Archive for the ‘Software’ Category
From the SD Times News (one of the more technical ezines I’m subscribed to) I got this link:
http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/ITProfessionals/EthicsIT/how-to-enable-godmode-on-windows-7
All settings and tweaks together. It works on my notebook (Vista 32-bit). But read some of the notices before trying.
I had much fun at the office today with this application. You upload your photo and it tries to match you to lookalikes celebrities. Now I’m not too keen to look like anyone, and certainly not celebrities. But it’s much fun when you do it and watch it with a few people.
No that’s not a typo. I’m not a web designer. I can’t make beautiful websites easily. And I’ve used a ton of different website creation software. There are the obvious one’s like Coffeecup, Frontpage, Seamonkey and even oldies that I can’t remember the name of. This was in the time that Netscape was still out there. I’ve also dabbled with WebPlus and even Dreamweaver but found them too much hard work. The problem is that you have to create pages, menu’s, graphics, links, rss feeds, paste in scripts and it’s all disjointed. Where is this feature hidden, where can I find that, how do I do this. It’s allright if you make websites for a living but if you only do it every now and then, or if you do it as part of a marketing campaign or even service to others it’s a nightmare. Enter the solution…
Hi,
I’m always on the lookout to help me secure my pc and those of my family. Below is a list of top 10 security measures I’m using and recommend:
- Always try and use a hardware firewall. For home users, this
would normally be an ADSL firewall/router. These offer a lot better
protection than Usb ADSL modems. - Secure your Wireless connections. Follow the manual or ask a friend or your child but do not let unsecured wireless connections exist for a long time.
- Avast – I’ve been using this Antivirus program for quite a while now. It caught a few nasties over the years. Easy to install, regular updates and not too much strain on the system
- ZoneAlarm – Now owned by CheckPoint. The personal firewall is easy to instal and use. Does not have too much annoying messages. A personal firewall is an essential tool to have on your pc. Any firewall is better than nothing. Windows firewall is ok but doesn’t give you too much information. It’s fine for a casual user however.
- Firefox NoScript – The plugin allows you to selectively select which sites are allowed to run Javascript. It’s a pain when you’re continually browsing new websites, but offers good protection.
- Stay up-to-date – Microsoft offers regular updates that also fix security issues. If you stay up to date with your Windows Update it will offer better protection.
- Educate yourself and your family. Safe internet use is also how to recognise a scam, phishing, virus, spyware, adware and other nasties.
- Use safe passwords, if you can’t remember them you could consider using Roboform, Password Safe or KeePass. I personally use KeePass a lot. If you absolutely have to remember them without software then use something that helps you to remember like a phrase at the bottom of your watch or a model number on your glasses. An acronym could also help (as in: I Like High School Musical 3 becomes: ILHSM3)
- Run anti-spyware programs such as Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Blaster or Microsoft Defender. Don’t get programs pretending to be anti-spyware, get them from a reputable source. Either direct from the manufacturer or from a reputable download site like Tucows.com
- Make backups. Maybe this should be #1! If it can go wrong it will someday. Better to be prepared. It’s a pain and can will cost you money but get an external harddisk and get backing up. What and how to back up is not in the scope of this article.
Google is 10
Larry Page met Sergey Brin in the summer of 1995. They started their search engine named BackRub in 1996. On the 15th September 1997 they registered google.com. On the 4th September 1998 they file as a US corporation. The rest is history, as they say. But I don’t think the story is over yet. It’s an interesting read nonetheless. See more on this entertaining website:
http://www.google.co.uk/tenthbirthday
Google Chrome is a new browser. Do we need another one? Well, looking at the features and knowing the might of Google is behind it, it’s worth looking at. Google released a comic strip that explains Chrome in more detail. A fun way of releasing what could be a boring list of features. See it here:
http://www.google.com/googlebooks/chrome/
How to retrieve protected content and cached websites using 2 little known tricks.
As a reader of the excellent IT News site I receive daily updates. The following article caught my eye:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/22/accessing_restricted_sites
I like Firefox as a browser. I’ve got the feeling that it’s more flexible than Internet Explorer. I started using it when I saw the tabbed approach and was sold immediately. I hesitated a while when Firefox 3.0 came out as I like to keep my Bookmarks synchonised between all my computers. I used Google Browser Sync for that but from Firefox 3.0 it stopped working and will not longer be supported.
I found a great replacement in Foxmarks so I’m back using the latest version. So here is my list of top 10 Addons: Read the rest of this entry »
I’ve used laptops for work and home for quite a while now. I’ve always liked to use a mouse rather than the touchpad or even worse that ‘thing’ between the G, H and B key. Of course it helps if you have a desk. Does anyone use a mouse with a mechanical trackball inside? Optical mice are a major leap forward.
The next thing is a keyboard. It can be a bit awkward to use an external usb keyboard without an extra screen, because the laptop screen us normally too far away. So tha tbrings us to using an extra monitor. You can get an extra monitor for reasonable prices now. I’m using the extra monitor as my main monitor when I’m in the office. The keyboard is in front and everything is placed ergonomically (as far as I’m aware). The tingling in my fingers that I had a few years ago went away after I started using a wrist pad for the keyboard and mouse.
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