As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I have moved to digital photography after many, many years of using film. It is a big change in so many ways and I am still learning the fine points.
One of the most important things about digital photography is the image types that are available to you. Using a film camera, I had to first choose between black and white film, color negative film, or color slide film. When I chose one of the three, I had to choose among many choices for each type of film; i.e. Kodak Ektachrome, Fuji Sensia, Fuji Provia, etc. (these being a few of the choices in color slide film). Each had their specific qualities and idiosyncrasies.
In digital photography, you don’t choose film type. Rather, you choose the image type you wish to use to store your images (there are other choices you must make like ISO speed, but we will talk about that in the future). In digital photography, your basic three choices of image types are: JPEG (JPG), TIFF (TIF), and RAW.
In lesser expensive digital cameras, you don’t have a choice: there is only JPG. As you move up in price and quality, one or both of the other two types will also become available in the camera. Each has their advantages and disadvantages. Here is a quick, down-and-dirty look at each type.
JPEG – The biggest advantage of JPEG is that it is a very small file sizes, therefore you can store more images inside the camera. And most cameras give you a choice as to what size of an image you wish to shoot (i.e. 640x480, 1024x768, 2560x1920, etc.).
JPEG is also the default type used on the Internet, making it much easier to share photos among friends and family.
The disadvantages of JPEG are many. Primarily, in order to make the file size so small, much of the information contained in an image is discarded and the remaining data is compressed. While it may not be obvious in most pictures that pixel data is missing, you will become aware of it if you do post-processing of a JPEG image in software such as Photoshop, Elements, Paint Shop Pro, PhotoImpact, or any other image processing software.
You see, if you make any kind of changes to an image and save it, the software will try to recompress the JPEG image again, throwing out more image information. So the more times you save it, the more of the image is lost each time. So, if you must work on your images to make them better, do all the work before saving it so that you do only one additional save.
TIFF – This is probably the best way to save an image. Unlike JPEG, you can save a TIFF many times and never loose a pixel. I do almost all my post-processing work in TIFF. When I scan my slides into the computer, I always saved them as a TIFF. It is arguably the best way to save images when doing post-processing.
The disadvantage of TIFF is that it is probably the largest size of all image types. For instance, using my 8-megapixel camera as an example, setting it for the largest, highest quality, lowest compression JPEG image file, the file size would be 6.1 Mb. Using TIFF, the same size image would be 23.3 Mb, almost four times larger. If you decrease the size of your JPG image, the size difference will become even greater. This file size affects how many images you can store in your camera’s memory card before it becomes full.
So, while TIFF may be the best quality image-of-choice, you shouldn’t use it unless you have a huge capacity memory card in your camera, or you use it only on selected pictures at the time you take them.
RAW – This is the most interesting of the three file types. A RAW image isn’t so much an image type as it is a way to store original, unprocessed data. Even more interesting (and maybe confusing) is that RAW differs between each camera manufacturer. An Olympus RAW file is totally different than a Nikon RAW file or a Canon RAW file, unlike JPEG or TIFF, which is the same for all cameras.
The best way to understand RAW is to compare it to a piece of film that hasn’t been developed yet. The first thing I must do when processing the RAW image in Photoshop is “develop” the image. If I like the original exposure, I may develop it exactly as-is. If it is slightly underexposed or overexposed, I can play with it until I achieve the right exposure. Then I can adjust the white balance, sharpness, saturation, contrast, brightness, shadow detail, and more. In other words, I can make the “perfect picture” long after I have taken it with the camera.
After adjusting all these details, I then develop and save the image as a TIFF or any file type I choose in my computer and continue with post-processing. For a professional or serious amateur photographer, using RAW only makes good sense. And RAW is definitely my image type of choice, since I post-process all of my photos, usually in Photoshop.
The disadvantage of RAW is that it requires more work on your part and the file size is still fairly large. But it is a lot smaller than TIFF. Using the same example I gave above, a TIFF in my camera is 23.3 Mb., while the same size RAW image in only 13.3 Mb. As I use mostly a 1Gb memory card, I can store 72 RAW images in my camera before having to change cards. That is a lot, compares to the number of images I could get on a roll of film.
One other choice that I have with my camera is that I can also set it to take a RAW image and a JPEG image at the same time. I also have the choice of which size JPEG I want to shoot with the RAW image. If I am shooting a wedding for instance, I will set the camera take both a RAW image and a 640x480 JPEG image at the same time. I will use the smaller JPEG images for proofs for the customer, then process the RAW image for high quality larger prints for the images they eventually choose.
I hope this not-so-short explanation of image types has been of help, whether you have a digital camera already or are contemplating buying one in the future. If you have questions, just drop me an e-mail and I will do my best to answer you.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
Sony Caught Installing Hidden Software on Computers
Did you know that if you have played a new Sony music CD in your computer within the last year, your computer is probably infected with a malicious software program that allows Sony to change the way you use your computer? All to true, as we have been finding out this week.
Sony, in its attempt to enforce it digital rights management system (DRM), has put a software program on its music CD's that installs itself into your computer, whether you want it or not and without asking your permission. It is written in the form of a rootkit, a malicious code that is nearly impossible to detect and can sometimes give its creator a "backdoor" into your computer whenever he wants. (I will be writing more about rootkits and their threat in an upcoming blog.)
Sony's digital rights management technology, now shipping on CD's by Sony Corp. and BMG Music, employs stealthy, rootkit-style techniques to hide from users, according to security experts. The new technology, which Sony has dubbed "sterile burning," manipulates the Windows core processing center, or "kernel," to make the DRM almost totally undetectable on Windows systems. It can also prevent you from burning music on your CD's or computer's hard drive.
These kind of files are almost impossible to remove without fouling Windows systems and could be used by malicious hackers to hide their own programs. The security expert who discovered the hidden Sony software found that if he removed it, it wrecked his Windows software and prevented him from accessing his CD player completely.
Sony BMG has acknowledged that the rootkit-style features are part of DRM technology that began shippCD's with CDs in 2005. The company claims that it is issuing a fix, so the software can be neutralized. However, early reports from users who have run the software say it does not remove the rootkit software; it only changes it so it is not hidden.
Despite Sony's assertions to the contrary (Sony says, "This component is not malicious and does not compromise security"), analysis from two Windows expert authorities show clearly that any other attacker could take advantage of the rootkit functionality to hide their own files and registry entries, and that techniques used by the software run the risk of making the system unusable.
Sony, in its attempt to enforce it digital rights management system (DRM), has put a software program on its music CD's that installs itself into your computer, whether you want it or not and without asking your permission. It is written in the form of a rootkit, a malicious code that is nearly impossible to detect and can sometimes give its creator a "backdoor" into your computer whenever he wants. (I will be writing more about rootkits and their threat in an upcoming blog.)
Sony's digital rights management technology, now shipping on CD's by Sony Corp. and BMG Music, employs stealthy, rootkit-style techniques to hide from users, according to security experts. The new technology, which Sony has dubbed "sterile burning," manipulates the Windows core processing center, or "kernel," to make the DRM almost totally undetectable on Windows systems. It can also prevent you from burning music on your CD's or computer's hard drive.
These kind of files are almost impossible to remove without fouling Windows systems and could be used by malicious hackers to hide their own programs. The security expert who discovered the hidden Sony software found that if he removed it, it wrecked his Windows software and prevented him from accessing his CD player completely.
Sony BMG has acknowledged that the rootkit-style features are part of DRM technology that began shippCD's with CDs in 2005. The company claims that it is issuing a fix, so the software can be neutralized. However, early reports from users who have run the software say it does not remove the rootkit software; it only changes it so it is not hidden.
Despite Sony's assertions to the contrary (Sony says, "This component is not malicious and does not compromise security"), analysis from two Windows expert authorities show clearly that any other attacker could take advantage of the rootkit functionality to hide their own files and registry entries, and that techniques used by the software run the risk of making the system unusable.
Rather than go on and on about this, I strongly recommend you read this excellent editorial by Molly Wood of CNET. She explains how it happened, what it can do to your computer, how it changes the way you can use your computer, and how outraged we should all feel.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Links to Information on Bird Flu
As we hear more and more about the fears of a major outbreak of Bird Flu, (also known as Avian Influenza) in this country, I thought I should give you Web links to various sites to help you understand the situation.
President Bush really helped raise the level of awareness this week with his appeal to Congress for over $7 billion dollars for more research on this and other highly dangerous viruses. His concern has been raised by expert’s fears that an epidemic (or global pandemic, as some are calling it) of bird flu could easily result in the deaths of millions of people.
If you would like a simple overview of what the bird flu story is all about, I suggest you read this very interesting and easily understood article published by CNET news.
Here are some other in-depth web sites where you can learn more:
President Bush really helped raise the level of awareness this week with his appeal to Congress for over $7 billion dollars for more research on this and other highly dangerous viruses. His concern has been raised by expert’s fears that an epidemic (or global pandemic, as some are calling it) of bird flu could easily result in the deaths of millions of people.
If you would like a simple overview of what the bird flu story is all about, I suggest you read this very interesting and easily understood article published by CNET news.
Here are some other in-depth web sites where you can learn more:
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
More on the WebWatch Survey
Yesterday, I shared with you some of the findings of a recently completed survey by Consumer Reports WebWatch that indicated many Internet users are spending less time on the net because of all the security threats. Today, I want to tell you about some of the other interesting results in this 1,500-person survey.
Among the other findings of the study was indication that Americans are increasingly turning to the Web to get their news, with the percentage of adults reporting that they get the bulk their coverage from the Internet doubling to 11 percent, compared to only 5 percent in 2002. Some 69 percent of those surveyed said that sites that maintain a clear distinction between advertising and news content are more reliable, with 31 percent agreeing that it is very important for news sites to reveal the financial relationships they maintain with other businesses.
