Technology News: Security: Microsoft Beta Seeks and Destroys Spyware

Technology News: Security: Microsoft Beta Seeks and Destroys Spyware

Looks like we can expect even more software from Microsoft in the near future to be dealing with malicious software. I expect this to be a huge step forward for Microsoft, simply because of the integration with the operating system.

Microsoft SpyWare Beta

Microsoft has entered the SpyWare removal business! If you have been looking for a good source for reliable spyware removal, I would suggest checking this out. I just tried it and was very impressed with the speed, but I haven't really had a chance to compare what it found/didn't find to other leading removal programs.

Microsoft Spyware Beta

LogMeIn - Remote Access Software

LogMeIn - Remote Access Software and Remote Control Software

I LOVE free stuff. As an MCT, I've had a free 1 year trial to GoToMyPC - a really cool and easy to use remote access software. I've had it installed on my home computer and can easily access it from ANY java enabled web browser. Unfortunately, my year is almost up. So, I've been looking for reasonable alternatives (GoToMyPC is 20 bucks a month!!!). I think I've found it ...

LogMeIn took me all of 5 minutes to install and get configured ... and it seems to work very well - especially for free. If you have the need to access your home computer from work or vice versa you should definitely check this out!

Threat profiliing Microsoft SQL Server

Threat profiliing Microsoft SQL Server

This document is an excellent overview of the security vulnerabilities with SQL Server. This is a must read for any dba out there that is trying to decide which authentication mode to use.

Personally, I rarely recommend using SQL Server Authentication. I've seen developer's tell their dba they MUST use SQL Server Authentication for programming - only because all the examples you see in books and online use "sa" with no password. I am shocked at the number of systems I have seen setup this way. Don't fall into this trap. Take the extra time to learn how to use Windows Authentication via code. This article should open your eyes to the real threats.

Pro SQL Server Reporting Services

Just got this new book on Reporting Services ... VERY good book. If you are just starting out or need help with some good examples, I highly recommend this book.

Stored procedure to find all instances of a field

As a report writer, database administrator, developer or user, it may be useful to know which table a field exists in. Many third party vendors don't supply a data schema, making it difficult to query and build reports. This stored procedure is a simple method of searching through all the table in the current database for a field that you specify.

While you certainly cannot assume that because two tables have the same field that they are related, this will certainly be at least one tool you can use to help find those relationships.

CREATE PROCEDURE dbo.sp_FieldInfo
(
@Column_Name nvarchar(384) = NULL
)
AS
SELECT Object_Name(id) as 'Table Name',
rtrim(Name) as 'Field Name'
FROM syscolumns
WHERE name like @Column_Name
GO

Then to call this proc:
sp_fieldinfo employeeid

Email attachment limits

What a pain it is when you want to email someone a large file only to find out Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo, or any of the other numerous email providers don't support large attachments - most only allow up to 10mb. 10MB?? With today's focus on media (pictures, movies, songs, etc.) - how can I email a bunch of pictures in one big zip file?

Yousendit has started a service which will allow you to email large attachments to somebody - up to 1 GIG!! THAT'S more like it! Using the yousendit website, you upload your file, enter the email addresses you want it sent to, a link is sent to them via email, they click on the link to download the file. Your file is stored for seven days, then deleted. VERY COOL!

Office Developer Center: VBA Language References

Office Developer Center: VBA Language References

Microsoft has recently published the language references for all of the Office 2003 applications. You can view them online or download them.

If you are a VBA programmer, you should download these useful references.

Blogging on Visio

Blogging on Visio

Just found another great blog with very useful tips and techniques using Microsoft Visio. For some strange reason, Visio seems to have very little documentation and there aren't many Visio books available. If you see other Visio sites or have any books to recommend, please post in the comments - thanks!

Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows: make show-n-tell cool again

Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows: make show-n-tell cool again

If you are into photo editing or you share your photos with friends and family - you gotta check this out! Microsoft Photo Story 3 - it's free!!!

Bring life into your favorite memories with Photo Story 3 for Windows by adding motion, effects, music, and more to your digital photos. Easily retouch your images with a single click and add slick-looking titles, or add dramatic pans and zooms that give your creations a professional finish, create a soundtrack - even record narration. Then enjoy the show. Start sharing your stories today!