September 2008 Archives

Just got the word that Microsoft is going to increase prices on software they license to non-profits.  Non-profits, including churches and ministries, have long benefited from deeply discounted prices on Microsoft products.  It is not clear yet whether this increase is across the board or for select product lines nor is it clear how much prices will be going up. 

Yesterday I became acquainted with a new-to-me resource that bailed me out with a client. 

My client, though thoroughly protected by Trend Micro's anti-virus / anti-spyware solution, was infected by a shiny new virus that hit the streets yesterday.  This virus masquerades as an antispyware / antivirus solution that begins complaining that you have been infected and attempts to induce you, with great persistence, to click OK to allow it to "clean" your system.

My new friend's name is Malware Byte.  It was the only product I could find that could tell me how to rid myself of this nuisance.  Naturally I was wary of downloading a tool to remove a virus that masqueraded as a tool to remove a virus, but...  the reviews I came across in my rush to determine its safety were stellar.

I'm not advocating that you throw out your current security solution and run for this one, but it's certainly a good tool to have in the toolbox.  Even better it is free.  They have a paid version as well, which I'll take some time soon to review.

Have you had any experience with this product?

OK, I admit it, I'm not always the brightest bulb.  As a visual learner I've often struggled with understanding things that I can't see.

Just today I was trying to understand some new concepts in Microsoft Server 2008.  Between all the marketing "enhanced" terminology and efforts to create slick acronyms, reading up on new feature / functionality can get tricky.

I've learned that a quick search on Youtube often dramatically cuts my learning curve.  Today I did a search on Presentation Virtualization and cut out a lot of confusion as it pertains to what I need to know about this technology.  In record time I was able to grasp the concept with enough understanding to relay it to others. Of course if they don't understand my explanation, I know where to send them.

By the way, naming something with two words comprised of 10 sylables and each ending in "tion" shouldn't happen.

Sure, Youtube is a social thing, and sure there is a lot of garbage out there, but there are also some very practical and helpful videos available that can dramatically ease your learning curve.