Posted by: kurtsh | January 17, 2013

NEWS: Office 2013 available on Home Use Program

imageExciting News!  As of January 17th, US customers with qualifying agreements will be able to take advantage of purchasing a copy of Office 2013 for $9.95 via the Home Use Program (HUP)!

HUP provides customers with the latest version of Office that their end-users can purchase for home use.  Therefore Office 2010 will no longer be available on the HUP site for purchase, effective immediately.

Note: If an end-user purchased Office 2010 and they still have an existing agreement in place, that same end user can purchase the new version, Office 2013, without it affecting their license count.  They will need to pay the $9.95 again, as that’s a third party administrative fee.  Please reference the current Product List, Section 7 for additional policy details around this.

Please visit the HUP site for additional information: www.microsofthup.com.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 16, 2013

Been out of town. Sorry.

imageYes, in case it’s not apparent, I’ve been out of town for a VERY long time on vacation.  The posts that I’ve made over the past couple weeks have only been things I could crank out quickly.  I have a few posts coming including my CES 2013 Summary.

In the meantime, here’s news that I found worth reading over the holiday.

Phone

Windows/PCs

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 15, 2013

DOWNLOAD: Microsoft Products Portfolio 2.9 (All up & Enterprise views)

image

The Microsoft Products Portfolio documents have been updated to version 2.9. 

What got added:

  • Storsimple under Azure
  • eCommerce under Ax 2012
  • MarketingPilot under LOB apps
  • Yammer under Application Services with following capabilities
    • Multi-channel
    • Inbox
    • Org Chart
    • Expertise
    • Gamification
    • Events
    • Private Messages
    • Feeds
    • Groups
    • Profiles
    • Polls
    • Content Collaboration
    • Search
    • Analytics
  • BYOD Secure Access under Forefront Identity & Access Management Suite
  • Dynamic Deploy under Windows Azure
  • Windows Azure Active Directory RMS under Security services (Cloud)
  • Office Web App Server as an entity separate from SharePoint 2013

(Lots of things also got changed & removed.  If you really wanna see all the changes let me know, if you’re a customer of mine.)

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 14, 2013

NEWS: Today’s Security Advisory (2757760, MS12-063)

I sent it to all my customers.  And before you skim it without reading it… no, it’s NOT old.  And update to this was issued recently, hence the advisory.

——————-

Today, Microsoft released MS12-063 to protect customers against the issue described in Security Advisory 2757760. The security update resolves one publicly disclosed and four privately reported vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. The most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer.

Microsoft encourages customers to test and deploy the update as soon as possible.

What is the purpose of this alert?

This alert is to provide you with an overview of the new security bulletin being released (out of band) on September 21, 2012, for new vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer.

Microsoft is also releasing one new security advisory today for Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

New Security Bulletin
Microsoft is releasing one new security bulletin (out-of-band) for newly discovered vulnerabilities:

Bulletin Identifier

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS12-063

Bulletin Title

Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2744842)

Executive Summary

This security update resolves one publicly disclosed and four privately reported vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. The most severe vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution if a user views a specially crafted webpage using Internet Explorer. An attacker who successfully exploited any of these vulnerabilities could gain the same user rights as the current user. The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by modifying the way that Internet Explorer handles objects in memory.

This security update also addresses the vulnerability first described in Microsoft Security Advisory 2757760.

Severity Ratings and Affected Software
  • This security update is rated Critical for Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, and Internet Explorer 9 on Windows clients.
  • This security update is rated Moderate for Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8, and Internet Explorer 9 on Windows servers.
  • Internet Explorer 10 is not affected.

Attack Vectors
  • An attacker could host a specially crafted website that is designed to exploit this vulnerability through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website.
  • The attacker could also take advantage of compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements. These websites could contain specially crafted content that could exploit this vulnerability.

Mitigating Factors
  • An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s website, or by getting them to open an attachment sent through email.
  • An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could gain the same user rights as the current user. Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights.
  • By default, all supported versions of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and Windows Mail open HTML email messages in the Restricted sites zone. The Restricted sites zone, which disables script and ActiveX controls, helps reduce the risk of an attacker being able to use this vulnerability to execute malicious code. If a user clicks a link in an email message, the user could still be vulnerable to exploitation of this vulnerability through the web-based attack scenario.
  • By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2008 R2 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. This mode mitigates this vulnerability. See the FAQ section for this vulnerability for more information about Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration.

Restart Requirement

This update requires a restart.

