I have been asked on more than one occasion what is my favorite web site. Instead of telling you what is my favorite web site, I think I am going tell you which web site I think is the most useful. That's an easy one for me.
The answer is: My.Yahoo.Com.
Why is it the most useful? Because it is the absolutely perfect site for my needs and because I made it that way. Yes, my friends, I created my.yahoo.com for me. Of course, you can do the same thing. My.yahoo.com is a web portal site...one that you create to fit your own needs. And guess what? Like many of the things I recommend in this web log, it is FREE!!
I have always loved the site and its concept and have used it for years. In the last few months, the folks at Yahoo have gone out of their way to make it even better. The sources of information that you can put on your page is almost infinite.
For instance, on my page, I have headline news from Reuters, BBC World Service, business news, weather for several cities including my own (I pick them), stock quotes and detailed information about my personal stocks, currency quotes, college football news, NFL news, lots of technology news feeds (you might have guessed that since I write a technology blog), scores from teams I care about, airline fare tracker, new DVD releases, new movies released, and TV listing for my favorite channels on the satellite. And that is just the beginning.
My Yahoo also includes an e-mail account. With a link on the page, My Yahoo tells you when have unread mail. By the way, their spam filter is extraordinary. I have had a Yahoo Mail account for several years and I average 1 piece of junk mail every six months that slips through. Not bad.
Part of the their new additions is RSS feeds so you can add your favorite blogs to your page. My two blogs, "Rants and Raves," and "An Artist's Look at Art" are both registered and approved for Yahoo. To put my blog(s) on My Yahoo (or Your Yahoo), you just click on the little "My Yahoo" button on my blog pages and it will automatically be added to your My Yahoo. I tell you this because you will see this little button now on many web sites.
Another addition is the ability to create multiple pages so your main page doesn't become unmanageable. And you can change the appearance of your page anytime you want. The have lots of different colors and backgrounds to choose from. One could spend days exploring what can be added to your page.
If you want to be kept up-to-date with the kind of information that is important to you, check out my.yahoo.com. Set up an account and dig in.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Free Solutions to Stop Junk Mail
Yesterday, I wrote about the curse of junk mail (SPAM) and why it keeps showing up in our in-boxes. I also promised to give you information on a free software program to automatically remove it from your in-box when it comes in. In fact, I am going to give you two free solutions.
But first, let me back track a little bit. As I said yesterday, I get 500-600 pieces of junk mail per day. The reason is that I have had the same e-mail address for about nine years. And, because so many people and legitimate organizations have this address, I don't want to change it. Rather than manually delete all this junk mail everyday or change my e-mail address, I chose to use a junk mail filtering system.
About a year ago, I tried a junk mail filtering software called "Junk-Out." After a free 30 day trial, I liked it so much that I bought it and installed it in all my computers. Except for my main desktop computer, it is still working fine. A few days ago, my main computer suffered a crash and my Junk-Out software stopped working. I worked with their tech support who suggested some possible solutions, but they only partially worked. Then for some reason, the Junk-Out tech support stopped answering my e-mails on my problem.
After two days of manually deleting junk, I decided to look for another solution. And being the cheapskate that I am, I started looking for freebees. I soon came across a software solution called, "Spamfighter." After doing some investigation, I realized they were a legitimate firm that started in Europe and have only recently expanded their operations to America. The reviews on their software were good, so decided to try it. The software is for use with either Outlook or Outlook Express.
They offer two versions of their software...a free version and a "Pro" version for $29.95. After reviewing the two, I went for the free version, and for most people that should be fine. Not only is the software free, but so are the updates. The only caveat to that is that you need to check manually for updates for now. It will not be supplied to you automatically although that is supposed to change in the near future.
After removing the old Junk-Out software, I installed Spamfighter. It was so easy that I thought something might have gone wrong. It didn't. I read their tutorial, but found it really wasn't necessary. The program just works. It started detecting spam immediately when the first e-mail check occurred.
Most spam detection software doesn't erase spam, it just takes it out of your e-mail in-box and moves it to another box, in this case, a box called "spamfighter." It is up to you to erase the mail in that box. I usually do it twice a day.
Back to Spamfighter. All spam filtering software has to be trained. It ususally has enough initial training to start removing about 70%-75% effectively. But there is some spam that looks close enough to genuine e-mail's that it doesn't automatically detect (sort of a "better safe than sorry" approach). That is where you come in.
When you find junk mail that was left in your in-box after filtering, you just press the "Block" button and the offending mail is moved to a junk mail box and your software becomes trained not to accept that one any more. In the case of Spamfighter, it also sends a copy to the Spamfighter headquarters where it can be used to help other people.
I have been using Spamfighter for three days now. It started out deleting about 70% of my junk mail as soon as it was installed. After three days of training, it is up to about 85%. My experiences with Junk-Out taught me that it takes about a week to fully train your software. Even then is about 99% effective, but that is good enough.
During this first week, you should be looking at the Spamfighter box occasionally to see if some legititmate e-mail that you may want is being filtered. In my case, there are a couple of companies that send me sales flyers via e-mail that can be perceived as junk mail. For these e-mail's, there is an "Unblock" button that tells the software you want these mails in the future.
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, you might want to consider Spamfighter. The price is sure right.
Earlier, I promised you a second solution, so here it is:
Why not consider discarding Outlook or Outlook Express and consider using the new free e-mail software from Mozilla, called "Thunderbird." Not only is it receiving great reviews, it has its own built-in junk mail filter. There is a new review from "PC World" that just raves about it also. To read it, go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119038,00.asp
I hope these articles on junk mail have been helpful.
But first, let me back track a little bit. As I said yesterday, I get 500-600 pieces of junk mail per day. The reason is that I have had the same e-mail address for about nine years. And, because so many people and legitimate organizations have this address, I don't want to change it. Rather than manually delete all this junk mail everyday or change my e-mail address, I chose to use a junk mail filtering system.
About a year ago, I tried a junk mail filtering software called "Junk-Out." After a free 30 day trial, I liked it so much that I bought it and installed it in all my computers. Except for my main desktop computer, it is still working fine. A few days ago, my main computer suffered a crash and my Junk-Out software stopped working. I worked with their tech support who suggested some possible solutions, but they only partially worked. Then for some reason, the Junk-Out tech support stopped answering my e-mails on my problem.
After two days of manually deleting junk, I decided to look for another solution. And being the cheapskate that I am, I started looking for freebees. I soon came across a software solution called, "Spamfighter." After doing some investigation, I realized they were a legitimate firm that started in Europe and have only recently expanded their operations to America. The reviews on their software were good, so decided to try it. The software is for use with either Outlook or Outlook Express.
They offer two versions of their software...a free version and a "Pro" version for $29.95. After reviewing the two, I went for the free version, and for most people that should be fine. Not only is the software free, but so are the updates. The only caveat to that is that you need to check manually for updates for now. It will not be supplied to you automatically although that is supposed to change in the near future.
After removing the old Junk-Out software, I installed Spamfighter. It was so easy that I thought something might have gone wrong. It didn't. I read their tutorial, but found it really wasn't necessary. The program just works. It started detecting spam immediately when the first e-mail check occurred.
Most spam detection software doesn't erase spam, it just takes it out of your e-mail in-box and moves it to another box, in this case, a box called "spamfighter." It is up to you to erase the mail in that box. I usually do it twice a day.
Back to Spamfighter. All spam filtering software has to be trained. It ususally has enough initial training to start removing about 70%-75% effectively. But there is some spam that looks close enough to genuine e-mail's that it doesn't automatically detect (sort of a "better safe than sorry" approach). That is where you come in.
When you find junk mail that was left in your in-box after filtering, you just press the "Block" button and the offending mail is moved to a junk mail box and your software becomes trained not to accept that one any more. In the case of Spamfighter, it also sends a copy to the Spamfighter headquarters where it can be used to help other people.
I have been using Spamfighter for three days now. It started out deleting about 70% of my junk mail as soon as it was installed. After three days of training, it is up to about 85%. My experiences with Junk-Out taught me that it takes about a week to fully train your software. Even then is about 99% effective, but that is good enough.
During this first week, you should be looking at the Spamfighter box occasionally to see if some legititmate e-mail that you may want is being filtered. In my case, there are a couple of companies that send me sales flyers via e-mail that can be perceived as junk mail. For these e-mail's, there is an "Unblock" button that tells the software you want these mails in the future.
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express, you might want to consider Spamfighter. The price is sure right.
