The Bush administration has announced it will support ending a century-old ghost of the Spanish American War known as the federal excise tax on long-distance wireless and landline telephone service. Treasury Secretary John Snow said the White House will support a Senate bill calling for the removal of the unpopular 3 percent tax that was incorporated in 1898 to fund the Spanish American War.
"Today is a good day for the American taxpayers," Snow said. "It marks the beginning of the end of an outdated, antiquated tax."
In 2002, Congress passed a bill to repeal the tax and a number of federal appeals courts have called for its removal as well. However, this is the first time a presidential administration has supported the move. As part of the decision, taxpayers are set to get refunds for tax payments made over the past three years.
Exact details aren't known at this point, but it's likely that refunds will be included in 2006 individual tax returns. Snow estimated the refunds will cost the government $13 billion in 2007 and 2008, a huge amount by any stretch but particularly at a time when federal budget deficits are staggering. Inside sources say the government was relying on receiving more than $42 billion from the tax through 2011.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Will Feds End Spanish-American War Telephone Tax?
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Telephone Scam to Steal Your Identity
It just never ends...crooks out there finding new ways to steal your identity and your money. A San Francisco-based security firm disclosed that it has discovered a phishing con in which the grifters use Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to record data from banks' automated voice systems.
Here is how it works: the swindlers send out e-mails in which they pose as a victim's bank. The messages claim that there is a problem with the user's bank account and provide a number to call to enter personal information about the account. Targeted victims who call the number included in the e-mail are connected via VoIP to a computer running an automated voice-answering system that sounds just like a bank's phone tree.
This new phishing attack is effective because the phone system identifies itself to the victims as the financial institution and prompts them to enter account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). The scammers then have complete access to all the financial records attached to the account. Prior to this scam phishers have relied almost exclusively on attracting unsuspecting consumers to phony versions of financial Web sites. VoIP services can reduce the cost associated with conducting such attacks, providing the perpetrators with less risk of discovery.
Here is how it works: the swindlers send out e-mails in which they pose as a victim's bank. The messages claim that there is a problem with the user's bank account and provide a number to call to enter personal information about the account. Targeted victims who call the number included in the e-mail are connected via VoIP to a computer running an automated voice-answering system that sounds just like a bank's phone tree.
This new phishing attack is effective because the phone system identifies itself to the victims as the financial institution and prompts them to enter account numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs). The scammers then have complete access to all the financial records attached to the account. Prior to this scam phishers have relied almost exclusively on attracting unsuspecting consumers to phony versions of financial Web sites. VoIP services can reduce the cost associated with conducting such attacks, providing the perpetrators with less risk of discovery.
The schemes represent an unprecedented alteration in phishing tactics. In fact, this new method may have been in use for some time. The risks posed by the scam are serious because there is no evidence that the VoIP providers are even aware of the scam.
Just be overly cautious when you are giving out your personal financial data.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
At Last...Full Vista Requirements
After a longer-than-expected wait and a few hints, Microsoft has finally released the specifications about what your computer needs to run their new version of Windows, "Vista," due for release around the first of next year.
In fact, Microsoft has two programs to handle these specifications: First, is what is being called the "Vista-capable" program tells you what computers meet a minimum set of requirements to tout themselves as able to run the new Windows.
The second program is called "Premium Ready." Computer makers who meet higher requirements will be able to tout their machines as "Premium Ready," indicating the PCs are able to take advantage of higher-end features, such as Vista's Aero graphics.
Microsoft has also launched "Get Ready" Web site, which includes an Upgrade Advisor tool to help people determine just how Vista-ready an existing PC is. The downloadable program is designed to tell people which features and versions of Vista their PC is able to run, thereby abstracting some of the complex requirements of Vista. For example, Aero graphics require a certain amount of memory bandwidth--a measurement of PC performance that few people are likely to know about in their machine. The advisor tool will simply say whether a PC will work out or not, rather than focus on specific requirements.
Microsoft also published the official minimum requirements for Vista, largely matching the Vista-capable specifications. Systems need an 800 MHz processor, 512MB of memory, a 20GB hard drive with 15GB of free space and a CD-ROM drive. That guarantees access to Vista's core features, but not Aero and other premium features.
Most computers now on the market should be Vista-capable, according to Microsoft. For example, all systems introduced by Dell this year are Vista-capable. The majority of Dell's Vista-capable machines will support Aero graphics and more than three-fourths of its models can be configured to run the fancier graphics. Dell is also offering 17 custom-configured systems that are designed to support Aero.
