Events

StarTech launches Thunderbolt Cables

Andrew Edney

-

May 17, 2012

StarTech.com, a leading manufacturer of hard-to-find connectivity parts has announced the launch of a new Thunderbolt cables product line, with a wide variety of lengths including 0.5m (1.6ft), 1m (3.3ft), 2m (6.6ft), and the first 3m (9.9ft) Thunderbolt cable available.

Each of the cables are constructed using the active components required to support the full, high-bandwidth capability of the Thunderbolt interface: 10Gbps (bi-directional), for inter-connecting devices such as Thunderbolt-equipped external RAID enclosures and other applications such as daisy chaining Thunderbolt devices.

“We are excited to include Thunderbolt cables in our comprehensive line-up of connectivity parts. Thunderbolt technology is supported by all current Apple computers, as well as some models from Acer, Asus and Lenovo, and we’re expecting the interface to be available on an increasing number of computers in the weeks and months to come” said Keith Rodrigues, Senior Product Manager for StarTech.com’s Cables product line.

“Thunderbolt peripherals don’t typically ship with cables included, so the range in lengths we’ve made available offer the customer the flexibility to choose the length that best suits them – shorter cables, such as the 0.5m and 1m lengths for daisy chaining, and longer cables such as the 2m and 3m lengths, which are suited for more convenient placement of peripherals.” said Rodrigues.

Some of the features of the new Thunderbolt cables include:

· Support for dual-channel, simultaneous bi-directional data and video transfers up to 10 Gbps per channel

· Supports Power-over-cable, for bus-powered devices

· Dual Protocol support (PCI Express and DisplayPort)

· Durable cable construction, with high quality Thunderbolt connectors

StarTech.com Thunderbolt cables will be available for purchase from technology resellers including Insight, Amazon.co.uk and Dabs and will also be distributed by Enta, Ingram Micro and Micro-P. RRP for these products are as follows:

TBOLTMM50CM : 0.5m Thunderbolt Cable – M/M £30.99 GBP exc VAT

TBOLTMM1M : 1m Thunderbolt Cable – M/M £30.99 GBP exc VAT

TBOLTMM2M : 2m Thunderbolt Cable – M/M £30.99 GBP exc VAT

TBOLTMM3M : 3m Thunderbolt Cable – M/M £56.99 GBP exc VAT

Apple releases QuickTime 7.7.2 which fixes 17 vulnerabilities

Andrew Edney

-

May 17, 2012

0

Apple today released QuickTime version 7.7.2 which fixes a whopping 17 vulnerabilities.

Here is a complete list of all 17 vulnerabilities that have been fixed:

