Virus attacks, in particular of the malicious worm variety, have become more sophisticated and complex. The end result is havoc across global networks.
In response processor manufacturers have developed and integrated technology to prevent buffer overflow attacks. In the case of Intel it is called Execute Disable Bit (EDB) functionality and prevents viruses from executing off the memory code of the PC.
In order for this technology to work, it has to be combined a supporting operating system such as Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1, Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2, SUSE Linux 9.2 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 Update 3.
"The functionality of this technology allows the processor to categorise areas in memory and specify where application code can execute and where it cannot. In an attack scenario the processor disables code execution thus preventing damage or worm propagation. However, to realise the affect of this technology it must be used in conjunction with anti-virus software, firewall and other means of network security measures," says Ravi Perumal, Intel Product Manager at Annex Distribution.
A key factor is the supporting operating system. According to Perumal, Annex currently stocks Intel`s Xeon processor range with specific models that support EDB and will soon make available several additional products from the Celeron and Pentium 4 range, with future support for mobile Pentium-M models.
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Gauteng-based Annex Distribution is a leading distributor of building-block solutions to sub-Saharan Africa.
Being the first Intel distributor in SA, the company features a line card of recognised brand names including Fujitsu Siemens Computers, BenQ, MSI, Prolink, Hynix, Creative Labs Matrox, AMD and Eizo.
Through established partnerships with international specialist suppliers, Annex is positioned to provide value-add service and support for clients to ensure they remain in the forefront of IT requirements and e-commerce.
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