No PC is 100% secure, but you can make it considerably harder for hackers. This is an update to a blog posted in August of this year. What follows is a list of the tools I use (including the Internet links to the web sites for these tools), articles recently available on the web, and some additional information.
A new article from PC Mag.com
Contains a large number of tips, the main page displays a long list of bulleted items, click on the item of interest, read the information and use the print icon to make a copy. Warning, if you click on the next link at the bottom of the bulleted article you could end up viewing some additional and sometimes complex material. The first page of each bulleted item usually provides what you need to known.
www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1838690,00.asp
For users of wireless routers security is the first thing you should look into are freeloaders can not only use your connection but also gain access to what’s on your PC. If you know you are the only user connected to the wireless modem in your house, try the following tip: In Windows XP press the CTRL+ALT+DEL keys to display Windows Task Manager. Next click on the ‘Users’ tab, this will display the number of users connected to your PC, if there is more than one you have a problem. For more information on securing your wireless router read ‘Between the cable modem and my PC is a router’ below.
The following is an updated reprint of the August Article. All links have been checked to verify that they are still good.
Between the cable modem and my PC is a router.
This device allows up to 4 or more computers to connect to the Internet or each other. It isolates my PC’s IP address from the cable modem’s IP address making it a little harder for hackers to see the PC when they go hunting. It’s like using a PO Box instead of your actual street address. There are two basic type of home routers, hardwire (requires a cable between the router and the PC) and wireless (you can place your computer anywhere within about 100 feet of the router). The down side of a wireless router is that you are broadcasting a signal that anyone within range can tap into. If you’re local Internet service provider gives you a wireless router as part of the package they provide, then look into security. Here you do not want to use WEP (too easy too crack) for security but instead choose WPA/WPA2 which is far more secure.www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=router
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=WPA+security+tips
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=wpa2&btnG=Google+Search
Install a software firewall.
This controls traffic to and from my PC and closes any unnecessary open or unused ports. Port scanning is another trick used by hackers. Open computer ports are like open windows in your house. Here I use a freeware program named Zone Alarm; the current freeware version is now 60.667.000. Using this tool lets you decide what applications or software can access the Internet and also blocks outsiders from accessing your PC. Zone Alarm also sells Pro version and Anti-Virus software; I have no experience with Pro or their Anti-Virus products. If you don’t not think a firewall is important then you should go to Gibson Research Corporation (http://www.grc.com/default.htm ) and scroll down to the page until you see the ‘Leak Test’ and ShieldsUp’ links, run these test, then you will see why you need a firewall!
www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Use an Anti-Virus package.
Use this to scan and protect your computer and any email you receive. AV software is not a total cure for viruses or worms as it is a defensive software tool and the vendor must be aware that a new virus exist, they must then develop a solution and you must download the update to their software when it becomes available. All this takes time and the delay until a fix is developed and downloaded leaves you at a small but potential risk, but you are at a much greater risk without this software. Three of the more popular tools are Trend Micro, Mcafee and Symantec. These companies also have firewall products sold separately or in combination with their AV software.
www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/enterprise.htm
http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp
www.symantec.com/index.htm
Adware/Spyware detection products.
Every time you visit a web site harmless cookies and sometimes other unwanted and far more malicious content is placed on your PC (www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy-FAQ.cfm) . To this end I use three products to help me spot and remove it. Two are freeware (Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy) and the third and best (CounterSpy) is a low cost product which you can try free for a limited time. Microsoft also provides a free AntiSpyware software product, the web page currently unavailable so I have provided a link to their Malicious Software Removal Tool download page. If multiple members of your household use the PC to surf the web then it’s very likely that some form of Spyware is already on your computer.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=890830
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Startup Monitor
This little program develop by Mike Lin will warn you if something has been downloaded from a malicious web site to your PC without your knowledge and will secretly install itself the next time you turn on your PC. The only time you should legitimately see the warning displayed by Startup Monitor is when you are installing new software, performing a software update and occasionally your AV update or Microsoft security update. If this warning is displayed at any other time such as when you open an email message or when jumping from one web site to the next, then you can at your judgment deny the software from installing. Be aware that if you have ‘Automatic Updates’ turned on for any software on your PC this can sometimes cause a false warning. I have all my automatic update options turned off and update on my own terms, but you may want to keep it on so you don’t miss any updates.
www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
Rootkits
Rootkits are designed to be completely invisible to Anti-Virus software. Rootkit Revealer available at Sysinternals.com explains in great detail what a rootkit is and how their software is designed to detect the presence of rootkits.
www.sysinternals.com/utilities/rootkitrevealer.html
Other Software that I use
Warning: Some of these utilities require more than a passing knowledge of Windows and if used incorrectly can cause serious problems, however some are reasonably safe to use.
