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Posts Tagged ‘Microsoft’

Practice Safe Web

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

As promised last week on eZanga News, here are 25 helpful tips for keeping your PC clean and avoiding viruses!

1. Clean your desktop

2. Uninstall any unwanted programs

3. Clean startup, registry, and cookies

4. Organize your documents!

5. Delete temporary files

6. Reduce disk usage

7. Delete duplicate files

8. Wipe hard drive and reinstall Windows

9. Set up automatic virus scans

10. Watch your downloads!!

11. Download free safety scanners

12. Use security by operating systems (such as Security Internet Explorer 9)

13. Know and trust the source you’re downloading anything from!!

14. Use parental controls to avoid children downloading and installing any gadgets

15. Install up-to-date antivirus, antispyware, and antimalware

16. Keep Windows up-to-date. Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade!

17. NEVER click links or attachments (in e-mails or on the web) that you’re not sure of. Scanning is key.

18. Do NOT open e-mails that you are not sure of

19. Be careful on Microsoft Outlook!

20. Use caution when surfing the web

21. Scan files before using them! Viruses can transfer via flash memory and discs

22. Make sure Windows firewall is turned on

23. Back-up personal files

24. Isolate any infected computers

25. If it seems hazardous, it probably is!!

Safe surfing!

Tags: antivirus, Microsoft, virus, Windows
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NUads: A digital canvas for advertisers

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

Kinect is adding interactive digital advertising to Xbox 360. Microsoft says the “natural user” interface ads, or NUads, can be used with voice and gesture control and will appear on the Xbox dashboard and in-game.

The ads on the dashboard can be accessed by hovering your hand over it.

For certain ads, there will be a message on the screen to say, “Xbox Tweet.” This will allow you to share the video on your Twitter by selecting “Tweet” with gesture control after the voice command.

Also, by saying, “Xbox More” during certain ads will enable users to receive further information about what’s being discussed in the ad. Gesture control allows the consumer to select “E-mail” and receive an e-mail instantly from that particular company. E-mail is just one example of the “Xbox More” feature given.

Another voice command, “Xbox Schedule,” will set reminders for you to watch a TV show, for example, straight to your phone.

In order to bring a local aspect to NUads, consumers can say, “Xbox Near Me.” This command will tell your Xbox to bring up a map of where you can find the nearest store or dealership that’s in the ad. The Bing search map also gives you the option of receiving directions via e-mail or text message right to your phone.

There is also a feature that allows users to vote on polls about things, such as movies, by a simple Wave of their hand.

All of these features become very handy for advertisers because it will extend their ads from the living room and Xbox Live to even more social networks, mobile phones, and PCs, while still staying in just a 30 second slot. Kinect is opening up huge doors for advertisers, offering a solution of how to bring an even closer connection to the consumer and the company.

Xbox is meshing together gaming, social networking, and entertainment to create an entire new experience for consumers. Let’s just hope the ads don’t become like commercials or spam for gamers and that they can only be viewed when selected.

Tags: digital advertising, kinect, Microsoft, Xbox
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Comcast users: Is your television ringing? You better go answer it!

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Comcast Corporation announced their partnership with Skype, adding video chat to televisions sometime in the next year. Soon, Comcast customers will be able to make video calls and use instant messaging right on their high-definition TV’s using Skype.

Skype is a software program owned by Microsoft that allows users to make video and voice chats over the Internet.

Skype enabled TV’s are already available, but the service teaming up with Comcast is a huge step. Comcast is one of the largest cable, internet and telephone providers in the United States, and the success of this addition will be crucial for them.

The new feature will enable video and audio calls for users right on their TV. Skype instant messaging will also be available and can be utilized while you’re still watching a TV show. Plus, users will be able to accept incoming calls while watching TV with pop-up caller ID. The program is capable of importing address books, too–from Skype, smartphone contacts, Gmail, Facebook, and Outlook.

This addition comes with an adaptor box that includes a video camera and a remote control with a keyboard for chat that navigates Skype and your TV.

These new clear, wide-screen Skype video chats/calls on Comcast HD TVs allow users to make calls to other Skypers– regardless if the other caller is using a TV, PC, smartphone, or tablet.

