Google has been issuing warnings to over two million computer owners who are at risk of infection from a virus that hijacks search results.
The malicious software produces fake results after users perform a search, with a yellow warning window informing them that their computer is at risk. Users are guided to click a link to both check that their anti-virus software is up-to-date and inform them how to remove the problem.
Google said it found “unusual search traffic” when one of its data centres was undergoing a maintenance check.
Security engineer Damian Menscher posted on the company’s blog: “The malware appears to have gotten onto users’ computers from one of roughly a hundred variants of fake antivirus, or “fake AV” software that has been in circulation for a while.
“We aren’t aware of a common name for the malware.”
Hundreds of thousands of people are thought to have already been notified.
GMailman – have you heard the story or seen the video yet?
It appears Microsoft have created a video which pokes fun at how Google’s Gmail service actually reads your emails before you do…
Allegedly the system scans your messages before they’re opened, which then enable it to serve up ads which are linked to the keywords in your email.
Microsoft used the film at its annual global conference to spur users on in the battle of Office 365 versus Google Apps.
The video now seems to have been leaked.
Basically Microsoft’s point is that Google cares more about advertising than privacy!
Read more on the story at ZDNET.
Intel Ultrabook – for those smitten with the MacBook Air but who want a Windows-based laptop!
This latest model looks set to challenge very slim and light laptops running for 5 hours on a fully-charged battery with the prospect of 8 hours or more battery power, giving you effectively a full working day without needing to plug in.
The Rapid Start Technology in these laptops is designed to switch the systems on almost instantly from a state of “deep sleep”.
Asus (their UX-21) and HP should be bringing their own versions of this to market over the next few months, which will then undoubtedly be closely followed by many others.
There is a target price of below $1,000 for these machines, however, rumours are spreading that manufacturers are finding it hard to hit that price point.
Intel describes a three phase approach to this technology over the next 12 months or so as follows:
- Phase 1: This was kicked off when Intel introduced its latest Ultra-Low Voltage 2nd Generation Intel Core processors in June that will bring new systems to store shelves this summer.
- Phase 2: Centres around the next generation of Intel micro-architecture, code-named ‘Ivy Bridge’, with processors scheduled for availability in systems during the first half of 2012. Faster I/O such as USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt technologies are also part of Intel’s ongoing work to drive the PC platform forward.
- Phase 3: In 2013 Intel micro-architecture dubbed ‘Haswell’ will be released. This claims to accelerate the Ultrabook and reinvent the capabilities of the laptop in new sleek systems.
Read more here
Are you suffering from Smartphone screen damage?
Just a little note to say I recently had to find a company to fix a shattered iPhone 4 screen for my better half.
I knew I could go to Apple, however, the cost is circa £85 and you need to make an appointment for the team at the Genius Bar.
Luckily a friend recommended a shop at 85 Commerce Street in Glasgow called Mymo – www.mymoaccessories.com
After a quick telephone quote of £50 for a replacement screen both supplied and fitted, I headed straight over there.
The staff were attentive and very helpful, and had the screen replaced in under 30 minutes.
They also offer a huge range of cases and accessories for many handsets – well worth a visit if you need your handset repaired.
A little bit of fun? (Well it might be if it wasn’t so serious…)
Apple has more money in the bank than the United States Government.
The U.S. Treasury declares that it has reserves of $73.768 billion. Apple, on the other hand, has $75.876 billion. Should Steve Jobs be brought in to solve the debt crisis? Maybe he could provide a short term loan?
Oh and finally, click to read the OCD Monthly Newsletter.
Have a great week.
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