Facebook: What is Security, exactly?

So every time I log onto Facebook, they seem to have instated some sort of new "security policy." Meaning several times a day practically.  But how secure is your information?  What are some common mistakes people make on Facebook?  Can you ever truly make your information private?

Well, let's take a look.

For a while, other than the occasional glitch, you could keep your status updates away from the general public.  That of course was until Facebook started discussing "Dance Party."  Sounds like a new console game? Yes, but what is it actually?  Take a look here: http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/03/facebook-project-dance-party/ Pretty much, in summary, Dance Party is a whole new Facebook feature that will give a feel of Twitter... however not many will realize it works the way it does: You can see ANY status updates you want.

Have you also noticed that occasionally, if your friends write something on someone's wall, and that person is not your friend, it will still appear in your news feed?  This is partially part of the Dance Party feature, but also their new concept to "help you find friends."  Thanks Facebook, but I have enough.

The new fad out in social media today is FourSquare.  It's so fun to check into places and get points, but there's also something else that it can get you: stalkers, robbers, and unnecessary attention.  Even though only your friends can see where you are checking in, many times crimes are committed against someone by people that they know, even if it's just a little.  Even just stating that you will be out of the house for the evening, or bragging about an upcoming vacation can make you a target.  Check out this for some real scenarios: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/advice/tips/burglaries-because-of-facebook

Social media is a great thing, but only when used wisely and with one's own discretion is information actually protected from the public.  Posts, pictures, fan pages, etc. can show up even in an average Google search, and once on the internet, it will be there forever, even if you delete it.  So here are a few short tips to keep yourself protected.

1. Avoid writing status updates that declare when you will be away from home.

2. If there's something about you that you don't want even just one person knowing, don't post it!

3. You know that party you're at? There could be a camera anywhere.  Think before you act.

4. Use a password that includes at least 8 characters, and combines capital letters, lowercase letters, and numbers and/or symbols.

5. Don't add someone you don't know or can't verify their identity.

6.Do not give out permission to just any app on Facebook-verify it is legitimate and safe.

Along with these tips, just use common sense.  If you question something before posting it, you probably should hit the cancel button and just not do it.  Your best bet is to use social media as a communication tool, as it is meant to be, but don't reveal your entire life story.  Generally, only the creepers actually care.

As one more supplementary article, from TechCrunch comes: The Facebook Bill of Rights.  This is what they feel Facebook should follow to keep its users safe, and I ask you to like it or post it on Facebook to spread the word to them that the people want privacy. http://techcrunch.com/2010/09/07/facebook-bill-of-rights/

Laptop Security

One of the most under-addressed topics about computers is security.  You hear about computer security, both physical and virtual, again and again, but where should it really be addressed?  I figured I would discuss a little bit about general computer security, as well as good anti-virus software options.

Virtual Computer Security

This, in my opinion, is almost more important than the physical computer hardware itself.  It is no good having a virus-ridden computer running your information such as phone numbers, bank accounts, passwords, and other such private and important entities.
First of all, pay-for anti-virus vs. free anti-virus never seems to make a difference to me.  Why pay for something when you can find a free program that does the same thing?  The number one thing you should watch out for when choosing anti-virus is if it conflicts with anything else on your computer.  Having multiple anti-virus programs at one time can be very dangerous as well, as one may recognize the other as a virus and battle it out.  So, lets discuss some good options for free anti-virus, and also anti-spyware.  All the programs I discuss work very well simultaneously with each other on my computers and run cleanly, but remember to check your computer specs before installing anything to make sure that it is compatible with your computer.

Malwarebytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org

I swear by this.  Malwarebytes is the ultimate (and FREE) anti-spyware program on the market.  We use it at work, and I use it at home.  It is also a program that does NOT auto-scan, so you don't have to worry about a program running in the background or interfering with your current anti-virus.  I think every computer should have this, as it works wonders as a final combatant of viruses that sneak through.