Cookie Viewer: http://www.karenware.com/ View the contents of cookies.
Autoruns: www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html Shows what software starts when you turn on your PC.
Process Explorer: www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html Shows what process are running on your PC and provides a link to Google for any process you are curious about.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer version 2.0:
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Baseline+security+analyzer
Microsoft's Security Web Page:
www.microsoft.com/security/default.mspx
Newsletters to help keep you up to date on what happening:
PC Mag Tip of the day: www.pcmag.com/tips
Brian Livingston’s Windows Secrets: http://www.windowssecrets.com/
Langalist: www.langa.com/join_langalist.htm
Scot’s Newsletter: http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/
Now after reading all this you may think I’m paranoid, but there are some computer owners who go even farther than I have to make their pc safe. Yes it takes time and effort on your part, but there are hackers out there with plenty of time and will spare no effort to gain control of or bring your computer to its knees, not to mention identity theft, using your email address list to spread viruses to your friends and other nastiness.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Blog Spam
Unfortunately the spammers have now driven their pastime to an all time low, by posting spam to legitimate blog pages. Google has no doubt found out about this, but what they will do about it remains to be seen.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Gas Down, Cholesterol Up
The cost of a gallon of gas is down to $2.45, well below Milk or OJ.
Cholesterol and fat on the other hand have been getting a big push from some fast food chains lately. It wasn’t that long ago fast food was countering the attack on their menu by adding low cal/fat choices.
Now the tide has apparently gone back the other way with the addition of super burgers, lumberjack special breakfast sandwiches and alike. Not only do they cost more than gas but can potentially clog your body’s engine if you fill up your tank to many times.
Cholesterol and fat on the other hand have been getting a big push from some fast food chains lately. It wasn’t that long ago fast food was countering the attack on their menu by adding low cal/fat choices.
Now the tide has apparently gone back the other way with the addition of super burgers, lumberjack special breakfast sandwiches and alike. Not only do they cost more than gas but can potentially clog your body’s engine if you fill up your tank to many times.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Chief Justice Roberts
At 3:01PM EDT John Roberts was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. For those of you who were watching the ceremony, you would have noticed that Roberts had his hand on the Bible and as part of the oath uttered the words “so help me God”.
Mister Chief Justice, take note that there will be an up-coming case about the Pledge of Allegiance, which has been changed twice, once to include the words “under God”. So how can a person who had his hand on the Bible and in effect asked for God’s help remove these words or ban the Pledge from schools.
Does this make me a conservative? No because I also believe in Pro-Choice. I do not side with any group, but choose what I believe is best, not left, right, liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat or Independent!
Mister Chief Justice, take note that there will be an up-coming case about the Pledge of Allegiance, which has been changed twice, once to include the words “under God”. So how can a person who had his hand on the Bible and in effect asked for God’s help remove these words or ban the Pledge from schools.
Does this make me a conservative? No because I also believe in Pro-Choice. I do not side with any group, but choose what I believe is best, not left, right, liberal, conservative, Republican, Democrat or Independent!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Two for the Price of One
With Katrina, the passing of Supreme Court Justice Rehnquist, Oil Prices, FEMA problems and now Tom Delay being indicted; the appointment of Judge Roberts to the Supreme Court and serving as Chief Justice is a certainty. Teflon Roberts is getting so little attention with all the other issues that he’s a shoe in.
But I would not want to be the next person nominated to replace the remaining open seat on the court. By then most of the other issues will still be there but to a lesser extent. Now that means the bull’s eye will be pasted on judge number two, whoever that is and he or she is definitely not going to have a free pass this time around.
