On May 1, 2014 at 10AM, Microsoft has released a update for Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11 to fix the Remote Code Execution vulnerability.  This security hole was used in “limited, targeted attacks” and could grant the attacker the ability to steal personal/intellectual data and gain unauthorized access to personal computers.

Although Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, a security update was also pushed to all XP machines to repair Internet Explorer versions 6 through 11.

“The majority of customers have automatic updates enabled and will not need to take any action because protections will be downloaded and installed automatically. If you’re unsure if you have automatic updates, or you haven’t enabled Automatic Update, now is the time.” said Dustin Childs Group Manager, Response Communications of Microsoft Trustworthy Computing.

For a list of all Microsoft Security Updates for this issues, please click here.

Install Security update for IE

1.  Click the Start button.

2.  Select Control Panel.

3.  Select Windows Update.

4.  Click “# import update(s) is available”.

5.  Verify that “Security Update for Internet Explorer # for Windows *” is selected to be installed.

3.  Click OK then click Install Updates.

For assistance applying Security Update for Internet Explorer

please contact us 856-745-9990 or click here.

Takeaway:  Top 10 most useful Windows 7 and Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts.

Windows 7

Windows 8

Download the 100 Windows Keyboard Shortcuts, click here.

Microsoft has offically announced that the release date for the second generation surface tablets, Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, will be October 22, 2013.  Pre-order for Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 is available.

Both new Surface tablets will have a dual-angle kickstand and multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, USB 3.0, micro-SD expansion and HD video-out port.

The new Type and Touch Covers will be released with both tablets.  Both Covers include backlighting and additional sensors.  Also, Microsoft has designed a Power cover that is designed to add additional battery life to both Tablets.

The Surface 2 has a 10.6 Clear Type Full HD (1920×1080) Display and will run Windows RT 8.1 Operating System on an nVidia Tegra 4 Processor. The Surface Pro 2 has two storage options including, 32 GB and 64 GB.  Surface 2 is priced at $449.

Pre-order a Surface 2 Tablet.

The Surface Pro 2 has a 10.6 Clear Type Full HD (1920×1080) Display and will run Windows 8.1 Pro Operating System on an Intel Core i5 Processor. The Surface Pro 2 has multiple storage options including 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB.  Surface Pro 2 is priced at $899.  

Pre-order a Surface Pro 2 Tablet.

Client Hyper-V is a virtualization tool that comes with Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise.  Using Client Hyper-V can run Windows XP applications on a Windows 8 machine.  This tool requires that your system has a minimum of 4GB of RAM, 64-bit CPU that supports Second Level Address Translation (SLAT).  Also, the key virtualization feature must be enabled prior to setup.

Step 1 – Getting Started with Windows 8 Client Hyper-V

Step 2 – Installing Client Hyper-V

Step 3 – Create a Virtual Switch

Step 4 – Create a Virtual XP Machine

Step 5 – Setup USB Access

Step 6 – Install RemoteApp Tool

Step 1 – Getting Started

Launch and verify System Information:

• To access the Apps Search page:  [Windows] + Q keystroke.
• In the text box type msinfo32 and click msinfo32.exe.
• Scroll to the bottom of the right panel and the following values are set to Yes:  (If the Second Level Address Translation Extensions or the Data Execution Protection values are set to No, then you will not be able to use Windows 8’s Client Hyper-V.)

1. Hyper-V – VM Monitor Mode Extensions
2. Hyper-V – Second Level Address Translation Extensions
3. Hyper-V – Virtualization Enables in Firmware
4. Hyper-V – Data Execution Protection.

Enabling Virtualization through Setup Utility

• Before the operating system loads, boot into your Setup Utility.
• Select Computer Setup (If applicable)
• Scroll to Security drop-down menu and select System Security.

• Enable Virtualization Technology.
• Save Changes and Exit.

Go to Step 2 – Installing Client Hyper-V.

Step 2 – Install Client Hyper-V

• To access the Programs and Features tool:  [Windows] + X keystroke.
• Select Turn Windows Features on or off (located in the left panel).
• Select the Hyper-V box.

• Click OK.  After Installation there will be a prompt to Restart the system.

Go to Step 3 – Create a Virtual Switch.

Step 3 – Create a Virtual Switch

For a VM to connect to your network or Internet, the VM must be connected to a Virtual Switch.

• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• In the Actions Pane, select Virtual Switch Manager.
• Choose the type of Virtual Switch you would like to create:  External*, Internal and Private. 

1. External:  Connection with entire network and Internet.
2. Internal:  Connection with “Host” machine network connection only.
3. Private:  Connection with other virtual machines only.

• After selecting the type, another window will open where you can Name the switch and add the Description.
• Click OK.  Then click Yes to “Apply Networking Changes”.

In a typical Client Hyper-V Configuration, you will not use the following settings:

• “Enable virtual LAN identification for management operating system in the VLAN ID” check box.
• Extensions (Located under the Virtual Switch on the left panel).

• MAC Address Range (Global Network Settings on the left panel).

Go to Step 4 – Create a Virtual XP Machine.

Step 4 – Create a Virtual XP Machine

• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• In the Actions Pane, select New and then Virtual Machine…
• Before You Begin window, click Next.
• Specify Name and Location window, you can name your VM and where you would like to save it, then click Next.
• Assign Memory window, type the amount of memory you would like to allocate for the VM (8MB – 1804MB), then click Next.
• Configure Networking window, click Next.
• Connect Virtual Hard Disk window, you can Create a virtual hard disk, Use an existing virtual hard disk or Attach a virtual hard disk later, then click Next.
• Installation Options window, you can Install the OS later, Install an OS from a boot CD/DVD or ISO, Install OS from boot floppy disk or Install OS from a netowrk-based installation server.
• Then click Next to view the Summary or click Finish to complete the setup.

Setting up the Networking settings for an XP machine requires additional steps.

• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• In the Actions Pane, select Settings…
• Select Legacy Network Adapter in the “Add Hardware” section, then click Add.
• In the “Legacy Network Adapter” section, select the Virtual Switch you created in the last step.
• Click Apply and then OK.

Installation:

• Insert the Windows XP CD into the computer.
• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• Select your VM and then in the Actions Pane, select Connect.
• Click the Green Power Button.

• Once Windows XP Installation appears, follow all of the installation steps.

Go to Step 5 – Setup USB Access.

Step 5 – Setup USB Access

Client Hyper-V does not support USB access.  Setting up a Remote Desktop Connection allows the XP Virtual Machine to access USB devices while also providing a full screen display and better performance.  For Remote Desktop Connection to work the Host and Client machines must be setup on the same Workgroup.

Host Machine Setup:

• To access the System window:  [Windows] + [Break] keystroke.
• From this window, you can change your Computer Name and the Workgroup name.
• Restart machine.

Client Machine Setup:

• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• Select your VM and then in the Actions Pane, select Connect.
• Click the Green Power Button.
• To access the System window:  [Windows] + [Break] keystroke.
• Select the Remote tab, check the box to “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer“.
• Click Apply and OK.
• Select Computer Name tab, you can change your Computer Name and the Workgroup name.
• Restart machine.

Setting up initial remote connection:

• Acccess the App Search Page on the Host Machine:  [Windows] + Q keystroke.
• In the text box type Remote and click Remote Desktop Connection.
• Remote Desktop Connection window, click the Show Options button.
• Type:  Windows XP System name and Windows XP User name, then click Save As and assign a Connection name.
  
• Select the Local Resources tab, in the Local devices and resources section, click More.
• Select all the devices you would like access to, and then click OK.
• Return to the General Tab and click Save.

• Select Connect.
• After logging in you can install XP drivers, install a printer and access Host machine files.

Go to Step 6 – Install RemoteApp Tool.

Step 6 – RemoteApp Tool

RemoteApp tool can directly access Windows XP applications from Windows 8.

Install RemoteApp Update

• Open Hyper-V Manager (Start Screen)
• Select your VM and then in the Actions Pane, select Connect.
• Open IE, go to Microsoft Download Center, and search for Enable Remote App.
• Select “Update for Windows XP SP3 to enable RemoteApp” and click Download.
• Follow instructions to install RemoteApp, select Finish.  After Installation there will be a prompt to Restart the system.

Modify the Registry

• Open Run [Windows] + R keystroke.
• In the text box type Regedit to open Registry Editor.
• Go to:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\TSAppAllowList
• In TSAppAllowList, select fDisabledAllowList, change the value from 0 to 1.
• Click OK.

File Path to EXE for Programs (For each Application)

• Locate the application shortcut.
• Right click on it.
• Select the Properties.
• In the Properties dialog box, select the Find Target button.
• Copy the path and executable file name.
• Log off but keep the Virtual Machine running.

