7 times worse then just the SoBig virus on it's own.
So what are we supposed to do? Be patient, the word is getting out and most of those responsible for the email servers are working on fixing the problem. For those that aren't, well, some of us are reminding them who's creating the bigger problems.
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Microsoft Stops Working on Outlook Express
Microsoft announced that it will no longer update Outlook Express. The product won't go away, "it will just sit where it is."
Outlook Express is a consumer product and Microsoft's focus for that segment of the market is Hotmail and MSN.
For those of you who don't feel Microsoft's Hotmail or MSN web based services are suitable replacements for Outlook Express, you can purchase Outlook. You may already have Outlook as part of your Microsoft Office suite.
Of course many of you are using the free Outlook Express over the paid version of Outlook because the free version is better and easier to use. In that case you may want to look at some other choices. The most popular alternatives are the mail clients included with the Netscape & Mozila browsers, and Eudora. All offer free mail clients, though Eudora's full-feature free version is ad supported. Eudora also offers a lite version for free and a full-feature paid version ($39.95) which is worth looking at.
Netscape is available for Windows 98 or later, Mac OS 8.6 or later, and Linux (see web site for supported versions).
Mozila is also available for Windows 98 or later, Mac OS 8.6 or later, and Linux (see web site for supported versions).
Eudora is available for Windows 95 or later, and Mac OS 8.6 or later.
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Cool Nerd Toys
Got WiFi? If you're out & about and not sure if a hotspot is around you'll have to wait for your laptop to bootup to find out. Well, that was yesterday. Today you can just whip out your new Kensington WiFi Finder, billed as the first and only "b" and "g" detector on the market. This little time saving gismo has a street price around $22 and will let you know if you have a connection with it's three LED signal strength meter. www.kensington.com
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July - August 2003
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Email Alert: Spoofed Ebay Email
Be on the lookout for an email message that appears to be from Ebay (Billing@ebay.com) requesting you update your billing information.
08-01-03
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Snippets of Technology
Microsoft Pulls the Plug on Internet Explorer
Microsoft announced that Internet Explorer 6 with service pack 1 will be the last standalone version of Internet Explorer for Windows. Microsoft feels this release fulfills all the requirements of the settlement with the DOJ. So what does this mean for you and me?
If you want to update Internet Explorer you'll need to update Windows. And in the near future that will mean buying a new version of Windows. I thought this was part of why Microsoft was sued by all those States?
Mac users with OS X just got a new, and final, version of Internet Explorer (5.2.3) that significantly improves security, stability and speed. Microsoft is working on a final version for Mac OS 8/9 due out about the time this article is published.
For those of you in the health care industry, you should already be using Netscape 7 as required for your online billing. Netscape is very useable though a little slower then Internet Explorer on multimedia heavy web sites. Netscape is available for Windows 98 or later, Mac OS 8.6 or later, and Linux (see web site for supported versions). www.netscape.com
IBM & Xerox Announce Recalls
<<tech03088.jpg>>
IBM, of Armonk, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling to repair 56,000 computer monitors. The monitor's circuit board can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
The recalled IBM monitors include the G51 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and G51t Touch Screen CRT models. The G51 and G51t monitors have the following model numbers on a label on the back of the unit: 6541-02N, 6541-02E, 6541-02S, 6541-Q0N, 6541-Q0E, and 6541-Q0S. The label on the back of the recalled G51 models also has a date of manufacture between June 1997 and September 1997. The "IBM" logo can be found on the front of the units, which were manufactured in China and Malaysia.
IBM, MicroTouch Systems, and major retail stores nationwide, including Best Buy, CompUSA, Office Max, and Radio Shack, sold the monitors from June 1997 through December 1998 for about $370.
