Archive for January, 2007

By January 22, 2007 Read More →

Sophos – “USA Worst for Malware & Spam Relaying”

Sophos, has published its Security Threat Report 2007, examining the threat landscape during the previous twelve months, and predicting malware and spam developments for 2007. The report reveals that the U.S. hosts more than one third of the websites containing malicious code identified during 2006, as well as relays more spam than any other nation.

Notable findings from Sophos’s Security Threat Report include:

  • 90% of all spam is now relayed from zombie computers
  • U.S. maintains top slot for relaying majority of spam (22%)
  • Sophos detected 41,536 new pieces of malware in 2006 (total protected against 207,684)
  • Trojans now outnumber Windows viruses and worms by 4:1
  • The percentage of infected emails declined from 1 in 44 in 2005 vs. 1 in 337 in 2006
  • With the U.S. and China representing nearly two-thirds of such threats, the top ten countries hosting web-based malware during 2006 were:

    Position Country Percentage
    1 United States
       34.2%
    2 China
       31.0%
    3 Russian Federation
       9.5%
    3 Netherlands
       4.7%
    5 Ukraine
       3.2%
    6 France
       1.8%
    7 Taiwan
       1.7%
    8 Germany
       1.5%
    9 Hong Kong
       1.0%
    10 Korea
       0.9%
    Others 10.5%

    “The U.S. market is undeniably a target for online criminal activity. More and more, organizations with U.S.-based websites are falling victim to targeted attacks,” said Ron O’Brien, senior security analyst for Sophos. “Anticipating this trend, Sophos released the first all-in-one web control platform, the WS1000, earlier this year in an effort to give companies the ability to provide trusted content security, application control and URL
    filtering in a single appliance solution.”

    DIRTY DOZEN SPAM-RELAYING COUNTRIES
    In addition to hosting the largest number of malicious websites, the U.S. continues to top the list of worst spam-relaying nations. While the U.S. has made progress in its efforts to reduce spam-relaying statistics, there was still more spam sent from U.S. computers in 2006 than any other single nation.

    The top twelve spam-relaying countries during 2006 were:

    Position Country Percentage
    1 United States
       22.0%
    2 China (incl Hong Kong)
       15.9%
    3 South Korea
       7.4%
    3 France
       5.4%
    5 Spain
       5.1%
    6 Poland
       4.5%
    7 Brazil
       3.5%
    8 Italy
       3.2%
    9 Germany
       3.0%
    10 United Kingdom
       1.9%
    =11 Russia
       1.8%
    =11 Taiwan
       1.8%
    Others 24.4%

    Sophos experts note that up to 90% of all spam is now relayed from zombie computers, hijacked by Trojan horses, worms and viruses under the control of hackers. This means that they do not need to be based in the same country as the computers being used to send the spam.

    The full report can be found HERE.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Editorial
    By January 22, 2007 Read More →

    HTC Trinity on Vodafone Germany as VPA compact GPS

    Vodafone Germany announce their version of the HTC Trinity called the VPA Compact GPS.

    Vodafone Compact GPS

    No information about the cost of release date but at least it does confirm that another Trinity based device is shipping with the GPS enabled!

    Take a look at the VPA Compact GPS on Vodafone Germany.

    Vodafone VPA Compact GPS Specification

  • Dimensions (width x height x depth): 58.2 x 108 x 18.4 millimetres
  • Mass: 143 grams (battery included)
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC Phone Edition AKU 3.0
  • CPU: 400Mhz Samsung S3C2442
  • ROM capacity: 128MB, including 61.02MB user-accessible non-volatile memory
  • Expansion Slots: miniSD, SDIO
  • Display: 240 x 320, 2.8″ colour transflective TFT
  • Supported networks: GSM 850MHz, GSM 900MHz, GSM 1800MHz, GSM 1900MHz, UMTS 850MHz, UMTS 1900MHz, UMTS 2100MHz
  • Supported WAN standards: CSD, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0
  • Wireless LAN: 802.11b, 802.11g 54Mbit/s
  • Main Camera: CMOS sensor, 1600×1200 (1.92 million pixels)
  • Front Camera: 640x480pixel, 20frame/sec
  • Battery: Lithium-ion, removable 1500mAh
  • Estimated Battery Life: 12 hours
  • Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By January 22, 2007 Read More →

    Where is the Orange SPV M650?