Earlier, I promised you a second solution, so here it is:
Why not consider discarding Outlook or Outlook Express and consider using the new free e-mail software from Mozilla, called "Thunderbird." Not only is it receiving great reviews, it has its own built-in junk mail filter. There is a new review from "PC World" that just raves about it also. To read it, go to:
http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,119038,00.asp
I hope these articles on junk mail have been helpful.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Can-Spam Law Isn't Working
To the surprise of probably no one, a new report is due out this coming Monday that says the federal Can-Spam law has done little to curb spam. MX Logic, an antispam company, said its surveys for the year showed widespread and flagrant disregard for the U.S. law that went into effect January 1, 2004.
The Can-Spam law regulated how people and organizations could send unsolicited commercial e-mail, but MX Logic says that 97 percent of such e-mail sent this year violated the law. Spam made up 77 percent of e-mail traffic as a whole over the course of the year. Another antispam company, Postini, says they estimate that legitimate e-mail plummeted to 12 percent from 22 percent of e-mail traffic in 2004.
About the only benefit of Can-Spam is for service providers as the law gave them the ability to go after those who send spam. Large Internet service providers have indeed used the law to file suits against spammers. Microsoft this month filed seven suits alleging Can-Spam violations.
As a recipient of about 600 pieces of spam e-mail per day, I can tell you that spam is still coming in droves. But, I will say that I receive about the amount of spam that I did a year ago, if that means anything.
Two big reasons that spam continues to flood our inboxes is that it is cheap to produce and it is possibly seen by millions. But the biggest reason of all is: IT WORKS. People are answering these junk mails to buy the products being offered, whether it be software-on-the-cheap, porn, mortgages, prescription drugs, or dating services. FYI: the biggest sales lately are being run up by unscrupulous companies selling pirated software at bargain prices.
Tomorrow I will tell you about a free anti-spam software program that will get rid of that junk mail for you automatically.
-->
The Can-Spam law regulated how people and organizations could send unsolicited commercial e-mail, but MX Logic says that 97 percent of such e-mail sent this year violated the law. Spam made up 77 percent of e-mail traffic as a whole over the course of the year. Another antispam company, Postini, says they estimate that legitimate e-mail plummeted to 12 percent from 22 percent of e-mail traffic in 2004.
About the only benefit of Can-Spam is for service providers as the law gave them the ability to go after those who send spam. Large Internet service providers have indeed used the law to file suits against spammers. Microsoft this month filed seven suits alleging Can-Spam violations.
As a recipient of about 600 pieces of spam e-mail per day, I can tell you that spam is still coming in droves. But, I will say that I receive about the amount of spam that I did a year ago, if that means anything.
Two big reasons that spam continues to flood our inboxes is that it is cheap to produce and it is possibly seen by millions. But the biggest reason of all is: IT WORKS. People are answering these junk mails to buy the products being offered, whether it be software-on-the-cheap, porn, mortgages, prescription drugs, or dating services. FYI: the biggest sales lately are being run up by unscrupulous companies selling pirated software at bargain prices.
Tomorrow I will tell you about a free anti-spam software program that will get rid of that junk mail for you automatically.
-->
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Satellite Radio Becoming More Popular
Satellite radio continues to grow in popularity as both the major players in the business reported record new subscribers. Sirius Satellite Radio announced it has achieved its goal of signing up 1 million subscribers by the end of 2004, while rival XM Satellite Radio Holdings announced that its customer numbers recently topped 3.1 million.
Sirius and XM both said that strong holiday sales helped to increase its subscription figures. Other factors include aggressive marketing, advertising and an increase in consumer awareness. Agreements with automobile manufacturers also helped XM. During 2004, XM signed an agreement to factory-install its satellite radio receivers in Toyota vehicles in the U.S. The company also has factory-installation agreements with General Motors and Honda.
FYI...I haven't signed up yet and it may be a while, but I am tempted because the quality of local radio seems to be deteriorating, in my humble opinion. And having 30+ commercial free music channels on my satellite TV makes me realize the value of listening without commercials or announcers.
Sirius and XM both said that strong holiday sales helped to increase its subscription figures. Other factors include aggressive marketing, advertising and an increase in consumer awareness. Agreements with automobile manufacturers also helped XM. During 2004, XM signed an agreement to factory-install its satellite radio receivers in Toyota vehicles in the U.S. The company also has factory-installation agreements with General Motors and Honda.
FYI...I haven't signed up yet and it may be a while, but I am tempted because the quality of local radio seems to be deteriorating, in my humble opinion. And having 30+ commercial free music channels on my satellite TV makes me realize the value of listening without commercials or announcers.
Monday, December 27, 2004
Even More on DVD Rentals
Here is an excellent article that was in today's New York Times about on-line video rentals. It really goes in depth as to whether on-line video rentals might work for you. I wasn't aware of it until after I posted my web log earlier today. To read the article, go to:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/business/yourmoney/26flix.html?
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/business/yourmoney/26flix.html?
Update on On-Line DVD Rentals
Last week, I wrote about Blockbuster and their new low on-line DVD rental price of $14.99 per month. I also said that I expected Netflix to lower their prices.
Well, I was incorrect. Netflix is now on the record as saying they will not lower their prices any further. The reason is the oldest in the book...profitability. Let me explain.
When I signed up with Netflix a few years ago, the price was $19.95 per month. Earlier this year, they raised their price to $21.95. Then, in November, they lowered their price to $17.99 per month in anticipation of Blockbuster's new rental policy and in anticipation of Amazon.com getting into the business.
When they announced their new lower prices in October, their stock price took a major tumble. They don't dare lower their profitability anymore. But, in their latest announcement regarding Blockbuster, Netflix said that by lowering their prices to $14.99, Blockbuster is telling the world that video rental stores are obsolete. And they might have a good point.
Blockbuster still sells their monthly video in-store plan for $25 while selling the same service on-line for $14.99. They are, in effect, telling people to shop on-line. Netflix feels that this will drive a lot of consumers out of Blockbuster stores to them.
Blockbuster also recently changed their late fee policies. Now, after a short grace period, late customers will automatically be charged the full price for the DVD and will now own it. Since late fees account for a fair portion of the company's income, this new policy did not sit well with stock market analysts. In fact, with this policy and the new on-line rental fee, some analysts have move Blockbuster's stock to a "Sell" rating. The "StockScouter" rating system currently rates their stock at 2 out of 10, meaning it is a very risky purchase.
Blockbuster will also be spending more money on 28 new on-line distribution centers around the country rather than building new stores.
And as one final point, Wal-Mart has been selling their on-line service for a few months now at the rate of $15.54 per month and it has not dented the Netflix share of the market.
I am not sure what all this means for us consumers, except that I am still not changing my position and will stay with Netflix. You just can't beat good customer service. I mailed a movie back on Friday, it got there today (Monday) and my new movie will be here Wednesday. And I still have over 25,000 titles to choose from for my next rental.
Well, I was incorrect. Netflix is now on the record as saying they will not lower their prices any further. The reason is the oldest in the book...profitability. Let me explain.
When I signed up with Netflix a few years ago, the price was $19.95 per month. Earlier this year, they raised their price to $21.95. Then, in November, they lowered their price to $17.99 per month in anticipation of Blockbuster's new rental policy and in anticipation of Amazon.com getting into the business.
When they announced their new lower prices in October, their stock price took a major tumble. They don't dare lower their profitability anymore. But, in their latest announcement regarding Blockbuster, Netflix said that by lowering their prices to $14.99, Blockbuster is telling the world that video rental stores are obsolete. And they might have a good point.
Blockbuster still sells their monthly video in-store plan for $25 while selling the same service on-line for $14.99. They are, in effect, telling people to shop on-line. Netflix feels that this will drive a lot of consumers out of Blockbuster stores to them.
Blockbuster also recently changed their late fee policies. Now, after a short grace period, late customers will automatically be charged the full price for the DVD and will now own it. Since late fees account for a fair portion of the company's income, this new policy did not sit well with stock market analysts. In fact, with this policy and the new on-line rental fee, some analysts have move Blockbuster's stock to a "Sell" rating. The "StockScouter" rating system currently rates their stock at 2 out of 10, meaning it is a very risky purchase.
Blockbuster will also be spending more money on 28 new on-line distribution centers around the country rather than building new stores.
And as one final point, Wal-Mart has been selling their on-line service for a few months now at the rate of $15.54 per month and it has not dented the Netflix share of the market.
I am not sure what all this means for us consumers, except that I am still not changing my position and will stay with Netflix. You just can't beat good customer service. I mailed a movie back on Friday, it got there today (Monday) and my new movie will be here Wednesday. And I still have over 25,000 titles to choose from for my next rental.
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Longer Life Batteries Coming Soon
Americans will soon be able to buy a more powerful battery that will be double the lifetime of the current alkaline battery. The Oxyride battery, developed by Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic), maintains a higher voltage and output longer because it contains more electrolyte than current batteries and its electricity-producing materials can be packed more closely inside the cell.
