Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Come on China…Knock it Off!!

The White House is on the warpath…this time its against China and their attempts to break into the computer systems of U.S. firms. That should scare the hell out the Chinese! Yea, right. There is no fist in that glove. Well, it makes for good PR and good reading. 

I tried to limit my stories about Microsoft and Windows in this edition, since I blasted them so hard last time. But I could not resist this one story…how Microsoft reminds us so much of the Republican Party…trying to expound on long dead issues while the world has moved on. It’s a good comparison.

Two more Microsoft boo-boos made headlines this week…the EU is fining them almost $800 million for failing to offer a browser ballot that is supposed to be in all new Windows operating system sold in Europe. It was their originally, but disappeared 18 months ago. Microsoft said it was their fault. Stupid mistake.

The other goof-up was Microsoft bought a company in Denmark that the government of that country says owes $1 billion dollars in back taxes. So Microsoft is on the hook for that. Due diligence anyone? So there is nearly $2 billion dollars of Microsoft money down the toilet. Amazing!

Well enough the boys from Redmond. Let’s take a look at the big stories that might be of interest to you. - JRC

White House Calls On China To Cease Cyberattacks On U.S. Firms

The White House called upon China to address three points: crack down on Chinese hackers; come to the table for talks on global standards; and recognize the severity of the problem.

Security will get worse before it gets better

One day we will get the safer Internet we deserve. The question is: How much more damage needs to occur before we that happens?

Patch Tuesday: Microsoft to fix four critical flaws, all versions of IE at risk again

Prepare your systems (and a strong pot of coffee): Patch Tuesday is on deck for another month. Microsoft will release patches for seven security vulnerabilities, four of them considered 'critical.'

Why Microsoft Is Like The GOP

Call me stupid, but with a lame duck board, the only solution might spring from shareholder dissatisfaction and rebellion. That is extreme but it might, in the end, offer the only chance for Microsoft to rebound.

Cloud haters: You too will be assimilated

It seems some of you find the cloud ... threatening. Well, I got news for you, Cloud Haters. The cloud is coming for you whether you like it or not. The cloud cannot be stopped. Your data and user experience will be assimilated.

Facebook's Revamped News Feed: What's New?

Facebook took the wraps off a new News Feed, which gives the social network a more contained, organized look while also providing the option to drill down on things like photos and games.

Google now redirects Picasa Web Albums to Google+ Photos

It's another nail in the coffin for Picasa Web Albums as its URL now brings users to their photo albums on Google+. But you can get back to Picasa very easily.

LibreOffice 4.0 is out - Is it Right for YOU?

Within the Suite you get Writer (MS Word Replacement), Calc (MS Excel Replacement), Impress (MS PowerPoint Replacement), Base (MS Access Replacement), Math (no MS equivalent) and Draw (MS Visio and Publisher Replacement)...all free.

Loads of Troubleshooting Help From Microsoft, All In One Place

If you're having a problem on your PC, you probably start by searching for the solution with Google. However, a better route might be to go straight to Microsoft's web site. The trouble, if course, is knowing where to start.

Free Computer and Internet Audiobooks and Courses Online

This is a listing of sites that legally offer free audiobooks within the Computers & Internet genre. There is also a listing here of Places For Free Computer & Internet eBooks Online.

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