Microsoft Security Advisory: Update to improve Kernel Patch Protection

Microsoft has released a security advisory to announce that an update is available for the Kernel Patch Protection feature that is included with x64-based Windows operating systems. The fix has been made available for those with x64 bit OS here.

Microsoft says “the update does increase the reliability, performance, and resiliency provided by Kernel Patch Protection.” The question is, why and what is really the problem for this high priority update? Allegedly there could be a vulnerability in the x64 kernel which is why this patch update may be so important.  For example PatchGuard keeps 64-bit Vista safer from unsigned code so that when you install a driver from a 3rd party any malicious code does not affect the Kernel.

If you cant wait for the official Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista, there are some recent alternatives. Just 2 days ago Microsoft released a reliability and performance update. Download each update individually directly from Microsoft right now. These updates are not available in the automated windows update, so get these while their hot!

If you want the Reliability update get here:
Windows Vista 32 bit version
Windows Vista 64 Bit version

If you want the Performance update get here:
Windows Vista 32 bit version
Windows Vista 64 bit version

Best desktop Wallpaper

Its time for a new look? or perhaps you just installed or received a new operating system and are stuck with ugly default wallpapers? No sweat, I have a few of my favorite locations on the net where you can quickly get hassle free ( no adds or popups) top notch desktop/laptop wallpaper in all sizes.

The first place is WallPaperStock.net , a terrific place to get all kids of desktop wallpaper for anyone, in both regular and widescreen sizes. Another site is Wallpaper9.com which has also a great little selection I havent found on other sites such as the Storm Trooper you see here.

If you are open to Artistic talent and fan art, check out the Digitalart.org where you can find an interesting selection of artwork ranging from movies, sci-fi and fantasy.

If your not the type to install Windows Blinds or other 3rd party eye candy software which may slow down your PC performance,

Here are a few obvious and not so obvious tweaks you should be doing to your Windows Vista if you are finding performance to be a problem. If you dont want to install 3rd party tweaking utilities or want to just do things manually then follow these suggested tweaks.

Explorer Performance Tweaks

1. Click Start, right click on Computer, and click Properties.
2. Click Advanced System Settings.
3. Click on the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click Settings.
Uncheck these options:

Fade or slide menus into view
Fade or slide tooltips into view
Fade out menu items after clicking
Show shadows under menus
Slide open combo boxes
Slide taskbar buttons
Use a background image for each folder type
Close the Performance Options & System Properties dialogs.

Disable DEP / NoExecute Protection

DEP, otherwise known as NoExecute, is a piece of technology in Windows that prevents processes from being altered in live memory. This lowers the frequency of certain attacks, but it can also have some adverse effects and cause certain things not to run.

Due to the way Windows Vista™’s boot editor has been created, it is