New Technology Reviews!.: Computers

CommandLineFu: Amazing Collection Of Command Line Gems [Linux & Mac]

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<img alt="linux command line" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/b8d8f47276u-icon.png.png" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/b8d8f47276u-icon.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />Browse an assortment of amazingly useful commands. Whether you’re an veteran system admin or a command-line neophyte striving to discover more, CommandLineFu is a vote-driven collection of commands that serves up thousands of ideas you should have thought of but didn’t.</div>
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Some see the command line as Linux’s weak point, the ultimate symbol of a system lacking ease of use. Others know the command line as one of Linux’s best features, giving learned users quick access to features most computer users don’t even know exist. There’s a reason even Mac OS X comes with a full-featured terminal. CommandLineFu is an encyclopedia of exactly those features. A database featuring over 8,000 unique commands, this site can seem overwhelming at first – just like the command line itself. Dig in though, and you will wonder just how you used a computer without the command line.</div>
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Sorry, Windows users – the majority of these commands only work on Linux. Some work on Mac OS X as well.</div>
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Browsing</h2>
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Head over to CommandLineFu to get started. You will immediately see the commands submitted most recently.</div>
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You can “grep” (read: search) the archive, if you want, or simply click “<em>All Time Greats</em>” to see the most popular commands. Or if you prefer, simply browse the massive tag cloud that makes up this sites right sidebar.</div>
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A Few Highlight Commands</h2>
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Experienced command line users will immediately find things they are interested in, but what about everyone else? Here is a quick list of my discoveries from this site.</div>
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Quick, Temporary Web Server</h3>
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Want to quickly share a file with someone? Set up your own web server in a few keystrokes with this handy command:</div>
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<code>python -m SimpleHTTPServer</code></div>
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Just like that, your current directory will be shared. Here’s what it looks like in a web browser:</div>
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<img alt="linux command line" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/745ccafae1mphost.png.png" height="176" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/745ccafae1mphost.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="408" /></div>
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Naturally, you’re going to need to set up your router properly if you want to share with someone outside your current network. A dedicated IP or a service like DynDNS will also be needed. Still, for local file sharing, it’s hard to beat the above command: it’s quick and easy. It worked for me on Ubuntu and OS X.</div>
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Run Preview Command As Sudo</h3>
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This one’s probably only useful for users of Ubuntu, or other systems utilizing sudo. It allows you to re-run the last command you executed as sudo, perfect if you forgot to add that vital preface.</div>
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<img alt="linux command line tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/8d7c94faeau-sudo.png.png" height="178" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/8d7c94faeau-sudo.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /></div>
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See Your Unread Emails</h3>
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Want a quick rundown of your unread emails? this simple command can do the trick, provided your email client of choice is Gmail.</div>
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<img alt="linux command line tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/d9f5af2884gmail.png.png" height="233" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/d9f5af2884gmail.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /></div>
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It worked for me on Ubuntu and OS X; Linux users should make sure “curl” is installed.</div>
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See Your Mounted Devices</h3>
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A mounted device is any storage drive plugged into your system and working. Need to see a full list of them? Simple.</div>
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<img alt="linux command line tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/09c9da951founted.png.png" height="188" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/09c9da951founted.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /></div>
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Watch A Text Version of StarWars</h3>
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Okay, this one’s not useful. It is, however, awesome. Watch a text-only version of Star Wars, complete with ASCII animated characters:</div>
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The code for this is simple:</div>
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<code>telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl</code></div>
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3 Different Feeds</h2>
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Do you want to know every time a new awesome command is discovered? CommandLineFu offers three different Twitter and RSS feeds for just that purpose. Which one you use depends on how frequently you want updates; check them all out here.</div>
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Conclusion</h2>
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This site is awesome. Exploring it can teach you a great deal about not only the command line but also about computers in general.</div>
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Did you learn anything cool? Share links to your favorite commands in the comments below, or just list them yourself.</div>
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CommandLineFu: Amazing Collection Of Command Line Gems [Linux & Mac]

Browse an assortment of amazingly useful commands. Whether you’re an veteran system admin or a command-line neophyte striving to discover...

