Computer Viruses Now Come in PDF Form

Those evil masterminds are at it again. They've found a new way to hit us where it hurts. Network Associates' McAffee antivirus division has become aware of the first virus that uses PDF (Portable Document Format) to spread. This new menace, known as "Peachy, " is spread via Adobe's Acrobat software. This is the program that is used to create PDF documents. Acrobat has a feature that allows people to embed other files within a PDF, and this is where Peachy resides.

Fortunately the virus cannot be spread through Acrobat Reader, the free program that is used to view the PDF file. Reader is lacking a code that recognizes attachments.

It will be safe until Adobe modifies future versions so that it has the ability to read attachments embedded in PDF files. Vincent Gullotto, senior director of McAfee's Avert group, believes that peachy is a low risk at this time due to the fact that he has not received any customer reports on it.

Written By: Michal Cardella
Integrated Computer Services Inc.
http://www.icssnj.com

Windows XP PRO VS Windows Vista for Business

I run a Small business to business Network consulting firm in New Jersey –Integrated Computer Services, Inc. We specialize in Network Roll-outs and Maintenance. Check us on the web at http://www.icssnj.com/. We receive a large number of calls to replace old workstations and servers and migrate existing data. We sell quite a few Windows XP Workstations. We offer a new business startup service for New Jersey go to http://www.icssnj.com/new_businesses.html for more info.

Anyway, 99% of the time we are recommending Windows XP PRO instead of Windows Vista. Microsoft has finally rid most of the bugs out of XP with its updates and patches. We standardize XP PRO systems for business with Symantec Corporate Edition Antivirus and Windows Defender. We also incorporate the use of a CISCO PIX Firewall to further secure our networks. We rarely see problems when we standardize our networks.

From our experience Vista is loaded with bugs, needs tons of RAM, and is slower. Yes, it does look prettier, but with software compatibility issues and difficulty remotely accessing Windows Vista. Why should we promote it? I realize XP's days are numbered - but Microsoft has not provided us adequate reasons to Promote Windows Vista for Business use.

Michal Cardella
Lead System Engineer
mike@icssnj.com
Integrated Computer Services Inc.
http://www.icssnj.com/