Microsoft Cautions Against Windows Xp Hack – Cnet

presented by Windows XP CNET Microsoft is warning XP users to steer clear of a hack that installs security updates despite the recent end of support for the aged OS. In a statement sent to ZDNet on Monday, Microsoft explained: “We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 .” As described by Betanews, the hack directs updates intended for Windows Embedded Industry and Windows Server 2003 to XP machines via a Registry change. But XP isn’t quite the same as Windows Embedded or Server 2003. Microsoft turned off the support tap for Windows XP in early April , which means the software giant will no longer provide bug fixes, security patches, or other updates for the OS. That cutoff puts XP users at risk, so it’s only natural that some would try to find a workaround to keep their XP computers secure. It’s hard to say exactly how prevalent XP remains 12 years — an eternity in the software world — after it went into service, but that version of the desktop OS may still account for between 18 percent and 30 percent of all Windows PCs, according to Web analytics firms. Microsoft says it has been warning users of the impending end to extended support for XP since the latter part of 2007. The subsequent Windows 7 is now the most widely used desktop operating system, and Microsoft is now pushing users toward the latest manifestation, Windows 8 . Microsoft has been working on temporary custom support options for larger businesses, whose many legacy systems and established processes often mean they can’t react quickly to software changes. For consumers wondering whether Windows 7 or Windows 8 will run on their existing PC or will support their current software, Microsoft offers a Windows Upgrade Assistant tool that will analyze a PC’s hardware and software to determine if it can handle a more modern OS.
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A Subscription for Microsoft Windows? (MSFT)

Enterprise customers are typically slow to upgrade software, especially operating systems, so for Microsoft a subscription-based Windows would avoid the trouble of having to sell new versions of Windows to its customers. Instead, customers would always have the latest version, eliminating the upgrade cycle altogether, and Microsoft would be relieved of the problem of reluctant upgraders. For enterprise customers, the cost of Windows could be spread out over time instead of making large, discrete payments at every upgrade. The success of Office 365 shows that this payment model is appealing to a significant number of enterprise customers, so it’s really no surprise that Microsoft plans on offering a subscription version of Windows as well. What about consumers? While a subscription version of Windows seems like a good idea on the enterprise side, the consumer side is a different story. With alternatives like Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG ) (NASDAQ: GOOGL ) Android tablets and Chromebooks, Windows PCs have more competition than ever before. The changes made in Windows 8 compared to Windows 7 certainly didn’t help the perception of the Windows operating system in the minds of consumers, but being forced to pay a subscription fee would do far more damage. While we have no details at all about how Windows 365 will work or even a confirmation that it exists for that matter, I suspect that Microsoft is slowly moving toward offering a free version of Windows for consumers. This is purely speculation, of course, but Microsoft could offer a basic version of Windows 9 (or whatever the next version of Windows is called) either for free or for a very low cost. It couldthen charge a subscription fee for the more advanced features that are typically found in the professional versions. Since Microsoft derives most of its profit from enterprise customers, the hit from giving away basic Windows to consumers wouldn’t be all that dramatic. In the most recent quarter, the commercial segments generated $9.9 billion in gross profit, growing by 6% year-over-year. The consumer segments, in contrast, generated just $4.7 billion in gross profit, down slightly year-over-year. While the consumer side of things certainly isn’t irrelevant, the bulk of both Microsoft’s profits and growth are coming from the enterprise. Part of the problem is competition from tablets and Google’s Chromebooks.A free version of Windows would make low-end Windows devices more competitive. A Windows laptop can already be bought for $300, but a free version of Windows could drive this price down into Chromebook territory. Chromebooks priced as low as $200 are routinely among the top-selling laptops on Amazon, so while they may not quite be mainstream devices, they are picking up at least some market share at the low-end.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/05/27/a-subscription-for-microsoft-windows.aspx

A Subscription For Microsoft Windows? (msft)

