Alexander’s Blog

Microsoft has joined with key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to bring Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004-based security appliances to market. These solutions combine the best of ISA Server 2004 with a hardened version of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and optimized hardware so they are ready to deploy right out of the box.

Key benefits include:

1. Hardware comes preloaded, preconfigured, and pretested with ISA Server 2004.

2. Hardened configuration for reduced attack surface.

3. Easy to purchase, set up, and deploy.

4. Out-of-box configuration tools and Web-based administration available (on some models from some OEMs).

A list of hardware vendors that have partnered with Microsoft is available here. For hardware FAQs for ISA Server 2004, click here.

More info…

Microsoft has just released three updated tools for ISA Server 2004.

MSDEToText.vbs tool allows you to display the contents of an MSDE Firewall and Web Proxy log on screen, or you can write it to a text file.

CacheDir.exe is an updated version of the previous tool that allows you to view the ISA Server 2004 cache contents in real-time. You can also save the contents of your cache to a file and mark items as obsolete so they are no longer served to the clients.

Remote Access Quarantine Tool for ISA Server 2004 is meant to prepare your ISA Server 2004 running on Windows Server 2003 as an RQS listener component.

Google’s sponsored-link ads may have helped turn the world’s best-known search engine into a financial powerhouse, but they also are coming under attack for contributing to spyware practices that undermine trust on the Web.

A security researcher says Google’s search-based ads play a part in browser toolbars that violate the company’s stand against spyware and questionable download practices.

More info…

Police have charged a Florida man with a third-degree felony charge, after he was arrested for accessing a St. Petersburg resident’s wireless Internet network without permission.

According to the police, Benjamin Smith III was seen by Richard Dinon outside Dinon’s home on the night of April 20, 2005, sitting in a parked SUV and using a laptop computer. When Dinon went outside to deposit his trash, Smith quickly closed the laptop and tried to hide it.

More info…

Microsoft’s Automotive Business Unit has announced the release of Windows Automotive 5.0, the latest version of its automotive-grade software platform designed specifically for the custom development of advanced in-vehicle solutions including navigation, infotainment and communication systems.

Windows Automotive 5.0 provides the automotive industry with a powerful, flexible software platform to create an array of cutting-edge in-vehicle solutions. Building on previous versions, new features such as the Automotive User Interface Toolkit (AUITK) and expanded virtual memory support enable the creation of complex 3-D graphics and advanced navigation displays, while enhanced power management and faster cold-boot times improve performance.

Based on the robust, real-time embedded operating system Windows CE 5.0, Windows Automotive 5.0 contains the building blocks necessary to integrate with off-board services, including those offering real-time traffic updates, directions to the cheapest gas in town, turn-by-turn navigation and more.

Microsoft technology is available today in 27 preinstalled and 28 dealer-option/aftermarket devices from 18 world-class automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Citroen, DaimlerChrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Volvo.

More info…