Bulletins Replaced by This Update

MS12-052

Full Details

http://technet.microsoft.com/security/bulletin/MS12-063

New Security Advisory
Microsoft published one new security advisory on September 21, 2012. Here is an overview of this new security advisory:

Security Advisory 2755801

Update for Vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10

Affected Software

Internet Explorer 10 on Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012

Executive Summary

Microsoft is announcing the availability of an update for Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10 on all supported editions of Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. The update addresses the vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player by updating the affected Adobe Flash libraries contained within Internet Explorer 10.

Mitigations
  • In a web-based attack scenario where the user is using Internet Explorer 10 for the desktop, an attacker could host a website that contains a webpage that is used to exploit any of these vulnerabilities. In addition, compromised websites and websites that accept or host user-provided content or advertisements could contain specially crafted content that could exploit any of these vulnerabilities. In all cases, however, an attacker would have no way to force users to visit these websites. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to visit the website, typically by getting them to click a link in an email message or Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s website.
  • Internet Explorer 10 in the Windows 8-style UI will only play Flash content from sites listed on the Compatibility View (CV) list. This restriction requires an attacker to first compromise a website already listed in the CV list. An attacker could then host specially crafted Flash content designed to exploit any of these vulnerabilities through Internet Explorer and then convince a user to view the website. An attacker would have no way to force users to view the attacker-controlled content. Instead, an attacker would have to convince users to take action, typically by clicking a link in an email message or in an Instant Messenger message that takes users to the attacker’s website, or by opening an attachment sent through email.
  • By default, all supported versions of Microsoft Outlook and Windows Live Mail open HTML email messages in the Restricted sites zone. The Restricted sites zone, which disables script and ActiveX controls, helps reduce the risk of an attacker being able to use any of these vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. If a user clicks a link in an email message, the user could still be vulnerable to exploitation of any of these vulnerabilities through the web-based attack scenario.
  • By default, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2012 runs in a restricted mode that is known as Enhanced Security Configuration. This mode can help reduce the likelihood of exploitation by these vulnerabilities in Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer 10

More Information

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/advisory/2755801

Public Bulletin Webcast
Microsoft will host a webcast to address customer questions on the new security bulletin:

Resources related to this alert

Regarding Information Consistency
We strive to provide you with accurate information in static (this mail) and dynamic (web-based) content. Microsoft’s security content posted to the web is occasionally updated to reflect late-breaking information. If this results in an inconsistency between the information here and the information in Microsoft’s web-based security content, the information in Microsoft’s web-based security content is authoritative.

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 9, 2013

INFO: CES 2013 – Preshow stuff I’ve seen so far

imageLENOVO
Remember this past November, when Sony introduced that battery-powered Vaio Tap 20 all-in-one desktop? How does a 27-inch version from Lenovo sound?  Lenovo has different ambitions for its new Horizon Table PC than Sony has for its desktop-tablet hybrid. The size of the Horizon alone makes it harder to confuse for a giant tablet, for one thing. But Lenovo also wants customers to think of the 27-inch multitouch Horizon not so much as a semi-portable desktop (battery life is limited to an estimated 2 hours), but instead as a multiuser device.  Read more here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/lenovo-ideacentre-horizon-27/4505-3118_7-35561100.html

imageASUS
The ASUS VivoTab (pictured above) is a 10.1" tablet that features an Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor. The tablet is 9.7mm thin and weighs in at 580g. The display offers a 1366×768 HD resolution. Other features of note includes NFC support, 8MP rear camera, 2MP front facing camera and ASUS SonicMaster Audio. The VivoTab does have a TranSleeve Keyboard accessory that can pull extra duty as a tablet cover and stand.

The ASUS Transformer Book TX300 is a convertible Ultrabook that can switch between an Ultrabook laptop and tablet by detaching the keyboard. The Transformer Book sports a Intel Core i7 processor with HD4000 graphics. The 13" Full HD display has a resolution of 1920×1080 with multi-touch capabilities. Asus SSD and HDD storage, 4GB DDR3 Dual Channel RAM, Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 3.0 and the Transformer Book will be a nice mobile computing option to consider.

The ASUS Tranformer AiO is for those who want more in their tablet than a 10" screen. The Transformer AiO is part tablet, part all-in-one computer that has an extended 18.4", 10 point touch, LED-backlit, IPS display. The computer/tablet is powered by a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor and for those inclined can seamlessly switch between Windows 8 and Android 4.1 while on the go.

