Date: 03/21/05 (Open Source)    Keywords: software, microsoft

Microsoft's anti-interoperability license has been rejected by the European Commission. (That's the same EC that's bullying through the anti-competitive patent directive.) That's good news for open source, and anyone who's looking to migrate away from the Redmond behemoth, or simply run a mixed shop with open source software and Microsoft ...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/index.php?p=198&part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdblog

Date: 03/23/05 (Security)    Keywords: web, linux, microsoft

Microsoft-funded study concludes that companies that install Linux-based Web servers run greater risks than those that use Windows.

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/Linux+riskier+than+Windows%3F/2100-1009_22-5630822.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

Date: 03/23/05 (Open Source)    Keywords: security, linux, microsoft

Whenever I see a study I look at who sponsored it. Take this for example. It's a study from Security Innovation Inc. claiming Linux servers are less secure than those running Windows.Are you surprised it was sponsored by Microsoft?I wrote such papers in a previous life and believe it or ...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/index.php?p=203&part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdblog

Date: 03/23/05 (Computer Help)    Keywords: virus, antivirus, web, spyware, microsoft

i apologize in advance because i know this will turn into a lengthy post, as i have searched high and low for the answer(s) to my problem.. and found several solutions, some of which contradict each other.. and i am at a loss.. literally. since my computer will no longer boot up.

my issue is this.. i receive this error msg when i try to start up my computer (hp,running on windows xp home edition):

1) winlogon.exe entry point not found. Procedure entry point AssocIsDangerous could not be located in dynamic link library SHLWAPI.dll. When I click on "ok" or the "x" , I get

2) Logon user interfce dll msgina.dll failed to load. This restarts computer back to the first error. I cannot get past this.


from what i have read... several ppl have had this issue after doing some sort of windows update on xp dealing with service pack 1 i think it is. however, i thought i had a virus since my computer was all sorts of acting up (saying low on memory, going reaaaally slow, and my internet explorer would not revert back to homepage and obvious adware, etc)...

so i decided to uninstall and reinstall internet explorer.. hoping it would at least help for a bit so i could run my spyware/adware programs to get rid of some of it (i have netscape as backup).. so i do that, and i go to restart my computer and this happens.. it will not even boot in safe mode.

i then go out and get norton antivirus, hoping this will get my "virus" and i create some emergency disks.. only to find there is no virus at all.. and after some more research i learn it is a microsoft problem.

i guess i will get to my real point out of all of this. has anyone else had this issue or known someone with it before? what did you/they do to fix it? i have heard of using the XP cd to boot into Recovery Mode to fix the corrupted files.. and then i've read not to go into Recovery Console at all because that will mess it up? i really do not know.

Also, my other big issue is that.. i do not have my XP nor a factory restore cd or anything. my computer came with it previously installed.. and anyone else in the house either had the same or has no idea where it is. so i'm stuck. i can make emergency boot disks from the microsoft website..however, it says at the end of the instructions that to finish the set up, i will need the cd anyway. any suggestions? thank you so much in advance!!

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computer_help/361535.html

Date: 03/24/05 (Java Web)    Keywords: microsoft

Microsoft is finally getting it! When will other companies realize that meetings are a surefire way to frustrate your best workers. A recent survey conducted by Microsoft corp finds that workers average only three productive days per week and lays the blame on among other things, unproductive staff meetings. 69% of the 38,000 people surveyed considered meetings [...]

Source: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/humans-found-to-be-generally-unproductive/

Date: 03/24/05 (Open Source)    Keywords: technology, microsoft

Mass market endorsements can have a powerful 'bandwagon' effect. (The illustration and headline come from The Band Wagon starring Fred Astaire. ) The bandwagon effect can validate decisions. It can encourage defections.Such campaigns are older than technology, and right now Microsoft is aiming just such a pitch at users of ...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/index.php?p=206&part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdblog

Date: 03/25/05 (Open Source)    Keywords: microsoft

In his interview last week with our own David Berlind Microsoft open source strategist Jason Matusow (right) articulated a new open source concept I call negotiable source.Negotiable source means you can negotiate for some open source rights and the responsibility that comes with them. As Matusow wrote in his own ...

