If you spend a great amount of time online such as myself, no doubt that you have accumulated many many usernames and passwords to access certain accounts. Often times, it is quite an inconvenience to remember each of these usernames and passwords.

Very soon, this may all change. Microsoft is attempting to alleviate this inconvenience and enhance digital security by introducing the Windows CardSpace. Implementing this new concept and technology will increase digital security, help prevent phishing schemes and streamline the overall approach to how consumers access their secure online data. Information cards will be able to be downloaded from the individual provider such as a bank, employer or e-commerce store. In addition to downloading from the provider, users will also have the ability to create their own self-issued information cards. This initiative will not only enhance digital security but also provide a familiar experience for users across multiple websites.

For more information: Click Here

It has been a few weeks now since Vista and Office 2007 have officially been launched. I have made the move over to Office 2007 with little no problems. I must admit that I am quickly adapting to the new interface and the new “ribbon”.

My favorite piece of Office 2007 has to be Outlook. Two aspects that I like are 1.) the To Do Bar and 2.) if you flag a message and it is not unflagged – the message will automatically be color coded in red. Very helpful as a reminder to go back to that message.

I have not gone down the Vista road yet. Not sure when I will -but probably it will be soon. Does anyone have any good or perhaps bad experiences with Vista thus far?

The gaming industry is absolutely booming. This is quite evident from the recent news before the holidays of hearing about people lining up to purchase the latest gaming console.

Recently Microsoft has released not only a framework but also an express studio. More information can be found at the official Microsoft site.

I currently am investigating this area for Apress. If any game developers would like to comment on this to me – please feel free to contact me.

Thank you.

Paul Sarknas
paul.sarknas@apress.com