Impact: Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: Multiple stack overflows existed in QuickTime’s handling of TeXML files. These issues do not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0663 : Alexander Gavrun working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A heap overflow existed in QuickTime’s handling of text tracks. This issue does not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0664 : Alexander Gavrun working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A heap buffer overflow existed in the handling of H.264 encoded movie files. – CVE-2012-0665 : Luigi Auriemma working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Opening a maliciously crafted MP4 encoded file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: An uninitialized memory access issue existed in the handling of MP4 encoded files. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.3. For Mac OS X v10.6 systems, this issue is addressed in Security Update 2012-001. – CVE-2011-3458 : Luigi Auriemma and pa_kt both working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: An off by one buffer overflow existed in the handling of rdrf atoms in QuickTime movie files. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.3. For Mac OS X v10.6 systems, this issue is addressed in Security Update 2012-001. – CVE-2011-3459 : Luigi Auriemma working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file during progressive download may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A buffer overflow existed in the handling of audio sample tables. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.4. For Mac OS X v10.6 systems, this issue is addressed in Security Update 2012-002. – CVE-2012-0658 : Luigi Auriemma working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted MPEG file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: An integer overflow existed in the handling of MPEG files. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.4. For Mac OS X v10.6 systems, this issue is addressed in Security Update 2012-002. – CVE-2012-0659 : An anonymous researcher working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Visiting a maliciously crafted website may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A stack buffer overflow existed in the QuickTime plugin’s handling of QTMovie objects. This issue does not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0666 : CHkr_D591 working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Processing a maliciously crafted PNG image may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A buffer overflow existed in the handling of PNG files. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.3. For Mac OS X v10.6 systems, this issue is addressed in Security Update 2012-001. – CVE-2011-3460 : Luigi Auriemma working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted QTVR movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A signedness issue existed in the handling of QTVR movie files. This issue does not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0667 : Alin Rad Pop working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A use after free issue existed in the handling of JPEG2000 encoded movie files. This issue does not affect systems prior to OS X Lion. For OS X Lion systems, this issue is addressed in OS X Lion v10.7.4. – CVE-2012-0661 : Damian Put working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A buffer overflow existed in the handling of RLE encoded movie files. – CVE-2012-0668 : Luigi Auriemma working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A buffer overflow existed in QuickTime’s handling of Sorenson encoded movie files. This issue does not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0669 : Damian Put working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted movie file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: An integer overflow existed in QuickTime’s handling of sean atoms. – CVE-2012-0670 : Tom Gallagher (Microsoft) and Paul Bates (Microsoft) working with HP’s Zero Day Initiative
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted .pict file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A memory corruption issue existed in the handling of .pict files. – CVE-2012-0671 : Rodrigo Rubira Branco (twitter.com/bsdaemon) from the Qualys Vulnerability & Malware Research Labs (VMRL)
Impact: Opening a file in a maliciously crafted path may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: A stack buffer overflow existed in QuickTime’s handling of file paths. This issue does not affect OS X systems. – CVE-2012-0265 : Tielei Wang of Georgia Tech Information Security Center via Secunia SVCRP
Impact: Viewing a maliciously crafted MPEG file may lead to an unexpected application termination or arbitrary code execution – Description: An integer underflow existed in QuickTime’s handling of audio streams in MPEG files. – CVE-2012-0660: Justin Kim at Microsoft and Microsoft Vulnerability Research (MSVR)

The Digital Lifestyle Show 354 Yang Pi

Andrew Edney

-

May 17, 2012

0

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – and it’s show 354.

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Back in the UK for this weeks show. Andrew was away at keep fit so Jason Coombes joins Garry and I to talk over the weeks news including my thoughts on China and HP, Windows Media Center in Windows 8, family safety in Windows 8, building Media Center extenders, DTS audio, My Movies and we talk about my new Raspberry Pi and my first impressions.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

WHS Add-in Update : LDisk for Windows Home Server version 3.0.3

Andrew Edney

-

May 16, 2012

0

Intelisan’s Windows Home Server add-in LDisk has been updated to version 3.0.3.

LDisk Windows Home Server Add-In adds iSCSI Target Storage capability to your Windows Home Server. Using LDisk, you can create a single appliance to provide all your storage and backup needs.

– iSCSI Target Storage for Windows Home Server

– IP SAN (Storage Area Network)- Block transfer

– iSCSI SAN interface over Ethernet

– Snapshot with schedules, revert, and convert to volume

– Fully protected data using SAN Volume duplication

– Supports all Internal or external drives

– Drive Extender for WHS 2011

– Storage Expansion through iSCSI for WHS 2011

Version 3.0.0.3:

1- Added an iSCSI initiator tab for Initiator management

2- Added CHAP Authentication to provide additional security for iSCSI volumes

Learn more from the Intelisan website

Windows Home Server 2011 Add-in: Intelisan LDisk-D version 3.0.0.3

Andrew Edney

-

May 16, 2012

0

Windows Home Server 2011 Add-in: Intelisan LDisk-D version 3.0.0.3

BJ from Intelisan has been in touch to let us know that their LDisk-D add-in for Windows Home Server 2011 has been updated.