But I would not want to be the next person nominated to replace the remaining open seat on the court. By then most of the other issues will still be there but to a lesser extent. Now that means the bull’s eye will be pasted on judge number two, whoever that is and he or she is definitely not going to have a free pass this time around.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Daylight Savings Time
The upcoming change in Daylight Saving Time recently enacted by Congress will save an estimated 100,000 barrels of oil each day, from the total of about 20 million barrels daily. Where the cost factor kicks in is that any gadget, appliance, auto, computer, alarm clock or anything else that has a clock which automatically adjusts each Spring and Fall for Daylight Savings will now be out of sync and require manual adjustment. The manufactures of these items will need to make the necessary changes for their new product lines before 2007 when the change is due to take effect.
There is good news for some of us who have dumb clocks; it will be just like it’s always been, Fall Back and Spring Forward.
There is good news for some of us who have dumb clocks; it will be just like it’s always been, Fall Back and Spring Forward.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Milk down, OJ unchanged, Gas up, Michael Brown DOWN
Milk was about 8 cents less yesterday, Orange Juice remained unchanged, Gas was up and down and up, now at $3.19. That means gas is giving OJ a run for the top spot on the price list. Michael Brown (FEMA) was demoted and is most likely on his way out, no tears shed here.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Cell Phone Relief Fund – Day 2
Haven’t received any response from my cell phone provider as of yet.
Today I decided to call my regular phone company who also is a cell phone service provider. Their response was that they do not have rollover minutes and at this time no definite plans have been made in the way of relief.
If you are reading this blog please call your cell phone provider and put the pressure on to help by donating minutes from your account or by some other means making extra minutes available to the people who need them.
Today I decided to call my regular phone company who also is a cell phone service provider. Their response was that they do not have rollover minutes and at this time no definite plans have been made in the way of relief.
If you are reading this blog please call your cell phone provider and put the pressure on to help by donating minutes from your account or by some other means making extra minutes available to the people who need them.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Cell Phone Relief Fund
Help the victims of hurricane Katrina buy contacting your cell phone company and asking them to setup a relief fund.
This fund would consisting of excess minutes that have accumulated over the months (rolled over) which you would donate from your account into a general fund. These minutes could then be used for those individuals affected by hurricane Katrina who may not have sufficient minutes remaining in their Cell Phone accounts to make all the calls necessary to reach family members on a regular basis or take care of other needs. As you know once a user exceeds the minutes in their account, the cost of placing calls can go up dramatically.
I currently have more than 1500 excess minutes which would be enough to provide 15 needy people with 100 free minutes of phone time. After all at the end the year you and I loss these rollover minutes and they are lost and wasted so why not put them to good use!
For more information contact me buy posting a comment to this blog!
Better yet check your cell phone company’s web site and see if they have a disaster relief page, contact the appropriate individual and spread the word!!!
This fund would consisting of excess minutes that have accumulated over the months (rolled over) which you would donate from your account into a general fund. These minutes could then be used for those individuals affected by hurricane Katrina who may not have sufficient minutes remaining in their Cell Phone accounts to make all the calls necessary to reach family members on a regular basis or take care of other needs. As you know once a user exceeds the minutes in their account, the cost of placing calls can go up dramatically.
I currently have more than 1500 excess minutes which would be enough to provide 15 needy people with 100 free minutes of phone time. After all at the end the year you and I loss these rollover minutes and they are lost and wasted so why not put them to good use!
For more information contact me buy posting a comment to this blog!
Better yet check your cell phone company’s web site and see if they have a disaster relief page, contact the appropriate individual and spread the word!!!
Thursday, August 18, 2005
PC Security
Several days ago a friend asked what I do to keep my computer secure. First off no PC is 100% secure, but you can make it considerably harder for hackers. So what follows is a list of the tools I use and the Internet links to the web sites for these tools.
Between the cable modem and my PC is a router:
This device allows up to 4 or more computers to connect to the Internet or each other. It isolates my PC’s IP address from the cable modem’s IP address making it a little harder for hackers to see the PC when they go hunting. It’s like using a PO Box instead of your actual street address. There are two basic type of home routers, hardwire (requires a cable between the router and the PC) and wireless (you can place your computer anywhere within about 100 to 300 feet of the router). The down side of a wireless router is that you are broadcasting a signal that anyone within range can tap into. If your local Internet service provider gives you a wireless router as part of the package they provide, then look into security. Here you do not want to use WEP (too easy too crack) for security but instead choose WPA/WPA2 which is far more secure.
