For those of you using a BT Home Hub wireless router, you should be aware of a pretty big security hole discovered of late.

Up until a few weeks ago, the default password being used on the router was “admin”. This is a major security hole in itself. If you are using any wireless router, the first thing you should do is change the default administrator password (if you are unsure how to do this, contact us). Recently, BT changed the default password to use the device’s serial number - a unique string - which seems like a really good idea. (more…)

Ten high priority bugs have been discovered within Mozilla’s Firefox 3.0 Release Candidate 1, three of them labelled “critical”, but it won’t be decided until next week whether to release the browser anyway or restart the final stretch by issuing a second release candidate (RC2).

Firefox 3.0 Release Candidate 1 launched on May 16th, but Mozilla has not yet committed to RC2. Previously, Mozilla said it is targeting June as the release window for the final version. (more…)

I am trying to update my definition files for Ad-Aware SE 1.05 so that I am safer from adware. When I try to download the updates from within the software, I get the following message: Error retrieving update. How do I fix this?

Ordinarily, I would suggest checking to make sure your Internet connection works, making sure the connection is not being blocked by a firewall, and so on. (more…)

News around the Web indicates that some PCs are experiencing an endless reboot cycle after installing Windows XP SP3.

It appears that it mainly affects a small amount of AMD-based PCs, although I have seen reports that Intel-based PCs have some issues too. Do not do anything hasty! It is probably going to be relatively painless to fix the issue - so don’t go formatting your hard drive just yet (unless you fancy a clean install).

If this has happened to you, Jesper Johansson’s blog has a great write-up on some troubleshooting steps.

He also points out the Microsoft is offering free installation and troubleshooting support for SP3.

Windows XP SP3 is available via Windows Update. Previously unleashed, and hastily retracted due to a compatibility issue, it is now going out to the masses.

Alternatively, you can download the standalone installer (316MB).

Microsoft is delaying the release of Windows XP SP3 because of a “compatibility issue” between the service pack and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System, retail chain management software for small to medium sized businesses.

The code-base for XP SP3 was finalised last week and was planned to be made available on 29 April, 2008.

In a statement, Microsoft said: “In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience, we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.” (more…)

Microsoft has released to manufacturing Windows XP SP3. The service pack will be available for download through the Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center services on April 29.

SP3 wraps up all previous Windows XP fixes and adds in some new features that bring management in-line with Microsoft’s latest client and server operating systems. Microsoft promised updates won’t “significantly change” customers’ experiences with the operating system. (more…)

The banking industry has highlighted a policy that makes online banking customers responsible for losses if they have out of date anti-virus or anti-phishing protection. New Banking Codes for consumers and businesses took effect on Monday 31st March, 2008.

The code specifically says that: “If you act without reasonable care, and this causes losses, you may be responsible for them.” (more…)