While Weblogs, or blogs, have caused a major upheaval in the news business as companies look at ways to keep up with citizen reporters, those surveyed by WebWatch were clearly less enthralled with the movement, with 57 percent distrusting blog-generated news, 21 percent saying that blogs are usually incorrect, and only 12 percent expressing a belief that the online journals are accurate most of the time. Roughly 27 percent of those interviewed said they had visited a blog in the past several months.
(Personally, I distrust most citizen-based news blogs as they can basically say anything they want and pass it off as fact. Most blogs should be clearly identified as opinions based on facts such as this blog.)
While 48 percent of respondents said that knowing exactly who owns a Web site is an important factor in their usage, and 76 percent said it was vital to be able to identify where the information on a site is coming from.
Regarding pictures or images, many Americans are also increasingly skeptical regarding images they find on the Web, with 47 percent reporting that they have viewed what they believed to be manipulated pictures online. Despite that trend, 67 percent said they trust online news sites to use genuine photographs.
In relation to children's Web usage, opinions remain largely negative, with 86 percent of those surveyed identifying adults' continued pursuit of kids in chat rooms as a serious problem on the Internet today, with 61 percent labeling violent online games as a major issue. Some 82 percent believe it is too easy for minors to view sexually explicit content.
Among the few bright spots revealed by the research was growing trust in auction and financial services sites, despite the growth of online phishing schemes, which have largely spoofed such pages in the name of committing identity theft.
WebWatch also reported that 61 percent of its respondents feel auction sites are safe, with 68 percent confident in their use of online banking sites, and 55 percent comfortable enough to use online bill payment systems.
What do you think of this survey? I found it very interesting, to say the least.
Among the other findings of the study was indication that Americans are increasingly turning to the Web to get their news, with the percentage of adults reporting that they get the bulk their coverage from the Internet doubling to 11 percent, compared to only 5 percent in 2002. Some 69 percent of those surveyed said that sites that maintain a clear distinction between advertising and news content are more reliable, with 31 percent agreeing that it is very important for news sites to reveal the financial relationships they maintain with other businesses.
While Weblogs, or blogs, have caused a major upheaval in the news business as companies look at ways to keep up with citizen reporters, those surveyed by WebWatch were clearly less enthralled with the movement, with 57 percent distrusting blog-generated news, 21 percent saying that blogs are usually incorrect, and only 12 percent expressing a belief that the online journals are accurate most of the time. Roughly 27 percent of those interviewed said they had visited a blog in the past several months.
(Personally, I distrust most citizen-based news blogs as they can basically say anything they want and pass it off as fact. Most blogs should be clearly identified as opinions based on facts such as this blog.)
While 48 percent of respondents said that knowing exactly who owns a Web site is an important factor in their usage, and 76 percent said it was vital to be able to identify where the information on a site is coming from.
Regarding pictures or images, many Americans are also increasingly skeptical regarding images they find on the Web, with 47 percent reporting that they have viewed what they believed to be manipulated pictures online. Despite that trend, 67 percent said they trust online news sites to use genuine photographs.
In relation to children's Web usage, opinions remain largely negative, with 86 percent of those surveyed identifying adults' continued pursuit of kids in chat rooms as a serious problem on the Internet today, with 61 percent labeling violent online games as a major issue. Some 82 percent believe it is too easy for minors to view sexually explicit content.
Among the few bright spots revealed by the research was growing trust in auction and financial services sites, despite the growth of online phishing schemes, which have largely spoofed such pages in the name of committing identity theft.
WebWatch also reported that 61 percent of its respondents feel auction sites are safe, with 68 percent confident in their use of online banking sites, and 55 percent comfortable enough to use online bill payment systems.
What do you think of this survey? I found it very interesting, to say the least.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Are Security Threats Driving People Away from the Net?
An interesting new research report issued by Consumer Reports WebWatch finds that many American Internet users are cutting back on the hours they spend online, shunning e-commerce and refusing to give out personal information as a result of the rising tide of Web-based crimes related to identity theft.
According to the WebWatch report, 80 percent of all American Web surfers are at least somewhat concerned about the threat of identity theft posed by engaging in online activities. As a result of those concerns, at least 30 percent of the 1,500 people interviewed for the survey said they have reduced the amount of time they access the Internet.
In addition to going online less frequently, 53 percent of the respondents said that fears of ID theft have stopped them from giving out personal information to Web sites and online marketers, while 25 percent said they no longer purchase items from e-commerce sites. Around 54 percent of the respondents who still buy items online say they now read Web sites' privacy policies before doing business with a company, and 29 percent said they have merely cut down on the their Web shopping.
New York-based WebWatch, a grant-funded project of the nonprofit Consumers Union, said that consumers have dramatically shifted their views of online activity over the last several years, becoming far more conservative about what constitutes safe online behavior. Compared to the group's 2002 study on the same topic, researchers said that people are placing far more importance on issues of security and privacy when choosing which sites they visit or do business with.
New York-based WebWatch, a grant-funded project of the nonprofit Consumers Union, said that consumers have dramatically shifted their views of online activity over the last few years, becoming far more conservative about what constitutes safe online behavior. Compared to the group's 2002 study on the same topic, researchers said that people are placing far more importance on issues of security and privacy when choosing which sites they visit or do business with.
How do the WebWatch findings compare with your views and use of the Internet?
In the next edition, more interesting findings on other aspects of the Internet from the Webwatch report.
According to the WebWatch report, 80 percent of all American Web surfers are at least somewhat concerned about the threat of identity theft posed by engaging in online activities. As a result of those concerns, at least 30 percent of the 1,500 people interviewed for the survey said they have reduced the amount of time they access the Internet.
In addition to going online less frequently, 53 percent of the respondents said that fears of ID theft have stopped them from giving out personal information to Web sites and online marketers, while 25 percent said they no longer purchase items from e-commerce sites. Around 54 percent of the respondents who still buy items online say they now read Web sites' privacy policies before doing business with a company, and 29 percent said they have merely cut down on the their Web shopping.
New York-based WebWatch, a grant-funded project of the nonprofit Consumers Union, said that consumers have dramatically shifted their views of online activity over the last several years, becoming far more conservative about what constitutes safe online behavior. Compared to the group's 2002 study on the same topic, researchers said that people are placing far more importance on issues of security and privacy when choosing which sites they visit or do business with.
New York-based WebWatch, a grant-funded project of the nonprofit Consumers Union, said that consumers have dramatically shifted their views of online activity over the last few years, becoming far more conservative about what constitutes safe online behavior. Compared to the group's 2002 study on the same topic, researchers said that people are placing far more importance on issues of security and privacy when choosing which sites they visit or do business with.
How do the WebWatch findings compare with your views and use of the Internet?
In the next edition, more interesting findings on other aspects of the Internet from the Webwatch report.
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Who is Behind Spyware and Adware?
As long-time readers know, I‘ve written several articles in the past about spyware and adware, those nasty little devils we pick up on the Internet that infect your computer just as badly as viruses. They can and do, in some cases, wreak havoc on your computer and slow your computing down to a crawl. Unfortunately, being infected with these products is the price we pay for using the Internet.
Currently, it is mostly legal to infect your computer with this kind of hidden software. But who is behind these nefarious software products? It may (or may not) surprise you to learn that behind the scenes of the hackers and whackers of virus and spyware software are not just criminal-types, but some of the largest corporations in America. PC World Magazine recently published an in-depth investigative report on the subject entitled, The Hidden Money Trail, and it is a MUST read.
To read it, go to:
http://www.counterspynews.com/U57AXQ/051014-Money_Trail
Currently, it is mostly legal to infect your computer with this kind of hidden software. But who is behind these nefarious software products? It may (or may not) surprise you to learn that behind the scenes of the hackers and whackers of virus and spyware software are not just criminal-types, but some of the largest corporations in America. PC World Magazine recently published an in-depth investigative report on the subject entitled, The Hidden Money Trail, and it is a MUST read.
To read it, go to:
http://www.counterspynews.com/U57AXQ/051014-Money_Trail
Saturday, October 29, 2005
New Passports to Contain ID Chip
Starting exactly one year from now, the U.S. government will require nearly all of the passports it issues to have a computer chip containing the passport holder's personal information. The U.S. Department of State will actually begin issuing passports early in 2006 with 64K byte RFID (radio frequency identification) chips containing the name, nationality, gender, date of birth, place of birth, and digitized photograph of the passport holder.
The chip would match the data on the paper portion of the passport and improve passport security by making it more difficult for criminals to tamper with passports, according to the Bush Administration. The government began looking at ways to make passports harder to forge in response to the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.
Shortly after the State Department proposed RFID chips for passports in February of this year, privacy groups such as American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) began expressing some concerns. According to the EFF, some RFID chips can be remotely scanned, allowing for criminals to covertly scan groups of passport holders at airports. They claim that the RFID passport could act as "terrorist beacons" because they could indiscriminately expose U.S. residents' personal information to strangers. They also argued that the agency lacked congressional authority to require RFID chips in passports.
In the passport rules released this week, the State Department said it was taking several security precautions. The RFID chips will use encrypted digital signatures to prevent tampering, and they will employ so-called passive RFID chips that does not broadcast personal information unless within inches of an RFID reader machine. The e-passports will protect against data leaks by putting an "anti-skimming" material to block radio waves on the passport's back and spine.
Although putting personal information on a chip does raise some concerns, at least with me, it is probably better than having a bar code tattooed on my head. Whatever the case, it looks like the new passports will become a reality and will probably be the first of many such changes in our lives.
The chip would match the data on the paper portion of the passport and improve passport security by making it more difficult for criminals to tamper with passports, according to the Bush Administration. The government began looking at ways to make passports harder to forge in response to the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.
