Techie FreakOut

Why I've Been Away

2012-06-28T08:54:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you've all been wondering why I'm suddenly posting again after such a long time away. Well, here's the scoop. I'm going to try to post more frequently, but that may not necessarily be the case because...

I've started my own business! That's what I've been working on for a while now. It is a website design, graphic design, social media consulting, and computer repair business. It is called Third Watch Editing Studios, and it has a fresh new website! Please visit it, and consider using our services :)

http://www.thirdwatcheditingstudios.com

Foreign Patents Lead to Apple Lawsuits

2012-02-07T13:52:00.000-06:00

The news in technology today...

First I apologize for my absence once again. I will try to post more frequently, but school and work have become overwhelming. Soon I will be posting a link to some of my newest projects, and things I would love if my readers followed as well. But for now, on to the news.

Proview, a Chinese company, originally held the patent for the name "iPad" and had sold it to Apple for a large sum of money. However, there was a loophole in the contract that Apple must have missed prior to signing.

They weren't allowed to use the name "iPad" in China.

For an international company like Apple, who manufactures the majority of their products in China, this is a huge blow... but not nearly as big as the lawsuit that Proview has put forth in Hong Kong. And it looks like they are going to take the money. A $1.6 Billion lawsuit is on the table, and the Chinese courts have already announced they will most likely rule in favor of Proview.

For more information: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2012/02/07/apple-faces-16-billion-lawsuit-in-china-over-ipad-name/

We will have to see what happens after this suit. Of course, this will definitely NOT defeat Apple, as to them the amount is a mild hit, but it is still quite shocking that this text in the contract was overlooked.

Qwikster Abandoned!

2011-10-10T09:01:00.001-05:00

I woke up this morning to an interesting chunk of news on Twitter. "Qwikster" was trending again, so I took a click to see... and what do I find?

Netflix abandons Qwikster; keeping services together under one name.

A lot of the reasoning behind this is because their stocks started crashing and again they had an uproar about changing their services. However, they didn't really lose anyone over it yet. So, they decided to just leave things be, and also stated that there will be no more crazy price changes ahead, because they want to start respecting their customers.

So, to all, Netflix is still Netflix, and Qwikster has disappeared.

For More Information:
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/10/netflix-abandons-plan-to-rent-dvds-on-qwikster/

UPDATE!
Here's what the official e-mail says:

Dear Natalie,

It is clear that for many of our members two websites would make things more difficult, so we are going to keep Netflix as one place to go for streaming and DVDs.

This means no change: one website, one account, one password…in other words, no Qwikster.

While the July price change was necessary, we are now done with price changes.

We're constantly improving our streaming selection. We've recently added hundreds of movies from Paramount, Sony, Universal, Fox, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, MGM and Miramax. Plus, in the last couple of weeks alone, we've added over 3,500 TV episodes from ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, USA, E!, Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, ABC Family, Discovery Channel, TLC, SyFy, A&E, History, and PBS.

We value you as a member, and we are committed to making Netflix the best place to get your movies & TV shows.

Respectfully,

The Netflix Team

Steve Jobs, you will be missed

2011-10-06T10:19:00.002-05:00

R.I.P. Steve Jobs: 1955-2011

I'm not an Apple fan by any means, but yesterday the technology community lost a great innovator to Pancreatic cancer. Steve Jobs passed away peacefully after a long and hard battle against the cancer, shortly after he stepped down from his CEO position back in August.
Steve Jobs revolutionized Apple, along with the way we techies look at technology and innovation. The iPod, iPhone... the entire "i" line made a completely new world of sorts and a new era for computers. At age 56, there was still much innovation that could have come from this man. Hopefully, one day, we won't lose amazing people to cancer.

One of my favorite quotes from him is, "Life is short. Don't waste it living someone else's." I love that. It's so true.

Some news about his death, his obituary, etc.:::::

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/10/06/national/main20116647.shtml

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=6285&news=steve+jobs+dies+what+it+means+for+apple

http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20116336-37/apple-co-founder-chairman-steve-jobs-dies/#ixzz1ZxOvJz8n

Such a great man. You will be missed, Steve.

Changes to Netflix!