The two main differences between LDisk and LDisk-D are:

1- Customers wanted iSCSI functionality, but did not have any blank disks to use with LDisk

2- Cusomters wanted iSCSI functionality for non-English WHS-2011, WSS-e, and SBS-2011e operating systems

Below is a table showing the prices and the differences between each version:

LDisk-D Version 3.0.0.3 changes

1- Added an iSCSI initiator tab for Initiator management

2- Added CHAP Authentication to provide additional security for iSCSI volumes

3- Added iSCSI Snapshot Revert & Convert to volume

Learn more from the Intelisan website

Laplink Software Celebrates 29 Years of Success by Giving Away PCmover free today

Andrew Edney

-

May 15, 2012

1

Laplink Software Celebrates 29 Years of Success by Giving Away PCmover free today

Today only, Laplink Software are celebrating 29 years of success by giving away their PCmover software free!

For 29 years Laplink Software has been a global leader in PC connectivity. Since introducing the signature Laplink Cable in 1983, Laplink’s products have given users the ability to easily connect and transfer data between PCs from individual consumers to large multi-national corporations. And Laplink continues to provide market leading solutions, including its flagship product PCmover, the number one best-selling PC migration utility.

“Laplink has succeeded because of our loyal customers,” commented Laplink CEO Thomas Koll. “We are proud to complete our 29th year and would like to thank everyone for their continued support. To celebrate, on May 15th we are giving away PCmover Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant for free to everyone who visits our website, as well as a chance to win one of 29 great prizes such as a Lenovo laptop.”& amp; lt; /span>

Anyone interested in entering Laplink’s 29th Anniversary Giveaway can do so by going to http://www.laplink.com/laplink-turns-29 which includes the complete terms and conditions of the event.

“ We’ve completed nearly thirty years as a software company, and still many of our early customers remember us fondly for the Laplink Cable,” continued Koll. “But Laplink has expanded its reach into many facets of PC connectivity. For example, PCmover is the number one choice for consumers looking to upgrade to the newest version of Windows as well as businesses looking to cut deployment costs for their next PC refresh project.”

PCmover is the only software that moves programs, files and settings to a new PC. With its easy-to-use interface, automated wizard and deep customization PCmover is both simple to use and powerful enough to get any transfer job done.

Whether using PCmover Professional for consumers and small businesses or PCmover Enterprise for large corporations, there’s a version of PCmover right for any situation, saving end users an average of $300 per PC.

PCmover is available at www.laplink.com or most major software retailers in the US, Canada, Europe and Japan

WD announces 500GB, 750GB and 1TB My Passport Portable Hard Drives for Europe

Andrew Edney

-

May 15, 2012

0

WD announces 500GB, 750GB and 1TB My Passport Portable Hard Drives for Europe

WD announces the availability of its next generation My Passport line of portable hard drives in 500GB, 750GB and 1TB capacities in Europe.

Now available in five popular colours, white, black, silver, blue, and red, with a range of capacities, 500GB, 750GB, 1TB and previously announced 2TB, the new sleeker My Passport portable drives offer digital consumers an appealing array of storage options that reflect their personal style.

With the addition of premium finishes, specially-engineered to make the outer shell more resistant to scratches and fingerprints, the My Passport external drives feature ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity; USB 2.0 compatibility; WD SmartWare™ continuous, automatic backup software and WD Security™ for password protection and hardware encryption. The included software offers the flexibility to customise the drive to a user’s storage preferences: installing all features, just the components needed, or using the drive without the software.

“With a choice of different capacities and different enclosure designs, My Passport gives our customers an opportunity to express their unique style, in an amazing pocket-sized enclosure, affording plenty of secure storage for all of one’s photos, video, music and other important files”, says Tim Anderson, Director of Sales, Northern Europe for WD.

Now shipping in UK at selected retailers, these ultra-portable drives are a stylish and spacious storage solution for consumers to confidently backup, store and carry their entire digital lives; peace of mind for busy consumers on the go!