Enterprise customers are typically slow to upgrade software, especially operating systems, so for Microsoft a subscription-based Windows would avoid the trouble of having to sell new versions of Windows to its customers. Instead, customers would always have the latest version, eliminating the upgrade cycle altogether, and Microsoft would be relieved of the problem of reluctant upgraders. For enterprise customers, the cost of Windows could be spread out over time instead of making large, discrete payments at every upgrade. The success of Office 365 shows that this payment model is appealing to a significant number of enterprise customers, so it’s really no surprise that Microsoft plans on offering a subscription version of Windows as well. What about consumers? While a subscription version of Windows seems like a good idea on the enterprise side, the consumer side is a different story. With alternatives like Google’s (NASDAQ: GOOG ) (NASDAQ: GOOGL ) Android tablets and Chromebooks, Windows PCs have more competition than ever before. The changes made in Windows 8 compared to Windows 7 certainly didn’t help the perception of the Windows operating system in the minds of consumers, but being forced to pay a subscription fee would do far more damage. While we have no details at all about how Windows 365 will work or even a confirmation that it exists for that matter, I suspect that Microsoft is slowly moving toward offering a free version of Windows for consumers. This is purely speculation, of course, but Microsoft could offer a basic version of Windows 9 (or whatever the next version of Windows is called) either for free or for a very low cost. It couldthen charge a subscription fee for the more advanced features that are typically found in the professional versions. Since Microsoft derives most of its profit from enterprise customers, the hit from giving away basic Windows to consumers wouldn’t be all that dramatic. In the most recent quarter, the commercial segments generated $9.9 billion in gross profit, growing by 6% year-over-year. The consumer segments, in contrast, generated just $4.7 billion in gross profit, down slightly year-over-year. While the consumer side of things certainly isn’t irrelevant, the bulk of both Microsoft’s profits and growth are coming from the enterprise. Part of the problem is competition from tablets and Google’s Chromebooks.A free version of Windows would make low-end Windows devices more competitive. A Windows laptop can already be bought for $300, but a free version of Windows could drive this price down into Chromebook territory.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/05/27/a-subscription-for-microsoft-windows.aspx

China Bans Use Of Microsoft’s Windows 8 On Government Computers – The Economic Times

technology company that has long struggled with sales in the country. ET SPECIAL: Save precious time tracking your investments BEIJING: China has banned government use of Windows 8, Microsoft Corp’s latest operating system, a blow to a US technology company that has long struggled with sales in the country. The Central Government Procurement Center issued the ban on installing Windows 8 on Chinese government computers as part of a notice on the use of energy-saving products, posted on its website last week. The official Xinhua news agency said the ban was to ensure computer security after Microsoft ended support for its Windows XP operating system, which was widely used in China. “We were surprised to learn about the reference to Windows 8 in this notice,” the company said in a statement. “Microsoft has been working proactively with the Central Government Procurement Center and other government agencies through the evaluation process to ensure that our products and services meet all government procurement requirements.” “We have been and will continue to provide Windows 7 to government customers. At the same time we are working on the Window 8 evaluation with relevant government agencies,” Microsoft said. Neither the government nor Xinhua elaborated on how the ban supported the use of energy-saving products or how it ensured security. China has long been a troublesome market for Microsoft. Former CEO Steve Ballmer reportedly told employees in 2011 that, because of piracy , Microsoft earned less revenue in China than in the Netherlands even though computer sales matched those of the United States. Last month, Microsoft ended support for the 13-year-old Windows XP to encourage the adoption of newer, more secure versions of Windows. This has potentially left XP users vulnerable to viruses and hacking. “China’s decision to ban Windows 8 from public procurement hampers Microsoft’s push of the OS to replace XP, which makes up 50 percent of China’s desktop market,” said data firm Canalys. DON’T MISSany stories, follow ET Tech on Twitter Follow
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Many Still Can’t Download Windows 8.1 From Windows Store