Source: http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/index.php?p=207&part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdblog

Date: 03/27/05 (Asp Dot Net)    Keywords: html, asp, java, security, web, microsoft

I want to develop the following site over the next few days: http://www.damn-them.com/

The problem that I face is that I have installed a copy of Windows XP Home edition and there is no IIS. Considering that I cannot view (let alone compile) any ASP.Net code the DotNet IDE without IIS, I cannot develop the above site on my current operating system. I wish that I could find an ASP.Net compiler online. As the development of Damn-Them is embryonic, either a VB.Net or C# ASP.Net compiler would suffice. If I do not resolve this problem quickly then I am going to trot to the pub. There is no chance that I will perform any reinstallation.

I found a possible solution (below). However, I do not have those files that it asks for:


General HOWTO for running IIS in Windows XP Home Edition.


by Richard Sandoz - Certified Java Programmer


(1) locate and edit the file C:\WINDOWS\INF\SYSOC.INF


(2) locate a section called [Components]


(3) find a line like this:
iis=iis.dll,OcEntry,iis.inf,hi­de,7


(4) change it to this (the iis cab in the i386 xp home folder looks to
be nothing)
iis=iis2.dll,OcEntry,iis2.inf,­,7


(some sort of ms caching thing keeps sticking back iis.dll when I try
to nuke it. quickly renaming and making hidden dir called iis.dll
seems to thwart, but not worth it, so iis2.dll is good enough)


(5) I grabbed the iis.dl_ and iis.in_ from win2k advanced server cd.


I would guess similar techniques would work from W98, FP, etc.
Use "EXPAND IIS.DL_ IIS2.DLL" from a command prompt
Same for IIS2.INF, place IIS2.INF in C:\WINDOWS\INF and IIS2.DLL in
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\SETUP


(6) Now when I did "add windows programs" from the control panel's add
new programs,


I had IIS options and I could even check em off. yippee - could not
check em off from my xppro cd :(((


I just went with the defaulted ones though (all i needed was iis web
server)


(7) It will prompt you for files. Get em from MS XP Home CDs, Adv
Server CDs, C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\INETSRV, C:\WINDOWS\I386, etc. (It will
tell you the file it needs, you just need to have a searcher going,
probably the CDs will have all you need)


(8) You can get to your IIS from Control Panel's Administrative
Programs.
I stuck in an index.html file and reconfigure IIS to work like this.
No go :(((
I right clicked on my inetpub folder and did something with shared
folders. No go :(((
I looked at the event viewer and saw the error of my ways.
Go to IIS and goto Directory Security tab and click Edit button and
Browse for the user setup on my laptop.


(9) Yippee, hello world from http://localhost


I won't support this solution unless paid to. I am an out of work
developer looking for work.


I bought a Toshiba 5005 laptop which came with XP home.
I then bought Win XP Professional.
I have bunches of CDs from when I was a MSDN subscriber.
From a general search on the internet I found contradictions.


Microsoft says you need professional XP to do IIS period.
q310090 was yanked from their site which had the "workaround" for
this.


When I tried to setup XP upgrade to pro, my laptop rebooted and hung
on an xp logo with an animated graphic.
I have verified this to be the case with others as well. Upgrading to
xp pro isn't an option for this laptop.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/aspdotnet/29843.html

Date: 03/28/05 (IT Professionals)    Keywords: microsoft

Does anyone here know if you can do an in-place migration of Exhcange 5.5 to Exchange 2003? Microsoft's site is a bit sparse on documentation for 2003. I know you can do one for 2000, but I'm upgrading to 2003. I really don't want to use ExMerge exclusively for this thing.

thanks.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/itprofessionals/9207.html

Date: 03/30/05 (Security)    Keywords: microsoft

Jeffrey Lee Parson, teen convicted of writing variant of MSBlast worm, won't have to pay restitution to Microsoft.

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/Microsoft+drops+MSBlast+writer%27s+%24500%2C000+penalty/2100-1009_22-5646709.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

Date: 04/01/05 (Computer Geeks)    Keywords: microsoft

Issued by Microsoft Corporation

Our children are our future. And our future is important; it is something that is priceless. That’s why it is important for us no matter the cost to make sure our children can grow up in a safe and clean environment. But often kids go off the right trail. There could be many reasons such as using Mozilla Firefox, OpenOffice.org, or listening to music in Winamp rather than Windows Media Player. But none is as dangerous to teens as using a Macintosh.

It is a critical time for your family once you suspect – or know – that your son or daughter is using a Macintosh. This can be difficult to deal with, and sometimes the situation gets worse before it gets better. There may be many arguments, tears, and broken promises.

