http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090618/tc_pcworld/spammerscashinginontwitterirannewiphone
Email spammers are possibly the most wide spread of any, but there are plenty of other forms being generated. Those generating spam in various forms are hot on the trail of today's topics. A trend has been recently noticed; spammers are blowing up the "tweeting" space on the ever popular site Twitter. In recent days these tweets have focused on two very hot topics; Iran and the new iPhone 3.o OS. Fake Twitter accounts have been created to draw attention of people by stating things such as, "iPhone OS 3.0 Just Launched. Here are 20 Things To Do With It". When the accompanying links are clicked, the viewer is directed to sites that promote male enhancement. Not only are fake accounts being created, legitimate accounts are also being hacked into and generating such spam. Not only has the iPhone topic been a hot one, but also the recent election that took place in Iran. Spammers have recently used both of these topics to target the interest of Twitter users worldwide. Because of the recent increase in spam on famous social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, certain internet entrepreneur's have banned such sites from employees. Marc Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks and chairman of HDNet, recently asked his employees to refrain from using Facebook due to the ever spreading viruses. I think this is a very smart move on his part. There is really no current way to fight this trend than to do such things as refrain from using these sights all together. I think that Mr. Cuban is getting a head start on something that others will face in the near future. Not to be outdone, old-fashioned email spammers have recently been sending emails with fake invitations to join Twitter. These fake attachments are recently been known to be worms to infect the computer. All in all, no matter what form spam will occur in, it will continue to affect our society in a negative way. Will there ever been a true fix to this problem? Or will the only way to completely avoid them be to refrain from using today's technological advances? These question will continue to be asked in the near future.
http://www.itworld.com/security/69488/twitter-plays-key-role-dos-attacks-iran
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Journal 9, June 14
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090611/tc_nm/us_microsoft_security
Ever get tired of viruses corrupting your computer or better yet, paying for a yearly subscription to software that is supposed to prevent it? Having to renew this virus software yearly can be a hassle and another expense that many would like to prevent. Recently announced the world's largest software manufacturer, Microsoft, will be releasing a free anti-virus service for personal computers. This new software is currently in the testing phase by allowing the employees of Microsoft test the product. Currently there is no release date to the public, but it is expected before the close of 2009. This announcement comes as relief to many, including me. It is inevitable that anti-virus software is needed in today's cyber-age, but myself and many others do not like the hassle and cost of renewal each year. Having a reputable name such as Microsoft plan to release a free version in the near future is likely to draw the attention of many. Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., the two largest producers of the current yearly renewal software, told reporters that they do not see this new software as a threat to them.
"Microsoft's free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves," said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. "A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected."
The final product that Microsoft will produce, and its capabilities are currently unknown. But it seems to me that if other subscription products are looked at on an equivalent level, the everyday consumer will go for the free version. Why pay $30-$40 annually when a free version is legally available? I also realize that there are currently free versions of anti-virus on the market, but it is my hope that a reputable name such as Microsoft will produce a competitive and effective software. In the end it does make me wonder how in-depth and effective this product will prove to be. I hope that Microsoft will take its time developing this software and make it right before jumping the gun on the release. A free effective product with Microsoft tagged on it, will gain a lot of respect and use from the personal computer users.
http://www.spy.im/microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-anti-virus-software-5-146297.html
http://www.wincert.net/news/1464-microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-virus-software.html
Ever get tired of viruses corrupting your computer or better yet, paying for a yearly subscription to software that is supposed to prevent it? Having to renew this virus software yearly can be a hassle and another expense that many would like to prevent. Recently announced the world's largest software manufacturer, Microsoft, will be releasing a free anti-virus service for personal computers. This new software is currently in the testing phase by allowing the employees of Microsoft test the product. Currently there is no release date to the public, but it is expected before the close of 2009. This announcement comes as relief to many, including me. It is inevitable that anti-virus software is needed in today's cyber-age, but myself and many others do not like the hassle and cost of renewal each year. Having a reputable name such as Microsoft plan to release a free version in the near future is likely to draw the attention of many. Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., the two largest producers of the current yearly renewal software, told reporters that they do not see this new software as a threat to them.