In fact, Microsoft has two programs to handle these specifications: First, is what is being called the "Vista-capable" program tells you what computers meet a minimum set of requirements to tout themselves as able to run the new Windows.
The second program is called "Premium Ready." Computer makers who meet higher requirements will be able to tout their machines as "Premium Ready," indicating the PCs are able to take advantage of higher-end features, such as Vista's Aero graphics.
Microsoft has also launched "Get Ready" Web site, which includes an Upgrade Advisor tool to help people determine just how Vista-ready an existing PC is. The downloadable program is designed to tell people which features and versions of Vista their PC is able to run, thereby abstracting some of the complex requirements of Vista. For example, Aero graphics require a certain amount of memory bandwidth--a measurement of PC performance that few people are likely to know about in their machine. The advisor tool will simply say whether a PC will work out or not, rather than focus on specific requirements.
Microsoft also published the official minimum requirements for Vista, largely matching the Vista-capable specifications. Systems need an 800 MHz processor, 512MB of memory, a 20GB hard drive with 15GB of free space and a CD-ROM drive. That guarantees access to Vista's core features, but not Aero and other premium features.
Most computers now on the market should be Vista-capable, according to Microsoft. For example, all systems introduced by Dell this year are Vista-capable. The majority of Dell's Vista-capable machines will support Aero graphics and more than three-fourths of its models can be configured to run the fancier graphics. Dell is also offering 17 custom-configured systems that are designed to support Aero.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Dangers Lurk in Search Engines
We all use search engines when surfing the Web. It is a fact of life. Most of us probably use Google. But, no matter which of the major search engines you use, a new report by McAfee's SiteAdvisor finds that sponsored results from some of the biggest names in the search engine business contain spyware, spam, scams and other Internet menaces.
The study, which was conducted by anti-spyware activist Ben Edelman and SiteAdvisor research analyst Hannah Rosenbaum, found that all the major search engines, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN, AOL and Ask.com, all returned risky sites in results for popular keywords.
The study, which was conducted by anti-spyware activist Ben Edelman and SiteAdvisor research analyst Hannah Rosenbaum, found that all the major search engines, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft's MSN, AOL and Ask.com, all returned risky sites in results for popular keywords.
Even worse, sponsored results contained two to four times as many dangerous sites as organic results, according to the survey, which combined data from SiteAdvisor's automated Web crawlers and new searches using popular keywords culled from the Google Zeitgeist and other industry sources. During the survey, which began in January 2006, the researchers used 1,394 popular keywords to extract top organic and sponsored search engine results and evaluated the site safety against SiteAdvisor's color-coded safety assessments.
The most dangerous keywords include "free screensavers," "bearshare," "kazaa," "download music" and "free games." Based on the findings, the researchers estimate that Web surfers in the United States make 285 million clicks to hostile sites every month as a result of search engine results.
SiteAdvisor, which I wrote about a couple of months ago, is a free plugin available for Firefox or Internet Explorer Web Browsers. It analyzes and rates each site so that when you do a search, the rating pops up next to each listing that the search engine returns. I use it and heartily recommend that you do the same. SiteAdvisor was recently acquired by McAfee.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Web Calendaring is all the Rage
Getting organized has suddenly become the right thing to do. The reason...Google recently came out with a free on-line calendar that has become a media darling. Now, its no secret that calendaring and organizational software has been around for quite some time. Look no further than my blogs as I have occasionally written about these kinds of programs since I first started writing my newsletter all those years ago.
And, being a somewhat organized person who is always looking for a better way, I have tried many of them...Especially the free ones! These days, I use Lotus Organizer, V.6.1, a program that I once used many years ago and got away from when Lotus didn't do a good job keeping up with Windows. In between times, I used Microsoft's very popular Outlook, Franklin-Covey's PlanPlus, EssentialPIM Pro, MediaBee (for group organization), Yahoo's Calendar, and a few others. Now, I am back to Organizer and am very happy. It works just great for me and I was willing to pay for it.
But, maybe an on-line organizational program may be just right for you. But which one to choose? Well, I suggest you give them all a try, since they are free. As mentioned above, I have tried and am still experimenting with MediaBee for sharing calendars with Susan and other members of our family. Starting this weekend, we live such separate lives with me on the road that keeping up with each other's plans can be difficult. This one may work well for our lifestyle.
