AVG will be ending support for Version 8.5 end of 2011

AVG Service Update

Please be advised that AVG 8.5 will no longer be supported or updated as of 31st December, 2011.

How AVG 8.5 migration works…
AVG have provided you with a step-by-step support guide to help you successfully migrate your customers.
Step 1: Installation of AVG Remote Administration 2012

• Download the latest AVG Remote Administration 2012 installation file.
  • Please select the AVG Edition based on your license.
  • Download the file AVG Admin 2012 for Windows.
• Install the AVG Remote Administration 2012.
  • Your valid AVG License Number will be required during the installation.
• After the installation, follow the AVG Admin Server Deployment Wizard.
  • When asked, perform backup of current database (it is the 8.5 version database).
  • Finish the deployment wizard. It will automatically convert the database.
  • The AVG Admin Server will be started after the wizard.

Visit AVG’s dedicated AVG 8.5 migration support site for a step-by-step guide.

I'm not sure which protection I should choose
If you are currently using AVG 8.5, it will no longer be supported after 31st December, 2011. Find the name of the product you currently have in the table below and pick the AVG 2012 equivalent migration product. Then follow the step-by-step guide to migrate to the new AVG 2012.

Wyse - P20 Zero Client running View 4.6

Wyse - P20 Zero Client - 128 MB RAM - 0 GB HDD

Ken has been playing with VMWare View and we have been tossing around what kinds of hardware we would want to use if purchasing new vs. using older equipment the Wyse P20 could be a good selection. See details below:

For virtual desktop or blade PC environments, the Wyse P class delivers workstation class performance for advanced applications including CAD, 3D solids modeling, video editing and advanced worker level office productivity. Based on a hardware PCoIP engine, this stateless zero client requires no local operating system. Unlike more flexible software-based implementations, this dedicated hardware PCoIP engine delivers the highest level of display performance available. Whilst it's just the size a notebook, the Wyse P class is a fully functional and compact virtual system that eliminates the need for a desktop, yet gives a feeling of a true PC experience. The Wyse P class includes elements for the high end user such as: multiple display support, multimedia playback, HD audio and four USB peripheral ports. The Wyse P class platform resolves the challenges of provisioning, managing, maintaining and securing enterprise desktops. It is offering a truly uncompromised computing high end user experience with the full benefits of an efficient and secure centralized computing environment.

At a glance:

Rich user experience

• Utilizes PCoIP protocol technology enabling the practical consolidation of all IT resources into the data center.
• Delivers an uncompromised user experience to each desk, anywhere, without incurring the security risks associated with transmitting data across a network.
• Supports high performance dual displays for running high resolution 3D graphics and CAD applications running on the server.

Future proof

• Decodes video transmitted over the network from a PCoIP host card or server and is agnostic to video/media format.
• Resolves the challenges of provisioning, managing, maintaining and securing enterprise desktops.
• No local operating system to maintain.

Connectivity

• Four USB peripheral ports.
• Two single-link DVI-I connectors for dual display supports up to 1920 x 1200.
• Completely driverless and stateless.
• HD audio, headphone and microphone.

Download Wyse P20 Datasheet

Quick-Start Guide: Wyse® P Class Zero Clients, Model Px0, Product ...

Intel® Reader

The mobile device that reads print aloud.

The Intel® Reader transforms printed text to the spoken word. It combines a high-resolution camera with the power of an Intel Atom™ processor to read on the spot, or store text for later listening. The Intel® Reader is perfect for blind and low vision customers as well as in an educational setting!

Easy-to-use buttons with audio and visual navigation, and straightforward menus. Weighs just over 1 pound and about the size of a paperback book. Perfect for at school, work, home, or on the go. Plays MP3, DAISY books, and text transferred from a PC. Use with the Portable Capture Station to make it easy to scan, convert, and store multiple pages from a book or magazine.

Click on this link below to see a video of the reader in action.

http://www.careinnovations.com/Products/Reader/Education.aspx

Is it time to start thinking about migrating to Windows 7?

Microsoft has already begun a major campaign talking up its soon to be released Windows 8 operating system. They are positioning it to try to make it relevant for the legions of iPad and Smartphone buyers to reconsider Windows as a choice for their operating system. While it is true that there are still some holdouts that haven’t migrated from XP to Windows 7 yet if you haven’t made the leap you may want to consider it soon. Microsoft wars that there will be no support for Windows XP beyond 2014.

“We are end-of-lifing XP and Office 2003 and everything prior in April 2014,” said Kevin Turner,  Microsoft’s chief operating officer, during a meeting with financial analysts this month. “So for all those companies that have the old products that haven’t quite started the refresh, guess what? ... It’s now time for [XP] to go.”

Typically Microsoft ends support for a product after 10 years which would mean this year but Microsoft extended support until 2014. Don’t expect another extension.

”We’re basically giving it a time-of-death stamp,” Turner said. Once it retires XP, Microsoft won’t offer support or security updates.

There are quite a few things to consider over the next few years. Most of us that are in the Microsoft house have a large commitment to their infrastructure and it would be difficult to make a complete change to another operating system. Windows 7 and the soon to be released Windows 8 are new operating systems, and though they retain some backwards compatibility with previous versions it is ever more apparent that you need to make the leap and either embrace the new operating systems or make a break and move on to something totally new.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.