"Microsoft's free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves," said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. "A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected."
The final product that Microsoft will produce, and its capabilities are currently unknown. But it seems to me that if other subscription products are looked at on an equivalent level, the everyday consumer will go for the free version. Why pay $30-$40 annually when a free version is legally available? I also realize that there are currently free versions of anti-virus on the market, but it is my hope that a reputable name such as Microsoft will produce a competitive and effective software. In the end it does make me wonder how in-depth and effective this product will prove to be. I hope that Microsoft will take its time developing this software and make it right before jumping the gun on the release. A free effective product with Microsoft tagged on it, will gain a lot of respect and use from the personal computer users.
http://www.spy.im/microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-anti-virus-software-5-146297.html
http://www.wincert.net/news/1464-microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-virus-software.html
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Journal 8, June 14
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090610/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_craigslist_revenue
When it comes to buying and selling anything and everything on the internet Craigslist is the place to look. This classified site has soared in popularity and is now said to be soaring in revenue. Reports show that Craigslist is set to reach $100 Million in revenue this year, up a staggering 23 percent from last year. This sight has proven to be very effective. What I find amazing is this sight allows free ads to be posted and no charge to view as well. You may ask how such revenue is possible? Though most classifieds remain free, it does cost to post employment opportunities, housing ads, and adult only ads. Employment opportunities are expected to account for $85 million, employment for $9 million, and adult-only $4 million. It is also said that the majority of this is produced in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. With the current state of the economy, I find it amazing that such increases are expected for Craigslist. Newspaper classifieds have decreased nearly 50% in the past 8 years and other internet advertisement has seen its first decrease in spending since 2002. I guess Craigslist is doing something right to increase its margins. To me it seems that the over all "no-cost" theme is what continually gets the attention of people. There are other classified businesses like this but it seems that they charge something for their services. For me personally, another draw to Craigslist is its simplicity. By this I am referring to the simple, easy to navigate site and also the fact that usernames and passwords are not yet required. Being able to simply access what you want without all this seems to make things a lot simpler, at least in my opinion. Also the fact that this sight is truly a nationwide site, covering many major cities and towns is attractive as well. The only drawback I see in the near future may be the false advertisements or spam that is beginning to surface. With only 30 employees currently, I begin to wonder if they can combat all the spam. If they continue in the same direction I believe they will continue to see revenue increases by just keeping a simple sight and charging for only select classified ads. I know I will keep using it.
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2009/06/10/estimate-puts-craigslists-2009-revenue-at-100-million
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10261593-71.html
When it comes to buying and selling anything and everything on the internet Craigslist is the place to look. This classified site has soared in popularity and is now said to be soaring in revenue. Reports show that Craigslist is set to reach $100 Million in revenue this year, up a staggering 23 percent from last year. This sight has proven to be very effective. What I find amazing is this sight allows free ads to be posted and no charge to view as well. You may ask how such revenue is possible? Though most classifieds remain free, it does cost to post employment opportunities, housing ads, and adult only ads. Employment opportunities are expected to account for $85 million, employment for $9 million, and adult-only $4 million. It is also said that the majority of this is produced in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. With the current state of the economy, I find it amazing that such increases are expected for Craigslist. Newspaper classifieds have decreased nearly 50% in the past 8 years and other internet advertisement has seen its first decrease in spending since 2002. I guess Craigslist is doing something right to increase its margins. To me it seems that the over all "no-cost" theme is what continually gets the attention of people. There are other classified businesses like this but it seems that they charge something for their services. For me personally, another draw to Craigslist is its simplicity. By this I am referring to the simple, easy to navigate site and also the fact that usernames and passwords are not yet required. Being able to simply access what you want without all this seems to make things a lot simpler, at least in my opinion. Also the fact that this sight is truly a nationwide site, covering many major cities and towns is attractive as well. The only drawback I see in the near future may be the false advertisements or spam that is beginning to surface. With only 30 employees currently, I begin to wonder if they can combat all the spam. If they continue in the same direction I believe they will continue to see revenue increases by just keeping a simple sight and charging for only select classified ads. I know I will keep using it.
