Jan 28
My friend Sam sent me this like and I can only think of two words to describe:
BAD ASS!
Take a look and enjoy!
Jan 15
InfoWorld launches drive to save Windows XP by InfoWorld Editors - January 14, 2008
The clock is ticking for Windows XP, the tried-and-true Microsoft operating system that millions of businesses and individuals depend on. Soon, the only Windows option will be Vista, an operating system that businesses as well as individuals have disliked and often avoided. The lackluster changes to Vista, coupled with the high costs of switching tens of millions of computers to it, have convinced InfoWorld that XP should not be retired as planned on June 30.
“Over the past year, CIOs and CTOs have consistently told me they see no significant benefits to Vista, and really don’t want to spend the time and money to update all their computers, retrain their users, and deal with application incompatibilities for a cosmetic upgrade,” said Galen Gruman, executive editor at InfoWorld.
Already, due to customer resistance to Vista, Microsoft has granted XP a stay of execution, delaying its scheduled demise from December 31, 2007, to June 30, 2008. But that’s not enough. InfoWorld’s editors believe Microsoft should make XP available indefinitely. Therefore, InfoWorld has launched a petition drive aimed at convincing Microsoft to not only stay XP’s execution but to take it off Death Row.
“We encourage IT and business staff alike to sign the petition today and to ask their friends and colleagues to do the same,” said Eric Knorr, editor in chief at InfoWorld. “In the past, Microsoft has responded to customer dissatisfaction and changed its plans, so there’s reason to believe it will listen today if the message is loud enough,” he added.
Under Microsoft’s current plans, June 30 is the last day that Microsoft will have XP available for sale as shrink-wrapped software, as well as available from computer makers as an installation option on new computers. Makers of white-box computers can sell XP until December 31.
Article Source: InfoWorld.com
Jan 11
Engineer: I stole IDs from hotel computers
BY JAY WEAVER
jweaver@MiamiHerald.com
A Colombian engineer pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to illegally hacking into hotel computers in Miami, Las Vegas and other cities to steal credit card numbers and other personal information to pocket more than $400,000 to finance his luxurious lifestyle.
Mario Alberto Simbaqueba Bonilla, 40, who was arrested at Miami International Airport in August, pleaded guilty to a 16-count indictment charging him with conspiracy, fraud and identity theft involving hundreds of travelers.
Between June 2004 and August 2007, Simbaqueba checked into major hotels around the United States and overseas, where he would install software on all of the computers at their business centers, according to court records. Later, he would watch as guests logged onto these machines. The software would copy their keystrokes, which would often contain login information, passwords and other personal financial information.
He would then log on to a remote computer and download the information, using it to steal money and credit cards for buying expensive electronics, personal luxuries and international travel.
Among the items he bought with stolen identities were laptop computers, high definition televisions, stereo systems, jewelry and clothing for himself and his various girlfriends. He also used it to stay in first-class hotels in places like Hong Kong, France and Italy.
Simbaqueba was assisted by an ex-wife, identified in court records as Nelya Alexandra Valero of Northbrook, Ill. Authorities say she is at large and believed to be in Colombia. They say she helped him circumvent scrutiny by credit card companies and other institutions by allowing him to connect from his home computer in Colombia to her computer in Northbrook. This hid his true location as he carried out his criminal activities.
Simbaqueba faces seven to 10 years in prison. His sentencing is set for March 19 before U.S. District Judge Paul Huck.
Simbaqueba’s attorney, Jay White, said his client was “extremely remorseful.”
”He accepted responsibility as soon as he got off the airplane and was arrested,” White said.
Many of the individual victims did not lose any money because they were reimbursed by financial institutions. But those companies, which include Chase Manhattan Bank, AmericanAirlines and eTrade, lost a total of more than $400,000, according to court records.
Article Source: Miami Herald
Jan 06
Thanks to all of those who have emailed, called, and came by to visit me during my week long stay at the Brookwood hospital in Birmingham last week. I am excited to let you know that I came home on Friday afternoon and am on the road to a hopefully full recovery!
I will write another post this week to share the details of WHAT HAPPENED to me, so stay tuned!
A special thanks to my family for all they did for me during this time!
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