New Technology Reviews!.: Questions

Google+ code points toward Games and Questions features

<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-79281" height="68" src="http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/8245/googlecodegames.jpg" title="google-code-games" width="360" />Google’s stab at the social networking pie has ended up with the Google+ for the moment, and some of the more enterprising people out there decided to check out its source code – where snippets of it has shown clear references to a couple of (unannounced) new services – Google+ Games and Google+ Questions. Gaming code in there does support previous leaks and speculation that surround job postings, which means the Internet search giant has been on the quiet when it comes to constructing their very own Web-based gaming platform. Not only that, other parts of the Google+ code do include a list of references to a Questions feature which might just work in tandem with the +1 system. Apparently, prompts will appear to notify users whenever someone +1′s their question, shares a question, adds a comment, or receives an answer. There is no official announcement concerning gaming capabilities or the Questions feature on Google+, since it is still in the limited beta testing phase. <div><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=tCjJRH2D5BQ:Xx3BCMINDNE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/9100/29257887.gif" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=tCjJRH2D5BQ:Xx3BCMINDNE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img807.imageshack.us/img807/3986/99369822.gif" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=tCjJRH2D5BQ:Xx3BCMINDNE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8513/55932156.gif" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ubergizmo?a=tCjJRH2D5BQ:Xx3BCMINDNE:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6006/99824503.gif" /></a></div>

Google+ code points toward Games and Questions features

Google’s stab at the social networking pie has ended up with the Google+ for the moment, and some of the more enterprising people out there ...

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've been tasked with implementing security at your organization, developing a comprehensive security plan should be a very important part of your overall security strategy. Get the information you need to get started on the right track! In the computer/internet security game, the best move is one of Prevention! Prevention! Prevention! With that in mind, here are the twelve questions you need to be asking, or, at least, be thinking about if you're serious about preventing or stopping security risks, threats, and attacks:1. Do I have a solid security policy or strategy?If you don't, begin immediately to get sample security plans, policies, and best practices for your business and/or home.2. Where would I go for key information and news on keeping your information private? Search the internet for managed security services. Ask if they provide a free computer test to assess your pc's level of vulnerability. Ask if they provide the latest tips to keep your privacy and protect your personal information and that of your business. Or simply - ask me.3. Does my disaster recovery plan include redundant back-up and data recovery systems? Understand what a good data back up system is and how to best recover from a disaster.4. Do I know how to create safe passwords?Learn how to write virtually un-crackable passwords.5. How do I train my employees or family members to be secure?Get all leading research on what to teach about security.6. What do I do if my employees are my biggest security risk?Learn all about social engineering and insider hacking.7. What or who is a hacker?A person who uses and/or creates software technology to break into the computers of individuals, businesses, government, and organizations for personal gain is known as a hacker. Often after he, she, or they hack into a computer, they can control it secretly by remote, making it a "zombie computer".8. How does he (or she or they) break into home and business computers?If they don't have the break-in software, they can buy it off the black market, or create it, themselves. With this technology, they use their malicious software to look for holes in the computers of their targeted victims.9. To what extent might my home or business computers be vulnerable to hackers, hacker's tools, viruses, etc.?You will never know unless you take the time to test your computer to see what holes are open, by what back doors (up to 65,000 portals) are malware entering your computer.10. What is "drive-by hacking"?Because wireless Internet access points have become popular for homes and businesses, home and business computers have now become a major target for hackers. In this new phenomenon, called "dive-by hacking", hackers simply take their laptop computers in their cars and drive through business parks or residential neighborhoods remotely scanning for open wireless networks.11. Would I know if someone tries to hack into my computer?Depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, you might or might not be aware. Using keylogging programs, these cybercriminals can secretly see and record every keystroke you enter on your computer, thereby gaining access to all your private and personal information.12. I have all the security measures, anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall I need. Can I still be hit by hackers and other pc-disabling attacks, risks, and threats?Again, depending on the security measures you have on your computer and the sophistication of the hacker's software program, your computer or computers might or might not be compromised. Remember: Cybercriminals are superintelligent criminals! They somehow always seem to stay one step ahead of authorities and anti-cybercriminal software.Obviously if you have to ask these questions, then you need to take immediate steps to plug the holes and cover the gaps.So, here are some steps you can take immediately to implement, increase, or improve your present security measures:* Learn all you can about hackers and the tools and methods they use to invade your privacy and cause problems. Subscribe to a comprehensive source of Internet security research, news and information for small and mid-sized businesses and organizations, or other professionals, that want to increase their level of security and build on their current technologies and efforts.* Take advantage of the research already done. Get access to information about the leading topics in the security field, including hackers and hacker tools, viruses, data back up, writing good passwords, government and legal issues, protecting from insider hacking - and more.* Stay current with important security news developments. Work with a managed security firm that maintains an entire library of the most beneficial news articles, white papers and other links that you can use to maintain an excellent awareness of cyber-security issues on an ongoing basis.* Need help creating a security plan for your organization or business? Take advantage of professional security consulting and training both by telephone consulting or on-site visits. Get vulnerability assessments, employees training, security implementation, and much more.Because cyberpredators and other cybercriminals are becoming smarter and more sophisticated in their operations, they are real threats to your personal security and privacy. Your money, your computer, your family, and your business are all at risk.These cybercriminals leave you with three choices :1. Do nothing and hope their attacks, risks, and threats don't occur on your computer.2. Do research and get training to protect yourself, your family, and your business.3. Get professional help to lockdown your system from all their attacks, risks, and threats.Remember: When you say "No!" to hackers and spyware, everyone wins! When you don't, we all lose!© MMVII, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, The Internet Safety Advocate and Educator

