New Technology Reviews!.: Systems

Windows 8 Branded PCs Could Prevent Other Operating Systems From Being Installed

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<img alt="windows 8 limitations" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/9fdff3b6ade-boot.jpg.jpg" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/9fdff3b6ade-boot.jpg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />“Secure Boot” is a new Windows 8 technology that’s required of OEM computers if they are to feature the Windows 8 Compatibility Logo. It’s designed to protect against malware at the boot level by preventing ‘unauthorised’ code from launching during system boot. However it’s been revealed that it may also prevent non Windows 8 operating systems – such as Linux – from being able to install or run. 
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How Does It Work?</h2>
Newer PCs are increasingly using a replacement for the old BIOS called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). It’s a technology that’s been built into Apple Macs for years now, but basically it allows for faster boot and more efficient hardware access by the operating system. It’s also the main reason OSX is difficult to install on PCs, so if you have any hackintosh experience you’ll know about having to run an EFI emulation. 
The UEFI specification contains a firmware validation method, which works by defining certificate keys for which boot code is ‘secure’ and therefore allowed to run during boot. Microsoft supplies these keys to manufacturers, who include it on their machines, and only boot code which has a corresponding secure key is allowed to boot. 
<img alt="windows 8 limitations" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1c693b7d3dbios.png.png" height="123" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1c693b7d3dbios.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="560" /> 
<img alt="windows 8 blocks linux" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/fdd58474e1uefi.png.png" height="163" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/fdd58474e1uefi.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="560" /> 
Basically this prevents malware from launching at a boot level, so it’s potentially mitigated a large number of security threats. The problem with malware that runs at the boot level is that it’s very difficult for regular anti-malware to protect against or remove, as by the time the anti-malware app has loaded (after windows boot), it’s already there. 
Unfortunately, with Secure Boot enabled, you’ll also be prevented from launching any boot code for which for the machine doesn’t have the appropriate certificate keys. Now, it is entirely possible for other organisations to provide secure keys to manufacturers – like a set of keys for Ubuntu for example – but manufacturers are under absolutely no obligation to incorporate these; and without them, the other OS just won’t install or boot. 
So is it time to say goodbye to installing another OS? 
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Microsoft’s Response</h2>
In response to the concerns that this might prevent other operating systems from being installed,Microsoft has stated that secure boot is optional, and can be turned off from within the pre-boot setup screen. Here’s a screenshot from the MSDN Windows 8 blog post on the topic, clearly showing it’s optional on the Windows-8 based Samsung tablet that was offered to //BUILD/ participants whereWindows 8 was first demoed. 
<img alt="windows 8 blocks linux" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/f0d5ff5dcdboot.jpeg.jpeg" height="329" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/f0d5ff5dcdboot.jpeg.jpeg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="480" /> 
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So, End Of Story?</h2>
Not entirely it would seem. As Matthew Garret notes: 
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Windows 8 certification does not require that the user be able to disable UEFI secure boot, and we’ve already been informed by hardware vendors that some hardware will not have this option.</blockquote>
That’s right – although some manufacturers may choose to make the Secure Boot setting optional and therefore able to be disabled by the user – gaining certifications for Windows 8 compatibility does not require it, and some have explicitly stated it will not be optional on their machines (though there are no details on precisely which manufacturers have stated this yet). 
Microsoft has thrown the ball to the manufacturers court, and it could go either way. The PC business is incredibly competitive, so getting that Windows logo is all important, that’s a given. On the one hand, manufacturers will be keen to offer the best computing experience to the majority of their customers and if that means mitigating yet another security threat (and the inevitable support calls they need to deal with boot-level malware), then they’ll go for it. Other operating systems can still be run, if they provide certificate keys and if the manufacturers agree to include them. On the other hand, I suspect a real PR backlash will be forthcoming against any PC makers that do decide to force Secure Boot onto the user, so it may be a non-issue in the end. 
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What Can You Do About It?</h2>
The Free Software Foundation is running a petition encouraging computer makers to support Secure Boot in a way which ensures the user has control – specifically, the option to turn it off entirely. Be sure to head over and sign now if you’re at all interested in consumer freedoms and the right to run alternative operating systems on your own PC. 
<img alt="windows 8 limitations" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ce421ea0c9fsf.png.png" height="323" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ce421ea0c9fsf.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /> 
Also, be sure to share this post with all your friends to explain the issue and why they should care, getting them to sign the petition too. 
Source: Free Software Foundation 
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Windows 8 Branded PCs Could Prevent Other Operating Systems From Being Installed

“Secure Boot” is a new Windows 8 technology that’s required of OEM computers if they are to feature the Windows 8 Compatibility Logo. It’s...

Read Google Reader In The Terminal Using The Text-Only Browser eLinks [Linux & Mac]

Read Google Reader In The Terminal Using The Text-Only Browser eLinks [Linux & Mac]

Do you want an immersive, text-only Google Reader? Try going through your reading list in the terminal. It’s easy to do with terminal we...

