Download Squad http://www.downloadsquad.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://www.downloadsquad.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[5 ways to save money with an iPhone]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/21/5-ways-to-save-money-with-an-iphone/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/21/5-ways-to-save-money-with-an-iphone/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/21/5-ways-to-save-money-with-an-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On 12/28 I am eligible to switch phones and am rationalizing an iPhone purchase, which is all the more difficult as I just read David Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. The book advocates saving money and paring down expenses, so the $30 monthly data plan would definitely be in the con column. However, after reading 33 things you don't need if you buy an iPhone, I'm thinking I'll definitely come out ahead in the long run. Below are some of my favorite excuses reasons to purchase.

GPS- rather than purchasing a stand alone unit, like Tom Tom, there's several apps in the App Store that will help with turn by turn navigation.

Camera - since my husband borrowed and never returned my Canon PowerShot, I definitely "need" a good camera. And while the iPhone's camera is not like my SD850IS, it's a decent enough point and shoot. Plus, I'll be "saving" money and don't even get me started on the convenience of not having to carry multiple devices.

Continue reading 5 ways to save money with an iPhone

5 ways to save money with an iPhone originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeAppStoreiphoneiphone appIphoneAppsave moneySaveMoneySat, 21 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Android, Palm, and iPhone users get new Google News page]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/android-palm-and-iphone-users-get-new-google-news-page/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/android-palm-and-iphone-users-get-new-google-news-page/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/android-palm-and-iphone-users-get-new-google-news-page/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google has launched a new mobile version of Google News, designed specifically for current-gen smartphones: the iPhone, Palm's WebOS phones (the Pre and Pixi, so far) and Android phones.

Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and Symbian already had their own Google News page, so its only fair for the new kids on the mobile block to get in on the action, too.

Google's pretty vague about the changes in the official blog post, but it looks like they've just managed to do more with the same amount of screen real estate. Navigating between sections is easier with the new layout, and you can now customize your Google News the same way you've been able to in a full desktop browser.

Android, Palm, and iPhone users get new Google News page originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgoogleiphonemobilenewspalmFri, 20 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox Army clashes with IE in Central Europe, wins browser share crown]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/firefox-army-clashes-with-ie-in-central-europe-wins-browser-sha/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/firefox-army-clashes-with-ie-in-central-europe-wins-browser-sha/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/20/firefox-army-clashes-with-ie-in-central-europe-wins-browser-sha/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Firefox army is hundreds of millions of soldiers strong. After successfully taking the southernmost continent on the globe, the Mozilla Militia continues to run full speed ahead across Europe. Today's battlefront: the central region.

As you can see in the header image, Firefox and IE recently crossed paths. The chart shows data gathered from nine countries - Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine - from January 1, 2007 to the present. Internet Explorer continues its downward slide, Firefox has now claimed almost 50% of the browser share in Central Europe.

So go ahead, EU, complain all you want about Microsoft unfairly using their influence to ensure everyone's PC is running IE. It's obviously not hurting Firefox (or Opera, for that matter).

Maybe users really are smart enough to find and install their own browser? Who'da thunk it.

[via Mozilla]

Firefox Army clashes with IE in Central Europe, wins browser share crown originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefoxmarket shareMarketShareweb browserWebBrowserFri, 20 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrome Extensions gallery draws nearer, coming tomorrow?]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/18/chrome-extensions-gallery-draws-nearer-coming-tomorrow/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/18/chrome-extensions-gallery-draws-nearer-coming-tomorrow/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/18/chrome-extensions-gallery-draws-nearer-coming-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's no secret that Google is hosting a highly-anticipated Chrome OS preview event tomorrow. You're probably also well aware of the fact that an official, Google-powered Chrome extensions gallery is in the works. This morning, a small but noteworthy change took place at https://chrome.google.com/extensions.

What used to be a redirect go the good ol' index at google.com (or your regional version) has now been replaced with a "coming soon..." tease and puzzle piece image which matches the one added to Chromium's new tab page on Sunday.