Windows 8 Branded PCs Could Prevent Other Operating Systems From Being Installed

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<img alt="windows 8 limitations" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/9fdff3b6ade-boot.jpg.jpg" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/9fdff3b6ade-boot.jpg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />“Secure Boot” is a new Windows 8 technology that’s required of OEM computers if they are to feature the Windows 8 Compatibility Logo. It’s designed to protect against malware at the boot level by preventing ‘unauthorised’ code from launching during system boot. However it’s been revealed that it may also prevent non Windows 8 operating systems – such as Linux – from being able to install or run.<br />
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How Does It Work?</h2>
Newer PCs are increasingly using a replacement for the old BIOS called UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). It’s a technology that’s been built into Apple Macs for years now, but basically it allows for faster boot and more efficient hardware access by the operating system. It’s also the main reason OSX is difficult to install on PCs, so if you have any hackintosh experience you’ll know about having to run an EFI emulation.<br />
The UEFI specification contains a firmware validation method, which works by defining certificate keys for which boot code is ‘secure’ and therefore allowed to run during boot. Microsoft supplies these keys to manufacturers, who include it on their machines, and only boot code which has a corresponding secure key is allowed to boot.<br />
<img alt="windows 8 limitations" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1c693b7d3dbios.png.png" height="123" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1c693b7d3dbios.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="560" /><br />
<img alt="windows 8 blocks linux" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/fdd58474e1uefi.png.png" height="163" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/fdd58474e1uefi.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="560" /><br />
Basically this prevents malware from launching at a boot level, so it’s potentially mitigated a large number of security threats. The problem with malware that runs at the boot level is that it’s very difficult for regular anti-malware to protect against or remove, as by the time the anti-malware app has loaded (after windows boot), it’s already there.<br />
Unfortunately, with Secure Boot enabled, you’ll also be prevented from launching any boot code for which for the machine doesn’t have the appropriate certificate keys. Now, it is entirely possible for other organisations to provide secure keys to manufacturers – like a set of keys for Ubuntu for example – but manufacturers are under absolutely no obligation to incorporate these; and without them, the other OS just won’t install or boot.<br />
So is it time to say goodbye to installing another OS?<br />
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Microsoft’s Response</h2>
In response to the concerns that this might prevent other operating systems from being installed,Microsoft has stated that secure boot is optional, and can be turned off from within the pre-boot setup screen. Here’s a screenshot from the MSDN Windows 8 blog post on the topic, clearly showing it’s optional on the Windows-8 based Samsung tablet that was offered to //BUILD/ participants whereWindows 8 was first demoed.<br />
<img alt="windows 8 blocks linux" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/f0d5ff5dcdboot.jpeg.jpeg" height="329" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/f0d5ff5dcdboot.jpeg.jpeg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="480" /><br />
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So, End Of Story?</h2>
Not entirely it would seem. As Matthew Garret notes:<br />
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<em>Windows 8 certification does not require that the user be able to disable UEFI secure boot, and we’ve already been informed by hardware vendors that some hardware will not have this option.</em></blockquote>
That’s right – although some manufacturers may choose to make the Secure Boot setting optional and therefore able to be disabled by the user – gaining certifications for Windows 8 compatibility does not require it, and some have explicitly stated it will not be optional on their machines (though there are no details on precisely which manufacturers have stated this yet).<br />
Microsoft has thrown the ball to the manufacturers court, and it could go either way. The PC business is incredibly competitive, so getting that Windows logo is all important, that’s a given. On the one hand, manufacturers will be keen to offer the best computing experience to the majority of their customers and if that means mitigating yet another security threat (and the inevitable support calls they need to deal with boot-level malware), then they’ll go for it. Other operating systems can still be run, if they provide certificate keys and if the manufacturers agree to include them. On the other hand, I suspect a real PR backlash will be forthcoming against any PC makers that do decide to force Secure Boot onto the user, so it may be a non-issue in the end.<br />
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What Can You Do About It?</h2>
The Free Software Foundation is running a petition encouraging computer makers to support Secure Boot in a way which ensures the user has control – specifically, the option to turn it off entirely. Be sure to head over and sign now if you’re at all interested in consumer freedoms and the right to run alternative operating systems on your own PC.<br />
<img alt="windows 8 limitations" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ce421ea0c9fsf.png.png" height="323" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/ce421ea0c9fsf.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /><br />
Also, be sure to share this post with all your friends to explain the issue and why they should care, getting them to sign the petition too.<br />
<small>Source: Free Software Foundation</small><br />
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Windows 8 Branded PCs Could Prevent Other Operating Systems From Being Installed

“Secure Boot” is a new Windows 8 technology that’s required of OEM computers if they are to feature the Windows 8 Compatibility Logo. It’s...