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2009/06/10/estimate-puts-craigslists-2009-revenue-at-100-million
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10261593-71.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
Journal 7, June 14
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090608/wr_nm/us_china_software
The pornography market on the internet is a worldwide money maker. Access to these adult sights has become less that simple to view. Pop up advertisements and emails provide a simple means of access for people of all ages, with very few restrictions or filters. Recently, the Chinese government has decided to crack down on a child's ability to view this pornography. There government will now force computer manufacturers to pre-install or provide program disk of a web filtering program. The software called, "Green Dam-Youth Escort" will supposedly filter certain words and also is capable of filtering certain images that it detects. China says this is just a means of protecting its children from today's pornography market. Creators of the software have told the media that this software is what it is; simply a means to help fight children viewing pornography. Other speculations are afloat about it though. To many this seems like another means for the Chinese government to have full control over its internet users. Already in place, the government bans a lot of everyday internet sights from its citizens. Some of these sights include YouTube and Microsoft Bing. Many are concerned this new requirement is more than it seems. As an US embassy spokesman said, "We would view any attempt to restrict the free flow of information with great concern and as incompatible with China's aspirations to build a modern, information-based economy and society". I understand this concern from many people, but at the same time I think this is a very good idea. I see no harm in providing this software on all new computers for the customer. After all, the software can be deleted or temporarily disengaged by means of a password. We could use this in America. I understand that there are programs that can be bought for this purpose, but the government providing it to those who purchase computers would help. Most parents will probably just talk to their children about the issue and not spend the money on buying such software. If the government forced computer companies to provide this software it would possibly reduce the likely-hood of children viewing pornography. I understand that many see this as the government trying to control individuals freedoms but because of the fact that the software can simply be deleted or disabled I do not think this is the case. If the Chinese government is sincerely doing this as a means to block pornography from its children, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this; in fact I think the US should take something from this.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090608/tc_pcworld/chinademandsnewpcshavewebsiteblockingprogram
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090608/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_internet
The pornography market on the internet is a worldwide money maker. Access to these adult sights has become less that simple to view. Pop up advertisements and emails provide a simple means of access for people of all ages, with very few restrictions or filters. Recently, the Chinese government has decided to crack down on a child's ability to view this pornography. There government will now force computer manufacturers to pre-install or provide program disk of a web filtering program. The software called, "Green Dam-Youth Escort" will supposedly filter certain words and also is capable of filtering certain images that it detects. China says this is just a means of protecting its children from today's pornography market. Creators of the software have told the media that this software is what it is; simply a means to help fight children viewing pornography. Other speculations are afloat about it though. To many this seems like another means for the Chinese government to have full control over its internet users. Already in place, the government bans a lot of everyday internet sights from its citizens. Some of these sights include YouTube and Microsoft Bing. Many are concerned this new requirement is more than it seems. As an US embassy spokesman said, "We would view any attempt to restrict the free flow of information with great concern and as incompatible with China's aspirations to build a modern, information-based economy and society". I understand this concern from many people, but at the same time I think this is a very good idea. I see no harm in providing this software on all new computers for the customer. After all, the software can be deleted or temporarily disengaged by means of a password. We could use this in America. I understand that there are programs that can be bought for this purpose, but the government providing it to those who purchase computers would help. Most parents will probably just talk to their children about the issue and not spend the money on buying such software. If the government forced computer companies to provide this software it would possibly reduce the likely-hood of children viewing pornography. I understand that many see this as the government trying to control individuals freedoms but because of the fact that the software can simply be deleted or disabled I do not think this is the case. If the Chinese government is sincerely doing this as a means to block pornography from its children, I see absolutely nothing wrong with this; in fact I think the US should take something from this.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090608/tc_pcworld/chinademandsnewpcshavewebsiteblockingprogram