Know that many other families have had to work through these difficult times just like you. They have been in your shoes and may even be able to help you at this point. The most important thing is for you to take action on your child’s behalf the first time that you suspect Macintosh use. Don’t make excuses — your teen’s future lies in your actions right now.

Here are some suggested conversations for you to practice before you have the talk:

You’ve got a problem and I need to talk to you about it…
Parent: I love you and I’m concerned about you.
Teen: Huh?
P: It’s hard for me to start this conversation, because I never imagined I’d have to and also because you might be upset with me.
T: So don’t.
P: Believe me, I’d rather not! But I have a genuine worry about you and your Macintosh use.
T: What?
P: I’m pretty sure (or very sure) you are using Macintosh. I’m going to ask you to come clean with me and tell me what’s going on.
T: Nothing.
P: Well, my job just got harder. I was hoping that you would be eye to eye with me, but I see I have to get “parental.”
T: Why? You don’t have to if you don’t want. I sure don’t want you to.
P: I have to because it is my job to make sure you are safe. Your OS use puts you at risk.
T: For what?
P: For being in dangerous situations like word processing, for having a lifetime OS abuse problem, not to mention that it only has one mouse button.
T: So what?
P: You may remember that we have a “no Macintosh” policy in this family.
T: (silence)
P: You have broken our policy, and so there are consequences.
T: Like what?
P: We are rolling back your social life until we can be sure you are no longer using.
T: That is so stupid. You can’t.
P: We can and we will. That’s our responsibility: to make sure you are healthy and strong. We don’t believe you can be your best if you use Macintosh, so we are going to help you to stay away from it until we are sure you can help yourself.


You’ve disappointed me and broken our rules. Here’s how we’re going to help you.
Parent: We are so disappointed in you, we hardly know what to say.
Teen: What are you talking about.
P: You have been using a Macintosh.
T: No I haven’t.
P: We know you have. And there have been a number of times in the past couple of weeks, when we’ve noticed something is terribly wrong. Now we know what it is.
T: What are you talking about?
P: We don’t know how long this has been going on, but it must stop now, because we feel we are losing you. You have had a total personality change—you don’t seem to care about anything anymore…school work, your job, our family, even keeping yourself clean! We know you are supposed to be growing and changing. But there is a difference between healthy and unhealthy change. The changes we see are very unhealthy and we’re going to help you get them under control so they don’t destroy your life and your future.
T: I don’t care about my future.
P: That is clear to us, and one of the reasons we are so disappointed. Remember when you did …(use a positive example of behavior from the past)?
T: That was when I was a baby.
P: But you had something: a purpose… (or a talent, a special ability, a quality) which has gotten clouded over by your OS use. And you certainly won’t be able to develop your potential in such a clouded state. We still believe in you. So we’re going to help you bring that gift you still have back into focus. The first step will be to give up using Macintoshes. Our rules and consequences are going to be very firm, because you have broken them. But in the long run, the rules are going to help you get back to being yourself. And you are going to be so proud of yourself! You will be proud of two things: for bringing back your special abilities and for beating the Macintosh dependency.


Do you want to tell me what’s going on?
Parent: I’m sensing that something really serious is going on in your life. Can you tell me what is happening to you?
Teen: I don’t know.
P: That’s not like you to not know. With the events of the past couple of weeks/ months I know that something is different, could you tell me about it?
T: No.
P: There have been so many changes. Do you see the changes in yourself?
T: Yeah.
P: I’m scared about the changes I see. Why do you think they are happening? (At this point, if the teen says he/she is scared or even a little worried, consider this a major victory! The next step would be either 1. Make a pact with your teen that he/she will follow the rules and that you will help by being vigilant about rules and consequences, or 2. Set up a meeting for treatment and/or counseling so that you both can get help about your concerns.)
T: I’m not worried, that’s so lame.
P: I guess I’m going to worry for both of us right now. Do you know that I love you?
T: I don’t care.
P: Well, part of my worry is that I am responsible for you, part is my instinct to protect you and part is just that I care so very much for you.
T: So what.
P: So, that makes it very important for me to set up rules and situations so that you will be protected and cared for. But I feel like I’m going to need help to do this, because my protection hasn’t worked too well so far. I’m going to suggest that we go to a treatment center where they help families deal with these problems.
T: I’m not having a problem.
P: Well, our family is having a problem with you. And you are having a problem following our rules.
T: Maybe I should just leave the family.
P: No way! We love you and need you to be part of us…We just want every member to be healthy.
T: (Storms away)
P: (In non-threatening tone) I’ll let you know the date of our first meeting.