Shortly after the State Department proposed RFID chips for passports in February of this year, privacy groups such as American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) began expressing some concerns. According to the EFF, some RFID chips can be remotely scanned, allowing for criminals to covertly scan groups of passport holders at airports. They claim that the RFID passport could act as "terrorist beacons" because they could indiscriminately expose U.S. residents' personal information to strangers. They also argued that the agency lacked congressional authority to require RFID chips in passports.
In the passport rules released this week, the State Department said it was taking several security precautions. The RFID chips will use encrypted digital signatures to prevent tampering, and they will employ so-called passive RFID chips that does not broadcast personal information unless within inches of an RFID reader machine. The e-passports will protect against data leaks by putting an "anti-skimming" material to block radio waves on the passport's back and spine.
Although putting personal information on a chip does raise some concerns, at least with me, it is probably better than having a bar code tattooed on my head. Whatever the case, it looks like the new passports will become a reality and will probably be the first of many such changes in our lives.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Update on Satellite Radio
Both satellite radio providers, XM Radio and Sirius, have been busy since the last time we talked about them, adding both users and new content. Unfortunately, all of this activity has not made them profitable yet. In fact, both are losing more money than ever before.
XM Radio just passed the 5 million subscriber mark and increased its income well beyond Wall Street expectations. Unfortunately, their expenses were more than double last year's expenses, due mostly to huge increases in programming and content costs. The bottom line was that their losses are more now more than ever before, even with more customers.
Meanwhile, over at Sirius, it's pretty much the same story...but they have only about half of the number of subscribers of XM.
Both companies are in a programming war, each trying to outdo the other with their programming content. Sirius last year signed a big contract with the National Football League and the National Basketball Association to broadcast games and daily talk shows about the leagues. Not to be outdone, XM signed the same kind of contract with Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. While the hockey contract may have been cheap, the other contracts were not.
Both companies have also hired big-named personalities, including radio shock-jock Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Ron and Fez, and Opie and Anthony (whoever they might be). I did notice that XM dropped MTV Radio and VH-1 Radio, which probably saved them a few coins.
Both services now charge $12.95 per month for service. XM Radio offers around 150 channels, while Sirius offers around 120 channels, but those numbers can be deceptive as not all programming is on all the time and some channels are for weather and traffic in far-off major cities. Each charges $6.95 per month for each additional receiver. As broadcast radio content continues to deteriorate (especially here in our little county), you may wish to consider adding satellite radio to your entertainment repetoire.
Now, here is some good news for folks who have satellite television, either DishTV or DirectTV. For quite some time now, DishTV has been including 65 channels of Sirius Radio as part of their basic programming package. When I first read that, I wondered if DirectTV would put the same kind of deal together with XM.
Well it took some time, but beginning on November 15, DirectTV will begin offering 50-67 channels of XM Radio, depending on which programming package you have. So, if you have either of the satellite TV services in your home, you may not need to spend the $12.95 per month for satellite radio. But be aware that both TV services only offer music channels and not the sports or talk radio channels available in the full blown satellite radio services.
When you add it all up, there is a tremendous amount and variety of entertainment available to you. But, of course, you could just sit down in silence and read a good book. Enjoy your options!!
XM Radio just passed the 5 million subscriber mark and increased its income well beyond Wall Street expectations. Unfortunately, their expenses were more than double last year's expenses, due mostly to huge increases in programming and content costs. The bottom line was that their losses are more now more than ever before, even with more customers.
Meanwhile, over at Sirius, it's pretty much the same story...but they have only about half of the number of subscribers of XM.
Both companies are in a programming war, each trying to outdo the other with their programming content. Sirius last year signed a big contract with the National Football League and the National Basketball Association to broadcast games and daily talk shows about the leagues. Not to be outdone, XM signed the same kind of contract with Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. While the hockey contract may have been cheap, the other contracts were not.
Both companies have also hired big-named personalities, including radio shock-jock Howard Stern, Martha Stewart, Ron and Fez, and Opie and Anthony (whoever they might be). I did notice that XM dropped MTV Radio and VH-1 Radio, which probably saved them a few coins.
Both services now charge $12.95 per month for service. XM Radio offers around 150 channels, while Sirius offers around 120 channels, but those numbers can be deceptive as not all programming is on all the time and some channels are for weather and traffic in far-off major cities. Each charges $6.95 per month for each additional receiver. As broadcast radio content continues to deteriorate (especially here in our little county), you may wish to consider adding satellite radio to your entertainment repetoire.
Now, here is some good news for folks who have satellite television, either DishTV or DirectTV. For quite some time now, DishTV has been including 65 channels of Sirius Radio as part of their basic programming package. When I first read that, I wondered if DirectTV would put the same kind of deal together with XM.
Well it took some time, but beginning on November 15, DirectTV will begin offering 50-67 channels of XM Radio, depending on which programming package you have. So, if you have either of the satellite TV services in your home, you may not need to spend the $12.95 per month for satellite radio. But be aware that both TV services only offer music channels and not the sports or talk radio channels available in the full blown satellite radio services.
When you add it all up, there is a tremendous amount and variety of entertainment available to you. But, of course, you could just sit down in silence and read a good book. Enjoy your options!!
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Finding Your Favorite Podcast Subjects
On my last trip to California, I brought along plenty of books-on-tape to help relieve the boredom of driving all those miles. After all, its a 16 hour trip, and, its one I have done many times before. I found over the years that listening to a really good story, like a spy novel or murder mystery, really helps the time and miles go quicker.
On the way down, I spent two days in Mt. Ranier National Park and three days along the Oregon Coast, specifically to work with my new digital SLR camera. And I got to thinking that it would really be great if I could listen to tapes or radio shows that discussed digital photography or other related subjects while driving in the car, but figured I probably would not find anything like that.
Then, I remembered podcasts. As I mentioned some months ago, podcasting is very popular these days and there is even a radio station in San Francisco that plays only podcasts. I wondered if there might be podcasts available on the subject of digital photography.
Now, if you don't remember what a podcast is, it is nothing more than an audio version of blogging. A blog, such as the one you are reading now, is one person's thoughts on a particular subject. In my case, the subject is "technology for the rest of us." But many, many people from around the world are doing podcasts about their favorite subjects. Network radio and television programs like Rush Limbaugh, ESPN, ABC News, and many, many others have also jumped big time into podcasting .
However, many podcasts are recorded by amatuers who use their computers to make the recordings, then post them on the web for listening and downloading. Some of the podcast recording software is quite good, so most podcasts that I've listened to sound fairly professional, at least as far as the recording goes. Content quality can vary widely, depending on the subject, as I can testify to, having listened to that aforementioned SF radio station. Quite frankly, some folks shouldn't be allowed near a microphone. But that's another story.
Podcast are done in an MP3 format, and are easy to download and play in portable MP3 players like Apple's iPod. I don't have an iPod, but I do have an MP3 player that plays CD's that I record with MP3 programs. As MP3's are quite compressed, I can record 4-5 hours worth of listening on one CD.
After I returned home, I began research podcasts about digital photography. Lo and behold, I discovered that Yahoo had put together a special podcast search engine. All I did was enter the search term of "digital photography," and I had my list of podcasts.
The first one I found is called, oddly enough, "Tips from the Top Floor," and is recorded in Germany by a professional photographer who apparantly lives on the top floor of his apartment house. I have now listened to several of them and found them entertaining and informative. Even if you are are novice in photography or just use a point-and-shoot camera, you will enjoy these podcasts. I also found other good podcasts that I listen to, but I will save those for another day.
There are two ways to record podcasts to your computer. One is to go to the podcast's website and download them just like you would download any other software product. The other way is to get a special software product, like Apple's iTunes and subscribe to the podcast. Many podcasters now put links on their website so you can subscribe automatically, via iTunes, to the podcast. It links their podcast directly to iTunes so that the software will automatically download a new podcast whenever they become available.
I did try another software product for the fun of it, but found that it could not compare to the ease of iTunes. This program is free from Apple and comes in both Windows and Apple versions. You can download it from the Apple Web Site and start using it immediately. By the way, if you ever buy an Apple iPod, you will need iTunes to connect to it.
So, if you are interested, go try the world of podcasts. Search out your favorite subject on Yahoo's Podcast Search Engine, then listen to a few a them. If you like them, download iTunes and subscribe to them. I've sure found many of them better than most of the content I hear on the radio.
On the way down, I spent two days in Mt. Ranier National Park and three days along the Oregon Coast, specifically to work with my new digital SLR camera. And I got to thinking that it would really be great if I could listen to tapes or radio shows that discussed digital photography or other related subjects while driving in the car, but figured I probably would not find anything like that.
Then, I remembered podcasts. As I mentioned some months ago, podcasting is very popular these days and there is even a radio station in San Francisco that plays only podcasts. I wondered if there might be podcasts available on the subject of digital photography.
Now, if you don't remember what a podcast is, it is nothing more than an audio version of blogging. A blog, such as the one you are reading now, is one person's thoughts on a particular subject. In my case, the subject is "technology for the rest of us." But many, many people from around the world are doing podcasts about their favorite subjects. Network radio and television programs like Rush Limbaugh, ESPN, ABC News, and many, many others have also jumped big time into podcasting .
However, many podcasts are recorded by amatuers who use their computers to make the recordings, then post them on the web for listening and downloading. Some of the podcast recording software is quite good, so most podcasts that I've listened to sound fairly professional, at least as far as the recording goes. Content quality can vary widely, depending on the subject, as I can testify to, having listened to that aforementioned SF radio station. Quite frankly, some folks shouldn't be allowed near a microphone. But that's another story.