Coming soon, eh? Why not announce it at the big event on Thursday?

While news of the official extension gallery opening would no doubt be dwarfed by anything remotely Chrome OS-related tomorrow, it certainly seems like a good time to open the doors. It would help build more buzz for the browser and keep Google fans charged for the upcoming preview release of Chrome OS.

Not that they need help on that front. Chrome OS has somehow already built a rabid fanbase and no one who isn't involved has even seen it yet.

Chrome Extensions gallery draws nearer, coming tomorrow? originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrome osChromeOsextensionsgoogle chromeGoogleChromeWed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google preparing to launch Chrome Extensions gallery?]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/15/google-preparing-to-launch-chrome-extensions-gallery/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/15/google-preparing-to-launch-chrome-extensions-gallery/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/15/google-preparing-to-launch-chrome-extensions-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few months back, the new tab page in Chrome tipped us off to the impending launch of Google's theme gallery. Tonight, there's a new change that could very well mean that Google is getting ready to open the doors to a similar gallery - for Chrome extensions.


Up until now, the corner of the page featured a small graphic which linked to the Themes Gallery. Today, that image was replaced with the puzzle pieces you see above which links to https://chrome.google.com/extensions. Don't get too excited, though. As with the themes gallery thumbnail in July, the link doesn't go where it's supposed to yet. You'll be redirected to Google's search page.

According to a recent posting on Google Groups by Chrome team member Neil Baum, extensions are set to hit Chrome's beta channel in early December. The plan may well be to launch both the updated beta and extension gallery at the same time.

With extensions one step closer to landing on the stable version, it will be important to provide a centralized location where willing testers can find and install them.

While you wait for the doors to open, you can always check out our list of 15+ great Chrome extensions and Chromeextensions.org's massive collection.

Google preparing to launch Chrome Extensions gallery? originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google chromeGoogleChromeSun, 15 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows 7 RTM "improved" activation bypassed by hackers]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/14/windows-7-rtm-improved-activation-bypassed-by-hackers/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/14/windows-7-rtm-improved-activation-bypassed-by-hackers/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/14/windows-7-rtm-improved-activation-bypassed-by-hackers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Earlier this year, Microsoft and Lenovo teamed up to tackle the first Windows 7 activation workaround. It was based upon a leaked OEM volume activation key, and was neutralized fairly quickly.

Things have been fairly quiet for a while. Microsoft's anti-piracy team had cooked up WAT - Windows Activation Technology - in hopes that it would prove more successful at thwarting unlicensed Windows use than its predecessor WGA. And so began the latest round of cat-and-mouse with pirates. "You've got a better activation system? We'll build a better crack," is how the game usually plays out.

It should come as no surprise, then, that there are two new activation bypass tools spreading like wildfire on the Internet. Called RemoveWAT and ChewWGA, the apps provide one-click patching of Windows 7 RTM installations.

Microsoft, of course, has promised a speedy response. Still, once a system is patched and a user shuts off Windows Update, there's really not much Microsoft can do - or is there? Maybe they know something we don't.

[via CNet]

Windows 7 RTM "improved" activation bypassed by hackers originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activationcrackhackwindows 7windows-7Windows7Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual reality helps some smokers quit]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/12/virtual-reality-helps-some-smokers-quit/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/12/virtual-reality-helps-some-smokers-quit/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/12/virtual-reality-helps-some-smokers-quit/#commentsFiled under:

Virtual Reality Game to help smokers quit.Can playing a video game four times a week for twelve weeks help you stop smoking? Apparently so for some.

A small study conducted by the GRAP Occupational Psychology Clinic and the University of Quebec has found positive results from a specially designed, experimental, VR video game.

Smokers who play the game have a slightly higher chance of quitting the habit than those in a control group (playing a similar game with different objectives). Those who played the cigarette crushing game cite the game itself as an added defense in staving off cravings.