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=router
www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=wpa+security
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=wpa2&btnG=Google+Search
Install a software firewall:
This controls traffic to and from my PC and closes any unnecessary open or unused ports. Port scanning is another trick used by hackers. Open computer ports are like open windows in your house. Here I use a freeware program named Zone Alarm. Using this tool lets you decide what applications or software can access the Internet and also blocks outsiders from accessing your PC. Zone Alarm also sells Pro version and Anti-Virus software. If you don’t not think a firewall is important then you should go to Gibson Research Corporation (http://www.grc.com/default.htm ) and scroll down to the page until you see the ‘Leak Test’ and ShieldsUp’ links, run these test, then you will see why you need a firewall!
www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Use an Anti-Virus package:
Use this to scan and protect your computer and any email you receive. AV software is not a total cure for viruses or worms as it is a defensive software tool and the vendor must be aware that a new virus exist, they must then develop a solution and you must download the update to their software when it becomes available. All this takes time and the delay until a fix is developed and downloaded leaves you at a small but potential risk, but you are at a much greater risk without this software. Three of the more popular tools are Trend Micro, Mcafee and Symantec. These companies also have firewall products sold separately or in combination with their AV software.
www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/enterprise.htm
http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp
www.symantec.com/index.htm
Adware/Spyware detection products:
Every time you visit a web site harmless cookies and sometimes other unwanted and far more malicious content is placed on your PC (www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy-FAQ.cfm) . To this end I use three products to help me spot and remove it. Two are freeware (Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy) and the third and best (CounterSpy) is a low cost product which you can try free for a limited time. Microsoft also provides a free AntiSpyware software. If multiple members of your household use the PC to surf the web then it’s very likely that some form of Spyware is already on your computer.
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Startup Monitor:
This little program develop by Mike Lin will warn you if something has been downloaded from a malicious web site to your PC without your knowledge and will secretly install itself the next time you turn on your PC. The only time you should legitimately see the warning displayed by Startup Monitor is when you are installing new software, performing a software update and occasionally your AV update or Microsoft security update. If this warning is displayed at any other time such as when you open an email message or when jumping from one web site to the next, then you can at your judgment deny the software from installing. Be aware that if you have ‘Automatic Updates’ turned on for any software on your PC this can sometimes cause a false warning. I have all my automatic update options turned off and update on my own terms, but you may want to keep it on so you don’t miss any updates.
www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
Rootkits:
Rootkits are designed to be completely invisible to Anti-Virus software. Rootkit Revealer available at Sysinternals.com explains in great detail what a rootkit is and how their software is designed to detect the presence of rootkits.
www.sysinternals.com/utilities/rootkitrevealer.html
Other Software that I use:
Warning: Some of these utilities require more than a passing knowledge of Windows and if used incorrectly can cause serious problems, however some are reasonably safe to use.
Cookie Viewer: http://www.karenware.com/ View the contents of cookies
Autoruns: www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html Shows what software starts when you turn on your PC.
Process Explorer: www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html Shows what process are running on your PC and provides a link to Google for any process you are curious about.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer version 2.0: www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Baseline+security+analyzer
Newsletters to help keep you up to date on what happening:
PC Mag Tip of the day: www.pcmag.com/tips
Brian Livingston’s Windows Secrets: http://www.windowssecrets.com/
Langalist: www.langa.com/join_langalist.htm
Scot’s Newsletter: http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/
Now after reading all this you may think I’m paranoid, but there are some computer owners who go even farther than I have to make their pc safe. Yes it takes time and effort on your part, but there are hackers out there with plenty of time and will spare no effort to gain control of or bring your computer to its knees, not to mention identity theft, using your email address list to spread viruses to your friends and other nastiness.
Between the cable modem and my PC is a router:
This device allows up to 4 or more computers to connect to the Internet or each other. It isolates my PC’s IP address from the cable modem’s IP address making it a little harder for hackers to see the PC when they go hunting. It’s like using a PO Box instead of your actual street address. There are two basic type of home routers, hardwire (requires a cable between the router and the PC) and wireless (you can place your computer anywhere within about 100 to 300 feet of the router). The down side of a wireless router is that you are broadcasting a signal that anyone within range can tap into. If your local Internet service provider gives you a wireless router as part of the package they provide, then look into security. Here you do not want to use WEP (too easy too crack) for security but instead choose WPA/WPA2 which is far more secure.
