Windows XP Turns 6

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Windows XP, one of the most popular OS of all time. It was on this day in 2001 that Microsoft released the OS that most people are too frighted to leave. It has been one of the most stable system around that incorporates business and gaming fun, into a nice looking OS.

So Happy Birthday Windows XP!!!

Here's to your younger brother catching up with you one day.

Firefox Reaches 400 Million Downloads

I want to say congratulations and thank you to the company who created my favorite web browser, Firefox. Mozilla has had their free web browser downloaded 400 million times since its launch on November 9th, 2004.

I've tried Internet Explorer, Opera, and even Safari, and none of them has measured up to the love that Firefox has given me. All the free plug in's, the memory tab recovery, the video capture features, yes Firefox, you've made my life easier.

I love you Firefox!!!

[spreadfirefox via Gizmodo]

Update [Malcolm]: Thought you'd get a kick out of my dog imitating the Firefox logo.

Mac's aren't so different

Apple Megapatch Fixes 25 Vulnerabilities
Courtesy of Information Week
APRIL 20, 2007 Apple late Thursday issued a megapatch that fixes 25 security vulnerabilities on its Mac OS X desktop and OS X server systems.
Twelve of the vulnerabilities being patched would enable remote code execution, which is generally considered to be a "critical" bug in security circles. Several other bugs enable users to advance their system privileges without authorization.
The patches come in a download identified as Security Update 2007-004.
Some of the bugs being patched were first publicly disclosed during the Month of Apple Bugs project in January.
This round of patches comes a month after Apple issued a massive security update that fixed 45 flaws, including several zero-day bugs.
One patch tends to elevated privilege issues in Apple's AirPort, which is its wireless technology. Another bug is fixed in Help Viewer that could lead to an application shutdown or arbitrary code execution. A similar flaw in Installer also is patched. IChat, Apple's videoconferencing and instant messaging application, also keeps an update, as well.
A critical flaw also is patched in Libinfo, which is a code library used in Mac OS X. In the security advisory, Apple explains that Libinfo does not correctly report errors to applications that use it. By luring a user to visit a malicious Web page, a hacker can gain access to the system and execute code remotely. Apple's latest patch also deals with a vulnerability in its Kerberos authentication system. An uninitialized function pointer bug sits in the MIT Kerberos administration daemon (kadmind), which could cause an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution with system privileges.
The security update can be manually downloaded from Apple's Security Web site.
— Sharon Gaudin, Information Week

Vista only sells 244 copies in China

Microsoft has reported that a mere 244 copies of Windows new OS Vista have been sold in China. This comes from Microsoft headquarters of the Windows Vista chief distributor in Beijing. After Microsoft spent millions of dollars in advertising in China including the 421 meter high Jin Mao tower Vista ad in Shanghai China. China has had their share of pirated software issues, and this is a classic case of the problem that has reached new levels.

China hasn't made it hard for people to get a copy of the OS, and a pirated version of Vista sells for only $1 on the streets. If Vista is selling on the streets for $1, who are the 244 who paid full price? And how are these pirates getting around Microsoft's new pirate deterrent keys?

Well, at lease they launched it on time.......oh wait!