Microsoft releases patch aimed at fixing iPod woes

Microsoft patch Tuesday's releases included one aimed at fixing the ultra-popular iPod and iTunes compatibility issues with Vista. Earlier this month, Apple released an update to iTunes also aimed at fixing the incompatibility issue, but there still remained some hardware removal issues that needed to be addressed by Microsoft. Here's hoping this will give iPod users the relief they're looking for. As a side note, 64-bit operating systems are still off-limits for iPods.

Another Security Company Raises Issue with Vista

Kaspersky, another top security software firm, has also come out swinging against Vista's security claims. According to Kaspersky's CEO, turning off Vista's UAC (User Account Control) would effectively make the new operating system less secure than Windows XP. UAC is the source of much frustration and chatter on the web, as well as the center of attention in the latest Mac Ad poking fun at Windows systems. I, myself, love the ad format, although I've never been a big Apple-fan. I have to admit they have got some cute (and even clever) advertisements.

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Symantec Raises Security Concerns

Symantec is worried that the IP protocol Vista uses will open a "Pandora's Box" of security issues and exploitations. For computers not aware of Teredo, Vista's IP tunneling protocol, this means a potential for hackers to attack. Most security systems are not presently protecting against attacks on Teredo because they simply are not aware that it even exists, thereby making such attacks invisible. Firewalls, routers and other security intrusion devices will have to be modified in order to recognize the new IP protocol.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

May your beer be green and your day filled with pots of gold!!

Static Backgrounds Gone with the Wow

Windows has released a additional content for it's Vista Ultimate Extra Dreamscene. For those of you not acquainted with Dreamscene, it's a dynamic video background for your desktop. No more dry, boring static backgrounds for Ultimate users, now you can choose from a variety of videos for your viewing pleasure. And Microsoft released four more today, including a puddle with falling raindrops and forest stream. Guaranteed to bring you peace and serenity during your double-shot venti mochachino-infused, meeting-filled business day. Dreamscene, while it may satisfy your need for customization, it may not be pleasing to your performance needs. Users report a reduction in system performance, and as we continue to tax our pc's with this new operating system, it seems our need for greater specs keep increasing as well.

iTunes still doesn't play nicely with Vista

Beloved iPod-owners beware! You may not be able to sync your music with ease on Microsoft's new operating system, Vista. After several revisions, Apple has released iTunes 7.1 with the hopes that it will correct the majority of known issues. But trouble still awaits for many a user.

Some of the potential problems include corrupting your iPod after removing the hardware from your pc, text or graphics displaying incorrectly and contacts may not sync correctly with Windows Address Book. While some of these are merely annoying, coming from one of the best mp3 players around, some are downright disastrous, especially if you've paid top-dollar for those iTunes downloads.

And finally, your iTunes is still not ready for 64-bit Vista or XP for that matter. For all the bragging that we hear about Macs and their infinite greatness over pcs, I didn't realize they had a "wittle-bit" of trouble processing 64-bit commands. Awwwe.

So, continue to beware of potential pitfalls when syncing your iPod. Until Apple gets it right, and I'm sure they will, Vista-users and their music are vulnerable to instability.