2011-09-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

http://blog.netflix.com/2011/09/explanation-and-some-reflections.html

Oh, Netflix. How I've come to love your streaming service. I know I was a late adopter, and actually joined in after the split, but I know the history. Netflix made it big based off of their DVD rental service, where there were no late fees, DVDs were shipped to your house, and you could create a queue online for it to send you each time you returned a DVD. Then, Netflix brought in a streaming service, with a wide selection of movies to stream instantly to your computer, internet capable TV, gaming system, or even your smartphone.

But then, Netflix split the services in half, and charged the same amount... but twice. You have to pay the $7 for streaming, and then another $7 for DVDs if you would opt to use both.

This had led to quite a bit of uproar. People only found out about this based off of one e-mail just saying it was happening, and oh, too bad, you will now be getting charged twice.

Netflix had to respond. They were losing customers. So they came up with this new idea---create a second business out of it, and entitle the DVD service as Qwikster. Which is all fine and dandy, but it means that the services are no longer combined, which is still making people angry.

However, there is definitely some benefits to this move. Qwikster will be offering video game rentals now, which is quite a big deal. Netflix will also be starting to offer exclusive "video channel" TV shows, the first being called "Game of Cards."

What do you think? Are you excited for Qwikster? Just sticking to Netflix Streaming? Angry all together?

Fake Google certificates, along with potential other major sites, sold and hacked

2011-09-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

Read it Here

Fake Certificates for Google, as well as potentially Mozilla, Microsoft, and other large companies, were sold and compromised, allowing for tens of thousands of Gmail accounts to get hacked and personal information stolen. Due to a loophole in international law, these fake certificates were able to be issued to a group of hackers, and so far the total issued counts at 534.

This attack seems to be primarily affecting Iranians, with 60,000 and counting being compromised, but there is still a decent chance that many others have been hacked, perhaps globally. Only time will tell the true velocity of this attack.

Computer Chip Skin?

2011-08-22T09:06:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I'm one who fears the "Big Brother" syndrome, but this is kind of cool nonetheless.

Scientists have developed the "EES" or electronic epidermal system, which is a computer chip that attaches under the skin and tracks the movements of the body. It flexes naturally with the skin and appears almost like a barcode tattoo. It can bend, twist, expand, and contract, and none of this will affect the integrity of the chip.

Okay, so what's the use?

According to: This Website:

"Our paper demonstrates our ability to monitor ECG (as a monitor of heart disease and metabolism), EMG (as a measure of, among other things, gait during walking) and EEG (as a measure of cognitive state and awareness).
We have also shown that these same devices can stimulate muscle tissue to induce contractions. When combined with sensing/monitoring, such modes of use could be valuable in physical rehabilitation. We also have interest in sleep monitoring (for sleep apnea), and neo-natal care (monitoring premature babies, in particular)."

I encourage you to read that entire article. When used properly, this will be an extensive medical breakthrough.

Google Power, Why I hate 3D, and the new virus dillema

2011-08-16T13:51:00.000-05:00

If you haven't already heard, Google made a $12.5 billion investment to acquire Motorola Mobility, giving the Android OS a true home of its own, instead of apartments for rent. Google intends for this purchase to increase the availability of the Android OS, increase sales, and be able to meet the demands of customers. For further information, go here.

Studies have shown that 3D technology is both no better for the enjoyment than 2D and puts a strain on eyes and an increased chance of headaches. People who watched a 2D movie had the same reactions and emotions from the movie as those who watched its more expensive 3D counterpart, but more importantly is the health risks of 3D technology. Because the eyes are not adapted to watching something that is virtual 3D, the eye has to continuously readjust to continue causing the affect, putting additional strain on the muscles in the eyes. Also, this strain can cause headaches in many individuals, especially when watching something 3D for an extended period of time. For further information, go here.

There's a lovely little trickster of a virus going around right now, and it is commonly known as the "Windows Update Virus." What this does is presents itself as a legitimate Windows Update, then proceeds to install itself and restart your computer. The moment your computer restarts, the virus finishes its installation and infect the machine. It has yet to be shown the extent of damage it can cause, but so far ranges throughout damaging the operating system. It may also steal information off the PC or create a bot on your network. The removal is nearly impossible and can cause serious issues within your PC registry. These are the directions I have found to delete the virus so far. Tips against this virus are to only install Windows Updates if you choose them yourself, through Windows Update, and do not update anything unless you know where it is coming from.