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=router
www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=wpa+security
www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=wpa2&btnG=Google+Search
Install a software firewall:
This controls traffic to and from my PC and closes any unnecessary open or unused ports. Port scanning is another trick used by hackers. Open computer ports are like open windows in your house. Here I use a freeware program named Zone Alarm. Using this tool lets you decide what applications or software can access the Internet and also blocks outsiders from accessing your PC. Zone Alarm also sells Pro version and Anti-Virus software. If you don’t not think a firewall is important then you should go to Gibson Research Corporation (http://www.grc.com/default.htm ) and scroll down to the page until you see the ‘Leak Test’ and ShieldsUp’ links, run these test, then you will see why you need a firewall!
www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
Use an Anti-Virus package:
Use this to scan and protect your computer and any email you receive. AV software is not a total cure for viruses or worms as it is a defensive software tool and the vendor must be aware that a new virus exist, they must then develop a solution and you must download the update to their software when it becomes available. All this takes time and the delay until a fix is developed and downloaded leaves you at a small but potential risk, but you are at a much greater risk without this software. Three of the more popular tools are Trend Micro, Mcafee and Symantec. These companies also have firewall products sold separately or in combination with their AV software.
www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/enterprise.htm
http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp
www.symantec.com/index.htm
Adware/Spyware detection products:
Every time you visit a web site harmless cookies and sometimes other unwanted and far more malicious content is placed on your PC (www.sunbelt-software.com/CounterSpy-FAQ.cfm) . To this end I use three products to help me spot and remove it. Two are freeware (Ad-Aware and Spybot Search & Destroy) and the third and best (CounterSpy) is a low cost product which you can try free for a limited time. Microsoft also provides a free AntiSpyware software. If multiple members of your household use the PC to surf the web then it’s very likely that some form of Spyware is already on your computer.
www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx
http://www.sunbelt-software.com/
www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware
www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
Startup Monitor:
This little program develop by Mike Lin will warn you if something has been downloaded from a malicious web site to your PC without your knowledge and will secretly install itself the next time you turn on your PC. The only time you should legitimately see the warning displayed by Startup Monitor is when you are installing new software, performing a software update and occasionally your AV update or Microsoft security update. If this warning is displayed at any other time such as when you open an email message or when jumping from one web site to the next, then you can at your judgment deny the software from installing. Be aware that if you have ‘Automatic Updates’ turned on for any software on your PC this can sometimes cause a false warning. I have all my automatic update options turned off and update on my own terms, but you may want to keep it on so you don’t miss any updates.
www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml
Rootkits:
Rootkits are designed to be completely invisible to Anti-Virus software. Rootkit Revealer available at Sysinternals.com explains in great detail what a rootkit is and how their software is designed to detect the presence of rootkits.
www.sysinternals.com/utilities/rootkitrevealer.html
Other Software that I use:
Warning: Some of these utilities require more than a passing knowledge of Windows and if used incorrectly can cause serious problems, however some are reasonably safe to use.
Cookie Viewer: http://www.karenware.com/ View the contents of cookies
Autoruns: www.sysinternals.com/utilities/autoruns.html Shows what software starts when you turn on your PC.
Process Explorer: www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html Shows what process are running on your PC and provides a link to Google for any process you are curious about.
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer version 2.0: www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Baseline+security+analyzer
Newsletters to help keep you up to date on what happening:
PC Mag Tip of the day: www.pcmag.com/tips
Brian Livingston’s Windows Secrets: http://www.windowssecrets.com/
Langalist: www.langa.com/join_langalist.htm
Scot’s Newsletter: http://www.scotsnewsletter.com/
Now after reading all this you may think I’m paranoid, but there are some computer owners who go even farther than I have to make their pc safe. Yes it takes time and effort on your part, but there are hackers out there with plenty of time and will spare no effort to gain control of or bring your computer to its knees, not to mention identity theft, using your email address list to spread viruses to your friends and other nastiness.