Podcast are done in an MP3 format, and are easy to download and play in portable MP3 players like Apple's iPod. I don't have an iPod, but I do have an MP3 player that plays CD's that I record with MP3 programs. As MP3's are quite compressed, I can record 4-5 hours worth of listening on one CD.
After I returned home, I began research podcasts about digital photography. Lo and behold, I discovered that Yahoo had put together a special podcast search engine. All I did was enter the search term of "digital photography," and I had my list of podcasts.
The first one I found is called, oddly enough, "Tips from the Top Floor," and is recorded in Germany by a professional photographer who apparantly lives on the top floor of his apartment house. I have now listened to several of them and found them entertaining and informative. Even if you are are novice in photography or just use a point-and-shoot camera, you will enjoy these podcasts. I also found other good podcasts that I listen to, but I will save those for another day.
There are two ways to record podcasts to your computer. One is to go to the podcast's website and download them just like you would download any other software product. The other way is to get a special software product, like Apple's iTunes and subscribe to the podcast. Many podcasters now put links on their website so you can subscribe automatically, via iTunes, to the podcast. It links their podcast directly to iTunes so that the software will automatically download a new podcast whenever they become available.
I did try another software product for the fun of it, but found that it could not compare to the ease of iTunes. This program is free from Apple and comes in both Windows and Apple versions. You can download it from the Apple Web Site and start using it immediately. By the way, if you ever buy an Apple iPod, you will need iTunes to connect to it.
So, if you are interested, go try the world of podcasts. Search out your favorite subject on Yahoo's Podcast Search Engine, then listen to a few a them. If you like them, download iTunes and subscribe to them. I've sure found many of them better than most of the content I hear on the radio.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Microsoft and the Phishing Filter
For some time, Microsoft has been promising that their new version of Internet Explorer Version 7, will contain a Phishing Filter that will help you identify fake web sites so you don't give personal data to a web site that isn't what you think it is. If you are not familiar with the term "Phishing" is a practice where crooks try and trick you into giving up personal information so they can steal your identity and/or your money.
One way they do it is to put up fake web sites that purports to be a real website. For awhile, I used to get fake e-mail's supposedly from my bank directing me to a web site in order to give them my personal information. Fortunately, the e-mail was so badly done that I knew it was a fraud instantly...and my bank sent out warnings saying they would never ask me to input this kind of information.
Anyhow, phishing scams have become much more clever and a fair amount of people have suffered identity theft. In order to help out, Microsoft has decided to make their phishing filter available to the public for free even though IE7 is not yet available. This temporary filter, so to speak, will work in IE6, but there is a catch.
The filter only comes packaged in as an add-on to the MSN Toolbar Kit. This toolbar is similar to other toolbars put out by Google and Yahoo. It defaults to an MSN search engine, but you can change the default search engine (for instance if you prefer Google). It also adds tabbed pages, similar to those found in Maxthon and Opera, and performs desktop searches. The phishing filter now is part of the package and is designed to prevent you from entering personal information into a fraudulent website.
To learn more about the tool, head to the Microsoft MSN Toolbar Kit web page. To learn about the Phishing Filter, you need to access a separate Microsoft web page and, if you desire, download it only after you have installed the MSN Toolbar Kit.
More on Microsoft
Our favorite software company may be headed for more trouble with government anti-trust folks around the world. The company announced that it will include its anti-spyware software as part of the its new Windows Vista operating system when it is released. This is exactly what got them in trouble a few years ago when they started including a web browser and other utilities for free as part of their operating system. This effectively put many companies out of business and Microsoft was punished for this, although not a severely as they should have been.
Currently, Microsoft's Anti-Spyware is available for free as a beta test software. By including it for free as part of the operating system, they are trying once again to put their competition out of business and inviting all kinds of litigation.
As you may recall, I was initially impressed with Microsoft's Anti-Spyware, but later became disenchanted when I discovered that my current spyware, Sunbelt's Counterspy, found 63 spyware products on my computer that Microsoft missed. Microsoft's product also became suspect as it stopped identifying one particular company's spyware products as being dangerous at the same time that Microsoft started negotiations with that same company to buy them out.
As big as this company is, they sure seem to make some very controversial business decisions designed to invite trouble.
One way they do it is to put up fake web sites that purports to be a real website. For awhile, I used to get fake e-mail's supposedly from my bank directing me to a web site in order to give them my personal information. Fortunately, the e-mail was so badly done that I knew it was a fraud instantly...and my bank sent out warnings saying they would never ask me to input this kind of information.
Anyhow, phishing scams have become much more clever and a fair amount of people have suffered identity theft. In order to help out, Microsoft has decided to make their phishing filter available to the public for free even though IE7 is not yet available. This temporary filter, so to speak, will work in IE6, but there is a catch.
The filter only comes packaged in as an add-on to the MSN Toolbar Kit. This toolbar is similar to other toolbars put out by Google and Yahoo. It defaults to an MSN search engine, but you can change the default search engine (for instance if you prefer Google). It also adds tabbed pages, similar to those found in Maxthon and Opera, and performs desktop searches. The phishing filter now is part of the package and is designed to prevent you from entering personal information into a fraudulent website.
To learn more about the tool, head to the Microsoft MSN Toolbar Kit web page. To learn about the Phishing Filter, you need to access a separate Microsoft web page and, if you desire, download it only after you have installed the MSN Toolbar Kit.
More on Microsoft
Our favorite software company may be headed for more trouble with government anti-trust folks around the world. The company announced that it will include its anti-spyware software as part of the its new Windows Vista operating system when it is released. This is exactly what got them in trouble a few years ago when they started including a web browser and other utilities for free as part of their operating system. This effectively put many companies out of business and Microsoft was punished for this, although not a severely as they should have been.
Currently, Microsoft's Anti-Spyware is available for free as a beta test software. By including it for free as part of the operating system, they are trying once again to put their competition out of business and inviting all kinds of litigation.
As you may recall, I was initially impressed with Microsoft's Anti-Spyware, but later became disenchanted when I discovered that my current spyware, Sunbelt's Counterspy, found 63 spyware products on my computer that Microsoft missed. Microsoft's product also became suspect as it stopped identifying one particular company's spyware products as being dangerous at the same time that Microsoft started negotiations with that same company to buy them out.
As big as this company is, they sure seem to make some very controversial business decisions designed to invite trouble.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Revisiting an Old Friend
As many of my long-time readers know, I used to heartily recommend the use of Opera as an alternative web browser. It has always been a good browser, with lots of good features, very fast, and very easy to use. It also had the smallest footprint in your computer, much less than Internet Explorer (IE).
But Opera always seemed less than perfect as there were several web pages that it could not render properly and I had to revert to good old Microsoft's IE. As time went on, I found myself using Opera less and less. When Firefox came on the scene I tried it several times and, around the same time, I also found Maxthon, which I finally adopted as my new browser-of-choice.
As I tried out all these new browsers, Opera got left behind. In fact, when I purchased a new computer several months ago, I never reloaded it, although it remained on my laptop.
After I while, I removed Firefox as I didn't like it as much as Maxthon. And, while I love Maxthon, it greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: it uses the Internet Explorer engine, so while it will work as well as IE (and has many more useful features than IE) it is also subject to some of the same ongoing security vulnerabilities we keeps plaguing Microsoft products. Although Microsoft is very good about fixing them with their monthly patches, I have it in the back of my mind that one day some nasty little virus, spyware, or ID theft software will someday slip through.
All that being said, I read sometime this past summer, that Opera had come out with a new Version 8 that was better than ever before. I decided to give it a try again. And, after a few months of use, I must tell you that I like it better than their previous versions. Most web pages render just fine...and it has as many useful features as Maxthon, but does not use the IE engine.
When Version 8 was released, it still had the annoying advertising in the upper right hand corner. You still had to pay $39.95 to buy the advertising-free version. I learned how to really minimize the ads in the free version, so it never really bothered me. But a few weeks, ago, the company released version 8.5, which removes all advertising from the browser page in the free version. Plus they added a few more features.
All-in-all, it is an excellent program that is worth using. It is very fast and, as I said earlier, renders most pages just fine. It does seem to have some difficulty with a couple of the sites I use a great deal. For instance, it doesn't render all my editing buttons on my web blog page, so I am writing this blog using Maxthon. And on the Netflix pages, IE and Maxthon pop up a short blurb about a movie when you point at its title, while Opera can't do that yet.
But that being said, it works just fine for everything else and I do use it for most of my browsing. If you want to download it and give it a try, just go to the Opera web site. But the bottom line truth is...no matter what browser you use, you will sometimes need to access certain web pages with Internet Explorer. I am afraid there is just no getting around that right now. I hope someone will fix that someday.
But Opera always seemed less than perfect as there were several web pages that it could not render properly and I had to revert to good old Microsoft's IE. As time went on, I found myself using Opera less and less. When Firefox came on the scene I tried it several times and, around the same time, I also found Maxthon, which I finally adopted as my new browser-of-choice.
As I tried out all these new browsers, Opera got left behind. In fact, when I purchased a new computer several months ago, I never reloaded it, although it remained on my laptop.
After I while, I removed Firefox as I didn't like it as much as Maxthon. And, while I love Maxthon, it greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: it uses the Internet Explorer engine, so while it will work as well as IE (and has many more useful features than IE) it is also subject to some of the same ongoing security vulnerabilities we keeps plaguing Microsoft products. Although Microsoft is very good about fixing them with their monthly patches, I have it in the back of my mind that one day some nasty little virus, spyware, or ID theft software will someday slip through.
All that being said, I read sometime this past summer, that Opera had come out with a new Version 8 that was better than ever before. I decided to give it a try again. And, after a few months of use, I must tell you that I like it better than their previous versions. Most web pages render just fine...and it has as many useful features as Maxthon, but does not use the IE engine.