Customize RDP File (Saved in Step 5)

• Navigate to your RDP file and copy/paste a copy of the file.
• Rename the copy to an *Application*.rdp.  (Example:  Outlook.RDP)
• Open the file using Notepad and make the following changes:
  • Locate:
    • remoteapplicationmode:i:0
    • alternate shell:s:
  • Change to:
    • remoteapplicationmode:i:1
    • alternate shell:s:rdpinit.exe
  •   Add:
    • disableremoteappcapscheck:i:1
    • remoteapplicationname:s:{Application Name}
    • remoteapplicationprogram:s:{Path to executable file}
• Select File and Save.

Return to Step 1 – Getting Started with Windows 8 Client Hyper-V.

Windows XP was released on October 25, 2001 and has become one of the most popular versions of Windows for home and business environments.

The HIPAA Security Rule requires all systems to be updated regularly, as of April 8, 2014 Microsoft will end support for Windows XP, after which no new updates, hotfixes, patches or support will be issued.

This is a major problem within the healthcare industry since many computers are still running XP.  Migrating to a new operating system can be a challenging task because some XP machines have proprietary software that are not compatible with Windows 7+.  

Evaluate the technical infrastructure including servers, workstations and network equipment to create a migration plan.  Communicating with product vendors will help create the migration plan.  Vendors can provide support for updating and upgrading the software/hardware.  Implementing Virtualization within your network is a centralized option to replacing your current setup.  A virtual desktop infrastructure is having 50+ desktops reside on one physical server and sharing the resources, such as CPU, storage and memory.

During the migration, providing an efficient setup for the clinical staff may also include upgrading the manageability of the network and designing a much more scalable and secure IT infrastructure.

To protect and upgrade your home or business

 please contact us 856-745-9990 or click here.

On April 10, 2012, Microsoft officially announced that as of April 8, 2014 they will end extended support for Windows XP and Office 2003, after which no new updates, hotfixes, patches or support will be issued.  “Since a security update will never become available for Windows XP to address these vulnerabilities, Windows XP will essentially have a “zero day” vulnerability forever” said Tim Rains from Microsoft.  Zero-day attacks are when attackers exploit a vulnerability before the developer is aware or can fix the problem.

Windows XP already has a notably higher infection rate than its successors Windows 7 and Windows 8.  Those preparing to continue using XP after the cut-off date, are going to be in a unpleasant situation trying to protect their intellectual property.   With Microsoft ending their support, the vendors for applications running on it will most likely end support.

Attackers will have the upper hand once Microsoft cuts off XP support and presumably will have more information than the defenders about system and application vulnerabilities.  Also, attackers will have the possibility of compromising the system and applications if they exploit the zero-day vulnerabilities.

For more information regarding Windows XP End of Life, click here.

According to NetMarketShare.com, Windows XP still has about 37 percent desktop operating system share as of June 2013.   Although it is the second most used operating system, Microsoft said that they will not be extending support for XP after April 8, 2014.

To protect and upgrade your home or business

 please contact us 856-745-9990 or click here.

Windows 8.1 will be released on October 17, 2013, followed by a full launch on October 18, 2013.  Although Windows 8.1 is not a “new” operating system, the major updates created for 8.1 have made the upgrade more than a simple service pack.

Enterprise Benefits:

1.  Mobility

Windows 8.1 benefits a wider range of employees to include a combination of productivity and mobility.  IT can manage Windows 8.1 devices, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, with a universal management client.

2.  Tablets

Enabled hardware for Windows 8  offers the option to have a standard operating system for enterprises, but allow individual users to select their device, such as desktops, laptops, and tablets, and have a consistent interface across these devices. 

3.  Application Development

Streamlining Windows 8.1 allow developers to design applications that can work across devices, such as desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

4.  IT Support

To reduce the strain on IT resources for business mobility, standardizing on Windows 8.1 allows a majority of IT support to become simplified. 

5.  Total Savings

Standardizing on Windows 8.1 will reduce the cost for development, maintenance and support.  Also, reducing costs by eliminating licensing/support costs of a enterprise environment with varied devices.

6.  Restore Optimization

Windows 8.1 has the ability to restore factory settings for the operating system.  For all businesses, this is an advantage and a simple way to reduce costs and recover time for IT departments. 

