Search results matching tag 'Windows 7'

Windows 7 / Server 2008 Remote Crash Exploit

3vi1 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:10:59 GMT

It looks like Microsoft's put a lot of new SMB bugs in their recent OS's. This is the second way we've seen to remotely crash a machine by sending it bad SMB packets.

Proof of concept/exploit code you can paste write into Python is located here: http://g-laurent.blogspot.com/2009/11/windows-7-server-2008r2-remote-kernel.html

This SMB bug is worse than the first one that was found; With this bug, you don't get a telling BSOD that you can ctrl-alt-del from (and which might have info letting you known the system was crashed by the SMB exploit). This bug simply hangs the machine hard with no indication of what happened and you have to punch the power/reset button.

Worse... there's apparently a way to use it in conjunction with IE to circumvent firewalls. So, if you're lured to click on a link and it hangs your machine - it might be some jerk messing with you. No one's found a way to use either of these SMB bugs to remotely exploit code yet, so at least you can't get a worm in this manner, yet.

Microsoft reportedly isn't planning on fixing this until SP1.

Monster Patch Tuesday

3vi1 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:16:48 GMT

13 patches coming on Tuesday... including 5 for the yet-to-be-release Windows7.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139155/Microsoft_plans_monster_Patch_Tuesday_next_week

RE: Windows 7 Available Early From Puget System

3vi1 — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:32:10 GMT

I wanted to have a Windows 7 launch party, but I couldn't decide on traditional catapults or trebuchets.

Oct. 22nd also happens to be the release date for Ubuntu 9.10 RC1, with final release happening 7 days later.

RE: Microsoft Windows 7 And Server 2008 R2 Sees RTM

3vi1 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:16:40 GMT

Hopefully, they remembered to fix this for RTM: Win6.1

Admins Snub Windows 7, Says Survey

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:46:13 GMT

Despite the general hubbub surrounding Windows 7's launch (Oct 22), it seems that businesses are less than thrilled at the idea of parting with their money to upgrade to Windows 7.

According to Reuters, a survey carried out by ScriptLogic Inc. shows that 6 out of 10 businesses will pass over upgrading to Windows 7 - mostly in an attempt to save a buck and avoid any loss of productivity due to software issues. With a tightening budget and Vista's track record, this is all too expected, and will have Microsoft reworking its upgrade policy in no time.

The 20,000 admin-wide survey showed that about 60 percent of respondents would shy away from deploying Windows 7 altogether, with 34 percent promising to deploy it by the end of 2010. Only 5.4 percent of respondents planned on deploying it by years-end. The survey carries on to explain that a rather unsurprising 35 percent of admins had already skipped upgrades this year due to budget constraints.

A more marketeer-panicking 39 percent were worried their business apps wouldn't work correctly under Windows 7, something we're sure Microsoft will come back to very, very soon.

Possibly Microsoft's greatest merit has been to successfully erradicate the blemish left by Vista, but ultimately it's been focusing on drawing end-users back into the fold while neglecting to point out that 7, contrary to Vista, won't wreak havoc with your admin suites (or will it?). On the other hand, History tells us that if Microsoft was worried about it they'd have bombarded everyone with benchmarks on how productivity will skyrocket as soon as you ~~remove~~ upgrade the offending operating system and replace it with ~~something that weighs less than a metric tonne~~ Windows 7.

It does seem that Microsoft's marketing has its job cut out as, given the current state of affairs, cash-strapped businesses are disregarding the opportunity to buy news PCs now and save a wad of cash later on upgrades because most OEMs are offering free or next-to-nothing Windows 7 upgrades from Vista. Upgrading later will cost admins anywhere between $80~$100 extra per SKU, unless they get into a volume licensing deal.

You can find the full U.S. Windows 7 pricing here on the Windows Team Blog.

MSI Also Joins Windows 7 Upgrade Bandwagon

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:47:46 GMT

We already heard that Asus would be following Microsoft's plans in regard to Windows 7 upgrades, and now MSI is making sure that prospective buyers fully understand that they will as well. From purchases of MSI machines starting back on June 26th, owners will be offered the change to snag the Windows 7 upgrade for only a "small processing fee."

Once Windows 7 gets loose on October 22nd, discs of the new operating system will be mailed out to users so that they can upgrade from Vista. Official details of the program are below, but the gist is this: don't hold back on buying an MSI machine now, as you'll be able to get your slice of Windows 7 just like the fall buyers will.

