Merry Christmas from Homeland Secure IT

Christmas is almost upon us!

Hope you have your shopping done by now, and if not, well, it’s not too late to order a notebook, netbook, desktop or tablet computer from Homeland Secure IT!

We offer sales of all major brands of computers and components such as HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Acer, NexLink, Asus, Samsung and more. Whether it is a business computer or one for your personal uses, we have something for you or the person on your list you have forgotten about not found the perfect gift for!

Orders placed are generally here at our Greenville office the next business day before lunch at no additional charge!!!!

We will be closing on Friday, December 23rd so our staff can spend time with their families, and we will be in the field on a server deployment on Monday, December 26th, however, we *WILL* be available for emergency calls should you need us!

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 SP2

As promised, Microsoft released SP2 for Exchange Server 2010 on 2011-12-12, and the SP brings with it a number of features and fixes:

• Incorporates all the changes from Update Rollup 1 through 6 for SP1
• Adds Hybrid Configuration Wizard for ease of managing a deployment between your on site Exchange and your Office 365 Exchange
• Introduces Address Book Policies, which determine the GAL, OAB, room list and address lists that are visible to the mailbox user that is assigned that policy
• New Cross-Site Silent Redirection for Outlook Web App can pass off requests to another server in another Active Directory site, and also permit a single sign-on
• Adds Mini Version of Outlook Web App suited for mobile users (tablets, pads, smart phones, basically anything with a browser)
• Mailbox Replication Service changes permit you to move mailboxes from on-premises to another forest or Outlook.com
• Mailbox Auto-Mapping changes allow you to disable Auto-Mapping to save on resources
• Added five Multi-Valued Custom Attributes which allow you to store additional information for your mail recipient objects
• Litigation Hold prohibits you from disabling or deleting a mailbox that has been placed on “litigation hold”

If you are running an Exchange Server 2010 without the current rollups applied to SP1, updating to SP2 today is a great idea as you can kill multiple birds with one stone!

Should you require assistance in the Greenville or Upstate, SC area please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Last updated December 13, 2011

Keyboard Shortcuts

Just using your mouse to make computer commands takes more time than you think – keyboard shortcuts save both time and energy by reducing multiple clicks to a single combination of keys.

Keyboard shortcuts are used for tasks that you do all the time, such as opening or saving files, but a large number of people do not know they even exist!

The table below offers only a fraction of the common standard-keyboard shortcuts, many of which work across Microsoft Office applications—such as Outlook, Visio, PowerPoint, Word, Excel & Publisher.

A full list of built-in keyboard shortcuts can be found in the Help section of any particular computer-based application.

This information comes courtesy of our partner, ACRBO…

Apple iPhone

Smartphones: Whether it is an Android, iPhone or even a Windows based phone, you cannot survive without one. These devices provide instant communication with your clients through email, text message and phone, along with the ability to browse the web and select from tens of thousands of applications to assist in your business. Your clients will not wait for you to get to your office to respond to an email. Even a quick, “I’m driving, will respond as soon as it is safe” auto-response is better than no response. The cost of a typical phone can range from 100 to 300 dollars per phone depending on features and term of contract from the carrier of your choice.

Square Credit Card Reader

Credit Card Processing: If you expect to get paid, then you need to accept every form of payment possible, including plastic. Yes, you will lose a little bit on the sale, but you will gain an instant payment. If you are just getting started, without purchasing a machine or paying a monthly charge, you can accept credit cards anywhere you have a cell signal using the Square credit card application with your smart phone and the free reader device that they provide to you. No per-swipe fee, and less than 3.0% charge. Fast, secure, and in your account the next business day. Find it in your phones’s marketplace.

Reliable & Fast Internet: There are a lot of choices these days for fast internet, from DSL to cable to fiber, and the old tried and true T1 standard, but some businesses may find that a wireless broadband internet plan may be enough for them. We recommend Charter Business in most situations, but that varies depending upon what is available at the business location. One advantage to using a cellular based broadband internet connection is that you can take it with you, which is great for businesses that are not tied to one specific location. Typical 4G plans will provide over 5 meg down and up to 2 meg up. Verizon Wireless offers the MiFi devices for around 50 dollars with 5GB plans for 50 dollars per month.