Grandmastersexsay , November 11, 2013 9:02 PM Quote: Bought a new HP laptop last week with 8 installed. Downloaded updates for 3 hours, Windows store didn’t work, after another 4 hours of a god awful interface and resting my windows password then my account still failing in the windows store gave up and installed Ubuntu. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t easy at first but it definitely felt more like Windows 7 then Win8 did. Some things like networking and installing my wireless printer were incredibly easy, some things like updating my graphics drivers were time consuming due to the number of libraries I had to download first. It sure isn’t perfect, WINE has qwirks, but I STILL prefer it to Windows 8. Sorry, hate me if you must, but Microsoft lost me and did this to themselves. As much as I would like this to be true, I have to call BS. No one is switching to Linux if they initially wanted to transition from Windows 8 to 8.1. No one would want 8.1 and prefer Ubuntu over 8. It just doesn’t make any sense. If you preferred Ubuntu over 8, you wouldn’t want 8.1. Softpedia is still trolling Microsoft’s forums Do you mean trawling? Because I’m pretty sure they’re not deliberately antagonising forum users…
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.tomshardware.com/news/update-windows-store-windows-8.1-download-bsod,25041.html

Many Still Can’t Download Windows 8.1 From Windows Store

Grandmastersexsay , November 11, 2013 9:02 PM Quote: Bought a new HP laptop last week with 8 installed. Downloaded updates for 3 hours, Windows store didn’t work, after another 4 hours of a god awful interface and resting my windows password then my account still failing in the windows store gave up and installed Ubuntu. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t easy at first but it definitely felt more like Windows 7 then Win8 did. Some things like networking and installing my wireless printer were incredibly easy, some things like updating my graphics drivers were time consuming due to the number of libraries I had to download first. It sure isn’t perfect, WINE has qwirks, but I STILL prefer it to Windows 8. Sorry, hate me if you must, but Microsoft lost me and did this to themselves. As much as I would like this to be true, I have to call BS. No one is switching to Linux if they initially wanted to transition from Windows 8 to 8.1. No one would want 8.1 and prefer Ubuntu over 8. It just doesn’t make any sense. If you preferred Ubuntu over 8, you wouldn’t want 8.1. Softpedia is still trolling Microsoft’s forums Do you mean trawling? Because I’m pretty sure they’re not deliberately antagonising forum users…
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.tomshardware.com/news/update-windows-store-windows-8.1-download-bsod,25041.html