Computer Information Systems Degree: Big Word With A Big Future

The world is flourish in a heavy, technological age. Everything is powered by one software or another. Data must constantly be calculated, sent, read, replied, and returned; millions of times in every second. In order for this information to be sent and understood, there has to be knowledgeable staff who have received their Masters in information technology, to set up the process. Graduating any IT courses can lead down many exciting roads.   Stronger backs for larger loads   Thanks to powerful IT, larger loads of works can be handled by individuals, companies, organizations, and even government sections. Advancements in IT enhance the work quality of an entire economy with products like processors, base programs, and spreadsheets that can decipher, organize, and send data with little work required. The key is creating sufficient technology for the time, but not overshooting with impossible creations.   Communication across the globe   Masters in Information Systems have significantly increased the simplicity of social and cultural diversion across the globe. With the emergence of popular social networks used by millions a day, to communications technology that allow you to video chat live with a stranger across the globe. Digital translators have torn down the language barriers and eliminated any excuse for isolation.   IT in the palm of your hand   Thanks to the innovations from Masters in information systems everyone can experience a higher level of entertainment through their favorite devices. With high tech apps like iTunes on the iPod or PC, you can access all your favorite songs at the push of a button. The same thing applies for all your favorite movies, shows, and games across the web. There really are no limits to what you can get your hands on.   IT around your community   Even within your own community, information technology has had an astounding impact on communication. Telephones now go past the power of basic devices in their past. Powered with the advancements in applications, internet, and VoIP; we can all stay in touch whenever the need arises. Individuals or groups can now keep in touch across all the corners of the globe with ease and simplicity.   Distance and time are two concepts that information systems have worked to remove. As a result, a major global economic state has been advanced and flourished across hundreds of countries. Known as e-commerce, individuals and companies alike can sell their goods or services all across the globe and never have to leave their home.   Thanks to online payment services like Pay-Pal, you can make or receive payments across countries without ever needing to reveal important personal information to the other party. Many major businesses and companies have worked hard to develop a new internet presence because of the huge abundance of profits that it can bring.   Education has skyrocketed past its previous ideals of brick and concrete. Now traditional schooling systems can be taken to the next level and teaching can be done across the globe without ever visiting a classroom. High quality occupations can be obtained through classes you can mold around your home and schedule. Receiving your Masters in Information Technology puts you in the room with the most powerful ideas ever forged. You can be part of something today and change the way the world works tomorrow.

Computer Information Systems Degree: Big Word With A Big Future

The world is flourish in a heavy, technological age. Everything is powered by one software or another. Data must constantly be calculated,...

Search Engine Identifies Vulnerable SCADA Systems - New Challenge for Information Security Experts

Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) reported that SHODAN, a search engine is capable of discovering vulnerable SCADA systems connected to Internet. The report was based on the findings by independent information security professionals. The revelation puts numerous computer systems across critical industries vulnerable to hacking attacks. The search engine scans different ports for devices connected to the Internet. The search even reveals information such as HTTP server responses, get responses, FTP and Telnet service banners, SSH banners and communication between client and servers during login attempts. Ironically, the revelation comes at a time, when information security professionals are grappling with the challenges posed by the Stuxnet cyber weapon targeted primarily at industrial installations. The identified systems have weak authentication mechanisms. Most of the systems were primarily designed for monitoring purposes. The revealed systems are susceptible to brute force attacks. Further, the use of default username and passwords for authentication make the systems vulnerable to remote access. The revelation reflects the negligence by the concerned security administrators despite the heightened cyber security risk. Employees must be encouraged to use strong passwords instead of the default passwords, a fundamental aspect of the cyber security regime. As the SCADA systems are likely to contain sensitive information and databases, it is important to incorporate multi-factor authentication system to restrict easier access to critical files. The revelations necessitate the use of secure networks for remote access and monitoring by different users of the critical systems. The exposure emphasizes the importance of ethical hacking to find vulnerabilities for strengthening the defenses of the information technology infrastructure. Further, there must be adequate monitoring of third-party access to the systems. The disclosure makes it vital for security administrators to place emphasis on employee awareness and cultivate secure IT practices.

Search Engine Identifies Vulnerable SCADA Systems - New Challenge for Information Security Experts

Recently, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) reported that SHODAN, a search engine is capable of discovering vulnerable SCADA syste...