4 Apps Should Help You Improve Your Writing [Linux]

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<img alt="free writing tools" class="aligncenter" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/03701bac17riting.jpg.jpg" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/03701bac17riting.jpg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" />Are you a Linux user with a passion for writing? If so, check out these essential tools for the job.<br />
Writing is a key skill in the modern world, whether it’s directly how you make your living or not. Whether it’s writing memos or emailing clients, most jobs include at least some use of the written word. Even outside of work, more and more communication is moving to the written word. Don’t rush through these things – take your time and get them right. Develop writing as a skill, because it will reward you. But it’s a lot easier to do if you have the proper tools.<br />
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FocusWriter</h2>
Word processors are cool, and Linux users can use Open Office/Libre Office or AbiWord if a word processor is necessary.<br />
These free writing tools aren’t <em>primarily</em> for writing, though. They are for laying content out on a page to be printed. If you’re writing for a website or an email, or just aren’t yet concerned about layout, they do way more than you need. That’s why I like FocusWriter, which offers a minimal interface without sacrificing on features.<br />
<img alt="free writing tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/a32c171efcatures.png.png" height="275" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/a32c171efcatures.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="578" /><br />
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Artha: Thesaurus</h2>
Repeating the same word while writing is problematic. Add some variety by using a Thesaurus. A plethora of online options exist, but if you want something hosted locally on your computer check out Artha. This simple program runs quickly so you can get back to your writing after finding the word you need.<br />
<img alt="writing tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/e9d3bbe1fbartha.png.png" height="315" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/e9d3bbe1fbartha.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="476" /><br />
You can almost certainly find Artha in your distro’s repositories right now, so go ahead and install it. Ubuntu users can simply click here to install Artha. Users of other distros can find Artha installation instructions here.<br />
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TomBoy or Zim</h2>
It’s important as a writer to keep you thoughts organized. A personal wiki can help a lot, giving you a place to collect ideas and organize them with cross-links. TomBoy, a Linux note-taking app, is installed by default on Ubuntu and is an excellent application for storing ideas.<br />
<img alt="writing tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/5747a64609ynotes.jpg.jpg" height="353" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/5747a64609ynotes.jpg.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="580" /><br />
If you don’t like the way TomBoy works, check out Zim, a desktop wiki. It’s a desktop wiki, but different from TomBoy in many ways. If you like using wikis on the web you’ll love this tool.<br />
<img alt="free writing tools" data-mce-src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/12667c2eedinszim.png.png" height="459" src="http://www.new-technology-news.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/12667c2eedinszim.png.png" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="482" /><br />
Plus: it’s named after the single greatest cartoon alien of all time.<br />
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Dropbox</h2>
We mention Dropbox more than enough here at MakeUseOf, but there’s a reason for that – it’s awesome. If you’re a writer primarily using Linux, it or something like it is almost essential.<br />
Dropbox can automatically sync your writing between your computers, making it essential if you own more than one device. Even if you possess only a single computer you’ll want to use Dropbox, because it automatically backs up your work to the cloud every time you save it. Even better is that you can revert to a previous version of the file, within the past 30 days, anytime. This is great if you accidentally delete a large chunk of text and click “save.”<br />
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Conclusion</h2>
I do most of my writing for this and other blogs on Linux, and find these tools indispensable. Together they make my workflow what it is, and I’m extremely grateful to the developers of all of them.<br />
While researching this article I stumbled upon Writing On Linux, a blog dedicated to outlining Linux tools for writers. Be sure to check that blog out for more cool ideas, but be aware that updates are sparse.<br />
Do you have any other cool free writing tools for Linux? Let us know about them in the comments below, because we love learning from our readers.<br />
<img alt="" data-mce-src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Makeuseof/~4/6cpVTEOKhuM" height="1" src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Makeuseof/~4/6cpVTEOKhuM" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="1" /><br />
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4 Apps Should Help You Improve Your Writing [Linux]

Are you a Linux user with a passion for writing? If so, check out these essential tools for the job. Writing is a key skill in the modern...

MacBook Pro appears on Amazon's 2010 bestseller list

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The iPhone and the iPad both made eBay's "top-shopped" list for the year, but neither of those devices are sold on Amazon, so they weren't to be found on the big online retailer's <a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511357&highlight">annual list of bestselling items</a>. The Kindle was, of course -- it's Amazon's own e-reader, and it was both the bestselling and most wished-for item on the site in the Electronics category.<br />
<br />
But while Apple's iOS devices didn't make the list, there was one major Apple item that did. In the Computers category, the MacBook Pro with the 13.3" screen scored as both the bestselling and most wished-for item. Apple's excellent laptop appears to be the computer of choice for Amazon shoppers. The only other specifically Mac item on the list was the Mac/Windows version of Photoshop, which was the most gifted item in the software category (Microsoft Office was the bestselling item in that category).<br />
<br />
One smartphone did make the bestselling list, and it was the Samsung Captivate Android phone (again, probably only because the iPhone isn't for sale on Amazon.com). Some of the other items on the list are funny, too -- who knew so many people needed Donut Shop K-Cups? For work coffee, you think?<br />
<h6></h6><a href="http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=176060&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1511357&highlight">Source</a>

MacBook Pro appears on Amazon's 2010 bestseller list

The iPhone and the iPad both made eBay's "top-shopped" list for the year, but neither of those devices are sold on Amazon, so...

Touch Screen Software for Computers

Touch-screen software for <a href="">computers</A> includes games, video editing and playback software, interactive screen savers and more. Microsoft's Windows 7 is the first Windows operating system with native touch screen support. Many touch-screen programs require multi-touch which is a touch screen with the ability to register at least three simultaneous input points.<br /><P></P>Graphics software that uses a touch screen provides a more natural interface to create and modify digital imagery. Corel's Paint It! Touch provides features of varying complexity appropriate for children and other casual users. Corel's Digital Studio 2010 provides more serious users with a suite of touchscreen compatible digital graphics editing software. Touch screen games utilize the unique interactive quality of the touch screen to enhance playability. Touch-screen physics games, including Microsoft's Rebound, provide a medium for users who want to physically interact with a game. Physics games for touch screens typically involve solving a physical puzzle by directly interacting with objects on the screen. There are a variety of utility programs that allow the users to perform common tasks using a touch screen. Microsoft Surface Collage is one such program that allows the user to view and arrange photos on a PC using a touch screen. Windows 7 Home Premium, Ultimate and Professional editions provide a basic interface that uses a touch screen to navigate Web browsers and file systems. Some touch-screen software -- Corel Paint it! Touch and the Microsoft Touch Pack -- requires a touch screen compatible version of Windows 7 to run.

Touch Screen Software for Computers

Touch-screen software for computers includes games, video editing and playback software, interactive screen savers and more. Microsoft'...

