Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer 8 Today

Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 8.0 (IE8) today at the Mix09 conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, in a statement said, “With Internet Explorer 8, we are delivering a browser that gets people to the information they need, fast, and provides protection that no other browser can match.” It looks like Microsoft’s security response team forgot to tell him that his latest browser had already been compromised in the Pwn2Own competition.

My recommendation is to hold off upgrading for a few days to see if any big problems show up amongst early adopters. Once those have been ironed out I would upgrade to IE8 even if it isn’t your default web browser. Microsoft is notorious for tight integration of the browser with the operating system and the newer code may patch security vulnerabilities (hopefully).

If you’re one of many that continue to use Internet Explorer then I’d strongly suggest getting Firefox, Opera, or Chrome.

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March 19, 2009 | Filed Under Tech/Gadgets | Leave a Comment 

Microsoft Dreamspark: Free Windows Server, SQL Server, and Visual Studio

Microsoft Dreamspark is a program with the hopes of nabbing students in academia by giving away free software. According to the Dreamspark FAQ:

Are only students from major school or cities able to access the Microsoft software available on the DreamSpark site?
No way! The whole point of the Internet is to bring everyone around the world together, right? So it doesn’t matter what size your School is or where it is. We only ask that it’s an accredited school and that your student status be verified. DreamSpark is available to all accredited schools across the globe.

While the program has been around since February 2008 Microsoft has continued to add more free software into the mix. Currently available options include:

Microsoft Developer Tools:

Microsoft Design Tools:

Microsoft Server System:

Notably, the key given for Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Standard Edition, is a “MAK_B” key which can be used to activate:

While it would be grossly illegal to apply a product key any program Microsoft didn’t intend the end-user to activate, several people have reported success using this method to activate Enterprise versions of Server 2008.

In addition to having a Windows Live ID, the only catch is would-be downloaders must verify their student status either via Microsoft’s free verification service or via a third-party company that asks for a student id or current class schedule. The online verification option utilizes a system similar to that used for off-campus access to library materials and requires some level of cooperation from the university. UK (and other European) users may use their Athens account for verification. Other international students may also utilize their Inernational Student Identity Card (ISIC) for verification. Other options include SAML or Shibboleth. If none of the above methods are applicable due to Microsoft not having listed an institution then JourneyEd can verify student status by sending in proof of academic status.

High school students must ask a school official to enroll into the Dreamspark program to be able to download the software.

As a side note some people have reported recent graduates may still be able to use the online verification system due to lazy college network administrators not pruning their access lists. Lastly, for those desperate enough to use nefarious means to get free serial numbers, then there is an option for them too. It’s illegal so don’t do it.

Popularity: 1% [?]

January 11, 2009 | Filed Under Tech/Gadgets | Leave a Comment 

Vista Error: “Logitech LVPrcSrv Module. has stopped working” Fix

Whenever I use remote desktop to connect to a computer running Windows Vista SP1 with a Logitech QuickCam Chat I get an error that reads:

Logitech LVPrcSrv Module. has stopped working

Updating drivers and searching for a fix proved fruitless until Microsoft’s built in solution software came to the rescue. A little pop-up suggested this fix:

Follow these steps to solve the problem with QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe)

This problem was caused by QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe), which was created by Logitec Corporation.

Solution

One way to help ensure that QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe) will run is to set its compatibility mode to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). To do this:

  1. Close QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe).
  2. Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then right-click QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe).
  3. Click Properties, and then click the Compatibility tab.
  4. Under Compatibility mode, select the Run this program in compatibility mode for check box, select Windows XP (Service Pack 2), and then click OK. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
    Restart QuickCam (LVPrcSrv.exe).

I’ve applied the fix and it works. No more crashes for now.

Popularity: 3% [?]

July 8, 2008 | Filed Under Tech/Gadgets | Leave a Comment 

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