History Of Operating System

Introduction 
Linux OS was first created by a student from the University of Helsinki in Finland. The author's name was Linus Torvalds and he had an interest that turned into a passion for Minix, a small Unix application which later evolved into a system that exceeded the standard Minix. He began working for the MINIX in 1991 and worked heavily until 1994 when the first version of the Linux kernal 1,0 released. Linux kernal This lays the foundation on which the Linux operating system formed. Hundreds of organizations and businesses currently engaged people and used for release versions of operating systems that use the Linux kernal.operating characteristics and adaptation of Linux have made Linux and Windows OS are excellent alternatives to other operating systems. IBM and other giant companies around the world support Linux and the current work, a decade after the original version. The operating system is embedded chip using a process called "integration" and increases the efficiency of appliances and devices. 
History of Linux 
Through the 1990's some technical Savy computer hobby stubborn people who are interested in desktop management systems developed. These systems, including GNOME and KDE applications running on Linux is available to everyone, regardless of the motivation of persons to use the system. Linus Torvalds was interested to learn the capabilities and features a 80386 processor for changing jobs. The application was originally called Freax first used by the operating system Minix. 
Both Freax Minix and plans seemed to sacrifice performance for academic research and study. Many computer specialists are now making assumptions that have changed since the early 90's. Mobility is now a common target for these specialists in the field of information and this is definitely not an academic requirement for the software. Various ports to IA-32, PowerPC, MIPS, Alpha, and ARM with supporting products made and sold to wholesalers and retailers, traders gave Linus an Alpha system where the tasks in the list of priorities Linus went to a very busy place. 
History of Windows 
Microsoft chairman was Bill Gates and Paul Allen shared the title until 1977, when Bill Gates became president and vice president Paul Allen. In 1978, the drives of the machines Tandy and Apple was 5.25 inches. First COMDEX computer show in Las Vegas introduced a chip 16-bit, and the manufacturers have introduced Intel 8086 chip. Al Gore comes up with the phrase "information highway." The same year, Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak developed the first programming language called Integer Basic, the language was quickly replaced by Microsoft Applesoft Basic. 
Also in 1978, there was a machine that had a comprehensive, independent design and was priced at less than $ 800, also known as the Commodore PET that was a personal electronic transactor. On 4/11/78 Microsoft announces third language product, the Microsoft COBOL-80. On November 1, 1978 after the introduction of third language, opened its first international sales office in Japan. The Microsoft representatives ASCII Microsoft, locatwed Tokyo, asits exclusive sales agent for the Far East. And finally, New Year's Eve of 1978, Microsoft announced that year end sales were over $ 1 million dollars. The next year, in April 1979, the Microsoft BASIC 8080 is the first microprocessor to win the ICP Million Dollar Award. The mainframes dominated by software on the server, the recognition for the PC computer reported the development and acceptance of industry. 
Both Gates and Allen returned home to Bellevue, Washington and announced plans to open offices in their hometown, and became the first microcomputer software company in the northwest. 
Technical details of both Linux and Windows operating systems 
An operating system takes care of all input and output are in a computer. Manages users, processes, memory management, printing, telecommunications, networks, etc. The operating system sends data to a disk, printer, monitor and other peripherals connected to the computer. A computer can not function without an operating system. The operating system tells the machine how to process instructions from input devices and software running on the computer. Therefore, each computer is built differently, or orders for production should be treated differently. In most cases, an operating system is a giant nest of programs, but instead a small system with programs running from the core or kernal. The computer's operating system the computer is so compact, these little programs that claim to be easier to rewrite parts of the system r packets rather than redesign an entire program. 
When first created operating systems were designed to help applications interact with the hardware. This is the same today, the importance of the OS has increased to the point where the operating system determines the computer. The operating system transmits a layer of abstraction between the user and the machine when they communicate. Users do not see the hardware, but the view through the operating system. This pumping can be used to hide certain elements of the material from the application and user. 
Applied Software is what is general, but especially for a single machine function. The software will run on any machine. Applications like this are SABRE, the reservation system for airlines, and defense systems. Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) Creating software is a costly and time consuming process. These programs will support and in some cases replace the engineer to create computer programs. CAD cam systems is the Computer Aided Design & computer aided manufacturing. The circuit board design in a computer program, the possibilities multiply. As premanufactured elements, load calculations, simulations of how a building will keep in earthquakes. 
In Linux there is a question that has been going back and forth for a while now, is dead SCSI for workstations? There have been many advances in SATA and the mainstream acceptance of 10K RPM Western Digital Raptor maybe that made SCSI too expensive for what is needed in a job. It is time to take a look at Linux. How does the Western Digital Raptor WD740GD over the last three Ultra320 SCSI drives: the Seagate Cheetah 10K.7, Seagate Cheetah 15K.3, and Seagate Cheetah 15K.4. This section covers the technology of audio disks, heat, size and performance. 
Lets take a look at the latest generation of Seagate 10K Cheetah line and 15K Cheetah line. It will also take an in depth look at the latest 10K SATA drive of the Western Digital 74GB WD740GD. Starting from the Western Digital Raptor, WD pushes this drive as a low cost of responding SCSI. On their website, they like to show off the drives 1.200.000 ώρες MTBF (mean time between failures), which matches the last MTBF generation of Seagate 15K.3 Cheetah is very close to the reliability of rating Cheetahs today. 
The prospectus or the prospectus of Linux, I would mention that the unit Cheetah is designed for "high performance around the clock use." Both the Cheetah and the Western Digital Raptor drives have the same amount of memory cache. When speaking of the actions an environment multi-tasking/multi-user, in favor of the tail is a technical advantage. All Ultra 320 SCSI drives support what is called Native Command Queuing, or NCQ. This technique is where all commands sent to the drive can to be queued and reordered by the most efficient order. This stops the car from having to seek services on a single side of the disc, then goes to the other side of the disc serve another request to return the next request .. While some of the SATA drives support NCQ, the Raptor does not. The Raptor is another form of the tail called the Tagged Command Queuing or TCQ. This method is not as effective as NCQ and requires the support of the motion and central controller. From what I was able to determine, TCQ support is sparse, even under Windows. 
