Apple updates Java for OS X systems

Apple has issued an update to the Java components for the two most recent versions of its Mac OS X operating system.

The update addresses a number of flaws in Java for systems running Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger and Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, including security flaws which could allow for elevation of privileges and remote code execution.

One flaw could allow an attacker to remotely execute code by way of a malformed Java applet embedded in a web page, while another could allow an untrusted applet to elevate user privileges.

The company is recommending users of both versions of OS X to install the update immediately.

The news comes just days after researchers issued yet another warning to Mac users about a malicious Trojan aimed at OS X.

Security vendors have said that Mac OS X users are not generally accustomed to dealing with malware threats, and could be in increasing danger as more attacks emerge

WWDC 2009:شركة Apple تعلن عن “Find My iPhone” خدمة أيجاد الهاتف

WWDC 2009:شركة Apple تعلن عن “Find My iPhone” خدمة أيجاد الهاتف

Kingston targets SMEs with easy SSD upgrades

Memory maker Kingston Technology has launched a combination package aimed at helping individuals, and small and medium sized enterprises to upgrade from existing traditional hard drives to its SSDNow V value series of solid state drives (SSDs).

"We are trying to garner mass-market adoption of SSDs by bundling all of the software, hardware and step-by-step instructions in a couple of low-cost options aimed squarely at everyday users," said Steve Hall, EMEA branded product manager at Kingston.

"The V Series upgrade kits are a perfect complement to our existing line of SSDNow products that target enterprise customers and power users."

The new kits are available in 64GB and 128GB versions and, along with the drive itself, provide cloning software and instructions on how to transfer the data and swap out the drives, thereby removing the need to reinstall the operating system or lose any settings.

Once cloned, desktop users can have the operating system and applications reside on the SSD drive, while the old hard drive is used to store data such as music, videos, files and photos.learn more>>

Microsoft confirms Windows 7 release date

Microsoft has confirmed that the official release date for the new Windows 7 operating system will be 22 October.

In an announcement on the company's Windows blog Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager, said that the launch date was now set and the company would begin selling the new operating system earlier than the previously announced date of 2010.

Final code development will be finished this month, he said, and manufacturers will start getting the code next month, at which point Windows Server 2008 R2 should also be ready.

"Release to manufacturing [RTM] is an important milestone," wrote LeBlanc. " We anticipate making the RTM code for Windows 7 available to our partners sometime in the second half of July. We also expect to be able to make RTM code for Windows Server 2008 R2 available to our partners in this time frame as well. "

The release will mean that Windows 7 will be in place for the crucial Christmas shopping period, when hardware sales are strongest. Microsoft is also instituting a scheme to ensure that sales do not die off in the meantime called Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program.