    We first mentioned the Orange version of the HTC Artemis, the SPV M650, back in November when the device appeared in the coming soon section of the Orange France site. You can now buy the M650 in France but what has happened to the UK launch?

    Orange SPV M650

    Is the M650 another one of those devices that wont see its way to the UK? Certainly there is no mention of it in the latest retail catalogs from Orange and it’s nowhere to be seen on the UK website. Further investigation of the French site reveals that the SPV C100 (HTC Oxygen) and the SPV M700 (HTC Trinity) are also available to buy from Orange France but we already know that the C100 will not see a UK launch. Our Orange contacts here in the UK are unable to comment about a possible SPV M650 launch.

    Anyone know anything about the M650 that they would like to share?

    See the Orange M650 page on the Orange France site.

    Orange SPV M650 Specification:

  • Windows Mobile 5 for Pocket PC AKU 3
  • Quad Band GPRS / EDGE
  • FM Radio
  • TI OMAP 850 @ 200MHz
  • 128MB ROM
  • 64MB RAM
  • 2.8″ QVGA 65K colour screen
  • microSD expansion underneath battery
  • 2.0MP camera
  • miniUSB connector for sync / charge / headphones
  • 1200mAh battery
  • up to 3.5 – 5 hrs talktime
  • up to 150-200 hour standby
  • 58mm x 108mm x 16.3mm
  • 127g
  • Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By January 21, 2007 Read More →

    PPC Tablet review

    PPC Tablet Remote Control Suite is a PocketPC program that uses the PocketPC screen to emulate input devices such as keyboard, touchpad or tablet.

    I discovered PPC Tablet a few weeks ago when I decided to hook up an old laptop to my TV to play back video and browse the internet in the lounge. I didn’t want to have a keyboard and mouse trailing across the living room and figured that there must be some remote control software out there that I could use, I was thinking along the lines of VNC.

    After a few minutes of Google whacking I came across PPC Tablet. According to the blurb “PPC Tablet helps users remotely control a desktop or laptop PC by sending keystrokes or mouse movements to it, through an ActiveSync connection or any TCP/IP network connection, wired or wireless. It can also help users speed up repetitive data entry or computer operation by using PPC Tablet’s macro keys.” it sounded ideal. I decided to download the demo.

    PPC Tablet comprises of two elements. First of all you have to install the ‘Host’ application on the PC that you want to control and then you install the ‘Client’ on the PocketPC device that you want to use. If you have an ActiveSync connection to the PocketPC you can do both at the same time.

    The host application allows you to configure settings such as start-up behaviour, ports etc. (see below).

    PPC Tablet Host

    The PPC Client application has a number of built in profiles that you can use (see table below) plus you can also design your own profiles or download others from the internet. There is even a profile for Windows Media Centre which emulates the Media Centre remote control.

  • Default Devices: This plug-in contains a touchpad, a tablet and a numeric keypad.
  • Display Feedback (NEW!): This plug-in contains a Display Feedback area and a touchpad.
  • Remote File System (NEW!): A plug-in that contains a remote file system browser. You can browse through the folders and files on the host computer, download the selected file to your Pocket PC, or execute it directly on the host computer.
  • iTunes: A plug-in designed for controlling iTunes.
  • Winamp: A plug-in designed for controlling Winamp.
  • Windows Media Player: A plug-in designed for controlling Windows Media Player.
  • Media Center PC: A plug-in designed for controlling Media Center PC. (This plug-in is an extra download available here.)
  • PowerPoint Presentation: A plug-in designed for controlling PowerPoint.
  • Internet Explorer: A plug-in designed for navigating Internet Explorer web browser.
  • Firefox: A plug-in designed for navigating Firefox web browser.
  • WinTV: This plug-in provides a remote-control pad for WinTV and other programs.
  • Personal Data: This plug-in allows you to save personal data (like name, e-mail, phone, address) in the profile and replay it in other applications.
  • OneNote: A convenient plug-in to control Microsoft OneNote. (This plug-in is an extra download available here.)
  • Document Viewer: This plug-in is designed for viewing documents.
  • Once you choose a profile you are asked which host you want to connect to. This is great is it will allow you to set up the host application on multiple PC’s and connect to them as required. You are then presented with the profile on the PocketPC screen.