Computers and Technology: The Danger of Using Social Media

<P>Do you think you would ever walk into a bar, stand on a table and start shouting out all the details of your life?</P><br /><P>What about walking up to a complete stranger in the mall and asking if that person would like to be your friend or build a relationship with you?</P><br /><P>Well, those who use the internet and social media often do things online that they would never do face-to-face or in public.</P><br /><P>The problem is that when you post things that you think are only for the eyes of friends or family, you forget that there are thousands of other people who can also view them. Some might be innocent bystanders whereas others might not have noble intentions. And don't try to tell me that you have an antivirus program to protect you. If there are people smart enough to hack into the Pentagon's computer, there are people who can get around your program.</P><br /><P>This week, researchers have warned that no matter how secure your site is, those who play FarmVille can easily become victims of identity theft. The terms of agreement that you likely didn't read when you made a Facebook account state that all information and photos you post become the property of Facebook. That means that you might see your photo plastered on an advertisement for Viagra or in another place that you would not otherwise approve in the future.</P><br /><P>Teenagers who grew up with the internet tend to use it as their major form of communication but they don't seem to have gotten the message that what you put on the internet stays there forever - even if you think you have erased it. Imagine how embarrassed one might be in the years to come if or when others access information you wrote as a youth just when you are applying for an important job, running for a political office or trying to be an example for others to follow.</P><br /><P>And the problems are not just occurring because of the actions of children and teenagers. Adults who think it is cute to post pictures of their children or grandchildren risk having them be seen by perpetrators - and some of them might not just be interested in looking. When you add personal information, it sets the child up for a kidnapping - or worse.</P><br /><P>I have heard people state that they are not worried about identity fraud because they don't have any money anyway. Well, consider this. Have you ever lost your wallet? Think of all the problems you had in trying to replace ID and notify credit card companies about the loss. Now add to this the fact that someone is out there ruining your reputation as they try to impersonate you in any number of ways.</P><br /><P>Someone told my daughter that you should never post anything you wouldn't want your mother to see. Well, that doesn't even take it far enough. You can trust your mother - but you can't trust everyone else who has access to a computer.</P><br /><P>It's time to stop playing innocent or pretending that it won't happen to you. When you put information on the internet, you risk your financial security, your reputation and may even set up the ones you love the most for serious harm.</P>

Computers and Technology: The Danger of Using Social Media

Do you think you would ever walk into a bar, stand on a table and start shouting out all the details of your life? What about walking up to ...

30 million unused computers in the UK, says research

<img src="http://cdn.mos.techradar.com//classifications/computing/mobile-computing/MSIXSlimX340-200-200.jpg"><br /><P>Microsoft has suggested that there are a whopping 30 million PCs and laptops lying unused around the UK, suggesting we should use the old machines to get more people online. </P><br /><P>Backing Marth Lane-Fox's vision of a Networked Nation and as part of the not-very-snappily-named GO ON: Give Someone Their First Time Online campaign (<a href="https://extranet.futurenet.com/+CSCO+1075676763663A2F2F6A726F7A6E76792E68782E7368676865726172672E70627A++/owa/-CSCO-3h--redir.aspx?C=1734d5d577a04a65961e698634e426cd&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.get-someone-online.com">www.get-someone-online.com</A>) Microsoft's research suggested some interesting trends. </P><br /><P>Apparently, some 30 per cent of us have a PC or laptop at home they no longer use, 15 per cent have two unused machines and 9 per cent three or more. </P><br /><P>This has led to the 30 million number being suggested, and those machines could be put to better use – according to the campaign. </P><br /><P><STRONG>"Live" offline...pah!</STRONG></P><br /><P>Nickie Smith, Marketing Director, Microsoft Advertising, said; "Working in the digital media industry it's very easy to forget that millions of people in the UK do live offline, and have no way of accessing the many benefits that the internet offers. </P><br /><P>"With nearly one in ten (8 per cent) people in the UK planning to buy a new PC or laptop this Christmas, there is a real opportunity for people to do some good by donating their old machines to help someone else."</P><br /><P>Martha Lane Fox added, "The 'Go On Give Someone Their First Time Online' campaign is a great opportunity for the millions of internet users in the UK to give the 9.2 million people a chance to enjoy the benefits that so many of us enjoy every day. </P><br /><P>"If every connected person helped just one friend or family member to get online, the race would already be won. </P><br /><P>"By working together we can accelerate progress towards building a more networked UK."</P>

30 million unused computers in the UK, says research

Microsoft has suggested that there are a whopping 30 million PCs and laptops lying unused around the UK, suggesting we should use the old ma...