Pricing and Availability
My Passport drives come with a 2-year limited warranty and are available online at the WD store at http://www.wdstore.co.uk and at select retailers and distributors.

Recommended retail prices: 500GB – £89.99, 750GB – £119.99, 1TB – £129.99, 2TB – £299.99

Additional information on the My Passport family of hard drives can be found at http://www.wdc.com/en/products/external/portable/

My Movies for Windows Required Update

Andrew Edney

-

May 15, 2012

0

If you are running an older version of My Movies then you will need to update in order to continue to use meta-data from the online service.

This is what Brian posted today:

Due to security changes in communication with our online service, our users is requested to update their user clients before June 1’st 2012. The software will continue to operate after this date, but will after this date no longer be able to load meta-data from our online service.

Users running My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management 4.00 or 4.01 for Windows 7 is required to upgrade to version 4.02 or later.

Users running My Movies for Windows Media Center or My Movies Collection Management 3 for Windows Vista is required to upgrade to version 3.25 or later.

Users running My Movies for Windows Home Server 2011 is required to upgrade to version 2.10 or later.

Users running My Movies for Windows Home Server V1 is only required to upgrade if client PC’s are upgraded to a version that requires a later version on their Home Server.

Users running My Movies 2 for Windows Media Center 2005 will for now not be required an update. However, we strongly recommend getting these systems upgraded to Windows 7.

Users running systems installed by a licensed professional My Movies installer will also not be required to update unless they are also signed into a user account, which is optional on these installations.

If you are in any way have problems with upgrading, or is unsure how to do this, please contact support@mymovies.dk where we are able to help you.

So what are you waiting for?

LightSquared Files for Chapter 11

News

Jim McCarthy

-

May 15, 2012

0

LightSquared filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy yesterday in a bid to restructure the troubled broadband company. We have some of the details.

LightSquared has been attempting to build a celluar data network in the United States, but ran into issues when the Department of Defense and other parties interested in GPS systems alleged that LightSquare’s network interfered with proper function of GPS systems. The firm has been trying to refinance their bonds and yesterday filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York.

First, a little background from the company’s website on what they do:

First Truly Open, Wholesale-Only Network

LightSquared is building the only national 4G-LTE open wireless broadband network that incorporates nationwide satellite coverage and offers people the speed, value and reliability of universal connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can market and sell their own devices, applications and services using the LightSquared network—at a competitive price and without retail competition from LightSquared.

Convenient Connectivity For All

LightSquared enables manufacturers and retailers to provide a one-box solution for consumers, while creating new customer relationships and ongoing revenue streams for themselves. Because it is a completely open network, partners can develop their own devices, applications, and services that use the LightSquared network.

For example, by partnering with LightSquared, retailers will be able to sell devices bundled with service, enabling potential new recurring revenue streams for every device while maintaining full ownership of their customers. Telecommunications service providers can expand their coverage and capabilities via LightSquared’s nationwide 4G network without massive capital outlays. Device manufacturers can launch innovative and integrated devices, bundled with content and broadband service, while ensuring full ownership of their customer relationships.

Second, the press release from LightSquared explaining the filing:

LightSquared Implements Voluntary Chapter 11 Restructuring

Company Continues to Provide Mission Critical Services to Customers

Filing Gives Company Breathing Room to Pursue Build Out of its 4G Wireless Network

RESTON, Va., May 14, 2012 – – LightSquared announced today that it commenced voluntarily reorganization cases under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to give it time to resolve regulatory issues that have prevented it from building its coast-to-coast integrated satellite 4G wireless network. The company will also file a recognition proceeding in Canada.

The company fully expects to continue normal operations throughout this process. All LightSquared distribution partners and customers, including public safety, emergency response, government and military users of LightSquared’s satellite-based communications services can continue to rely on LightSquared to provide them with mission critical communications services.