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've be...

Answered questions about Apple's North Carolina data center

<DIV class=separator style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLittMTuVvlqaavKPrvN-2TfaQ29cuNIstWGHm4VzUG5fNPCrsyiTeXx_4JXPFTbwR3QbSNlX9q_OEPXKJlxNZOA2UYuH8__UimmXa6PmrPxJBuCGxcgwvR_sH7q5DQ92G96Kjb0qYaA/s1600/ncdatacenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLittMTuVvlqaavKPrvN-2TfaQ29cuNIstWGHm4VzUG5fNPCrsyiTeXx_4JXPFTbwR3QbSNlX9q_OEPXKJlxNZOA2UYuH8__UimmXa6PmrPxJBuCGxcgwvR_sH7q5DQ92G96Kjb0qYaA/s1600/ncdatacenter.jpg"></A></DIV>Much conjecture has come of the Death Star that Apple is building in North Carolina. Some suspect it will power a future streaming version of iTunes or a major update to MobileMe. The folks at Data Center Knowledge have combined the rumors with their own knowledge about these things into a single, unofficial Apple Data Center FAQ. Among their findings is the center's size. In a word, it's huge. At 505,000 square feet, it's one of the world's largest data centers. A property assessment from Catawba County revealed that the central server area is enclosed by 262,328 square feet of space. Apple has also reportedly purchased 75 acres of land across the street from the main building, according to "local officials," though what Apple will do with that plot of land is unknown. What's inside? The FAQ has a few educated guesses, based on recent Apple job postings. For instance, they note that Apple says that its "...data center environment consists of MacOS X, IBM/AIX, Linux and SUN/Solaris systems." Also, recent listings call for candidates who are familiar with storage systems using IBM, NetApp and Data Domain, and data warehousing systems from Teradata. There's much more, so go over and check it out. In the meantime, we'll have to wait before we realize the power of a fully armed and operational data center.

Answered questions about Apple's North Carolina data center

Much conjecture has come of the Death Star that Apple is building in North Carolina. Some suspect it will power a future streaming version o...

Questions over reason for Amazon UK outage

Questions over reason for Amazon UK outage

Amazon UK is blaming a weekend outage on hardware failure its European data center network. Many Brits were unable to do their online pre-...