The growing popularity of digital cameras, portable music players, handheld video game machines and other gadgets has boosted demand for powerful batteries. The Oxyride battery will be available in the United States and Europe in April. It has been available in Japan for the last year. AA and AAA Oxyride batteries will cost about 10 percent more than regular, alkaline batteries. Sounds like it might be worth it.
The growing popularity of digital cameras, portable music players, handheld video game machines and other gadgets has boosted demand for powerful batteries. The Oxyride battery will be available in the United States and Europe in April. It has been available in Japan for the last year. AA and AAA Oxyride batteries will cost about 10 percent more than regular, alkaline batteries. Sounds like it might be worth it.
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Merry Christmas from Our House to Yours
Merry Christmas to all of you from beautiful downtown Ephrata. I still get requests to update our family's comings and goings, so I figure a Christmas Day letter is the best way to do it.
Aimee and her husband Brian are doing fine. They were here for Christmas Eve and we joined them at Brian's parents home in Moses Lake for Christmas Dinner. Aimee just got her grades for the fall quarter at Seattle Pacific University and nailed at 3.5 GPA. Needless to say, we are very proud of her. Although she is in her senior year, she won't get her teaching credential for another year.
Brian is just back from a 17 day road tour in Europe with the musical group M-Pact. Had a great time and it was a very successful tour for the guys. He will be off again for Japan soon and some gigs in the West. Later, another European tour is planned. At one show that they gave in Florence, Italy, there were thousands of people outside trying to get in a theater with 350 seats. They are well liked over there.
Kristen is home for a few days and is doing well. She is just back from a trip to Chicago and Tulsa, OK. She is living now in Seattle with Aimee and Brian while she figures out her next career move.
Eric was missing from our Christmas gathering of course, but he was home for two weeks on leave from Kuwait. I spent four days with him and his wife Kim up in Bellingham last week. It was sure great to see him and he looks good. He has been through a lot and should be home permanently in mid February.
He left early this last Monday for Kuwait and arrived safely. He called me Christmas Eve from Camp Dohah, which is on the Gulf. He was getting ready to leave for Camp Navstar up on the eastern Iraq/Kuwait border for his two week tour. While things are not nice over there, we are proud of him and all our soldiers. If I am grateful for anything this Christmas, it is that Eric is in Kuwait and not Iraq.
Susan is doing well also. She if on paid holiday for 10 days starting yesterday, so it will be nice to have here home with me. I am worried about some honey-do's she might have planned during her time off. Her health is good and no evidence of any returning cancer.
As for me, I am catching up on all the financial stuff for the year end and working on some new paintings. I was invited this week to hang some of my works in a gallery in downtown Vancouver, WA. They will hang as many as want as they like my work a great deal. I met these folks when I did the Labor Day Art Show in Vancouver.
I will also be exhibiting two new works in late January at the MAC Gallery Annual Invitational Show in Moses Lake. Hint...one is going to be the largest canvas work I have ever done. It is very gratifying to see the increased awareness for my work, and, of course, the resulting sales.
That should catch you up with our doin's. I hope you are as blessed as we are. Once again, Merry Christmas and a very happy and successful New Year from all our family to yours.
Aimee and her husband Brian are doing fine. They were here for Christmas Eve and we joined them at Brian's parents home in Moses Lake for Christmas Dinner. Aimee just got her grades for the fall quarter at Seattle Pacific University and nailed at 3.5 GPA. Needless to say, we are very proud of her. Although she is in her senior year, she won't get her teaching credential for another year.
Brian is just back from a 17 day road tour in Europe with the musical group M-Pact. Had a great time and it was a very successful tour for the guys. He will be off again for Japan soon and some gigs in the West. Later, another European tour is planned. At one show that they gave in Florence, Italy, there were thousands of people outside trying to get in a theater with 350 seats. They are well liked over there.
Kristen is home for a few days and is doing well. She is just back from a trip to Chicago and Tulsa, OK. She is living now in Seattle with Aimee and Brian while she figures out her next career move.
Eric was missing from our Christmas gathering of course, but he was home for two weeks on leave from Kuwait. I spent four days with him and his wife Kim up in Bellingham last week. It was sure great to see him and he looks good. He has been through a lot and should be home permanently in mid February.
He left early this last Monday for Kuwait and arrived safely. He called me Christmas Eve from Camp Dohah, which is on the Gulf. He was getting ready to leave for Camp Navstar up on the eastern Iraq/Kuwait border for his two week tour. While things are not nice over there, we are proud of him and all our soldiers. If I am grateful for anything this Christmas, it is that Eric is in Kuwait and not Iraq.
Susan is doing well also. She if on paid holiday for 10 days starting yesterday, so it will be nice to have here home with me. I am worried about some honey-do's she might have planned during her time off. Her health is good and no evidence of any returning cancer.
As for me, I am catching up on all the financial stuff for the year end and working on some new paintings. I was invited this week to hang some of my works in a gallery in downtown Vancouver, WA. They will hang as many as want as they like my work a great deal. I met these folks when I did the Labor Day Art Show in Vancouver.
I will also be exhibiting two new works in late January at the MAC Gallery Annual Invitational Show in Moses Lake. Hint...one is going to be the largest canvas work I have ever done. It is very gratifying to see the increased awareness for my work, and, of course, the resulting sales.
That should catch you up with our doin's. I hope you are as blessed as we are. Once again, Merry Christmas and a very happy and successful New Year from all our family to yours.
Friday, December 24, 2004
More on Computer Security
As promised in yesterday's journal entry, we will explore more security issues, especially as it concerns using the Internet. If you haven't read yesterday's blog yet, please do. If you have read it, read it again so that you understand why it is imperative that you use a firewall.
With that said, let's move along to the other issues I mentioned. At this point, I am going to ask you to read another article...this one by noted security expert Bruce Schneier, Chief Technical Officer for Counterpain Internet Security Company. He wrote this article for folks like you and me who can't afford a security company to come in and make our systems secure. To read his article, click on this link.
Now, I want to comment and expand on a couple of issues he raises:
Laptops: Buy a cable lock for your laptop if it has a place to connect it. This allows you to secure your laptop to a table or chair or something else when you are not at home. That way, if you are at Starbucks, you can get up and get another cup of coffee without someone running off with your computer. They work with a simple combination lock and they work well.
Backups: When backing up data to CD-R or CD-RW disks, be sure and buy a quality brand. In the past, I have written about cheaper CD's and how they can loose data in just a few years. It happened to me. I recommend you buy TDK brand. And don't put paper labels on them as their is some evidence that paper labels tend to promote degeneration. Use a permanent marker.
Browsing: Check out Firefox, Maxthon or Opera for alternative web browsers.
Passwords: I use different passwords as the article suggests. I have three for financial institutions, one for e-mail passwords, and another for the low-level web sites. There are also some secure web sites I use that assign me my user ID and passwords. To remember them all, I created a Word document that is password protected so that it can't be opened without the proper password. There are also encrypted software programs that will store your passwords for you.
E-Mail: Have one e-mail that you use when ordering products or giving out to the general public. Have a second e-mail address for private correspondence with friends and relatives. You might even consider using a second software e-mail program for your private letters. In either case, always have your anti-virus program running and you probably need a junk-mail filter.
Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware software: I recommend Avast for your anti-virus software and Spybot - Search and Destroy for your anti-spyware software. They are both free.
Firewall: By way of explanation, a "Network Address Translator firewall device" referred to in the article is normally called a Router in stores. It is not needed if you have just one computer in your home. A software firewall like the built-in firewall in Windows XP SP2 or Zone Alarm will work fine. If you have two or more computers, a router is recommend as you can link your two computers together behind a firewall and share resources.
Wireless: Although not talked about in the article, it should be mentioned. I love having wireless in my house so I can use my laptop anywhere in the house or even outside without having to run a wire to it. Also, any of my house guests with a laptop can have connections to the world. But, unless you use some sort of encryption, everybody within a few hundred feet of your home can have access to your system. Most wireless routers feature encryption, but if you use it, you have to set it up for your guests when they want to use it.
Here is my solution: I set up a separate wireless router behind my wired router so that the wireless system is blocked from accessing any other computers on the network. That means that people can use my uncrypted wireless system to browse the web or get e-mail, but can't get access to any other computers in the house. I set up a special exemption for my laptop only so that it can have access.
I hope these last two blogs will help you think about your own security. It is important. Please write me if you have any suggestions or questions.
