Network Access Protection

One of the new security features of Windows vista Includes Network Access Protection (NAP). This service will prevent unsecured computers from connecting to your network. When a computer is introduced to the network it will have to meet certain requirements in order to connect with the other computers on the network All computers will have to have the latest security updates with up to date anti-virus software. When accessing a network the server will audit a computer, asking it for all information about its anti-virus and security information. Essentially Microsoft took its Baseline Security Anyliser and implemented it as a network security solution.

You're Right, Your Computer Does Have a Mind of its Own

"Over the last few weeks, without user approval, Windows Update has updated nine small executable files in both Windows XP and Windows Vista"

Sure, I guess you could say this might be fine seeing as the updates are coming from a trusted site, and while it may be a little sketchy to update your computer without your consent it was for a good reason, right? Maybe so, but imagine if Microsoft's Windows Update feature was compromised by an a person of ill-intent.

The updates in question turned out to be critical updates for Windows Update to function properly, but this still left customers confused as to not having prior knowledge or ability to consent with their releases.

For an operating system that throws in a couple of mundane text bubbles and alerts for even the slightest event, this sure is un-Microsoft-like.

via InformationWeek

Microsoft to release major Vista update

In the beginning of 2007, the latest operating system from Windows was
released, Windows Vista. Vista had received its fair share of
criticism due to the way the operating system was built, as well as
how there many reported glitches. But now, Windows will be offering
the first service pack for Vista within the first fiscal quarter of
2008. Microsoft says that it will begin to test the service pack soon,
and then plans to give it a limited release before 2008. Microsoft
will also be releasing the third service pack for XP, the OS that
precedes Vista, also in 2008. The Vista service pack is said to
improve the operating system's security, reliability and performance,
but it will not change the product's look or add any major features.

Prepare for the Courtroom

In this article, Greg Lawn of SC Magazine details the need to be prepared when any IT department is required to bring evidence to a courtroom for any sort of case.

He starts by noting that there has been a steady increase in the amount of corporate litigation in the past decade, and that it is still continuing. He also states that this trend has been accelerated and perhaps magnified in severity due to changes in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

He goes into detail in regards to what steps you should take to help find a middle ground in certain cases where attorneys are involved. They may be required to view confidential files and the like, if the case requires them to be presented as evidence. Lawn describes to the reader how they should go about making these files presentable in the courtroom and to the attorneys.

Later on, Lawn discusses five points for IT managers to consider when preparing for such cases, and what you should remember about the data you are presenting.

Using this article, even an IT Professional entering the courtroom for the first time can make themselves seem like a seasoned veteran and more importantly, help you provide the information that is required in an orderly and timely manner.