Microsoft Back ports Windows 7 Security Change to XP, Vista

Microsoft has ported updates to its automatic execution and automatic playback of Windows Vista and Windows XP to help users fight malware that spreads through USB devices.

Microsoft made the switch from Windows 7 in early 2009 to stop the spread of Conficker infamous worm that took advantage of the functionality of silence leap from PC to PC. With the change, Windows will no longer display the task of automatic enforcement on the AutoPlay dialog box, save for removable optical media such as CDs and DVDs.

The functionality is made available for XP, Vista and Windows Server 2003 and 2008, on 25 August. Information on how to download updates can be found here.

The decision to make the change followed the well-publicized growth of malware spreading through USB devices over the last couple of years. In fact, a report by Symantec found that the auto-copied to removable media was one of the most common means of spreading malware in the second half of 2007.

"McAfee expects the increasing attacks of USB sticks and flash memory devices used in cameras, frames and other consumer electronics," Dave Marcus, security research manager at McAfee Avert Labs, blogged in January. "This trend will continue because almost unregulated use flashes storage [devices] across enterprise environments, and its popularity among consumers."

Microsoft made the switch from Windows 7 in early 2009 to stop the spread of Conficker infamous worm that took advantage of the functionality of silence leap from PC to PC. With the change, Windows will no longer display the task of automatic enforcement on the AutoPlay dialog box, save for removable optical media such as CDs and DVDs.

The functionality is made available for XP, Vista and Windows Server 2003 and 2008, on 25 August. Information on how to download updates can be found here.

The decision to make the change followed the well-publicized growth of malware spreading through USB devices over the last couple of years. In fact, a report by Symantec found that the auto-copied to removable media was one of the most common means of spreading malware in the second half of 2007.

"McAfee expects the increasing attacks of USB sticks and flash memory devices used in cameras, frames and other consumer electronics," Dave Marcus, security research manager at McAfee Avert Labs, blogged in January. "This trend will continue because almost unregulated use flashes storage [devices] across enterprise environments, and its popularity among consumers."

Adopt Windows 7 now, says Microsoft

Mumbai: Despite the consumer release of Windows 7, Microsoft is scheduled for Oct. 22, the giant cannot wait until that date and now sells the idea of using Windows 7 for business.

Since access to the implementation of already existing Windows 7, Microsoft set out in Blog Business, "There is no need to wait to start deploying Windows 7 already!"
"The implementations are happening right now and your business can begin deploying and! Several of our early adopters are already having great success with Windows 7 ... We are happy to see such enthusiasm for Windows 7 early adopters, showing the real value Windows 7 provides businesses ... Now is the time to begin testing and deploying MDOP and Windows 7 with Windows Server 2008 R2! "

Microsoft hit the lines of the blog post transport companies to quickly update themselves to Windows 7, citing the Total Cost of Ownership.
He said enterprise deployments of customers: 2,200 users at Baker Tilly (Professional Services - UK), 2235 users of the City of Miami (Local Government - United States), and 14,300 users Getronics (IT Services - Countries Netherlands) and users of the new Windows 7.

If your setup is similar to any of those, Microsoft wants you to check out the studies to see the savings that can be done by moving to Windows 7.

Windows 7 RTM Reviewed

Windows 7 is Vista done right, but you cannot deny that is based on the Microsoft operating system, at war. Despite improvements made in two service packages, users never had to Windows Vista.

Although Windows 7 Release Candidate is available for consumers to try the final version of Windows 7 aims to correct real and perceived flaws of its predecessor. The attraction of the new interface is undeniable, and should compete well against Apple's OS X, but even with modern features such as native support touch-screen Windows 7 is actually better XP? Read the full review and find out.