Internet Explorer Faces Yet Another Vulnerability

January 10, 2009 · Filed Under Computing Tips · Comment 

Microsoft Explorer despite it previous vulnerabilities and the constant challenge for other web browsers looking to take over the crown is still used by over 80 % of the planet according to research.

Little wonder then that hackers try and exploit explorer at every opportunity but the latest vulnerability appears to be very serious.

The vulnerability has been publicised and Brian Krebs the respected security journalist at the Washington post has been tracking and reporting the situation.

Krebs reports that Microsoft now says the flaw affects all supported versions of IE, and because security experts are warning that a large number of sites are being compromised in an effort to exploit this vulnerability and install malware on vulnerable systems.

SANS’s chief technology officer Johannes Ullrich estimates that thousands of sites have been seeded with this exploit to date and Microsoft have also released a security advisory that outlines a number of recommendations.

Unfortunately many average users if they were to read the advisory would be reluctant or not have the technical know how to put the recommendations in place and even if they are they would appear to throw up other problems.

What is more worrying however is that another respected source according to Krebs claimed that a very small minority of anti- virus applications are even detecting the problem although this situation may change with updated detection rules.

In the meantime what should we do? The IT operations manager for a respected data solution provider in Sheffield that specialises in server supply and installation has recommended that for the time being until this vulnerability is closed that users investigate using other common browsers.

Surfers Beware!

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How To Avoid Identity Theft

January 10, 2009 · Filed Under Computing Tips · 1 Comment 

I’m sure you’ll all be pleased to know that even during these times of the credit crunch there is still one industry enjoying a growth period, unfortunately, it’s Identity Theft … the easiest way for fraudsters to blight your life and stress you still further!

Combating the risk of identity fraud should be high on everyone’s agenda but some people are still unsure what it actually is. Without putting to fine a point on it, it is literally the theft of your identity both personal and financial. An alias using your identity and financial information could literally drain your accounts and put you into debt into the bargain.

Many people are blissfully unaware of how simple it is to get somebody else’s personal information without too much effort. It is probably far too easy for example do you shred you paperwork or destroy expired credit cards?

Applying a little common sense can go a long way with a little change in your thought processes. For example the next time you receive one of those annoying “you’ve been pre approved” credit card offers, before you throw it straight in the bin ask yourself why you are happy to give the chance to a complete stranger to obtain your (all but your signature) completed form. That’s surely asking for trouble.

If you bank online and don’t consider any of the above a risk then, you still need to consider your internet usage habits. We have all been educated to not use the same passwords and serial numbers for all our accounts and transaction, but living in the real world we all struggle to remember numerous password and user combinations and tend to use the same one leaving ourselves wide open.

Un-shredded paperwork and internet activity is not the only way an unscrupulous operator will get hold of your information though. With so much information being held on computer hard drives, pen drives and mobile phones sometimes these are areas of easy pickings for the Identity thief or even random opportunist.

You need to take sensible precaution when disposing of old or unused computers and laptops (or hard drives). Selling them on one of the many auction sites may earn yourself a little extra pocket money, but are you aware that even if you have formatted the drive you have just given away all your personal data. Hard drive recovery experts are only limited to professional companies, the criminal element have access to this capability as well.

If you are concerned with digital theft or the possibility of identity theft then you can arranged to have your drive shredded by a certified contractor or securely wiped which is much more environmentally friendly as it allows for the re-use of the none data holding components. Secure destruction or wiping ensures you get a certificate showing when, where and by whom the drive was rendered beyond recovery and have peace of mind.

To find out more about hard drive disposal call or speak to your local data recovery services company. For visit here for more great Server and Raid server help.

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Time To Start Your Own Graphic Design Services

November 26, 2008 · Filed Under Computing Tips · Comment 

If you have been in the graphic design industry for awhile, have studied the industry extensively, and have made several good contacts, then it may be time to start thinking about forming your own graphic design company. If you are also adept at web design, then this is an added service for your company to provide. Running your own company gives you a tremendous amount of leeway in your life, as well as utilizing all of your creative skills.

graphic design company
Most often a person will start as a freelancer or independent contractor in order to build their resume and portfolio, gain experience in bidding on jobs and handling clients. If you are successful as a freelancer, then you may decide to start your own graphic design.