This type of "VR Therapy" is also used in treating post-traumatic stress disorder in Iraq war veterans, and is gaining popularity in many other areas such as drug addiction and bullying. Researches say that what a person does in the virtual reality game actually has an impact on their real-world experience.

Virtual reality helps some smokers quit originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>researchtherapyvirtual realityVirtualRealityThu, 12 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[With AdMob purchase, there's really no escaping Google advertising now]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/with-admob-purchase-theres-really-no-escaping-google-advertisi/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/with-admob-purchase-theres-really-no-escaping-google-advertisi/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/with-admob-purchase-theres-really-no-escaping-google-advertisi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Anyone who owns an iPhone or iPod touch is all too familiar with AdMob. Their tiny "don't mind me, I'm not really all that intrusive" ads power truckloads of freebies in the App Store.

While you might not love AdMob, someone does. That someone is Google.

Drawn together like half-cut, lonely singles in a dimly-lit bar at happy hour, the two are about to enter a long-term relationship. As in permanent. Today, Google announced that they have purchase AdMob for the tidy sum of $750 million dollars.

That's a whole lotta dough, but keep in mind that Google is ultimately an advertising company. AdMob's strong position in mobile ads is a juicy acquisition, especially with 1) the number of Android-powered handsets rapidly rising and 2) AdMob's recent launch of its Android advertising platform.

The move also gives Google easy access to gobs and gobs of delicious usage data from zillions of mobile users that they may have been missing out on. That data gets fed into AdSense, making it an even more attractive option for advertisers.

Here's a thought, though... At $750 million, Google could have simply bough 3.9 million people an iPod Touch and said "here you go, but we're going to track everything you do!" Hell, I would've signed up for that.

With AdMob purchase, there's really no escaping Google advertising now originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admobadsenseavertisinggoogleiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobileMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rupert Murdoch to remove News Corp sites from Google, institute paywall]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/rupert-murdoch-to-remove-news-corp-sites-from-google-institute/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/rupert-murdoch-to-remove-news-corp-sites-from-google-institute/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/09/rupert-murdoch-to-remove-news-corp-sites-from-google-institute/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's been talk in journalistic circles for months about News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch's plan to start putting the company's web sites behind a paywall. In other words, you might not be able to access news content from FOX, Sky Network, and dozens of newspapers including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Marketwatch, and The Sun, without paying.

The move already strikes some as a bad idea since it could essentially drive potential readers to get their news elsewhere. After all, on the web, information is always just a click away. But theoretically if News Corp can offer readers exclusive content that they won't find anywhere else, loyal readers might be willing to pay up.

OK, so that could work... but Murdoch's latest idea sounds like business suicide: He wants to remove News Corp content from Google's index. In an interview with Sky News Australia, Murdoch said that search engines are essentially stealing News Corp content without paying for it -- and that he plans to remove the corporation's web sites from Google's index.

While Murdoch claims that he doesn't see much value in searchers who often come to web sites without becoming repeat visitors, he's pretty much just plain wrong. Search engines pretty much make the web go round. If Google wasn't the dominant force in search, another company would probably rise to the challenge.

Back when there were only a few hundred web sites worth visiting, it might have been easy to find what you were looking for through old fashioned bookmarks and links. But today users rely heavily on search engines to find information, and web sites rely even more heavily on search engines for traffic and for revenue. Because who's more likely to clickon an ad? Someone who bookmarks your page and comes to it every day and has a pretty good sense of where the ads are on the page and how to ignore them, or someone who was searching for information about cheap automobiles and then came to your auto web site that also happens to have ads for good deals on new and used cars?

Still, Murdoch says he'd rather have fewer people visit his sites, but pay for it. It's possible that Murdoch is bluffing. If not, it should be very interesting to see what happens to News Corp's revenue when the paywall goes up and the sites are removed from Google. If the company winds up making more money than it does today, I'd offer to eat my own hat... you know, if I wore a hat.

