Is Windows 7 Security full proof?

Posted in Computers on November 27th, 2009 by Computers

Microsoft’s Windows 7 is the most secure version from the ’s desktop operating system. The company had updated various security options while transitioned from Windows XP to Windows Vista. But, in the recent Windows 7, Microsoft has enhanced those security features and adds some new features as well in the operating system. The company also incorporates users’ feedback to make the security features intuitive and user-friendly.

Recently, the company’s security intelligence report has published, which states that there are various enhancements in security from Windows XP to Windows 7. But, also report few missing apps.

Here are few things that Microsoft got right with Windows 7 security:

Core System Security
Microsoft has developed Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) for Windows 7, which offers a strong foundation against malicious software and . Like Vista, SDL features Kernel Patch Protection, Data Execution Prevention (DEP), Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Mandatory Integrity Levels. It is reported that ASLR makes it difficult to access the core functions reside in the memory. It means that each time you boot your system; libraries are transferred into random memory addresses. Further, DEP saves the storage areas that are specifically intended to hold data.

BitLocker-to-Go
In Vista, Microsoft had developed BitLocker drive encryption, which was only capable of encrypting the primary operating system volume. But now, in Windows 7, the company has included the ability to encrypt data on USB thumb drives. Today, USB drives can store GBs of data therefore enhancement of BitLocker for such drives has increased the security features of the operating system. But, to start BitLocker Drive Encryption, users’ disk volumes should be configured properly.

8
Users can also download the Microsoft’s latest web browser for other operating system, but analysts said that with the launch of IE8, Microsoft started taking browser security seriously. The new updated version has a new protection tool called SmartScreen, which offers anti-phishing/anti-malware URL filtering as in Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.
Further, IE8 highlights the actual domain of the URL in bold on the address bar.

UAC (User Account Control)
UAC, was introduced in Vista, allows firms to deploy the operating system without granting administrator access to users. In windows 7, Microsoft introduces more flexible interface for UAC. In the settings, user can configure its UAC among four levels of protection, ranging from “Always Notify” to “Never Notify.”

Where Microsoft misses the bus?
However, various developers suggest that few things are missing in the new Operating system and said that the company can take some ideas for Windows 8.

Windows Firewall
Microsoft has been incorporating personal firewall protection into the operating system since the launch of Windows XP. But, experts complain that it only restrict inbound traffic, but, did not allow checking or filtering traffic outbound from the Windows PC. However, Microsoft has addressed that in Windows 7, but experts said that the company has lot to do for a right balance between security and performance.

Hidden File Extensions
In Windows 7, the company maintains to hide the names of file extensions by default. The idea is that it does not want to confuse the users with details like ‘docx’, or ‘xls’, or ‘mp3′. But, analysts said that by knowing the extensions, users can demarcate “exe” files from other general formats.

XP Mode Virtualization
Microsoft has introduced the virtualized version of Windows XP called “XP Mode” through which Windows 7 users can run programs that are not compatible with the new operating system. But, the security concern is that the XP environment in the machine is not protected like the Windows 7 security controls.

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DirectAccess Takes the Place of VPN For Windows Seven

Posted in Computers on November 26th, 2009 by Computers

Microsoft has unveiled Direct Access for Windows 7 and 2008, remotely connecting users to their office as if they were right there. Establishing bi-directional connectivity with the user’s enterprise network, this solution keeps them connected to their office, forging a connection whenever the user’s PC – provided it’s enabled by Direct Access – is connected to the internet.

As the transforms, with the information age evolving quickly, the needs of an organization change accordingly. Increasingly, employees are working from remote locations, the advances in affording them the ability to work from an off-site location – home, abroad, etc.

The mobility of our has led to the success of those companies driving our economy, with new technologies permitting the uninterrupted of employees whose presence in the office is no longer a necessary component in the operations of an efficient and profitable enterprise. By 2011, the number of remote workers is expected to have increased by 30.4 percent (IDC, “Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2007-2011 Forecast,” Doc #209813, Dec 2007).