The SATA drive is supported on the strength requirement by stating the use of fluid dynamic bearing their drivers. The fluid dynamic bearings replace ball bearings to reduce the car damage and drastically reduce operating noise. 
Microsoft Windows XP technology is easy to enjoy games, music, movies and beyond the film making and enhance digital photography. Direct X 9,0 technology drives high speed multimedia and various computer games. DirectX provides breathtaking graphics, sound, music and three-dimensional animation that bring games to life. Direct X is also a link that allows software engineers to develop a game that is high speed and multimedia driven to your computer. Direct X was introduced in 1995 and its popularity is soaring as the development of multimedia applications has reached new heights. Today, Direct X has evolved into an Application Programming Interface (API) that apply to Microsoft operating systems Windows. This means software developers to access hardware features without having to write code material. 
Some of the features of windows media playerb 9 Series with smart jukebox gives users more control over their music. With easy cd transfer to PC, CD and compatibility is available on portable players. Users can also discover more with services having premium entertainment. Windows Media Player 9 seriers works well with Windows XP using the built-in digital media features, and offers a state-of-the-art experience.When Windows Millennium Edition 2000 came from the stores specifically designed for home users. It was the first version of a Microsoft product video editing. Movie Maker is used to capture and organize and edit video clips, then export them to PC or play web. Movie Maker 2, released in 2003, the film adds a new transition, jazzy titles and neat special effects. Based on Microsoft Direct Show and Windows Media technologies, Movie Maker only originally included with Windows Millennium Edition. Now Movie Maker 2 is available for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. 
With the release of Windows XP, 2001, came the Windows Messenger, bringing instant messages to users via the Internet. Users communicate with text messages in real time Windows Messenger. Real-time messages with video conferencing is available for a long time ago now. The first communication tool provided by Windows Messenger is used comprehensive, easy to use text chat, voice and video, and data collaboration. 
Linux is developed and thus is free for distribution in encrypted form. Linux is developed and available via the Internet. Many of the engineers involved in the production are from over seas and never meet each other. This operating system is the source code level and on a large scale has led the way to becoming a stable and featureful system. 
The Eric Raymond has written a popular essay on the development of Linux called The Cathedral. and the bazaar. Describes how to use a Linux kernal approach bazaar has released the code quickly and often, and this requires input provided by improving the system. This approach Bazaar has been reported that the Metropolis approach used by other systems such as core GNU Emacs. The approach is characterized cathedral for the pursuit of the most beautiful code has been released, but unfortunately it is released much less frequently. A poor opportunities for people outside the group can not contribute to the process. 
Some high-lights and the success of projects Bazaar does not include the opening of the code for everyone to observe, in the planning of Bazaar. By the same logic approach Cathedral is widely regarded by everyone and is appropriate. When debugging the code is executed, it is necessary to open the bazaar to have everyone find several errors on the code. If they can fix the code a lot of effort and help developers. 
Advantages and disadvantages of the two operating systems 
The author of this web Linux OS page Chris Browne, describes how the Linux efforts and distributed some of the advantages and disadvantages of Linux OS. The Linux OS comes with some experimental versions like 2.5. x series where the version numbers go up steadily each week. The stable version only changes when errors are detected in the system and errors must be determined by the test series, and this incident does not change very often. Linux users know that this is happening, and work to resolve the errors.There is no guarantee that all users will immediately fix their problems with their systems, if not affected (or did not notice that influenced) by the problems there are fixes available quickly, sometimes distributed across the Internet after several hours of diagnosis. For Linux fixes are available more quickly than commercial vendors such as Microsoft, HP, IBM, and usually such a diagnosis is before you even know that there is a problem. This recognition contrasts with other companies conduct, Bill Gates claims the press release of Microsoft code has no bugs. This seems to mean that there are bugs that Microsoft is keen to correct. 
Microsoft has concluded that the majority of errors identified in the present systems, because users do not use their software properly. The remaining problems for Microsoft are few in number and are caused by errors of fact. There is remaining work to get a stable system Linux, configured with Linux kernels that have and have configured the software over the workload of the system should run for hundreds of days without rebooting the computer. Some of the general public as well as IT professionals, such as engineers and technicians complain that Linux is always changing. Chris says that "the effort and interest kernal Linux will stop when people want to stop building and strengthening the Linux kernal." As long as new technology and devices such as video cards manufactured and people interested for Linux invent new enhancements for Linux, work on the Linux OS will progress. 
The disadvantage of Linux OS is that it may end because there is a better platform for kernal hacking, Linux, or because the future will be displaced so as to become unwieldy. This has not happened yet, but many researchers say the future of Linux, with various plans to achieve service to the consumer or enterprise, Linux is removed from the base kernal and user space, which creates less room for data and information . The announcement of an attempt Debian Hurd propose an alternative solution to the kernal hacking. The kernal Hurd, which runs and sent as a set of processes on top of a microkernal as MACH, may provide a system for people who are dissatisfied with changes to the linux kernal. Mach has a "message passing" abstraction that allows the operating system created as a data set that will work in conjunction with one another. 
Competitive, cooperative efforts 