Comcast is working to keep up with all these new ways of social interaction. They’re hoping Skype will bring their customers’ TV experience a little closer to home by helping them connect to the people they’re closest with. The real test of this new feature–however–will be once it’s actually in homes and if it operates accurately and properly.

Tags: Comcast, Microsoft, Skype, video chats
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Web Traffic Report: IPv4 Addresses versus Oncoming IPv6 Networking; World IPv6 Day and Internet Protocol for Dummies

Thursday, June 9th, 2011

World IPv6 Day was a 24hour test of the new Internet Protocol 6—the next generation of IP addresses—in retaliation to the current IPv4 exhaustion that is creating web traffic around the world. So what the heck does that mean? This is Networking 101, explaining to all of us who don’t understand those complex computer terms exactly what is going on with our IP addresses and why we’re running out.

Internet Protocol is the main communication system used for transmitting digital data between internet connected computers. Devices recognize each other by their IP addresses. In order for information to transmit, each device needs a separate address. We currently run on IPv4, or Internet Protocol version 4. This means that every device’s unique IP address consists of four groups of numbers that gives them access to the internet. Every time you connect your mobile device, you are assigned a different IP address.

However, due to the exponentially increasing number of devices that can now access the internet, our combinations for IPv4 addresses are sold out. This is known as IPv4 exhaustion, or how the restricted availability of address space is coming to an end. Once we run out of IP addresses, we will have to wait until one becomes available to connect to the internet—unless…

We start switching to Internet Protocol version 6. IPv6 is a six unit numeric address, providing 4 billion times more addresses than before. It will allow any individual to have multiple IP addresses with plenty more to spare. It’s rumored that we will never need to update from this if we make the switch.

On World IPv6 Day, major companies—such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo!, Microsoft and Verizon—all did 24hour test runs of the new system for promotion of switching. We will be following up with the results of their tests.

There are still many IPv4 addresses that are not in use, but most likely all new devices will have IPv6 addresses. There are many concerns with the new system, such as security, cost, and methods of actual migration of all devices to it.

Tags: Facebook, Google, Internet Protocol, IP addresses, Microsoft, yahoo
Posted in Articles | 3 Comments »

Xbox Live Comes to Life with Voice Recognition, Youtube, Bing, and UFC!

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Microsoft is unleashing voice recognition to gamers on Xbox Live using Kinect, along with Bing searching for access to digital content, Youtube capability, and live UFC showings. Microsoft plans to hook up Xbox 360 game consoles with a Kinect’s built-in microphone to allow users to visit digital media content—including music, games, TV shows and movies—by merely uttering their search. The voice-activated internet exploration will be supported by Bing, Microsoft’s search engine.

Ray Muzyka of EA’s BioWare branch discussed the new voice recognition feature for Kinect at E3, saying it will allow gamers to dispatch voice commands with or without a controller while playing. This will include menu navigation, internet searching, and operation of the actual characters in the game without using a handheld controller. This is unlike any other controller gamers have ever seen before—the sound of their own voice.

Xbox also plans to add Youtube and live UFC showings to the Xbox Live stream for the ultimate entertainment experience. Not much was said about the integration with Youtube, except that Live will soon include Youtube support. Dana White, UFC president, announced at E3 that pay per view events will be streamed via Xbox Live, as included in the new deal they have incurred with Microsoft.

Not only can Xbox Live users play video games, they can now pilot their system without a controller, surf the web, and watch movies, TV shows, and some of the best fights in the world. The most fascinating part of Microsoft’s new releases is that they can all be easily accessed solely by the gamers’ verbal commands.

Tags: Bing, Microsoft, UFC, Xbox, YouTube
Posted in Articles | 5 Comments »

Microsoft Nets Skype for a Cool $8.5 Billion

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

And its paying in cash, too. I guess that’s what happens when you’ve got the deep pockets of software giant Microsoft.

The deal, reported by WSJ as well as AllThingsD, was championed vigorously by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, who feels “Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world.” He stated, “Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world.”

Certainly, Microsoft is getting a pretty horse for the price tag. Skype is a well established brand name with veritable equity attached. Microsoft will want to utilize this to the fullest.

However, with the acquisition, Microsoft will also be assuming all debt attached to Skype. Right now that’s close to $700 million.