Consumers should stop using these monitors immediately and contact the IBM Repair Center at (866) 644-3155 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for a free inspection and repair or replacement. For more information, consumer can log on the company's website at www.ibm.com/pc/g51recall
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Network Laser Printers - Xerox International Partners, of Palo Alto, Calif., is voluntarily retrofitting about 17,000 network laser printers because arcing may cause the fuser assembly to overheat, posing a fire hazard. These network laser printers were manufactured from January 1995 through September 1998 and sold nationwide through commercial distributors for prices ranging from $1599 to $6999. Model numbers are on the top of the unit and on a label located on the rear panel. The retrofit is for the following model numbers:
Xerox Engineering Systems - Model 8808
Hitachi Printing Solutions America - Models Typhoon 8 and Typhoon 16
GCC Technologies - Models Elite XL408, Elite XL608, Elite XL608LC, Elite XL808, Elite XL1208, Elite XL1208 PM, and Elite XL616
Users should (1) switch off the printer power when unattended; (2) ensure that the "power save" mode is enabled; and (3) contact their commercial distributor at the following toll-free numbers or websites for information on obtaining a free retrofit:
GCC Technologies (800) 422-7777 between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST www.gcctech.com
A Really Cool Nerd Toy
<<techiQue3600pic.jpg>>
I have to say, there's no end to what they can do with the Palm Pilot. The Garmin iQue 3600 is a Palm OS 5 device with integrated GPS, and not just knowing your latitude & longitude. We’re talking mapping software and voice navigation. Integrating GPS with the PDA features of the Palm OS lets you automatically get maps for contacts and appointments you’ve entered an address. The iQue 3600 includes a 320 x 480 color display, a SD card slot, 32MB of RAM, and a voice recorder all in a 2.8"W x 5"H x .8"D device. All this for a suggested retail price of $589. www.garmin.com
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Windows Tips & Tricks - user level: beginner
Viewing PDF’s in Acrobat Reader on a Laptop/Flat Screen
If you’re having problems clearly seeing Portable Document Formatted files (PDF) in Acrobat Reader on a laptop or on a LCD flat screen:
1.) Open Acrobat Reader
2.) Goto Edit menu > Preferences
3.) In the sidebar menu select Display
4.) Check the box next to Use CoolType
5.) Click [Configure CoolType...] button
6.) Select the Text that looks best and click [Next] button
7.) Select the Text that looks best and click [OK] button
8.) Click [OK] button to close Preferences
For more tips & tricks the Chamber offers free computer help at the monthly Business Computing User Group, hosted by the Technology Committee and sponsored by San Gennaro Restaurant and Systems By... www.systemsby.com/wlachamber_tech.htm
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April - June 2003
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American Power Conversion Corp. Announce Recall of Back_Up Power Supply Systems
American Power Conversion Corporation (APC), of West Kingston, R.I., is voluntarily recalling about 900,000 back_up power supply devices. These devices are primarily used to protect computers in case of a power failure. The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.
APC has received six reports of units overheating resulting in the melting of the unit's outer casing and three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled Back_UPS® CS Uninterruptible Power Supply devices include the Back_UPS CS350 and the Back_UPS CS 500 models. The model number can be found on the front of the unit, along with the words, "Back_UPS CS" and "APC." In addition, one of the following numbers shows up on the bar code label located on the bottom of the unit: BK350, BK500, BK500BLK. The recalled power supply devices also have one of the following serial numbers _ AB0048 through AB0251, BB0104 through BB0251, and JB0125 through JB0251 _ which can be found on the bottom of the unit. Units with an "R" at the end of the serial number within the above ranges are not part of this recall.
Retailers, computer and electrical distributors, and catalogs nationwide sold the power supply devices from November 2000 through December 2002 for between $70 and $130.
Consumers should immediately stop using the power supply devices by turning off the power to all connected equipment, turning the Back_ UPS CS off, and then unplugging it from the electrical outlet. To obtain a free replacement unit, consumers should contact the company at (866) APC_RELY (272_7359) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.apc.com/rely
SanDisk Introduces World's First Cards Combining Flash Memory and Wireless Communications
SanDisk Corporation introduced a line of wireless Wi_Fi (802.11b) cards with the world's first card products to include both memory and wireless communications technology at a press conference at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.
The Connect product line includes four products _ dual_function 128 megabyte (MB) CompactFlash® (CF) and 256MB SD cards that combine Wi_Fi and flash memory as well as single_function CF and SD cards with Wi_Fi connectivity. SanDisk plans to add 256MB cards
to the CF Connect product line by the middle of 2003.
The cards bring wireless connectivity to a host of new products including handheld and notebook computers, digital cameras and MP3 players. By combining both flash memory and wireless communications in one card, people going on a business or pleasure trip can load up the card with family pictures, data files, spread sheets and Power Point presentations and have everything they need, plus wireless connectivity, on one card. This is becoming quite important to consumers and business users because many handheld and notebook computers have only one card slot and users are forced to decide between using the slot for connectivity or for storage. These SanDisk Connect cards solve that problem.
