Here we go, on another “once around the Web” as I list a few items that caught my eye over this past week – could be funny, could be weird, you never know…
A great time waster – hint, move your mouse around (a lot)
How I’d Hack Your Password – no, not me personally…
Running Man Illusion – this did not work for me, but you have a try
Android Mini Computer Slightly Larger Than Thumb Drive – like, wow!
The Internet Justice League – (humor) quite clever
I thought honestly RealPlayer was defunct, but apparently not. There is a new version out that fixes some security issues – but folks, my personal opinion would be to uninstall that sucker asap, unless you have a “very most favorite” site that only supports RealPlayer (unlikely).
TheHSecurity
You may have heard the term “Cross-Site Scripting”, also shortened to “XSS”, but it likely got caught by your “geeky stuff” filter. It’s a very common method of screwing with your computer, often to get hold of your data and/or passwords. So, here is a brief and hopefully simple look at what it is. Continue reading
Posted in Computer lingo, Howto, Security, Software, Web
Tagged browser, cross-site scripting, exploit, web
Q - What science fiction writer wrote the three laws of robotics?
Another look at the shape of things to come in medicine; a credit card sized heart monitor that allows individuals to perform an electrocardiogram with a couple of thumb presses. The data can be transferred to a smart phone or other device that supports “NFC” (Near Field Communication). NFC is an emerging technology that allows wireless communication between devices at very close range (so it this case, you would touch the card to your phone to transfer the data).
Posted in Computer lingo, Future, Hardware, Health, Software
Tagged heart, monitor, nfc, smartphone
Google Docs, and more recently Google Drive, are cloud offerings that allow you to store your data and to also create and edit documents “in the cloud”. The good folks at GCF LearnFree have a new tutorial covering both products and are a gentle introduction to using them.
GCF LearnFree
Posted in Computer lingo, Education, Howto, Software, Web
If you purchased a new Windows computer in the last few years, you may be aware that many (most?) manufacturers load them up with “value add” items; software of various kinds, usually limited time trial versions. The willy-nilly installation of this flotsam and jetsam can actually slow the computer down, and a bit of a cottage industry has arisen out of “de-crapifying” your computer. Indeed, apparently even Microsoft is in on the act; they are offering “Signature PCs” at their Microsoft Stores – in order to let you experience a more pristine Windows (for a fee). Microsoft giveth, and Microsoft taketh away…
Allthingsd
Posted in Computer lingo, Silly Stuff, Software
I’ll state right now that I am not an expert on all kinds of media technology – but I thought it would be helpful to strain my brain and explain a few commonly-used terms to make browsing the store websites a wee bit easier – terms like HDTV, LED, LCD and the like. Continue reading
Posted in Computer lingo, Future, Hardware
Tagged HDTV, LCD, LED, oled, plasma, resolution, technology, tv
I can get kind of grumpy about Apple and it’s seemingly lackadaisical attitude towards security matters at times – but props to them in this case: Apple is releasing a “Flashback” trojan fix for users with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). They had previously only went as far back as OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) – so good for them!
Techspot
Posted in Computer lingo, Security, Software
Microsoft is making it known that starting around June, you can purchase an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 for $15 US. This is not that unusual, as it lessens the impact of people “waiting” to buy a new computer if they know that can buy one now with Windows 7 and then upgrade later for a small charge – however $15 seems pretty low, if memory serves. Truthfully, I don’t know that I would spend even that amount of money on the upgrade – I have not seen anything really compelling yet to make me want to do that (quite the opposite, in fact). But of course, your mileage may vary…
Winsupersite
Posted in Future, Software, your money
Tagged new computer, upgrade, Windows 7, windows 8
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