Monday, August 15, 2005
High Gas Prices
One barrel of crude oil equal 44 gallons and yields about 20 gallons of Gasoline, plus other products such as Kerosene, Diesel fuel, Lubricating oil and other byproducts.
To refine crude oil into motor fuel is no small effort compared to what it takes to sell bottled water, milk or orange juice.
Not so long ago a gallon of gas sold for a dollar, named brand bottled water sold for $1.25, milk and orange juice even more. Today at our local supermarket bottled water was 99 cents a gallon, milk was $2.99, orange juice was $3.39 and down the road gas was $2.35 a gallon (Before I could finish this article gas jumped to $2.50 a gallon), that means milk and orange juice still cost more.
So what is the significance of this? Simple put, if you what more milk…raise more cows, more orange juice…plant more orange trees, more and cheaper gas … not so simple, now that China is on the move with a population of about 1.3 billion compared to about 300 million for the United States.
To refine crude oil into motor fuel is no small effort compared to what it takes to sell bottled water, milk or orange juice.
Not so long ago a gallon of gas sold for a dollar, named brand bottled water sold for $1.25, milk and orange juice even more. Today at our local supermarket bottled water was 99 cents a gallon, milk was $2.99, orange juice was $3.39 and down the road gas was $2.35 a gallon (Before I could finish this article gas jumped to $2.50 a gallon), that means milk and orange juice still cost more.
So what is the significance of this? Simple put, if you what more milk…raise more cows, more orange juice…plant more orange trees, more and cheaper gas … not so simple, now that China is on the move with a population of about 1.3 billion compared to about 300 million for the United States.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Something is UP in the World of PC Pricing
Each year in the Fall I update my list of what Money Can Buy, which simply put is how much does a well configured PC cost. Consistently over the years the cost has ranged between $3000.00 to $3500.00 dollars for a high end PC. Lately however after reading a number of reviews on the latest desktop computers the cost quite often ranges between $4000.00 to $4500.00 dollars.
I’m not entirely sure of what’s going on but it would appear there is a greater demand for high end gaming and power user configurations. So where only a few years ago 512MB of ram, 100GB hard drive, 128MB Video Cards, 17/19” CRT monitors and 3GHz processors were king of the hill, now you can buy a system with 2GB of ram, 360GB of hard drives (sometimes in a Raid array), 256MB multiprocessor video cards, 19” LCD displays and 64 bit processors plus any number of extras which drive up the price even more if you have the money.
So what does all this mean, about the same as it always has, in about 2 years your brand new top of the line system will be a mid-range $1500.00 dollar system and in 4 years it will be a dinosaur. The big question is, if you by it today will it run Windows Vista when it is released late in 2006?
Remember it’s your money and you only get to spend it once, so spend it wisely!
I’m not entirely sure of what’s going on but it would appear there is a greater demand for high end gaming and power user configurations. So where only a few years ago 512MB of ram, 100GB hard drive, 128MB Video Cards, 17/19” CRT monitors and 3GHz processors were king of the hill, now you can buy a system with 2GB of ram, 360GB of hard drives (sometimes in a Raid array), 256MB multiprocessor video cards, 19” LCD displays and 64 bit processors plus any number of extras which drive up the price even more if you have the money.
So what does all this mean, about the same as it always has, in about 2 years your brand new top of the line system will be a mid-range $1500.00 dollar system and in 4 years it will be a dinosaur. The big question is, if you by it today will it run Windows Vista when it is released late in 2006?
Remember it’s your money and you only get to spend it once, so spend it wisely!
Monday, August 08, 2005
Second Thoughts
Late today I watched MSNBC’s Hardball during which various people who were close to Peter Jennings where interviewed. A particular statement by Ted Koppel in which he said something to the effect that most Americans knew Peter as being somewhat cool and aloof, but I think at least in my case what drew me to watch his evening news show over others was that you could see in his eyes or the tone of voice that he genuinely cared about the issues that confronted us.
Peter Jennings
Yesterday I had an urge to write to Peter Jennings and express my hopes for his recovery. Today I awoke to hear the sad news that Jennings had passed away. Each night over the past few months I would turn on ABC News and hope to see Peter’s face again, tonight the news will be hard to watch and especially sad for everyone at ABC.