The Wi_Fi (802.11b) CF and SD Connect cards have a suggested retail price of $99.95. The dual_function CF cards with 128MB of capacity will be priced at $129.95 while the dual_function 256MB SD cards will be priced at $149.95. The CF Wi_Fi card is available now, the CF dual_function card and the SD Wi_Fi card will be available in March and the SD dual_function card is expected to ship at mid_year. The CF pricing includes a PC card adapter for notebook and laptop owners. SanDisk Connect cards will be sold in many of the 50,000 retail stores worldwide where SanDisk branded products are sold.
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January - March 2003
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Snippets of Technology
Target Internet
After my last article where I mentioned "distributed_denial_of_service" (DDoS) attacks, I’ve been asked "Why?" Why would someone do these things? Well, in some cases it’s like Mount Everest, because it’s there. It is gratifying and stimulating to say you’ve done something that most people can’t, even if it is illegal. Others are disgruntled individuals who feel this is their best outlet. And believe it or not, there have been a few who needed the work and thought they’d create their own market.
Brother International Announce Recall of Laser Printers
Brother International Corp. (Brother) of Bridgewater, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 100,000 multi_function printers and laser printers. The printers can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Brother has received two reports of overheating and fire, with one of the incidents involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The recall involves Brother laser printers with model numbers HL_1040, HL_1050, HL_ 1060, and multi_function printers with model number MFC_P2000. The model number can be found on the top of each unit and adjacent to the Brother® logo. The printers are beige or putty in color, and all were manufactured in China, with the exception of model HL_1060, which was manufactured in Japan.
Retailers, dealers and office super stores nationwide sold these printers from June 1997 through December 2000 for between $300 and $700.
Consumers should stop using the recalled printers immediately and bring them to an authorized service center for a free repair. For more information or to determine the location of a local, authorized service center, call Brother toll_free at (866) 236_6835 between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or log on to the company’s website at www.brother.com/usa
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Snippets of Technology
The Internet Survives
Did you feel it? No, not the last earthquake, the massive DDoS? DDoS stands for “distributed_denial_of_service”, which is a method of attack designed to bring down the Internet. Don’t worry if you didn’t notice it because it appears only the few who’s job it is to notice, noticed. And this is a good thing.
Software to ease Mac switch
For those of you who are planning the move from PC to Mac, the process may have gotten a whole lot easier and cheaper. For $59.00 you get some software and a special USB cable designed to move your data from your old PC to your new Mac.
Move2Mac, from Detto Technologies, transfers Internet settings, files, contacts and more. Some files, like pictures and music, are automatically moved to their proper locations on the Mac.
Detto Technologies was started by a couple of former Microsoft employees. For more information visit www.detto.com
Another XP Fix
Microsoft has released a new pre_SP2 patch for Windows XP. Windows may not respond when you try to open or close a folder by using Windows Explorer. When this occurs, you may be able to restart Explorer.exe to cause Windows Explorer to work correctly again. Download and install the patch to resolve the application error when closing folders. The direct link is very long, you can find the link on my download page at www.systemsby.com/download.htm
With all the great reasons we gave you last month to have a handheld device, here’s one reason not to...
In a recent story from startribune.com, San Jose, Calif. detectives used a warrant to search the Sony Clie of a suspect, believed to be the leader of a theft identity ring. The handheld device of suspect, Julian Torres proved especially valuable to detectives. It appears he used the digital camera feature of his particular Clie, the NR70, to take pictures of the other members in the ring.
Investigators used these photos and other information gathered from his Clie to track down two of Torres's accomplices. Supposedly Torres used his Clie to store many aspects of the crimes, including personal information of at least 20 of his victims and the ToDo list even had tasks such as picking up supplies to make fake checks. When confronted with the evidence Torres apparently had a hard time denying that the information was his because the names stored under 'mom' and 'dad' were for his parents.
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November 2002
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Chamber Executive Board Votes to Explore Forming West L.A. Visitors and Convention Bureau
In a unanimous vote by the West L.A. Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, it was decided to form a committee of hotels, restaurants, and convention and meeting halls to explore the possibility of forming a West Los Angeles Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Less than 2 years ago, Chamber President Jay Handal met with LACVB President Robert Barrett in an attempt to lure a satellite office of the LACVB to the Westside, to no avail.