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090608/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_internet
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Journal 6, June 7
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/usithealthcompanygtxaetrex
Today's market for GPS technology is continually evolving and growing. The advances that have been made are quite remarkable when it comes to finding yourself or others on the spot. Tracking people and things has already been incorporated into many applications; vehicles, cellphones, and stolen money are just a few examples. Announced recently, two companies have teamed up to form the first pair of shoes with GPS tracking capability to help fight the problem of wandering Alzheimer's patients. Research teams say the technology will provide the capability to locate an individual to within 30 feet. Having a grandmother that suffered from this disease, I see this new device to be very useful in the near future. It has become very typical for Alzheimer's patients to wander and become lost very often and easily. Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University, recently stated, "Sixty percent of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease will be involved in a 'critical wandering incident' at least once during the progression of the disease -- many more than once". It seems to me that this new technology will become very helpful when considering this shocking statistic. Since a cure has not yet been discovered for the Alzheimer's Disease, I think that any technology to help with its affects is vital. The developers have decided to embed this device in the shoe since it is natural for suffering patients to readily remove anything that is not typical to them. Perhaps the most unique feature of this technology is the ability to set a certain boundary for the patient. Will it shock them if they cross it? Not quite! If the boundary is crossed, authorized individuals will be notified via cellphone allowing them to immediate check on the patient. Testing on the product has not yet been conducted but will begin in the near future. I think this new technology will be very effective and comes at a great time of need. The only question I have is how the individual will know which pair of shoes to wear? I guess to make it simple, only one pair of shoes will be available for the individual.
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/06/gps-shoes-for-alzheimers-patients/
Today's market for GPS technology is continually evolving and growing. The advances that have been made are quite remarkable when it comes to finding yourself or others on the spot. Tracking people and things has already been incorporated into many applications; vehicles, cellphones, and stolen money are just a few examples. Announced recently, two companies have teamed up to form the first pair of shoes with GPS tracking capability to help fight the problem of wandering Alzheimer's patients. Research teams say the technology will provide the capability to locate an individual to within 30 feet. Having a grandmother that suffered from this disease, I see this new device to be very useful in the near future. It has become very typical for Alzheimer's patients to wander and become lost very often and easily. Andrew Carle, an assistant professor at George Mason University, recently stated, "Sixty percent of individuals afflicted with Alzheimer's Disease will be involved in a 'critical wandering incident' at least once during the progression of the disease -- many more than once". It seems to me that this new technology will become very helpful when considering this shocking statistic. Since a cure has not yet been discovered for the Alzheimer's Disease, I think that any technology to help with its affects is vital. The developers have decided to embed this device in the shoe since it is natural for suffering patients to readily remove anything that is not typical to them. Perhaps the most unique feature of this technology is the ability to set a certain boundary for the patient. Will it shock them if they cross it? Not quite! If the boundary is crossed, authorized individuals will be notified via cellphone allowing them to immediate check on the patient. Testing on the product has not yet been conducted but will begin in the near future. I think this new technology will be very effective and comes at a great time of need. The only question I have is how the individual will know which pair of shoes to wear? I guess to make it simple, only one pair of shoes will be available for the individual.