To start this section will tell you to start the PC and roots with IBM. Vertically integrated proprietary de facto standards architecture was the norm for the first three decades of the postwar computer industry. Each computer manufacturer, now all the technology, if not inside, and that the technology is sold as part of an integrated computer. This time the systems were steadily rising since 1964 the introduction of the IBM System 360 to release the 1981 personal computer from IBM. This was denied by two different approaches. One was the fragmentation of proprietary standards in the field of computers among the various suppliers, which led Microsoft and Intel to seek industry wide prevalence of proprietary component of the overall system architecture, making what Moschella (1997) in the era of the PC "(1964 - 1981). The second was a movement by customers and second tier manufacturers to cvonstruct industrywide «open" system in which the pattern belonged to a single company. 
The adoption of the Linux system in late 1990 was a response to these earlier approaches. Linux was the most commercially acceptable example of a new wave of "open source" software, software source code is distributed free to use and modify. The advantages of Linux as opposed to proprietary standards PC, especially by the standards of the software tested by Microsoft. Specifications Product compatibility is generally considered using a simple typology unidemensional, bifurcated between "compatible" and "inconsistent." Even more to illuminate the differences between proprietary and open standards strategies, (1987) Gabel is multidimensional ranking status, with each dimension assuming one of the many (discrete) levels: 
"Multivintage" compatibility between successive generations of the product: 
"Order Products" compatibility, providing interoperability between the breadth of the company 
range of products such as Microsoft with their families Windows CE, 95/98/ME, NT/2000 and product. 
"Multivendors" compatibility, ie compatibility between products of competing manufacturers. 
The first successful operating system was a multi-vendor Unix, developed by a team of computer science at Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL), for the opening of New Jersey in 1969. As with the previous Multics research project between MIT, BTL and mainframe computer maker General Electric, Unix was a multi time-sharing operating system designed as a research project by the developers for their personal use. Other features key to the success of Unix path dependencies reflected by the developers and early users (Salus 1994): 
AT & T was forbidden from 1956 consent decree from being in the business of computers, why not sell the operating system business. Following the publication of research papers, Bell Labs had been flooded with requests from the departments of computer science university, who received licenses and source code, but the lack of support. With the budget constraints that limit the cam researchers BTL to December contrast medium to large computer mainframe, Unix was simpler and more efficient than its predecessor Multics, based on a simplified programming language C and not the most widely used PL / I. Although originally developed in December, Unix converted to run on other models by users who have found time programmer cheaper than buying a supported model, so laying the foundation to become a hardware-independent operating system. 
Perhaps one of the most significant development was the licensing of UNIX by the UC Berkeley Computer Science Department in 1973. The Berkeley group issued their own versions of 1977 to 1994, with much of its funding provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The result of the development contained Berkeley (Garud and Kumaraswamy 1993? Salus 1994): 
The first version of Unix to support the protocol TCP / IP, after the standard Internet protocols; 
Academic version of BSD Unix as the preferred OS in several departments of computer science around the world; 
Commercial distribution of BSD Unix derived through Sun Microsystems, cofounded by former programmer BSD Bill Joy? 
It evolved versions of Unix, the fragmentation of Unix programmers and take on rival "BSD" and "AT & T" camps. 
The AT & T Unix provided a standard different manufacturers, when combined with developments in BSD, helped spur the adoption of networked computers. Helped by the Sun, whose motto is "the network is the computer,« Unix quickly gained acceptance during the 1980's as the preferred OS for networked engineering workstations (Garud and Kumaraswamy 1993). At the same time, there was a real model from different manufacturers, such as producers minicomputer with a small amount of customers, the inability of R & D and immature OS license Unix from AT & T. The main exceptions to the head of Unix were among the first leaders in power work (Apollo) and middle (December), which used its own OS as a source of competitive advantage, and was the last to switch to Unix in their respective categories. 
Some supporters of the two producers have created a range of professional associations to promote Unix and related operating systems. Thus fueled the adoption and standardization of Unix, which hoped to increase the amount of applications software to compete with the sponsorship, proprietary architectures (Gabel 1987? Grindley 1995). These two teams are promoted under the title "open systems"; Authors of a series of books on these systems are summarized objectives as follows:Open systems allow users to move applications between systems easily; Purchasing decisions can be based on the ratio of cost-effectiveness and vendor support, rather than on systems running a suite of application users (Salus 1994: v). 
Despite these objectives, the Unix community spent 1980 and early 1990, fragmented into AT & T and Berkeley warring factions, each of which sought control of the OS API to maximize the software available for versions them. Each faction had its own supporters. To avoid paying the old mainframe before switching costs, the U.S. Defense Department procurement decisions began to favor a proprietary Unix systems. As AT & T formalized System V Interface Definition and encouraged hardware makers to adopt System V, became the model from different manufacturers are required by the commission of the Ministry of Defence 
BSD group was only developed in middle December, Unix variant was no different manufacturers and less appealing and attractive to DoD contracts. Numerous innovations in the BSD group on usability, software development tools and networking made it more attractive for Computer Science for their research and teaching, making it the minicomputer OS they prefer the services of computer science in the U.S. , Europe and Japan (Salus 1994). The divergent innovation meant that the two major Unix variants differed in terms of internal structure, the user commands and application programming interfaces (API). It was the difference last hit more computer buyers, such as custom software developed for one type of Unix could not immediately be reviewed by the other, adding the transition costs of the two systems. Also, both the modem based on its DARPA networking facilitated the distribution of user-donated code libraries, which was free, but often required for site-specific custom programming, if the Unix API in user space differed from those faced by the the original donor. 
Microsoft Windows continues to invest in a product family based processor Itanium, and the Itanium Solutions Alliance will promote investment, helping to develop the ecosystem of applications and solutions available for the Windows platform and SQL Server 2005, "said by Bob Kelly, general manager, Windows infrastructure, Microsoft Corp "We look forward to working with members of the Itanium Solutions Alliance to help IT managers move from RISC servers based on Unix to Itanium-based systems running on the platform Windows. "