For the full story as featured in the LA Business Journal <Click Here>
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Battle of the Titans
Microsoft and AOL fight for your online attention and dollars. Microsoft continues to wander seemingly aimlessly through cyber-space trying to figure out how to become the big dog of the internet. While AOL continues to cut it’s ties to Microsoft and move forward with it’s plans to remain the big dog of the internet.
Microsoft announced the release of MSN version 8.0 which includes special content available just for their paying customers. Only most of the “special content” can be found on the free MSN.com site. Also reported MSN revenue fell from the same period last year, so to help convince you to pay for these services, Microsoft is spending $300 million on a new ad campaign.
AOL, not to be left out, just announced version 8.0 of their online software and what appears to be the end of those annoying pop-up third party ads. This alone should be reason enough to upgrade, though I’m still looking for others.
From Digital Camera to Photograph without Pains
The International Imaging Industry Association (I3A) announced a major initiative to provide increased photofinishing choices for consumers to get photographic quality prints from digital images. The initiative, known as the Common Picture eXchange Environment (CPXe), is designed to make printing digital images as convenient as using film.
With a broad and rapidly expanding base of support, CPXe will allow photofinishing service providers to connect to consumers via the Web and to each other in ways that are currently not possible. CPXe is led by top imaging companies within the I3A, including
Eastman Kodak Company, Fujifilm and Hewlett_Packard.
Based on a Web Services framework, CPXe will enable the transmission and printing of digital images between digital cameras, PCs, desktop software, Internet services, photo kiosks, digital minilabs and photofinishers — regardless of the type of digital camera, PC or operating system they use. CPXe will allow consumers to upload, download and order prints of digital pictures at any retail location with any type of photofinishing equipment used by the retailer.
Windows XP Service Pack 1 Available
Microsoft continually works to improve its software. As part of this effort, we develop updates and fixes to recognized issues and release them for customers. On a regular basis, we combine many of these fixes into a single package and make the package available for customers to install on their computers. These packages are called Service Packs.
Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) provides the latest security, reliability, and performance updates to the Windows XP family of operating systems. Windows XP SP1 is designed to ensure Windows XP platform compatibility with newly released software and hardware, and includes updates that resolve issues discovered by customers or by Microsoft's internal testing team.
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Snippets of Technology
Direct Marketing Association says, Now I Hate Spam Too
The association which represents about 4,700 members that include direct mail, catalog and telemarketing companies, has reversed it’s previous position by stating they will now support federal anti-spam legislation.
Have your web and take it with you, for less
For an additional $10 a month on any PCS Free & Clear Plan, customers using Vision_enabled PCS Phones can have unlimited PCS Vision data usage. These applications will allow them to check personal and corporate e_mail, play games with full_color graphics and polyphonic sounds, use the PCS Vision Camera to take and receive pictures with select phones, and browse the Internet wirelessly at speeds comparable to a home computer dial_up connection. With unlimited data usage, customers no longer need to worry about going over pre_specified limits.
Sony Ericsson and PalmSource Talking the Same Language
The two companies plan to work closely together to enable out_of_the_box compatibility between Bluetooth_enabled Sony Ericsson mobile phones and Palm Powered handhelds. Users of future Bluetooth_enabled products will be able to more easily access information, entertainment, and communicate across a wide variety of devices __ without cumbersome cords and wires. For example, a user could select a phone number from a Palm Powered handheld device and have it automatically dialed on the Sony Ericsson mobile phone -- no wires.
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September/October 2002
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Windows XP Service Pack 1 Available
Microsoft continually works to improve its software. As part of this effort, we develop updates and fixes to recognized issues and release them for customers. On a regular basis, we combine many of these fixes into a single package and make the package available for customers to install on their computers. These packages are called Service Packs.
Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) provides the latest security, reliability, and performance updates to the Windows XP family of operating systems. Windows XP SP1 is designed to ensure Windows XP platform compatibility with newly released software and hardware, and includes updates that resolve issues discovered by customers or by Microsoft's internal testing team.
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Snippets of Technology
Intel released their new 2.8GHz desktop processor.
Leading Performance for the Digital Lifestyle
With high-performance PCs, consumers can dramatically reduce the time it takes to encode digital media such as music, pictures, and movies. A computer based on the Pentium 4 processor operating at 2.8 GHz can convert more than five one-hour videotapes to MPEG-4 digital video in the same time a 500 MHz PC can convert a one-hour videotape. Compared to a 500 MHz PC, consumers can edit photos more than four times faster with a PC based on the Pentium 4 processor 2.8 GHz.