Over the years I would eat dinner and make it a point to watch Peter Jennings not only for the latest news but for the special segments woven in to the coverage. In a few days for the first time I will do something I have not done in many many years, that is to channel hop during the evening news.
Over the years I would eat dinner and make it a point to watch Peter Jennings not only for the latest news but for the special segments woven in to the coverage. In a few days for the first time I will do something I have not done in many many years, that is to channel hop during the evening news.
Monday, August 01, 2005
Windows Vista
Microsoft continues to pursue the protection of what it feels is the use of the word Windows or Win as part of an independent web site or newsletter.
Could it be that Microsoft's next version of Windows named Vista is infringing on Paramount Pictures VistaVision? And there may be other companies with Vista as their name, part of their name or product!
After all the use of Win in a title is a part of the word Windows as Vista is part of VistaVision!
Could it be that Microsoft's next version of Windows named Vista is infringing on Paramount Pictures VistaVision? And there may be other companies with Vista as their name, part of their name or product!
After all the use of Win in a title is a part of the word Windows as Vista is part of VistaVision!
Sunday, July 31, 2005
TV POPUPS
I’m sure you have all noticed at one time or another the cable station’s logo at the bottom right of your screen. Then they started adding small animated objects for upcoming shows. Soon the objects grew larger and more elaborate to the point of being distracting.
Lately some have not only grow very large in size but also come complete with sound effects which obliterate the audio of the show or movie that you are watching. These ads have now reached the same level of annoyance of web based popups.
Anyone know how to develop a blocker?
Lately some have not only grow very large in size but also come complete with sound effects which obliterate the audio of the show or movie that you are watching. These ads have now reached the same level of annoyance of web based popups.
Anyone know how to develop a blocker?
Monday, July 11, 2005
Going, Going, Gone ….
The battle seams to be heating up concerning which maker of color inkjet printers, inks and photo paper will last the longest without fading. As to be expected each manufacture states that best results are obtained when using their inks and paper.
However as most everyone knows there are third party inks and paper available for most printers. Test results from internal and outside labs using different methods of accelerated photo ageing (no one standard method has been agreed upon) show that inkjet photos can last as little as a few years to more than 50 years. No recommendations here, it’s up to you to research and make the decision on what brand to use!
Storage longevity is not a new issue!
I recently found this out having dug up some of my old photos from the dark storage areas where they were unseen and forgotten about for a long time. The black and white photos going back to the 1940’s still look good. Polaroid photos from the early 1960’s varied, some were now almost black, so dark you can hardly make out the subject; some had faded to white, while others still were in very good shape. Prints made from negatives generally were still in very good shape but a few had also faded, some also very badly. I’m now in the process of testing various brands of software that include in some form or other an option or options to restore these old photos, more on that subject at a later date.
Back to today’s digital world.
Let us not forget that a digital image must be also stored on some form of media for a short or long period of time. Media such as a Hard Disk, CD-R or DVD are also a big variable as far as longevity. Don’t forget file formats (BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, Etc.), forty years from now which one will still be around?
So when you go to the swearing in ceremony for the next Supreme Court Justice just remember he or she just may outlast your photo. Then again based on the decisions they make over the years, you may or may not want the photo anyway!
For a recent report on Inkjets:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121752,00.asp
However as most everyone knows there are third party inks and paper available for most printers. Test results from internal and outside labs using different methods of accelerated photo ageing (no one standard method has been agreed upon) show that inkjet photos can last as little as a few years to more than 50 years. No recommendations here, it’s up to you to research and make the decision on what brand to use!
Storage longevity is not a new issue!
I recently found this out having dug up some of my old photos from the dark storage areas where they were unseen and forgotten about for a long time. The black and white photos going back to the 1940’s still look good. Polaroid photos from the early 1960’s varied, some were now almost black, so dark you can hardly make out the subject; some had faded to white, while others still were in very good shape. Prints made from negatives generally were still in very good shape but a few had also faded, some also very badly. I’m now in the process of testing various brands of software that include in some form or other an option or options to restore these old photos, more on that subject at a later date.
Back to today’s digital world.
Let us not forget that a digital image must be also stored on some form of media for a short or long period of time. Media such as a Hard Disk, CD-R or DVD are also a big variable as far as longevity. Don’t forget file formats (BMP, JPEG, TIFF, PNG, Etc.), forty years from now which one will still be around?