You can check out the Sky News interview with Murdoch after the break.

[via The Inquisitr]

Continue reading Rupert Murdoch to remove News Corp sites from Google, institute paywall

Rupert Murdoch to remove News Corp sites from Google, institute paywall originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>news corpNewsCorprupert murdochRupertMurdochsearchMon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Skype lives on, reaches settlement with Joltid]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/skype-lives-on-reaches-settlement-with-joltid/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/skype-lives-on-reaches-settlement-with-joltid/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/skype-lives-on-reaches-settlement-with-joltid/#commentsFiled under: ,

Skype 2.8 for Mac
A few months ago there was talk that a lawsuit could bring down the popular VoIP client Skype. That's because Skype was involved in a dispute with Joltid, a company that Skype was licensing technology from.

Today Skype announced that the company has reached a settlement with Joltid. The net result is that Skype now owns the technology and Joltid founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis will join the investor group that is in the process of buying Skype away from eBay as well as the Skype board.

If those names sound familiar, they should. Zennström and Friis were also the founders of Skype, back before eBay bought the company.

While there's a lot of backroom politics involved in the deal, here's what it means for users: Skype isn't going to close up shop anytime soon.

Skype lives on, reaches settlement with Joltid originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Janus FriisJanusFriislawsuitNiklas ZennströmNiklasZennströmskypeFri, 06 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Voice getting ready to go global?]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/google-voice-getting-ready-to-go-global/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/google-voice-getting-ready-to-go-global/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/06/google-voice-getting-ready-to-go-global/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nothing is more frustrating when reading about a hot, new app or service only to learn that it's not available in your area. Yes, geotarding sucks - there's no denying that. It's keeping most of us from getting to use awesomeness like Hulu, Spotify, and Google Voice.

In the case of the latter, however, it looks as though there might be light at the end of the tunnel. Business Week recently got a peek at a letter Google submitted to the FCC with regards to the blocking of certain rural and "red light district" phone numbers.

While the original letter included "formatting errors" and has since been replaced with a heavily redacted public version, BW's Arik Hesseldahl reports finding good news for those of you outside the US waiting for Google Voice.

Hesseldahl states that the letter reveals Google has working agreements with several "international service providers for inputs to Google Voice." At least the groundwork is in place, but there's no telling how long we'll have to wait. The letter goes on to say none of those services have launched as of yet.

So, how about it, Google? When does the rest world get to take Voice for a spin?

[via TheNextWeb]

Google Voice getting ready to go global? originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>google voiceGoogleVoiceFri, 06 Nov 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Now finally available - ubiquitous media sharing with Orb for Mac]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/now-finally-available-media-sharing-with-orb-for-mac/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/now-finally-available-media-sharing-with-orb-for-mac/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/now-finally-available-media-sharing-with-orb-for-mac/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


It was pretty exciting news at Download Squad to hear Orb, the "sort of software version of Slingbox," was available for Mac. Orb allows you to broadcast your media to any device that has a web browser. After downloading Orb to your "always on" Mac with a high speed internet connection, you can access all your photos, songs, TV shows, and videos from any device with a browser and media player.

After downloading the app, Orb indexes your media and then prompts you to either log in to mycast.orb.com, or create a log in if you don't have an account. After you log in you can see your dashboard and all your media goodies.



Though my songs appeared immediately, my photos did not. There are various feed settings you can play with and channels to explore. Also, with a simple drag drop interface you can share your media with your friends via email, SMS, widget on your blog, or a public URL.



Checking it out from my home computer is one thing, but would it work on other devices? Success! I was able to access my media from my Dell PC.

A note for iPhone owners: The esteemed and indefatigable Jay Hathaway noted that he received errors when he tried to download the free version of OrbLive for the iPhone, which he tried from both his iPhone and his iTunes account on his Mac. There are 3 flavors of Orb available for the iPhone: OrbLive free, OrbMedia ($4.99) and OrbLive ($9.99)

Note to Orb: Please update your landing page to include PC and Mac, ok?