While technology has contributed to an outgrowth of wireless communication, with the internet providing the for those advances, corporate security – namely, firewalls – obstruct the accessibility of those resources which are native to an office. This poses a number of problems, not the least of which being access to the network from those IT professionals tasked with managing the corporation’s network.

In the past, VPN (Virtual Private Network) has been the solution employed for that purpose. However, as any IT professional will tell you, the use of a VPN can be complicated. VPN requires users to wait for , a process that can see the end user waiting for what has commonly amounted to several minutes. If is lost, the VPN connection will be lost, requiring the user to repeat the process. With the only available alternatives providing even less functionality and more problems to overcome, VPN has become the de facto solution, its issues notwithstanding.

Surmounting the challenges inherent to VPN, Direct Access instantly creates a bi-directional link between the user’s computer and office’s network. Using Windows 7, the Direct Access client detects its connection to a network. The Direct Access client will then connect to an intranet website designated during the initial configuration of Direct Access. The process is seamless and automatic. Unlike VPN, which requires with each use, Direct Access authenticates the PC before the user even attempts to access the network.

Simpler to use than VPN, the efficiency of Direct Access is a boon to the of an enterprise’s . With a transparent connection to their corporate network, employees will no longer find themselves enduring the bothersome process that has soured many on the use of VPN. Using Direct Access, the information on their work network – intranet, applications, file-shares – is accessible wherever the employee can access an internet connection for their portable computer, not just from their home connection.

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Canadian Address Database Helps Immigrants Better Adapt to the Country

Posted in Computers on November 25th, 2009 by Computers

An address database can be a godsend to persons who are new to a country. This is especially true for Canada where immigration is an important part of the country’s development. Can you imagine being in a new place and having no idea how to find even basic facilities such as a hospital or a restaurant? Adapting to a new country, its culture and accents can be a for anyone. As such, anything that can help make this process easier is welcomed. Moving around in large cosmopolitan cities such as exist in Canada can be terrifying and confusing for persons from small countries. Many of the new immigrants to Canada come from countries where everyone basically knows how to find everything they need. This is not so in Canada, and can be especially tough for older adults who generally lack the adaptability of teens and younger adults.

What is an Address Database Base?

An Address Database Base is simply a database of addresses. In many cases, such as with the Canadian Address Database, there are more than just addresses. The database contains directions for various businesses and . Many address databases can be quite comprehensive. With the availability of GPS systems and other internet sources, an address database can be useful for immigrants moving to any country, but especially a large one such as Canada.

Why an Address Database can Help Immigrants

Since the Canadian Address Database contains a large number of business locations, immigrants can use it to move around. This tackles one of the major challenges faced by immigrants in any country. No one wants to have to be constantly asking for directions to somewhere can make it harder for to fit in to a new country. This also labels the person as a newcomer. This could be psychologically difficult for the immigrant to handle on a .

In addition to giving addresses and directions, such a database also makes it possible to know correct postal codes for mail. Canada is a large country and it will take time for an immigrant to know all the postal codes without help. In any new environment people need to be able to learn fast and get things done on their own a lot faster. As well, such a database is also useful in that Canada as it also maintains what is known as the “Canadian National Change of Address” list. This in effect keeps a history of people and businesses that have changed addresses for 36 months, therefore finding businesses and people will not become too frustrating even if they have moved.

Canada is known for being immigrant-friendly and maintaining an address database is just one of the many aspects of helping immigrants adjust to the new environment. The government understands that immigrants need to be assimilated into the country quickly and easily so they can settle in to their new home. The easier the process is, then the sooner they can begin making their contributions to economic development. There can be no doubt that the Canadian Address Database serves a useful purpose in helping immigrants more readily adapt to living in the country.

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Protect your Liquor Store with IP Camera Surveillance

Posted in Computers on November 24th, 2009 by Computers

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

Unfortunately, liquor stores have a high susceptibility to theft and shrinkage. However, using a proper IP camera surveillance system can prevent a great deal of this loss from occurring. A properly installed, state of the art surveillance system will protect your business from internal and external theft.