So when you go to the swearing in ceremony for the next Supreme Court Justice just remember he or she just may outlast your photo. Then again based on the decisions they make over the years, you may or may not want the photo anyway!
For a recent report on Inkjets:
http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,121752,00.asp
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
It’s a Strange World Out There
CNOOC wants to buy Unocal Corp. and LUKOIL has started selling gas in our local area.
CNOOC of course is based in Communist China and buying Unocal means selling a company from a Democracy to a company that is Communistic. Joe McCarthy would be rolling over in his grave.
LUKOIL is a Russian based company and almost all of the local Mobil gas stations in our area are now Lukified.
What better way for China to win a war, the economic and final war. I ask you this; would China allow U.S. based companies to buy out critical Chinese owed companies?
So far in recent months IBM Personal Computers and Maytag have been targets, who’s next after Unocal?
For more information on CNOOC:
http://www.transactioninfo.com/cnooc/about.php
For information about LUKOIL:
http://www.lukoil.com/
CNOOC of course is based in Communist China and buying Unocal means selling a company from a Democracy to a company that is Communistic. Joe McCarthy would be rolling over in his grave.
LUKOIL is a Russian based company and almost all of the local Mobil gas stations in our area are now Lukified.
What better way for China to win a war, the economic and final war. I ask you this; would China allow U.S. based companies to buy out critical Chinese owed companies?
So far in recent months IBM Personal Computers and Maytag have been targets, who’s next after Unocal?
For more information on CNOOC:
http://www.transactioninfo.com/cnooc/about.php
For information about LUKOIL:
http://www.lukoil.com/
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Supreme Lunacy
Well once again the Supreme Court has convince me that they are out of control and are no longer part of the checks and balances created by our founding fathers but have now set them selves up as above all else. There latest ruling “that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses against their will for private development” only serves to prove my point.
Coming soon to the Supreme Court nearest you is the Ten Commandments, one of which starts by saying: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house!
For additional information see:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20050623/D8ATDSD80.html
Coming soon to the Supreme Court nearest you is the Ten Commandments, one of which starts by saying: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house!
For additional information see:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20050623/D8ATDSD80.html
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Sooner or Later I’m Gonna Get Ya!
Well it looks like another company spilled the beans or should I say had a Big Fat Security breach (about 40 million worth of info) concerning credit card information.
While not much detail is available, apparently CardSystems Solutions Inc., “CardSystems is a registered agent for Merrick Bank Corporation, South Jordan, Utah and The Provident Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio. “ of Atlanta, GA. Is working with the FBI to investigate how this occurred.
The two most common types of security breaches according to many security experts are caused by ‘Hackers’ and inside personnel.
If your company is connected to the internet then sooner or later a hacker is gonna get ya. In plain terms if your computer is connected to anything other than a wall outlet then your exposed. If you are required to store or ship data media then it should be password and encryption protected.
Yes you can tout how your company uses the latest security tools, but lets face it those tools are all defensive in nature which gives the hacker the advantage because they are offensive and always finding new ways to accomplish their goal.
So like many of us I called my credit card company(s) and was assured that they did not use CardSystems and was not affected, one card issuer is still investigating. So I guess I may have dodged the bullet this time, but did you? Call your card issuer and find out!
While not much detail is available, apparently CardSystems Solutions Inc., “CardSystems is a registered agent for Merrick Bank Corporation, South Jordan, Utah and The Provident Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio. “ of Atlanta, GA. Is working with the FBI to investigate how this occurred.
The two most common types of security breaches according to many security experts are caused by ‘Hackers’ and inside personnel.
If your company is connected to the internet then sooner or later a hacker is gonna get ya. In plain terms if your computer is connected to anything other than a wall outlet then your exposed. If you are required to store or ship data media then it should be password and encryption protected.
Yes you can tout how your company uses the latest security tools, but lets face it those tools are all defensive in nature which gives the hacker the advantage because they are offensive and always finding new ways to accomplish their goal.
So like many of us I called my credit card company(s) and was assured that they did not use CardSystems and was not affected, one card issuer is still investigating. So I guess I may have dodged the bullet this time, but did you? Call your card issuer and find out!
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