I have also used Yahoo's Calendar as part of the My Yahoo program that I still think is outstanding after all these years. I access the My Yahooo page almost everyday to access information that I deem to be important. I don't use the Calendar feature anymore as I prefer to use Lotus Organizer. But, Yahoo has kept improving it over the years and it is a good one.
I've not used the new Google Calendar, but Elinor Mills, a reporter for CNET, has done an in-depth report, not only about the new program, but also switching from her trusted paper notebook that she carried everywhere to Google Calendar. It was a good read.
If you would like to see what the calendar pages look like from the major on-line players, click on this link to see some screen shots.
And finally, you can read CNET's head-to-head review of goggle's' Calendar vs Yahoo's Calendar and see which one their reviewers think is the best. Getting organized is a good thing to do, especially as one gets older and can't remember things as well anymore. Maybe one of the free on-line calendar and organizing programs is just what you need.
Well, I am off to Leavenworth today for my first art show of the year, so my tech blogs may be few and far between for the next six months. But I will try to keep it going when I can.
And, being a somewhat organized person who is always looking for a better way, I have tried many of them...Especially the free ones! These days, I use Lotus Organizer, V.6.1, a program that I once used many years ago and got away from when Lotus didn't do a good job keeping up with Windows. In between times, I used Microsoft's very popular Outlook, Franklin-Covey's PlanPlus, EssentialPIM Pro, MediaBee (for group organization), Yahoo's Calendar, and a few others. Now, I am back to Organizer and am very happy. It works just great for me and I was willing to pay for it.
But, maybe an on-line organizational program may be just right for you. But which one to choose? Well, I suggest you give them all a try, since they are free. As mentioned above, I have tried and am still experimenting with MediaBee for sharing calendars with Susan and other members of our family. Starting this weekend, we live such separate lives with me on the road that keeping up with each other's plans can be difficult. This one may work well for our lifestyle.
I have also used Yahoo's Calendar as part of the My Yahoo program that I still think is outstanding after all these years. I access the My Yahooo page almost everyday to access information that I deem to be important. I don't use the Calendar feature anymore as I prefer to use Lotus Organizer. But, Yahoo has kept improving it over the years and it is a good one.
I've not used the new Google Calendar, but Elinor Mills, a reporter for CNET, has done an in-depth report, not only about the new program, but also switching from her trusted paper notebook that she carried everywhere to Google Calendar. It was a good read.
If you would like to see what the calendar pages look like from the major on-line players, click on this link to see some screen shots.
And finally, you can read CNET's head-to-head review of goggle's' Calendar vs Yahoo's Calendar and see which one their reviewers think is the best. Getting organized is a good thing to do, especially as one gets older and can't remember things as well anymore. Maybe one of the free on-line calendar and organizing programs is just what you need.
Well, I am off to Leavenworth today for my first art show of the year, so my tech blogs may be few and far between for the next six months. But I will try to keep it going when I can.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The Spirit of Yosemite
Hello, everyone. I'm back from our trip to Yosemite National Park. It was a wonderful six days although 2.5 of
them was spent driving. All-in-all, we had almost four full days in Yosemite Valley and at our cabin up near Wawona (23 miles south of the valley). The weather was stunning, to say the least...highs in the 70's with plenty of sunshine and some clouds here and there to liven up the photographs.
The waterfalls were bursting, with mists floating back almost halfway up the falls. There are so many waterfalls this time of year, many without names because they only appear in the spring. The apple and dogwood trees were in bloom and the meadows and trees were bright green. And the light in the valley was wonderful. The whole valley changes throughout the day as the sum moves across the sky. There were a lot of people there, but no where near the number of folks that will visit in the summer. Now is the very best time to be there, before Memorial Day.
I took over 600 photographs in four days. Some of them are very good and I have managed to print 3 or 4 of them today to take with me to this weekend's art show in Leavenworth.
While I have glanced at all of them, I have a ton of work to do to in reviewing them all for future use. When I have some time, I will begin posting them on my website.
But more than all that, it was an incredible feeling to be back in Yosemite after so many years. I didn't realize how much it is a part of me until I arrived and saw it again. There is a special spirit that encompasses Yosemite like no other place in the world. You can see it in almost every visitor. So many wouldn't give you the time of day anywhere else in the world, but in Yosemite, they all want to talk and share their feelings. It may be one of the friendliest places you will ever visit.
