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The 64-bit version of Windows (7) is more secure

Below are some excerpts from The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report.  I thought some of the information in it might help in understanding what types of protection are available for computers (that use the Windows disk operating system).

Note that the 64-bit version of Windows 7 is the most secure of the Windows operating systems, for the reasons that I have been stating in defense of Microsoft:  third-party developers and manufacturers who do not build to the design specifications requested by Microsoft…risk causing the operating system to be unstable.

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The Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR) focuses on software vulnerabilities, software vulnerability exploits, malicious and potentially unwanted software, and security breaches. Past reports and related resources are available for download at http://www.microsoft.com/sir

Infection rates for the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 are lower than for the corresponding 32-bit versions of those operating systems….Kernel Patch Protection (KPP), a feature of 64-bit versions of Windows that protects the kernel from unauthorized modification, may also contribute…

Windows Defender is a program that is available at no cost to licensed users of Windows that provides real-time protection against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats caused by spyware and other potentially unwanted software. Windows Defender runs on more than 100 million computers worldwide.

The Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a free tool that Microsoft designed to help identify and remove prevalent malware families from customer computers. MSRT is primarily released as an important update through Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Automatic Updates. A version of the tool is also available from the Microsoft Download Center…MSRT is not a replacement for an up-to-date antivirus solution…

The Windows Live OneCare safety scanner (http://safety.live.com) is a free online tool that uses the same definition database as the Microsoft desktop anti-malware products to detect and remove malware and potentially unwanted software. The Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is not a replacement for an up-to-date antivirus solution…

Microsoft Security Essentials is a basic, consumer-oriented anti-malware product, offered at no charge to licensed users of Windows, which provides real-time protection against viruses, spyware, and other harmful software.

The SmartScreen filter in Internet Explorer 8 and 9 offers Internet Explorer users protection against phishing sites and sites that host malware…When a user attempts to visit a site in the database with the filter enabled, Internet Explorer displays a warning and blocks navigation to the page.

 

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Cobra bluetooth mono and stereo headsets for phones

I have long been a fan of products from Cobra…I’ve used many, many of their CB radios.  (Oh, yeah…I still remember my license issued to me from the FCC…)

I like headsets.  I mean REAL “headsets”.  Always have.  Their boom microphones are much better at gathering sound from the mouth…because they’re directly in front of it.  And, they can ignore ambient noise.

mono
CBTH8

The Cobra CBTH8 Bluetooth Headset also has noise-cancelling technology.  Talk-time is up to 20 hours long, and standby-time can be as much as 400 hours (that’s at least 16 days).  It charges via a USB port, and a 12 volt car adapter is included.

OK…so maybe you’re more of an “earpiece person”…

The Cobra CBTH5 goes beyond that by providing mono…AND stereo…capability.  It can be used as a mono, one piece unit…and an extra earpiece is included that attaches to the main transceiver to provide stereo functionality.

Talk-time and music-streaming time is up to 5 hours; standby-time is up to 300 hours (at least 12 days).  This bluetooth unit weighs only 0.40 ounces.  It charges via a USB port, and a 12-volt vehicle charger is included.

CBTH5

UPDATE:

I posted this review on 2011 June 1…today, June 28.  I noticed that the CBTH5 is opening:  the casing at the rear/back of the device has seperated.  And, it will no longer power-on.

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Acoustic guitar with USB port, and software for recording

Paring electronics with musical instruments has been going on for a long time.  But this was the first of its kind I’ve seen…

The Jammin Pro USB Acoustic 505 has built-in “toys” and features:  a chromatic tuner with LCD display, a pre-amplifier with a four-band equalizer, XLR out port, and a 1/4-inch jack out.

A 5-foot long USB cord is included.  A 9-volt battery must be inserted into the guitar for it to work with a computer…Windows recognized the guitar in the Recording section of the sound properties as a “Microphone – USB PnP Audio Device”.  I was able to record using Sound Recorder (in Windows)…

Initially, using the tuner, I was unable to correctly tune some of strings:  it indicated that the strings were tuned…but I wanted to check with another source (because it’s been months since I’ve tuned a guitar).  I used http://www.howtotuneaguitar.org to get into the general neighborhood of the tones/octaves.  When doing so, I feared I was tuning the strings much too tight…but after ignoring that feeling I found that once I was in the general area of proper tone, the tuner on the guitar helped to get the strings pitch-perfect.  (I’m just long out of practice…)

A copy of MAGIX Music Maker SE (http://www.magix.com/us/music-maker/) is also included for recording from the guitar.

