The Mercury News reports that Microsoft Corp. has released six new patches for those users that are running Windows XP, 2000, and Server 2003. Five of the patches are critical and one is important. One of the critical patches is about Internet Explorer and another critical patch is designed for those users that view Flash content on the internet.

Here is a summary of the vulnerablilities that were patched:

- Vulnerability in Microsoft XML Core Services
- Vulnerability in Workstation Service
- Vulnerabilities in Macromedia Flash Player
- Vulnerability in Microsoft Agent
- Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer version 6
- Vulnerabilities in Client Service for NetWare

Windows XP users should be able to receive the updates soon via automatic updates (if it was turned on by the user).

To view technical details for each patch, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/current.aspx

The people at PCPitStop have purposely forced a Lithium-Ion battery into an unstable state so that it would explode in the same way that the recalled Sony batteries have been exploding. Here is a video showing what happens in a such an explosion.
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• Nvidia nForce 600i Preview @ Technic3D
• Altec Lansing FX5051 USB 5.1 Surround Speakers Review @ Everything USB
• Ubuntu: The Imperfect Operating System Alternative to Windows @ Tweaknews.net
• NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI Chipset Of nForce 600i Series For Intel @ Digit-Life
• XFX Geforce 8800 GTX - the new 3D king @ TweakPC

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Last time, on TNCT 202, you could read about the various functions of the system’s BIOS and the means to upgrade them for the sake of either improving stability, or adding various options. In this course we’ll examine the workings of optical drive firmware, the reasons to upgrade it and the general procedure how to do it, because like the BIOS, there are some advantages to having a flashed drive.

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“Are I.T. Workers Blue Collar?” Interesting question. I was recently asked this by some executives who were concerned with improving the productivity of their I.T. departments. I asked them to explain why they thought this way. They contended their I.T. people (e.g., analysts and programmers) exhibit a lot of blue collar characteristics, e.g., repetition in types of work performed, they do not dress or act like professionals, and regularly punch in and out of work with little interest in going above and beyond the call of duty.

Direct link: http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=642

Acquiring an IT certification is a highly recommended step for any individual planning a career in Information Technology. There are various kinds of certifications that one can go for. The kind of certification depends on the specific field chosen in IT. There are different certifications available for programming professionals, networking professionals, and technicians.

In the field of networking, Cisco is a company well known for its hardware equipment. Cisco systems form the backbone of many a computer networks across the world. Cashing in on this expertise, Cisco has also devised a system of certifications. CISCO certifications test an individual on various aspects of computer networking.
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Security researchers have identifed an unpatched vulnerability in Windows. The exploit effects all supported versions of Windows with the exception of Windows 2003. The vulnerability resides in a security bug in Microsoft XML Core Services, specifically and unspecified security bug in the XMLHTTP 4.0 ActiveX Control.
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Here is a sneak peak of what Windows Vista’s packaging and CD will look like. The CD still has the holographics like the XP and 2000 CD’s however it has been given a fresh (slightly XBox 360-ish) look.

Click To Enlarge

TechWeb sat down with Microsoft and found out just how Vista will impact the enthusiast:
TechWeb: What happens if someone adds a hardware upgrade to their PC (like a new graphic card, or a faster processor); does that count as one transfer? If it does, what happens if they do a second upgrade, which is seen by the PC as requiring revalidation. Does this mean they’re over the limit and have to purchase a new Vista license?
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