That's all for now, just a quick roundup!

Myhosting--a home for gamers

2011-08-10T22:56:00.002-05:00

Looking for a place to host your LAN parties, or an indie game that you have designed yourself? Do you have a use for a virtual private server? Myhosting has been in business since 1997 and offers several hosting services ranging from Domain names to VPS hosting.

What is a virtual private server?

From myhosting...

VPS functions like a stand-alone server.

When logged in, you can command, execute and customize your server environment as if you had your own dedicated server.

Each VPS includes the following dedicated-like features:

File System
Users/Permissions
Processes
Full root access
IP address(es)
Firewall features (including Ports, Tables, Filtering and routing rules)
Use of customized system libraries and configuration files

Myhosting offers several options for VPS, including Windows and Linux solutions, billing system software, web application platforms, virtualization platforms, and many different levels of VPS to choose from. The VPS offerings start at $15.95/month, which is an exceptionally reasonable rate compared to what you may pay elsewhere.

Need more reasons to choose VPS? From Myhosting.com...

The perks of virtualization
VPS servers benefit from a number of features that make it equal if not better than running your own dedicated servers. These include:

Fast setup
Highly scalable
Root access
Reboot, shutdown and upgrade on demand
Install any application
Change any file

Guaranteed resources
As you can see on our Custom VPS page, you can allocate and re-allocate VPS resources in real-time and on demand and without the help of a technician. Just point, click, upgrade!

CPU
RAM
Disk Space
Bandwidth

IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
myhosting.com onCloud™ provides a powerful interface that allows you to manage an endless number of VPS, shared hosting, Exchange email and other web services in a tightly integrated control suite.

Protected by Enterprise Firewall/Intrusion Prevention appliances
Industry Leading Connectivity
99.9% Uptime Guarantee
FREE 24x7x365 Online Support!

Each VPS can shrink or expand dynamically.

While guaranteed resources will always be met, a VPS will automatically expand to the near full potential of the server if those resources are available.

A VPS is designed to perform with SLAs in mind.

VPS servers are able to provide dedicated resources just like a dedicated server so that your website, application or other processes get absolute priority.

Consider VPS hosting through MYHOSTING.COM!

Google+: A review

2011-08-08T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today, I am going to do a quick review of Google+, and mention where I think its strengths and weaknesses are, and where it might be going. If you aren't familiar, Google+ is the new social media website through Google. You may have seen the +1 buttons popping up on some of your favorite websites next to the Facebook and Twitter sharing buttons.

Google+ allows you to "follow" people by adding them to circles. This is kind of cool in itself. People do not know what circle you add them to, only that you added them. You can filter the news feed from the people you are following based upon the circles that you have created.

There are basic circles that come created for you, but you could even make a circle "Raving Lunatics" if you would really like, and as such the people you add to it WOULD NOT KNOW that you classified them as raving lunatics. I find this humorous and quite honestly very useful.

Google+ is very plain and simple, with a little bit of color, but the basic black and white of Google, keeping everything streamlined and basic. I love this as well.

When you "+1" something, it is added to a list on your personal page. It doesn't overwhelm your profile, and any posts you make can either be made public, hidden to just your circles, OR the best part, hidden to only specific circles. Want to post something horribly raunchy and don't want your grandmother to see it? Hide it from your "family" circle and post it to just your "friends" instead! Also, people can be added to multiple circles for this purpose, so that it may be a family member, but one that would find your post funny, you can add them to a list that things will be shared with.

Google+ is also interestingly politically correct, having not two but three gender options, adding in the "other" category. You also are not required to show your gender in your profile if you do not wish to. This allows for Trans, Androgynous, etc. identified individuals to express themselves as they feel comfortable.

Another cool feature is the "Hangout." You can have a webcam conference with your friends via Google+, which is just kind of a neat streamlined feature that also has you use Google+ for several different options. Google Chat is also incorporated into Google+.

My only real issues with Google+ right now is that I don't have a use for it quite yet. People are still mainly using Facebook and haven't made the switch yet. It is also a by invitation only standing yet, although you are allowed to send (at least) 150 invites out to friends to get them onto Google+.