    PPC Tablet

    The profile I use most on my HTC TyTN is the ‘Remote File System’. This gives you a large area on the screen for use as a touchpad, similar to a laptop track-pad, which emulates the mouse and then a scroll bar at the side. This also allows you to use the keyboard on the PocketPC.

    I have been using PPC Tablet for a few weeks now and I have to say I think it is a great application. I find myself using it in a variety of ways. I connect to the host via WiFi but Bluetooth and ActiveSync connections are also supported. The host application is even compatible with Vista!

    PPC Tablet definitely goes on our list of most useful PocketPC software and is highly recommended. Take a look at the PPC Tablet site where you can download a demo or purchase the full version.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Reviews
    By January 20, 2007 Read More →

    HTC Titan spotted

    HTC Titan news has been a bit thin on the ground lately but today Engadget Mobile published some new shots of the device.

    HTC Titan

    The HTC Titan is the long awaited replacement for the HTC Apache. The Titan, improves on the Apache design by loosing the aerial, increasing the camera resolution to 2.0 Megapixels, 256 MB flash storage, 96 MB RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, scroll wheel, and support for an EV-DO Revision A. The Titan also sports the rubberized paint finish which has become standard on HTC devices thesa days. It is expected to come to Verizon in February as the XV8600 and Sprint in May as the PPC 6800.

    Visit the Engadget Mobile site for more photos and details.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By January 20, 2007 Read More →

    Vodafone VDA IV Coming UK in February

    Yet more news about the Vodafone 1210/VDA IV. This time it relates to the UK launch date of the device.

    Vodafone 1210

    According to a Coolsmartphone source the VDA IV has been confirmed for launch on the UK Vodafone website during the first week of February.

    No information about the cost of the VDA IV as yet but will keep you posted!

    Vodafone VDA IV Specification

  • 2.2″ 64k colors TFT display screen (240 x 320)
  • Intel XScale 312MHz CPU
  • 128mb Flash ROM
  • 64mb RAM
  • Intel Hermon modem
  • Bluetooth 2.0
  • Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0
  • GSM Tri-band 900/1800/1900 MHz
  • microSD card slot
  • 108 x 47 x 18mm
  • 120 grams
  • Up to 300 mins talk time
  • Up to 275 hours standby time
  • Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By January 19, 2007 Read More →

    Microsoft Unveils New Ways for Consumers to Get Windows Vista

    Microsoft today detailed three new methods for customers looking to buy, upgrade or license multiple copies of Windows Vista. Anytime Upgrade, Windows Vista Family Discount and Windows Marketplace will provide customers with greater flexibility in obtaining the new operating system and will ensure they have the edition of Windows Vista that matches their needs.

    “With the consumer launch of Windows Vista so close, we’re excited to announce three new ways to make the purchase and upgrade experience easier than ever,” said Brad Brooks, general manager of Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. “These new programs give our customers more flexibility and choice to ensure they get the edition that’s right for them.”