Benefits for Business
High-performance Pentium 4 processor-based PCs enable greater user satisfaction with quicker response time and improved productivity in today's multitasking business environments. For productivity and collaboration, Pentium 4 processor-based 2.8 GHz PCs provide almost six times faster performance than the current installed base of older PCs. For XML-based Web services, Pentium 4 processor-based 2.8 GHz PCs provide almost four times faster performance than the installed base of PCs.
One Billion Served...
Industry analyst firm Gartner Dataquest announced that the PC industry has shipped the 1 billionth PC. The industry reached this notable milestone in April 2002, roughly 25 years after the debut of the first commercially successful and widely available personal computer, the 1974 Altair powered by the Intel® 8080 chip.
Another Billion PCs in Six Years
Gartner Dataquest calculates that the next billion PCs could ship far faster than the ones that came before. In 2008, the PC industry is projected to reach the milestone of 2 billion PCs, with the greatest growth opportunity coming from high-volume emerging markets in places such as China, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
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July/August 2002
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Philips Electronics Announce Recall of Speaker Power Adapters Sold with HP Computers
Philips Electronics, of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 93,000 speaker power adapters sold with Hewlett-Packard Co. (HP) business desktop computers. The speaker power adapter's power cord connector is not grounded, posing a potential shock hazard to consumers.
The speaker power adapters were included in HP's P1534A External Amplified Speaker sets. There is a label on the bottom of the speakers with the model number "P1534-60001." The package includes a black rectangular power adapter, which is about 3-inches high, 2-inches wide and 2-inches long. The adapter has two permanently attached power cords: one that connects to the light or dark gray speakers and a "T-junction" plug that connects to the computer. The speaker power adapter has "Model D12-1-A-950" and "Made in China" printed on a white label on the power adapter.
HP and business computer retailers sold personal computers with the speaker power adapters nationwide mostly to businesses. Some of these businesses then sold the computers to employees for personal use. HP's web site also sold the powered speakers and adapters with HP business desktop computer bundles, as well as packaged individually. The adapters were sold between October 2000 and April 2002 for about $34.
Consumers should unplug the T-junction plug immediately and stop using the speakers. Consumers should contact Philips Electronics at (800) 870-7193 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for a free replacement speaker power adapter. For more information, consumers can log on to the Philips Electronics' web site at www.philips.com/us or Hewlett-Packard's web site at www.hp.com.
click photo to enlarge
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Exploitation of Systems running Microsoft SQL Server
The CERT/CC has received reports of systems being compromised through the automated exploitation of null or weak default sa passwords in Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Data Engine. This activity is accompanied by high volumes of scanning, and appears to be related to recently discovered self-propagating malicious code, referred to by various sources as Spida, SQLsnake, and Digispid. In addition to the above, reports have been received that describe activity potentially related to the vulnerabilities described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-020; however, these reports have not been confirmed. Still, we encourage sites to apply the patches in this bulletin.
For more information, please see CERT Incident Note IN-2002-04.
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Snippets of Technology
According to British security company MessageLabs the first half of 2002 yielded as many virus and worm infected computers as in all of last year with the Klez virus leading the pack.
Two Gigahertz To Go: Intel Corporation announced it has begun shipping the world's first microprocessor designed for mobile PCs to operate at 2 gigahertz (GHz) - or two billion cycles per second. Powerful laptops continue to be critical business productivity tools and are also increasingly purchased by consumers. The Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor - M at 2 GHz brings back desktop performance to the laptop allowing to run several productivity applications simultaneously while running background programs such as encryption, compression, virus scan, client management, and Virtual Private Networks. With 2 Ghz performance and advanced power management features, the new Mobile Intel Pentium 4 Processor - M is an outstanding solution for business users on the go.
And for those of you with enterprise level needs, Intel began shipping the new Itanium 2 processor which will soon start appearing in servers and workstations.