With that said, let's move along to the other issues I mentioned. At this point, I am going to ask you to read another article...this one by noted security expert Bruce Schneier, Chief Technical Officer for Counterpain Internet Security Company. He wrote this article for folks like you and me who can't afford a security company to come in and make our systems secure. To read his article, click on this link.
Now, I want to comment and expand on a couple of issues he raises:
Laptops: Buy a cable lock for your laptop if it has a place to connect it. This allows you to secure your laptop to a table or chair or something else when you are not at home. That way, if you are at Starbucks, you can get up and get another cup of coffee without someone running off with your computer. They work with a simple combination lock and they work well.
Backups: When backing up data to CD-R or CD-RW disks, be sure and buy a quality brand. In the past, I have written about cheaper CD's and how they can loose data in just a few years. It happened to me. I recommend you buy TDK brand. And don't put paper labels on them as their is some evidence that paper labels tend to promote degeneration. Use a permanent marker.
Browsing: Check out Firefox, Maxthon or Opera for alternative web browsers.
Passwords: I use different passwords as the article suggests. I have three for financial institutions, one for e-mail passwords, and another for the low-level web sites. There are also some secure web sites I use that assign me my user ID and passwords. To remember them all, I created a Word document that is password protected so that it can't be opened without the proper password. There are also encrypted software programs that will store your passwords for you.
E-Mail: Have one e-mail that you use when ordering products or giving out to the general public. Have a second e-mail address for private correspondence with friends and relatives. You might even consider using a second software e-mail program for your private letters. In either case, always have your anti-virus program running and you probably need a junk-mail filter.
Anti-virus and Anti-Spyware software: I recommend Avast for your anti-virus software and Spybot - Search and Destroy for your anti-spyware software. They are both free.
Firewall: By way of explanation, a "Network Address Translator firewall device" referred to in the article is normally called a Router in stores. It is not needed if you have just one computer in your home. A software firewall like the built-in firewall in Windows XP SP2 or Zone Alarm will work fine. If you have two or more computers, a router is recommend as you can link your two computers together behind a firewall and share resources.
Wireless: Although not talked about in the article, it should be mentioned. I love having wireless in my house so I can use my laptop anywhere in the house or even outside without having to run a wire to it. Also, any of my house guests with a laptop can have connections to the world. But, unless you use some sort of encryption, everybody within a few hundred feet of your home can have access to your system. Most wireless routers feature encryption, but if you use it, you have to set it up for your guests when they want to use it.
Here is my solution: I set up a separate wireless router behind my wired router so that the wireless system is blocked from accessing any other computers on the network. That means that people can use my uncrypted wireless system to browse the web or get e-mail, but can't get access to any other computers in the house. I set up a special exemption for my laptop only so that it can have access.
I hope these last two blogs will help you think about your own security. It is important. Please write me if you have any suggestions or questions.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Use a Firewall or Throw Your Computer in the Trash
So, how long do you think it would take someone evil to invade your computer via the Internet if you had no firewall protection? Five weeks, five days, five hours, five minutes, or five seconds? The answer in a minute...
The reason I know the answer is I read a report by a research company in conjunction with USA Today who tried a test to determine the answer to the question I just posed to you. They took some brand new computers, installed different operating system such as Windows XP, Apple, and Linux.
The computers were then connected to the Internet via a fast DSL connection, which, like fiber optics and cable modems, meant they were always connected to the Internet, even if no one was using them (of course they were left running. Turning a computer off does disconnect it from the Net). Some had firewalls running, some didn't.
OK, the answer to my question is...37 seconds. Yup, that is right. One computer on the test was invaded in 37 seconds. The average time for the unprotected computer to be invaded was 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Yes, the hackers are out there in droves, running automated programs to detect unprotected computers. For example, a computer running Windows XP with Service Pack One, was attacked 341 times per hours or 8,177 times a day. The Apple computer was attacked just slightly less...339 times per hour.
The good news is that Windows XP computers running Service Pack Two using the built-in firewall was only attacked 3.9 times per hour. And the Windows XP running Zone Alarm was attacked only 2.1 times per hour.
Even more good news was that there was not one successful invasion of any computer that used a firewall. But, here's the rub...only 33% of computer users using the Internet have a firewall!!
I recently had first hand experience with this very same scenario. I moved my web site and e-mail post office software for corkrum.com to a new computer running Windows 2000. I am very aware of computer hacking so I had a firewall up and running right away. But, while I was setting up the new computer with some new and upgraded software for my web services, I had to monitor the firewall to make sure everything was working correctly. I watched the hack attempts happening on the spot.
Someone actually got into my computer using Windows Messaging which was accidentally left open. All I got was an advertisement for software to protect against this kind of invasion, but I immediately shut down Windows Messaging and the ads stopped.
In our home, I use a hardware firewall which protects all computers but the web server and a software firewall for the web server. I also have a software firewall in my laptop for when I am out on the road.
I pray that you have a firewall, especially if you are connect via fiber optic, cable, or DSL. If not, you are a prime candidate to have your computer and identity hijacked, your bank accounts drained, and your computer used for some evil purposes like Denial-of-Service attacks on other computers. Want more good news? Both software firewalls mentioned here are FREE!!
I invite you to read the full article in USA Today.
Tomorrow, I will talk more about computer security and pass along the advice of one the country's resident security geniuses.
The reason I know the answer is I read a report by a research company in conjunction with USA Today who tried a test to determine the answer to the question I just posed to you. They took some brand new computers, installed different operating system such as Windows XP, Apple, and Linux.
The computers were then connected to the Internet via a fast DSL connection, which, like fiber optics and cable modems, meant they were always connected to the Internet, even if no one was using them (of course they were left running. Turning a computer off does disconnect it from the Net). Some had firewalls running, some didn't.
OK, the answer to my question is...37 seconds. Yup, that is right. One computer on the test was invaded in 37 seconds. The average time for the unprotected computer to be invaded was 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Yes, the hackers are out there in droves, running automated programs to detect unprotected computers. For example, a computer running Windows XP with Service Pack One, was attacked 341 times per hours or 8,177 times a day. The Apple computer was attacked just slightly less...339 times per hour.
The good news is that Windows XP computers running Service Pack Two using the built-in firewall was only attacked 3.9 times per hour. And the Windows XP running Zone Alarm was attacked only 2.1 times per hour.
Even more good news was that there was not one successful invasion of any computer that used a firewall. But, here's the rub...only 33% of computer users using the Internet have a firewall!!
I recently had first hand experience with this very same scenario. I moved my web site and e-mail post office software for corkrum.com to a new computer running Windows 2000. I am very aware of computer hacking so I had a firewall up and running right away. But, while I was setting up the new computer with some new and upgraded software for my web services, I had to monitor the firewall to make sure everything was working correctly. I watched the hack attempts happening on the spot.
Someone actually got into my computer using Windows Messaging which was accidentally left open. All I got was an advertisement for software to protect against this kind of invasion, but I immediately shut down Windows Messaging and the ads stopped.
In our home, I use a hardware firewall which protects all computers but the web server and a software firewall for the web server. I also have a software firewall in my laptop for when I am out on the road.
I pray that you have a firewall, especially if you are connect via fiber optic, cable, or DSL. If not, you are a prime candidate to have your computer and identity hijacked, your bank accounts drained, and your computer used for some evil purposes like Denial-of-Service attacks on other computers. Want more good news? Both software firewalls mentioned here are FREE!!
I invite you to read the full article in USA Today.
Tomorrow, I will talk more about computer security and pass along the advice of one the country's resident security geniuses.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
New Low Prices For On-Line Video Rentals
Blockbuster has cut the price for its online rental service, undercutting its rivals in an escalating battle for online customers. Blockbuster cut the subscription price for its online rental service by $2.50 to $14.99 a month plus tax effective immediately, and that price is guaranteed through January 2006.
Blockbuster's monthly subscription entitles customers to unlimited rentals, three movies out at a time, with no due dates, no late fees with postage included. Subscribers also receive two free in-store movie or game rentals a month.
By comparison, Blockbuster's competitor Netflix charges $17.99 a month for online rental subscription while Wal-Mart charges from $15.54 per month.
Many long time readers may remember that I have been renting my DVD's on-line from Netflix for several years now. Quite frankly, I love this service. I have over 25,000 titles to choose from, my orders arrive in two days, and I can keep them as long as I want. Because Netflix's service has been so good, I personally have no intention of changing to Blockbuster in order to save $3.00. I have no doubt Netflix will adjust their prices shortly.
If you are not renting your DVD's on-line, I would give it serious consideration, especially at these prices.
Blockbuster's monthly subscription entitles customers to unlimited rentals, three movies out at a time, with no due dates, no late fees with postage included. Subscribers also receive two free in-store movie or game rentals a month.