    Windows Anytime Upgrade is a new option that allows customers to conveniently upgrade their existing edition of Windows Vista to a higher-grade edition by way of an online transaction. For example, if a Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Business user decides he or she wants more capability — perhaps to join his home PCs to secure domains at the office, or to experience the multimedia capabilities of Windows Vista on his work laptop — Windows Anytime Upgrade makes the process of moving to Windows Vista Ultimate expedient and affordable. To use Windows Anytime Upgrade, a customer simply clicks on the Windows Anytime Upgrade option in the Start menu, selects the desired upgrade edition, purchases it online to secure a new digital key, and then follows the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

    The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices to upgrade to more premium editions of Windows Vista are as follows: Home Basic to Home Premium $79, Home Basic to Ultimate $199, Home Premium to Ultimate $159 and Business to Ultimate $139. Windows Anytime Upgrade will coincide with the general availability of Windows Vista in the United States, Canada, Europe and
    Japan on Jan. 30, and after launch customers can find additional information at http://www.windowsanytimeupgrade.com .

    Windows Marketplace Adds Windows Vista to Its Virtual Shelves. In another first, Microsoft will make Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft(R) Office release available for direct download via Windows Marketplace, the largest online destination for buying software that runs on Windows. Starting Jan. 30 and working with retail partners, Windows Marketplace will offer the following upgrade editions of Windows Vista and full versions of the 2007 Microsoft Office release at suggested retail prices:

  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007
  • Microsoft Office Professional 2007
  • Microsoft Office Standard 2007
  • Family Discount Rewards Multiple-PC Households. To make it easier for households with multiple PCs to make the move to Windows Vista, Microsoft is launching a limited-time offer for customers who buy retail copies of Windows Vista Ultimate. From Jan. 30 through June 30, the Windows Vista Family Discount will allow North American customers to license two additional copies of Windows Vista Home Premium for use on other PCs in the home at the reduced price of $49.99 each. Before completing the order online, customers will need to enter one valid full or upgrade Windows Vista Ultimate key from their retail boxed product. After eligibility is verified online, the customer can purchase licenses to install Windows Vista Home Premium on one or two additional Windows-based computers. The Windows Vista Family Discount is available only in the U.S. and Canada. More information is available at http://www.windowsvista.com/FamilyOffer .

    Matt

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    Posted in: Apps & Games
    By January 19, 2007 Read More →

    Asus Pegasus appears

    Images of the Asus Pegasus have appeared on the iF product design award website.

    Asus Pegasus

    Similar to the existing Asus P525 model the Pegasus builds upon that platform and includes integrated SiRF Star III GPS, WiFi and 400MHz CPU.

    “A totally environment-friendly product to reflect the company’s respect for a green planet. Pegasus is a super-slim (15.4 mm) PDA phone that incorporates a PDA, a phone and a GPS navigation system in perfect union. The numeric keypad is handy for its phoning functions; a jog dial enhances the interface operation; single-handed control perfectly unites a phone with a PDA. The camera body is finished with brushed aluminum and diamond-cut edges to accentuate superior taste and a feeling of luxury.”

    Full Asus Pegasus specification to follow.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
    By January 19, 2007 Read More →

    JAVOedge PSP screen protector review

    I recently started to use my Sony PSP again and one thing that really bothered me was that the screen is so shiny and prone to finger prints and scratches. I needed a screen protector!

    I first tried one of the cheap ones that some of the high street retailers are selling at the moment. I picked up one for £7 from a store round the corner and sat the PSP on the desk and gave the screen a good clean. I peeled the screen guard from its backing and tried to apply it, I ended up with bubbles everywhere. I’ve fitted screen protectors to a number of PDA devices before and never had this much trouble! After messing with it for a few minutes I decided it would be better to remove it and start again. Big mistake! It ended up stuck to itself. The adhesive was too strong to sort it out. I had to throw it away. The further annoyance was that it had left a residue on the screen which was a pig to get rid of!

    I then remembered that my old friends JAVOedge sold screen protectors for Palm, Smartphone and PocketPC’s. I decided to see if they did anything for the PSP. Sure enough JAVOEdge were making products for the PSP so I got myself an antiglare JAVOScreen as well as one of the new Ultra Clear JAVOScreen protectors as I couldn’t make up my mind!

    JAVOEdge

    Delivery was very quick and as with other JAVOedge products that I’ve had before, everything you need is in the pack. You get a screen cleaning cloth which is made of a really soft material and a card to help apply the protector, plus obviously the screen itself.

