* The top 10 stories of 2004 * Today on Layer 8
In this special edition of NetFlash, we’re proud to present the top 10 stories of 2004, based on your clicks. As we head into the new year, let’s take one final look back at the stories that were viewed by the most readers last year.
1. Microsoft users decry no bang for big bucks, 03/08/04
A host of Microsoft users say they have received nothing in return for the tens of thousands of dollars spent on software maintenance contracts set to expire this summer.
https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/0308licensing.html?net
2. Fed up hospitals defy patching rules, 08/09/04
Amid growing worries that Windows-based medical systems will endanger patients if Microsoft-issued security patches are not applied, hospitals are rebelling against restrictions from device manufacturers that have delayed or prevented such updates.
https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/080904patchfights.html?net
3. Someone to watch over the ‘Net, 09/06/04
As a new variant of the MyDoom virus begins spreading across the Internet, slowing search engines to a crawl in the late morning of July 26, Johannes Ullrich jumps into action. Ullrich, CTO at the SANS Institute’s Internet Storm Center (ISC) and one of 30 “handlers” who cover the storm center round the clock, is on duty this morning. He doesn’t have far to go to find the virus; there are already a bunch of copies in his e-mail in-box.
https://www.nwfusion.com/research/2004/090604sans.html?net
4. Test: Spam in the Wild, The Sequel, 12/20/04
How big can a test get? We found out with our latest in-depth look at the anti-spam industry. We invited every anti-spam vendor in our online Buyer’s Guide to participate. While we expected to get eight to 10 vendors to sign up, 41 showed up. We tested them all for spam catch rate (including false-positive and false-negative rates), and performance and throughput.
https://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2004/122004spampkg.html?net
5. This ISP flatfoot enjoys giving spammers the boot, 09/13/04
The most trying part of Louis Rush’s job is confronting scofflaws, some of whom are hardened criminals, to inform them they’ve been caught. Often defensive, sometimes cocky, these would-be felons threaten Rush and dare him to stop them. “I already have,” is Rush’s response, as he cancels their account with ISP EarthLink.
https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/091304widernetearthlink.html?net
6. Feature: The 3Com saga, 04/12/04
3Com turns 25 this June, but the Ethernet pioneer probably won’t spend much time celebrating – it’s too busy fighting to stay relevant. The last several years have been difficult for the longtime industry mainstay; it’s been a dizzying, roller-coaster ride of spin-offs, write-offs, layoffs and strategic about-faces.
https://www.nwfusion.com/research/2004/04123com.html?net
7. Test: Breaking through IP telephony, 05/24/04
Can you hacker-proof your IP telephony network? The short answer – as demonstrated in the first-ever public test on this topic – is: Yes, pretty much. But it strongly depends on whose IP PBX you use and more importantly, whether you’re willing to spend the dollars and the time it takes in terms of network security planning, network and personnel resources, and extra security gear.
https://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2004/0524voipsecurity.html?net
8. Test: Cracking the wireless security code, 10/04/04
Is it possible to deploy a secure wireless LAN with technology available today? That question preys on the minds of IT executives who are tempted to deploy enterprise WLANs, but are hesitant because of security concerns.
https://www.nwfusion.com/reviews/2004/1004wirelessmain.html?net
9. On the lookout for spyware, 08/16/04
Organizations are increasingly eyeing spyware as a threat that needs to be blocked from reaching end users’ desktops.
https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/081604spyware.html?net
10. Cisco deals kick VoIP market into high gear, 10/04/04
Cisco has been on a roll in VoIP lately – announcing three huge wins with Fortune 50 companies in three months.
https://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/100404ciscovoip.html?net
Today on Layer 8 – where we’re feeling a little SCSI today:
EBay hikes seller fees 60%; the bloggiest blog that ever blogged; Google’s hardline on grammar and style; and spyware, viruses causing some to give up the ‘Net; all this today and more at your home for not-just-networking news.
