Omegasys IT Consulting Tech Notes

We would like to report that the PHP development team announced the immediate availability of PHP 5.3.3. This release focuses on improving the stability and security of the PHP 5.3.x branch with over 100 bug fixes, some of which are security related. All users are encouraged to upgrade to this release.

Go to http://www.php.net/archive/2010.php#id2010-07-22-2 to find out more…

If you are looking for training on the new Microsoft Office 2010 suite or just want to get a glimpse and some what’s new information on MS Office 2010 then check out Microsoft’s site at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/support/training-FX101782702.aspx.

They have made all our  their MS Office training manuals available to download for free. The files are in PDF format that will allow you Save, Print or Email to yourself. If you are not a Mouse Training client and would like to make use of the manuals, they kindly ask that you provide a HTML link back to our site from your company website. Please use the following information for the link. The manuals are copyright protected under Wiki Commons License. This agreement will allow you to download, edit, distribute and store the manuals without limit. Please contact us for further information.

If you are based within the UK or Europe, you might be more interested in their instructor led training courses. Go to http://www.mousetraining.co.uk for more information.

Go to http://www.mousetraining.co.uk/ms-office-training-manuals.html for more information and to check out the manuals!!!

On July 13, 2010,  Microsoft ended its support for Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows XP SP2. This means that these Microsoft will no longer provide security or other release updates via Windows Update for these operating systems. In addition, Windows Vista Release to Manufacturing (also referred to as RTM) was removed from the support list on April 13, 2010.

Things to note:

• Microsoft will stop providing incident support and will not release new updates, including security updates.
• Running an unsupported version of Windows could be harder to manage, expensive to maintain, and could expose your business and your customers to business and regulatory risks.
• Running an unsupported version of Windows could represent a security threat
• Microsoft will no longer release new security updates for vulnerabilities discovered after EOS.

Recommendations:

1. Upgrade to the latest version of the operating system – Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 provide you with platforms designed to address the current business and security environment.
2. Install the most current service pack
   - For Windows Vista support and updates, apply Service Pack 2
   - For Windows XP support and updates, apply Service Pack 3
   - There are no service pack upgrade options for Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Professional

To learn more about your end-of-support options, contact your Microsoft Certified Partner, or visit windows.microsoft.com/eos.

On June 15th Microsoft released its newest product suite in the line of Microsoft Office products called Microsoft Office 2010 (also referred to as Office 14).

To read more about this new product and download a trial click here!!!

“Microsoft product images reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.”

Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite is a set of messaging and collaboration solutions hosted by Microsoft, and consists of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Live Meeting, and Office Communications Online. These online services are designed to give your business streamlined communication with high availability, comprehensive security, and simplified IT management. Your business benefits from always up-to-date technologies that are deployed rapidly, maximizing your valuable IT resources and reducing your need for infrastructure investments.

Microsoft released Windows 7 into the retail environment today!!! This new operating system will also be available asa pre-installed OS on future computer purchases. As part of the unofficial Windows 7 betat testing we recommend this operating system for those purchasing new computers in the future. We admit that this operating system boots quicker and is slick and snappy. It also has the built in touch screen feature for desktops from HP and Sony that have touchscreen capability built into the hardware. A must alternative for those users looking to upgrade for a faster operating system and who have chosen not to upgrade to Windows Vista.

Check out more on Microsoft’s website at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/

Remote Data Backups is the best method of backing up your data for several critical reasons: it is inexpensive, convenient, secure and full featured.

For more information go to http://omegasysit.databu.com.

*** Free 30 Day Trial available ***

Microsoft Office Online website – http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/default.aspx?ofcresset=1

A useful tool during trainings, presentations, or during meetings, Screen Stream will allow you to broadcast/share your screen from your computer via a local network or over the Internet to many other computers via a web browser. The application is compatible with Safari, IE 7 & 8, Camino, and Firefox. NCH offers this software plus many other useful presentation or training tools for audio and video streaming at http://www.nchsoftware.com/index.html.

The Screen Stream application can be found at on the NCH Software website at http://www.nchsoftware.com/screen/index.html.