ASUS TAICHI Ultrabook/Tablet. The TAICHI is offered in both 11.6" and 13.3" models that have double sided LED backlit, IPS/FHD displays. When closed, the outside lid plays the role of a Windows 8 tablet. When opened up, the TAICHI performs as an Ultrabook laptop computer.

Read more here:
http://www.wpcentral.com/asus-announces-slew-windows-8-tablets-and-ultrabooks

imageTRAKDOT
Stepping off a plane to discover that your luggage has gone missing is a major annoyance for travelers, and an all too common one. Even worse is the feeling of not knowing how long it will take the airline to locate it and return it safely to you.
GlobaTrac’s Trakdot luggage tracking system aims to eliminate that problem—or at least provide some peace of mind in case your luggage goes missing. The Trakdot is a palm-sized cellular-based tracking device that you pair with your cell phone and pack in your suitcase before you check your bag. Once you land at your destination, the Trakdot will send an SMS message or an e-mail to your phone, which notifies you of your bag’s location. The device can be paired with up to 20 mobile numbers. So, if you land in Los Angeles and everything ran smoothly, Trakdot will send a message saying it (and your bag) is in Los Angeles, too.  Read more here:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2023823/trakdot-helps-track-down-lost-luggage.html

INTEL
Very important reading for those in the Windows ecosystem.  The coming of ultrapower conservative 7W Ivy Bridge+ (the refresh of the Core iX CPU for laptops/tablets), superspeedy 22nm Bay Trail (the successor to Atom Clovertrail), & the upcoming release of Haswell. (The next MAJOR/’tock’ generation of the Core series CPUs)  Read more here:
http://gizmodo.com/5973896/intels-new-chips-everything-you-need-to-know-updating

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Posted by: kurtsh | January 7, 2013

NEWS: CES 2013 – Special feature coverage

imageCES coverage is sort of a crap shoot.  There’s some folks that are really good at some things like opinions on big picture matters, and there’s other folks that are more technically inclined to help praise or call B.S. on a product announcement.

Here’s a list of news sources that have special coverage of CES in a feature on their sites:

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 31, 2012

INFO: Consumer Electronics Show 2013 – Las Vegas Shows & Restaurants Jan 6-10

imageMy plans for CES 2013 in Las Vegas are complete!  Every year this is a HUGE production for me because I don’t like to waste time looking for things to do at the last minute while in Vegas so I plan almost everything out from shows to restaurants to spas to gambling to… well, basically anything.  I consider this to be a work vacation in many respects because I learn so much for work during this trip… but let’s not kid ourselves: 

THIS IS NERDVANA.

SHOWS
This year, I thought I’d highlight some of the shows & restaurants I considered for the week of CES 2013.  I’m not actually listing what I eventually put on my agenda but I think this will help folks understand what’s available during their stay.  I should point out that I’ve seen virtually all the 1st & 2nd tier shows in Vegas so if it’s in this list, it’s because it’s brand new (Rock of Ages, for example), it’s been redone with new content (Blue Man Group), or I simply haven’t been there before. (Brad Garrett’s)

(Note: All shows are purchasable off of Vegas.com between Jan 6th & 10th.  You will pay a convenience fee of $10 per ticket if you go through them HOWEVER I have always gone through Vegas.com because their service is impeccable.  If something gets screwed up or you need a refund or you need to switch dates/times… no problem.  Otherwise, you’re on your own and at the cost of these tickets, you really don’t want to throw tickets away if you can’t make the show.  Also, if you use them, be sure to at least use the coupon ‘retailme15’ for $15 off.)

