Certification - January 2009 - (Page 7)

Microsoft security Intelligence Report shows Malware down According to the latest “Microsoft Security Intelligence Report,” malware is down. The report found the total number of vulnerabilities in all software decreased by nearly 20 percent from the first half of 2007 to the first half of 2008. It was down about 4 percent since the second half of 2007. However, the percentage of reports with high severity ratings increased by about 5 percent. Also, a BetaNews.com article noted that the report based its findings on disclosed vulnerabilities, while it’s extremely difficult to measure the effects of undisclosed vulnerabilities. The deal would have allowed for the search giant to sell ads on Yahoo’s Web site and posed a surefire way for Yahoo to boost its annual revenue by $800 million. Six months ago, Yahoo rejected a $47.5 billion takeover bid from Microsoft Corp. With Google’s absence, there may be renewed pressures for Yahoo to sell to Microsoft for well below that May bid, an Associated Press article states. IBM Considers Broadband Internet Over Ordinary Power lines The idea of broadband Internet access over ordinary power lines has long been abandoned, but IBM Corp. now believes the technology is sophisticated enough to make it economical, the Associated Press reports. IBM is partnering with small newcomer International Broadband Electric Communications Inc. (IBEC) in a $9.6 million deal to test in rural communities with no other broadband options. IBEC predicted the network would take about two years to put in place and will cost as much as $70 million. AT&T Considers limiting Internet data Usage AT&T Inc. is thwarting the actions of “bandwidth hogs” by placing limits on the amount of data its Internet service subscribers use each month, according to an Associated Press article. AT&T is testing the idea in Reno, Nev., and will then decide whether to extend the restrictions. AT&T’s limits are part of a growing trend with Internet providers nationwide, as a small percentage of their subscribers take up large portions of network capacities. According to the article, 5 percent of AT&T’s subscribers use 50 percent of its total network capacity. In October, Comcast Corp. implemented a nationwide traffic limit of 250 GB per subscriber. There is no charge for exceeding the limit, but Comcast will cancel the service of those who go over if repeat warnings are not heeded. The idea of broadband Internet access over ordinary power lines has long been abandoned, but IBM Corp. now believes the technology is sophisticated enough to make it economical. sony Xperia X1 Now Available for $799 Google Ends Yahoo Advertising Partnership Google Inc. abandoned its Internet advertising partnership with Yahoo Inc. after it decided antitrust objections from regulators and customers posed too much of a risk, the Associated Press reports. The wait is finally over for those anticipating the release of the Sony Xperia X1. In late November, the Windows Mobile X1 was expected to be available in the U.S. for $799 unlocked, InformationWeek reported. The X1 features one-touch access, integrated Wi-Fi, 3G connectivity, built-in GPS, multimedia player, radio player, 3.2-megapixel camera with video, Bluetooth version 2.0 and picture-editing software. The X1 is powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. 8 – Elizabeth Lisican, editor@certmag.com, Deanna Hartley, dhartley@certmag.com, and Meagan Polakowski, meaganp@certmag.com January 2009 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE 7 http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/sir.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/sir.aspx http://www.BetaNews.com http://www.betanews.com/article/Microsoft_security_report_points_to_downtrend_in_malware/1225741492 http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/11/12/ibm.broadband.ap/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/11/04/internet.limits.ap/index.html http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/smartphones/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=212002242 http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Yahoos-fate-unclear-as-Google-apf-13480488.html

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Certification - January 2009 Editor's Letter Contents Data Stream Virtual Village Tech Careers Dear Techie Academic Connection Troubleshooting What We Like Look Ahead The New Convergence Formula Cybersecurity: Are You Safe? Interface Lead Applications Developer: The IT Ambassador Inside Certification Ad Index Endtag

Certification - January 2009

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