Issue No. 30January 2015

Windows 10 in 2015

If you made the decision to pass on a computer with Windows 8 when it was released at the end of 2012, you were not alone. Changes introduced to Windows 8 were not popular with many Windows users, and the negative media portrayal of these changes caused many people to hold off on Windows 8.  Microsoft has listened to customer feedback and made a series of massive improvements to the new Windows 10, coming in 2015.

The early technical preview of Windows 10 demonstrates new levels of flexibility, navigation and familiarity through the Windows experience.

• Expanded Start menu. The familiar Start menu is back, providing quick one-click access to the functions and files that people use most, and it includes a new space to personalize with favorite apps, programs, people and websites.
• Apps that run in a window. Apps from the Windows Store now open in the same format that desktop programs do. They can be resized and moved around, and have title bars at the top allowing users to maximize, minimize and close with a click.
• Snap enhancements. Working in multiple apps at once is easier and more intuitive with snap improvements. A new quadrant layout allows up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen. Windows will also show other apps and programs running for additional snapping, and it will even make smart suggestions on filling available screen space with other open apps.
• New Task view button. The new Task view button on the task bar enables one view for all open apps and files, allowing for quick switching and one-touch access to any desktop created.
• Multiple desktops. Instead of too many apps and files overlapping on a single desktop, it’s easy to create and switch between distinct desktops for different purposes and projects – whether for work or personal use.

Source: Microsoft

To learn more about the launch specifics of Microsoft Windows 10 and more features that will be included, please Contact Us.

 

Ransomware

There has been much talk in the news lately about ransomware.

What is Ramsomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system. To make the infected system usable again, the victim is forced to pay (a ransom) to a remote threat actor through certain online payment methods.

Users may encounter this threat through different means. They can either download ransomware unwittingly by visiting malicious or compromised websites. It can also arrive as a payload, either dropped or downloaded by other malware.

It is important to note, however, that paying for the ransom does not guarantee that users can eventually access the infected system.

Once executed in the system, a ransomware can either (1) lock the computer screen or (2) encrypt predetermined files with a password. In the first scenario, a ransomware shows a full-screen image or notification, which prevents victims from using their system. This also shows the instructions on how users can pay for the ransom. The second type of ransomware locks files like documents, spreadsheets and other important files.

Ransomware is considered a “scareware”, as it forces users to pay for a fee (or ransom) by scaring or intimidating them. In this sense, it is similar to the FAKEAV malware, though using a different tactic. Instead of capturing the infected system or encrypting files, FAKEAV coax users in to purchasing their bogus antimalware software by showing fake antimalware scanning results.

Source: Trend Micro

If you think you company has been affected by ramsomware, please Contact Us.