Computer Support Blog

Microsoft has chosen to re-renter the smartphone marketplace with a new OS – Windows Phone 7.  A highly anticipated and much debated entry into the mobile OS arena, WP7 is one of Microsoft’s most important releases in years.  To help you understand WP7 and decide whether it’s right for you, Rescuecom’s computer support and computer repair specialists share the five things you need to know about Windows Phone 7. Read more »

HP, long expected to be one of Apple’s main competitors in the tablet market, has fired its first shot at the competition, and it’s an interesting one.

With little fanfare, the company released its Slate 500 tablet, running Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS.  Since HP acquired Palm earlier this year, it had been widely speculated that the company’s first tablet release would feature Palm’s WebOS.

HP has now announced that a WebOS tablet will be released sometime in 2011. Read more »

On October 22, 2010, Microsoft will end pre installed sales of Windows XP.  Rescuecom’s computer repair experts reveal what the end of Windows XP means for you.

After the 22^nd, users will not be able to purchase a new computer running XP, and retailers are not allowed to sell the boxed version of the OS any longer.   “This is effectively the end of windows XP as a product,” says Rescuecom CEO David Milman.

However, computers that come with Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate preinstalled will maintain the ability to downgrade to Windows XP professional throughout the Windows 7 lifecycle.   “Microsoft,” says Milman “is targeting its enterprise customers, as many of them requested additional time before making the move to Windows 7.” Read more »

Verizon has become the first of the major U.S. carriers to announce pricing for Samsung’s Galaxy Tab.

In a somewhat surprising move, Verizon has priced the Tab at $600, just $30 less than the Apple iPad bundle the carrier will put on sale on October 28.

Neither device will require a contract with Verizon, allowing users to purchase the device on its own. Read more »

As long swirling rumors of a Verizon iPhone heat back up, Apple announced today that it has finally reached a partnership agreement with a carrier other than AT&T.

Staring later this month, Verizon retail stores will sell the Apple iPad.

The iPad will be both the first Apple product and the first tablet sold through Verizon stores when it hits shelves on October 28^th.  While this announcement is certain to add some fire to the iPhone rumors, the Apple-Verizon iPad partnership already seems like a victory for both sides. Read more »

A recent survey has revealed some troubling data for corporate technology users when it comes to Internet security.

According to the Sixth Annual Enterprise IT Security Survey, conducted by Amplitude Research, 67% of large companies (minimum of 5,000 employees) reported at least one significant security intrusion.

That was over 25% higher than the year before.

Companies cited various potential reasons for the increase, ranging from significant Internet security weaknesses to employee Internet usage.  No matter the reason, one thing is clear:  large corporations are coming under increased attack. Read more »

Microsoft officially announced its Windows Phone 7 OS on Monday and, by doing so, put itself firmly back into the smartphone market.

Totally disconnected from Microsoft’s previous phone OS offerings, Windows Phone 7 continues the pattern first displayed in the Internet Explorer 9 Beta – a product more in line with the competition than the company’s previous work. Read more »

SYRACUSE, N.Y., October 8, 2010 – Stuxnet, the most sophisticated piece of malware ever, highlights the dangers of malware.  Stuxnet’s method of infection and the likelihood of imitation put everyone’s Internet security at risk. RESCUECOM’s computer support experts explain what you need to know about Stuxnet, Internet security, and protecting yourself.

Most malware targets an individual’s Internet security, but Stuxnet worked on a much larger scale.  Stuxnet targeted industrial computers, intent on compromising their Internet security and taking control of them.  “It’s larger and more sophisticated than most other pieces of malware,” says RESCUECOM CEO David Milman.  Read more »

It’s been a good news-bad news week so far for Microsoft.

On the positive side, the company announced a launch event for its Windows Phone 7 line of products, to be held on October 11.  Windows Phone 7 devices are expected to be released next month.

Within twenty four hours, Microsoft’s news had soured somewhat.  For the first time in years, Internet Explorer, Microsoft’s web browser, saw its market share drop below 50%.  At the same time, Google’s Chrome saw continued growth, tripling its market share from the same time last year. Read more »

As Apple continues to aggressively market the iPad, one of its expected competitors has dropped from the race.

This past summer, LG announced plans to build and release a tablet device running Google’s Android OS.  LG’s Android tablet was expected to be released this year, as a competitor for the iPad.

LG announced today that will not happen. Read more »