Apple Computers and Marketing

<br />		<p>It seems like just yesterday, Apple had put out that commercial with the woman running with the hammer into the movie theater. The commercial goes on to show the woman throwing the hammer at the screen in which a mans face is speaking to the audience of all men. The commercial was a play on the book 1984 by George Orwell. Today, Apple computers and products, most notably the iPod, are still extremely popular. So, what is it about Apple products that appeals to the masses?</p><p>From ergonomic keyboards to sleek laptop computers and portable music players which hold hundreds to thousands of songs, audio and video; any of these could be a reason why so many of us love to buy Apple products. When one looks at an Apple commercial, it seems that Apple is appealing to younger people or those who are more creatively inclined. The most recent commercials pit the Apple guy against the PC guy. Typically, these commercials depict the Apple guy as the more laid back, creative one while the PC guy is typically depicted as extremely stiff and unchanging. Likewise, many people who have used both Apple and PC products claim to like Apple products more because Apple software seldom gets hacked into while the PCs are always infected with viruses put in place by hackers.</p><p>As to who is the true leader in the technology industry, Apple certainly does have a strong appeal. Even I have to admit that once I saw the iPod commercials with the silhouettes dancing to the music, I wanted an iPod. Perhaps the reason that Apple is so popular is due, in large part, to its clever marketing tactics. If you put an Apple commercial next to any PC commercial, it seems like PCs are more for the business man or woman while the Macs are more for the creative types. The play on music in conjunction with the use of bright colors and movement appeal to our senses more. Is it time for PCs to catch on and change their tune?</p><p>People who are used to using a personal computer are sometimes reluctant to try Apple products because the set up is totally different. While Apple has the capability to have Microsoft Word installed on it, even Microsoft Word appears differently than what PC users are used to. We are, by nature, creatures of habit to varying degrees. The main thing that Apple and PCs have in common is that they are both computers. However, there is a price tag difference. To purchase an Apple computer or laptop, you had better be ready to fork over some serious cash because their products are considerably more expensive than PCs. Remember the saying: "You get what you pay for," however. With that high price tag comes a plethora of neat features as well as the fact that Apple products get seldom (if ever) get infected with computer viruses. Is the software really that much better? When buying a computer, regardless of whether or not it's a MAC or a PC, always make sure that there is a warranty should anything ever go wrong.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p><a href="http://www.bluelizard.com/" target="_new">.Net Software Companies</a><br> <a href="http://www.bluelizard.com/" target="_new">Software Development Company</a></p>					<br />

Apple Computers and Marketing

It seems like just yesterday, Apple had put out that commercial with the woman running with the hammer into the movie theater. The commer...

Car Computers - Research Indicates They Are Extremely Vulnerable

<br />		<p>Anti-virus software is a colossal industry; and for a good reason. Everyday hackers steal myriads of vital information losing companies and consumers' time and money alike. Anti-virus software along with other programs are continually updated in preemptive attempts to thwart future cyber attacks.</p><p>Your computer may not be you're only valuable at risk. A group of researchers from the Universities of California and Washington feel the auto industry in particular, is highly susceptible to cyber attacks. In fact, after a slew of controlled tests in which researcher attempted to cyber hack a few recently released vehicles, the findings were alarming.</p><p>Researchers who "cyber hacked" an array of vehicles found that with a little tweaking they were able to control many of the vehicles vital components. Even when the physical driver would attempt to intervene and manually gain control of the vehicle, the hackers were able to over ride the manual controls and in essence have the control of the drivers life.</p><p>Once given access to an on board diagnostic port installed for dealers to quickly access the vehicles computer, researchers were able to set up a wireless network in which they could send and receive the information needed to remotely access the vehicles. By flooding the vehicles system with packs of data, the researchers were shockingly able to map-out and manage many of the vehicles controls.</p><p>After an array of tests, researchers found that they were able to perform an assortment of tasks ranging from maintaining the volume of the radio to completely disabling the breaks at high speeds. The tests found holes in these systems highlighting the fact that there is in fact a huge potential window for cyber attacks.<br /><br>The researchers found that hacking these complex vehicle computer systems was relatively easy in light of the fact that some vehicle systems can carry more complex computer code than a fighter jet. Researchers are hoping the public and media will find these results un-ignorable.</p><p>As vehicles get more and more autonomous, they naturally begin to rely more and more on their computer systems. As connectivity and the use of electronic data increases, the likelihood of hackers potentially attempting to enter vehicle systems drastically increases. With vehicles heavily relying on computer systems to function, the potential threat of a hacker becomes more and more a serious issue that could have vast detrimental consequences.</p><p>Due to the lack of efficiency in their computer systems, many auto manufactures have taken a plethora of bad media and lost a great deal of income due to the degradation in consumer trust and appeal. The fact that nearly half of all automotive warranty claims come from vehicle electronics systems already says a lot about the security and functionality of many of these vehicle computer systems. To add to the surmounting pressure of the volatility of vehicle systems, up to half the purchase cost attributed to many high end vehicles is directly accrued from purchasing these systems.</p><p>Researchers are hoping that by providing concrete evidence on how fragile these automotive computer systems actually are, the automotive industry and public alike will recognize the drastic need for IT and how it can help integrate up-to-date, safer systems. These aspirations for newer more secure systems aim is to provide increased safety, increased security, boost consumer trust and appeal, and to decrease maintenance and failure costs.</p><p>The world is constantly transforming due to the technological advances happening every day. As the world changes, industries, such as the automotive industry, must do everything possible to remain a lucrative business. Whether it is reducing emissions, meeting governmental safety regulations, or keeping your vehicles data system secure, there is always something new for the pack to chase.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>Rusty Shakelford works as a freelance writer and marketer for companies like <a href="http://www.CarLocate.com" target="_new">http://www.CarLocate.com</a>, a web portal where you can conduct car research and <a href="http://www.carlocate.com/SearchCars.aspx" target="_new">buy a car</a>. When he is off the clock, Rusty writes, stays up on the latest marketing innovations, and follows the latest in the automotive industry and cars.</p>					<br />

Car Computers - Research Indicates They Are Extremely Vulnerable

Anti-virus software is a colossal industry; and for a good reason. Everyday hackers steal myriads of vital information losing companies a...

