Sierra Corporation, IT Services and Support

June 2009 Newsletter

New Flaw Found in Microsoft DirectShow (5/29)

-affecting Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003

Microsoft has reported (5/29) a critical flaw involving its’ DirectShow platform (quartz.dll) when processing QuickTime format. The vulnerability is not in IE or other browsers, however, according to a Microsoft post at its Security Response Center, "a browser-based vector is potentially accessible through any browser using media plug-ins that use DirectShow." It is possible that an attack could be executed in the background just by visiting a malicious page. No patch is out yet, but a quick “Fix it” is available to temporarily disable Windows parsing of QuickTime files -

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971778

HP Laptop Battery Recall: Risk of Notebook Fire

70,000 lithium-ion batteries used in HP and Compaq notebook computers have been recalled due to the potential of overheating and catching fire. The batteries have been sold separately and together with notebook computers between August 2007 and March 2008.

• HP Pavilion Laptop Battery: for Models dv2000, dv2500, dv2700, dv6000, dv6500, dv6700, dv9000, dv9500, dv9700
• Compaq Presario Laptop Battery: for Models A900, C700, F700, V3000, V3500, V3700, V6000, V6500, V6700
• HP Laptop Battery: for Models G6000, G7000
• HP Compaq Laptop Battery: for Model 6720s

For further information and to validate your battery, visit HP’s site at -

http://bpr.hpordercenter.com/hbpr/M14.aspx

Vista Service Pack 2 Released (5/29)

Features -
• Blu-ray support
• Bluetooth v2.1 support
• Improved Wi-Fi performance when resuming from sleep mode
• Performance improved with Vista desktop sidebar gadget – permits RSS feeds to perform better
• Increases power management efficiency by 10 percent
• Supports exFAT permitting larger files and UTC timestamps to synchronize files across different time zones
• Support for VIA Technologies’ new 64-bit CPU

Vista SP1 must already be installed before installing Vista SP2. If you were previously running the beta version of SP2 you will need to remove it before installing SP2. It can be downloaded from Microsoft’s website -

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a4dd31d5-f907-4406-9012-a5c3199ea2b3&DisplayLang=en

Or

According to Microsoft, it will be sent automatically via a Windows Update in a few weeks.

Hulu Releases Desktop Version of Video Site (5/28)

Hulu Desktop is a free download which will allow you access video straight from your desktop without a browser needed (you will need Flash installed). Currently, it is only available for Windows PCs and Mac; not supported on Linux or other consumer electronic devices. It can run full screen and even works with Windows Media Center remotes and Apple remotes.

Download Hulu Desktop -

http://www.hulu.com/labs/hulu-desktop

Zune HD by Microsoft

Expected to be out in the Fall is Microsoft’s Zune HD. Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, reportedly had a prototype of the Zune HD with him at The Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference in Carlsbad, CA (May 26-28). Zune HD is expected to have not only high-definition video, but high-definition radio as well. Some of the features it will have - HD radio receiver, HD video output, OLED touch screen, tap-to-zoom functionality, wifi, web browser, landscape and horizontal screen display modes, virtual qwerty keyboard. Microsoft is also saying it will integrate the video service into Xbox Live.

Check it out here on YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7GAGL9TH8&feature=player_embedded

MyPhoneExplorer

MyPhoneExplorer is a software compatible, which is a freeware tool providing added features for most SonyEricsson phones. We used it to help a client backup and save SMS text messages.
• Adress book - with direct sync to Outlook, Windows contacts, Thunderbird, GMail, Lotus Notes and Tobit David
• Organizer with calendar view and direct sync to Outlook, Sunbird, Thunderbird, Windows calendar(Vista), Rainlendar, Lotus Notes, Google, Tobit David and net shared calendars (WebDAV, FTP, local)
• SMS - archive, export, import, excessive messages,...
• File browser with cache system to minimize data transfer, automatic photo sync...
• Set phone clock based on atom time
• and much more i.e.: call lists, edit profiles, control phone, memory status, phone monitor,...

It can be downloaded for free at the following site -

http://www.fjsoft.at/en/downloads.php

Microsoft Announces New Search Engine - Bing