History Of Operating System

Introduction Linux OS was first created by a student from the University of Helsinki in Finland. The author's name was Linus Torvalds a...

Security and Content Management Systems

Content Management Systems or CMS makes it easier to create and design Web sites. The beauty of using a CMS for your Web site is that even if you do not know how to write a single line of code or HTML, you can still create professional looking Web pages. With a CMS, you can also easily change the design of your site without affecting the content too much, making it far easier to apply changes to the whole site.Content management systems also allow for collaborative Web site design and maintenance, giving several users different levels of access so that they could change Web pages as necessary.CMS Security FlawsThe problem with most CMS packages is that it is peppered with security vulnerabilities that can bring serious problems to those who use it. A lot of hackers have been targeting these vulnerabilities in open source CMS like WordPress, PostNuke, Drupal and phpBB. Most try to gain unauthorized access to your system to create botnets for denial of service attacks or identity theft scams.A hacking incident involving AMD, a leading global chip manufacturer, illustrates the point. In 2006, AMD's customer service and support forums were hacked. The perpetrators then used the forums to distribute malware. Distributing malware is not the only thing hackers can gain access to but also they can use your high-speed network to their ends.Further, other CMS have the same problems. WordPress, arguably the best-known and widely used content management system has time and again fallen prey to security vulnerabilities. In 2009, IT security company Secunia reported the following security flaws found in WordPress systems:* System access * Privilege escalation * Denial of Service * Cross Site Scripting * Security BypassThe good news is that the people at WordPress.org are proactively looking for these vulnerabilities and patching them. But the fact that these security holes continue to crop up even as a new version of WordPress comes out highlights one important thing to remember when using CMS: you can not really on CMS vendors and providers to come up with a completely safe and secure content management platform. What is more, some providers do not even bother to come up with patches to plug known vulnerabilities!Keep Safe with a Web Application FirewallA <a href="http://www.applicure.com/solutions/web-application-firewall" rel="nofollow" target="_new">Web application firewall</a> can help you keep safe from attacks that are made possible by these security holes, better than network firewalls and other detection systems can. What is more, a Web application firewall could still be used even with proprietary CMS platforms because you do not need to change any part of the CMS' source code to use it. A Web application firewall can scrutinize all incoming data packets into your site and blocks malicious scripts, viruses and hacking attempts.	 	 		 			 				 					 						For more information about <a href="http://www.applicure.com/solutions/website-security" rel="nofollow" target="_new">security vulnerabilities</a>. For more information about hacking incident read here.

Security and Content Management Systems

Content Management Systems or CMS makes it easier to create and design Web sites. The beauty of using a CMS for your Web site is that eve...