Great Movies About Computers

<br />		<p>Plenty of great movies about computers have come out since these smart machines began playing such a huge role in humans' lives. Filmmakers have created fictional, factual and documentary-style movies about artificial intelligence, gaming, hacking, online communications, programming, viruses, web sites and other subjects relating to computers. Even films about war and supernatural themes have focused on computers. The following list includes some of the great movies about computers with a brief description of what they are about:</p><p><b>AI:</b> As the name implies, this is the story of a future world where Artificial Intelligence is possible, and a childlike android has been programmed to love.</p><p><b>Hackers:</b> A 1990s film starring a young Angelina Jolie, depicting a young group of hip hackers and all the trouble they get into during a corporate extortion conspiracy.</p><p><b>The Terminator Series:</b> About a cyborg (half man, half computer) who comes back in time to kill Sarah Conner.</p><p><b>The Matrix Series:</b> The story of a future world where computers have taken over and are using humans for power, keeping our minds tapped into a virtual world to distract us from the grim reality that our bodies are all part of an elaborate feeding system.</p><p><b>Office Space:</b> The group of software programmers and IT guys in this cult classic devise a plan to use a computer virus to get one over on the company they work for. <b>Short Circuit:</b> The story of a walking, talking robot (named Johnny 5) with a heart; he can be your friend!</p><p><b>Star Trek (First Contact, Generations, Insurrection, Nemesis):</b> All of these Star Trek and Star Trek Next Generation films include themes of artificial intelligence and computer technologies that were not possible at the time of their making.</p><p><b>Tron:</b> This early 1980s movie was one of the first to use computer graphics; the complex story includes themes of hacking, software programming, gaming and more. You've Got Mail: This modern love story is all about meeting and getting to know your romantic match online.</p><p>These aren't the only movies about computers that have made an impact on our box offices and our society, but these are definitely some of the greatest.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>Find more interesting information about computer please visit <b>ComputerSchoolsU.com</b>. Visit site and find detailed information about <a href="http://www.computerschoolsu.com/" target="_new">top computer schools</a> and best <a href="http://www.computerschoolsu.com/" target="_new">computer science degree</a> courses at ComputerSchoolsU.com. Choose the best computer school for you and start your path to a rewarding career now.</p>					<br />

Great Movies About Computers

Plenty of great movies about computers have come out since these smart machines began playing such a huge role in humans' lives. Film...

An Overview of Computers and Technology Law

<br />		<p>The 21st century truly is the "high tech age." As a consequence, computers and technology law is of crucial importance. In point of fact there are an ever growing number of issues relating to computers and technology law at this juncture in history. With that in mind, this overview of computers and technology law is presented.</p><p>One of the more active areas in regard to computers and technology law involves issues stemming from copyright. When it comes to computers, the Internet and technology law, copyright issues have become very commonplace. Protecting copyright interests with the growth of the Internet has become particularly problematic. In point of fact, with the growth of the Internet, and with the increasing incidence and complexity of copyright issues associated with the Net, there is a whole new legal specialty including attorneys that focus their practices on these issues.</p><p>Copyright issues extend beyond the Internet as well into the arena of software and hardware development as well. In regard to computers and technology law, the protection of intellectual property associated with software and hardware is extremely important. Once again, this is an area which has given rise to a whole new legal specialty consisting of attorneys who are focusing their energy and efforts on protection the intellectual property interests of those men, women and companies involved in the design and development of software applications and computer related hardware.</p><p>Of course, some of the most important developments that have occurred in regard to computers and technology law are related to music and the downloading of music off of the Internet and World Wide Web. Through both litigation in courts and statutes and regulations that have gone into effect, there continues to be a great deal of activity in the arena of protecting the copyright interest of people involved in the music industry on different levels.</p><p>Although it has not become as prevalent as many industry analysts predicted, there has been a slow but nonetheless fairly steady increase in the number of people who are using ebooks at the present point in time. (Many experts predicted about five years ago that there would be a significant number of people using and reading ebooks by this point in time. While this significant increase that was contemplated in the past has not occurred, the number of ebook users is higher than it was five years ago.)</p><p>With the increase in ebook usage -again, which is expected to expand at least to some degree in the next few years - there has been a growing concern associated with protecting the copyright interest of authors who are finding their work in ebook form. On a number of levels, it is a more complicated task to protect written materials that are included in ebooks that is the case with traditional, "brick and mortar world" publications. Therefore, in regard to computers and technology law, there is a growing interest amongst attorneys in developing more effective avenues through which the content of ebooks can be protected in this high tech age.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>Jeff Ryan creates quality legal articles to help you learn more about common legal issues. His portfolio spans a medley of legal topics such as personal injury, criminal, accident, malpractice and more.</p><p>To research other legal topics or to view the lawyer directory to find an attorney, go to <a href="http://www.aplawyers.com" target="_new">Computers and Technology Law Attornies</a>.</p>					<br />

An Overview of Computers and Technology Law

The 21st century truly is the "high tech age." As a consequence, computers and technology law is of crucial importance. In poin...