http://www.geardiary.com/2009/06/06/gps-shoes-for-alzheimers-patients/
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Journal 5, June 7
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090602/wr_nm/us_afghanistan_twitter
Today's social networking craze has reached into the realm of the US military. Recently announced, the US military has begun to Twitter. Huh, what in the world does that mean? The thriving "tell everyone your business" website, Twitter, has attracted the attention of Americas Armed Forces. Recently officials have begun to post actual events that have recently occurred in the Afghanistan campaign of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tweeted on Tuesday officials had to say, "Afghan & coalition forces killed six militants in Paktika Province overnight during a (sic) operation to capture a Taliban commander." This new strategy has come about for a few different reasons. One is to counter the technological advance of the insurgents and their ability to harness the internet and text messaging. And finally this new social crave allows the US military to release unfiltered, genuine news from the war without the obscured view of today's media and the propaganda of the extremist. These social network releases are capable of releasing information before the it gets to the main stream media. Not only has Twitter been in use recently, but military officials have also begun to utilize Facebook and YouTube. Officials have encouraged troops to post photos and videos of daily life on the available forums. I see this overall trend as being very effective. Having been recently deployed to Afghanistan myself, it is nice to finally be able to hear real time events from the mouths of those that were there. I believe that Tweeting these small details will arouse peoples curiosity to hear the entire story and not just the filtered media that is often displayed. Perhaps more useful will be the Facebook and YouTube sites. These will allow for more information to be displayed and often from the actual soldiers themselves. Though it is inevitable that a lot of negative can and will come from this, perhaps it will influence the mainstream media to share more of the story to match these feeds straight from those involved. With all the positive affects of social networking in this case, I can not look over a few negatives that I believe are present. What about our information security? Will to much information slip at? How do we filter certain post? I ask myself these questions in regards to the possible negative affects. Perhaps one day to much information will surface at the wrong time and cause a ripple effect. It is inevitable that the insurgents have also grasped the power of the internet and can access these feeds as readily as any other individual. In the end, time will only tell of its outcome but I believe it is a very smart move on part of the military officials to stream this news first hand.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g41GPGQo0ehUaEaDv-ePcqqrXf_AD98I49BG0
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/06/us_military_in_afghanistan_tur.html
Today's social networking craze has reached into the realm of the US military. Recently announced, the US military has begun to Twitter. Huh, what in the world does that mean? The thriving "tell everyone your business" website, Twitter, has attracted the attention of Americas Armed Forces. Recently officials have begun to post actual events that have recently occurred in the Afghanistan campaign of Operation Enduring Freedom. Tweeted on Tuesday officials had to say, "Afghan & coalition forces killed six militants in Paktika Province overnight during a (sic) operation to capture a Taliban commander." This new strategy has come about for a few different reasons. One is to counter the technological advance of the insurgents and their ability to harness the internet and text messaging. And finally this new social crave allows the US military to release unfiltered, genuine news from the war without the obscured view of today's media and the propaganda of the extremist. These social network releases are capable of releasing information before the it gets to the main stream media. Not only has Twitter been in use recently, but military officials have also begun to utilize Facebook and YouTube. Officials have encouraged troops to post photos and videos of daily life on the available forums. I see this overall trend as being very effective. Having been recently deployed to Afghanistan myself, it is nice to finally be able to hear real time events from the mouths of those that were there. I believe that Tweeting these small details will arouse peoples curiosity to hear the entire story and not just the filtered media that is often displayed. Perhaps more useful will be the Facebook and YouTube sites. These will allow for more information to be displayed and often from the actual soldiers themselves. Though it is inevitable that a lot of negative can and will come from this, perhaps it will influence the mainstream media to share more of the story to match these feeds straight from those involved. With all the positive affects of social networking in this case, I can not look over a few negatives that I believe are present. What about our information security? Will to much information slip at? How do we filter certain post? I ask myself these questions in regards to the possible negative affects. Perhaps one day to much information will surface at the wrong time and cause a ripple effect. It is inevitable that the insurgents have also grasped the power of the internet and can access these feeds as readily as any other individual. In the end, time will only tell of its outcome but I believe it is a very smart move on part of the military officials to stream this news first hand.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g41GPGQo0ehUaEaDv-ePcqqrXf_AD98I49BG0