By comparison, Blockbuster's competitor Netflix charges $17.99 a month for online rental subscription while Wal-Mart charges from $15.54 per month.
Many long time readers may remember that I have been renting my DVD's on-line from Netflix for several years now. Quite frankly, I love this service. I have over 25,000 titles to choose from, my orders arrive in two days, and I can keep them as long as I want. Because Netflix's service has been so good, I personally have no intention of changing to Blockbuster in order to save $3.00. I have no doubt Netflix will adjust their prices shortly.
If you are not renting your DVD's on-line, I would give it serious consideration, especially at these prices.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Coming on Your Next Flight - Cell Phones
The Federal Communications Commission is saying that it is considering allowing passengers to use their phones during flights and voted unanimously to auction off new spectrum that could bring wireless voice, data, and broadband Internet services to more airlines than the few who offer it today.
For business travelers and others who suffer separation anxiety when apart from their gadgets, this is probably great news. But it may not be good news for many folks who view airplane cabins as a last safe haven from cell phones. Can you imagine 100-200 people talking at once? It also begs the question, who will people hate more: The dreaded crying baby or the guy who talked on his cell phone for two and a half hours?
This news comes on top of a recent medical research project that concludes radio waves from mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions. The so-called Reflex Study, partially funded by the European Union, was conducted by 12 research groups in seven European countries. According to the study, it did not prove that mobile phones are a risk to health but concluded that more research is needed to see whether effects can also be found outside a lab.
For business travelers and others who suffer separation anxiety when apart from their gadgets, this is probably great news. But it may not be good news for many folks who view airplane cabins as a last safe haven from cell phones. Can you imagine 100-200 people talking at once? It also begs the question, who will people hate more: The dreaded crying baby or the guy who talked on his cell phone for two and a half hours?
This news comes on top of a recent medical research project that concludes radio waves from mobile phones harm body cells and damage DNA in laboratory conditions. The so-called Reflex Study, partially funded by the European Union, was conducted by 12 research groups in seven European countries. According to the study, it did not prove that mobile phones are a risk to health but concluded that more research is needed to see whether effects can also be found outside a lab.
The report said that after being exposed to electromagnetic fields that are typical for mobile phones, human and animal cells showed a significant increase in single and double-strand DNA breaks and the damage could not always be repaired by the cell. DNA carries the genetic material of an organism and its different cells. Even worse, the damaged DNA was passed along to future generations. Cell mutations are seen as a possible cause of cancer.
So, let's assume that I am sitting on a plane and 200 people on the flight are using their cell phones (I left mine at home). If this report is true, does this mean that I am subject to second hand cell phone radiation and I might get brain cancer? Just asking!
Christmas E-Card May Hide Virus
In the spirit of the holiday season, someone has created a new virus that disguises itself in a Christmas e-card from a friend. The virus, called Atak.H, poses as a Christmas or New Year greeting.
The virus is similar to the Zafi worm currently causing havoc on the Internet, spreads to all the addresses in a victim's address book. But unlike the multilingual Zafi, Atak only sends itself in English. If there is any good news, the virus does not contain a Trojan horse, a tool that virus writers often use to take remote control of computers.
The virus is similar to the Zafi worm currently causing havoc on the Internet, spreads to all the addresses in a victim's address book. But unlike the multilingual Zafi, Atak only sends itself in English. If there is any good news, the virus does not contain a Trojan horse, a tool that virus writers often use to take remote control of computers.
The worm contains the subject line "Merry X-Mas!" or "Happy New Year!" The body of the text reads: "Happy New year and wish you good luck on next year."
You have been warned!
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Cell Phone E-Mail Hoax
Did you get an e-mail this week that said telemarketers will have the right to call your cell phone after 1/1/05 and that if you don't sign up on the "Do Not Call" list by Wednesday, you could be hit with a rash of telemarketing calls after the first of the year?
Well, if you did, I am here to tell you that it was a hoax. And it was a beauty! We can laugh at it because it really did no harm.
The only one affected was the Federal trade commission who handles the "Do Not Call" list. They normally field about 200,000 requests per week. But last week, that number soared to 9.5 million as a result of the hoax.
Well, if you did, I am here to tell you that it was a hoax. And it was a beauty! We can laugh at it because it really did no harm.
The only one affected was the Federal trade commission who handles the "Do Not Call" list. They normally field about 200,000 requests per week. But last week, that number soared to 9.5 million as a result of the hoax.
Like many rumors, this hoax has a kernel of truth at its core. It was probably born as result of a new project called the Wireless 411 Service, which has been proposed by several major wireless phone carriers including AT&T Wireless. The service, expected to be available next year, will let people look up cell phone numbers the same way they look up numbers using the nationwide 411 directory service.
But unlike the directory for home and business numbers, people must ask their wireless phone carrier to be included in the cellular directory and telemarketers won't have access to it. Telemarketers are barred from calling cell phones under rules set by the FCC. Thank God!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Microsoft Now in Anti-Spyware Business
Microsoft has made the move into providing anti-spyware software, and we can get their first version of the software for free. This week, the world's largest software company announced it has completed the purchase of Giant Company Software Inc., the manufacturer of Giant Antispyware software.
As part of the announcement, Microsoft says it will start giving away its new product within the next 30 days. But, they also announced that they have not ruled out charging for the product in the future.
As part of the announcement, Microsoft says it will start giving away its new product within the next 30 days. But, they also announced that they have not ruled out charging for the product in the future.
As we have written before, spyware is a category of irritating programs that secretly monitor the online activities of Internet users and can cause sluggish computer performance or popup ads. Microsoft's security efforts, which cost hundreds of millions of dollars, are aimed at promoting consumer confidence in its flagship Windows products, which generated nearly $3 billion in revenues this year. They also help attract new customers worried about growing threats from viruses, hacker attacks, spam e-mails and spyware.
I applaud Microsoft's effort and will withhold any judgment until the first reviews of their new software are in. But, for now, I am sticking with "Spybot - Search and Destroy" (see web log dated 12/12/04).
You can stay in touch with Microsoft's new foray into spyware by going to:
http://www.microsoft.com/spyware
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Making Maps Better
How does one improve online mapping? Here's how. Yahoo is adding local traffic information to its maps service, including roadwork and accident reports as well as the approximate speed at which traffic is proceeding along specific roads. The service, which was launched today as part of Yahoo Maps, will offer accident reports and road construction information for about 70 U.S. metropolitan areas. The service will also provide driving speed information for about 22 of those areas.
The traffic information is layered on top of a map at the user's request. Icons are used to indicate accidents or construction, while color codes are used for the speed information.
The traffic information is layered on top of a map at the user's request. Icons are used to indicate accidents or construction, while color codes are used for the speed information.
A Yahoo partner (whose name executives declined to disclose) aggregates traffic information from a variety of sources, including road sensors, traffic cameras, and local police and transportation departments. Yahoo packages and presents the information to its users.
To enhance and extend the service in the future, Yahoo plans to provide it via wireless devices and to add the capability of launching alerts and updates, and of offering users alternate driving routes. Offering the service abroad is also a future possibility.
I wish I would have had this service yesterday. I sat on Interstate 5 for three hours near Marysville as their was a fatal accident involving three cars about half a mile ahead of me. I was heading north to Bellingham to be with my son for a few days who is home on leave from Kuwait.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Google to Scan the World's Greatest Libraries
Back in the early days of Google, they told everyone who would listen that its mission was to make all the world's information searchable...and they weren't kidding.
This week, Google announced plans to digitize and make searchable, portions of the collections of five of the world's leading research libraries. Over the next few years Google will scan and index nearly all the 8 million books in Stanford's collection and the 7 million at the University of Michigan. It will do the same for portions of the New York Public Library and libraries at Harvard and Oxford.
The effort, the largest of its kind ever attempted, will create searchable database of some 50 million titles. Within six years we will be able to view online the full text of a vast assortment of titles in public domain and excerpts from those still under copyright. In each case text will be presented with full bibliographic information and pointers to libraries or online merchants where the books can be found.
It's a project of unparalleled scope, one all the more astonishing because Google is underwriting a large portion of it at a cost estimated to be $10 per title. Normally, it would take about 1,600 years to do this using traditional methods. Google will do it in six years. Google will provide the digitizing equipment. People will place the books and documents on sophisticated scanners whose high-resolution cameras capture an image of each page and convert it to a digital file.
The costs to do it using traditional methods would probably be around $1 billion, which is why it never would have been done without Google. To do it the old fashioned way would include the human cost of preparing the material for scanning, packing it up and sending it out to vendors and then quality-control checking of the results. It will be a lot less under Google's plan.