In each of the following examples, the teen is upset. As a parent, you will probably feel provoked by your son or daughter’s response. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for you as a parent NOT to get hooked into the feeling, and not to get upset. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT for you to stay calm and on task. One way not to get upset is to take a deep breath and relax yourself, another way is to imagine you are dealing with them as you did when they were an infant: you tolerate their crying, but maintained your cool. Do what you need to do to stay calm.

What to say if your teen says: "Get out of my face, why are you always coming down on me?"
“Wow, you are right. This shouldn’t be a fight at all. I intend to come down on your Macintosh habit, but I don’t intend to attack you personally. Let me start over again and get us started on the right track.”

“This parenting stuff is so hard! You are scaring the heck out of me and it’s making me feel like I want to challenge you. I wish we could work together on this problem---would you be willing to work with me?”

“I feel that your Macintosh use is so dangerous that I have to come down hard. I will let up as I see you gain some control over it yourself. Maybe we could figure out together what signs would show that you are handling this really serious problem.”


What to say if your teen says: "Just leave me alone. I hate you."
“It sounds like you are really angry at me. But I can’t leave you alone, even if it makes you angry. Believe me, it is painful to me that you hate me. However, I have a responsibility to you and for your safety.”

“When this is over, I’m pretty sure you will love me once again. But even if you don’t, I would never be able to forgive myself if I left you alone right now. Macintosh-use problems require all the muscle you can give to beat them. I’ll be right here to help you.”


What to say if your teen says: "Everyone’s using Macintosh…what’s the big deal?"
“First of all, not everyone is doing it. However, honestly, even if everyone were, I’d still wouldn’t want you to do it. Would you like me to list the reasons why?”

1. It only has one mouse button and the consequences are quite serious.
2. It’s dangerous and here are the physical consequences: getting into dangerous compatibility situations, inability to play Half-Life 2, falling, otherwise injuring yourself or others, physical limitations from using a one-button mouse, problems with healthy brain development.
3. It’s dangerous and here are the psychological consequences: You could be using Macintosh to avoid your anxiety or a depression, which masks but doesn’t solve the problem. You certainly lose sight of your long-term goals, your priorities get scrambled, and your brain chemicals shift because of the qualities of the OS. Macintosh use is known to work on the brain chemicals as a depressant. Not to mention it makes people act stupid.
4. We have family members/ or I remember a friend from high school/ who lost their entire life and everything that was important to them: family, spouses, kids, jobs, self-respect, you name it to OS abuse. You might not have a problem that serious, but there is no way of knowing whether you will or not and it is so much easier not to put it to the test.
5. I like life better without being foggy. It is so much more interesting, more vibrant, more moving without Macintosh. I want you to have that experience.

(Edited off content from http://www.theantidrug.com/)

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computergeeks/649538.html

Date: 04/01/05 (Java Web)    Keywords: spam, microsoft

Scott Richter, the man behind OptInRealBig.com and billions of junk mail messages, said lawsuits had forced the company into Chapter 11. OptInRealBig was fighting several legal battles, most notably against Microsoft, which is pushing for millions of dollars in damages. BBC NEWS Much of the spam in our mailbox comes from few big spammers like him. Once the [...]

Source: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/self-declared-spam-king-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-protection/

Date: 04/01/05 (Java Web)    Keywords: security, microsoft

A new set of highly critical flaws has been discovered in Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Outlook programs, according to research company eEye Digital Security. The vulnerabilities allow for remote code execution with no actions from the computer user, eEye said. Although the flaws would not allow self-propagating worms to infiltrate a system, there is the potential [...]

Source: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/new-critical-flaws-in-ie-and-outlook-discovered-by-eeye/

Date: 04/03/05 (Software)    Keywords: web, microsoft

Can anyone remind me what's the latest version of DirectX that is compatible with Windows 95 (original release, not OSR2), and where can I grab a copy? Microsoft has dropped support for '95 completely, can't find anything older than DX8.1 on their website, and that one requires 98/ME.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/software/50775.html

Date: 04/07/05 (Web Technology)    Keywords: blogging, microsoft

New versions of Microsoft's IM and blogging services offer beefed-up community, video, search and advertising features.