HP Invests More Than $1 Billion to change the way the world looks on paper. The company has invested $900 million in manufacturing, $125 million in research and development and $200 million in marketing to roll out the single largest consumer product launch in the company's history and drive digital imaging mainstream. HP began delivering on this investment with first three new printers, the HP Deskjet 5550, 3820 and 3420 color inkjet printers. For more information on these and other products, goto to www.hp.com
High Tech in a Low Tech Environment: This summer, as friends, families, and outdoor enthusiasts head out to campsites, we want to let you know that there is a new generation of portable heaters & lanterns with a safety device that can save a life. The new gear is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and is designed for use in tents and cabins. If oxygen levels start to fall, this sensing technology automatically shuts itself down before serious levels of carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced preventing carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
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Recall of Power Cord Sets Sold with HP Inkjet Printers
Longwell Electronics, of Brea, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2.5 million power cord sets sold with inkjet printers from Hewlett-Packard Company. The connector can break, exposing electrical contacts and posing a shock hazard to consumers. No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The gray, two-wire power cord sets with a LS-7C connector were sold with the following HP printers: HP Deskjet 800 series and 900 series, HP Photosmart 1000 series, 1100 series, 1200 series, and 1300 series inkjet printers. The name "Longwell" is molded on the plug between the blades.
Department, computer, office and electronic stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Costco, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Wal-Mart stores sold the printers with the Longwell cord sets nationwide between April 2001 and February 2002 for between $100 and $400.
Consumers should stop using these printers immediately and contact HP for a free replacement cord. For more information, consumers can contact HP at (877) 917-4378 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.hp.com.
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June 2002
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Exploitation of Systems running Microsoft SQL Server
The CERT/CC has received reports of systems being compromised through the automated exploitation of null or weak default sa passwords in Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Data Engine. This activity is accompanied by high volumes of scanning, and appears to be related to recently discovered self-propagating malicious code, referred to by various sources as Spida, SQLsnake, and Digispid. In addition to the above, reports have been received that describe activity potentially related to the vulnerabilities described in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-020; however, these reports have not been confirmed. Still, we encourage sites to apply the patches in this bulletin.
For more information, please see CERT Incident Note IN-2002-04.
Teddy Bears Are Good...
An email hoax disguised as a virus advisory warns users of the dangers of the "jdbgmgr.exe" file. This file is a real windows file so Don’t Kill that Bear. If a virus warning comes with just a file name and the virus in the warning is not named, it’s not real. At least until you perform the requested damage.
Snippets of Technology
Whether you know it or not you are being tracked all over the Internet. This is accomplished by using “Kibbles & Bits”.... no no no... “Cookies & Beacons.” Cookies are simple little text files saved to your computer’s hard disk that allow web sites to keep track of who you are. Beacons are picture files, usually invisible, designed to indicate when you’ve accessed a web site or opened an email message. Yes, email. For more information on cookies than you will ever want, point your browser to <http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/>.
Yahoo too is following you around the internet collecting information on where you go and what you do. Recently it was brought to my attention that this information is not just used internally at Yahoo but is resold to outside companies. If you decide to opt out of this new marketing ploy by Yahoo, goto: <http://privacy.yahoo.com/privacy/us/pixels/details.html>.
About halfway down the page, under the bolded heading "Outside the Yahoo! Network" there's a tiny little link, "Please click here to opt_out", that will free you from their electronic snooping.
Recall of Power Cord Sets Sold with HP Inkjet Printers
Longwell Electronics, of Brea, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 2.5 million power cord sets sold with inkjet printers from Hewlett-Packard Company. The connector can break, exposing electrical contacts and posing a shock hazard to consumers. No injuries or incidents have been reported. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The gray, two-wire power cord sets with a LS-7C connector were sold with the following HP printers: HP Deskjet 800 series and 900 series, HP Photosmart 1000 series, 1100 series, 1200 series, and 1300 series inkjet printers. The name "Longwell" is molded on the plug between the blades.
Department, computer, office and electronic stores including Best Buy, CompUSA, Costco, Office Depot, Office Max, Staples and Wal-Mart stores sold the printers with the Longwell cord sets nationwide between April 2001 and February 2002 for between $100 and $400.
Consumers should stop using these printers immediately and contact HP for a free replacement cord. For more information, consumers can contact HP at (877) 917-4378 anytime or visit the firm's web site at www.hp.com.
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May 2002
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Do you Yahoo??? Do you have a Yahoo email account, belong to a Yahoo group or use Yahoo financial services? If so, you should have already received an email notice about changes to their privacy and use policy. Yes, that's it, the one you didn't read. Did I read it? Boy do I need a life. One part really caught my attention and apparently the attention of many others. It states that when Yahoo adds new email lists to their site you will automatically be added to the list until you tell them you don't want it. Those of you who follow the web privacy game know this as an "opt-out mailing list" as opposed to not being on the list until you request it, known as an "opt-in mailing list".