Now finally available - ubiquitous media sharing with Orb for Mac originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneMacmedia sharingmedia streamerMediaSharingMediaStreamermobileOrbThu, 05 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's new Dashboard sure would tie in nicely to Android, Chrome OS]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/googles-new-dashboard-sure-would-tie-in-nicely-to-android-chro/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/googles-new-dashboard-sure-would-tie-in-nicely-to-android-chro/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/05/googles-new-dashboard-sure-would-tie-in-nicely-to-android-chro/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When a few blog sites yesterday happened upon Google's YouTube video of the new Dashboard, they moved quickly to pull it down. Though the original video is still MIA, Google made an official announcement of the new feature on their own blog last night and the video above is now ready for public consumption.

While Dashboard is now live -- you can check yours out at https://www.google.com/dashboard -- what's being talked about by most sites is how this move is all about transparency and privacy controls. Heck, even the official post hits on those points: "In an effort to provide you with greater transparency and control over their own data, we've built the Google Dashboard."

The post continues, "Designed to be simple and useful, the Dashboard summarizes data for each product that you use (when signed in to your account) and provides you direct links to control your personal settings."

That's fantastic, and I'm sure it's a big part of the story, but I can't help thinking that there's a tie-in to other Google projects. Perhaps Chrome OS and Android, for example?

Continue reading Google's new Dashboard sure would tie in nicely to Android, Chrome OS

Google's new Dashboard sure would tie in nicely to Android, Chrome OS originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidchromechrome osChromeOsdashboardgoogleThu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget malware infections, hackers want to ransom your files and devices]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/forget-malware-infections-hackers-want-to-ransom-your-files-and/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/forget-malware-infections-hackers-want-to-ransom-your-files-and/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/forget-malware-infections-hackers-want-to-ransom-your-files-and/#commentsFiled under: ,

These days, cybercriminals seem to have one thing on their mind: your money. Gone are the days where a virus would simply infect your .exe files and make your system hard - or damn near impossible - to use.

It's bad enough that the bulk of the malware and malicious web scripting we're confronted with on daily basis wants to trick us into installing rogue antivirus software - which tries to trick users into paying to register the useless scareware. Now, they're moving up to hostage taking.

Yep. Digital hostages could be the next big thing in cybercrime, whether it be your iPhone or your important .DOC files.

Ars Technica reported recently about one hacker who exploited vulnerabilities in jailbroken iPhones to gain access, alter the lockscreen to display the warning in the screenshot, and ask for €5 to leave users alone. He also promised to provide a link to instructions on how to prevent this particular hack.

In this particular case, the hacker had a change of heart and has now posted said removal instructions at no charge. If we hear about one, chances are good there are dozens more - many of whom won't show this kind of courtesy after-the-fact.

iPhone aren't the only thing under attack. Computer Associates have discovered a new ransomware variant called LoroBot which targets a PC user's data - specifically doc, xls, zip, mp3, txt, docx, xlsx, and others. Once a system has been infected, the malware then goes to work encrypting those files so you can no longer access them.

The only way to gain access again? Why, to pay the piper, of course. $100 will get you the necessary file to undo the encryption. Fortunately, CA has also provided a tool to do it for free (download here) if you've been victimized. Rogue antivirus apps were once fairly uncommon and now they're everywhere. Could ransomware be the next big thing?

One thing is for sure: if you're running Windows you're using the most popular OS in the world - and because of its massive market share, it's the number one target for malware. Make sure your system is fully updated and you're running a good antivirus app.

Forget malware infections, hackers want to ransom your files and devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ransomransomwareTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Malwarebytes definition database stolen, misused by IOBit]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/malwarebytes-definition-database-stolen-misused-by-iobit/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/malwarebytes-definition-database-stolen-misused-by-iobit/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/malwarebytes-definition-database-stolen-misused-by-iobit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I make no bones about the fact that I'm a fan of Malwarebytes. It's easily the best free malware removal app in my toolkit, and it's the first program I turn to when cleaning up an infected system. The Malwarebytes team has worked incredibly hard since their application burst onto the scene, and countless technicians and PC users appreciate the phenomenal work they've done.

