Feb 1st, 2009 | No Comments

Now this: Mac malware is now circulating across the Net via pirated copies of Apple’s new iWorks software.

The “iServices.a” Trojan hitchhikes on iWork ’09′s installer. The installer for the Trojan horse is launched as soon as a user begins the installation of iWork, following the installer’s request of an administrator password.

Once the Mac is infected, the Trojan phones home to let daddy know it arrived safely and is awaiting further instructions. Since then, the same bit of viral nastiness — dubbed OSX.Trojan.iServices.B — has begun showing up in pirated copies of Adobe Photoshop CS4, according to Macworld.

Glass-half-full types can view this as further proof of the Mac’s success; it’s now installed in sufficient numbers to be worth the attention of botnet herders. Also: That room full of manure is sure to have a pony inside.

Written by Ajay Matharu

February 1st, 2009 at 5:56 am

Jan 29th, 2009 | 4 Comments

Whatever your age, googling can chase away the blues.

All that surfing isn’t that time wasted but may actually be good for your brain. Researchers believe that the World Wide Web may help elderly patients fight chronic depression and other illness.

A team from center on Aging at the University of California has found that trawling the Net stimulates brain function more than other activities, such as reading a book. Engaging with technology can have important benefits for mental fitness as it involves complex activity, which keeps the brain ticking, particularly for middle aged and older adults.

Curiosity and the urge to challenge one’s mental faculties promotes neurogenesis. This could come through reading, writing and watching videos as well. the joy of Googling promotes the yearning to juggle with concepts, stories and narratives, which replenish brain energy and promote new circuits. While Googling helps one challenge existing concepts, it also provides food for new intellectual debates. In fact, the debate lingers on long after the computer has been shut down.

Written by Ajay Matharu

January 29th, 2009 at 9:50 am