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The Question Box

Q: What is a dual core processor and what are it's advantages?

A: A dual core processor is a CPU with two separate cores on the same die, each with its own cache. It's the equivalent of getting two microprocessors in one.

In a single-core or traditional processor the CPU is fed strings of instructions it must order, execute, then selectively store in its cache for quick retrieval. When data outside the cache is required, it is retrieved through the system bus from random access memory (RAM) or from storage devices. Accessing these slows down performance to the maximum speed the bus, RAM or storage device will allow, which is far slower than the speed of the CPU. The situation is compounded when multi-tasking. In this case the processor must switch back and forth between two or more sets of data streams and programs. CPU resources are depleted and performance suffers.

In a dual core processor each core handles incoming data strings simultaneously to improve efficiency. Just as two heads are better than one, so are two hands. Now when one is executing the other can be accessing the system bus or executing its own code. Adding to this favorable scenario, both AMD and Intel's dual-core flagships are 64-bit.

An attractive value of dual core processors is that they do not require a new motherboard, but can be used in existing boards that feature the correct socket. For the average user the difference in performance will be most noticeable in multi-tasking. Servers running multiple dual core processors will see an appreciable increase in performance.
 

It doesn't take very long to enhance the security of a computer or network. Whether you have a small business network or a vast business enterprise, these seven steps are imperatives to optimize your e-security for the New Year.

1. Change every password before the year's end. By taking this first step, you will enhance the security of every online commerce site visited, every computer, and every other password-protected device or website in use. Avoid easily discovered passwords, such as names or numeric series. Change your passwords at least quarterly in 2007.
2. Download patches and updates. Even some off-the-shelf computer security programs offer downloadable updates or "patches" capable of detecting the newest viruses and closing "backdoors" that hackers have discovered. Operating systems should be patched and upgraded at year-end, and regularly as well.
3. Hire a hacker. The holiday lull is the perfect time to conduct a "penetration test" to pinpoint weaknesses in a network's security. These tests emulate a hacker's invasion of a network; but rather than attacking databases and network tools, these scans identify specific vulnerabilities and propose solutions.
4. Conduct regular e-security check-ups. Automated, monthly remote risk assessments can be conducted for less cost than a single onsite review. These tests assure that confidential data is as secure as possible from external attack. In a hacker prone era rife with data theft, high levels of spam, and increasingly innovative computer fraud, waiting a full year between assessments is no longer a viable option.
5. Communicate your data security policy. All personnel should be briefed on the importance of protecting confidential customer data. Disseminate a policy on how and when, if ever, this data should be included in unsecured email correspondence with customers and others. Implementation of an encrypted email system would be a major security step forward.
6. Keep your network virus-free. A thorough evaluation of your network is essential to protect entry points (such as email attachments, shared files, infected websites, downloads), and to minimize infection. Simply installing anti-virus (AV) software is not enough. The AV system still needs to be monitored to make sure the most recent definition files are updated on all devices and you are alerted when a device is not "up-to-date." Look to providers which offer a full suite of AV services that can keep current with fresh outbreaks.
7. Consider "giving up" on do-it-yourself security. The New Year is a good time to consider outsourcing network security to a company dedicated to keeping up with the latest demands
   of computer network security. Call us for a no-cost, comprehensive security review at
   209-578-9739.

After many years in development, Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows Vista, became available to businesses with volume license agreements on November 30. The home version of Vista will be available on January 30, 2007. The Vista launch has been highly anticipated, as it took more than five years for Microsoft to release this updated version of Windows. Vista offers a variety of new features ranging from a streamlined and enhanced user interface to faster data transfer for remote data sources. Windows Vista is also being touted as a more secure operating system. However, industry experts question the level of security it is able to offer since Vista’s primary function is as an operating system and cannot address all security issues including viruses and Trojan horses.

Read more...

The Skype Trojan Horse reminded users that instant messaging is a potential hotbed for propagating malicious payloads, and that trend is likely to continue in 2007, said MessageLabs chief security analyst Mark Sunner. "IM will continue to be a target through spam over IM and the spoofing of IM identities to lure users into disclosing data or following poisoned URLs."

Professional cyberthieves and organized crime rings are looking to cash in on stolen identities, and are releasing an increasing amount of malware in the process.

There are more than 217,000 types of known security threats in the wild and probably thousands more that researchers haven't even identified yet, according to McAfee Avert Labs.

For the year ahead, McAfee predicts the following disturbing trends: a rise in the number of password-stealing Web sites that use fake sign-in pages for popular online services such as eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY) ; the mainstreaming of adware; the increasing prevalence of mobile phone attacks; and, as video-sharing on the Web continues to gain popularity, the inevitable targeting of video files as a means to distribute malicious code.

Read more...

• The name Canola Oil stands for Canada Oil.

• Abraham Lincoln, who invented a hydraulic device for lifting ships over shoals, was the only US president ever granted a patent.

• Baskin Robbins once made ketchup ice cream. This was the only vegetable flavored ice cream produced.

• Gerald Ford was the only US president not to have been elected to either the presidency or the vice presidency.

• Hawaii has the only royal palace in the United States - Iolani.

• Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs has been tasted by archaeologists and found edible.

• Maine is the only state in the United States whose name is just one syllable.

• Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.

• Ohio is the only US state without a rectangular flag. Ohio's flag is a pennant.

• Q is the only letter in the alphabet that does not appear in the name of any state of the United States.

• Teeth are the only parts of the human body that can't repair themselves.

• The bloodhound is the only animal whose evidence is admissible in an American court.

• The hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards.

• The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache on a standard playing card.

• The number 4 is the only number in the English language that has the same number of letters in its name as its meaning.

• The only lizard that has a voice is the Gecko.

• The only part of the human body that has no blood supply is the cornea in the eye. It takes in oxygen directly from the air.

• The only repealed amendment to the US Constitution deals with the prohibition of alcohol.

• There is only one Q in a Scrabble game.

• Uranus is the only planet that rotates on its side.

• Woodrow Wilson was the only US president to earn a doctorate.