Zune HD to Include OLED!

Until I saw the anticipated specifications for the upcoming new Zune device, I did not think all that much about it. Many people consider the incorporation of NVIDIA Tegra to power HD content exciting or that it includes a web browser.

As far as I am concerned, the ultimate clincher that will make the Zune HD a major hit is the OLED full touch screen. OLED is an amazing technology that will make using the Zune HD a pure delight.

From a Neowin Exclusive: Lets talk some Zune HD specs:

"An overview of the Zune HD specs:

• 3.6 inchish OLED full touch screen.
• NVIDIA Tegra powered.
• 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 120GB versions.
• HDMI Connection to stream straight to your TV.
• HD Radio.
• Web Browser.
• WiFi compatible, with wireless marketplace.
• Released, early fall.
• International release of the Zune device itself.
• Home AV packs, Car packs, Charge packs."

16APR09 Edit Note: Neowin has struck the 120GB version from the list.

OLED Background:

• About KODAK OLED Technology
• OLED - Where it came from and where it's going

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

U.S. Tax Season and Phishing Scams

Yes, I waited until close to the last minute to file our tax returns. Figuring it out both ways, it worked out better for us by filing our return as married/separate.

If you are in the mad scramble to file your return on time, don't fall into any phishing scams. As US-Cert reported today:

"Phishing scams may appear as a tax refund, an offer to assist in filing for a refund, or contain details about fake e-file websites. These messages may appear to be from the IRS and directly ask users for personal information. These messages may also contain a link and instruct the user to follow the link to a website that requests personal information or contains malicious code.

US-CERT encourages users to take the following measures to protect themselves from this type of phishing scam:

• Do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages.
• Maintain up-to-date antivirus software.
• Refer to the IRS website related to phishing, email, and bogus website scams for scam samples and reporting information.
• Refer to the Recognizing and Avoiding Email Scams (pdf) document for more information on avoiding email scams.
• Refer to the Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks document for more information on social engineering attacks."

Reference: US Tax Season and Phishing Scams



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

April 2009 Microsoft Security Bulletin Release

Eight new Microsoft security bulletins have been released today. Summaries for the April 2009 bulletins may be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS09-Apr.mspx.

MS09-009: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Excel Could Cause Remote Code Execution (968557)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: May require restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Office

MS09-010: Vulnerabilities in WordPad and Office Text Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution (960477)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office

MS09-011: Vulnerability in Microsoft DirectShow Could Allow Remote Code Execution (961373)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: May require restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows

MS09-012: Vulnerabilities in Windows Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (959454)

Maximum Severity Rating: Important
Vulnerability Impact: Elevation of Privilege
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows

MS09-013: Vulnerabilities in Windows HTTP Services Could Allow Remote Code Execution (960803)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows

MS09-014: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (963027)

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical
Vulnerability Impact: Remote Code Execution
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows, Internet Explorer

MS09-015: Blended Threat Vulnerability in SearchPath Could Allow Elevation of Privilege (959426)

Maximum Severity Rating: Moderate
Vulnerability Impact: Elevation of Privilege
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Windows

MS09-016: Vulnerabilities in Microsoft ISA Server and Forefront Threat

Management Gateway (Medium Business Edition) Could Cause Denial of Service (961759)
Maximum Severity Rating: Important
Vulnerability Impact: Denial of Service
Restart Requirement: Requires restart
Affected Software: Microsoft Forefront Edge Security

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