OpenDNS - Free, Fast, Secure DNS with Phishing Protection and Adult Site Blocking

Switching to broadband (high-speed) Internet access such as DSL or Cable Internet brings a whole new level of Internet experience. Unfortunately with all that wonder also comes additional security issues. OpenDNS steps in to help home users, small business owners, and even larger organizations increase their Internet efficiency and security by providing DNS service that can filter out phishing domains, typographical errors, and even adult-oriented websites (optional).

DNS, or Domain Name System, tells your computer where to go when you tell it to go to a specific website such as http://www.google.com. DNS is provided by all ISP's, but not all ISP's optimize their DNS service to include additional features and protections like OpenDNS. Setting up OpenDNS is a one time setup and is provided free to all users. The settings should be applied to your home router so that all the computers on your home network automatically benefit from OpenDNS. Filtering out adult-oriented websites with OpenDNS will require you to setup an account (free).

Link to OpenDNS

FolderShare.com - sync files, sync folders, transfer files, share files, web download, access files anywhere

A growing need among those who often use multiple computers in different locations is to have access to the documents you need wherever you are. In the old days we had floppies, zip drives, cd-rw's, and even flash drives, but physical media often was damaged lost or mis-labeled leading to data loss. Microsoft has a new service in beta called FolderShare.com allowing users to synchronize files and folders across multiple computers both Mac and PC. Now you can access your files from your home PC from your Office PC and vice versa.

link to FolderShare.com - sync files, sync folders, transfer files, share files, web download, access files anywhere

Microsoft to extend warranty against red rings of death to 3 years

Microsoft is extending the hardware warranty of Xbox 360 consoles to those experiencing the red rings of death, signifying the consoles transformation into an expensive brick. If you or someone you know has had issues with their Xbox 360 have them contact Microsoft to get it straightened out before the extended warranty ends.

Link to Ars Technica | Microsoft to extend warranty against red rings of death to 3 years

BetaNews | Microsoft Patches 7 Critical Vulnerabilities

Patch Tuesday came and went July 11th this week as Microsoft released ten new updates, seven of which are deemed critical. Be sure to install any available updates to your Windows systems.

Windows XP and Windows Vista should be configured to update and install updates automatically on a daily basis. Check the Security Center in the Control Panel to ensure Windows Updates are scheduled to be installed. The default option for Windows XP and Windows Vista is Daily at 3:00 AM to download and install any updates. If your computer is on at 3:00 AM it will check for any new updates, download and install those updates, and restart the computer if necessary. If your computer is not on at 3:00 AM the computer should check for updates the next time it is powered on. You can manually check for in Windows XP by going to http://update.microsoft.com/ in Internet Explorer. Windows Vista handles Windows Update through the Control Panel. Click on Check for Updates in the Windows Update section of the Control Panel.

Link to BetaNews | Microsoft Patches 7 Critical Vulnerabilities
Link to Microsoft's Official Security Bulletin for July 2007

ViaTalk Free Connect

If you need to make a short ten-minute distance phone call let ViaTalk foot the bill. Just type in your number and the number you want to call and click Place Call. ViaTalk will call your phone and proceed to connect you with the desired number. ViaTalk offers VoIP telephony solutions for home and businesses ranging from $15/month and up.

Other Similar Services:

• GizmoCall also provides this same service but requires a plug-in to be installed on your computer.
• You can also use Google's Click-to-Call feature in their Maps service to call any business for free.
  

Link to ViaTalk Free Connect