IP Surveillance Cameras

IP surveillance: Sure it sounds like the CIA, but IP security cameras at your business will decrease loss of inventory, increase productivity, and may provide an insurance savings. You can even keep tabs on your employees using a smartphone or any web browser to view these camera. Recordings can be reviewed after events occur, and most systems can email you when there is movement in a particular location. Prices range from $150 for a single entry level camera into the $2000 range to cover an entire business. You can install yourself, or get an IT provider to handle this for you for the most professional results.

Email: This is a no-brainer, but many small businesses will cut corners here. A Hotmail account will work for sure, but who wants AcmeWidgetCo@hotmail.com on their business cards. At the very least, your business should use a service that allows for linking a domain to your mail, such as Google Apps (Gmail) or Microsoft Office 365. This gives you a professional appearance, and provides for important features such as linking of your smartphones, sharing of calendars between users and so much more. Microsoft Office 365 costs about 5 dollars per person per month and gives you up to 20GB of storage.

Anti-Virus & Security: Far too often this is overlooked, or taken for granted. A business that is vulnerable to viruses or malware is a business that could experience costly downtime and repairs, not to mention, open yourself up for compliance violations and potential fines or legal issues depending upon the field you are in. The components of a secure network are as simple as a quality firewall like those offered from Cisco, Watchguard or SonicWall, an anti-virus software package from Trend Micro or Symantec, and taking the time to apply updates to the Operating System (Windows, Mac, etc) and support software (Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash, JAVA).

Backup: When disaster strikes, you need to be prepared for it. Having backups of your important files will insure you are not out of business when a computer or server fails. Backups technology can be as simple as an external USB drive or remote backup solution, or on the other end of the spectrum, as complicated as auto-loader tape drives. One thing is for sure, ANY attempt to backup your data is better than none. For automated cloud backup solutions, consider Servosity or Mozy Pro.

Here at Homeland Secure IT, we utilize a vast array of technology and we also help many small and medium businesses and even home offices stay up to date. If we can help you with decisions regarding your Greenville or Upstate technology infrastructure, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer sales, service, repair and consultation of everything from computers to VoIP.

What is your “must have” business technology? I would love to hear about it.  VoIP phone systems? iPad, Android or Windows based tablet computers? A favorite app (We love TiKL & Waze)?

Anyone browsing to mysql.com yesterday would have been redirected, and without even being prompted, then likely been exploited themselves by the software running on the rogue website which apparently looked for vulnerable browser plugins to use for an injection point.

Trend Micro’s smart web filtering may have caught this and stopped it, but one thing is for sure… Doing everything you can to protect yourself from this type of exploit is more important than ever.

You should always insure you are running up-to-date and mainstream/quality anti-virus software (Such as Trend Micro), and also keep your operating system (whether Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X or even linux), browser, and all support software such as Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Reader and JAVA, as well as Microsoft Office fully updated!

Another thing you should consider is backups! With the cost of USB hard drives at an all time low, and online backup (Like our Servosity offering) being an easy install, configuration and affordable, there is no excuse to not have backups.

Should you need assistance in the Greenville / Upstate SC area determining what you or your business needs, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We provide sales of Trend Micro, Symantect & McAfee anti-virus protection, virus cleanup & removal, and can handle your computer service & computer repair tasks!

I think the only cool thing to do is give it away!

Anyone who buys a HOME / PERSONAL computer from us during the month of September will be entered into our little contest.

On Oct 3rd, 2011, we will draw a name and give that person a free copy of MS Office Home & Student 2010 to go with that computer you purchased!

This is normally a $120.oo value…

Need a computer for your home or business, or maybe dozens of computers??? We are resellers and partners with some of the biggest names in computer and server technology! HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Nexlink and more!  Call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for more information.

One of the first made its debut back in 1999 and was known as “CIH”.  But Symantec is reporting a new killer on the block called “Trojan.Mebromi” that affects the Award BIOS and seizes control of a system even before you get to the MBR (Master Boot Record).

Expect this trend to continue….

Read more about it here:

http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/bios-threat-showing-again

As always, please insure your systems are using the latest anti-virus (We suggest and sell Trend Micro products such as the amazing Trend Micro Worry Free Business Security), that all updates are applied to your Microsoft Windows operating systems, all applications and support programs from Microsoft Office, to Adobe Reader, Flash and JAVA are at the latest patch levels. Obtain a quality firewall, and use common sense! And don’t forget to BACKUP!

If you suspect your system may be infected, or want to know how to better protect your computer or an entire business full of computers and servers, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com.  We offer virus removal and cleanup in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area.