Nothing on this huge scale has ever been attempted before. In a few years, anyone with an Internet connection will have access to a vast research library. Now that is what the Internet is for!!
This week, Google announced plans to digitize and make searchable, portions of the collections of five of the world's leading research libraries. Over the next few years Google will scan and index nearly all the 8 million books in Stanford's collection and the 7 million at the University of Michigan. It will do the same for portions of the New York Public Library and libraries at Harvard and Oxford.
The effort, the largest of its kind ever attempted, will create searchable database of some 50 million titles. Within six years we will be able to view online the full text of a vast assortment of titles in public domain and excerpts from those still under copyright. In each case text will be presented with full bibliographic information and pointers to libraries or online merchants where the books can be found.
It's a project of unparalleled scope, one all the more astonishing because Google is underwriting a large portion of it at a cost estimated to be $10 per title. Normally, it would take about 1,600 years to do this using traditional methods. Google will do it in six years. Google will provide the digitizing equipment. People will place the books and documents on sophisticated scanners whose high-resolution cameras capture an image of each page and convert it to a digital file.
The costs to do it using traditional methods would probably be around $1 billion, which is why it never would have been done without Google. To do it the old fashioned way would include the human cost of preparing the material for scanning, packing it up and sending it out to vendors and then quality-control checking of the results. It will be a lot less under Google's plan.
Nothing on this huge scale has ever been attempted before. In a few years, anyone with an Internet connection will have access to a vast research library. Now that is what the Internet is for!!
Microsoft Kills Off Windows 2000 Service Pack
Microsoft has scrapped its plan to release a Windows 2000 Service Pack 5. This also means that any hopes of adding some of the security enhancements to the operating system similar to those added for Windows XP is also dead. This announcement comes in spite of many analyst's warnings that long term security issues still exist in Windows 2000.
Microsoft did say that they will release what they call an "Update Rollup" next year as the final security update for the older operating system. But there is no chance that some of the security add-ons like a firewall will be part of it.
A Microsoft spokesperson said, "The enhancements introduced in Windows XP SP2 will not be back-ported to Windows 2000, as this would require a significant rearchitecting to a large portion of the Windows 2000 code base." She also said that feedback from Windows 2000 users indicated they prefer stability to new additions.
Windows 2000 is still the dominate operating system in the business world, although projections indicate that by the end of 2005, the majority of those users will have migrated over to Windows XP.
Microsoft did say that they will release what they call an "Update Rollup" next year as the final security update for the older operating system. But there is no chance that some of the security add-ons like a firewall will be part of it.
A Microsoft spokesperson said, "The enhancements introduced in Windows XP SP2 will not be back-ported to Windows 2000, as this would require a significant rearchitecting to a large portion of the Windows 2000 code base." She also said that feedback from Windows 2000 users indicated they prefer stability to new additions.
Windows 2000 is still the dominate operating system in the business world, although projections indicate that by the end of 2005, the majority of those users will have migrated over to Windows XP.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Are You Using Toolbars?
Do you know about search toolbars? Are you using them? If not, I would strongly recommend you consider using one, especially if you are using Internet Explorer. A search toolbar sits on top part of your browser and allow you to do a search without going to the search engine's homepage.
The toolbar originated because Microsoft's Internet Explorer did not have a way to search the most popular search engines. Google is by far the most popular search engine, so Google was one of the first to come out with a useful toolbar. Besides searching, the Google toolbar allows you to access other Google services like news, shopping, groups, etc.
I've been using the Google toolbar in my IE for some time now and find it very useful. And, it was the first toolbar that blocked popup ads. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for Maxthon, my main browser, but Maxthon allows me to set up a Google search, so I am fine with that. And Maxthon has its own popup blocker.
If you have switched to the new Firefox browser, Google does have a toolbar for it. So if you still use IE or Firefox, you might want to consider a search toolbar. Recently, CNET did a review of web toolbars, so before you pick one, or are considering changing, you should probably look at this review. Go to:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3514_7-5577625.html
The toolbar originated because Microsoft's Internet Explorer did not have a way to search the most popular search engines. Google is by far the most popular search engine, so Google was one of the first to come out with a useful toolbar. Besides searching, the Google toolbar allows you to access other Google services like news, shopping, groups, etc.
I've been using the Google toolbar in my IE for some time now and find it very useful. And, it was the first toolbar that blocked popup ads. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for Maxthon, my main browser, but Maxthon allows me to set up a Google search, so I am fine with that. And Maxthon has its own popup blocker.
If you have switched to the new Firefox browser, Google does have a toolbar for it. So if you still use IE or Firefox, you might want to consider a search toolbar. Recently, CNET did a review of web toolbars, so before you pick one, or are considering changing, you should probably look at this review. Go to:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3514_7-5577625.html
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Doublecheck Your Spyware Protection
Today's web log is about spyware. And for this one, I am going to give you the bottom line right at the top of the article:
- If you don't have the software known as "Spybot – Search and Destroy," download it today. It is free (Link is at the bottom of this article). Do it now…I will wait for you to finish.
- If you have this software, check which version you have. If you have version 1.2 or less, download version 1.3 and install it right on top of your old version.
- If you have version 1.3, check and see if there are any updates available. You can do this right inside the program when it is running. If there are updates, download and install them. The program will handle this for you. Once a week, check again for updates.
- After you check for existing spyware, wipe out the spyware that the software has found, then run "Immunization" so that spyware can't re-infect your computer.
OK. Now I will tell you the story that would normally be written above the bottom line. I have long recommended "Spybot" as the best program to protect your computer against spyware. It finds and destroys spyware and it can immunize your computer against re-infection. The software's authors also update the spyware definitions on a regular basis.
But recently I became aware of some issues with Spybot that you should know. We recently purchased a new computer for Susan. And when I set it all up, I downloaded the latest version of Spybot to protect her computer. During the installation process, I noticed that this latest version, 1.3, seemed to block more spyware than my two personal computers. So, I decided to check.
My laptop and my desk computer both had version 1.2. I checked for updates on a regular basis and did so again and found there were no new updates. So, on a hunch, I downloaded Version 1.3 and installed it right over the top of my old version. I also downloaded the latest updates for 1.3, then ran the program.
And guess what? There was spyware on my computer. I repeated the process on my laptop and found even more spyware on it. Even though I stayed on top with updates for version 1.2, new spyware found its way on to my computer. All I can assume is that the software's authors don't keep updating definitions for older versions. I am very glad I checked and hope you do so also. If you use some other spyware protection, be sure and check if there are any updates available.
Spyware is like viruses. Someone is always coming out new versions that bypass spyware detection software. Spyware detection software authors are continually writing updates, but it is up to us to update our computers.
It is a pet peeve of mine that individuals and corporations can continue to plant spyware in my computer without my permission. The good news is there is legislation pending in Congress aimed at stopping spyware infections, although I remain dubious about its possible success.
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Computer Destroys Rose Bowl
OK. This is a rant. I originally had no plans to write about this, as mad as I am, but another reporters on CNET did write about it, so I am just passing it along. If you don't care about football, don't read any further.
As many of you long time readers know, I am an avid football fan, both college and pro. I don't care any more about any other sports (Ok, so I did watch the Red Sox in Game 7 against the Yankees). I also grew up in Northern California, so I have been a lifelong fan of the Cal Bears and the Stanford Cardinal (they were the Indians when I grew up). And, of course, that makes me a fan of the Rose Bowl. Having moved to the Northwest, I am also a fan of the two Washington schools, and even Oregon schools.
I love the tradition...Big 10 against PAC10. That is the way it supposed to be. I watch the teams in those two conferences on TV more than any other just so I can see who will make it to the Rose Bowl. Since USC is going to play for the National Championship in the Orange Bowl, I rooted all year for the Cal Bears so they can make it to the Rose Bowl. And they rewarded my cheering by winning all their games, except to USC, where they just barely lost.
But what happens? This idiotic system they call the BCS, put Texas ahead of Cal after the last game, even though Cal won their game and Texas didn't even play. That means Texas will be in the Rose Bowl against Michigan of the Big 10. That is stupid!!! Cal belongs in the Rose Bowl. PAC10 teams go to the Rose Bowl, not Texas teams!! All us west coast football fans were cheated...and by a computerized system that doesn't work.
