Microsoft Corp. released a security update (MS06-001) to help protect customers from exploitations of a vulnerability in the Windows Meta File (WMF) area of code in the Windows operating system, in response to malicious and criminal attacks on computer users that were discovered last week.  Consumer customers who use Automatic Updates will receive the update automatically and do not need to take any additional actions.  Consumers can also manually download and deploy the update by visiting Microsoft Update or Windows Update. Consumers can also get more information at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security. Enterprise customers who are using Windows Server Update Services will receive the update automatically.

In addition, the update is supported by Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer 2.0, Systems Management Server, and Software Update Services.  Enterprise customers can manually download the update from http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms06-001.mspx.

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APC Launches Data Center University
American Power Conversion has launched Data Center University, an online educational institution for IT professionals, engineers and people involved in building or operating server rooms and data centers.  Data Center University gives IT professionals an unprecedented opportunity to broaden knowledge on a wide variety of topics related to data center design and management, including the latest high density applications that are creating challenging design issues for enterprises. Other popular courses include Fundamentals of Cooling, Fundamentals of Power, and Fundamentals of Physical Security. 

Data Center University will offer all online courses at no charge until March 31, 2006.  The university includes both classroom and Web-based courses.  The initial launch offers 14 foundational courses and six advanced courses in the subject areas of data center design, build and operations.  Courses are available online at www.datacenteruniversity.com.  Beginning April 1st, each online course will cost .

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HP: The Power behind Exodus
HP technology was used in the making of the fantasy epic film, "Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom: Exodus" produced by Imus Productions and Reality Entertainment. The special effects in the film were created by local graphics studio - Ignite Media.  Given only two (2) months to edit 1000 shots of the principal photography was truly humungous, especially since the figure is a far cry from the 200-300 shot average of a big-budget film ever done in the Philippines. To finish the task, the production house needed high-performance stations equipped with fast processors, fast video cards and stable electronics, something which clone PCs lacked.

Ignite Media found the compatible equipment in HP workstations namely the xw8200 and the xw4300. "We needed a system with dual-processor capability that can keep up with project’s demands and the HP workstation delivered really well.," said Ignite Media CEO Dave Hukom. In completing the film, the workstations were equipped with Maya, Digital Fusion and Combustion softwares.  Ignite Media Inc. won the 2005 Best Festival Visual Effects for the movie Exodus.

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Mozcom Wi-Fi Access From Over 35,000 Global Hotspots
Mozcom subscribers can now enjoy easier Wi-Fi access while traveling anywhere in the through its partnership with iPass which enables users to link up to more than 35,000 Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide.  Staying connected and keeping oneself productive and competitive have become vital requirements for today’s commerce and industry. With the continuous effort of iPass to broaden its global broadband roaming network, the enterprise market is at pace through the provision of the largest Wi-Fi footprint access using a single universal client.

iPass provides both dialup and broadband roaming services. Security of vital corporate information exchanged through the internet is also ensured with encryption between the client and the broadband access gateway, Virtual Private Network (VPN) and personal firewall integration. Wi-Fi access has become more than just a recreation and a trend, it is a necessity to every business. Mozcom and iPass take this as their mandate as they continue to discover better ways to deliver technological solutions one dare imagine.

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Google Goes Head-On with Microsoft Anew
Google co-founder Larry Page announced the new Google Pack, a free, downloadable software bundle consisting of programs directly competing to Microsoft's offering.  Google Pack contains the Google toolbar, desktop, and earth software with a special edition version of Norton anti-virus, the Acrobat reader, Firefox browser, RealNetworks' media player, a spyware blocker and the Picasa image management package.

Google also announced a new payment gateway for its video search where users can pay around .99 for CBS shows such as CSI and Survivor and download any NBA game 24-hours after it has been played.  Users can also put their content up for sale at any price.

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Intel & AMD - Digital Home Battle Heats Up
Chipmakers Intel and AMD have announced their entry into the digital entertainment space with Viiv and Live home entertainment PCs.  Intel recently announced the Viiv range of PCs as part of their re-branding exercise while rival firm Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) launched its own brand of AMD Live PCs. 

Intel's Viiv PCs can be connected to the TV and and let you download latest movies at home using online services. They double as game stations and showcase home photos and videos.  AMD Live branded desktop or notebook PCs will let you stream music, view and share photos on the TV, record TV shows, videos, music and pictures and also connect to a laptop, MP3, portable media player or PDA.

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HP and Motorola Dumps iTunes
RealNetworks announced that its award-winning Rhapsody online music service will be promoted on select HP consumer desktop and notebook PCs sold in the United States.  Under a new agreement with HP, Rhapsody will be available via select HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario and HP Pavilion Media Center TV PC product lines. Rhapsody will also become the default player for all major audio files formats, including RealAudio, Windows Media Audio, AAC, and MP3.

Motorola Inc. also unveiled a new and improved version of its Rokr music phone but this time without Apple Computer's iTunes.  The "Rokr E2" is powered by Linux and comes with a normal (non-iTunes) mp3 player, a built-in FM radio (iRadio), 1.3-megapixel still/video camera, SD card storage, and other goodies.

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Announcement: Attend the Powertips 2006 "Security Secrets and Strategies" conference on March 16, 2006 at the Grand Ballroom of Dusit Hotel Nikko.  Tickets are available at all SM TicketNet outlets or call 911-5555.  You can also register online at www.infochat.com.ph

For your questions, comments, suggestions, press releases and stories, simply e-mail techtvhost@yahoo.com or visit www.infochat.com.ph for more news.  God Bless us all!!!

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