    The first thing you need to do is give the screen a good clean, make sure you get rid of all the finger prints and dust, otherwise you will end up trapping this under the screen protector.

    JAVOedge PSP Screen Protector

    Next you peel the backing off the film and apply it to the screen. The thing I particularly liked about this screen protector is that not only does it cover the LCD area but also the area the areas around the D-pad and the buttons. The size is perfect which helps you get the thing in the right place and it’s very easy to remove or reposition if you get it wrong.

    Mine went on perfect first time, no bubbles and perfectly straight.

    One of the JAVOScreen’s has an anti-glare surface which makes a huge difference to the screen visibility, especially when you are using it outside on a bright day or, as I do, sitting on the train.

    I was pleased with the anti-glare JAVOScreen so gave the Ultra Clear JAVOScreen to my a friend. He was able to apply the film easily too.

    I personally prefer the anti-glare to the Ultra Clear but this is down to personal preference.

    This screen protector differs from others on the market in that it does not use an adhesive to fix it to the screen but rather a static coating. This means that you can remove the protector and put it on another device (If you get it replaced for example) or you can take it off and actually wash it! Also it wont leave any nasty residue on your screen if you do decide to take it off.

    If you want to get a good quality screen protector to protect your PSP investment then look no further than JAVOScreen!

    You can find the full PSP Product list on the JAVOedge website.

    Matt

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    Posted in: Reviews
    By January 18, 2007 Read More →

    Fujitsu-Siemens EDA

    A slightly different product this, the Fujitsu-Siemens EDA is a new ruggedised Pocket PC, which has been specifically designed for the classroom, combining high-end specifications with a robust design. Being lightweight and compact the EDA can easily be carried in school bags or used within the classroom with confidence. The EDA features a bright 3.5-inch VGA display, which is clear and easy to read and also includes Bluetooth and Wireless LAN connectivity. Data is protected against accident loss by the persistent memory feature of Windows Mobile 5 Premium Edition, which ensures power shortages aren’t a problem. A full battery charge will last a typical day.

    The aim is for it to be used in the classroom as an interactive learning device with WiFi access and specific software for school use. It is actually quite a well featured device with a competitve price point, when compared to the other ruggedised devices from Symbol and Intermec.

    Fujitsu-Siemens EDA

    Fujitsu-Siemens EDA Features:

  • Lightweight – unlike laptops or so-called “Ultra-Mobile PC’s”
  • Instant-on – the EDA is ready to use as soon as it’s switched on no waiting 10 minutes to boot-up or shut down
  • Small – it doesn’t dominate the learning environment
  • Robust – can easily withstand falling from a desk or the rigours of the school bag. Has undergone extensive quality tests, with “childproof” custom power and USB connection and comes with 2 year warranty as standard.
  • Connected – fast wireless connectivity via 802.11b/g or Bluetooth
  • Virus-free – the EDA’s operating system does not host computer viruses
  • Stamina – battery charge lasts a typical school day
  • Built-in – GPS ideal for location based learning and G.I.S. Applications low power consumption – unlike plug-in GPS units
  • Built-in Camera – capture material for later reference or creative projects
  • Fujitsu-Siemens EDA Specification:

  • Intel PXA270 624 MHz based
  • System memory (RAM) 64 MB
  • Flash memory (ROM) 128 MB
  • Supplied with 1GB SD Card
  • Full integrated SiRF Star III Chip
  • 3.5-inch VGA 480 x 640 colour transflective TFT
  • WLAN Integrated, 802.11 b/g
  • Bluetooth V1.2 Integrated
  • SD card/MM card (SD I/O)
  • Exchangeable Lithium-Ion battery, rechargeable, Main battery 1200 mAh
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 121 x 76 x 17.5 mm
  • Weight: app. 190g
  • The Fujitsu-Siemens EDA is available now from Clove Technology.

    Clove

    Matt

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    Posted in: Phones
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