Needless to say, I will be not be watching the Rose Bowl this year, for the first time in many, many years. I hope you won't either. If you would like to read Jeff Pelline's excellent article on CNET, the link is below. I think he is even madder than me. Thanks for letting me rant.
http://news.com.com/Technology+trumps+Rose+Bowl+tradition/2100-1026_3-5478508.html
As many of you long time readers know, I am an avid football fan, both college and pro. I don't care any more about any other sports (Ok, so I did watch the Red Sox in Game 7 against the Yankees). I also grew up in Northern California, so I have been a lifelong fan of the Cal Bears and the Stanford Cardinal (they were the Indians when I grew up). And, of course, that makes me a fan of the Rose Bowl. Having moved to the Northwest, I am also a fan of the two Washington schools, and even Oregon schools.
I love the tradition...Big 10 against PAC10. That is the way it supposed to be. I watch the teams in those two conferences on TV more than any other just so I can see who will make it to the Rose Bowl. Since USC is going to play for the National Championship in the Orange Bowl, I rooted all year for the Cal Bears so they can make it to the Rose Bowl. And they rewarded my cheering by winning all their games, except to USC, where they just barely lost.
But what happens? This idiotic system they call the BCS, put Texas ahead of Cal after the last game, even though Cal won their game and Texas didn't even play. That means Texas will be in the Rose Bowl against Michigan of the Big 10. That is stupid!!! Cal belongs in the Rose Bowl. PAC10 teams go to the Rose Bowl, not Texas teams!! All us west coast football fans were cheated...and by a computerized system that doesn't work.
Needless to say, I will be not be watching the Rose Bowl this year, for the first time in many, many years. I hope you won't either. If you would like to read Jeff Pelline's excellent article on CNET, the link is below. I think he is even madder than me. Thanks for letting me rant.
http://news.com.com/Technology+trumps+Rose+Bowl+tradition/2100-1026_3-5478508.html
Top 100 Products of the Year
I always look forward to this list. CNET, which does an excellent job staying on top of new products throughout the year, publishes a list about this same time every year of its top 100 products.
It lists 10 categories for these products: Desktop computers, laptops, software, storage, peripherals, cell phones, handhelds, home entertainment, digital music, and digital cameras.
To check out this list, go to the following web site:
http://www.cnet.com/4520-6022_1-102337-1.html
It lists 10 categories for these products: Desktop computers, laptops, software, storage, peripherals, cell phones, handhelds, home entertainment, digital music, and digital cameras.
To check out this list, go to the following web site:
http://www.cnet.com/4520-6022_1-102337-1.html
Friday, December 10, 2004
College Tells Students Not to Use Explorer
Penn State University is urging students to drop Internet Explorer in favor of alternative Web browsers such as Firefox and Safari. The university, home to Joe Paterno and the Nittney Lions recommended that students download other browsers to reduce attacks through vulnerabilities in the Microsoft software.
The university said "media reports" and a string of warnings by Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Emergency and Response Team led to its recommendation.
Security concerns have prompted a growing number of Internet users, including some large corporations, to embrace different browsers, such as The Mozilla Organization's Firefox, Apple Computer's Safari and Opera Software's Opera. While IE remains the undisputed leader for browsers, with nearly 90 percent market share, Firefox continues to gain in popularity.
Maybe we should listen to what all these folks are telling us and change browsers. I did.
The university said "media reports" and a string of warnings by Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Emergency and Response Team led to its recommendation.
Penn State's new policy highlights the many security vulnerabilities that have dogged IE over the past few months. Nearly two dozen holes in the Web browser have been discovered during the fall, ranging in degrees of seriousness.
Malicious code writers have targeted security holes in the browser to launch attacks or install spyware. These attacks are often launched when a victim clicks on a specific Web link, opening the door for criminals to take over the person's computer. Once the PC is compromised, the attacker could access account information, load other software and delete files.Security concerns have prompted a growing number of Internet users, including some large corporations, to embrace different browsers, such as The Mozilla Organization's Firefox, Apple Computer's Safari and Opera Software's Opera. While IE remains the undisputed leader for browsers, with nearly 90 percent market share, Firefox continues to gain in popularity.
Maybe we should listen to what all these folks are telling us and change browsers. I did.
IBM PC Division Sold to China
It has been announced that IBM will sell its PC division to the China-based Lenovo Group and take a minority stake in the former rival in a deal valued at $1.75 billion. The two companies will form a complex joint venture that will make Lenovo the third-largest PC maker in the world, behind Dell and Hewlett-Packard, but still give IBM a hand in the PC business. The deal is expected to be completed in the second quarter.
Under the deal, IBM will take an 18.9 percent stake in Lenovo. Lenovo will pay $1.25 billion for the IBM PC unit and assume debt, which will bring the total cost to $1.75 billion.
Under the deal, IBM will take an 18.9 percent stake in Lenovo. Lenovo will pay $1.25 billion for the IBM PC unit and assume debt, which will bring the total cost to $1.75 billion.
Lenovo will be the preferred supplier of PC's to IBM and will be allowed to use the IBM brand for five years under an agreement that includes the "Think" brand. Big Blue has promised to support the PC maker with marketing and via its IBM corporate sales force.
Just thought you should know in case you are thinking of buying an IBM computer. China is definitely becoming a world economic power.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
First Review of Thunderbird
A couple of days ago, I told you about the new e-mail software called, Thunderbird, written by the same Mozilla folks who brought you the wildly popular Firefox web browser.
The folks at PC Magazine appear to be the first to write an in-depth review, so I thought I would pass it along. Hint: They like it. It's nice to see someone challenging Microsoft's dominance. To read the review, go to:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1736971,00.asp
The folks at PC Magazine appear to be the first to write an in-depth review, so I thought I would pass it along. Hint: They like it. It's nice to see someone challenging Microsoft's dominance. To read the review, go to:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1736971,00.asp
And the Winner is...
According to security software maker Sophos, the worse virus of the year award goes to...Netsky-P. This pesky little devil accounted for over 22% of all virus reports monitored by Sophos. It was first discovered in March and is only one of 30 variants of Netsky.
In second place was is Zafi-B, which accounted for 19% of the reports. Zafi was first discovered in April. The fact that these two viruses are still infecting computers after so many month is tell-tall in itself. It means that people and businesses and home users are still running without virus protection or are not updating the software with the latest virus updates. Sophos believes that home users are the worst offenders and they are the ones passing it along to businesses.
Sven Jaschan, the self-confessed author of the Netsky and Sasser worms, was taken into custody by German police in May. He is scheduled to go to trial early next year. His viruses, however, continue to live on, accounting for more than 50 percent of all virus reports this year, according to Sophos.
The other sad part of this story is that virus attacks were up 52% in 2004 over the previous year. Sophos expects even more attacks this year.
In second place was is Zafi-B, which accounted for 19% of the reports. Zafi was first discovered in April. The fact that these two viruses are still infecting computers after so many month is tell-tall in itself. It means that people and businesses and home users are still running without virus protection or are not updating the software with the latest virus updates. Sophos believes that home users are the worst offenders and they are the ones passing it along to businesses.
Sven Jaschan, the self-confessed author of the Netsky and Sasser worms, was taken into custody by German police in May. He is scheduled to go to trial early next year. His viruses, however, continue to live on, accounting for more than 50 percent of all virus reports this year, according to Sophos.
The other sad part of this story is that virus attacks were up 52% in 2004 over the previous year. Sophos expects even more attacks this year.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
What Not to Buy for Christmas
If you are thinking about a tech gift for someone in your life, you might best read the linked article before you go shopping. It is a list of the ten worst tech products of the year as compiled by PC Magazine. If nothing else, it is fun to read. Go to:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1735287,00.asp
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1735287,00.asp
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Firefox Introduces E-Mail Software
The success of Mozilla's free Firefox web browser (see previous web log entries) is helping pave the way for their next big release: an e-mail software to replace Microsoft's Outlook Express. Called Thunderbird, the first version is currently being targeted at consumers.
Among its features, Thunderbird 1.0 provides a user-controlled spam filter, a built-in RSS reader for web logs, and a new way to manage and filter e-mail messages. It also can be used as a client for a range of popular, Web-based e-mail services such as the premium version of Yahoo Mail and Google Inc.'s Gmail that support POP3.
I haven't tried it yet, but plan on doing so soon. The fact that it has a built-in spam filter makes it worthwhile to consider. If you would like to try it yourself for free, go to:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
Among its features, Thunderbird 1.0 provides a user-controlled spam filter, a built-in RSS reader for web logs, and a new way to manage and filter e-mail messages. It also can be used as a client for a range of popular, Web-based e-mail services such as the premium version of Yahoo Mail and Google Inc.'s Gmail that support POP3.
I haven't tried it yet, but plan on doing so soon. The fact that it has a built-in spam filter makes it worthwhile to consider. If you would like to try it yourself for free, go to:
http://www.mozilla.org/products/thunderbird/
Monday, December 06, 2004
Free Anti Virus Software
Recently, my one year subscription to Norton Anti-Virus updates ran out on my laptop. Rather than renew it, I decided to seek out some possible free alternatives. I did some research and came up with one product that seemed to draw rave reviews from its users.