Now, for the past few weeks I've been reading numerous blog posts about how IOBit is giving away their security software for free. The offer was timed to coincide with the launch of Windows 7, and has popped up in my Google Reader several times since.

How do the two relate?

A few weeks ago, Malwarebytes staffers came across an interesting post on the IOBit forums. The post detailed a keygen for Malwarebytes and reported it using the same name MBAM reports. The crew dug further and found more evidence of copycat detections.

To confirm their suspicions, a fake signature implanted in the Malwarebytes database.
"The final confirmation of IOBit's theft occurred when we added fake definitions to our database for a fake rogue application we called Rogue.AVCleanSweepPro. This "malware" does not actually exist: we made it up. We even manufactured fake files to match the fake definitions. Within two weeks IOBit was detecting these fake files under almost exactly these fake names."
If this is proven to be true, I certainly hope that Malwarebytes is successful in prosecuting IOBit. For another company to use a tactic as underhanded as this - let's face it, it's outright theft - to build a product and label it as their own is appalling.

IOBit are, of course, defending themselves in their forums. They respond:
"We have never used the database of any other companies. And hope Malwarebytes stop spreading malicious rumors for hyping itself[...]A legal letter will be released later, which will prove that there is no problem with Intellectual Property Rights.

For the sake of avoiding dispute and possible problems, we have deleted all disputed items in our database temporarily, and have updated IObit Security 360's database."
Nevertheless, IOBit's reputation is taking a beating now on WebOfTrust - Malwarebytes supporters have been all too happy to head over and vote down IOBit's trust, privacy, and vendor reliability ratings.

Malwarebytes definition database stolen, misused by IOBit originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>failillegaliotbitmalwarebytestheftTue, 03 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download Squad job boards, whether you're hiring or looking for work]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/download-squad-job-boards-whether-youre-hiring-or-looking-for/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/download-squad-job-boards-whether-youre-hiring-or-looking-for/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/download-squad-job-boards-whether-youre-hiring-or-looking-for/#commentsFiled under: ,


Need a sysadmin, coder, designer or other web working new hire? Virtual, on-location or whatever, the Download Squad job boards have you covered. Post your resume using emurse, or (better yet) post a job position in no time and immediately get an engaged, targeted audience of job seekers. We'll also start showing some search-powered job results on posts, like what you see here, but with a relevant job find:

Still not convinced? Did I mention that those looking for hires will see their jobs on our boards, on the boards at TUAW, plus those jobs are sent over to Juju, Simply Hired, Indeed and other job aggregation services. TUAW and Download Squad together serve up over ten million views a month, and serve over a million visitors each month. If you don't think your job posting will get seen, think again. We'll also write up interesting and amazing people and positions right here on the main page of Download Squad from time to time, further extending your hiring reach.

Try it and let us know what you think!

Download Squad job boards, whether you're hiring or looking for work originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscontractdownloadsquademploymentemursefeaturesfreelancehirejob boardsJobBoardsjobsworkTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Track Black Friday prices with Invisible Hand add on for Firefox]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/track-black-friday-prices-with-invisible-hand-add-on-for-firefox/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/track-black-friday-prices-with-invisible-hand-add-on-for-firefox/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/11/03/track-black-friday-prices-with-invisible-hand-add-on-for-firefox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've covered Invisible Hand, the discreet shopping comparison add on for Firefox, which displays prices on items you are searching on the web. Just in time for Black Friday, the hand has trotted out a new add on which along with other improvements, incorporates Google search results.

Now, you can get your price results in real time so you know you're getting the best deal. My test drive of the hand went smooth, the results loaded up within a second or two and updates were very discreet. This is a real time saver for getting price results.

