Microsoft Makes Appeal to NSA on PRISM Scandal

In a surprise move for Microsoft, general counsel Brad Smith wrote to US Attorney General Eric Holder to make a plea for permission to disclose and explain to the public what information the software giant has been handing over to the NSA as part of the PRISM scandal, which came to light by leaker Eric Snowden who is now seeking asylum while holed up in a Russian airport.

The concerns brought up by Microsoft's attorney primarily deal with preserving constitutional rights of U.S. citizens. However, it is more likely that Microsoft's lawyers are concerned with liability over the surrendering their customers' data to the U.S. Government, and potential for lawsuits as part of those requests.

With more and more data being stored in the cloud, and most computers on a 24/7 connection to the internet with various "behind the scenes" applications transmitting data to Microsoft, its likely that all of our computers are potential sources for monitoring by government authorities.

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Do you think Microsoft should be able to disclose to customers what information is being requested and turned over to the NSA?

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Gigabit Wifi coming soon

The Wi-Fi Alliance, a global organization that ensures the interoperability of Wi-Fi technologies, began certifying so-called "ac" devices on July 20, 2013. The new standard is called "802.11ac" will have speeds of up to 1.3 Gigabits per second.

Since few devices are currently on the market with the new standard, pricing is much higher than standard WiFi devices. Netgear's R6200 WiFi access point starts at $160.00 at Best Buy.

Before considering a purchase, consider operational gains are mostly applicable to the streaming of large files across a WiFi network, such as videos and sound files.

Use of Facebook data for criminal & civil litigation

Recently, Facebook disclosed that it received thousands of requests for data from user accounts in the last half of 2012 alone. This reinforces the fact that investigators, and ultimately the courts, are relying more on electronic data for litigation purposes than ever before.

That being said, Richmond Computer now offers transcription and data collection services involving Facebook data, similar to the highly popular SMS Witness program, which converts cell phone text messages to court admissible transcripts. Starting at $49.99, we can collect Facebook data and produce items such as Facebook messages into transcripts, complete with documentation on collection and production methodology and analysis of metadata.

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Microsoft to end all support for Windows XP April 8, 2014

Microsoft has set the date for an end to all support for Windows XP: 4/8/2014. Windows XP was once the mainstay of home and office PCs, and continues to be used on 37% of all business computers (a staggering number!). Despite this, Microsoft is pushing forward with making Windows 8 the flagship of home and office operating systems. Recently, Microsoft has released an updated version in response to significant backlash from end users on the format and usability of the newest version of Windows.

Microsoft relents on start button in Windows 8

Following months of heavy criticism over the removal of the start button from the Windows 8 operating system, Microsoft added this feature back in Windows 8.1, which is not yet available to the public.

The return of the start button demonstrates that Microsoft is sensitive to the heavy criticism from consumers and feedback from those in the technology industry. However, the return of the start button does not equal the return of the "start menu", where one would normally find a list of apps and programs on their system. Early reviews indicate that the modifications in 8.1 do improve accessibility to the system.

The "Metro" syle screen is similar to that of Windows Server 2012. The universal application of the new interfaces do show Microsoft's commitment to breaking out of its "Windows shell", which has defined their products since Windows 95.

If you are in the market for a new computer system we still exercise caution in choosing Windows 8 over Windows 7 for an operating system. While Windows 8 reviews indicate that it is a more stable operating system than Windows 7 (Windows 7 is an extremely stable platform), there is a good period of adjustment in dealing with the new Graphical User Interface (GUI). While Windows 8 is less demanding on hardware than its predecessor, the switch to the new system has been called a "jarring" experience for many.

If you are in the market for a new system, contact us for a free consultation on which OS is best for you.

"FBI" MoneyPak Drive-by virus still alive and well (Revton Virus)

Since 2011, a "drive-by" virus has been circulating on infected web servers which, when visited by web surfers, installs a software application known as the "Revton Virus" which locks the user's computer and demands payment for copyright infringement with the FBI's logo on the computer screen.

Richmond Computer continues to receive calls for removal of this virus, which takes about 30 minutes. Because of the high number of infections seen, we've been able to flat-rate the removal cost to just $80.00.

While there are many options out there to remove the virus, if you are looking for timely removal with minimal effort, we suggest you call us. Work can be performed at your location or our office at no additional charge for customers within Philadelphia.

More information:

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2012/august/new-internet-scam

http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/FBI-Virus-Scam-Continues-to-Grow-207415201.html#.UZKaqaLviSo

Software you own becoming a thing of the past

Remember the days when you went to a store and bought a software application that came in a box? It looks like the days of picking up boxes of software with neatly packaged CDs and user manuals are rapidly becoming a thing of the past.

Last year, Microsoft rolled out its Office 365 suite, which is the software giant's alternative to spending upwards of $400 for Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Access (among others). Now, for a monthly fee (called "subscriptions"), users can continue to utilize this software, so long as the bills are paid. If you stop paying the bill, you can still access your files with restricted abilities.

Adobe is the latest software company to jump on the clouded subscription craze. In a recent announcement, Adobe has decided that applications part of their creative suite, such as Photoshop, will ONLY be available in the cloud, under a subscription.

The benefits to you as the consumer are low cost of entry for gaining access to the software, which will now change more gracefully through frequent, periodic updates, as opposed to drastic changes from version to version.

The downside? You'll need to tie your bank account or credit card to Adobe or Microsoft to pay the monthly subscription fee to continue to use the software. Effectively, you will no longer own the software, but only have rights to use it under their EULA and as long as the bill is paid.

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