The program is called Avast! It comes in different versions including a free one for home use. I downloaded it a month ago and installed it which is quite easy, although you must always remember to uninstall any existing anti-virus software before installing Avast!
The program works like a dream and can operate on six levels inside your computer: It protects you for instant messaging, standard Internet e-mail, Outlook/Exchange mail, a standard shield against any viral activity in your computer, a peer-to-peer shield for downloads, and a network shield. It also operates with a lot fewer system resources than Norton.
Avast! also updates itself automatically on a daily basis by downloading new virus definitions in the background. After a month of testing, I am totally impressed and recommend it to anyone looking for quality protection against viruses and worms. You can get it at:
http://www.avast.com
The program is called Avast! It comes in different versions including a free one for home use. I downloaded it a month ago and installed it which is quite easy, although you must always remember to uninstall any existing anti-virus software before installing Avast!
The program works like a dream and can operate on six levels inside your computer: It protects you for instant messaging, standard Internet e-mail, Outlook/Exchange mail, a standard shield against any viral activity in your computer, a peer-to-peer shield for downloads, and a network shield. It also operates with a lot fewer system resources than Norton.
Avast! also updates itself automatically on a daily basis by downloading new virus definitions in the background. After a month of testing, I am totally impressed and recommend it to anyone looking for quality protection against viruses and worms. You can get it at:
http://www.avast.com
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Receive Emergency Information for Free
As the first snow falls in our part of the Pacific Northwest, I am reminded of a great free service that sends out emergency warnings via e-mail. The Emergency E-Mail and Wireless Network has been around for several years. Its specific function is to send out emergency notifications about forthcoming bad weather or other natural disasters.
Since 911, it has expanded its scope of operations to include updated Homeland Security notifications, local emergency information and health warnings. They have expanded their service to include cell phone and pager notification. It is a great service that everyone should subscribe to.
On September 11, 2001, I sat at my computer early in the morning, working away before heading off to my regular job. An e-mail arrived from the Emergency Network informing me that an airplane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. It was these folks that first alerted me to what was going on.
This morning, I received information about our snowstorms and how long they are expected to last. I also get information on severe weather such as extreme wind chills and dangerous driving conditions.
If you would like more information and want to sign up, go to their website at:
http://www.emergencyemail.org/
Since 911, it has expanded its scope of operations to include updated Homeland Security notifications, local emergency information and health warnings. They have expanded their service to include cell phone and pager notification. It is a great service that everyone should subscribe to.
On September 11, 2001, I sat at my computer early in the morning, working away before heading off to my regular job. An e-mail arrived from the Emergency Network informing me that an airplane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers. It was these folks that first alerted me to what was going on.
This morning, I received information about our snowstorms and how long they are expected to last. I also get information on severe weather such as extreme wind chills and dangerous driving conditions.
If you would like more information and want to sign up, go to their website at:
http://www.emergencyemail.org/
Saturday, December 04, 2004
e-Bay's Newest - Want Ads
Everyone's favorite shopping site, eBay, has introduced a brand new feature that allows customers to post want ads for items they are looking to buy. The feature, dubbed, "Want It Now" represents a big departure from eBay's traditional setup, which allowed people to search the auctioneer's listings, but not the opportunity to display what sort of products they were in the market for.
The company also created a tool that allows individuals selling products on eBay to search the want ads and find buyers who might be interested in their auctions. eBay expects the new feature to allow its customers to find the items they are looking to buy faster, while giving people selling items a chance to make sales more quickly.
The company also created a tool that allows individuals selling products on eBay to search the want ads and find buyers who might be interested in their auctions. eBay expects the new feature to allow its customers to find the items they are looking to buy faster, while giving people selling items a chance to make sales more quickly.
Don't Make That Call!
If during this holiday season you are planning to celebrate by heavily consuming alcoholic beverages at parties, boy, do we have a cell phone service for you.
Virgin Mobile has a new service that lets its customers, before going to a party, dial in a code plus a phone number that they don't want to call when drunk. For a nominal fee of 25 cents, Virgin Mobil will then stop all calls to that number by putting it on a blacklist until 6:00 AM the following day.
The service came into being when a survey conducted by Virgin Mobile showed that 95% of the people surveyed admitted to making drunken phone calls that they were later sorry they had made. Those calls included 30% to ex-partners and spouses, 19% to current partners and spouses, and 36% to other folks, including their bosses.
Virgin Mobile has a new service that lets its customers, before going to a party, dial in a code plus a phone number that they don't want to call when drunk. For a nominal fee of 25 cents, Virgin Mobil will then stop all calls to that number by putting it on a blacklist until 6:00 AM the following day.
The service came into being when a survey conducted by Virgin Mobile showed that 95% of the people surveyed admitted to making drunken phone calls that they were later sorry they had made. Those calls included 30% to ex-partners and spouses, 19% to current partners and spouses, and 36% to other folks, including their bosses.
Friday, December 03, 2004
More on the AT&T/Cingular Merger
In my small little corner of the world, AT&T has been a popular choice for cell phone users as it was one of the few providers willing to come to this area (see my bio). I personally found AT&T to be a good choice for my needs and their phone service quality was better than one other provider that I tried. I have also had good luck with their customer service, but I know that is not true with all AT&T users.
So, I must admit I was a little nervous when I heard about the merger, as I am a firm believer in the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But, of course, AT&T was broke in terms of its balance sheet and we users have no voice in the company's operations.
That being the case, I was happy to find an article published on ZDNet today about what the merger means to users. If you are an AT&T/Cingular customer, you should read this informative story. Go to:
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorDesk/4520-7296_16-5584526.html?
So, I must admit I was a little nervous when I heard about the merger, as I am a firm believer in the old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." But, of course, AT&T was broke in terms of its balance sheet and we users have no voice in the company's operations.
That being the case, I was happy to find an article published on ZDNet today about what the merger means to users. If you are an AT&T/Cingular customer, you should read this informative story. Go to:
http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorDesk/4520-7296_16-5584526.html?
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Browsers Galore
Someone should start a web log that focuses soley on all the new web browsers coming to market. It seems lots of creative folks are coming out with products to replace Microsoft's Internet Explorer that offer more features than IE and fix the problems that Microsoft doesn't seem interested in solving.
Here are two new ones that have shown up in the last couple of days:
First, there is Deepnet Explorer, a browser shell that uses the IE engine, but also scans visited sights to see if they might be part of a phishing scam in which crooks attempt to get personal and payment information from unsuspecting visitors. This new browser is also capable of blocking the new "floating" or "overlay" ads that bypass the current crop of ad blockers included in most new browsers. These ads are showing up on many commercial web sites because so many people are using ad blockers.
The second browser is Netscape, believe it or not. Yes, the original leader of the browser back with a new beta version that uses both the Mozilla and Internet Explorer engines. Mozilla is the engine that drives browsers such a the widely popular new Firefox. The IE engine, now considered the defacto standard for the Internet is employed not only in Explorer, but in other new browsers, such as Maxthon, mentioned in a previous blog. Users of the new Netscape can switch between the two engines at will.
So, how has the new crop of browsers affected Microsoft? According to figures released this week by one web traffic monitoring company, the use of IE has dropped below 90% for the first time in years. Presumably this is because of the popularity of Firefox in the last couple of months. Of course, Firefox is being brought to you by the same people that just put out the new version of Netscape!
Confused yet?
Here are two new ones that have shown up in the last couple of days:
First, there is Deepnet Explorer, a browser shell that uses the IE engine, but also scans visited sights to see if they might be part of a phishing scam in which crooks attempt to get personal and payment information from unsuspecting visitors. This new browser is also capable of blocking the new "floating" or "overlay" ads that bypass the current crop of ad blockers included in most new browsers. These ads are showing up on many commercial web sites because so many people are using ad blockers.
The second browser is Netscape, believe it or not. Yes, the original leader of the browser back with a new beta version that uses both the Mozilla and Internet Explorer engines. Mozilla is the engine that drives browsers such a the widely popular new Firefox. The IE engine, now considered the defacto standard for the Internet is employed not only in Explorer, but in other new browsers, such as Maxthon, mentioned in a previous blog. Users of the new Netscape can switch between the two engines at will.
So, how has the new crop of browsers affected Microsoft? According to figures released this week by one web traffic monitoring company, the use of IE has dropped below 90% for the first time in years. Presumably this is because of the popularity of Firefox in the last couple of months. Of course, Firefox is being brought to you by the same people that just put out the new version of Netscape!
Confused yet?
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