“The filing was necessary to preserve the value of our business and to ensure continued operations. The voluntary Chapter 11 filing is intended to give LightSquared sufficient breathing room to continue working through the regulatory process that will allow us to build our 4G wireless network,” said Marc Montagner, interim co-chief operating officer and chief financial officer of LightSquared. “All of our efforts are focused on concluding this process in an efficient and successful manner.”

LightSquared intends to work with all key constituents to conduct an orderly restructuring process to maximize its asset value and to exit Chapter 11 in the quickest and most efficient manner possible.

LightSquared expects that its current management team will continue to lead the company throughout this process.

The filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York and the recognition proceeding will be filed in the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario.

For more information about the company’s restructuring, including all pleadings in the process, please visit www.kccllc.net/LightSquared. You may also access the court website at www.nysb.uscourts.gov (a PACER account is required).

About LightSquared

LightSquared is a mobile communications provider currently serving government customers, public safety, and the commercial transport and logistics industries. The company has invested more than $4 billion to deploy an integrated satellite-terrestrial network which will provide next generation, high-speed mobile services on a nationwide basis. LightSquared’s state-of-the-art satellite –successfully launched in 2010 – will be combined with 4G LTE terrestrial technology to create a nationwide communications system that offers superior coverage and mobile broadband speeds. LightSquared’s integrated satellite-terrestrial network will expand wireless broadband capacity at a time when demand is increasing exponentially. LightSquared’s wholesale-only business model will enable existing and new service providers to sell their own devices, applications and services – at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared. For more information, please go to www.LightSquared.com, www.facebook.com/LightSquared and www.twitter.com/LightSquared.

Read the whole PDF of the filing here.

It’s hard to see how this ends well for LightSquared and its investors.

LightSquared Press Release LightSquared KCC Case Information LightSquared Chapter 11 Filing

Sony expands the E Series VAIO Notebook range with both 15 and 17 inch versions

News
Tech

Andrew Edney

-

May 15, 2012

0

Sony expands the E Series VAIO Notebook range with both 15 and 17 inch versions

The easy-to-use family of E Series VAIO notebook PCs from Sony expands this summer. The recently-announced VAIO E Series 14 is now joined by larger screen models of 15.5” and 17.3” to broaden your choice of HD-friendly entertainment options.

Sporting a signature ‘wrap-around’ design with softly rounded corners, the VAIO E Series is ideal for families, students and anyone who wants to enjoy fuss-free multimedia computing.

The VAIO E Series 15 teams fresh, individual looks with everything you need for everyday tasks. With Intel processors, generous storage, smooth graphics and clear, high-contrast 15.5” VAIO Display, there’s all the power you need to breeze through the day.

Boasting a 17.3” VAIO Display Plus Full HD on selected models, the VAIO E Series 17 gives you extra screen space to enjoy movies on Blu-ray Disc (on selected models), edit photos or play games.

Need a break? There’s no need to shut down or hibernate. Just close the lid and the VAIO E Series goes into an ultra-low power deep sleep, keeping your data safe for up to ten days1. When you’re ready to resume, simply open the lid. Rapid Wake + Eco ensures you’re up and running in moments, with all your files just as you left them.

It’s easy to navigate through documents and media files with the large, button-free touchpad. Selected models also feature a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing when the lights are dim. Video chats are clearer and crisper with the built-in HD web camera powered by ‘Exmor for PC’ that ensures sharper details, higher contrast and rich colours. Movies and games sound rich and natural, thanks to xLOUD and Clear Phase technologies that boost speaker volume levels without distortion.

The new VAIOs also make a handy ‘any time’ charger for your smartphone. Just plug in your phone via USB for a handy top-up – even when the computer is switched off or in sleep mode.

New VAIO E Series 15 and 17 are available in a choice of white, black or (E Series 15 only) silver colour finishes, and will be on sale from early June.