How to Repair Notebook Systems

Click "Start" and "Computer," then right-click the drive that you want to check. Select the "Tools" tab and select "Check now."Enter the username and password of your computer. Place checks in the boxes for "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors."Click "Start" to begin the process. Reboot the computer when the computer is done repairing the disk errors.Reboot the computer and press the F8 key. Boot the operating system to "Advanced Windows Options."Select "Repair your computer" when the "Advanced Boot Options" window appears.Key in your username and password and select "Startup Repair" from the list of options. Click "Restart." The utility will then try to scan and fix errors in the system. The "Startup Repair" utility fixes problems that might be hindering the system from starting up successfully.Ensure that the computer is configured to "boot from CD." Place the installation disc inside the optical drive of the computer and reboot the computer. Press any key to boot from the CD when you are prompted to do so.Follow the instructions on your screen and then select "Install Now" when the Windows 7 welcome screen appears. Read and accept the licensing agreement, select "Custom" for clean installation of the operating system and choose the drive where you want the operating system installed.Wait for the computer to copy files and for setup to finish. Follow further instructions until Windows finalizes the settings.

How to Repair Notebook Systems

Click "Start" and "Computer," then right-click the drive that you want to check. Select the "Tools" tab and s...

Top 10 Information Systems Security Controls in the Enterprise

The modern Enterprise IT Infrastructure as we know it today has evolved over the years, from the huge computers in the mid 1940s, which could not even do what our small calculators can do today, to the years of mainframes. We now have high processor computers with lots of storage space and high speeds that are easily affordable. We have seen a shift of focus from centralized to decentralized, distributed, network computing within enterprises. All these developments have been great, as they have eased the way we do business, but also brought myriad of enterprise security issues.In this article we look at the top 10 enterprise security controls that we could deploy to reduce on the effect of known enterprise infrastructure security issues.1. Take a holistic approach to securitySuccessful enterprise security requires good planning and a holistic security strategy that considers everything in the organizations, from business processes to the people, on an ongoing basis. Many at times enterprises consider costly technical solutions, as a reaction to security breaches.2. Develop an Enterprise security program / policyOrganizations need to develop security programs that outline the Roles, policy, procedures, standards and guidelines for the Enterprise security.Roles: Outline who is responsible for what e.g. Chief Information security officer (ISO) could be s responsible for ensuring a good security posture for the organization.Policies: These are general organization wide statements that set out the mandatory requirements to ensure a minimum security level. Examples include: Acceptable E-mail Use Policy, Internet use policy, Mobile devices use policy etc...Standards: these are derived from policies, laying out specific steps or processes required to meet a certain requirement. For example a requirement that all email communication be encrypted.3. Manage Risk - On a continuous basisRisk management is the process of identifying risk, assessing risk, and taking steps to reduce risk to an acceptable level. This involves identifying the assets in the organization that you need to secure; these could include human resources, technology, trade secrets, patents, copyrights etc... Then identify all possible risks that could affect the availability, confidentiality and integrity of these assets. Management can then decide what to do with the identified risks; risks can either be mitigated or transferred to a third party like an insurance company.4. Refine Business Processes: Adopt Industry best PracticesBeyond the need to manage Enterprise IT technology, is the need to establish and employ best practices and processes to optimize IT services. A number of internationally recognized frameworks have been developed already to describe effective ICT infrastructure management processes. Hence there is no need to re-invent the wheel.Examples include: COBIT - Control Objectives for Information and related Technology {1}, ITIL - The Information Technology Infrastructure Library {2} and ISO 27001 {3}5. Streamline physical / environmental securityPhysical and environmental security is vital in protection of information assets and ICT Infrastructure in the Enterprise. Physical security should look at issue like, monitoring and detection e.g. security guards, alarms, CCTV. Access control and deterrent solutions e.g locks, fencing, lighting, mantraps, Biometrics etc. Environmental control and design, server room temperature, humidity, air conditioning, static electricity, fire suppression and detection, Power generation and backup, all these should be well streamlined.6. Deploy content filtering / inspection solutions.As content, (email, internet traffic etc...) moves in and out of the enterprise, there is need for it to be managed well to avoid any security breaches and attacks. Controls could include:-	Web filters to enforce organizational Internet usage policies through content filtering, application blocking, and best-of-breed spyware protection.-	Spam filters / Firewalls to protect your email server from spam, virus, spoofing, phishing and spyware attacks.-	Unified Threat management solutions(UTM): Several organization choose to deploy UTM solutions that offer industry leading functionalities within one package including Intrusion Prevention System; Antivirus with Antispam; Web Filtering; Antispam; Firewall; SSL - VPN; Traffic Shaping and many more.7. Manage the inside of the Corporate NetworkWe have already seen that there are increased security breaches that come from within the enterprise; therefore it's vital to manage the inside of the enterprise network very well. Some of the steps we could take include the following:-	Taking an inventory of all authorized and unauthorized software and devices on the network. -	Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs -	Continuous Vulnerability Assessment, patch management and Remediation -	Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services8. Have an Identity and Rights Management SystemIdentity management is very vital and important to avoid user rights violation and excessive rights issue. Put in place procedures, guideline and a system for Identity management, which involves creation of users, change of user rights, removal of rights, resetting lost user password. This also calls for Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges. Is access in the Enterprise based on a need to know basis? For example should everyone in the organization have access to the payroll database?!9. Put emphasis on Data Loss Prevention (DLP).Data loss prevention puts into consideration the security of data, both in motion and static. With the advent of portable devices and memory sticks that have lots of storage space, it very easy for someone to copy lots of corporate data on a removable media in just a matter of seconds. I have heard of stories of disgruntled employees selling clients databases to the competition. Data loss prevention (DLP) encompasses the tools that prevent accidental data leakage, including device and port control, encryption (both hard-drive and removable media encryption).Also how does your organization handle hard disks that have sensitive information and need disposing off? How about paper documents? I bet one could get lots of information by just dumpster diving into corporate trash bins (am told some investigative journalists use this method to "snoop"). There is no excuse for organization not to shred sensitive paper documents, given all the shredders available on the market; some can even shred plastic and CD media.10. Don't go it aloneSecuring information assets is becoming more vital every day; unfortunately many organizations do not consider it important until a breach has actually happened.You can imagine the direct cost of not being proactive as far as information security is concerned, which could include, the cost to recover data lost or altered during an incident, cost to notify customers of breaches, fines for non-compliance and indirect costs e.g., lost customers, lost productivity, time spent investigating/resolving breaches and hoaxes, and so many. Therefore it's crucial to seek for external assistance from an external firm or consultant if need be, to assist in areas like:-	Carrying out an IT audit and Penetration Tests a.k.a "Ethical hacking" on your own infrastructure. -	Assisting with Information security awareness training for your staff etc...It's important to note that securing information assets in an enterprise is not just an event, but is a continued process that requires an ongoing effort and support of the top management, this is because the threats to information systems continues to evolve and change daily.References:1 itgovernance 2 itlibrary.org 3 <a href="http://www.27000.org" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.27000.org</a>	 	 		 			 				 					 						About the AuthorMr. Thomas Bbosa - CISSP, is an Information Systems security Consultant and Managing Partner with BitWork Technologies Ltd - <a href="http://www.bitworktech.com" target="_new">http://www.bitworktech.com</a>, an IT firm based in Kampala, Uganda. He is a certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), with over 10 years Experience in the IT industry. He has been involved in various roles of IT infrastructure management and support, Information systems Security management & solutions deployment.