We provide sales, licensing, installation and support for Trend Micro and Symantec products. We can sell you one seat, or protect your business with 1000 users!

If you require assistance applying updates to your business computers in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com….

This is from US-CERT, for your reading enjoyment:

National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA11-256A

Microsoft Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities

Original release date: September 13, 2011

Last revised: –

Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

* Microsoft Windows

* Microsoft Office

* Microsoft Server Software

Overview

There are multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft

Server Software, and Microsoft Office. Microsoft has released

updates to address these vulnerabilities.

I. Description

The Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011

describes multiple vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft

Server Software, and Microsoft Office. Microsoft has released

updates to address the vulnerabilities.

II. Impact

A remote, unauthenticated attacker could execute arbitrary code,

cause a denial of service, or gain unauthorized access to your

files or system.

III. Solution

Apply updates

Microsoft has provided updates for these vulnerabilities in the

Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011. That

bulletin describes any known issues related to the updates.

Administrators are encouraged to note these issues and test for any

potentially adverse effects. In addition, administrators should

consider using an automated update distribution system such as

Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

IV. References

* Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for September 2011 -

<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms11-sep>

* Microsoft Windows Server Update Services -

<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/wsus/default.aspx>

____________________________________________________________________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA11-256A.html>

While most businesses who have a typical Microsoft Exchange Server might experience an outage that affects their users, when a cloud provider has a glitch, it affects a massive number of individuals and businesses. Keep in mind that it is not limited to just Microsoft, large providers such as Amazon and Google have both had similar issues recently.

The Microsoft outage was blamed on a DNS problem and affected the users of Hotmail, Office 365, SkyDrive and many other “Live” systems.

If you manage a business and are thinking about a switch to the cloud, this type of issue should be taken into consideration.

Should you want to discuss how to, or if you should move your business from a localized mail solution to a cloud based solution, a cloud solution to a localized solution, or how blending the two technologies can work for you, please give us a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We offer Microsoft, Google and other cloud solutions in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area!

HP ProBook 4530s Notebook

Last week we had to cut the cord and let our baby girl go off to college… That was more difficult than I care to relate to you in a blog post!

One of the items on our task list was to secure a quality notebook that she could probably use for the four years she is in school.

Being obsessive-compulsive, I started comparing every notebook that was available to me that fit the specs I had determined (Keep in mind that Homeland Secure IT offers HP, Dell, Toshiba, Acer, Lenovo, Nexlink and more for sale). This was an overwhelming job!

Once I had narrowed it down to a handful of machines, with the proper specs and within the target price range, one notebook stood out.

It was the HP ProBook 4530s, and more specifically the XU015UT#ABA, based around the Intel Core i3, with 4 GB of RAM, 320GB HDD, DVD-Writer w/LightScribe, 802.11n wi-fi, gigabit network, Intel 3000 graphics, Bluetooth 3.0, built-in webcam & mic, Microsoft Windows Home Premium, memory card reader, even a biometric fingerprint reader, and more.

There’s lots of expansion available besides the card reader and connectivity, through the 4 USB ports (1 is USB 3.0), VGA and HDMI video outputs and an ExpressCard/34 port.

With its 15.6″ LED display, it is easy on the eyes, and uses a minimal amount of power. It is also fairly light for such a big notebook at 5.5lbs. The finish is “pretty” and the build is sturdy.

The outstanding 6+ hour battery life was what sealed the deal.  And I tested it several times over after we got it to see just what the battery life was, and as advertised, it was on the nose, and better when using battery saving technologies like letting the screen darken when on battery.

This model is available at Staples currently for $579.oo, and amazingly enough, Homeland Secure IT can match their price, which is surprising since they buy in large quantities.

It comes with Microsoft Office Starter 2010, so all you need to purchase is a product key card (PKC) to enable the full versions of Microsoft Office, available at a minimal additional cost.

Whether you get the HP 4530s from us, or someone else, I don’t believe you can go wrong. Check one out!

For more information about notebook computers in the Greenville / Upstate SC area, either for yourself or your business, please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

The idiot who attempted to extort money with a “collar bomb” was most likely caught due to leaving a message on a USB flash drive that he had deleted files from.

The ONLY safe way to remove data from a hard drive, flash drive, tape drive or other types of media is to physically destroy it. Our friend Brent over at ShredDisk can help you with that. Don’t make the mistake of deleting files only to find they are recoverable.

Here’s a link to the original article which mentions additional clues that were used to find the “collar bomber”, such as meta data in a recovered Microsoft Office Word document.