A Windows 7 section has been set up on the MSI website to help consumers understand the Windows 7 upgrade program. The process and conditions for consumers to take part in the Windows 7 upgrade will be explained in detail in this section along with a list of MSI models that support the Windows 7 upgrade. A link to Microsoft's Window 7 upgrade application website is also provided. Also included is a detailed FAQ that will help answer any problems a consumer might have about upgrading to Windows 7. MSI Windows 7 upgrade website:
http://www.msi.com/index.php

Once the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade program is activated, consumers can purchase Windows 7 certified MSI notebook computers and then pay a small processing fee to receive a Windows 7 upgrade voucher. Once Windows 7 is released, all they have to do is visit Microsoft's Windows 7 upgrade application page and pre-order their notebook upgrade by entering the upgrade voucher serial number and other basic personal details. Once done, they can upgrade to Windows 7 without any further purchases.

When Windows 7 is officially released, all consumers that pre-ordered their upgrade will receive a Windows 7 Upgrade CD-ROM. This will upgrade their original Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate operating systems to the latest Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate operating systems without any hassle. Once the upgrade is complete, they will be ready to experience the power and allure of the all-new Windows 7 right away!

Microsoft Limits Free Windows 7 Upgrades

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:13:44 GMT

Businesses who are thinking about upgrading more than a handful of computers between now and the October 22^nd release of Windows 7 may want to hold off. That is, assuming the companies want the latest OS. While it’s true that Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to its new OS, the company has made little mention of the “fine print” that limits the number of free upgrades to 25.

Gartner analyst Michael Silver is calling attention to this limit with his latest research note. In his note, Silver writes, "Microsoft has limited the number of free Windows 7 upgrades that can be claimed via its Windows Upgrade Option…. Organizations need to understand their Windows 7 requirements and obtain rights for the best value."

Just last week, Microsoft fleshed out the details of the Windows Upgrade Option program for the first time. Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc disclosed the details in a blog post. He wrote: "Anyone who buys a PC from a participating OEM or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate on it will all receive an upgrade to the corresponding version at little or no cost to customers."

Silver speculates that Microsoft might be limiting the number of PCs that are eligible for this upgrade in order to increase sales of its Software Assurance licenses. Software Assurance provides businesses with unlimited upgrades for three years, but companies must pay between $100 and $150 per PC for this right.

For companies that need to upgrade more than 25 PCs between now and October 22, Silver recommends contacting PC manufacturers and asking for the right to upgrade later at no cost. Because large OEMs administer their own programs, they have greater ability to do this and are able to make exceptions for organizations.

Windows 7 Half-Price Sale Starts Today

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:34:13 GMT

If you’re thinking of upgrading to Windows 7 when it comes out, now might be a good time to preorder. Today, Microsoft said customers who pre-order a copy of Windows 7 will receive more than 50% off the retail price for a limited time. Here’s a look at how the discounts break down:

	Full Version	Upgrade from Vista or XP	Discounted Upgrade Price
Windows 7 Home Premium	$199.99	$119.99	$49.99
Windows 7 Professional	$299.99	$199.99	$99.99
Windows 7 Ultimate	$319.99	$219.99

To take advantage of the offer, customers can preorder at various retailers such as Best Buy and NewEgg as well as through Microsoft's online store.

The discounted pricing applies to customers in the U.S., Canada, and Japan. The offer ends July 11 in the U.S. and Canada and on July 5th for Japan or while supplies last. Microsoft plans to offer a similar program in the UK, France, and Germany from July 15 through August 14.

According to Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc, the discounts are meant to say thank you to loyal Windows customers. While that may be true, Microsoft’s aggressive pricing for Windows 7 seems to indicate that the company is anxious to reenergize Windows sales.

To further boost sales, Microsoft recently introduced an upgrade program that will allow users who purchase a Vista-powered PC to migrate to Windows 7 at little or no cost when the new OS becomes available on October 22. For more information on the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, visit www.windows.com/upgradeoffer.

RE: Windows XP Availability Now Ending In 2011

3vi1 — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:12:39 GMT

The love of XP is a result of people that have never used an operating system other that the released versions of Windows (i.e. everything up to and including Vista). I doubt that many people who have tried a modern Win7 beta, OSX, or Linux distro are clinging to XP.

Then again... Vista got slow and incorporated DRM. Win7 gets fast again, but still incorporates PVP/PUMA to protect us from accidentally making fair use of our copyrighted content. So, I could see where some hippies testing Win7 might still prefer XP. :p

It's mostly dormant right now; content producers won't use the capabilities until all the users are locked in (Which Vista failed to do). Only the EFF and American Gladiators fans have felt the sting so far. http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9946050-7.html

RE: Microsoft's Windows 7 Shipping On October 22nd

3vi1 — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:31:16 GMT

>> so, are you planning to upgrade from WinXP / Vista? Linux? OS X?

BWAHAHAHAHahaha...

Omg, that was funny.

PLEASE Watch this:

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Kubuntu 9.10 FTW.