Crenk » Windows Vista

Windows 7: Exploit Causes BSoD

Augusto Alvarez — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:51:46 +0000

Well I guess the timing couldn’t be more perfect, Microsoft released for partners a month ago Windows 7 and will be released to public n October 22; and we have already a big exploit going around.

A report said that vulnerability was found using the Server Message Block 2.0 protocol (SMB2) that causes the one and only BSoD (Blue Screen of Death). That includes not only all Windows 7 versions (32 and 64 bits included), but Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008; since all of these operating systems are using the same protocol.

Picture taken from a Nine Inch Nails Concert

On the good side, since the protocol it is commonly used only in LAN networks, the attacker should be in the same network segment as you. The funny thing is that this same exploit appeared in Windows 2000 and Windows XP, and Microsoft released of course an update to solve this security hole.

Even though Microsoft it is informed about this issue, there is no patch available to solve this inconvenient. Here’s a quick description about the exploit:

“SRV2.SYS fails to handle malformed SMB headers for the NEGOTIATE PROTOCOL REQUEST functionality. The NEGOTIATE PROTOCOL REQUEST is the first SMB query a client send to a SMB server, and it’s used to identify the SMB dialect that will be used for further communication.

An attacker can remotely crash without no user interaction, any Vista/Windows 7 machine with SMB enable. Windows Xp, 2k, are NOT affected as they don’t have this driver.”

And how can I disable SMB? Access the TCP/IP properties from your network adapter and uncheck the “File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks”.

Download Windows 7 Screensaver for Windows Vista & XP

Steven Finch — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:53:01 +0000

Microsoft’s Windows 7 RTM is still available to be downloaded with the official release coming out on October 22nd. By now many developers have had the chance to experience Windows 7 and what it has to offer. If you dont want to mess with your current Windows OS but want to add the official Windows 7 screensaver to your OS, the here is where to download it from.

Download Windows 7 Screensaver for Windows Vista & XP.

Aero Snap: Window Resizing for Windows 7 and Vista

Steven Finch — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:42:02 +0000

Aero Snap is a new feature which has been added to Windows 7, but its is also supported for both Windows XP and Vista. Aero Snap is a simple tool that allows the user to drag and drop any window to the top of your screen to maximise it or take it to the left or right to snap it to the side and re-size by 50 per cent.

Aero Snap is free and you can download it here.

Download Windows 7 Themes for Vista

Steven Finch — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:32:22 +0000

Windows 7 Inspirat Theme (Vista)- This theme called

Windows 7 Inspirat VS containing two shell styles, one bottom and one sideways

Download Windows 7 Inspirat Theme

Windows 7 M1 Original Theme(Vista)

Download Windows 7 M1 Original Theme

3. Windows 7 For Vista

Download Windows 7 for Vista

4. Blue Variant of Windows 7 for Vista

Download Blue Variant of Windows 7 for Vista

5. Windows Seven M1 VS Theme

Download Windows Seven M1 VS Theme

Amazon Launches Casual Gaming Download Store

Steven Finch — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:01:51 +0000

Amazon has launched on Tuesday a new video game download store. The site itself can be found here. The initial library offers over 600 games which are all under $10. All casual games are currently for the PC platform, but Im sure this will branch out in the near future.

The store allows customers to download and try any game for 30 minutes, after which point they may choose to pay for the full version.

“We have 88 million active customers who can appreciate the convenience of the true amazon shopping experience combined with the casual games experience,” Greg Hart, VP of video games and software at Amazon, told Kotaku.

While the service currently lacks some of the more popular casual games from top publishers, it will look to expand its selection.

Amazon recently acquired casual game developer Reflexive, which counts a library of over 1,000 games.

Windows 7 Free Downloadable Wallpapers

Steven Finch — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:49:07 +0000

Windows 7 is the new operating system that Microsoft will be releasing officially in early 2010. However, some users have been able to download Windows 7 for free via the Microsoft website. Thus, I though we would let everyone know about some free Windows 7 wallpapers they can download. These are
high resolution
wallpapers created at Devianart. All credits to creators and owners of the images.

Click on the images to Download them (from Author’s site).

First Microsoft Ad, Featuring Seinfeld

Luis Sandoval — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:47:27 +0000

Ladies and Gentleman, it’s hard to watch, I know. I warn you, it’s painful. If some of you come away with your mouth open and an empty look on your face after all is said and done, you’re not alone.

In what was supposed to be the biggest coup in Microsoft news recently, their acquisition of comedian Jerry Seinfeld was supposed to herald the beginning of the end of those “vicious” Apple ads that have gained so much popularity. For almost two years Microsoft allowed Apple to take the offensive and for almost two years Apple planned to gain some ground in term of market share. Well it worked, and while Apple now sits at approx. 20% of consumer market, Microsoft has been blasted for their release of Vista, making most users stick toXP for the time being.

Well Microsoft decided enough was enough and planned to counter Apple’s negative ads and re-build their brand, but most importantly the trust of the consumer.

Please watch this video, the first commercial in what is sure to be a long line of painful, shake your head and cry attempts to fire back at apple.

Is this really the best Microsoft could do? I’m not even sure I understand the commercial. And the Spanish speakers was a little awkward. Was that their attempt to gain market share with our Spanish speaking brethren? I’m confused and you should be too.