I think one other issue is that it's pretty much just Facebook of old, or even Tumblr combined with Twitter and MySpace, but with more privacy. It's not exactly something new and innovative, other than that they haven't ruined it like Facebook did. (For further information, Google Mark Zuckerburg's Sister--- we will talk about this at a later date)

If you get an invite to Google+, you might as well try it out for kicks and giggles. You will probably at least enjoy it and use it periodically.

Android Malware Issues Arising Fast

2011-08-03T08:28:00.000-05:00

Well fellow Android users, another malware has been discovered that is being distributed through apps in the Android Marketplace. This one is interesting... it activates when you make a phone call, and records your phone conversations. This is in an attempt to steal bank accounts and private information.

Gotta admit, it's kind of revolutionary... but also extremely invasive. So, some tips as to how to avoid this malware:

Only download apps from trusted sources
Do not automatically update your apps: manually update
Have an Anti-virus (Lookout is my choice!

It's pretty simple, quite like a computer. By being cautious and knowing what you are doing on your phone, you can avoid this attack.

For more information, go to this link.

Vita and PS3 Will Rival Wii U

2011-08-02T08:24:00.000-05:00

The Wii U has already found its competition from Sony. It's looking more and more grim for Nintendo.

The Playstation Vita, Sony's "PSP 2" per say, will be compatible with new PS3 games as an additional controller, Sony has announced. While it seems like Sony has stolen this idea from Nintendo, they have also made their merchandise sound more enticing than that of Nintendo's once again. The Playstation Vita is going to be a high-powered handheld gaming system, and with many people already having a PS3, it won't be that difficult to promote.

Also, unlike the Wii U, the "controller" will be a separate gaming system and have additional purpose, unlike the Wii U and it's touch screen and compatibility, but inability to be used anywhere besides with the console.

For me, I will be more likely to buy the Vita (not a PS3 though) purely because the quality is amazing, the gameplay is awesome, and it is once again innovative, but not to an extreme (hear that Nintendo? Stop trying so hard!) I feel bad for not backing Nintendo... again... but I'm starting to worry about them. Is this Nintendo's last stand?

Tech News Roundup

2011-07-29T10:59:00.003-05:00

More Nintendo News, Cyber Crime News, and Also... News on the Fiscal Failure of America.

In the Nintendo Spectrum...

The well known Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, has taken a whopping 50% pay cut over the failure of the 3DS, because Nintendo is hitting it hard.

What exactly does this mean for Nintendo? Well for one, he's not the only one taking a pay cut. Representative directors are taking 30% pay cuts, and other execs are taking 20% cuts.

I'm convinced Nintendo can turn themselves around, but it's definitely going to be some time. This famous game business is falling fast, unfortunately, and have lost the ability to keep up with new technologies.

For more about this information, check out this link to hear more about what Iwata has said, as well as how much money Nintendo has been losing from the 3DS fail.

On to Cyber Crime News...

It's actually fairly old news, having surfaced over a month ago, but the investigations are still underway, and it shows the type of world that exists underneath the surface on the internet. Since I am studying cyber crime, it's cases like this that encourage me to pursue this field in order to take down the criminals like these.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-13711320

The Lincolnshire pedophile ring. Four "average" guys building and hosting a web server that held over 5 million images of porn. It spanned 45 countries and some of the images were so awful that the investigators had to seek regular counseling and therapy for the things that they were seeing.

Quoted from this article,

""When we searched Ian Frost's home in 2006, we found a huge server sat in the lounge and soon realised it wasn't a routine investigation and contacted Ceops (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)," he said.

"We started to look at what was on the server and realised we were dealing with the commercial distribution of indecent images of children around the globe.

"Officers looked at five million images and read through one-and-a-half million emails.

"We found out they had been running a news service for seven years and had been using it to distribute indecent images to 45 countries, earning themselves about £2m," said Det Supt Gibson."

This is not the average case by any means, but it happens, and criminals like this need to be stopped. Hopefully everyone involved will have to face the justice they deserve.

Finally, the fiscal failure of America...

My god. My country is a failure. APPLE has more cash than the USA itself. Check it out HERE. I'm embarassed. It's not a huge gap (okay, when counting in billions of dollars of course) but perhaps, just maybe, Obama needs to start paying attention to the capital giants he "hates" so much, stop taxing the crap out of them, and instead start running a country where money doesn't grow on trees.

I don't like Steve Jobs very much, but at the rate America is going, he might as well buy the country.