Benefits to your Liquor Business of a Surveillance System

1)Reduction of Employee Theft- In addition to consumer theft and other forms of criminal activity, surveillance systems provide help in the reduction of employee theft. Both cash register theft and merchandise theft can be reduced and even prevented with the installation of this surveillance system.

2) Loss Prevention- When an IP camera surveillance system is utilized within your liquor store, retail theft, cash register theft and shrinkage are drastically reduced.

3)Crime Investigation- In the event that a crime or theft occurs within your liquor store, the from your surveillance system can often prove helpful in the apprehension of the suspects.

4)Consumer Confidence- Visible can provide consumer confidence in the safety of your liquor store. And, consumer confidence can positively impact your bottom line.

Why you should Install an IP Camera Surveillance System within your Liquor Store

If you are still on the fence about whether to install a surveillance system within your liquor store, consider the following advantages:

1) Simple Installation- The IP camera surveillance system is wireless, making installation simple and easy. And due to fewer wire requirements for full installation, the cost is affordable.

2) Recording Function- The IP camera offers the ability to review live streaming or previous recorded information over the Internet, from anywhere in the world.

3) Control Features- The IP camera system can be controlled virtually, allowing the to make changes as necessary to their without having to be physically present within their location.

4) Intelligent Surveillance- The IP camera system offers the ability to have record only functions operational.

5) Notification Functions- The have the ability to notify you through email, SMS, and FTP in the event that motion is detected within your liquor business

6) Motion Detection- Many come available with built in motion detection features

Installation of your IP Camera Surveillance System

Now that you have made the decision to install the IP Camera Surveillance system within your liquor business, you need to determine what the best camera locations are to increase your level of security.

Here are some of the areas to consider for installation of your :

1) Near each of your cash registers

2) Your store room

3) Your parking lot or your parking garage

4) Your delivery or loading areas

5) Near all of the exits and entrances of your business


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IP Cameras in Traffic Environments: Advantages, Risks and Configuration Advice

Posted in Computers on November 24th, 2009 by Computers

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

In today’s fast paced world, it’s more important than ever to have proper traffic and road video surveillance. One of the best options are which function as a closed video surveillance system but have the additional feature of being able to work online. can be set up along busy roads and intersections on the highway. They can record traffic patterns and keep speeding down.

Additional Benefits to Traffic

1) Law enforcement tools: can be used to enforce speeding laws and ticket those who violate the traffic rules.

2) can be used to view live traffic from anywhere in the world. This can aid both commuters and traffic investigators who are monitoring the roads. With live recording, the cameras can be streamed to the television or Internet web browsers and radio for instant updates and up to the minute reports.

3) are able to record video to a remote PC over the internet. In road accidents, this is a valuable investigative advantage.

4) work with intelligence surveillance where they record only on motion.

5) can also encourage safe driving as no one wants to be caught speeding and pay the fine.

6) With and Power Over Ethernet, there is no need for cables and this lowers wiring costs and installation time. In fact, some cameras come with a wireless option so there is only a wiring need for power.

7) If something does hit the IP camera, there is an automatic motion detection which begins recording and sends out automatic SMS and emails. is that traffic monitors will know if someone hit the pole and caused an accident even before the ambulance is called.

8) come with control pan/tilt/zoom features so you can view all corners on the road and all traffic directions.

Risks and Recommendations with

1) The Weather Aspect: no one can control how the weather will turn out and sometimes heat, wind, rain and snow can have damaging effects on video surveillance cameras. However, these cameras are made durable and resistant to most weather conditions.

2) When it comes to traffic surveillance set up and configuration, it’s always best to consider the major roadways in the area, especially the problem areas.

3) Also consider when the traffic is the heaviest and where people are most likely to speed or run a red light.

4) Make sure all the intersections are covered, especially the troublesome areas.

5) Some come with flash or light night recording sources which can be a big help, especially considering many accidents occur at night after a long day of driving or a night of drinking

6) With an IP camera you can tilt the camera to ensure it hits the license plate of your offenders

7) It’s also a good idea to use environmentally controlled housing enclosures to protect against the various weather risks


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