The ZAG Technical Advisor
August 11, 2005                                                                                                   Volume 1, Number 8
In This Issue · Spyware - The New Virus · Salinas Van Across America Relevant Links · ZAG Technical Services, Inc. · Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta) · Spyware Prevention Tips · Norton Corporate Edition Contact Us http://www.zagtech.com info@zagtech.com	Technology Report: Spyware - The New Virus Spyware is becoming a problem of epidemic proportions in the technology field. In fact, Googling the term Spyware delivers over 22 million returns. To put into perspective how large a number this is, Googling “Tom Cruise” yields roughly a paltry 6 million returns. This is truly the mark of an epidemic. Further proof of this epidemic is that today, ZAG is much more likely to be called to assist in cleaning a Spyware problem than to clean a virus issue. Partly this is because the industry has learned to manage virus issues. Today it is considered a minimum requirement to have all computers installed with virus protection. This is quite possibly due to the fact that one antivirus vendor estimates that 50% of all unprotected computers will be infected within 12 minutes of being directly connected to the Internet. Management of Spyware issues is not yet as advanced as virus management. Spyware is still a moving target that has not until recently been completely defined. Adware was seen as being different from Spyware. Mainstream companies did not assist in the fight against Spyware. This immaturity of the marketplace has led to lost productivity and major anguish for businesses. Fortunately, the fight against Spyware has become mainstream. Tools from major security players are now available to aide in the fight against Spyware. Microsoft AntiSpyware (Beta) One of the most recent and successful products is offered by Microsoft. Microsoft has an AntiSpyware offering out for release known as the Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) product. ZAG has found this product to be excellent in helping to fight the Spyware epidemic. Although labeled Beta, this product has been found to be a very solid offering. The software is currently offered as a free download by Microsoft. Users only need to participate in the Genuine Advantage program. The future cost of the Microsoft Beta product is uncertain, however, it remains an excellent tool. Norton Corporate Edition Another exciting AntiSpyware offering comes with the recently released Norton Corporate Edition v10. Version 10 includes real-time scanning, automatic detection and removal of Spyware. It also includes integrated tools for limiting the side effects that spyware can have on a user’s system. Given ZAG’s engineering experience, it should be noted that it is strongly recommended that you contact us prior to upgrading to version 10. Norton Corporate Edition has the value of being centrally managed and also operates well in server based environments such as Citrix and Terminal Services installations. It is very easy to lump spyware and viruses together as they have a lot of similarities; they both have had a dramatic, negative impact on Corporations. Fortunately, the industry is rising to the challenge that Spyware presents. It is felt that Spyware protection is making great strides towards becoming as mature as virus protection, a goal well worth achieving. Microsoft Van Across America in Salinas ZAG is pleased to be a part of bringing the Microsoft Van Across America to Salinas, California. Here is your chance to explore the latest offerings from Microsoft. Join us for the Microsoft Across America Mobile Event Experience. A 42 foot RV, fully loaded with technology from Microsoft, Cisco, HP and Intel. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, ZAG Technical Services, Inc. is able to bring this resource to Salinas in order to give the business community a hands-on opportunity to try out all kinds of Microsoft products. We’ll be demonstrating how: Any business can transform itself by using an internal web site to share and manage contacts, documents and more! Your email experience can be vastly improved, giving you easy and secure remote access, the ability to see your colleagues’ calendars, and significantly less spam! Much, much more! Bring your challenges, your curiosity and your passion for your business. We’ll take care of the rest. Door Prize Drawing: Four hour security assessment using the latest MSAT tool from Microsoft. When:      Thursday, August 18th                 9:00am to 4:00pm Where:      Valley Center Parking Lot                 900 Block South Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901 Reserve Your Place Now! RSVP by calling 408-436-2080 or email rsvp@zagtech.com. This email newsletter was sent to you as a service of ZAG Technical Services, Inc.  If for any reason you do not wish to continue receiving them, please send an email to newsletter@zagtech.com and you will be removed from future mailings.