7.  IT Operations

Windows 8.1 is a services pack for Windows 8 that includes new features, not just fixes.  Creating user documentation can be streamlined for Windows 8.1 for all applications.  Additionally, future service packs will follow in the footsteps of Windows 8.1 to include new features; then IT departments can frequently provide updates to user documentation.

8.  Reduced Confusion

To reduce user confusion, after a user joins to Windows Intune Management Service the user gains access to the Company Portal.  The company portal has access to the applications, data, and device settings.  Also, users can troubleshoot their own devices using the service desk self-help portal.

9.  Security

Microsoft is enhancing security with Windows 8.1 with Remote Business Data Removal and the new Internet Explorer.  Remote Business Data Removal provides control over encrypted data that can be wiped from any device.  The new Internet Explorer has Anti-Malware included to scan binary extensions to prevent infections.

10.  Education

Windows 8.1 offers an evaluation of current infrastructure, how to execute migrations plans and ways to educate users on how to use the new version.  Microsoft ends support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014, business should consider the option of upgrading to Windows 8.1. 

For more information regarding Windows 8.1 click here.

Microsoft has always been key player in the Technology world.  In 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7, for many users it became the best operating system yet.  Not too long after the release of Windows 7, Microsoft predicted that “touch-screens” were the future of technology and focused all of their resources in one place.

On October 26, 2012, Microsoft released their Windows 8 OS and their first tablet, the Surface RT.  Shortly thereafter, on February 9, 2013, Microsoft released the second tablet, the Surface Pro.  For more information regarding the Surface RT or the Surface Pro, click here. 

“A Windows 8-based PC is really a new kind of device, one that scales from touch-only small screens through to large screens, with or without a keyboard and mouse,” said Julie Larson-Green from Microsoft.

Apple and Android touchscreen devices have been very successful because they are useful on-the-go.  Trying to compete with Apple and Android, Microsoft developed Windows 8, a touch-oriented OS.  Many desktop and laptop users have had problems adjusting to the new OS.   Also, the Surface Tablet users are having trouble adjusting to this device and OS because it is a touch-enabled laptop.  Using the touchscreen features on a laptop is not convenient and very uncomfortable.

How long will it take for Microsoft to regain its position in the technology world?

Takeaway:  Microsoft Surface RT is the first Tablet equipped for enterprise.

Apple and Android are dominant for consumer consumption, but Windows RT is the best candidate for enterprise use. 

Surface RT Tablet

The Surface by Microsoft is a crossover between a laptop and a tablet.  The Surface RT is a slim tablet with a kickstand and the option of a Touch Cover or a Type Cover.

Surface RT is running Windows RT Operating System on a Quad-Core NVIDIA Tegra 3 Processor.  Storage options are 32 GB or 64 GB.  According to recent news, only 16 GB available for the 32 GB hard drive and 46 GB available for 64 GB hard drive.  

Surface RT for Enterprise use

Surface RT is pre-loaded with  touch-enhanced versions of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote).  Unlike the iPad, the RT has the ability to increase storage with a USB port and MicroSDXC card slot.

Effortlessly join and integrate a Surface RT into a Windows environment; with the capability to retrieve and share network resources.  Providing a “true desktop browser” and the basic functionality, commonly used with a desktop computer, allow the transition from desktop to tablet to be easy.

Takeaway: Microsoft has created many new features that are included with Windows 8.1 expected to be release before the end of 2013.

Windows 8.1 is more than an update to Windows 8; it has new features for both businesses and home users.  Another major step for Microsoft will be annual updates for operating systems; similar to Apple with OS X.

The biggest update will be the traditional Start button on the left side of the screen.  Other features include:

• Boot-to-desktop is available instead of booting to the Metro Start Screen.
• Start screen provides additional custom options for tiles.
• New snap behavior allows up to four Windows 8 Apps to be placed side-by-side without the 320-pixel limitation. 
• PC Settings section includes settings previously located in Control Panel.
• SkyDrive Synchronization settings are built into the operating system.
• & many other features.

TECHIES is a full Managed IT Services Company headquartered in Marlton, New Jersey for over 20 years with a new location opening soon in Wilson, North Carolina. TECHIES provides Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity Solutions, Website Design Services, Dedicated Server Solutions, IT Consulting, VoIP Phone Solutions, Cloud Solutions, Network Cabling and much more.