The Ultimate Windows Update | Cpa Practice Advisor

First Steps The first thing, obviously, is back up all client data; do a restore to assure the backup is valid; and store it offsite in a safe location. Failure to do so will be perceived as a violation of the Federal Trade Commissions mandate with respect to securing client data. That done, there are two tools that will ease the transition process to new hardware and operating systems. Then it is time to determine how well your existing hardware will work. If you are still using Windows XP, the answer is that at least some of your hardware will not have drivers to operate under more current operating systems, and certainly not under the 64-bit versions of the software. Here are three basic resources: What are the system requirements for Windows 8? Armed with this information, you can decide what you wish to upgrade from and to. If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you will need to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8 (well, actually the Windows 8.1 Update, which appeared on April 8, 2014). If you are running Windows 7 you are under less duress, as you can remain there for a few years yet. There are, however, some good reasons to go ahead and make the upgrade to Windows 8. Windows 8 has evolved a bit in the past two years, and with the April Update has become almost the operating system we want it to be. That is, there is now an option to boot directly to the old, familiar desktop, and better navigation with the mouse and keyboard. But this is just the starting point. Toward the end of 2014, Microsoft will release another free upgrade, Windows 8.2, and in April of 2015, a new Windows 9.0. Windows 9.0, for the record, is purported to be a complete re-write of the operating system. Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Update It only makes se4nse to make this the year that you upgrade to Windows 8.x if for no other reason than free future upgrades and enhanced security capabilities that will comply with standards that are being re-written, more stringently enforced and audited. Here are the steps: Conduct an audit of all hardware and software. Its a good job for a summer intern, particularly if you can find a local college student working toward an IT degree. Then determine which pieces of each will need to be abandoned, upgraded or replaced. This will provide a base line for the cost of upgrade while giving the firm the opportunity to assess its IT needs today and into2015. Keep a nervous eye on your primary accountant and tax software. While virtually all accounting and tax software vendors are keeping pace with Windows development, not all may be adept at the security, portal, backup, document management and client collaboration tools. For these, it is helpful to pick up the IRS Publication 4557 , Safeguarding Taxpayer Data: A Guide for Your Business and Publication 4600 , Safeguarding Taxpayer Information: Quick Reference Guide for Business, which summarizes Publication 4557. Upgrade in late summer and early fall, but then hold. While Windows 8.2 should be out at years end, that is too uncomfortably close to next tax season to be making wholesale changes to equipment and operating systems. Do what you can until Thanksgiving, then wait until the following May to make further changes. I have long been a critic of Windows 8, and am still not certain that Microsoft can pull off its planned smartphone/tablet/PC hat trick. But the signs are promising enough that I am using Windows 8 in its native mode in order to root out the changes that actually took place with the Upgrade. More on that as we have things to report. Reality Check Nuance Power PDF Advanced. (http://www.nuance.com/company/news-room/press-releases/Nuance-Power-PDF.docx). Nuance, better known for their voice recognition software, has an active document management division that has produced a viable alternative to Adobe PDF Creator. Its a version designed more for the needs of accounting firms than most of the PDF converters in the marketplace, with the ability to download PDFs as word documents and fill in PDF forms. But youll want the $150 advanced version to get the full set of features. Microsoft OneDrive (see http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/office/forum/office_2010-word/office-default-save-to-local-folder-not-sky-drive/5a0a1384-cf1c-430e-a513-0a3a17b7700a). Do not, repeat, do not use Microsoft Office 13 in its default configuration without turning off that softwares automatic saves to their OneDrive cloud storage. There are many reasons this is the case, not the least of which is that the consumer version of OneDrive does not meet the security standards of either the Federal Trade Commission or the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, both of which are binding on accounting firms. Backlit Ergonomic Keyboards. There are none. Apparently, keyboard manufacturers have decided that only teenage gamers need to see their keyboards late at night (which makes one wonder who prepares their taxes?). There needs to be a backlit ergonomic keyboard, and appears to be enough pent-up demand to justify at least an initial productions run. Perhaps when Microsoft stops trying to be Google, they will produce one. I will buy several Password Keepers. Ive tried dozens of these things, and not one of them has worked well. Of course, there is a password storage system built into both the Windows and McIntosh X operating systems, but it is pretty rudimentary. On the other hand, most of the commercial products I have tested seem unfinished, crippled, or simply too complicated to do what they need to do. I welcome dissenting opinions. USB 3.1 Type C. We barely had a chance to get used to the standard USB3.0 before the better, faster version came along, but this is one to approve of. Its major feature: it has no up or down, so when you are fumbling in the dark to plug in a smartphone or tabletyou can get it right on the first try. No more painting a dot on the correct side in glow-in-the-dark paint (though save the paint to dab on the connection point of the device, so you can find where to plug the cable into.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/article/11386145/the-ultimate-windows-update

Download Kinectimals Unleashed Xbox Game For Your Windows 8/RT Device For Free | WMPoweruser

by kevgallacher 07 May, 12:35 PM { I have start8 installed and it looks and feels exactly like Windows 7 when using the desktop with mouse and keyboard. There are different setting … } Does Windows Phone suffer from the bad reputation of Windows 8? by Malcolm Williams 07 May, 12:31 PM { If more OEMs push Windows Phone… We had an OEM that made Windows Phone their priority for almost 3 years. Windows Phone grew to 3% … } The WMPoweruser.com Forum Windows error May 9, 2014 keeping it simple is the best way to do thingshttps://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Hl-cSBmWFRm9TEExeaE9nZRNMxzZXbDx_T00cibluUk/preview/sheet?gid=0https://doc [] NewYorkEvents – Keep track of events as they happen in Big Apple May 9, 2014 “NewYorkEvents” is a WP8 application that is very useful to keep track of Theater and Other Events (like Jazz, Comedy, Dance, Classical, for Childrene [] Contacts Edit May 7, 2014 can anyone tell me how to edit contacts in windows phone 8.1? Forum: Windows Phone Software [] [New Game] Momentum, a physics-based puzzle game May 6, 2014 Hello everyone, we have just launched Momentum, a game where the player uses the phone’s accelerometer to control gravity and to solve puzzles.Please take [] SmartMusic for OneDrive name has changed to MusicConnect May 5, 2014 SmartMusic for OneDrive has changed to MusicConnect for OneDrive.MusicConnect (previously SmartMusic) is an innovative OneDrive music / audio player that mainta [] Few updates has been released during last week:Version 1.3- New: Colors, Digits, Letters modes- New: Game background is solid black color.Version 1.2- Fixed: P [] The largest independent Windows Phone community Featured Apps Gin Rummy, play for FREE for Windows Phone! Play online multiplayer Bingo for FREE! Free, Live Tile support for Word Of The Day and so much more. Why NOT try it out? Set up reminders with only two taps. Supports also text reminders and voice reminders. Download the best puzzle game in WP7 Marketplace for FREE! Super Polygon – Hypnotic Music Rhythm game FREE Every day, get great app deals from Windows Phone developers pushed to you! Quick Tiles, a fully featured live tile editor for Windows Phone.
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One Windows: What To Expect From The Next Big Windows Update | Opinion | Softonic