When Version 8 was released, it still had the annoying advertising in the upper right hand corner. You still had to pay $39.95 to buy the advertising-free version. I learned how to really minimize the ads in the free version, so it never really bothered me. But a few weeks, ago, the company released version 8.5, which removes all advertising from the browser page in the free version. Plus they added a few more features.
All-in-all, it is an excellent program that is worth using. It is very fast and, as I said earlier, renders most pages just fine. It does seem to have some difficulty with a couple of the sites I use a great deal. For instance, it doesn't render all my editing buttons on my web blog page, so I am writing this blog using Maxthon. And on the Netflix pages, IE and Maxthon pop up a short blurb about a movie when you point at its title, while Opera can't do that yet.
But that being said, it works just fine for everything else and I do use it for most of my browsing. If you want to download it and give it a try, just go to the Opera web site. But the bottom line truth is...no matter what browser you use, you will sometimes need to access certain web pages with Internet Explorer. I am afraid there is just no getting around that right now. I hope someone will fix that someday.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
OpenOffice Making Big Waves
OpenOffice.org, a free open source office suite that is now five years old, has just released it's long-awaited Version 2.0. The program was originally called StarOffice and was owned by Sun Microsystems. In the year 2000, Sun gave it to the Open Source community to continue development.
While Sun remains the project's chief sponsor and contributor, the project now boasts contributions from Novell, Red Hat, Debian, Intel, and many other large and small companies, plus the very important and numberless contributions from independent developers and government agencies. All these have made OpenOffice.org not just a free alternative productivity suite but one of the best and most advanced productivity suites available today. And, once again, it is free to download and use.
Version 2.0 is a major overhaul to an open-source software suite that is now a more serious rival to Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation creator and, new to version 2.0, a database. Project organizers had hoped to release the upgrade last week, on the fifth anniversary of the creation of the open-source project, but a last-minute bug derailed the plan.
Over the years, nearly 50 million copies of OpenOffice have been downloaded, but only recently has the software become a more serious threat to long-dominant Microsoft Office. Version 2.0 brings some significant new features, and Google has pledged to help distribute OpenOffice through a high-profile pact with Sun. But perhaps more significant, OpenOffice.org uses the standardized OpenDocument format that stands in stark contrast to Microsoft's proprietary formats.
One of the big reasons that Microsoft may be worried is that there is a strong movement afoot to adopt the OpenDocument format. The state of Massachusetts has required support of OpenDocument, and the vice president of IBM's standards and open source, has urged computer users to pressure software companies, governments and corporations to support OpenDocument.
Massachusetts' adoption of OpenDocument shuts Microsoft out of the state's procurement process because the software giant, which dominates the office application market, has said it does not intend to support the OpenDocument format. Governments and large corporations have complained for years about the high costs of continued Microsoft licensing and with the raves being heaped on OpenOffice V.2.0, Microsoft may be looking at some large losses in revenue as these organizations start to adopt OpenOffice.
What do I think about the new version? Well, I have only just downloaded it a couple of days ago, but so far I like it. I can open and save documents in the Microsoft Office format, so all the files I have created over the years are still very useful. The program's interface is similar to Microsoft's, so it is easy to learn and use.
It doesn't have an Outlook-type program, although I use Thunderbird as my e-mail software on my main home computer (I still use Outlook on my laptop), so that isn't a problem for me, but could well be for others. I will keep testing OpenOffice and write another blog about it in the near future.
If you would like to know more about the features of version 2, click on this link to the openoffice.org web site. You can also read a quick review done by PC Magazine of the beta version, written in September, prior to the release of the final version.
While Sun remains the project's chief sponsor and contributor, the project now boasts contributions from Novell, Red Hat, Debian, Intel, and many other large and small companies, plus the very important and numberless contributions from independent developers and government agencies. All these have made OpenOffice.org not just a free alternative productivity suite but one of the best and most advanced productivity suites available today. And, once again, it is free to download and use.
Version 2.0 is a major overhaul to an open-source software suite that is now a more serious rival to Microsoft Office. OpenOffice.org includes a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation creator and, new to version 2.0, a database. Project organizers had hoped to release the upgrade last week, on the fifth anniversary of the creation of the open-source project, but a last-minute bug derailed the plan.
Over the years, nearly 50 million copies of OpenOffice have been downloaded, but only recently has the software become a more serious threat to long-dominant Microsoft Office. Version 2.0 brings some significant new features, and Google has pledged to help distribute OpenOffice through a high-profile pact with Sun. But perhaps more significant, OpenOffice.org uses the standardized OpenDocument format that stands in stark contrast to Microsoft's proprietary formats.
One of the big reasons that Microsoft may be worried is that there is a strong movement afoot to adopt the OpenDocument format. The state of Massachusetts has required support of OpenDocument, and the vice president of IBM's standards and open source, has urged computer users to pressure software companies, governments and corporations to support OpenDocument.
Massachusetts' adoption of OpenDocument shuts Microsoft out of the state's procurement process because the software giant, which dominates the office application market, has said it does not intend to support the OpenDocument format. Governments and large corporations have complained for years about the high costs of continued Microsoft licensing and with the raves being heaped on OpenOffice V.2.0, Microsoft may be looking at some large losses in revenue as these organizations start to adopt OpenOffice.
What do I think about the new version? Well, I have only just downloaded it a couple of days ago, but so far I like it. I can open and save documents in the Microsoft Office format, so all the files I have created over the years are still very useful. The program's interface is similar to Microsoft's, so it is easy to learn and use.
It doesn't have an Outlook-type program, although I use Thunderbird as my e-mail software on my main home computer (I still use Outlook on my laptop), so that isn't a problem for me, but could well be for others. I will keep testing OpenOffice and write another blog about it in the near future.
If you would like to know more about the features of version 2, click on this link to the openoffice.org web site. You can also read a quick review done by PC Magazine of the beta version, written in September, prior to the release of the final version.
Friday, October 21, 2005
I am Back Home Again
Surprise, surprise...I'm back!! I know it has been a long time since you heard from me, but the life of an artist kept me pretty busy. But, now all the shows are over until May of 2006, my art is in storage for the winter, and I am free once again to write a tech blog and try to keep you update with the going's-on in the world of high tech.
Just to catch you up, it was a good year overall for me with sales of my artwork already exceeding last year's total with 2+ months to go in 2005. The year started out very slow in May in June, but took off in July and never really slowed down. I had my best show ever in late July in Richland, WA where I doubled last year's sales. Even Leavenworth was good to me in the late summer and fall.
This summer, I moved into the fascinating world of digital photography which I will detail in greater depth in future blogs. I really love shooting digital with my new Olympus E-300 Single Lens Reflex Camera. While traveling recently to California for two shows, I managed to spend two days learning my new camera in Mt. Rainier Natl. Park and three days photographing the Oregon Coast. I really got some great shots and am looking forward to finishing them up in post-processing and showing some of them off.
The family is all fine. Susan is still clear of any cancer problems (5 years now) and is still working at Family Services of Grant County. Aimee has graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a teaching credential in Music Education and is doing her student teaching in Seattle right now. She will shortly be moving to Ephrata to finish out her student teaching at Ephrata High School. Kristen is working full time in Seattle, and Eric is going to college on his GI Bill and working nights in Bellingham.
I am glad to be back home as the Art Show life can be pretty taxing. I was gone from home at least four days a week and when I did get home, I spent three days reprinting and replenishing stock to get ready for the next show. I did shows in four states this year, which was a killer, both in driving time and gas prices. Some of my time was also spent doing printing on my extra-large Epson 2700 printer for other artists. It became a nice little side business for me as I can print up to 24" wide prints on canvas and paper.
I had hoped to keep the blog up-to-date, but there was just no chance. Will try and do better from now on, although my plate still seems to be full right now. I will do my best.
In my next blog, I will tell you about a free office software that is taking the world by storm and forcing Microsoft to reconsider their office software. See you shortly.
Just to catch you up, it was a good year overall for me with sales of my artwork already exceeding last year's total with 2+ months to go in 2005. The year started out very slow in May in June, but took off in July and never really slowed down. I had my best show ever in late July in Richland, WA where I doubled last year's sales. Even Leavenworth was good to me in the late summer and fall.
This summer, I moved into the fascinating world of digital photography which I will detail in greater depth in future blogs. I really love shooting digital with my new Olympus E-300 Single Lens Reflex Camera. While traveling recently to California for two shows, I managed to spend two days learning my new camera in Mt. Rainier Natl. Park and three days photographing the Oregon Coast. I really got some great shots and am looking forward to finishing them up in post-processing and showing some of them off.
The family is all fine. Susan is still clear of any cancer problems (5 years now) and is still working at Family Services of Grant County. Aimee has graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a teaching credential in Music Education and is doing her student teaching in Seattle right now. She will shortly be moving to Ephrata to finish out her student teaching at Ephrata High School. Kristen is working full time in Seattle, and Eric is going to college on his GI Bill and working nights in Bellingham.
I am glad to be back home as the Art Show life can be pretty taxing. I was gone from home at least four days a week and when I did get home, I spent three days reprinting and replenishing stock to get ready for the next show. I did shows in four states this year, which was a killer, both in driving time and gas prices. Some of my time was also spent doing printing on my extra-large Epson 2700 printer for other artists. It became a nice little side business for me as I can print up to 24" wide prints on canvas and paper.
I had hoped to keep the blog up-to-date, but there was just no chance. Will try and do better from now on, although my plate still seems to be full right now. I will do my best.
In my next blog, I will tell you about a free office software that is taking the world by storm and forcing Microsoft to reconsider their office software. See you shortly.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Updates and Info
Hello everyone. My art shows are keeping me extremely busy so sorry about not writing more often while I am on the road. Here are some updates on stories we have talked about in the recent past.
