Innovative my ass!

Pardon me for my language and tone but I just hate it when people claim something to be innovative when it is not. Take the case of Microsoft Vista’s innovations.

Adverts be gone!

After careful consideration, I have decided to remove all adverts on my blog. I figured that nobody clicks on adverts anyway and besides, I also block adverts using adblocking-capable browsers.

So if you want to donate something, you can do so in the form of an iTunes gift certificate – just email me the code.

Apple fixes 22 vulnerabilities

Right after I wrote about the adware vulnerability, Apple released this security update. According to the documentation, it fixes the following:

• AirPort
• ATS
• CFNetwork
• Finder
• Font Book
• Font Importer
• Installer
• OpenSSL
• PHP
• PPP
• Samba
• Security Framework
• VPN
• WebKit
• gnuzip
• perl

Of particular interest is the Installer fix:

CVE-ID: CVE-2006-4404

Available for: Mac OS X v10.3.9, Mac OS X Server v10.3.9, Mac OS X v10.4.8, Mac OS X Server v10.4.8

Impact: When installing software as an Admin user, system privileges may be used without explicit authorization

Description: Admin users are normally required to authenticate before executing commands with system privileges. However, the Installer allows system privileges to be used by Admin users when installing certain packages without requiring authentication. This update addresses the issue by requiring authentication before installing software with system privileges.

I hope that it fixes the earlier mentioned adware bug.

Hurry and fire up Software Update to patch your system.

Technorati Tags: mac os x, vulnerability

Adware on Mac

Adware sample targets Mac OS X | CNET News.com:

A new adware program silently installs on Mac OS X systems and opens Web browser windows, according to F-Secure.

The program, dubbed iAdware by the Finnish security company, is possibly the first example of adware for Macs. It is especially interesting since it doesn’t require administrative privileges to nestle itself on the computers, according to F-Secure.

I am curious as to how this is achieved specially when you are not running as administrator and all applications that you use are saved at the default /Applications, which require admin privileges for write access. Unless it is a separate application or a hook with the InputManager, which can be installed without prompting the user for a password. Hmmm. Maybe I should change the default permissions of ~/Library just in case or just wait for Apple to release the patch. Question is – did they tell Apple?

Technorati Tags: mac os x, vulnerability

I’m Pro Blogging

Some people just don’t get Problogging » @ Ambot ah! [ technology news and reviews ]:

Someone once asked me what’s the difference between pro and non-pro. I said the pro’s get paid to do it. A professional driver gets paid to drive; a professional photographer gets paid to shoot pictures; a professional basketball player gets paid to play hoops; a professional crier gets paid to cry on burials.

In the same sense, a professional blogger gets paid to, you guessed it, blog. So, what’s so damn wrong if professional bloggers are getting paid to blog, except for the fact that the concept is so new to people beyond their 40’s (excuse the pun)?

I think I tickled (as opposed to pinching it) a nerve with my blog entry a few days ago. First, I have nothing against professional bloggers – in fact, I wish I can afford to be one! What is not appealing (to me) is how bloggers are earning money from their blogs.

Technorati Tags: blogging

French parliament dumping Windows for Linux

French parliament dumping Windows for Linux | CNET News.com:

France’s gendarmes and Ministry of Culture and Communication have done it, and now members of the country’s parliarment are about to switch to open source.

Starting in June 2007, PCs in French deputes’ offices will be equipped with a Linux operating system and open-source productivity software.

The project, backed by parliament members Richard Cazenave and Bernard Carayon of the Union for a Popular Movement party, will see 1,154 French parliamentary workstations running on Linux, with OpenOffice.org productivity software, the Firefox Web browser and an open-source e-mail client.

Technorati Tags: linux, microsoft

.Mac merges with Google Apps

Everyone seem to be leaving .Mac for free applications and services available on-line, mostly from Google. Now that Google’s CEO Dr. Eric Schmidt joining Apple’s Board of Directors, what do you think will this bring to Apple?

Technorati Tags: google, mac, dotmac

Wait for iChatAV 4

Well, wait until you get iChatAV 4 when it comes out with Leopard. No need to bring a fake backdrop! With a MacBook or MacBook Pro, the camera is already built-in.

Technorati Tags: iChatAV

Online Cyber Safety

Online Cyber Safety – Business Software Alliance:

Your guide to a safe and legal digital world.

Approximately one billion people worldwide are online, and that number is steadily growing. It is easy to see how the Internet and the technologies that power and supplement it have transformed the way we communicate, do business, and live day to day. Internet users are able to communicate, share ideas, search for information and conduct transactions 24 hours a day. This resource is meant to compliment your online experience, so that you can enjoy the full benefits and opportunities of our connected, digital landscape.

I commend the Business Software Alliance (BSA) for setting up the OnlineCyberSafety site to educate users of the perils of doing unprotected on-line transactions. Check out the video they have on software piracy.

Technorati Tags: vulnerability

XackTunes: Online iTunes Library Backup

First of all, I’d like to thank Jofell Gallardo for inviting me to be part of the alpha testers of their Xacktunes product, an on-line service to back-up your iTunes library. Just some insights on the product but before that, just a few disclaimers:

1. Being on an alpha version, this is in no way reflective of the final product that Xackup, the company, will release in a couple of weeks.

2. I have nothing against the company. This is purely business and nothing personal.

3. Xackup DID NOT PAY me to do this.

Technorati Tags: iTunes, backup