Windows Not the Only One With Security Problems
In the rush to embrace Web 2.0-style apps and development, some have turned
a blind eye to a problem Microsoft knows all too well: security. For instance,
did you know AJAX apps can be taken over by hackers just as Windows and IE apps
can?
Hackers
can "hijack" the JavaScript and read what's written inside the
JavaScript messages. Google and Microsoft AJAX tools are both affected.
One answer, an analyst says, is to use authentication when transmitting private
information.
Windows Not the Only One With Antitrust Problems
The European Union is so tough on monopolies, it'd probably like to ban the
board game, if it could.
Now, Apple
is feeling the EU's fury as iTunes is being looked into for limiting competition.
At issue is the fact that an English music lover can download songs only in
England.
But in Europe, people travel a lot; English soccer hooligans go to Germany
for strong beer and high-quality fist fights, and the Germans go to the French
Alps to watch their riders lose in the Tour de France.
Sounds like a perfect opportunity for Microsoft to sell a few Zunes!
Open Source Meets the Network
I used to spend eight to 10 hours a day writing and thinking about networking
technology (God only knows how I stayed sane) as executive editor of NetworkWorld
and then editor in chief of Network Computing.
This experience allowed me to bluff my way through a meeting with StillSecure,
which has a new network platform that is entirely open source. While focusing
on security and unified threat management, the Java-based Cobia platform includes
a veritable smorgasbord of functions, such as routing, firewalls, virtual private
networking, DNS and WiFi.
There are also an increasing number of open source VoIP tools. Could Cisco
be threatened by open source the same way as Microsoft?
The Mac Commercials Are Working
The great thing about my kids having Macs is not having to rebuild the darn
things every six months because their machines have more viruses than The Andromeda
Strain. The bad part? Having to drive an hour to get a new iBook power supply!
This trip did help me get close to my son and do a little market research.
According to my salesguy, the Mac TV commercials have increased business, as
have the new line of Intel-based gear.
The real surprise came when it came time to pay. The salesguy looked suspiciously
at my card when I refused to give my phone number, then looked again and asked,
"Didn't you use to be a computer journalist?"
"Still am."
Turns out the sales consultant used to do PR for the old Digital Equipment
Corp., and once briefed me on some X.500 messaging tools. Then he pulled out
his cell phone and showed me my e-mail address and phone number from seven years
ago. Good times, good times!
Funny Kid's Stuff
I love the Bud Light "Real Men of Genius" commercials even more than
I love the beer. In fact, I can listen to a dozen or so of the commercials straight,
while I tap out after six cans of the beer.
My son Dave is also a fan, and just let me know about a bunch of PC-related
parodies. They aren't quite as good as the real thing, but "Mr. Giant E-Mail
Attachment Sender" is pretty dang funny.
Listen to them here.
To hear the real Bud Light commercials, go here.
About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.