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/MSN+mixes+advertisers+with+blogs/2100-9588_22-5657768.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

Date: 04/08/05 (Computer Help)    Keywords: microsoft

I plan on getting a laptop before fall semester starts in sept. and just wanted to get an opinion(s) from you on which you would choose out of the two that I've picked thus far...or if neither...which one would you recommend as with your own choice.

So far I've picked out Dell inspiron 700M

4.1 lbs
Intel® Pentium M® 725 (1.6GHz) Processor
Bullet Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Bullet 12.1" Wide Screen Display with TrueLifeTM
512MB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms
40 GB
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability
65 WHr 8-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)

Total Cost $1,262

or

Dell Inspiron 600m

5.6 lbs
Pentium® M Processor 725(1.60GHz/400MHz FSB) 14.1-in XGA w/32MB Video
512MB DDR SDRAM 2 Dimms
60GB Hard Drive
8x CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW) with double-layer write capability
6-Cell Lithium Ion Battery (53Whr)
Intel® PRO/Wireless 2200 Internal Wireless (802.11 b/g, 54Mbps)

Total Cost $1,142

- or any choice that you have in mind, I'd like to hear about it. Thanks in advance

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computer_help/370787.html

Date: 04/08/05 (Security)    Keywords: microsoft

Microsoft's monthly batch of fixes will tackle important flaws in Windows, Office and other applications.

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/Critical+Windows+patch+on+the+way/2100-1009_22-5659348.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

Date: 04/08/05 (Asp Dot Net)    Keywords: database, asp, sql, microsoft

Hello peoples, I am having a bitta trouble with my code and can't seem to find an answer. Im currently running XP Pro with SP2, IIS 5.1, and try to do a simple DSNless SQL Update from a form connecting to a Access 2000 database. The ASP code is as follows.

<% 
	Dim strDataPath, objConnection
	strDataPath = Server.MapPath("rest.mdb")
	Set objConnection = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.Connection")
	strConnectString = "Provider=Microsoft.Jet.OLEDB.4.0;"_
	+ " Data Source= " & strDataPath & ";"
	objConnection.ConnectionTimeout = 15
	objConnection.CommandTimeout = 10
	objConnection.Mode = 3
	
	if objConnection.State = 0 then
	objConnection.Open strConnectString
	end if
			
	Dim strSQL, objRS
			
	strSQL = "SELECT * FROM food"
	Set objRS = Server.CreateObject("ADODB.RecordSet")
	objRS.Open strSQL, objConnection,3,3
	objRS.AddNew
	objRS("tableno") = Request.Form("tableno")
	tableno = Request.Form("tableno")
	objRS("people") = Request.Form("people")
	people = Request.Form("people")				
	objRS.Update

	Set objRS = Nothing
	objConnection.Close
	Set objConnection = Nothing
			
	Response.Redirect("placeorder2.asp?tableno=") + tableno + "&people=" + people
		
%>

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/aspdotnet/31731.html

Date: 04/08/05 (Security)    Keywords: web, microsoft

E-mail campaign designed to lure people to a bogus Microsoft Web site is making rounds as part of attempt to install Trojan horse.

Source: http://news.zdnet.com/Fake+Microsoft+security+updates+circulate/2100-1009_22-5660042.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnn

Date: 04/09/05 (Computer Help)    Keywords: software, virus, spyware, microsoft

OK, so out of nowhere DVDs won't play on my computer. PowerDVD gives me the error message "The Current Display Mode Is Not Supported" and Windows Media player plays files (even .avi and .mpeg files) at about half-speed, but the sound is regular speed...

I haven't changed a THING on my PC - I just defragged, ran all sorts of registry cleaning/fixing utilities, did 2 full virus sweeps with current definitions - different programs (norton and avast!) and ran 4 spyware sweeps, all with current definitions and using different softwares (adaware, spybot s&d, microsoft anti-spyware, and spy-sweeper.)

I reinstalled my video drivers, AND direct X.

Yet my video is still messed up. Has anyone else ran across a similar problem?

This is super frustrating for me, since I use my computer as my stereo, TV and DVD player and am nearly entertainment-less at the moment.

Source: http://www.livejournal.com/community/computer_help/371869.html