This means many people are buying notebook and desktop computers for their school-bound children and many are paying full retail price for Microsoft Office 2010.

It doesn’t have to be that way.  Microsoft has a special that lets students who purchase Microsoft Office 2010 Home & Student download Outlook, Publisher and Access free of charge, so basically, you get everything that is in the higher dollar version without the added expense.

But there are still other programs available. There is the Microsoft Academic Program that lets you purchase a steeply discounted version of Microsoft Office 2010 Academic, or Microsoft Windows 7.

Knowing about these opportunities can save you some big money, which is a blessing when sending your child off to college. (Our daughter Megan starts college in about a week! EEEP!).

If you would like more information, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We have computer and software sales & specials for Greenville & Upstate SC students all the time, but Microsoft’s current special for free downloads are avilable only through September 25th, 2011.

The client tried everything, from rebooting, to trying safe mode. We connected remotely to view their desktop and observed the same behavior.

After scouring the internet and discussing this between us for several minutes, we were unable to determine the exact cause and were thinking one of the many updates applied overnight may have been the culprit. We didn’t want to waste any more of the client’s time, so we asked them if we could directly remote to the notebook so they could go to lunch while we continued the quest to fix the issue.

When we connected via Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop) to the notebook in question, all applications opened normally!

Then it hit us….  The client has a notebook, and an additional monitor. Applications were opening correctly, they were just opening to the wrong monitor. When we asked them to verify, they told us the notebook had been closed, meaning, all applications had been opening as they should, but to the notebook’s display, where they could not see it, and our remote tool only displays one screen, so we were unable to determine this ourselves initially.

So, the lesson learned is: If applications are not opening correctly and you have multiple displays, could it be that the apps are opening outside of your view?   We’ll be asking that question ourselves if we encounter this problem again.

During this time, you can save 6% state sales tax on purchases in many categories, including the one we are most interested in, electronics.

A few examples from the www.sctax.org website of exempt products:

• Computer hardware service contracts sold in conjunction with computers
• Computer software (This includes Microsoft Office, Microsoft Windows)
• Computer software service contracts sold in conjunction with computer software
• Computer software service contracts when the true object of the contract is to obtain computer software updates during the contract period
• Computers (computer parts, such as computer monitors, keyboards and scanners, when not sold in conjunction with a central processing unit (CPU) and accessories are taxable) (Think notebook, desktop & tablet computers here)
• Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs (PDAs are hand-held computers used as daily planners. Please note that the exemption does not apply to cell phones with a PDA, computer applications or similar components.) (The rules are sketchy here, an Android tablet computer is a PDA OR a computer, not primarily a cell phone)
• Printer supplies (replaceable ink cartridges used in printers are exempt from tax as “printer supplies”)
• Printers (replacement parts are taxable)

You need to read the information at THIS SITE before making these purchases…

There are a number of exclusions and something VERY important for businesses to understand is that you cannot use the sales tax holiday for making purchases of items that will be used in your business or trade.

Homeland Secure IT will be honoring the sales tax holiday on purchases made tomorrow (Friday). It’s a great time to buy your college-bound child a new notebook computer!

We offer HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Nexlink and more… We can custom spec a computer today, place the order tomorrow and in most cases have it in your hands on Monday or Tuesday!

Call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Google Apps and Microsoft BPOS (Business Productivity Online Services) have really taken off as a way to possibly avoid having a mail server onsite and to save money on the purchase of office suite software, since the mail client is web based (or you can combine it with your out client, such as Outlook).

Earlier this week, Microsoft unveiled their Office 365 product, which is designed to attract those who hate the idea of purchasing a product, and would prefer to license a service or product.

In theory it is good… You are renting the software and it is cloud based. In practice, it may not be realistic for your business if you have lousy internet connectivity.

A ZD Net article the other day also claims that lack of bandwidth will be the downfall to these types of services. Find it here:

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/office-365-8217s-potential-fatal-flaw-not-enough-internet-bandwidth/1204

If you have a business in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area and would like to know whether a cloud solution such as Office 365 can work for you, please call us and let’s talk! 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com – We are Microsoft Specialists!

Please write-in Homeland Secure IT for Computer Service Provider

We believe that Homeland Secure IT is the best Computer Service Provider in the Upstate, and we are hoping you do too!

Therefore, we humbly request that you click on the Greenville News “Best of the Upstate 2011″ logo on the left and take a moment to vote for us!