As a follow up to the brief mention of facial recognition technology I provided last month, it was reported that during the fiscal year 2001 which ended June 30, the State Department and the Justice Department along with the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense spent a combined total of $10.7 million on this technology. Compare that to a combined total of $5.6 million for fiscal 1997... Did you know they were spending money on this in 1997?
Is your new Pentium 4 computer too slow? Don't fret, Intel has announced their new Pentium 4 chip code named "Prescott" shown running at 4.0 GHz and should be available in 2003. The Prescott chip increases performance through hyper-threading which is currently used in their new line of Pentium 4 processors for servers. Hyper-threading lets the computer process two concurrent application processes or threads with one processor.
Who Do You Belong To... Online that is. Unless you’re new to browsing the Internet, you know that most of what you do and the sites you visit are monitored and tracked. This data collection is what’s at the heart of most online privacy issues. While the use of personally identifiable information is limited by law and a privacy policy is required to be conspicuously posted, the ownership of this information is now in question. Online advertisers, advertising agencies and the web sites that provide the ad space battle it out as they try to standardized contracts for online advertising.
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April 2002
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Is your new Pentium 4 computer too slow? Don't fret, Intel has announced their new Pentium 4 chip code named "Prescott" shown running at 4.0 GHz and should be available in 2003. The Prescott chip increases performance through hyper-threading which is currently used in their new line of Pentium 4 processors for servers. Hyper-threading lets the computer process two concurrent application processes or threads with one processor.
Who Do You Belong To... Online that is. Unless you’re new to browsing the Internet, you know that most of what you do and the sites you visit are monitored and tracked. This data collection is what’s at the heart of most online privacy issues. While the use of personally identifiable information is limited by law and a privacy policy is required to be conspicuously posted, the ownership of this information is now in question. Online advertisers, advertising agencies and the web sites that provide the ad space battle it out as they try to standardized contracts for online advertising.
Someone out there hasn't updated their anti-virus software. How do I know? There are still major outbreaks of viruses dating back to the summer of 2000. So what's it going to take to keep these viruses from hanging around and making the Internet a Not-So-Safe place for business? I don't have the answer but there are many really smart people out there working on an answer. In the meantime we all have to be alert by paying attention to what we receive in our inbox and keep our anti-virus software up-to-date until something proactive can be developed.
By now most of you have heard of face recognition technology that cross_matches live video with a database of known criminals. Now work is under way to take it one step further with predictive software that will monitor and evaluate an individual's body language in order to judge whether he or she is about to commit a crime. Does the term “Thought Crime” ring a bell?
Remember that dream of a paperless office? Keep dreaming... Actually the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) XML Signature recommendation, developed in conjunction with the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a method of securing and verifying transmitted data that could help bring that dream to life.
For those of you who may be tired of my Anti-Microsoft ramblings or unsure of my “wait & see” attitude about Windows XP will want to skip this paragraph. It was recently reported by computer privacy and security consultant Richard Smith that Microsoft’s Windows Media Player for XP was capable of tracking which DVD movies were being watched and sending the information back to Microsoft. Smith went on to criticize Microsoft for not disclosing this “phone home” feature in the Windows Media Player’s Privacy Policy. This “feature” is on by default and there does not appear to be any option in WMP to stop it when a DVD movie is viewed. In addition, there does not appear to be any easy method of clearing out the DVD movie database on the local hard drive.
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Intel Ships Pentium® 4 Processor Operating At 2.2 Billion Cycles Per Second
Highest Performance for Music, Video and Photo-Intensive Applications
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 7, 2002 - Intel Corporation introduced its highest-performing Pentium® 4 processor ever, running at 2.2 gigahertz (GHz), or 2.2 billion cycles per second. Built using Intel's most advanced manufacturing technologies, the processor sets the stage for a new class of high-performance PCs that power increasingly popular digital music, photography and video uses, as well the latest applications being developed for the workplace.
Systems based on the Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz are available immediately from leading computer makers worldwide.
The 2.2 GHz milestone comes at a time when nearly 450 million people use PCs that run at 700 MHz or less. While those PCs were state of the art two to four years ago, they pre-date the MP3 revolution, streaming video on the Internet, recordable DVDs and the online gaming phenomenon. The most recent data from InfoTrends Research Group, Inc. shows that 33 percent of online households own a digital camera. By 2005, Forrester Research says that 92 percent of US online households will create and share personal multimedia content.