There have been a lot of man-made changes since I was last there as the National Park Service does its best to keep Yosemite special and enjoyable for visitors while trying to save the natural environment. But, it really was the same place I remember as a kid.
While I continued my love affair in the valley, Susan found her special place in the Mariposa Grove of the giant Sequoia trees. She was deeply moved by the giant trees that are well over 2,000 years old. She actually got up early Monday morning and went back to visit them again by
herself.
Besides spending time with my brother and friends in our cabin, there was one other special event that took place. The Sunday we were visiting was the 60th annual Wedding Vow Renewal Sunday that they do the first weekend every May in the chapel that is across the meadow from Yosemite falls. The church was filled with people there to renew there vows, many of whom were originally married there. Susan and I joined them at the alter and renewed our vows, which was very moving for all of us. We then finished the service outside while looking at Yosemite Falls.
If you have never been to Yosemite, you need to see it and be a part of it. I promise you will see amazing sights and experience emotions like you have never known before.
Now it is back to reality. I will try to get a tech blog out tomorrow morning before I leave for Leavenworth.
them was spent driving. All-in-all, we had almost four full days in Yosemite Valley and at our cabin up near Wawona (23 miles south of the valley). The weather was stunning, to say the least...highs in the 70's with plenty of sunshine and some clouds here and there to liven up the photographs.The waterfalls were bursting, with mists floating back almost halfway up the falls. There are so many waterfalls this time of year, many without names because they only appear in the spring. The apple and dogwood trees were in bloom and the meadows and trees were bright green. And the light in the valley was wonderful. The whole valley changes throughout the day as the sum moves across the sky. There were a lot of people there, but no where near the number of folks that will visit in the summer. Now is the very best time to be there, before Memorial Day.
I took over 600 photographs in four days. Some of them are very good and I have managed to print 3 or 4 of them today to take with me to this weekend's art show in Leavenworth.
While I have glanced at all of them, I have a ton of work to do to in reviewing them all for future use. When I have some time, I will begin posting them on my website.But more than all that, it was an incredible feeling to be back in Yosemite after so many years. I didn't realize how much it is a part of me until I arrived and saw it again. There is a special spirit that encompasses Yosemite like no other place in the world. You can see it in almost every visitor. So many wouldn't give you the time of day anywhere else in the world, but in Yosemite, they all want to talk and share their feelings. It may be one of the friendliest places you will ever visit.
There have been a lot of man-made changes since I was last there as the National Park Service does its best to keep Yosemite special and enjoyable for visitors while trying to save the natural environment. But, it really was the same place I remember as a kid.
While I continued my love affair in the valley, Susan found her special place in the Mariposa Grove of the giant Sequoia trees. She was deeply moved by the giant trees that are well over 2,000 years old. She actually got up early Monday morning and went back to visit them again by
herself.Besides spending time with my brother and friends in our cabin, there was one other special event that took place. The Sunday we were visiting was the 60th annual Wedding Vow Renewal Sunday that they do the first weekend every May in the chapel that is across the meadow from Yosemite falls. The church was filled with people there to renew there vows, many of whom were originally married there. Susan and I joined them at the alter and renewed our vows, which was very moving for all of us. We then finished the service outside while looking at Yosemite Falls.
If you have never been to Yosemite, you need to see it and be a part of it. I promise you will see amazing sights and experience emotions like you have never known before.
Now it is back to reality. I will try to get a tech blog out tomorrow morning before I leave for Leavenworth.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Good Reading from PC Magazine
Before I get started with today's subject matter, I just wanted to say that you will not be hearing from me for a week. Susan and I are off to Yosemite early tomorrow morning for rest, relaxation, friendship (my brother and some good friends from the Bay Area are meeting us there), and of course, a great deal of photography. Our weather forecast is excellent for all our days there: Highs in the 70's, mostly sunny with a few clouds here and there (great for photographs).
We will be staying in a large cabin (with pool table) inside of the park in an area called "The Redwoods." Its about 20 miles south of the valley floor. My brother and some of his friends have been doing this trip for several years, always about this time of year. This is the first time Susan and I have been able to go. Needless to say, we are both excited.
You should also know that when we get back, I will be home for a little more than one day before I hit the road again for my first art show of the year. All of this means that you will not be hearing from me as much as you normally do, at least through October. But, I will try to get out an occasional blog to keep you up with the world of technology as best I can.
Now, on to today's blog. I get a weekly update of new stories in PC Magazine, some of which I have recommended to you previously for your enlightenment. This week's e-mail contained several good stories about things we have discussed here in the past. I hope you will find them as interesting as I did.