But most importantly, beyond brand equity or financial matters, Microsoft is gaining access to Skype’s user base of 663 million. A little quick math tells us that means each registered user cost Ballmer’s company about $12.82. Seems like a pretty good deal when put in those terms.

Microsoft wasn’t the only one eyeing up the Internet phone company, either. Google, as well as Facebook, were among those with at least minor interest. In the end, though, it was Microsoft who went for the gusto. Skype will be integrated into the corporation via the creation of a new business division within Microsoft, to be headed up by Skype Chief Executive Tony Bates.

Now that the purchase, which goes down as Microsoft’s biggest ever, is done and has been officially announced, all the analysis and criticism will come gushing out the floodgates. Did it go for too much? Too little? Will Microsoft see a worthwhile return on investment?

Let us know what you think.

Tags: Microsoft, Microsoft acquisition, Skype, Steve Ballmer, Tony Bates
Posted in Articles | 1 Comment »

Yahoo Says ‘Buzz Off’ to Buzz

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

As of April 21, 2011, Yahoo Buzz will be no longer. Much like Digg, Yahoo Buzz is a social media site which focuses on news articles that are posted by users. The website was created to allow people to share and rank articles they felt were relevant to particular subjects, yet it never really gained much popularity.

Clearly Yahoo agreed that it was time to cut bait and announced in a statement that while the decision was a difficult one, it “will help us focus on our core strengths and new innovations.” This move was likely a wise one according to market analysts. Yahoo Buzz was created as a means to drive more traffic into the site in hopes of surpassing Google and Bing in the media market, yet the project was less fruitful than Yahoo had anticipated.

Just yesterday, Yahoo reported that it has seen a dramatic drop in profit and sales during the first quarter of 2011. Blame for the decline is being placed on the “headwind” of paying Microsoft, Yahoo’s partner, it’s promised 12% of net search revenues. The search engine also blamed Microsoft for its underwhelming advertisements.

Industry expert Danny Sullivan commented extensively on Yahoo’s decline in search revenue and proclaimed that the drop in search revenue “doesn’t mean that Yahoo as a company overall is a bad investment” and that “not hosting a search infrastructure may allow Yahoo to do other things.”

It certainly seems this is the mindset that Yahoo has adopted. It will be interesting to see what Yahoo’s next move will be, whether it be dropping other failed projects or taking on more promising business strategies.

Tags: Microsoft, revenue, yahoo, Yahoo! Buzz
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eZanga’s Rich Kahn quoted in Infotech and Telecom News

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

The August issue of Infotech and Telecom News features an article written by Phil Britt on new Microsoft search engine Bing’s potential impact on Google.

Titled “Bing Debut May Challenge Google’s Search Dominance”, the article discusses Google’s reaction to Bing’s launch as well as where the industry may go from here. eZanga CEO Rich Kahn was quoted in the piece, giving his take on what may lie ahead in the battle for search supremacy.

Infotech and Telecom News is a monthly newspaper which focuses on the social movement for market-based reform of the nations laws on information technology and telecommunications. The paper has a circulation of roughly 11,000 and has close to 68,200 visitors on its website monthly.

Tags: Bing, ezanga.com, Google, Microsoft
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eZanga in the News

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

There has been a great deal of attention focused on the search industry in recent weeks, with lots of activity being made by some of its top companies. Likewise, the subject of online advertising has become a hot topic on the internet, as the web continues to grow as the best outlet for businesses to get the word out about their products and services.

With all that’s been going on, eZanga.com founder and CEO Rich Kahn recently weighed in on two of the most talked about topics in the industry this week.

At Search Engine Watch, Kahn was one of many leading industry insiders to give a reaction to the big news of the search deal made between Microsoft and Yahoo and what it could mean in the long run.

“I believe Microsoft and Yahoo are going to have what it takes to slowly close the gap between their companies and Google,” he said.

Kahn also crafted a piece about the differences between SEO and SEM at Building43.com, lending his opinion on which marketing strategy is more effective in driving traffic to company sites.

The article, titled “SEO and SEM: Truth in Numbers” takes a careful look at both methods through extensive research before making a conclusion on which makes the better option for advertisers.

Tags: ezanga.com, Microsoft, msn, search engine marketing, SEO, yahoo
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