Why You Should Consider Used Computers Before Buying the Latest Models

<br />		<p>Everyone knows it's almost impossible to find a new computer system within an affordable price range - they rise in cost every year. By looking at used computers first, you might find exactly what you've wanted.</p><p>Even now, when you hear someone brag that they just saved $300 on a "used" computer system, you might still picture a "dinosaur" slowly looping the ancient game of "asteroids", and nothing else - over and again - and roll your eyes.</p><p>Although that may - or may not - have been true in the past, things in the present have definitely changed for the better. These days there's good news for the budget conscientious consumer searching for another computer. As far as selection and quality go, today's secondhand systems are among the best of the best - and can usually be found within a person's price range. Not convinced? Well, maybe after reading this short article on how and where to find them - and checking out the details yourself - you'll change your mind:</p><p>Private advertisements: Believe it or not, there are people who make it a priority to buy a brand new system every year, and most of them aren't the spoiled children of the rich, either. Many people who trade up have careers in a business that requires them to stay up with the latest technology, to remain a top competitor in their field. So, they either trade in their current system as credit towards their new one - or sell the old one privately.</p><p>Looking through the online classifieds, either local, or other, is a great way to discover many "gently used" laptops and desk models that are "almost" new, being offered for sale by a private party. As a bonus, you might even find that your dream computer has every little extra you've ever wanted, already installed on it - and for $300 or $400 less than what you thought you'd be paying out. But beware, there are many scammers online these days - don't send money until you have proof that the seller is on the up and up.</p><p>Auction houses: Another way to find a good selection, is by scouring the online auction websites that are everywhere on the internet these days. Sometimes you will find the computer you want, being offered by several different sellers, and no other bidder besides yourself to bid on it. This is the optimal situation for wheeling and dealing - but here, as with everywhere, look out for people trying to rip you off.</p><p>Computer Manufacturers: Probably the safest way to make sure you'll get a fair deal on a dependable secondhand computer, is to go through an authorized dealer of any name brands - be it locally, or online.</p><p>You've probably seen the many internet advertisements offering "gently used" and even NEW computers - whose only crime is the fact they're "last year's model". This is great news for you, as your choices in them can range from the basic, no-frills set-up - all the way to a high tech super system, and all offered at prices hundreds below the retail cost of a new one. And in addition, you can usually get a warranty for it by going through a dealer, that won't be available when you buy through a private party.</p><p>How can the manufacturers and dealers afford to do this? Because technology changes so fast, the "shining stars" of tomorrow - each one sleeker, thinner and more expensive than last year's model - are already being advertised on January 1st of the present year. This means the current years computer systems are already obsolete the same year they come out - but they stockpile because there's a lack of people to buy them at retail cost.</p><p>So they sit around and take up space - losing the business money - while the next years models start their annual flood of the electronics market. To make room for the new inventory, and to offset all the other factors, businesses have no choice but to try to make quick sales - frequently offered at dramatically slashed prices to the buying public.</p><p>So as you can see, it really pays off in savings to look at used computers when looking for a great deal. You just have to do your research and comparison shopping, before you buy. A computer system, no matter what kind of price break you get on it, is still an important investment.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>At low prices and with such convenient access, <a href="http://www.vernontech.ca/computer-recycling/" target="_new">computer recycling</a> is an economically viable option for those seeking quality technology. Another recommended alternative is <a href="http://www.vernontech.ca/en/used-computers.aspx" target="_new">used computers</a>, which allows users to conserve money and test the platform first-hand.</p>					<br />

Why You Should Consider Used Computers Before Buying the Latest Models

Everyone knows it's almost impossible to find a new computer system within an affordable price range - they rise in cost every year. ...

Find Deep Discounts on Computers and Software

<br />		<p>When it comes to buy computers or software, the price tags that are attached to these items can be alarming. A new model of computer or a new edition of software comes out every year it seems, and you must keep up with the new technology. When you are looking for computers and software, there are some things to keep in mind to help you find the best deals and discounts available.</p><p><strong>Know Exactly What You Want</strong></p><p>If you walk into a computer store without knowing what you are looking for, you may walk out with something you don't need. Many of today's store personnel are trained to sell the next higher unit or edition than what you are looking for. Speak to a friend or family member who has knowledge in computers and ask what they feel is the best product for you. This way you can ask specifically for this product when you enter the store.</p><p><strong>Computer Superstores</strong></p><p>You'll find many of the "computer superstores" online and in regular storefronts. These businesses can offer tremendous savings over other smaller businesses because they buy in bulk. As a result, this savings can be passed onto you. If you are looking for a new item, be sure you don't purchase something that is reconditioned. However, you may find great savings on reconditioned computers if you feel these products can work for you.</p><p><strong>Look for Replacement Parts</strong></p><p>Many times, your computer can be upgraded or repaired instead of requiring you to purchase a completely new machine. For the most part, these parts can be found at a fraction of the price of a new unit. When you are looking for replacement parts, check out some of the online computer stores. Many offer replacement parts, reconditioned parts, and other hardware and software that can improve your computer's performance.</p><p><strong>Search for Coupons</strong></p><p>If you search the internet, you can find several online coupon sites that offer computers and software coupons and discounts. You'll find coupons for service as well. These can results in significant savings, as many computer repair services can charge upwards of sixty dollars an hour. You can often find coupons that will offer free software with the purchase of a computer system or parts.</p><p><strong>Freeware and Shareware</strong></p><p>Many sites offer freeware and shareware. Freeware is computer software or programs that can be downloaded at no charge. Shareware is also offered for many software programs, but can cost a modest fee. When you are searching for these types of programs, make sure you are downloading from a reputable website. If you aren't, you can end up with viruses, adware, or spyware on your computer. Some of these programs are hidden in the programs, such as a registrar cleaner. Use common sense. If it's from a suspicious source, chances are you don't want it.</p><p><strong>A Final Thought</strong></p><p>If you research the computers and software programs before you go shopping, you're more likely to end up with exactly what you need. Check out different computer and software review sites to compare models and new editions.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>Joe Deacon is a tech nerd and more often than not you'll find him behind his PC typing and surfing away. And for the latest in <a href="http://www.coupontrunk.com/computers-software-coupons" target="_new">software coupons</a> and <a href="http://www.coupontrunk.com/computers-software-coupons" target="_new">computer coupons</a>, he visits CouponTrunk.com. On this site, the world's leading PC and software manufacturers post their latest coupons, discounts, and deals so you can get what you want at the fraction of its retail cost.</p>					<br />

Find Deep Discounts on Computers and Software

When it comes to buy computers or software, the price tags that are attached to these items can be alarming. A new model of computer or a...

