Cisco Can't Deny DoS Attacks

Critics like to argue that Microsoft's security is worse than a Barney Fife jail cell. But a quick glance around shows that nearly every piece of hardware or software has flaws.

Take Cisco: Its hardware has been stung by an unrelenting swarm of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. Where Microsoft patches each and every month, Cisco rolls it patches out only twice year.

Early last week, Cisco put out 11 advisories that are well worth looking into for security-conscious network pros.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 28, 20091 comments

Windows 7 More Compatible

The success or failure of a new OS has way more to do with compatibility than it does with hot new features or smokin' performance. A lack of apps has given Linux on the desktop less market share than Moxie soda, and it was only after the Mac got real file interchange that it became truly viable for business.

That's why Microsoft is pulling out all the stops to help Windows 7 run as many programs as possible.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 28, 20093 comments

An Eternal Digital Life

I hate to keep bragging about ideas I've had in the past, but in this case I must. Twenty years ago, while I was editor in chief of Amiga World magazine, we built a monster machine capable of storing and editing a couple of hours' worth of broadcast video. It was impressive at the time.

That made me think about what could be done with nearly unlimited storage. First, I thought one could digitize everything that comes over the TV and watch shows whenever you want. Sounds like a TiVo to me. I blew that one.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 25, 20095 comments

Windows 8 Clues Emerge

Microsoft is a better master of the press leak than Deep Throat. A smidge of information turns into a bushel of articles -- such as this one. All Microsoft has to do is post a few jobs and do a quick interview, and suddenly we're all excited about Windows 8. (Hey, I'm happy just to have 7.)

Microsoft watcher extraordinaire Mary Jo Foley is once again in the forefront with this Windows 8 news. According to this longtime Redmond magazine columnist, Windows 8 will have a more secure kernel and vastly improved management hooks.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 25, 20092 comments

Does CNN Get Microsoft?

I lost total respect for CNN when it abandoned coverage of the protests in Iran in favor of wall-to-wall coverage of the King of Pop. Not one CNN journalist publically protested this egregious lack of journalistic judgment. (Anderson Cooper's hair would probably turn white if he heard me saying this, but it's true.)

Now CNNMoney has the audacity to question whether Microsoft is still relevant, just because Larry Ellison asked the question in some artificially provocative speech.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 25, 20094 comments

Dell Confronts Consulting Envy

If you're a large IT hardware vendor, you just have to have a large IT consulting arm. IBM built its own over the decades, HP bought its way into consulting with EDS, and now Dell is joining the crowd by buying Perot Systems. (H. Ross Perot is batting two for three here!)

Posted by Doug Barney on September 23, 20090 comments

Those Who Can't Work Teach

The state of Georgia has unemployed IT folks just like our other 49 states. Georgia Tech isn't taking it lying down, and is training laid-off techies to teach computers to high schoolers.

Sounds like a fine idea. There's nothing better than a teacher with real, practical experience.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 23, 20091 comments

Windows 7 Over the Mac?

Longtime Microsoft follower Joe Wilcox, who uses both Mac OS X and Windows 7, makes this rather startling claim: "I get about 30 percent to 40 percent more work done using Windows 7 than either Leopard or Snow Leopard."

Joe may get more out Windows 7, but 30 to 40 percent more productive? That sounds pretty steep. I replaced a barely functioning XP laptop with Windows 7, and even though the old machine froze more than a Ben & Jerry's assembly line, I'm only about 8 percent more productive now.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 23, 20098 comments

Pick a Topic, Any Topic

It may be only September, but we at Redmond magazine are already thinking about next year and need to build our editorial calendar. Help us by sending broad topics and specific ideas to [email protected]. You may even see your suggestion on our cover!

Posted by Doug Barney on September 23, 20091 comments

Microsoft the Third Strongest Brand. Really?

Every year, BusinessWeek puts out a list of the world's strongest brands. Microsoft always hovers near the top and this year finished on the podium with a solid third-place finish. Sugar-water purveyor Coca-Cola is No. 1 and technology rival IBM came in second.

I'm a bit surprised about IBM. Sure, it's roughly double the size of Microsoft. But most consumers don't have any IBM gear. Meanwhile, even many Mac users still run Office (like all three of my kids; I should know -- I paid for the license). Microsoft touches almost all of us.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 21, 200910 comments

Malvertisements

I, like 100 percent of PC users, have come across ads that when clicked (or often when they're not) start up some bogus virus scanner and try to get you to shell out hard-earned cash to solve problems you don't actually have.

Now thanks to Microsoft, there a word for this stuff: malvertisements. And Redmond's legal eagles are going after a handful of companies responsible for these scams. Go get 'em, I say.

Posted by Doug Barney on September 21, 20093 comments

7 for $30

Apple has always been strong in the educational market, but over the last decade-and-a-half, Microsoft has bitten deep into Apple's share with cheap software.

Now that the Mac is gaining overall market share, Microsoft is fighting for students with cheap versions of Windows 7 for as little as $30. You can't even get a one-quarter keg of cheap beer for that amount!

Posted by Doug Barney on September 21, 20095 comments