Posted 08/31/09 at 11:41:03 AM by Mark Edward Soper

AutoRun was originally intended to help automatically start programs stored on optical media. However, once USB drives became popular, AutoRun also became a popular way to launch programs from hard disks and thumb drives by working with Windows' built-in AutoPlay functionality. Unfortunately, AutoRun's ability to provide instant launching for programs has also been widely exploited by malware such as the notorious Conficker/Downadup worm and others. Microsoft changed how AutoRun works in Windows 7 RC, but until now, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2003 have been wide open to USB-based AutoRun attacks. To find out how Redmond's reining in AutoRun, join us after the jump.

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Posted 07/10/08 at 03:30:37 PM by Mark Edward Soper

The August 2008 cumulative time zone update for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Server 2003, and Server 2008 is now available at KB951072. New time zone changes include the Arabic, Argentina, Iran, Morocco, Pacific SA, and Pakistan time zones, but it also includes all previous changes.

If it's been a while since you updated your system's time zone information, it's time to bring your PC up to date. For more information and for download links, go to KB951072.

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Posted 07/09/08 at 03:02:23 PM by Mark Edward Soper

Tired of Windows Vista telling you you can't spell? Update KB955020 adds "Friendster," "Nazr," "Obama," "Klum," and "Racicot" to the system's spell-checker (the update also works for Windows Server 2008).

If you run automatic updates or have checked Windows Update manually today, you probably have this update already. But if not, or if you're terminally curious about exactly what gets changed in your system, go to the KB article for more information and links to updated files.

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