Our category is item #9, “Computer Service Provider”, please write-in “Homeland Secure IT”.

I believe you can vote daily from June 19th through July 10th…

Thank you so much for your support!

John & Pamela Hoyt

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Thursday, June 09, 2011

Microsoft Patch Tuesday will soon be upon us again, and Microsoft has not let us down!  A little something for everyone….

The following is directly from their Advanced Notification for June 2011, released today:

********************************************************************

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for June 2011

Issued: June 9, 2011

********************************************************************

This is an advance notification of security bulletins that Microsoft is intending to release on June 14, 2011.

The full version of the Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for June 2011 can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms11-jun.mspx.

This bulletin advance notification will be replaced with the June bulletin summary on June 14, 2011. For more information about the bulletin advance notification service, see http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/advance.mspx.

To receive automatic notifications whenever Microsoft Security Bulletins are issued, subscribe to Microsoft Technical Security Notifications on http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/notify.mspx.

Microsoft will host a webcast to address customer questions on these bulletins on June 15, 2011, at 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US & Canada). Register for the Security Bulletin Webcast at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/summary.mspx.

Microsoft also provides information to help customers prioritize monthly security updates with any non-security, high-priority updates that are being released on the same day as the monthly security updates. Please see the section, Other Information.

This advance notification provides a number as the bulletin identifier, because the official Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers are not issued until release. The bulletin summary that replaces this advance notification will have the proper Microsoft Security Bulletin numbers (in the MSyy-xxx format) as the bulletin identifier. The security bulletins for this month are as follows, in order of severity:

Critical Security Bulletins

===========================

Bulletin 1

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 2

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Silverlight 4

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 3

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010 Client

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 4

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 5

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 6

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 7

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 8

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Vista Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Internet Explorer 9

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Internet Explorer 9

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 9

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems:

- Internet Explorer 6

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2:

- Internet Explorer 7

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation

not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1:

- Internet Explorer 8

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Important Security Bulletins

============================

Bulletin 10

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Information Disclosure

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 11

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft Excel 2002 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Excel 2003 Service Pack 3

- Microsoft Excel 2007 Service Pack 2

- Microsoft Excel 2010 (32-bit editions)

- Microsoft Excel 2010 (64-bit editions)

- Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac

- Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac

- Microsoft Office for Mac 2011

- Open XML File Format Converter for Mac

- Microsoft Excel Viewer Service Pack 2

- Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for

Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats Service Pack 2

- Impact: Remote Code Execution

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 12

- Affected Software:

- Windows XP Service Pack 3

- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Elevation of Privilege

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 13

- Affected Software:

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Impact: Denial of Service

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 14

- Affected Software:

- Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista Service Pack 2

- Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1 and

Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows 7 for x64-based Systems and

Windows 7 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

Service Pack 1

- Impact: Denial of Service

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 15

- Affected Software:

- Microsoft InfoPath 2007 Service Pack 2

- Microsoft InfoPath 2010 (32-bit editions)

- Microsoft InfoPath 2010 (64-bit editions)

- SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3

- SQL Server 2005 x64 Edition Service Pack 3

- SQL Server 2005 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 3

- SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 4

- SQL Server 2005 x64 Edition Service Pack 4

- SQL Server 2005 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 4

- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack 3

- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Service Pack 4

- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services

Service Pack 3

- SQL Server 2005 Express Edition with Advanced Services

Service Pack 4

- SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) 2005

- SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) 2005 x64 Edition

- SQL Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 1

- SQL Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

- SQL Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 1

- SQL Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

- SQL Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

- SQL Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems Service Pack 2

- SQL Server 2008 R2 for 32-bit Systems

- SQL Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems

- SQL Server 2008 R2 for Itanium-based Systems

- Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Service Pack 1

- Microsoft Visual Studio 2010

- Impact: Information Disclosure

- Version Number: 1.0

Bulletin 16

- Affected Software:

- Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

- Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 2

(Windows Server 2008 Server Core installation not affected)

- Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems and

Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems Service Pack 1

(Windows Server 2008 R2 Server Core installation not affected)

- Impact: Elevation of Privilege

- Version Number: 1.0

If you require help with these updates or any other security related matter, please feel free to call upon us in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area at 864-990-4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert

One interesting option is the Cisco Small Business Unified Communications 300 series.  A few features include:

The UC320 system’s specific features:

If this sounds of interest to your Greenville / Upcountry business, please give Homeland Secure IT a call at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com. We are a Cisco Small Business Select Partner offering sales, support and consultation!

