Tech News

Yet another reason why I recommend using anything but IE

Internet Explorer has been the single largest factor in computer security problems over the past 10 years. Consumer education and awareness follows closely behind. Combined, these two factors create a security nightmare.

This story outlines yet more evidence to problems stemming from Internet Explorer and its monetary effect on companies like Google. Remember that the AOL and MSN browsers use Internet Explorer as their backend and thus have the same problems.

Instead of Internet Explorer, use Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, or Safari.

Network Security – IE Opened Door To Attacks on Google, Other Companies.

PC World columnist says don’t upgrade from XP

PC World columnist, David Coursey, writes this week that the hassle of upgrading a Windows XP computer to Windows 7 isn’t worth the time and price. It pretty much mimics the exact advice I gave to Windows XP users when Vista came out 2 1/2 years ago.

Software developers build software for the future, so older computer simply cannot run the newer software as efficiently. Especially when talking about operating systems like Windows.

Bottom line: If you are Continue reading →

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12
Oct 09

Airport security may screen you with a Nintendo Wii

photo credit: motti82

The Nintendo Wii, a gaming console you hook to your TV, became a runaway success since its release two years ago. About 9 months after its release, Nintendo released its wildly successful and popular Wii Fit with balance board. The balance board does a fantastic job of measuring balance, weight, center of gravity and more.

In the CNN article I linked below, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may employ the Nintendo Wii to test how fidgety Continue reading →

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8
Oct 09

Tiny digital camera mounted on an albatross…really

Click picture for a larger view

Ran across this interesting news story today. Scientists are starting to use small, 83 gram digital cameras capable of taking up to 10,000 pictures on animals. In this case, the camera was mounted on an albatross and they found that these albatross were feeding with killer whales…similar to buzzards and lions on the savanna. Following is the full article.

BBC – Earth News – Albatross cam for bird’s eye view.

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7
Oct 09

Massive E-Mail Phishing Attack Hits Web

Phishing refers to the act of trying to get your personal information in order to use or steal your identity. Phishing can happen with snail mail, email, text messaging, social networking, phone, and more. Today, I learned of a new threat aimed at web based email systems like Gmail, Yahoo email, MSN/HotMail, and others.

You can read the entire article here:

Massive E-Mail Phishing Attack Hits Web – Enterprise Security Today

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6
Oct 09

Choosing a smart password, from the Gmail Blog

I’ve written many times about passwords and their importance in keeping you safe online. Search the site for passwords to read them and also take a look at this article from the Gmail Blog at Google.

Official Gmail Blog: Choosing a smart password.

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30
Sep 09

Microsoft’s Security Essentials

photo credit: CarbonNYC

Microsoft released an updated and completely re-tooled version of their computer security product. It is now called Microsoft Security Essentials. I have not had a chance to try it out yet (wasn’t accepted into the beta testing this summer), but through my reading it is getting much better scores than their awful Live OneCare products they sold for a couple of years.

Overall, it supposedly runs much faster than OneCare and protects Continue reading →

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23
Sep 09

Net neutrality – It isn’t a political issue

High Speed Internet on Commercial - Roland in Vancouver 2053

photo credit: roland

The issue of net neutrality is rearing its head again lately. In a nutshell, net neutrality means that anyone who pays for access to the Internet should get full, unfettered access to the Internet. Opponents want to allow Internet providers to charge for priority access to the Internet. In other words, if you forward an email with a funny joke or pictures of your family, it would take longer (albeit not much longer) for it to reach its destination unless you paid extra to have priority treatment.

On one hand, some compare it to shipping or mail services. If you pay more, it can get there faster. However, we have that now already with Internet service. If you pay more, you can get a faster Continue reading →

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22
Sep 09

I’m a newspaper guy

photo credit: chelseagirl

I never watch news channels or evening news programs. Since I could read, I enjoyed reading newspapers. Although seriously lacking in substance, I still enjoy reading a morning newspaper with my breakfast. I enjoy holding the paper, hearing the crinkle and being able to rip out articles, circle ads, and even separate circulars from it before bringing it into the house. I will continue to subscribe and receive newspapers at my house as long as they are available.

When the web first started up, en masse, about 15 years ago, The New York Times, LA Times, and Wall Street Journal all came out Continue reading →

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19
Sep 09

Quicken to buy Mint.com

I just received a press release announcing that Quicken will buy Mint.com. Mint.com is an online financial manager that has received a lot of accolades the last few years. Quicken also offers an online version of their financial management software and this acquisition looks to strengthen that position.

Announcement: Mint.com to Join the Intuit Family – Official Quicken® Blog.