14 DAY TRIAL // The battle for the best antivirus for the latest operating system developed by Microsoft continues as more and more companies are promoting the software solutions as the ones able to increase Vista's security. Most of them proved to be useless applications including even the Redmond-based company's tool, Windows Live OneCare. As you might know, OneCare was placed among the weakest programs in a recently-conducted test that revealed some unexpected results: the most popular antivirus tools were beaten by quite anonymous utilities that discovered most of the threats. However, Kaspersky Labs are now claiming that their antivirus is the most efficient security program for Windows Vista as Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0 has been certified under both Desktop/Server Anti-Virus Detection and Anti-Virus Cleaning Criteria for Microsoft Windows Vista.
"We are glad to see that such a respected organization as ICSA Labs has confirmed the effectiveness of protection provided by our flagship product for platforms based on Microsoft's latest operating system. The ICSA Labs certificate is further proof that Kaspersky Lab solutions are an optimal choice for Windows Vista users," said Alaxey Tal, Kaspersky Lab certification manager on Monday.
As usual, you can download the latest version of Kaspersky Internet Security for free straight from Softpedia.
On Tuesday, the security concerns about the Microsoft updates were again raised by the security companies after a new threat was rolled out on the Internet. According to F-Secure, a fake Microsoft update that addresses a critical vulnerability in Windows operating system, was sent to numerous customers of the Redmond based company. Signed by Microsoft and containing technical language, the message was encouraging users to download a fake Windows update that was actually an infected file able to harm your computer.
"Microsoft has now released a critical update for Windows 98/2000/XP and Vista and it is very important that you download it. We urge you to update your Windows operating system with the patch attached, to prevent malicious users from compromising your systems security," the fake message was sustaining. "The technical jargon used, however, might confuse normal users. The sample contained in the link is now detected as Backdoor:W32/VanBot.CA since 2007-05-28_05. Updates are always good, but in this case, also keep your virus definitions updated," F-Secure described the threat.
Obviously, you're advised to keep your antivirus solution up-to-date. If you want to download a security solution you can find one on Softpedia.
On Wednesday, the battle between Microsoft and Apple was moved to another level as the Cupertino company released a Windows version of the famous Safari, the Mac OS X browser, that is described as the perfect replacement for Internet Explorer. Apple's CEO Steve Jobs sustained that Safari for Windows is better than Internet Explorer and Firefox because it managed to record impressive loading times in comparison with the two browsers. However, the debut of the application wasn't as good as Apple expected because, after only two days since the launch date, the Cupertino employees were forced to release an updated version to patch critical security flaws discovered by the users.
"We think Windows users are going to be really impressed when they see how fast and intuitive web browsing can be with Safari," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "Hundreds of millions of Windows users already use iTunes, and we look forward to turning them on to Safari's superior browsing experience too."
Although Safari clearly disappointed its users with the security flaws, Apple sustained that the browser recorded no less than 1 million downloads. If you want to download Safari for Windows, you can take it for free from Softpedia.
On Thursday, Microsoft made a new important step forward towards the promotion of the Windows brand as it decided to offer Windows Home Server for free for all registered members. Obviously, the operating system is not freeware for an unlimited period of time because it has a 30-day limitation that allows you to test it and form an opinion about it.
"Today we opened up the Windows Home Server Beta program to everybody and anybody that wants to take a look, test it, or sleep well at night knowing that their PCs are automatically being backed up every night. Sign up and you are in!!" Todd Headrick, the product planner for the Microsoft Windows Home Server, said. "If you wish to participate in Windows Home Server evaluation program and/or to participate in the Code2Fame Challenge, you've come to the right place. Thank you for your interest in Windows Home Server," it is added on the official page of the program.
"When you try to play the World of Warcraft game by Blizzard Entertainment on a computer that is running Windows Vista, you may receive an error message that resembles the following: Display driver stopped responding". This is the error that caused frustration among the WOW fans because the video card drive is not compatible with Windows Vista so they are not able to play the famous game. In this matter, the Redmond-based company decided to update the support for most of the Windows Vista operating systems on Friday including Home Basic, Business, Starter and Ultimate.
"Click Start, type dxdiag in the Start, Search box, and then click dxdiag in the Programs list. The DirectX Diagnostic Tool opens. In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, click the Display tab.The video card's name and the video card's manufacturer are listed under Device. The driver version is listed under Drivers. Update the video card driver. To download an updated video card driver, visit the following Blizzard Entertainment Web site," Microsoft tried to resolve the issue.