As always, if you see a link such as “See Bin Ladens last moments” on someone’s Facebook profile, don’t click it, it is likely not something you want.

Using a reliable and trusted anti-virus with web filtering capabilities, keeping your computer operating system up to date, as well as all supporting applications such as Java, Microsoft Office, Adobe products, etc is always a great idea. We recommend and offer Trend Micro for anti-virus for either your personal desktops or for your entire business network security! We also offer complete computer security, repair, support and sales in the Greenville & Upstate SC Area.

If you would like additional information, please contact us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

While we are on the subject of Bin Laden, let me take a moment to thank our military and everyone involved in the events of the last 24hrs. I think we may all sleep a little better at night….

I suggest NOT cleaning. Sure, you can ORGANIZE, but why risk losing an important file?

External hard drives are inexpensive and easy to connect, as in plugging in! Then you can use the built-in archive functions in your Microsoft Outlook to move mail to a .pst file that can be saved to the USB drive.

I also advise using MULTIPLE means of archiving, whether it is a DVD disk and a USB drive, or two USB drives, just something that will be stored elsewhere. You could try one of the various cloud computing solutions as well, like DropBox…

With files stored on your system, say in the Documents folder, you can sort them by the date they were last modified and then move them to an external drive. Again, having data in more than one place is always desirable. You can never have too many backups in my humble opinion!

What do YOU do to archive your data, mail or do you? Do you just delete it?

We are able to offer academic priced software through Microsoft Academic FPP, Open Agreement and School Subscription. The discounts can be substantial when compared to retail pricing!

To find out if your organization is qualified, or for Microsoft sales & support, please contact us at info@homelandsecureit.com or call 864.990.4748×201.

Homeland Secure IT Alert

Homeland Secure IT Alert for Monday, April 11th, 2011

You’ve waited a whole month for this, and Microsoft has not let you down.  Updates galore are ‘a comin’ tomorrow, April 12th, 2011.

The Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification states that this Patch Tuesday will be a big one. A total of 17 fixes, addressing 64 security vulnerabilities are there for your enjoyment and they cover just about everything, from current versions of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems to Microsoft Office and even Microsoft Windows Server PowerPoint web app.

There are  9 critical, 8 important and two which address information disclosure/privilege threats.

One important update is the cumulative fix for the Internet Explorer browser which will address every supported Windows OS and covers IE 6, IE 7 and IE 8.

Microsoft will be sponsoring a webcast on April 13th at 11AM Pacific here: https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?culture=en-US&EventID=1032455069&EventCategory=4

Should you have issues or concerns about these updates or any Microsoft Security or Support questions in the Greenville / Upstate, SC area, please call us at 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Homeland Secure IT Alert

A common complain is that the software needs to download components over and over and that gets annoying. This is due to the fact that you purchased Office 2010 online, or installed it as a trial, then purchased.

To fix this, insure you have your MS Office Product Key, then uninstall Microsoft Office 2010 from your system.  (Control Panel and remove programs). Next, return to where you made the purchase of Microsoft Office and sign in with the same ID you used to make that purchase.

Click the “My Account” link at the top of the page and select “Download” for the Office Suite but do opt to “Download Now”, instead, select “Advanced Options”. From there, select the non Click-to-Run product.

That should put the smile back on your face!   If you need assistance, or would like to purchase Microsoft Office 2010, please call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com

Microsoft Office 2010

Don’t forget about the Microsoft “Up-to-Date” promotion if you are considering upgrading your business to Microsoft Office 2010!

SMB (Small / Medium Business Organizations can receive a savings of 50 percent on the first annual payment on Office Professional Plus 2010 licenses!

To be eligible for this promotion, you must sign a new commercial Open Value Subscription agreement or Open Value Subscription for Government agreement and acquire Office Professional Plus 1010 licenses.

Please insure your Microsoft reseller uses the Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 up-to-date (UTD) license SKU when they place your order so you can receive the savings. The reseller must also submit a signed Open Value Subscription Up-to-Date Discount form.

Act now to get your savings!

Compare Microsoft Office Standard and Microsoft Professional Plus 1010 – both available through Volume Licensing

Homeland Secure IT offers Microsoft sales and licensing to Greenville and Upstate SC businesses, organizations and individuals. Call 864.990.4748 or email info@homelandsecureit.com for additional information.