I think this makes a great gift for someone who is interested in learning how to play the guitar, and those who are interested in creating music.

Jammin Pro has suggested that purchases be made from participating retailers (such as http://www.bhphotovideo.com, http://www.teptronics.com, and http://www.midtownsounds.com).

 

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TRENDnet USB 3.0 external hard drive enclosures

Want to use an old hard drive…or have more storage available…and take advantage of the new, faster USB speeds?

The TRENDnet TU3-S35 3.5” USB 3.0 External Enclosure supports all current USB speeds: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, USB 1.1, and USB 1.0.  Many factors must be taken into consideration for the possibility of data to be transferred at up to 5 Gbps.  As is posted on their website:

“Data is transferred over USB 3.0 connections at up to 5Gbps. However actual data throughput may be significantly affected by choice of hard drive, computer system architecture, CPU loading, and other factors.

“USB 3.0 super speeds are based on compatible operating systems.”

(So far, I have not had an opportunity to configure the proper combination of hardware and software to get anywhere near 5 Gbps throughput.)

The enclosure is 5.25 x 1.5 x 7.75 inches (133.35 x 38.1 x 196.85mm).  SATA I and II drives of up to 2 TB are compatible.

To my surprise, I found that…to open the enclosure…a small Philips screwdriver is needed.  There is no notice on the packaging of this, but it does state that “hard drive mounting screws” are included (which need a larger Philips screwdriver).

The housing is made of aluminum, and there are large vents are on the front and rear.

Included is a 110 volt AC to 12 volt DC (2 amperes) power adapter, a 6 foot (1.8 meter) long USB 3.0 Type A to Type B cable, and a stand that will allow for the drive to sit vertical.

It’ll work with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems.

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TRENDnet also has a USB 3.0 enclosure for 2.5-inch drives:  the TU3-S25 2.5” USB 3.0 External Enclosure.

A 2.5-inch SATA I or II hard drive, or a Solid State Drive (SSD), can be used.  Drives up to 2 TB are supported.

The enclosure can be used with Windows, Macintosh, and Linux operating systems.

(Again:  “Data is transferred over USB3.0 connections at up to 5Gbps. However actual data throughput may be significantly affected by choice of hard drive, computer system architecture, CPU loading, and other factors.”)

It uses a USB 3.0 Type Micro-B port.  A 1.5 foot (0.5 meter) USB 3.0 Type Micro-B cable to Type A cable is supplied.

Note that a power supply is not included…it is expected that the drive will be powered by the USB port.  In the past, I have had problems with external hard drives, and enclosures, that…because the USB port did not supply enough power…an external power supply was needed.  A power port is available on the device, and I checked the support section of the TRENDnet website for more information, but did not find any about using external power supplies with this enclosure.  I searched the internet, and also did not find any information.  If a situation arises where one is needed, I assume their support division and/or Helpdesk might be able to assist with locating a compatible power supply.

A Philips screwdriver (smaller than those needed for the TU3-S35) will be necessary to complete assembly.

 

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Mother’s Day is May 8th! A couple of ideas…

 

May 8th is Mother’s Day!  (You’re welcome…)

Is your mother into tech?  Well, we have a couple of ideas for you.  OK…chicBuds does…

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The chicBuds RockBuds DJ Sport Headphones are black, fold for carrying and storage, and have an adjustable headband.  They use a 44 mm driver.  The length of the cord is 1.5 meters.  A 3.5 milimeter stereo plug is at the end of it, and a 1/4-inch adapter is included.

 

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The chicKiss Bluetooth Wireless Headsets are decorated with Swarovski Crystals for that classy, sassy look.

It comes in two colors:  white, and pink.  An over the ear hook is included, as is three silicon gel tips (XS, S, and M).

A wall adpater charger is supplied for the rechargeable headset.  The standby time can be as long as 200 hours, and talk time up to 6 hours.  The cord for the charger had a plug on it so it can be charged via a USB port, also.

Though intended for use with a wireless telephone, I was able to use it with my computer.