Poor Nintendo...

2011-07-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

Oh Nintendo, I've stood by you for so long, and I may just choose to very soon.

You're 3DS is doing exactly what everyone predicted: failing. Not good enough technology, horrible game titles and game play, and competing in a market where this just isn't what people are looking for.

I'm personally still a fan of this system, using it on a regular basis...

First, let's start with This Article. Nintendo is predicting profits that are 82% lower than last year. Considering their new release of technology, this is pretty depressing. Not to mention they just announced the Wii U at E3, which seems to have hurt them worse than helped them. While this is sad news for Nintendo... it may be good news for potential customers that have been holding out.

It has been announced that starting in August (so in only a few days) the 3DS will be reduced in price to $170, a whopping $80 slashed off the price. That price even makes me consider it. Consider, but not actually get.

I'm a huge fan of the DS, and surprisingly, this system is still kicking. The sales are still existent and games are still being produced for the system. Maybe, Nintendo, you should just work with what you already have for a little while. The Vita is going to kick your tokas out the door anyway.

This is the part that really gets me, though, right here. The iOS is beating the poop out of Nintendo in general, and this could be a very sad day for us Nintendo fans. I can't stand Apple, as many of you already realize, but come on. Should this even be a legitimate comparison? An operating system against a game system? You tell me. I think it's just shameful.

Oh. One more thing. Invest in Nintendo while they are down. I'm considering it. I have faith that the company will come back once again!

Friday, no More...

2011-06-17T09:27:00.000-05:00

Breaking news...

REBECCA BLACK'S FRIDAY HAS BEEN PULLED FROM YOUTUBE.

After YouTube's little slip last week of attempting to charge people for watching Rebecca Black's "Friday," Ark Music, the producers of the infamous video, pulled the video and are taking actions against YouTube as they feel that they were being exploited. Come on.

While this sort of seems like a blessing since her song was SO annoying, it also brings about the sadness that there is no longer an office joke for Fridays. Rebecca Black, our favorite partying 13 year old with the creepy old man singing about switching lanes.

Don't believe me?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0

Look for yourself.

Heard this report from Hypable... http://www.hypable.com/misc/2011/06/17/today-is-left-without-a-song-rebecca-blacks-friday-exits-youtube/

So, in honor of the memory of Rebecca Black...

Technology Recycling!!!

2011-06-15T14:17:00.001-05:00

Through http://www.castleink.com I am entering for a scholarship, which has led to an important discussion: The process of recycling technology items, and the reasons why you should not just throw these items into a dumpster.

Many items, such as old CRT monitors and televisions, contain harmful, toxic materials that cannot go into the normal landfills. However, most people do not understand the harm that this can do to the environment. Cities and townships often have "e-cycling drives" that for approximately $1-$5 per item, while other times organizations such as Boys and Girls Club will collect the items for free as a fundraiser, working with recycling companies who will pay them for the items they collect.

So please, take care of your environment! E-Cycle!

E3 Review #1: The impending doom of the Wii U

2011-06-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

The Wii U... has Nintendo done it again? And by done it again, I mean, have they created the next "Virtual Boy" level failure? As you may have heard, the 3DS sales are minimal, and while there is much satisfaction by those who own one, many people don't feel like investing in it.

The Wii U isn't proving to be much better.

After it's announcement at E3, the Nintendo stocks fell significantly, confusing the creators and business men of Nintendo. Why are people so wary of this system? Perhaps it is because once again Nintendo is failing on computing power, with analysts seeing the Wii U as only 50% more powerful than the PS3. Perhaps it is the fact that the controller is the size of a tablet PC and incorporates way too many things, EXCEPT a true analog stick. Once again, Nintendo is trying to outdo everyone by including too much, and it's going to burn them this time around.

What is that? A handheld system? NO, it's just the controller silly, the rest is going to be on your TV.

Is this something I'm planning on investing in? Hell no, but I may invest in Nintendo while their stocks are down, because maybe I can actually get some value out of this piece of crap. Read the linked article at the top to learn more about the failures of Nintendo this time around.