Firefox
If you are using Firefox as your browser of choice, make sure you have the most current version. If not, it is possible for someone to steal all your personal data from your computer. How? Well, if some malicious person creates a website with the "Greasemonkey" script running on that site, they can expose the contents of every file on your local hard drive to that site. It is even possible for Greasemonkey to expose the contents of EVERY file on your local hard drive to EVERY site you visit. This means an attacker can quietly send this information anywhere in the world. So go to the Firefox web site and make sure you are running the correct version.
Microsoft and Spyware
Not so long ago, we told you that Microsoft was negotiating to buy a spyware company Claria. Well, the word is out now that the deal has fallen through. However, most people in the know recommend that you do not use Microsoft Anti-Spyware as they changed their software to ignore spyware made by Claria, unless the user overrides their setting. Even though the purchase of Claria is dead, they have not changed their Claria settings.
CounterSpy Ferrets Out Dangerous Spyware
As mentioned here before, I now use Sunbelt Software’s CounterSpy on all our computers. And new reviews by PC World Magazine still show it to be the best anti-spyware software by far. Well their reputation has just gone up another notch as their research department has found a spyware application that steals your personal information from off your computer.
They were analyzing a software called “CoolWebSearch” and found what appears to be a massive identity theft ring hijacking confidential data from millions of infected computers. They found that the software was a spam zombie that was placing callbacks to a remote server. When they visited the remote server, they discovered that it was being used to distribute sensitive personal information from millions of PC users infected by the spyware application.
The sophistication of the operation suggests it's the work of a massive identity theft ring that used keystroke loggers to grab confidential information that could be used to create fake online identities and steal millions of dollars from bank accounts. Sunbelt has contacted the FBI along with several people whose bank account information they found on the remote server.
Besides the obvious dangers, Sunbelt found that the majority of spyware products on the market today would not have found this software on a spyware scan. If you would like to check your computer at once to see if you are infected with “CoolWebSearch,” anti-virus vendor Trend Micro Inc. provides a free online scanning tool that detects and deletes the "CoolWebSearch" application. I suggest you go online and run it.
Blockbuster Video to Raise Prices
As you may remember from my recent review of Blockbuster vs Netflix to find out who had the best DVD rental video service, the only reason I could find to go with Blockbuster was their lower monthly fee. Well that reason is now gone. Blockbuster raised its price from $14.99 per month to $17.99 per month…the same as Netflix. So, if you are thinking of joining one or the other, I strongly recommend Netflix.
Windows 2000 Final Update Needs Fixing
As reported here, Microsoft released their final update rollup for Windows 2000 in June of this year. Well, it turns out they may not quite be done yet. It seems that there are some problems with some of their patches that need to be fixed…again. They are working on them and will release them as they are completed.
Firefox
If you are using Firefox as your browser of choice, make sure you have the most current version. If not, it is possible for someone to steal all your personal data from your computer. How? Well, if some malicious person creates a website with the "Greasemonkey" script running on that site, they can expose the contents of every file on your local hard drive to that site. It is even possible for Greasemonkey to expose the contents of EVERY file on your local hard drive to EVERY site you visit. This means an attacker can quietly send this information anywhere in the world. So go to the Firefox web site and make sure you are running the correct version.
Microsoft and Spyware
Not so long ago, we told you that Microsoft was negotiating to buy a spyware company Claria. Well, the word is out now that the deal has fallen through. However, most people in the know recommend that you do not use Microsoft Anti-Spyware as they changed their software to ignore spyware made by Claria, unless the user overrides their setting. Even though the purchase of Claria is dead, they have not changed their Claria settings.
CounterSpy Ferrets Out Dangerous Spyware
As mentioned here before, I now use Sunbelt Software’s CounterSpy on all our computers. And new reviews by PC World Magazine still show it to be the best anti-spyware software by far. Well their reputation has just gone up another notch as their research department has found a spyware application that steals your personal information from off your computer.
They were analyzing a software called “CoolWebSearch” and found what appears to be a massive identity theft ring hijacking confidential data from millions of infected computers. They found that the software was a spam zombie that was placing callbacks to a remote server. When they visited the remote server, they discovered that it was being used to distribute sensitive personal information from millions of PC users infected by the spyware application.
The sophistication of the operation suggests it's the work of a massive identity theft ring that used keystroke loggers to grab confidential information that could be used to create fake online identities and steal millions of dollars from bank accounts. Sunbelt has contacted the FBI along with several people whose bank account information they found on the remote server.
Besides the obvious dangers, Sunbelt found that the majority of spyware products on the market today would not have found this software on a spyware scan. If you would like to check your computer at once to see if you are infected with “CoolWebSearch,” anti-virus vendor Trend Micro Inc. provides a free online scanning tool that detects and deletes the "CoolWebSearch" application. I suggest you go online and run it.
Blockbuster Video to Raise Prices
As you may remember from my recent review of Blockbuster vs Netflix to find out who had the best DVD rental video service, the only reason I could find to go with Blockbuster was their lower monthly fee. Well that reason is now gone. Blockbuster raised its price from $14.99 per month to $17.99 per month…the same as Netflix. So, if you are thinking of joining one or the other, I strongly recommend Netflix.
Windows 2000 Final Update Needs Fixing
As reported here, Microsoft released their final update rollup for Windows 2000 in June of this year. Well, it turns out they may not quite be done yet. It seems that there are some problems with some of their patches that need to be fixed…again. They are working on them and will release them as they are completed.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Microsoft Says Be Legit...or Else!
Starting today, users of the Windows Operating System will have to first prove that they have a legitimate copy of Windows, or they will not be able to download any add-ons from Microsoft. We told you a few months ago that this was coming...and now it is here.
Believe it or not, there is one exception...and that is for security-related patches. Regardless of whether a system passes the test, security updates will be available to all Windows users via either manual download or automatic update. However, the Microsoft Update and Windows Update utilities, which provide notifications of new patches, will require validation.
All this is part of Microsoft's "Windows Genuine Advantage," a program that is designed to increase the number of Windows users that are actually paying Microsoft for its software. Currently, the company estimates that roughly a third of Windows copies worldwide are not legitimate. And, no doubt about it, that is a huge loss of revenue for the company that they would like to recapture.
With Windows' share of the desktop market estimated to be well above 90 percent, cracking down on illegal copies of the OS is seen as one of the few ways for Microsoft to grow its Windows business. The two other main ways that Microsoft has identified are increasing the number of PCs per household and expanding computer usage in emerging markets.
So what happens if you fail to pass the validation test? You will then be presented with two options: First, if you bought your PC with what you thought was a legitimate copy of Windows and you have the CD that was supposed to come with the system, you would fill out a piracy report and become eligible to get a legitimate copy of Windows at no charge.
Believe it or not, there is one exception...and that is for security-related patches. Regardless of whether a system passes the test, security updates will be available to all Windows users via either manual download or automatic update. However, the Microsoft Update and Windows Update utilities, which provide notifications of new patches, will require validation.
All this is part of Microsoft's "Windows Genuine Advantage," a program that is designed to increase the number of Windows users that are actually paying Microsoft for its software. Currently, the company estimates that roughly a third of Windows copies worldwide are not legitimate. And, no doubt about it, that is a huge loss of revenue for the company that they would like to recapture.
With Windows' share of the desktop market estimated to be well above 90 percent, cracking down on illegal copies of the OS is seen as one of the few ways for Microsoft to grow its Windows business. The two other main ways that Microsoft has identified are increasing the number of PCs per household and expanding computer usage in emerging markets.
So what happens if you fail to pass the validation test? You will then be presented with two options: First, if you bought your PC with what you thought was a legitimate copy of Windows and you have the CD that was supposed to come with the system, you would fill out a piracy report and become eligible to get a legitimate copy of Windows at no charge.
If you don't have the CD or proof of purchase, you still fill out a piracy report. Then, you will have to pay for a licensed copy...$99 for Windows XP Home and $149 for Windows XP Professional. Those prices are higher than the upgrade cost for Windows XP, but lower than the price one would have to pay for an entirely new copy of the OS.
Just thought you would like to know.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Kodak Layoffs Reflect the Demise of Film
The name "Kodak" is synonymous with photography. After all, the company's founder invented photographic film. And, as an avid photographer for many years, it was sad for me to learn this week that Eastman Kodak announced that it would be cutting up to 10,000 jobs in the near future...this after last year's 12,000-15,000 person layoff announced last year. These job cuts total about 25% of Kodak's entire workforce.
It saddens me, not only for the employees who will lose their jobs, but because what the layoffs really represent is death of film as a media for taking pictures. Even Kodak admits that digital cameras and media are replacing traditional film products in the marketplace even faster than their predictions.
According to Kodak's Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Perez, "Sales of our consumer traditional products are declining faster than expected," he said. "Although we have been moving rapidly to get our costs down ... we are picking up the pace dramatically. This is what the company needs to succeed as a digital company."
Other analysts agree. The digital photography boom has been and still is, killing film sales at a pace much quicker than many companies, including Kodak, could have anticipated. And the market will continue to founder, with the effect on film vendors and processors being close to "catastrophic," said Charles LeCompte, president of Lyra Research.
"Kodak is the most public company to suffer from how quickly film is declining, but there are plenty of others hurting," he said, adding that a number of European companies focusing on film have gone bankrupt within the past few years.
These enterprises did see the size of the digital photography wave, LeCompte added, but not its speed. Kodak has been investing heavily in digital photography for nearly 10 years while demanding that executives to concentrate on the issue, but the company didn't move quickly enough to avoid layoffs, said Mike Wolf, director of digital photography trends at research firm InfoTrends.