Panda Cloud
http://www.cloudantivirus.com/en/
Panda's first free anti-virus progam, and it is also cloud software, so it is a very small file for your computer.  It is also very simplistic, so good for those "tech illiterates" out there.  Claims to cover spyware as well as viruses, but I run Spyware Doctor simultaneously with it just for added security, which leads us into our next topic.

The Panda Cloud status screen.  So basic, yet so productive! 

Spyware Doctor
http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_installer.html?hl=en

Completely free, if you know where to look.  The Google pack is where you need to go.  Feel free to download everything included in the pack, but we are examining Spyware Doctor.  I absolutely LOVE this program.  It finds everything, from hardcore spyware to minor tracking cookies on your computer.  As one who doesn't like anything outside on my computer, I love deleting tracking cookies without deleting my entire internet history.

Other anti-virus and anti-spyware programs I have used and have been happy with include AVG Free Anti-Virus, Avast!, Super Anti-Spyware, and SpyBot.  These can all be found on CNET.

Some quick tips for avoiding viruses, that are sometimes ignored by the general public (not your average "don't download it!" tips):

• Use alternative web browsers to IE.  I recommend Google Chrome, personally.
• If using P2P, shut down uploads.  Allow only downloading, and turn upload limits to 0.
• Regularly check your processes.  If you are unsure of something, Google it and find out if its malicious.
• Frequently update.  Yes. RUN YOUR WINDOWS UPDATES. For God's sake.

Physical Computer Security

This website, released by Microsoft, sums up physical computer security very well in 9 tips.
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/security/laptopsecurity.aspx
In short, the article states:

1. Avoid using computer bags
2. Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case
3. Carry your laptop with you
4. Encrypt your data
5. Keep your eye on your laptop
6. Avoid setting your computer on the floor
7. Buy a laptop security device
8. Use a screen guard
9. Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room or with the front desk

And remember: just because your computer uses a Windows password does not mean your data is safe.  For someone that knows just a little about how Windows operates, it takes under a minute to crack a password.


Hopefully you have learned something new or found some helpful reminders in this post! Check back soon for new tips and tricks about computers, and reviews on the latest technology!

Back from the Dead...

Hello Hello.
I know I promised to keep this blog up to date, and I will be from here on out as I will be back in school soon and have some free time on my hands.  For the past month or so my time has been completely consumed by Calumet County Community Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls.  The show was great, the cast was great, but I am tired, worn out, and miss my computer and technology.

So, topics to look forward to in the near future:
-Tech articles (ex. Google Docs for the Government, Windows computer maintenance ideas, etc)
-The truth behind Facebook security (This one will probably be in a few parts, as I feel very strongly about it)
-TweetDeck review (only just started using this fantastic tool yesterday)
-Previews of Windows Phone 7

Hope you find some of these topics intriguing, because I look forward to writing about them!

Strange Tech Devices: Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

 Just for fun, and also because I haven't written in a week and am short on time, I thought I would quickly highlight a nifty ThinkGeek item: The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard.

This item, costing $149.99 plus shipping, is a Bluetooth device, compatible with most computers.  It projects a keyboard image onto any flat surface, and works as such.  It can also connect to PDAs and Smartphones, and has a battery (rechargeable) that lasts up to 120 minutes.

It's completely a gimmick, and as one without $150 to throw to a virtual keyboard, I cannot give a full review as to how it really works, but I just found it interesting and unique and definitely something to talk about.

In Love with a Video Game Nerd (Who is Angry)

If you've spent any time on YouTube searching for video game reviews, you may have at one point encountered James Rolfe, better known as Angry Video Game Nerd.  AVGN reviews retro games and game systems (NES is his favorite to review), and generally chooses games that have irked him or that his viewers have reported as extremely difficult, stupid, or plain old annoying.

One thing I have to say is that AVGN is not totally for all audiences.  There is a "language barrier" per say, that would be inappropriate for young viewers. AVGN is not afraid to express how he feels about a game, which always leads to colorful vulgarities and references to feces.  Very entertaining for the more mature audience, but not something I would show an 8 year old child.