Now, to be fair, I must be nice to Nintendo. I've loved them since the beginning. I rebuild the original NES's as a side job. Nintendo has done some pretty revolutionary things, and the 3DS and even the original DS were some of them. The Wii is still top in motion technology, even against the Kinect or Move. But sometimes Nintendo tries to outdo themselves and they begin to go to far. The Wii U seems to be the "too far" moment. But who knows? Maybe I will own one sooner than I think...

Next time... the Playstation Vita!

Nintendo Wii U? Is it a fail??

2011-06-14T00:41:00.000-05:00

Boy has it been a while since I posted in this blog! Well hopefully I can start keeping it up to date again. Just a note for something to look forward to in the next few days (and posts) is an overview of the information released at this year's E3 convention... especially concerning Nintendo's Wii U and my personal opinions on it.

As for now, a little update... I've been away because my mother, my surrogate father, my mom's best friend, and my friend's dad all passed away during the last school year and I just had a lot of stress under my belt to keep up with both classes and work, much less my two blogs. I will be starting back up on these things slowly, as well as starting a new blog, name TBA, but it will be about identity/gender struggles, religious debates, sexual identity, and pretty much topics of confusion for many individuals from a completely unique perspective---mine.

Facebook: What is Security, exactly?

2010-09-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

So every time I log onto Facebook, they seem to have instated some sort of new "security policy." Meaning several times a day practically. But how secure is your information? What are some common mistakes people make on Facebook? Can you ever truly make your information private?

Well, let's take a look.

For a while, other than the occasional glitch, you could keep your status updates away from the general public. That of course was until Facebook started discussing "Dance Party." Sounds like a new console game? Yes, but what is it actually? Take a look here: http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/03/facebook-project-dance-party/ Pretty much, in summary, Dance Party is a whole new Facebook feature that will give a feel of Twitter... however not many will realize it works the way it does: You can see ANY status updates you want.

Have you also noticed that occasionally, if your friends write something on someone's wall, and that person is not your friend, it will still appear in your news feed? This is partially part of the Dance Party feature, but also their new concept to "help you find friends." Thanks Facebook, but I have enough.

The new fad out in social media today is FourSquare. It's so fun to check into places and get points, but there's also something else that it can get you: stalkers, robbers, and unnecessary attention. Even though only your friends can see where you are checking in, many times crimes are committed against someone by people that they know, even if it's just a little. Even just stating that you will be out of the house for the evening, or bragging about an upcoming vacation can make you a target. Check out this for some real scenarios: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/tips/burglaries-because-of-facebook

Social media is a great thing, but only when used wisely and with one's own discretion is information actually protected from the public. Posts, pictures, fan pages, etc. can show up even in an average Google search, and once on the internet, it will be there forever, even if you delete it. So here are a few short tips to keep yourself protected.

1. Avoid writing status updates that declare when you will be away from home.

2. If there's something about you that you don't want even just one person knowing, don't post it!

3. You know that party you're at? There could be a camera anywhere. Think before you act.

4. Use a password that includes at least 8 characters, and combines capital letters, lowercase letters, and numbers and/or symbols.

5. Don't add someone you don't know or can't verify their identity.

6.Do not give out permission to just any app on Facebook-verify it is legitimate and safe.

Along with these tips, just use common sense. If you question something before posting it, you probably should hit the cancel button and just not do it. Your best bet is to use social media as a communication tool, as it is meant to be, but don't reveal your entire life story. Generally, only the creepers actually care.

As one more supplementary article, from TechCrunch comes: The Facebook Bill of Rights. This is what they feel Facebook should follow to keep its users safe, and I ask you to like it or post it on Facebook to spread the word to them that the people want privacy. http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/07/facebook-bill-of-rights/

Laptop Security

2010-08-03T20:50:00.000-05:00

One of the most under-addressed topics about computers is security. You hear about computer security, both physical and virtual, again and again, but where should it really be addressed? I figured I would discuss a little bit about general computer security, as well as good anti-virus software options.

Virtual Computer Security

This, in my opinion, is almost more important than the physical computer hardware itself. It is no good having a virus-ridden computer running your information such as phone numbers, bank accounts, passwords, and other such private and important entities.
First of all, pay-for anti-virus vs. free anti-virus never seems to make a difference to me. Why pay for something when you can find a free program that does the same thing? The number one thing you should watch out for when choosing anti-virus is if it conflicts with anything else on your computer. Having multiple anti-virus programs at one time can be very dangerous as well, as one may recognize the other as a virus and battle it out. So, lets discuss some good options for free anti-virus, and also anti-spyware. All the programs I discuss work very well simultaneously with each other on my computers and run cleanly, but remember to check your computer specs before installing anything to make sure that it is compatible with your computer.

Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org

I swear by this. Malwarebytes is the ultimate (and FREE) anti-spyware program on the market. We use it at work, and I use it at home. It is also a program that does NOT auto-scan, so you don't have to worry about a program running in the background or interfering with your current anti-virus. I think every computer should have this, as it works wonders as a final combatant of viruses that sneak through.

Panda Cloud
http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/
Panda's first free anti-virus progam, and it is also cloud software, so it is a very small file for your computer. It is also very simplistic, so good for those "tech illiterates" out there. Claims to cover spyware as well as viruses, but I run Spyware Doctor simultaneously with it just for added security, which leads us into our next topic.

The Panda Cloud status screen. So basic, yet so productive!

Spyware Doctor
http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_installer.html?hl=en

Completely free, if you know where to look. The Google pack is where you need to go. Feel free to download everything included in the pack, but we are examining Spyware Doctor. I absolutely LOVE this program. It finds everything, from hardcore spyware to minor tracking cookies on your computer. As one who doesn't like anything outside on my computer, I love deleting tracking cookies without deleting my entire internet history.

Other anti-virus and anti-spyware programs I have used and have been happy with include AVG Free Anti-Virus, Avast!, Super Anti-Spyware, and SpyBot. These can all be found on CNET.

Some quick tips for avoiding viruses, that are sometimes ignored by the general public (not your average "don't download it!" tips):

Use alternative web browsers to IE. I recommend Google Chrome, personally.
If using P2P, shut down uploads. Allow only downloading, and turn upload limits to 0.
Regularly check your processes. If you are unsure of something, Google it and find out if its malicious.
Frequently update. Yes. RUN YOUR WINDOWS UPDATES. For God's sake.

Physical Computer Security

This website, released by Microsoft, sums up physical computer security very well in 9 tips.
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/security/laptopsecurity.aspx
In short, the article states:

Avoid using computer bags
Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case
Carry your laptop with you
Encrypt your data
Keep your eye on your laptop
Avoid setting your computer on the floor
Buy a laptop security device
Use a screen guard
Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room or with the front desk

And remember: just because your computer uses a Windows password does not mean your data is safe. For someone that knows just a little about how Windows operates, it takes under a minute to crack a password.

Hopefully you have learned something new or found some helpful reminders in this post! Check back soon for new tips and tricks about computers, and reviews on the latest technology!

Back from the Dead...

2010-07-29T14:17:00.000-05:00

Hello Hello.
I know I promised to keep this blog up to date, and I will be from here on out as I will be back in school soon and have some free time on my hands. For the past month or so my time has been completely consumed by Calumet County Community Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls. The show was great, the cast was great, but I am tired, worn out, and miss my computer and technology.

So, topics to look forward to in the near future:
-Tech articles (ex. Google Docs for the Government, Windows computer maintenance ideas, etc)
-The truth behind Facebook security (This one will probably be in a few parts, as I feel very strongly about it)
-TweetDeck review (only just started using this fantastic tool yesterday)
-Previews of Windows Phone 7

Hope you find some of these topics intriguing, because I look forward to writing about them!

Strange Tech Devices: Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

2010-05-31T22:59:00.001-05:00

Just for fun, and also because I haven't written in a week and am short on time, I thought I would quickly highlight a nifty ThinkGeek item: The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard.

This item, costing $149.99 plus shipping, is a Bluetooth device, compatible with most computers. It projects a keyboard image onto any flat surface, and works as such. It can also connect to PDAs and Smartphones, and has a battery (rechargeable) that lasts up to 120 minutes.

It's completely a gimmick, and as one without $150 to throw to a virtual keyboard, I cannot give a full review as to how it really works, but I just found it interesting and unique and definitely something to talk about.

In Love with a Video Game Nerd (Who is Angry)

2010-05-25T11:01:00.000-05:00

If you've spent any time on YouTube searching for video game reviews, you may have at one point encountered James Rolfe, better known as Angry Video Game Nerd. AVGN reviews retro games and game systems (NES is his favorite to review), and generally chooses games that have irked him or that his viewers have reported as extremely difficult, stupid, or plain old annoying.

