Moving on from 2007 to a New Year!

From around planet Earth, celebrations ringing in the New Year have begun. Since there are a few hours left in 2007 here, before moving on to the New Year, here's a quick look back at 2007. . .

• The year began on a high note when I was again awarded the honor of being selected a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). Although Sean O'Driscoll recently announced he is leaving Microsoft, I am hopeful that his replacement will be someone as dedicated to the program as Sean has been while leading the Microsoft MVP program for the last 5 years. Since the award period is for one year, based on contributions from the previous year, I am, of course, wondering whether I will be re-awarded in 2008.
  
  
• The major hype in the world of Microsoft was the "Wow Starts Now" as we experienced the official roll-out of Microsoft Windows Vista. Although many people have been disappointed in the lack of new "Wow" features and others suffered from the slow reaction by vendors to provide Vista-compatible drivers, I see Microsoft Windows Vista gaining acceptance more readily than received by Windows XP.
  

• In the world of malware fighting, the rogue/fake anti-spyware applications have continued as strongly as in 2006. We have also seen a resurgence of Winfixer infections and continue dealing with infections resulting from e-cards and the like that began with the Nuwar/Storm Worm and has continued in the form of e-cards with Christmas and New Year Themes.

• The six-month public saga of Julie Amero consumed many hours of agony and frustration both within the security community and by teachers around the world. For the Amero family, it was a three-year nightmare that may never have ended with her conviction being overturned if it had not been for the continuing efforts on her behalf by teams who worked on the case on a pro bono basis.

• Although there never seems to be enough hours in the day, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (PDF) resulted in numerous Microsoft updates due to changes in Daylight Savings.

• Personal technology updates for me included not only a new laptop with Windows Vista, but also a Kodak EasyShare digital camera and the Kodak EasyShare 5300 All-in-One Printer. I continue enjoying not only the ease of taking digital pictures but the versatility of the AIO Printer as well as the low cost of replacement ink.

• Continuing on the Kodak theme, it has been a very eventful year for my long-time employer, beginning with the KODAK EasyShare V610 Dual Lens Digital Camera named “Best of Innovations 2007” award winner in the CES Digital Imaging category, continuing with a revolution of sorts as the Kodak landscape was changed by implosions of old buildings, some viewable from my office window, and culminating with the induction of fellow staff member Steve Sasson into the Consumer Electronics Hall of Fame (Kodak in 2007).

• On a personal note, I still miss and often think about my mentor and dear friend, Pat, particularly today as it is his birthday. He would have been so excited when this interview was published at Vista4Beginners. Pat knew how much I missed family members who moved to Minnesota and would have wanted to know all the details of my visit with them last summer. Although a Canadian through and through, Pat would have enjoyed the 2008 U.S. Presidential race for the White House.
  

Moving on to 2008 . . .

Since I do not have the power to see into the future, instead please accept warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008. To family, friends and Security Garden subscribers, I extend this Irish Blessing to each of you for 2008 and the hope that your days are filled with wine and roses.

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Happy New Year!

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...