Photo Management Software Reviewed
If your digital photo collection is overflowing, you might be interested in this roundup of organizers. There are several of them reviewed, and four Editor's Choice awards handed out. PC Magazine does not give out these awards easily, which is why I was impressed with the review and all the options. And guess what? Their favorite one is free! It the new Picasa, V.2. Although I have written about this software more than once, I have never tried it out. I guess I will when I get back from Yosemite.
The First Origami Computer is a Bust!
Back in March, I wrote about the new Origami mini computer that Microsoft, Intel, and others were touting. It is smaller than a laptop, larger than an iPod, and was supposed to be the second coming, at least in terms of portability. The reviews were mixed on the concept back then. Now, the first one is on the market, and it is not great, according to the PC Magazine review...As I and others suspected.
John C. Dvorak Reviews the New HD-DVD's
If you have ever read Dvorak or my blogs on the new high definition DVD's, you can probably guess what he has to say. In this article he writes about not only about the issues discussed here in the past, but also about using them for burning DVD's on your computer. There is a lot of good new information here regarding burning your own, and it is not good for us consumers. If you have been following the saga of the new HD-DVD's, this article will be of interest.
Rainbow Photographs from Missouri
This is not in PC Magazine, but I was so impressed with the quality and subject matter of the photographs that I had to pass them along to you. This is a case of a superior photographer with excellent knowledge of composition, having a quality camera by his side, and being in the exact right place at the exact right time. Enjoy.
We will be staying in a large cabin (with pool table) inside of the park in an area called "The Redwoods." Its about 20 miles south of the valley floor. My brother and some of his friends have been doing this trip for several years, always about this time of year. This is the first time Susan and I have been able to go. Needless to say, we are both excited.
You should also know that when we get back, I will be home for a little more than one day before I hit the road again for my first art show of the year. All of this means that you will not be hearing from me as much as you normally do, at least through October. But, I will try to get out an occasional blog to keep you up with the world of technology as best I can.
Now, on to today's blog. I get a weekly update of new stories in PC Magazine, some of which I have recommended to you previously for your enlightenment. This week's e-mail contained several good stories about things we have discussed here in the past. I hope you will find them as interesting as I did.
Photo Management Software Reviewed
If your digital photo collection is overflowing, you might be interested in this roundup of organizers. There are several of them reviewed, and four Editor's Choice awards handed out. PC Magazine does not give out these awards easily, which is why I was impressed with the review and all the options. And guess what? Their favorite one is free! It the new Picasa, V.2. Although I have written about this software more than once, I have never tried it out. I guess I will when I get back from Yosemite.
The First Origami Computer is a Bust!
Back in March, I wrote about the new Origami mini computer that Microsoft, Intel, and others were touting. It is smaller than a laptop, larger than an iPod, and was supposed to be the second coming, at least in terms of portability. The reviews were mixed on the concept back then. Now, the first one is on the market, and it is not great, according to the PC Magazine review...As I and others suspected.
John C. Dvorak Reviews the New HD-DVD's
If you have ever read Dvorak or my blogs on the new high definition DVD's, you can probably guess what he has to say. In this article he writes about not only about the issues discussed here in the past, but also about using them for burning DVD's on your computer. There is a lot of good new information here regarding burning your own, and it is not good for us consumers. If you have been following the saga of the new HD-DVD's, this article will be of interest.
Rainbow Photographs from Missouri
This is not in PC Magazine, but I was so impressed with the quality and subject matter of the photographs that I had to pass them along to you. This is a case of a superior photographer with excellent knowledge of composition, having a quality camera by his side, and being in the exact right place at the exact right time. Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Free Software Turns Your Computer into a DVR
The merger of computers and home entertainment continues on at an almost furious pace. The newest event is the release of free software by Yahoo that can turn your computer into a digital video recorder (DVR), along the line of a Sony Tivo and others.
The software, called Yahoo Go for TV, is free to download. After the software is installed, people plug their computer into their television's video and audio input connections. The computer can then record and play back shows on the TV just like with a standalone DVR. Consumers can also play DVDs, music, photos or other downloaded content.
All that is required is a few additional cables and TV tuner card (recommended that you buy one with a remote control). This is substantially less dollars than it takes to buy a commercial DVR like Tivo. It also requires your computer have 20GB of disk space to store recorded programs, 512MB of RAM and a 1GHz or better processor.