Frequently Asked Computer Security Questions

Working on the Internet provides Internet marketers with the opportunity to make a living in the comfort of their own home. However, as your business is completely reliant upon your computer, you must take the necessary steps to ensure your computer is safe.Over the years, I have received many questions in regard to computer security. Below, are some of the most frequently asked questions:Question: I'm new to the Internet and have been hearing a lot about viruses. I'm not exactly sure what they are. Can you help?Answer: A virus is a small piece of software that attaches itself to 'real' software programs (executable code). Each time you launch the real program, the virus is also launched. The virus may then spread and attach itself to other programs and wreak havoc on your system.The most widespread virus is an email virus. An email virus spreads through email attachments. It usually spreads by mailing itself to everyone within the email program's address book. It tricks the email recipient into believing the message was sent from someone they know.Although this type of virus rapidly spreads, you can't get it simply by reading a plain text email. However, you can execute the virus by clicking on an encoded message that contains embedded executable code such as JavaScript within an HTML email message, or an executable file attachment.Another type of program that is often thought of as a virus is a 'Trojan horse' program. However, it is not a virus. It is simply a computer program that acts like it's something it's not. For example, you may download a program that you think is a computer game. However, when you run the program, it may delete files on your hard drive. Trojan horses cannot automatically replicate themselves.Another widespread program is known as a worm. A worm is actually a small piece of software that travels through vulnerable computer networks with security holes. The worm scans the network in search of other computers with security holes. It copies itself to each system it finds.Although viruses can infect any type of executable code such as EXE files or DOC files, most media files such as GIF, JPG, BMP, MP3, WAV, AVI, MOV and TXT files are generally safe.Although viruses can wreak havoc, computer virus hoaxes can also be damaging. Virus hoaxes may cause Internet users to begin to ignore all virus warnings. This can be harmful, as they are then left vulnerable to 'real' virus warnings.In addition, many virus hoaxes also include a 'fix' that instructs the user to delete a certain file from their system. However, the file the hoax says is a virus is actually an important file needed by your computer.Never follow the advice within an email 'virus alert' instructing you to remove a virus from your system without first verifying its validity.Visit Symantec to search their virus encyclopedia:<a href="http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/vinfodb.html/</a>You can also search McAfee's virus database here:<a href="http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.mcafee.com/anti-virus/default.asp</a>You can protect your computer by taking a few precautionary steps:1) Purchase a quality virus protection software and keep it updated.McAfee <a href="http://www.mcafee.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.mcafee.com</a>Norton <a href="http://www.symantec.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.symantec.com</a>Please note, the above programs (especially Norton) have been known to cause problems with some operating systems. Although there isn't any particular pattern, caution should be exercised. I use McAfee online virus scan and haven't had any problems.2) If you're using Microsoft programs, make sure that the "Macro Virus Protection" is enabled. Never run a macro within a document unless you know exactly what it does.3) Never open an email attachment unless you're absolutely sure where it came from and what it is.4) Avoid downloading software programs from sources you're not familiar with. If you do download a program, make sure you scan the file with your anti-virus software prior to installing.Question: I've been hearing a lot about firewalls, but I'm not sure what it is or if I need it. Can you help?Answer: A firewall is basically a software program that allows you full access to the Internet and/or your network, while restricting access to your computer system from outside intrusions.Internet users are extremely vulnerable to hackers, especially if you have cable or ADSL access to the Internet. You definitely need to protect your computer system. I recommend using a great program called Zone Alarm Pro <a href="http://www.zonealarm.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.zonealarm.com</a>Once you install a firewall, you'll be amazed at how many attempts to access your computer are blocked by your firewall.Hackers can directly access your computer system by installing programs such as a key logger that can read every keystroke you make. This information is recorded and sent back to the hacker. Private information such as passwords and credit card numbers can easily be stolen.A key logger is a small software program that quietly runs in the background. As these programs quite often run in DOS, you will most-likely never realize it's running. However, you can see if a key logger is running by pressing 'control' - 'alt' - 'delete' on your keyboard. This will launch a window that contains a list of all the programs currently running on your system. Review the list and watch for programs you don't recognize.As there are many small programs such as adware (pop-windows) and spyware cookies that can bypass your anti-virus and firewall software, I recommend using a program called Pest Patrol <a href="http://www.pestpatrol.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.pestpatrol.com/</a> This program will detect and remove non-viral malicious software.Although you can purchase Pest Patrol at the above site, you can receive a discount if you purchase it with Zone Alarm Pro <a href="http://www.zonealarm.com" rel="nofollow" target="_new">http://www.zonealarm.com</a> . I can't guarantee how long this special offer will be available, so if you want it, now is a good time to get it.If you really want to keep your computer safe, I recommend the following:1) Purchase a good virus program and keep it updated2) Purchase a good firewall program and keep it updated3) Purchase a program like Pest Patrol and keep it updatedTaking the time to protect your computer is one of the best business decisions you'll ever make. If you don't protect it now, you'll definitely regret it later. It's just a matter of time.	 	 		 			 				 					 						Copyright ? Shelley LoweryAbout the Author:Shelley Lowery is the author of the acclaimed web design course, "Web Design Mastery" (<a href="http://www.webdesignmastery.com" target="_new">www.webdesignmastery.com</a>) and "eBook Starter - Give Your eBooks the look and feel of a REAL book" (<a href="http://www.ebookstarter.com" target="_new">www.ebookstarter.com</a>)Visit <a href="http://www.Web-Source.net" target="_new">www.Web-Source.net</a> to sign up for a complimentary subscription to eTips and receive a copy of Shelley's acclaimed ebook, "Killer Internet Marketing Strategies."You have permission to publish this article electronically, in print, in your ebook, or on your web site, free of charge, as long as the author bylines are included.

Frequently Asked Computer Security Questions

Working on the Internet provides Internet marketers with the opportunity to make a living in the comfort of their own home. However, as y...

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Twelve Key Questions You Need to Ask About Your Computer Security for Your Home or Business

Security technology is only a part of an overall security plan. If you own a small business or a home-based business, or if you've be...