Top 10 Information Systems Security Controls in the Enterprise

The modern Enterprise IT Infrastructure as we know it today has evolved over the years, from the huge computers in the mid 1940s, which c...

How to Choose Virtual PBX Systems

Customize your system specifically for your business. Buy your PBX system only from a service provider that does not require contracts and charges no start-up or cancellation fees. Get the cancel-at-any-time for any reason and pay no penalty guarantee. Do some research and compare features and options from companies that promise in writing to meet the first two criteria.<a any="" be="" built="" business="" can="" fit="" pbx="" practically="" systems="" title="#jsArticleStepImageCredit2 rel=thinbox><IMG title=" to=""></A> blueprints,phone image by Greg Pickens from <A" href="http://www.fotolia.com/">Fotolia.com</A>  PBX systems can be built to fit practically any business model.Look first for the plans with the most standard features. Review them and look for the most important one of all, the "Virtual Receptionist," which some companies call "Auto Attendant." Remember this is the voice and impression of your company that the public will hear when they call your business.Work your way through the remainder of the standard features list. Take note of how much service you are getting for your monthly payments. Buy the standard system that has "Custom Greetings," "Call Recording" and "Two-way Virtual Fax" as your standard package, in addition to the "Virtual Receptionist."<a always="" an="" business="" is="" phone="" service="" streamlining="" title="#jsArticleStepImageCredit4 rel=thinbox><IMG title=" your=""></A> tÃ©lÃ©phone fixe image by Jean-Michel POUGET from <A" href="http://www.fotolia.com/">Fotolia.com</A>  Streamlining your business phone service is always an advantage.Eliminate or tell the provider to turn off some of the items that you may not need. Do not be too concerned, for instance, with a "Dial by Name Directory" if you are the only employee of the company. Consider turning off another relatively useless feature listed by many companies called "Information Waiting" if you are a one-man operation.Next examine the options which may be useful. Get the costs in writing along with a no-increase guarantee for 12 months. Test the feature and drop it if it is not worth the money.Do consider the one strong business feature most virtual PBX providers offer, the "Conferencing" or "Integrated Conferencing" feature. For those times it is necessary to have multiple people on the line, it is well worth the money. Think carefully about any "special/unique features" before buying, since they are, more often than not, are the most expensive. You may want to consider some form of caller identification, which is a great help in thwarting those endless telemarketing and other sales calls.

How to Choose Virtual PBX Systems

Customize your system specifically for your business. Buy your PBX system only from a service provider that does not require contracts and ...