  • Rock of Ages/Venetian – Jan 6, 8PM; 8, 8PM; 9, 8PM; 10, 8PM
    http://www.venetian.com/Las-Vegas-Entertainment/Resident-Shows/Rock-of-Ages/
    This is the only show that can not be purchased on Vegas.com hence the URL reference above.  The show is brand new to Vegas and one of the few I’ve never seen.  I believe it replaces “Phantom” which ran for years.
  • Jersey Boys/Paris – Jan 6 (7:00), 8 (6:30,9:30) 9(7:00), 10 (7:00)
    I’ve seen this show numerous times however the recent move to Paris from the Palazzo has changed the show dramatically.  It’s clear they still have to work out some issues however I find on a personal level that the new show is much more heartfelt due to some additions to the storyline that they’ve made.
  • Blue Man Group/Planet Hollywood – 6 (7:00), 7 (7:00), 8 (7:00), 10 (7:00,9:30)
    Why?  Because their show is new.  Since moving from the Venetian, I understand their show’s been redone so I’m hoping to see something completely different having seen the old show (back when it was at Mandalay Bay) several times already.
  • Eddie Griffin/Rio– Jan 7, 8, 9 (7:00)
    I have no idea why.  I just like Eddie Griffin.  His bit on the bank robbery in Los Angeles had me in stitches:  “We need mo’ POLICE in Los Angeles!”
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrdPIE6frdg
  • Absinthe/Caesars Palace – Jan 6 (7:30), 9 (7:30,9:30), 10 (7:30, 9:30)
    If you’re a little twisted & you don’t mind vulgarity or adult-oriented entertainment, this is the best show on the strip.  Period.  Cirque du Soleil can suck it.  Worth every penny.  And sit in the VIP seats.  Seriously… it’s worth it for the extra entertainment.
  • Brad Garrett Comedy Club/MGM Grand – Jan 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 (8:00)
    Reputed to be the best comedy club on the strip, I’ve never been here so I’m looking forward to it.
  • Penn & Teller/Rio – Jan 6, 7, 8, 9 (9:00)
    The longest running magic show on the strip, Penn & Teller are artists that change their show constantly so it’s never the same year after year.  Worth seeing again and again.

RESTAURANTS
This is a fun topic.  Having been a 20+ year veteran of Vegas cuisine, I’ve already weighed in on most Vegas restaurants that have remained in my rolodex.  Here’s a set of restaurants that I either WANT to go back to or on occasion, really haven’t visited yet.

  • Hugo’s Cellar/Four Queens (Downtown Vegas)
    This is arguably the best steak restaurant in Vegas with only a 2-3 other steakhouses being in it’s league IMHO.  Better than CUT, Circus Circus, Prime, StripSteak, Charlie Palmer’s, Craftsteak, N9NE steakhouse, etc.  They know they’re out of the way so they work doubly hard & it shows.  It’s a $25 cab fare there but fortunately, it’s much cheaper to dine there so it balances out.
  • Del Frisco’s Double Eagle/Independent (Off strip)
    Despite being a chain, this is one of those places where the management gets that they have to be better because they don’t have the name brand that Wolfgang Puck or Mario Batali have.  But their menu is to die for & their steaks are either the 2nd or 3rd best in Vegas IMHO.
  • Carnevino/Palazzo (Strip)
    Honestly, I’ve never been to Batali’s restaurant because of mixed reviews from trusted friends but I’m at the end of my list of 4 1/2 & 5-star restaurants to try & Carnevino is generally a 4-star most lists so, I figured why not consider giving it a whirl.
  • Andre’s/Monte Carlo (Strip)
    The best French food and possibly the best restaurant in Vegas.  Every dish at Andre’s is crazy-lick-the-plate-good & Andre himself often comes out to serve his favorite dishes.  Hands down better than Alize, his other restaurant at the top of the Palms.
  • Mastro’s Ocean/Crystals-City Center (Strip) 
    Never been here being that I haven’t visited a lot of what’s at City Center (since I don’t like the place at all) however if it’s anything like Mastro’s of Beverly Hills, it should be great… and a real wallet killer.  I’ve read that the ambiance and the service are off the charts but occasionally the dishes are a miss.
  • Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse/Golden Nugget (Downtown Vegas)
    This is the only steakhouse I’ve never been to that has rated on all the review sites as high as Hugo’s Cellar so this should be interesting.  If they have any where NEAR the quality & craft of Hugo’s I’ll be happy.
  • Border Grill/Mandalay Bay (Strip)
    I will be here – guaranteed.  Border Grill is a staple of mine as I love Mary Sue & Susan’s Mexican cuisine… especially, their tortilla soup:  Best anywhere.  And as a bonus, there’s a $10 purchasable coupon from Restaurant.com available to discount your meal.
    BONUS: http://www.restaurant.com/microsite/13440
  • First Food & Bar/Venetian (Strip)
    High roller bar food galore… period.  Lobster Mac & Cheese.  HUGE hot wings w/ 3 sauces.  Kobe Beef Sliders.  Crab Dip.  You get the picture.  If you like tapas like snacks & baskets, this is it. The problem is that it’s the STRANGEST location.  You literally have to hunt this joint down… and it’s at the end of a long lonely corridor.  I don’t understand how it was that they agreed to this location.  The service here is also weak sauce & the prices are NOT friendly for this sort of cuisine, thus I wouldn’t go back if not for the fact that the dishes are really tasty & satisfying.  I frankly wish they would deliver to my room.  Fortunately, there’s also a Restaurant.com coupon available to discount your meal.
    BONUS: http://www.restaurant.com/microsite/61851
  • ENVY the Steakhouse/Renaissance (Off strip)
    If you want QUIET and a really frickin’ good steak with just the right amount of char & seasoning on it, this is your place.  I was really surprised when I went here the first time how good the food was.  They clearly cater to a business clientele being in the Renaissance. (walking distance from the convention center, no casino, no frills)  There’s also a coupon available via Restaurant.com to make your visit a little cheaper.
    BONUS: http://www.restaurant.com/microsite/14825
  • Fleur/Mandalay Bay (Strip)
    So Hubert Keller took his old but DELICIOUS Fleur d’ Lys French restaurant and turned it into a more profitable tapas bar.  Here’s the thing:  The prices are at the same sky high level but the value’s not there.  Lots of small plates that add up to $100+ really quickly.  Add a drink & you’re going into dangerous territory.  That being said, I stop by annually because the flavors are easily the best at Mandalay Bay, next to Border Grill which is much more affordable.  Do NOT go there without a coupon from Restaurant.com.
    BONUS: http://www.restaurant.com/microsite/54273
  • Gordon Ramsay Steak/Paris (Strip)
    Brand new.  I reserved a table two months in advance and could only get a weak sauce early evening reservation, if that tells you anything.  This is purportedly the newest, hottest steakhouse on the strip & it’s packed with who’s who as well as great meals.  Apparently Gordon Ramsay lives up to his billing per every site I’ve read so I’m looking forward to this one. 
  • KJ Dim Sum & Seafood/Rio (Strip) – tel:7027777777
    There’s no way to make a reservation without phoning it in believe it or not since they don’t use OpenTable or any online reservation services near as I can tell but I get the feeling a reservation isn’t necessary most of the time.  This, I am told by many Chinese, is the best Chinese on the strip if you consider the Rio “the Strip”… otherwise you have to go to Spring Mountain Rd to Chinatown.  Prior to this, I would have given the nod to “Woo” at the Palazzo, but the incompetent layout of Palazzo killed that joint and so they closed up shop sadly.