One thing I have to say is that AVGN is not totally for all audiences. There is a "language barrier" per say, that would be inappropriate for young viewers. AVGN is not afraid to express how he feels about a game, which always leads to colorful vulgarities and references to feces. Very entertaining for the more mature audience, but not something I would show an 8 year old child.

With that being said, I'll post a few videos here if you would like to see AVGN's awesomeness, and after these vids I will talk a little about James.

Now that you have gotten a chance to see AVGN, I'll tell you a bit about James. James Rolfe has a history in film making, participating in the 48 hour film project with some of his friends and making shorts while he was in college. Along with James' AVGN series, he has also begun "Board James," movie reviews, and "You know what's bulls***." One common question about James is about his relationship status (because, let's face it, a vulgar nerd is quite attractive ;) hehe). James is married to a lovely wife, who is quite pleased with his fame from his small, joke-oriented film ventures.

I would recommend visiting James' site, http://www.cinemassacre.com/ and taking a look at some of his work. There is something for everyone when it comes to James' videos, and all of them have a special type of entertainment.

A final example is my favorite episode of Board James, Mr. Bucket.

Computer Prodigy-and no, I don't mean me.

2010-05-19T09:17:00.000-05:00

First, I would like to state that this kid... is a genius. And not just with computers. He knows several languages, and while his primary language is not english, he speaks it more fluently than I do.
He is the youngest Microsoft systems engineer.
He wrote a 312 page book about Windows 7. (I think I should read this)
And he is only 9 years old.

I have no way to describe this kid. Within the article there is some great information about how he is just a normal kid with a lot of knowledge, and about how he worships Bill Gates as his hero. (What a smart kid!)

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/17/marco.calasan.macedonia/ This is the article. I suggest it, since it is a very good read.

Pirates, LimeWire's P2P life may be over.

2010-05-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

First I would like to apologize for my lengthy absence from this blog-with school, two theatre performances to work on, exams, work... well anyway school is almost over for the summer and I am back-plan on weekly updates from here on out :)

Now, for this week, it has been well known for very long that if you want illegal music downloads, you turn to P2P clients to access this vast database of information. Today we will cover the lawsuit LimeWire has filed against them, and also my opinion on the music downloading industry.

According to CNET.com, LimeWire finally lost in the battle against the RIAA regarding the accessibility of unlicensed, unpaid-for music downloads. The estimate is that 58% of illegal downloads comes from LimeWire, and because of this and their "lack of action" towards stopping the illegalities they are at fault for the downloads. LimeWire could face the RIAA's maximum penalty of $150,000 per illegal transaction, putting the total amount due in fines in the billions.

Now, here is a news video about file sharing and downloading. Whether or not this reflects my opinion, you will soon find out.

And this is a podcast that covers my opinion on LimeWire. The program ITSELF is not illegal, it's what you do with it. Simple as that.

Now. Here is how I feel about file sharing/downloading. This is purely my opinion, and nothing more. We live in a day and age where, whether you like it or not, people require free things to allow for any interest whatsoever in a product or service. It has a lot to do with the economy, but also that we as a society are spoiled by Google and the internet and accessibility. What you are now thinking, however, is that by downloading music illegally, I am hurting the song artists by stealing all their money. The truth behind this is that, #1. Artists do not make much money, sometimes none at all, from their sales. It comes from ticket sales at concerts, merchandising, and publicity. Still you say this is not a good reason? Well #2 is my personal use of music downloads. If there is a new song or artist I am not familiar with, I will turn to LimeWire and download that one song. From there, I may download a few more songs from the artist. On SEVERAL occasions, this has led me to greatly appreciate and enjoy an artist. I then want the better quality, because with LimeWire you will NOT get the sound quality that physical purchasing of music will give you. I have bought 10+ CDs in the last few months, all influenced by artists I heard on the radio and downloaded songs from LimeWire.

I have over 3000 songs on my computer alone, and about half are completely legit. I will not say much about the rest because to be honest it's hard to tell what I downloaded through LimeWire and what I had to purchase from iTunes. Artists I would never have listened to before are in my collection, and like I said, I purchase more music if I can enjoy it for free first.

Make your own opinions, but mine is that LimeWire helps the music industry. Big Time.