Hot on the heels of the release of Windows 8.1 Update 1, the rumor factory is in full… Publisher After one update, another follows swiftly in its wake. Hot on the heels of the release of Windows 8.1 Update 1 , the rumor factory is in full swing forWindows 8.1 Update 2, Windows 8.2, and Windows 9. Here’s an overview of the half-truths we know already. The next update: Windows 8.2 or Windows 8.1 Update 2 According to recent media reports, Microsoft is planning another update for Windows 8, to be released in August 2014 . Whether it’ll be released as Windows 8.2, or Windows 8.1 Update 2, is still unclear. Once again, the source of the rumors is the Russian hacker group WZor , which has already attracted attention in the past with its accurate predictions. Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet, who has contacts in Microsoft, has also talked about a further update for the summer. Little is known, however, about the expected innovations. At the BUILD conference , Microsoft demonstrated Windows Store apps (Metro Apps) in windowed mode, and a fully functional Start menu . According to WZor, the future Start menu will work differently on touch screen devices compared to regular Desktop PCs. Other sources speak of a Start menu design optimized for swiping on touch devices. As Mary Jo Foley reports, if possible, Microsoft plans to offer both innovations in the August update. Technically, that should be easily achievable for the Start menu: the technology is not new, nor is it particularly complex. In windowed mode for Windows Store Apps, things already look rather different.
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Windows Xp Support Ended 8th April

Windows XP support ended 8th April
 
Windows XP support ended 8th April
Time runs out for Windows XP
By Kate O’Flaherty | PC Advisor | 08 April 14
The time has arrived: Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP and there won’t be any patches or updates available.
But many businesses are still to upgrade. In fact, it is estimated that up to 30 per cent of desktops are still running the outdated operating system.
If you are one of the smaller businesses that is still running XP, your time has run out. If you don’t act today, your systems could be infected with an influx of attacks, such as drive by downloads and zero day hacks.
If you continue to run XP, you will also have to pay for Microsoft to continue to support you. Estimates are that this could amount to around $200 per PC each month.
What to do now
If you are still running XP, you have probably made sure you are patched until now. It is also a good idea to look at additional security products from other vendors.
On top of this, it is advisable to identify machines running XP and isolate them from the network where possible. This means if the machine is compromised, attackers won’t be able to access your network.
Although effective, these options are just prolonging the inevitable. It’s time to get the ball rolling. Microsoft says upgrading from XP can take up to 30 months. However, small businesses that use Dell services can make the process quicker, easier and cheaper, often halving the time taken to upgrade.
What Windows 8 can do for your business
By upgrading to Windows 8, Microsoft’s most comprehensive overhaul of its operating system yet, firms can increase their productivity and efficiency. This is made possible by enhanced mobility and apps to suit businesses of all sizes.
Now the April 8 deadline has arrived, it can not be denied: time really has run out for XP. The operating system is now extremely vulnerable to attack, making it urgent to upgrade.
This article is brought to you by the Windows XP Migration zone , in association with Dell
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