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 29, 2012

INFO: Yes, the Verizon Wireless HTC Windows Phone 8X works with the Nokia Wireless Charging Stand

WP_000985For those wondering – and want proof – here’s a photo of the Verizon Wireless HTC Windows Phone 8X on the Nokia Wireless Charging Stand.  Yes, it works.

As you can see on the phone, the GREEN light is lit as the phone is completely charged – and there are no wires leading from the phone itself.

The charging stand is based on Qi wireless charging technology which is incorporated into Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phones… AND the Verizon Wireless model of the HTC Windows Phone 8X exclusively.

The base has a programmable NFC tag on it as well that works with the HTC Windows Phone 8X… but you need to use the “NFC Launch It!” app to do so.

Here’s the stand I bought from the Microsoft Store in Century City.  At last check, they still had them in stock:

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 21, 2012

VIDEO: A small demonstration of Windows 8

Is Windows 8 really that simple? Find out the answer in a surprisingly simple stunt that took place in December 7th, in a Fnac store in Lisbon. The moment speaks for itself.

(Don’t miss the end.)

A small demonstration

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Posted by: kurtsh | December 20, 2012

OFFER: Office 365 for 10 users for 3 months… FREE.

image

Looking into getting Microsoft Office 365 Trial (Plan P1)?  We’re giving everyone the chance to use it for a FULL THREE MONTHS for up to 10 users.

You’ve got until the end of February 2013 to sign up for this deal.

If you’re a small business, there’s no better time to try Office 365 than now. Starting today, Microsoft is offering a 90-day free trial offer for organizations with up to 10 users. Companies can sign up for this new free offer through the end of February.

Small businesses that purchase and activate a copy of Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010 or Microsoft Office Professional 2010 will receive a 90-day free trial of Office 365 Small Business Premium for up to five users. Office 365 Small Business Premium combines the power of Office 365 small business services with Office software for your users’ PCs or Macs. Check out Office.com/offer for more details.

If you need assistance with your migration to the cloud, be sure checkout the Microsoft Partner Network to find experienced and proven partners.

More details…
http://blogs.technet.com/b/whymicrosoft/archive/2012/12/17/great-time-for-small-businesses-to-try-office-365.aspx

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