The odd-musings of Jared, the Director of Network Security for IAPS Security Services.

1 – You should raise the level of your laptop settings. Raise the security settings of software applications like Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer. Update them frequently to ensure latest protection from hackers and viruses. You should keep the encryption feature always on to ensure safest browsing with Wi-Fi.

2 – Along with the software, you should also consider updating to better hardware. Hackers have always found 802.11a and 802.11b very easy to hack. However, 802.11g is harder to crack and you should consider upgrading your hardware to a `g` card. An 802.11g is backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b, thus 802.11g can leverage the widespread, international adoption of IEEE 802.11b in products from laptops to PDAs. A personal firewall, such as ZoneAlarm or BlackICE can significantly add up to the security level of your notebook.

3 – Whenever you are using your notebook at a Wi-Fi hotspot, make it a point not to send data. While you are surfing, do not type your credit-card number, expiration date, passwords, bank account numbers, etc. Sensitive data are the goldmines for hackers, and they will swipe your bank account before you can finish saying, ` I have been a victim of online identity theft!`

4 – Consider not staying online while working. If the risks outweigh the benefits, then it would be better to stay offline; at least until the new 802.11i standard is not implemented. Even then, the security can be breached, albeit with difficulty. If you do not need Wi-Fi to implement your work, then stay switched off. If you need the Wi-Fi just to send and receive files, then stay connected for only that period. Rest of the time, stay offline.

Precautions to take at a public Wi-Fi hotspot:

Whenever you are in public domain, you need to take precautions, as it is free for all. The Wi-Fi hotspots are available to any and every person, and anybody can be connected. Besides online thefts, there is also the risk of offline thefts.

While in a public hotspot, do not be so absorbed with your notebook, that you fail to notice the people around you. There are persons who are in the business of stealing notebooks, from public hotspots. And they do not operate as individuals but as a gang.

Also, while you are online at a public hotspot, follow simple rules like encrypting files before transferring or emailing them; making sure you are connected to a legitimate access point; and file sharing is turned off. Basic precautions like password protecting your notebook, updating your system regularly, and using anti-virus software should be strictly followed. For further online security, consider using a personal firewall, a virtual private network (VPN), and web-based email with secure http (https).

Having a good Wi-Fi experience directly translates into a satisfying Internet experience. With the above suggestions being implemented, you are guaranteed to have a pleasant online time with your notebook.

Folks, for those of you looking to experiment with your Microsoft Office 2003 or Microsoft Office 2007 might consider the upgrade to the Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview. This is a fully functioning version of Microsoft Office 2010 and it is considered stable.

Download Locations:

Download Microsoft Office 2010 Technical Preview from IAPS (via HTTP)
***Note: Download with Internet Explorer only***

Computer Requirements:

Operating System: Windows XP SP2 or higher Processor: Pentium 1.0 GHz or higher RAM: 512 MB or above HD: Varies depending on installation choices Resolution: 1024 x 600 or higher

Whats included in this package:

Microsoft Access 2010
Microsoft Excel 2010
Microsoft InfoPath Designer 2010
Microsoft InfoPath Editor 2010
Microsoft One Note 2010
Microsoft Outlook 2010
Microsoft PowerPoint 2010
Microsoft Publisher 2010
Microsoft SharePoint Workspace 2010
Microsoft Word 2010

This is a very impressive package and there are many great tools to work with that cover a great variety of things. I’m aware that you can directly upgrade Microsoft Office 2007 to the 2010 version but I’m not sure about a direct upgrade from the 2003 version.

Folks, a few of you have ventured out into the world of Microsoft Windows 7 Pre-Beta. The information below will help you obtain your own copy and learn about what system requirements are needed, what is know to work, what is not known to work, and how we go about making things work.

What To Know Before You Begin:

If you’ve installed Windows 7 Beta on your PC, you’ll need to back up your data, and do a clean installation of the RC. Then you’ll need to reinstall your programs and restore the files, settings, and other information you want to use for testing.

While we consider this a stable and high-quality pre-release version of Windows, the RC is not the finished product. It could crash your computer or cause you to lose important files or information.

IMPORTANT: The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you’ll need to rebuild your test machine using a valid version of Windows before the software expires. You’ll need to rebuild your test PC to replace the OS and reinstall all your programs and data.

Items You’ll Need for Installation:

A blank DVD
A PC with a DVD burner
A PC for testing with these system requirements:
1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

**These are minimal requirements and if you barely meet these requirements I’d personally advise you not to install Windows 7 until you have a computer with better hardware.**

Download Locations:

Download Windows 7 From IAPS (via HTTP)
Download Windows 7 From Microsoft
***Note: Download with Internet Explorer only***

Product Keys:

All product keys can be obtained directly from Microsoft. They are plentiful and on-demand. Microsoft is publicly stating that you can have as many keys as you’d like. You can get your keys here.

Notice From Microsoft:

Information about Windows 7 is preliminary and subject to change. Some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of “touch,” may require advanced or additional hardware. The features and functionality you find in the pre-release product may not appear in the final version of Windows 7. We’re not making express or implied warranties with this information.

IAPS Security Technicians are already working on compatibility issues to make our services work with this version of Microsoft Windows. I’ll make another post tomorrow regarding progress and what needs to be done to ensure that it remains operational for you beta testers out there.