Vista: More Secure – OS X: Better Commercials

Posted on June 28, 2007 by Alvin Trusty

According to CSO Online, Vista is the most secure desktop operating system available.  Here is the full report.  The graph below shows how Vista compares with XP, Red Hat, Ubuntu, SUSE and Mac OS X.

Three months ago there were skeptical comments concerning the way each OS was installed before the vulnerability testing (see 90 day report).  Some users stated that extra components not used by most users were causing the problems.  The six-month study shows two separate graphs – one with a full install and one with a reduced build.  The chart above shows the reduced build.  Clearly all versions of Linux have more problems than XP or OS X.  OS X has a slight advantage over XP when it comes to high severity vulnerabilities while OS X has twice an many total vulnerabilities as XP.  If you read the report you will see that Apple takes significantly longer to repair problems than Microsoft does.

It is good to see that Microsoft has finally gotten it right with Vista.  Even Steve Gibson says Vista will probably end up being the most secure desktop OS ever.

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Efficiency Tip #65 – Shift-Delete

Posted on June 28, 2007 by Alvin Trusty

Deleting a file can take a while.

1 – Select the file.
2 – Delete the file.
3 – Yes – I do want to delete the file.
4 – Right-click the Trash can and select Empty Recycle Bin
5 – Yes – I am sure I want to empty the Recycle Bin

Here is a way to avoid steps four and five.  At step two press Shift-Delete.  You will get the “are you sure” message at number three, but the file skips the recycle bin and is gone for good.

Be cautious when you use this shortcut.  Sometimes the recycle bin can be a nice safety net for files that are accidentally erased.  At other times it is painful extra step.  To get your file back after a Shift-Delete, you will need a disk utility. 

TSPY=0.29

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Efficiency Tip #64 – Network Properties

Posted on June 27, 2007 by Alvin Trusty

Today, it is rare to find a computer not connected to a network.  Keep your network properties in view all the time by placing its icon in the notification area.

networkproperties.png

To do this, go to Network Connections in the Control Panel.  Right-click your network connection (Local Area Connection for wired – Wireless for Wireless).  The graphic above will pop up.  Check the Show Icon box highlighted in the graphic.  You should also check the Notify Me box so that problems generate a warning.

Now your network status will always be in the bottom corner of your screen.  If your DHCP server has a problem, your wire becomes disconnected… or any other problem occurs, you will see a warning instantly.

TSPY=0.50

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Web 2.0 Backpack: Web Apps for Students

Posted on June 26, 2007 by Alvin Trusty

It looks like it is already time to start thinking about going back to school.  Here is a nice list of student applications using web 2.0 technologies.

Web 2.0 Backpack

There are quite a few on the list I have not heard of.  Nine of them are mind mapping applications and wikimindmap isn’t on the list.

For some reason, Google is included but not Google Scholar.  Anyone else using a web 2.0 application with students?  I use Scuttle for class work, but point student to del.icio.us for personal use.

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Efficiency Tip #63 – Volume Control

Posted on June 26, 2007 by Alvin Trusty

volumecontrol.pngOn my desktop computer I use the volume knob on my speakers to control the sound level.  On my laptops I can’t do that.  For quick access to the volume I have placed the volume icon in the taskbar.

 To do this, open the Control Panel.  Double-click Sounds and Audio Devices.  When the Properties window opens, check the box in front of Place Volume Icon in the Taskbar.  This will place the icon in the taskbar.  At any time click the icon once and the volume slide bar (pictured above right) will appear.  If you double-click the icon the advanced volume control window will open.  This will let you adjust individual components – CD, Wave/MP3, Line-In and Microphone.

If you are ever in a meeting and your computer suddenly plays a loud sound, you can quickly turn it down.

TSPY=1.29

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