Windows is now less vulnerable than OS X and Linux

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BY Unknown 02:16 0

Windows is now less vulnerable than OS X and Linux

Microsoft’s Windows operating system, which is often criticized for its security issues, is no longer the number one as far as security vulnerabilities are concerned. According to latest data from the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), the OS is less vulnerable than Apple’s OS X, iOS, as well as Linux.

A quick look at the top operating systems by vulnerabilities reported in 2014 (see image above) reveals that Apple Mac OS X is the most vulnerable operating system, followed by Apple iOS (#2), and Linux (#3). Microsoft’s Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 are at position 7 and 8, respectively.

Overall, a total of 7,038 new security vulnerabilities were added to the database last year, which translates into at an average of 19 new vulnerabilities per day. Out of those, 80% were reported in third-party applications, 13% in operating systems, and 4% in hardware devices.

If you aren’t aware, NVD is the US government repository of standards based vulnerability management data represented using the Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP).

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 appears in official documentation

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BY Unknown 23:05 0

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 appears in official documentation

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 appeared in official OEM documentation. The Windows Phone update is expected to launch soon as developer preview for users running version 8.1 GDR1.

Windows Phone 8.1 GDR2 will bring a couple of new features to the platform. They include support for video over LTE, the ability to route an SMS message to a partner application, and a few new phone languages.

Previously rumored, notable omissions in the update include Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 and 2K display support. Microsoft has saved those for Windows 10.

Microsoft recently released a ”very early” Windows 10 technical preview for smartphones. However, its availability is limited to relatively small number of devices.

Google Talk for Windows to be deprecated on February 25

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BY Unknown 14:51 0

Google Talk for Windows to be deprecated on February 25

After about ten years since it was first introduced, Google will be deprecating the Google Talk application for Windows. Google stopped allowing people to download the app long time ago but you can still continue using it, that is, until February 25.

Google already has a replacement in the form of Hangouts, which has been around for over a year now, and includes a lot more features, such as group messaging, audio and video calls, and emoji support.

If, however, you use Google Talk on a third party application, such as Pidgin, to access Google Talk, you can continue to use it for now, as only the Windows desktop app of Google Talk is being deprecated for now. However, it is still recommended to switch over to Hangouts for all the additional functionality you are getting.

You can access Hangouts through Gmail or Google+ website, or download the Chrome desktop extension, which also works when the browser isn’t open.