"Anyone who has been reliant on film in the past has had to adjust their model or meet their maker," said Wolf. "What's happening at Kodak is happening across the industry."
"Some people didn't see the shift to digital cameras happening so fast, but we did see, early on, that film was on its way out," said Dan Havlik, public relations specialist at Canon USA.
Film will always have a place in the photography world, Havlik said, but it will likely get pushed to the hobbyist and specialist market as digital photography matures.
What does all this mean for people like you and me? It means we had better consider buying a digital camera in the near future, if we haven't already done so. Look for film costs to go up as well as film processing prices as the number of available vendors offering these services decreases. With costs going up on film and processing and the price of quality digital cameras coming down, it makes sense to think about moving to digital photography.
I offer myself as an example. As some of you may know, I shoot mostly slide film in my work as an artist. To shoot a roll of 36 exposure slide film these days costs me about $10 for each roll...$5 for film and $5 to process it. That means that every time I click my shutter, it costs me 28 cents. And I buy my film from a New York dealer who specializes in getting gray market film, otherwise I would be paying almost $10 per roll.
That is why I am looking strongly at going digital in the near future for much of my work. With 8 megapixel SLR digital cameras now being offered at a more reasonable price, it just makes sense to consider making the change. These cameras now offer me the same basic image resolution that I get when I scan my slide into my computer with my film scanner.
If I can get the excellent image quality that I now get with my film cameras and scanner, it just makes good sense to go digital. I can click the shutter to my heart's content and not worry about the costs. After the initial expenses for a camera and extra memory, there are no other costs to worry about.
I just bought Susan a 4 megapixel digital camera for her needs and am now beginning to experiment with it to see if going digital is right for me. We are very late in getting into the digital photography game as probably most of you have already done so. But, shooting film has been a big part of my life for many years and it will be difficult to let go. But, it is inevitable.
Just ask Kodak.
It saddens me, not only for the employees who will lose their jobs, but because what the layoffs really represent is death of film as a media for taking pictures. Even Kodak admits that digital cameras and media are replacing traditional film products in the marketplace even faster than their predictions.
According to Kodak's Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Perez, "Sales of our consumer traditional products are declining faster than expected," he said. "Although we have been moving rapidly to get our costs down ... we are picking up the pace dramatically. This is what the company needs to succeed as a digital company."
Other analysts agree. The digital photography boom has been and still is, killing film sales at a pace much quicker than many companies, including Kodak, could have anticipated. And the market will continue to founder, with the effect on film vendors and processors being close to "catastrophic," said Charles LeCompte, president of Lyra Research.
"Kodak is the most public company to suffer from how quickly film is declining, but there are plenty of others hurting," he said, adding that a number of European companies focusing on film have gone bankrupt within the past few years.
These enterprises did see the size of the digital photography wave, LeCompte added, but not its speed. Kodak has been investing heavily in digital photography for nearly 10 years while demanding that executives to concentrate on the issue, but the company didn't move quickly enough to avoid layoffs, said Mike Wolf, director of digital photography trends at research firm InfoTrends.
"Anyone who has been reliant on film in the past has had to adjust their model or meet their maker," said Wolf. "What's happening at Kodak is happening across the industry."
"Some people didn't see the shift to digital cameras happening so fast, but we did see, early on, that film was on its way out," said Dan Havlik, public relations specialist at Canon USA.
Film will always have a place in the photography world, Havlik said, but it will likely get pushed to the hobbyist and specialist market as digital photography matures.
What does all this mean for people like you and me? It means we had better consider buying a digital camera in the near future, if we haven't already done so. Look for film costs to go up as well as film processing prices as the number of available vendors offering these services decreases. With costs going up on film and processing and the price of quality digital cameras coming down, it makes sense to think about moving to digital photography.
I offer myself as an example. As some of you may know, I shoot mostly slide film in my work as an artist. To shoot a roll of 36 exposure slide film these days costs me about $10 for each roll...$5 for film and $5 to process it. That means that every time I click my shutter, it costs me 28 cents. And I buy my film from a New York dealer who specializes in getting gray market film, otherwise I would be paying almost $10 per roll.
That is why I am looking strongly at going digital in the near future for much of my work. With 8 megapixel SLR digital cameras now being offered at a more reasonable price, it just makes sense to consider making the change. These cameras now offer me the same basic image resolution that I get when I scan my slide into my computer with my film scanner.
If I can get the excellent image quality that I now get with my film cameras and scanner, it just makes good sense to go digital. I can click the shutter to my heart's content and not worry about the costs. After the initial expenses for a camera and extra memory, there are no other costs to worry about.
I just bought Susan a 4 megapixel digital camera for her needs and am now beginning to experiment with it to see if going digital is right for me. We are very late in getting into the digital photography game as probably most of you have already done so. But, shooting film has been a big part of my life for many years and it will be difficult to let go. But, it is inevitable.
Just ask Kodak.
Friday, July 22, 2005
New Windows - New Name
For more than a year, Microsoft and the press has been calling the next version of Windows by its code-name designation, "Longhorn." Now, Microsoft, after much research and innumerable focus groups has come up with the official name.
The next version of Windows will be called, "Windows Vista."
This was, of course, not to be released to the general public yet, but like many internal secrets, it leaked out yesterday and was on the web by last night. Some enterprising person also discovered that Microsoft registered the WindowsVista.US domain name. This morning, Microsoft made the announcement official.
The advertising tagline for Vista is "Clear, Confident, Connected: Bringing clarity to your world," according to a video of the announcement posted by Microsoft.
The company also said that the first beta, or test release, of Vista is slated for release by Aug. 3. That release will be targeted at developers and IT professionals. A second, broader test release aimed at consumers will likely debut ahead of Vista's final release in the second half of next year.
Vista's three design goals include better security, new ways to organize information, and seamless connectivity to external devices, the company said. Microsoft will provide more detail on Vista features Aug. 3.
Among the key features of Vista are a new searching mechanism, lots of new laptop features, parental controls and better home networking. There will also be visual changes ranging from shiny translucent windows to icons that are tiny representations of a document itself.
By the way does anyone remember the original code name of Windows XP?
Actually, it was "Whistler."
The next version of Windows will be called, "Windows Vista."
This was, of course, not to be released to the general public yet, but like many internal secrets, it leaked out yesterday and was on the web by last night. Some enterprising person also discovered that Microsoft registered the WindowsVista.US domain name. This morning, Microsoft made the announcement official.
The advertising tagline for Vista is "Clear, Confident, Connected: Bringing clarity to your world," according to a video of the announcement posted by Microsoft.
The company also said that the first beta, or test release, of Vista is slated for release by Aug. 3. That release will be targeted at developers and IT professionals. A second, broader test release aimed at consumers will likely debut ahead of Vista's final release in the second half of next year.
Vista's three design goals include better security, new ways to organize information, and seamless connectivity to external devices, the company said. Microsoft will provide more detail on Vista features Aug. 3.
Among the key features of Vista are a new searching mechanism, lots of new laptop features, parental controls and better home networking. There will also be visual changes ranging from shiny translucent windows to icons that are tiny representations of a document itself.
By the way does anyone remember the original code name of Windows XP?
Actually, it was "Whistler."
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
The "We Are Not Afraid" Web Site
It seems that whenever we have some great, momentous event, someone creates a not-so-serious web site to commemorate it. Sometimes these have been labeled as "moblogs." For instance, after the elections of 2004, there was the "Sorry Everybody" web site, where hundreds of people posted pictures of themselves apologizing for the re-election of George W. Bush.
Now, after the London bombing attacks, there is a new web site called "We're Not Afraid" where people can post pictures emphasising the fact that they are not afraid of terrorists.
The site was created on the day of the bombings, when a bloke by the name of Alfie Dennen, posted a picture of the London skyline with this caption: "Show the world that we're not afraid of what happened to London today, and that the world is a better place without fear."
The web site became so popular overnight that it was difficult to get on during the first few days after the bombing. People began posting their own pictures or pictures of famous people or characters, all proclaiming that they are not afraid. I like the one of Yoda, proudly proclaiming, "Not afraid am I."
The pictures are serious and frivoulous, as well as defiant. I urge you to swing by the web site and have a look for yourself.
Now, after the London bombing attacks, there is a new web site called "We're Not Afraid" where people can post pictures emphasising the fact that they are not afraid of terrorists.
The site was created on the day of the bombings, when a bloke by the name of Alfie Dennen, posted a picture of the London skyline with this caption: "Show the world that we're not afraid of what happened to London today, and that the world is a better place without fear."
The web site became so popular overnight that it was difficult to get on during the first few days after the bombing. People began posting their own pictures or pictures of famous people or characters, all proclaiming that they are not afraid. I like the one of Yoda, proudly proclaiming, "Not afraid am I."
The pictures are serious and frivoulous, as well as defiant. I urge you to swing by the web site and have a look for yourself.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Microsoft Going Into Spyware Business?
First, let me apologize for my recent lack of blogs. I am on the road a great deal these days as it is the busiest part of my schedule. I just returned from six days in Eugene, OR and will leave early tomorrow for Sandy, OR. Then a quick return home for restocking, then down to Salem, OR. So, I will write when I can. Now, for today's story.
Microsoft's Windows AntiSpyware application is no longer flagging adware products from Claria Corp. as a threat to PC users.
This all comes less than a week after published reports of acquisition talks between Microsoft Corp. and the Redwood City, Calif.-based distributor of the controversial Gator ad-serving software, Security researches have discovered that Microsoft has quietly downgraded its Claria detections. A coincidence? Doubtful.
Anti-spyware activist Eric L. Howes, who serves as a consultant to Sunbelt Software, makers of Counterspy, discovered the default changes during a recent test that included four Claria applications: Dashbar, Gator, PrecisionTime and Weatherscope.
