The Conficker Just Got Stronger
Recently a new version of the Conficker worm has been released. This worm pushes rogue anti-malware to unsuspecting computers. People are starting to notice that there might be a purpose to why this worm is scattering throughout the net.
ESET calls the new version Win32/Conficker.AQ. They claim that the new version is split into server and client components. The server component which is a Windows device driver performs the infections by exploiting the vulnerability of MS08-067 of Windows, which has been removed from the previous variant. It also creates an HTTP server on a TCP port which is random. After may 3 though, the server part removes itself from the system after the next reboot.
The client version on the other hand is a newer version of the old Conficker worm. ESET says that this new version removes the domain name distribution scheme. Which seemed clever, but seemed too vulnerable to organized resistance by authorities and the industry. This new version only communicates through peer networks. The Autorun propagation system is also suspected to be removed from it, but analysis hasn’t been completed. ESET is reported to have a removal tool for these programs.
Symantec reports that a driver patches tcpip.sys which increases the number of connections on the user’s system. They called the variant W32.Downadup.E. Symantec describes its DLL part as the C variant and the main purpose of that infection is to install the so called C variant. This isn’t what ESET claims. Symantec also disagrees that the Autorun propagation has completely been removed. They recommend that Autorun be disabled. Though, the description of the E variant mentions nothing about Autorun.
Microsoft’s description is more detailed than others. They claim that before Conficker spreads itself, it sends random garbage to itself to create confusion for the file identifiers. They say that this is easily defeated. It will establish the server through SSDP to locate an Internet gateway device. It then issues a SOAP command to start forwarding to itself.
Kaspersky’s Threatpost updates us on the business variant of Conficker. It pushes rogue anti-malware Kaspersky claims. They say that infected systems are receiving popups with warnings that offer a scam product which is SpywareProtect2009. Kaspersky has a tool to removes and disinfects this variant.
All these reports prove helpful to us, but in order to keep us safe from the Conficker we need to purchase software that combats it. I believe that these companies are benefiting from the Conficker as they are able to sell their software to more users. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
image credits to sxc.hu
Windows 7, The Next Big Thing
Microsoft’s success with Windows XP still remains unmatched. Compared to the newer Windows Vista, Windows XP still remains superior with more driver compatibilities than it’s successor. When Vista was released, many new driver models were released with it. This meant that a lot of devices wouldn’t work well with Vista. On the other hand, Windows XP is still being used by more people. They were still enjoying XP which gave them no reason to upgrade to Vista.
Windows XP was also the main competitor of Linux when it came to powering netbooks. Vista was never a competitor at this battle. The reason was that Vista had heavier hardware requirements when running software. There were some software where vista needed twice what XP required. This made laptop and netbook users dismayed and made them hesitate to use Vista.
Microsoft however is now coming up with a newer operating system that could rival XP. It is called Windows 7. Windows 7 boasts lighter hardware requirements that of Vista. It also has a Virtual Windows XP mode, which means that most if not all XP drivers will work well with Windows 7. Those who chose not to try Vista wouldn’t hesitate that much to try Windows 7.
XP mode contains the Virtual PC-based environment and a licensed copy of Windows XP Service Pack 3. It will be given free to the users of Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, and Ultimate editions through a download at Microsoft’s official website. This means that Windows SP3 wouldn’t come with the box of Windows 7.
Windows 7 with it’s XPM compatibilities will prove helpful to all users, as they will be able to run old applications and new ones alike. This is also very convenient as there are a lot of XP users who have been accustomed to Windows XP. They will find XPM to be almost the same as XP only better. XP and Vista users alike wouldn’t regret shifting to Windows 7.
In my opinion, Windows 7 will be the next big thing for Microsoft. It’s driver and software compatibilities wouldn’t give you problems when trying to run your old applications and new ones too. It also will be very convenient to laptop and netbook users as its hardware requirements are a lot lighter than those of Vista. It’s XPM feature will also be very helpful to those who are used to using Windows XP. Overall this new step for Microsoft will make it top dog on the OS market.
Test Driving the Latest Linux Mint 6 KDE
Let’s take a look at the all new Linux Mint edition, the Linux Mint 6 KDE Edition. Because of the highly dedicated people behind the development of this computer, Linux Mint has reached star popularity within only a few short years. The Linux Mint is based on Kubuntu 8.10 and has become an elegant multimedia complementary program for Kubuntu.
What does the KDE have now that will not be found in the previous version? First, it has an AMD K8 nForce 250gb motherboard, an AMD Sempron 2800+ processor, an Nvidia GeForce FX5500 video card, a 512-MB RAM, an LG CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive and a 17” BenQ T720 monitor. It also comes in 1.1 GB ISO image that was immediately recorded in DVD. It makes use of the 2.6.27 Linux kernel version and operates on Xorg 7.4.
The moment the DVD is in the drive, it boots the live environment in real time. What will pop out would be the regular KDE login screen and desktop and the Application Launcher button that serves as the Linux Mint trademark. The “minty” look can be yours if you would just customize the wallpaper choosing from the many elegant styles it offers. The interface is still the familiar old Mint look they used in the previous version.
The mintupdate 3 Update Manager reveals that it already contains the newest KDE 4.2.2 packages. After installation, you are on your way in the Mint journey. You simply have to enable the latest KDE 4.2.2 packages before you can start using them.
When installing the video drivers so that you can truly enjoy all the benefits, proceed to the Hardware Drivers under tools. You will now find the Nvidia driver for the graphics card. However, simply clicking on the “Activate” button will not initiate installation. You will need the EnvyNG tool to do this. Once you are done with the installation of the KDE 4.2.2 and Nvidia packages, you can fully explore.
You will find that it contains the OpenOffice 2.4 suite. Users have noticed that this is more troublesome to use than the 3.0 version because the incompatibility between KDE 4.2.2 and OpenOffice 2.4 resulted in a flickering desktop. This only stops if you open another application. But if you would be patient enough, installing OpenOffice 3.0 would clear the problem.
Now its time to try out the Internet capability of the desktop computer. Proceeding to Mozilla Firefox 3.0.8 will show that it has already installed the following: QuickTime, DivX, RealPlayer 9 and Windows Media Player. Java and Flash were also part of the program. Great!
For those out there who are interested in the Linux Mint latest version, it is good to know that it has all the tools already available such as minInstall, mintUpdate, mintAssistant, mintNanny and mintBackup. But mintUpload seems to be missing and can only be found in the Mint 6 version. Fortunately though, mintInstall will reveal great software managers that can provide screenshots, user reviews and average scores for the most widely-used applications. No more need to open a browser to do this.
What’s more is that it contains other software like Ktorrent, Sweeper system cleaner, Amarok 2.0, Knode news reader and Emerald Theme Manager, among many others. Samba also exhibits good connectivity with Windows devices within the network you’re in.
Linux Mint 6 KDE is clearly top-of-the-line. It is elegant and very useful for many technical people. However, there are still some glitches that need to be covered by its maker. But just like any technical device that is new in the market, its all a matter of getting used to for all users.