3 Ways Computers Can Hurt Your Ministry - Part 2 - Weak Network Security

<br />		<p>Our computers have become almost indispensable ministry tools. What would you do if the worst happened and you had to function without your computers? Would your ministry survive?</p><p>This article is the second in a 3-part series on how to protect your ministry from serious computer-related loss. This time we're going to focus on the basics of securing your network against potential inside and outside threats. In the final installment, we'll cover what every ministry should know about software license compliance.</p><p>Good network security is an area many people in ministry neglect, simply because it can be so overwhelming. Even though there are lots of technical details involved with adequately securing your ministry's network, if you focus on the handful of key areas presented in this article, you can prevent many of the potential threats you might face.</p><p>Passwords</p><p>The cornerstone of securing your network is to make sure you use strong, secure passwords. This is your first line of defense, and it's often the weakest link in the chain. If someone can guess your password, they can impersonate you on the network and get to everything you have access to. Even worse, a hacker can use your password to try to "escalate" his level of access and possibly take over the whole network. Most ministries would suffer great loss if sensitive data (like donor information) was leaked out to the Internet by a hacker or disgruntled employee. Making sure your passwords are secure will help prevent this from happening.</p><p>Start by putting a password policy in writing. Some good practices to include in the policy are:</p><p>oMake all passwords at least 6 characters long, and require a mixture of numbers & upper/lowercase letters. They should be hard to guess, but still pretty easy for the users to remember.</p><p>oRequire everyone to change their passwords on a regular basis and enforce a password history. This keeps users from recycling their old passwords again and again.</p><p>oMake sure no one writes their password on a "sticky note" and posts it in plain sight. This is a common security problem, and it's almost as bad as having no password at all.</p><p>A good IT consultant can help with more suggestions, and these items can all be automatically enforced by your servers, so that everyone on the network will be protected.</p><p>Security Updates and Patches</p><p>Have you ever noticed that annoying message popping up at the bottom of your computer screen saying "New Updates Are Ready to Install"? Have you ever been tempted to ignore it? Don't! Every month Microsoft releases security updates for many of their products, and the only way to stay secure is to install them faithfully.</p><p>As soon as software companies become aware of security problems, they release patches and updates to correct the issues. It's your responsibility to download and install the patches so your system will stay up-to-date. I recommend configuring Automatic Updates on all your machines so this process will happen automatically. In a server environment, installing the latest updates can be automated for all your computers and managed from a central location. Just like maintenance on your car, you should plan to apply security patches and updates regularly to keep out potential hackers and viruses.</p><p>Firewall</p><p>If your ministry uses a dedicated high-speed Internet connection, make sure you have a good firewall in place. This device serves as a barrier to keep hackers out of your internal network. You would never dream of leaving your building at night without locking all the doors, and you should always make sure that the "doors" to your computer network are locked, as well. There are hardware and software firewalls available, but we usually recommend purchasing a hardware-based firewall for security and reliability reasons. Some good firewall manufacturers to check into include Cisco, SonicWall and WatchGuard.</p><p>Regular Security Audits</p><p>Another benefit of having a relationship with a good IT consultant is that they can perform ongoing security audits on your ministry network. Securing your passwords and applying all the current updates will help, but to make sure everything is locked down you should perform a thorough security audit at least once a year.</p><p>A competent, trusted IT consultant can approach your network like a hacker would, using many of the same hacker tools and techniques. He or she can try to penetrate your Internet firewall, test the strength of your passwords, verify the physical security of your data and backups, scan your whole network for security holes and vulnerabilities and provide a detailed report of the findings. They will also be able to give you recommendations and cost estimates on what it would take to fix any issues they find and thus increase the security of your ministry's network.</p><p>Making sure your network is secure is still only another part of the solution. In the final installment of this series we'll talk about some simple steps you can take to protect your ministry from huge fines and potential prosecution by making sure you comply with software licensing laws.</p>	<br />	<br />		<br />			<br />				<br />					<br /><br />						<p>Donnie Schexnayder is a ministry technology expert. He holds industry certifications from Microsoft and CompTIA and has over 10 years experience in supporting churches and Christian ministries with technology. With a mixture of passion and expertise, Donnie helps ministries advance their mission of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth by using cutting-edge technology. Donnie lives with his wife and 2 children in Colorado Springs, CO.</p><p>Eternitek :: Advancing Christian Ministries Through Technology</p><p><a href="http://www.eternitek.com" target="_new">http://www.eternitek.com</a></p><p><a href="mailto:info@eternitek.com">info@eternitek.com</a></p>					<br />

3 Ways Computers Can Hurt Your Ministry - Part 2 - Weak Network Security

Our computers have become almost indispensable ministry tools. What would you do if the worst happened and you had to function without yo...