Like all DVR's you need to get TV listings so you can program your DVR for automatic recordings. With Yahoo, television listings are provided via a Yahoo Go for TV interface. Users are prompted to give their ZIP code during setup, so that the proper service provider can be chosen. Yahoo Go for TV updates the listings daily. Yahoo TV listings are free, while TIVO listings cost $12.95 per month. The DVR's sold by DirectTV and DishTV also have monthly fees associated with them.
The Yahoo Go for TV software works in conjunction with many of Yahoo's other Yahoo Go media products, such as Yahoo Launchcast, a radio and music subscription service, and Flickr, Yahoo's photo-sharing site. In addition, Go for TV lets people view photos from any online service and to listen to music from CDs or digital-music libraries already stored on the linked computer.
I wish I had the time to try this out as I have an extra computer to play with, but my art season is about to begin, so I probably won't get to play with this product until late autumn. If any of you do try it out, send me an e-mail and let me know how it works.
The software, called Yahoo Go for TV, is free to download. After the software is installed, people plug their computer into their television's video and audio input connections. The computer can then record and play back shows on the TV just like with a standalone DVR. Consumers can also play DVDs, music, photos or other downloaded content.
All that is required is a few additional cables and TV tuner card (recommended that you buy one with a remote control). This is substantially less dollars than it takes to buy a commercial DVR like Tivo. It also requires your computer have 20GB of disk space to store recorded programs, 512MB of RAM and a 1GHz or better processor.
Like all DVR's you need to get TV listings so you can program your DVR for automatic recordings. With Yahoo, television listings are provided via a Yahoo Go for TV interface. Users are prompted to give their ZIP code during setup, so that the proper service provider can be chosen. Yahoo Go for TV updates the listings daily. Yahoo TV listings are free, while TIVO listings cost $12.95 per month. The DVR's sold by DirectTV and DishTV also have monthly fees associated with them.
The Yahoo Go for TV software works in conjunction with many of Yahoo's other Yahoo Go media products, such as Yahoo Launchcast, a radio and music subscription service, and Flickr, Yahoo's photo-sharing site. In addition, Go for TV lets people view photos from any online service and to listen to music from CDs or digital-music libraries already stored on the linked computer.
I wish I had the time to try this out as I have an extra computer to play with, but my art season is about to begin, so I probably won't get to play with this product until late autumn. If any of you do try it out, send me an e-mail and let me know how it works.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Social Bookmarking on the Rise
One of the hottest trends these days on the Net is something that has been labeled "Social Bookmarking." I must admit that I have not really looked into this until recently. I had heard the term and figured it was some ultra-liberal term like "Social Justice," so I just ignored it. In fact, I usually stay away from anything that has the word "social" in it. Probably because I am not very social (Susan says I am becoming a curmudgeon).
Anyway, as I read and investigated this new phenomenon, I discovered that my fears were for nothing. Social bookmarking, as is practiced by the leading website for such things, digg.com, is a place where users can post stories about subjects they find interesting or websites that have piqued their interest. Then, rather than let an editor choose what stories are used, they are posted on the site and users vote as to which stories are interesting and useful.
I am sure there must be some sort of editing so that porn or other dangerous web site are not listed. Other than that, most everything is fair game. It is a good place to find new and intriguing web sites and learn new things. I like the site and will participate when I can.
Like all new trends, digg.com is not the only web site practicing social bookmarking. There are now dozens of other sites...some general like digg.com and others that specialize in one topic. If you would like to read more about the trend, there is a recent article by Rafe Needleman on CNET that gives you a good overview of the topic. Have fun.
Anyway, as I read and investigated this new phenomenon, I discovered that my fears were for nothing. Social bookmarking, as is practiced by the leading website for such things, digg.com, is a place where users can post stories about subjects they find interesting or websites that have piqued their interest. Then, rather than let an editor choose what stories are used, they are posted on the site and users vote as to which stories are interesting and useful.
I am sure there must be some sort of editing so that porn or other dangerous web site are not listed. Other than that, most everything is fair game. It is a good place to find new and intriguing web sites and learn new things. I like the site and will participate when I can.
Like all new trends, digg.com is not the only web site practicing social bookmarking. There are now dozens of other sites...some general like digg.com and others that specialize in one topic. If you would like to read more about the trend, there is a recent article by Rafe Needleman on CNET that gives you a good overview of the topic. Have fun.
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