The add on will be officially released to the Mozilla site within a few weeks, but the first 200 Download Squad readers can download the beta version. Just click on the link below and key in invisibleDLS for the access code.

http://preview.getinvisiblehand.com/




Track Black Friday prices with Invisible Hand add on for Firefox originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black Friday dealsBlack Friday SalesBlackFridayDealsBlackFridaySalesfirefox-add-onHGGInvisible hand add on for firefoxInvisibleHandAddOnForFirefoxonline price comparisonOnlinePriceComparisonshopping comparison toolsShoppingComparisonToolsTue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ICANN approves non-Latin characters for domain names]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/30/icann-approves-non-latin-characters-for-domain-names/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/30/icann-approves-non-latin-characters-for-domain-names/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/30/icann-approves-non-latin-characters-for-domain-names/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cyrillic URL
As expected, the international agency that regulates internet domain names has approved a new rule that allows URLs to be written using non-Latin characters. In other words, native speakers of Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hindi, and other languages will be able to spell out web addresses using their oown alphabets.

Roughly 1.6 billion internet users speak languages that don't use Latin characters. That's half of the people that usee the internet.

Officials describe the move as the "biggest technical change to the Internet since it was created four decades ago." Nations and territories will be able to apply for internet extensions reflecting their regions starting on November 16th. We'll probably start seeing Internationalized Domain Names starting in mid-2010.

[via TechCrunch]

ICANN approves non-Latin characters for domain names originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>domain-namedomain-namesicannurlweb-addressweb-addressesFri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mozilla scores enterprise email win: 130,000 French government PCs switch to Thunderbird]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/mozilla-scores-enterprise-email-win-130-000-french-government-p/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/mozilla-scores-enterprise-email-win-130-000-french-government-p/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/mozilla-scores-enterprise-email-win-130-000-french-government-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A French website [Google Translate link] is reporting that 130,000 Tax Authority computer systems are soon to make a major switch to open source software. Email and calendar duties are being handed over to Thunderbird and the Lightning plugin. The move also includes a transition to OBM's open source groupware/collaboration/messaging platform.

When the General Directorate of Public Finance was formed, two tax agencies were combined. Their users were split, with 80,000 using Lotus Notes and 50,000 running Microsoft Outlook. In the end, the new agency's decision had a lot to do with a desire not to re-license Lotus Notes and Outlook and to simplify operations by supporting a single client.

Thunderbird had already made inroads with the French Department of Defense as well as the Misitry of Culture. The new migration brings the total number of installs to more than 200,000.

Always nice to see Mozilla adoption in the enterprise!

[via OSOR.eu]

Mozilla scores enterprise email win: 130,000 French government PCs switch to Thunderbird originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emailmozillaopen sourceopensourceossthunderbirdThu, 29 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google answers to FCC, (mostly) stops blocking numbers in Voice]]>http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/google-answers-to-fcc-mostly-stops-blocking-numbers-in-voice/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/google-answers-to-fcc-mostly-stops-blocking-numbers-in-voice/http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/29/google-answers-to-fcc-mostly-stops-blocking-numbers-in-voice/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Looks like Apple's not the only one drawing the ire of the FCC when it comes to Google Voice. AT&T filed a complaint with the FCC, forcing Google to explain why it was blocking a bunch of rural phone numbers from its Voice system. Google's answer? Because it's really expensive!

Telephone providers are common carriers, and they're required to provide access to some phone exchanges out in the middle of nowhere. That's extremely costly to do, compared to providing the same service in a large, dense city. Google was hoping to get around paying the additional costs, so they blocked some of these more expensive numbers. While still arguing that they shouldn't have to provide service, Google just told the FCC that it's now blocking "fewer than 100 numbers" in total.

[via Engadget]

Google answers to FCC, (mostly) stops blocking numbers in Voice originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attblocked numbersBlockedNumbersfccgoogle voiceGoogleVoiceThu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST