21st June 2005 - Microxchange June News Wire

News Wire from Microxchange – Bi-Monthly

June 21st 2005


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Pirated Windows Software

As from the second half of this year you will have to prove that your copy of ‘Windows’ is genuine before being able to apply updates and patches from Microsoft’s website. Apparently we will all soon be forced to visit www.howtotell.com to have your copy of ‘Windows’ verified, before being able to get any updates or even visit Microsoft’s download centre. This is the latest in a string of measures that the company is introducing to combat software piracy.
If you have inadvertently purchased a pirated copy of ‘Windows’ you can go to ‘Report Piracy Now’ at www.microsoft.com/genuine


Microsoft issues critical security patches

Microsoft issued a batch of ten security fixes for its customers on 14thJune. The software company has rated three of the patches as "critical" - its highest level of severity. The critical patches address vulnerabilities in Windows and Internet Explorer that can allow an unauthorised remote attacker to take control of a computer.


Company ID’s being stolen

Internet fraudsters are stealing company identities in order to purchase goods online. This is known as the ‘287’ fraud exploit, which is a loop hole in the way that Companies House allows a limited company to change its address. Having trawled through the Companies House website database anyone can submit a change of address form. Trade accounts are then set up using the new company address.
If you are concerned, you may sign up to the PROtected Online Filing’ scheme under which Companies House will only accept specific forms in electronic format. www.companieshouse.gov.uk


Net Paedophiles

An International Taskforce has got together to protect children using the internet. A website has been launched at www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com . You can report any kind of suspicious activities here which may happen while your children are using chat rooms. …..Definitely a step in the right direction.


File Sharing Music

If you happen to do ‘file sharing’ to download music from the internet, you better watch out!! Internet Service Providers have been instructed by the High Court that they must hand over the names of customers who may have illegally shared copyrighted music files.




New Disc Format

Sony has brought out a new type of disc called UMD (universal media disc). At about the size of a mini disc it can hold up to 1.8GB of data; that’s about 2 hours of DVD quality film.


On Demand Broadband

If you still are not prepared to make the jump to broadband for home use, consider this as an option;
Eircom has launched a new 'time-based' product offering high-speed internet access for €1 per hour as part of its drive to get more people to switch to broadband.
The "Eircom Broadband Time" service is aimed at dial-up users who have yet to be persuaded that broadband is for them. The product, which will be normally priced at €24.99 per month for 20 hours usage, is initially available for a reduced cost of €19.99 per month for first time customers who sign up to a six month contract between July and September.