With that being said, I'll post a few videos here if you would like to see AVGN's awesomeness, and after these vids I will talk a little about James.





Now that you have gotten a chance to see AVGN, I'll tell you a bit about James.  James Rolfe has a history in film making, participating in the 48 hour film project with some of his friends and making shorts while he was in college.  Along with James' AVGN series, he has also begun "Board James," movie reviews, and "You know what's bulls***."  One common question about James is about his relationship status (because, let's face it, a vulgar nerd is quite attractive ;) hehe).  James is married to a lovely wife, who is quite pleased with his fame from his small, joke-oriented film ventures.

I would recommend visiting James' site, http://www.cinemassacre.com/ and taking a look at some of his work.  There is something for everyone when it comes to James' videos, and all of them have a special type of entertainment.

A final example is my favorite episode of Board James, Mr. Bucket.

Computer Prodigy-and no, I don't mean me.

First, I would like to state that this kid... is a genius.  And not just with computers.  He knows several languages, and while his primary language is not english, he speaks it more fluently than I do.
He is the youngest Microsoft systems engineer.
He wrote a 312 page book about Windows 7. (I think I should read this)
And he is only 9 years old.

I have no way to describe this kid.  Within the article there is some great information about how he is just a normal kid with a lot of knowledge, and about how he worships Bill Gates as his hero.  (What a smart kid!)

http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/05/17/marco.calasan.macedonia/ This is the article.  I suggest it, since it is a very good read.

Pirates, LimeWire's P2P life may be over.

First I would like to apologize for my lengthy absence from this blog-with school, two theatre performances to work on, exams, work... well anyway school is almost over for the summer and I am back-plan on weekly updates from here on out :)

Now, for this week, it has been well known for very long that if you want illegal music downloads, you turn to P2P clients to access this vast database of information.  Today we will cover the lawsuit LimeWire has filed against them, and also my opinion on the music downloading industry.

According to CNET.com, LimeWire finally lost in the battle against the RIAA regarding the accessibility of unlicensed, unpaid-for music downloads.  The estimate is that 58% of illegal downloads comes from LimeWire, and because of this and their "lack of action" towards stopping the illegalities they are at fault for the downloads. LimeWire could face the RIAA's maximum penalty of $150,000 per illegal transaction, putting the total amount due in fines in the billions.

Now, here is a news video about file sharing and downloading.  Whether or not this reflects my opinion, you will soon find out.



And this is a podcast that covers my opinion on LimeWire.  The program ITSELF is not illegal, it's what you do with it.  Simple as that.



Now.  Here is how I feel about file sharing/downloading.  This is purely my opinion, and nothing more. We live in a day and age where, whether you like it or not, people require free things to allow for any interest whatsoever in a product or service.  It has a lot to do with the economy, but also that we as a society are spoiled by Google and the internet and accessibility.  What you are now thinking, however, is that by downloading music illegally, I am hurting the song artists by stealing all their money.  The truth behind this is that, #1. Artists do not make much money, sometimes none at all, from their sales.  It comes from ticket sales at concerts, merchandising, and publicity.  Still you say this is not a good reason?  Well #2 is my personal use of music downloads.  If there is a new song or artist I am not familiar with, I will turn to LimeWire and download that one song.  From there, I may download a few more songs from the artist.  On SEVERAL occasions, this has led me to greatly appreciate and enjoy an artist.  I then want the better quality, because with LimeWire you will NOT get the sound quality that physical purchasing of music will give you.  I have bought 10+ CDs in the last few months, all influenced by artists I heard on the radio and downloaded songs from LimeWire.

I have over 3000 songs on my computer alone, and about half are completely legit.  I will not say much about the rest because to be honest it's hard to tell what I downloaded through LimeWire and what I had to purchase from iTunes.  Artists I would never have listened to before are in my collection, and like I said, I purchase more music if I can enjoy it for free first.

Make your own opinions, but mine is that LimeWire helps the music industry.  Big Time.