"People are making digital media a regular part of their lives, and the new technology behind the Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz makes those experiences better yet," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager, Intel Desktop Platforms Group. "This holiday season brought another surge in sales of digital cameras, and as consumers use such devices to record and share their lives with others, the highest-performing PCs enable the best experiences."
New Manufacturing Innovations Lead to Processor Performance
The new Pentium 4 processor is built on the semiconductor industry's most advanced manufacturing technology, Intel's 0.13-micron fabrication process, using highly-efficient copper interconnects. Using this technology, Intel was able to increase the chip's on-board memory (called level two cache) while reducing overall processor size by over 30 percent. With Intel's 0.13-micron process technology, it is possible to build circuits so small that 55 million transistors can be placed on each chip. It would take almost 1000 of these "wires" placed side-by-side to equal the width of a human hair.
Intel's 0.13-micron process technology features the world's fastest and smallest transistors (60 nanometer) used in volume production. These transistors are the foundation of the industry's highest performance microprocessors.
The Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz is the world's highest-performance desktop processor as measured by the SPEC CPU* 2000 benchmark running Microsoft* Windows* XP. The Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz delivers the world's highest Windows XP desktop processor score on SPECint*_base2000, with a score of 771. In addition, the Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz delivers a SPECfp*_base2000 score of 766.
Platform Innovation
Intel also announced that its popular Intel 845 chipset now supports DDR memory, providing the industry with a high volume DDR solution that delivers both high reliability and memory interoperability. With its 845 and 850 chipsets, Intel is now shipping the Pentium 4 processor in all performance and mainstream computing segments with a full range of platform solutions supporting all major memory technologies. The 845 chipset has supported SDRAM memory since it was originally launched in August of 2001.
Two new Intel Desktop Board products, the D845PT and D845BG, support the 845 chipset and DDR memory and have been shipping since December. Today Intel also announced two desktop boards (D850MVSE and D845BGSE) that support up to five USB 2.0 ports. The higher bandwidth connections available through Hi-Speed USB 2.0 capitalize on the faster processing power of the Intel Pentium 4 processor. The two boards are being launched in advance of Intel's introduction of a USB 2.0-integrated chipset that will arrive in PCs later this year.
Pricing and Availability
The Pentium 4 processor at 2.2 GHz, with 512KB level two cache, is available now and priced at $562 in 1,000-unit quantities. The Pentium 4 processor at 2.0 "A" GHz with 512KB level two cache ("A" signifies the 0.13-micron version) is priced at $364. Intel is also shipping boxed Intel Pentium 4 processors up to 2.2 GHz to distributors and system builders worldwide. The Intel 845 chipset sells for $39 in 1,000-unit quantities.
Intel and Pentium® 4 processor are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
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DeVilbiss Air Power Co. Announce Recall of Porter-Cable Portable Generators
DeVilbiss Air Power Co., of Jackson, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 600 Porter-Cable portable generators. A small hole in the generator's fuel tank, where it mounts to the frame, can leak fuel and pose a fire hazard to consumers.
DeVilbiss has received 10 reports of leaking fuel tanks, though no injuries have been reported.
The recalled gasoline-powered generators have the model number BSI550-W printed on the fuel tank between the handles. These generators also have the date code "09-10-01" printed on a bar code label on the gasoline tank support rail. The generators are red with a black fuel tank and have the brand "Porter-Cable" printed on the fuel tank.
Major home centers nationwide sold these generators from September 2001 through October 2001 for approximately $600.
Consumers should stop using these generators immediately and contact DeVilbiss Air Power Co. toll-free at (866) 422-4282 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday to arrange for a free tank replacement. For more information consumers can visit the company's website at www.devap.com.
Generators produced on dates other than "09-10-01" are not included in this recall.
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Computer Distributors Announce Recall of Batteries for Notebook Computers
Bizcom Electronics Inc., of Milpitas, Calif., Sceptre Technologies Inc., of City of Industry, Calif., and Systemax Inc. of Port Washington, N.Y., are voluntarily recalling about 13,000 batteries sold with notebook-style personal computers and individually. These batteries can overcharge during re-charging, causing them to overheat, smoke and possibly catch fire.
The firms have received two reports of minor property damage from the batteries overheating, smoking or catching fire in notebook computers sold to consumers. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled batteries were sold individually and with notebook computers under the following brand names | |
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