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/06/us_military_in_afghanistan_tur.html
Monday, June 1, 2009
Journal 4, June 7
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN0132449820090601
Microsoft Corporation once again plans on increasing the capability of its Xbox 360 console. This time they have begun preparations to integrate social networks Facebook and Twitter into its Xbox Live community. I believe this new feature is just another way to incorporate many of today's technological devices with the most popular social networking sites. With applications for Facebook on the IPhone and Blackberry, it seems inevitable that such would soon be available on gaming consoles. This combination of today's popular devices and services seems to be the new trend in technology. I believe the thriving gaming community in today's society is the prime place to test this trend. Implementing these onto to the Xbox Live community will eliminate the need for gamers to use their normal PC. They will soon be able to communicate between gaming friends as well as friends on Facebook and Twitter all on the Xbox console. Gamers will also be able to share their current gaming activities with others on Facebook profiles. While chatting with Xbox Live friends you will also be able to communicate with Facebook friends in the same type window. If the user feels the need, they will also be able to upload screen shots to share with others. I believe this has all in part come about after Microsoft's $240 million investment into Facebook in 2007. The 200+ million active users of the Facebook community will possibly bring Microsoft more business in the near future. At the introduction of this Shane Kim, Microsoft's vice president of strategy and business development for video games said, "This expands the reach of Xbox live. We have had an effort of making Xbox live a next-generation social and entertainment network." I can definitely see many advantages to this new feature. It will bring together alot more people in the gaming community and those outside. At the same time I can see possible negative affects. Being old fashioned like I am, this is just another reason for today's youth to become more dependant on video game consoles. With the current addiction to both video games and social networks, this new combination will take away from peoples time to get out. To me this online social networking also takes away from peoples face to face social skills; in fact I believe many have lost valuable communications skills due to this. Whether it is right or wrong, the success of this new combination of gaming and social networking is bound to be a success.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-10253486-235.html
http://game.blogdig.net/archives/articles/June2009/01/Facebook__Twitter_on_Xbox_Live_this_fall.html
Microsoft Corporation once again plans on increasing the capability of its Xbox 360 console. This time they have begun preparations to integrate social networks Facebook and Twitter into its Xbox Live community. I believe this new feature is just another way to incorporate many of today's technological devices with the most popular social networking sites. With applications for Facebook on the IPhone and Blackberry, it seems inevitable that such would soon be available on gaming consoles. This combination of today's popular devices and services seems to be the new trend in technology. I believe the thriving gaming community in today's society is the prime place to test this trend. Implementing these onto to the Xbox Live community will eliminate the need for gamers to use their normal PC. They will soon be able to communicate between gaming friends as well as friends on Facebook and Twitter all on the Xbox console. Gamers will also be able to share their current gaming activities with others on Facebook profiles. While chatting with Xbox Live friends you will also be able to communicate with Facebook friends in the same type window. If the user feels the need, they will also be able to upload screen shots to share with others. I believe this has all in part come about after Microsoft's $240 million investment into Facebook in 2007. The 200+ million active users of the Facebook community will possibly bring Microsoft more business in the near future. At the introduction of this Shane Kim, Microsoft's vice president of strategy and business development for video games said, "This expands the reach of Xbox live. We have had an effort of making Xbox live a next-generation social and entertainment network." I can definitely see many advantages to this new feature. It will bring together alot more people in the gaming community and those outside. At the same time I can see possible negative affects. Being old fashioned like I am, this is just another reason for today's youth to become more dependant on video game consoles. With the current addiction to both video games and social networks, this new combination will take away from peoples time to get out. To me this online social networking also takes away from peoples face to face social skills; in fact I believe many have lost valuable communications skills due to this. Whether it is right or wrong, the success of this new combination of gaming and social networking is bound to be a success.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10797_3-10253486-235.html
http://game.blogdig.net/archives/articles/June2009/01/Facebook__Twitter_on_Xbox_Live_this_fall.html
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