According to the results published by Howes, four different builds of the Windows AntiSpyware beta detected the Claria products, but the default recommendation was "ignore." Prior to the recent tests, Microsoft's AntiSpyware tool detected Claria's products and presented users with a recommended action of "Quarantine." Although the default has been changed to "ignore," users can still change the action to "Quarantine" or "Remove" via a drop-down menu.
Writing on the popular Broadband Reports security forum, Howes described the default changes as "troubling," coming so close on the heels of the acquisition talks between Microsoft and Claria.
In addition to the Gator-branded products, Claria's adware applications include eWallet, DateManager, WeatherScope and PrecisionTime. The company's behavior-tracking database of users' surfing habits is believed to be among the biggest in the world. A recent spyware report from Webroot Software Inc. lists Claria's software as the second most prolific adware install, appearing on more than 2 percent of consumer desktops.
I think this move by Microsoft to possibly get into the spyware business is a betrayal to all of its customers. I understand that the business of Microsoft is to make money, but it shouldn't be at the expense of it's customers, especially since Microsoft makes the most popular operating system in the world today as well as the most used web browser in the world. Should they complete the purchase of Claria, they will no doubt leave the window open (no pun intended) for its products to allow the entry and use of it's own spyware software on unsuspecting user's computers.
My reaction is this: Today I have erased all copies of Microsoft's AntiSpyware software from all our computers and have purchased copies of Sunbelt Software's Counterspy software. If you don't want to spend the money for Counterspy ($19.95), I suggest you use either Adaware or Spybot-Search and Destroy...and remove all copies of AntiSpyware from your system.
Let me know what you think.
Microsoft's Windows AntiSpyware application is no longer flagging adware products from Claria Corp. as a threat to PC users.
This all comes less than a week after published reports of acquisition talks between Microsoft Corp. and the Redwood City, Calif.-based distributor of the controversial Gator ad-serving software, Security researches have discovered that Microsoft has quietly downgraded its Claria detections. A coincidence? Doubtful.
Anti-spyware activist Eric L. Howes, who serves as a consultant to Sunbelt Software, makers of Counterspy, discovered the default changes during a recent test that included four Claria applications: Dashbar, Gator, PrecisionTime and Weatherscope.
According to the results published by Howes, four different builds of the Windows AntiSpyware beta detected the Claria products, but the default recommendation was "ignore." Prior to the recent tests, Microsoft's AntiSpyware tool detected Claria's products and presented users with a recommended action of "Quarantine." Although the default has been changed to "ignore," users can still change the action to "Quarantine" or "Remove" via a drop-down menu.
Writing on the popular Broadband Reports security forum, Howes described the default changes as "troubling," coming so close on the heels of the acquisition talks between Microsoft and Claria.
In addition to the Gator-branded products, Claria's adware applications include eWallet, DateManager, WeatherScope and PrecisionTime. The company's behavior-tracking database of users' surfing habits is believed to be among the biggest in the world. A recent spyware report from Webroot Software Inc. lists Claria's software as the second most prolific adware install, appearing on more than 2 percent of consumer desktops.
I think this move by Microsoft to possibly get into the spyware business is a betrayal to all of its customers. I understand that the business of Microsoft is to make money, but it shouldn't be at the expense of it's customers, especially since Microsoft makes the most popular operating system in the world today as well as the most used web browser in the world. Should they complete the purchase of Claria, they will no doubt leave the window open (no pun intended) for its products to allow the entry and use of it's own spyware software on unsuspecting user's computers.
My reaction is this: Today I have erased all copies of Microsoft's AntiSpyware software from all our computers and have purchased copies of Sunbelt Software's Counterspy software. If you don't want to spend the money for Counterspy ($19.95), I suggest you use either Adaware or Spybot-Search and Destroy...and remove all copies of AntiSpyware from your system.
Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
State to Charge Tax on Fiber Optic Users
Today, I came into possession of a letter from Scott Daniels, Vice President of Internet Operations for Genext, one of the providers of Internet service on the Grant County PUD Zip fiber system. It is disturbing in that it outlines the levying of an illegal tax on users of the Zipp Fiber Optic system here in Grant County by the Washington State Department of Revenue.
As you know, many years ago Congress made it illegal to charge sales or use tax on Internet users and that law is still in effect today. The State of Washington has chosen to violate that law by levying a tax on fiber users. It is not taxing any other broadband service, only fiber.
As many of my readers are fiber customers, I thought you should be made aware of this. Although I am publishing this letter from Genext, I am not one of their customers, nor do I in any way recommend their service. But, I must commend them for writing to to their customers in such plain language and letting them know how they feel. I hope some of you will take action as I know I will.
Here is the letter:
As you may have read in the Columbia Basin Herald over the past several months, the Washington State Department of Revenue has decided to place a 'Sales and Use' tax on the Fiber Internet Service that customers receive via the Grant County PUD Fiber Network. At a time when the FCC and our Nations Congressional leaders have protected the Internet from taxation, the Washington State DOR has decided to go against this federal policy and place
a tax on PUD fiber access. It is our understanding that this tax is not being levied on other Internet access services like DSL, Wireless or Cable wholesale services, only PUD Fiber!
Starting July 1st, 2005, Service Providers on the Grant PUD Network will be charged sales tax on the wholesale services they purchase for subscriber access. We feel that the State has no authority to place a retail sales tax on a wholesale communication transport service; however, we are highly compelled to comply. Regrettably, in response to this increase in cost, we are forced to increase the retail price of our Internet Services in Grant County, as of August 1st.
We have been battling this tax issue fiercely and up until official notice from Grant County on June 23rd 2005, we have held firm against charging taxes on Fiber Internet Services.
In spite of the fact that Genext will begin accruing taxes starting July 1st, we are providing 30-days advance notice as a courtesy to you, our valued customer. As of August 1st, all Grant County Fiber Connections will be charged a $2.50 flat rate 'recovery' fee. The monies generated as a result of this fee does not cover the entire expense incurred by Genext.
New rates are as follows:
Residential Internet Access
1 Mbps Internet Service $37.50
2Mbps Internet Service $47.50
Business Internet Access
1 Mbps Internet Service $47.50
2 Mbps Internet Service $57.50
Special VLAN's
10 Mbps VLAN $47.50
This is the first time since July of last year that we have been forced to increase our rates on Grant County Fiber Services and we have worked to offset these costs by offering additional value added services such as our E-Mail Security, as well as additional email addresses; now 5 included with your broadband account with increased storage upon request!
We sincerely regret this obligatory rate increase and feel that the Department of Revenue has gone far beyond their legitimate authority. If you, too, feel that this tax is improper and unwarranted, please contact your state legislative representative and let them know how you feel. Exercise your rights, voice your thoughts, contact your representative. Thank you for your understanding and support in voicing your thoughts to your Representative. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call for more information.
We appreciate your support and continued patronage and look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service and reliability for years to come.
Regards,
Scott Daniels
VP Internet Operations
Genext, LLC
As you know, many years ago Congress made it illegal to charge sales or use tax on Internet users and that law is still in effect today. The State of Washington has chosen to violate that law by levying a tax on fiber users. It is not taxing any other broadband service, only fiber.
As many of my readers are fiber customers, I thought you should be made aware of this. Although I am publishing this letter from Genext, I am not one of their customers, nor do I in any way recommend their service. But, I must commend them for writing to to their customers in such plain language and letting them know how they feel. I hope some of you will take action as I know I will.
Here is the letter:
As you may have read in the Columbia Basin Herald over the past several months, the Washington State Department of Revenue has decided to place a 'Sales and Use' tax on the Fiber Internet Service that customers receive via the Grant County PUD Fiber Network. At a time when the FCC and our Nations Congressional leaders have protected the Internet from taxation, the Washington State DOR has decided to go against this federal policy and place
a tax on PUD fiber access. It is our understanding that this tax is not being levied on other Internet access services like DSL, Wireless or Cable wholesale services, only PUD Fiber!
Starting July 1st, 2005, Service Providers on the Grant PUD Network will be charged sales tax on the wholesale services they purchase for subscriber access. We feel that the State has no authority to place a retail sales tax on a wholesale communication transport service; however, we are highly compelled to comply. Regrettably, in response to this increase in cost, we are forced to increase the retail price of our Internet Services in Grant County, as of August 1st.
We have been battling this tax issue fiercely and up until official notice from Grant County on June 23rd 2005, we have held firm against charging taxes on Fiber Internet Services.
In spite of the fact that Genext will begin accruing taxes starting July 1st, we are providing 30-days advance notice as a courtesy to you, our valued customer. As of August 1st, all Grant County Fiber Connections will be charged a $2.50 flat rate 'recovery' fee. The monies generated as a result of this fee does not cover the entire expense incurred by Genext.
New rates are as follows:
Residential Internet Access
1 Mbps Internet Service $37.50
2Mbps Internet Service $47.50
Business Internet Access
1 Mbps Internet Service $47.50
2 Mbps Internet Service $57.50
Special VLAN's
10 Mbps VLAN $47.50
This is the first time since July of last year that we have been forced to increase our rates on Grant County Fiber Services and we have worked to offset these costs by offering additional value added services such as our E-Mail Security, as well as additional email addresses; now 5 included with your broadband account with increased storage upon request!
We sincerely regret this obligatory rate increase and feel that the Department of Revenue has gone far beyond their legitimate authority. If you, too, feel that this tax is improper and unwarranted, please contact your state legislative representative and let them know how you feel. Exercise your rights, voice your thoughts, contact your representative. Thank you for your understanding and support in voicing your thoughts to your Representative. Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call for more information.
We appreciate your support and continued patronage and look forward to continuing to provide you with exceptional service and reliability for years to come.
Regards,
Scott Daniels
VP Internet Operations
Genext, LLC
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