It may seem a bit daunting in the beginning but with your experience it will be up and running in no time. One of the first things you should do when starting a company is to write a business plan. Developing a plan is both tedious and time consuming, but it is an invaluable tool for one primary reason - it forces you to come to terms with your business idea.

You will have to decide if your skills at logo design, brochure design, print design, web site design, custom designs, computer graphics or any other number of graphic possibilities will generate income.

digital design
Making a business plan is essential when you are trying to start your own company. When everything is organized and well thought out a bank will be much more receptive to giving you a small business loan. There are many questions that you need to ask yourself, such as what unique services your graphic design company will offer over the competition? Is there anything in particular that will make you stand out and put you ahead of all the other businesses?

Having a good solid portfolio is crucial when you are trying to obtain customers. It is your chance to make a lasting first impression and potential clients looking for graphic design and digital design services will usually compare portfolios before making a decision on who gets the job.

graphic design services
If you are not quite ready to go solo with your graphic design company, then perhaps you should consider going freelance. However, it is important that you ask yourself a few questions. There are many questions you should ask yourself before jumping in with both feet.

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Learn About Cnc Programming Diy Tips And Cnc Software Programs Basic Information

November 1, 2008 · Filed Under Computing Tips · Comment 

CNC Programming is one of the most effective ways that people are using today in order to cut metal and do other processes in manufacturing. Many hobbyists are using CNC programming to produce woodworking, metals and foam objects. CNC has created a way for many people to manufacture or fabricate parts quickly and effortlessly.

CNC stands for computer numerical control and is basically the use of a computer to do certain types of operations. This is a process that can be applied to lathe, router, foam cutters and laser machines; it can also be applied to mini versions of these types of machines.

There are basically two types of categories that GCode Programming will fall into point to point positioning or continuous path positioning. Usually a computer can execute both types of CNC Programming depending on the sophistication of the software program being used. This means that the operator must understand both processes in order to run the machine.

Here is a simple explanation of these two categories:

Point to point positioning — this category is mostly used when drilling, boring, punching or tapping is needed. This is a process used to position from one point to another when the machine process is being done. In other words, it works from the X to the Y position or to as many positions as it is instructed and keeps going until the process is finished.

Continuous path positioning — this category is generally used when a lathe or milling machine is being used and is used for contouring (contouring is another name for this category). This means that the cutting tool moves in a continuous motion from one point to another until the piece is completed. This means that the operator has to be able to program the machine so that it continues on several axes at a time and simultaneously.

Continuous path positioning also uses a series of processes called interpolation which is the way in which the machine is programmed to go. Interpolation can be helical, parabolic, cubic, circular and more. The basic function of this interpolation is to keep the programmed information stored and to monitor and direct the axes in how it should go.

Before any of the programming can be done there is a manuscript that is used which is the basic drawing of what is to be made. This must be studied to make sure that the operator understands the intricacies of the drawing so they can translate the information into the computer software they are using.

This means that the operator must be skilled enough to understand how the paper drawing will translate to the computer, and then be able to program this information into the computer so that the machine will perform the cuts or the processes accordingly.

When you think about this process, it is a good idea to think about what you would do if you were producing the work manually because anything you would do manually, you will depend on the machine to do automatically. By understanding both processes the individual will be more successful.

Visit CNCInformation today to get your free ebook on CNC Basics. CNC Information is a new community website that gives you all of the information you need for CNCers. Visit today for a free introductory offer of a free ebook on CNC.

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Finding Your Website With A Domain Registration

October 15, 2008 · Filed Under Computing Tips · Comment 

If you are ready to create a website and want your site to have its own unique website address, then you will need to take care of the domain name registration. This domain name is your website’s address, or URL, which you can publicize in order to allow people to visit your site quickly and easily. With the ever-increasing numbers of web businesses, it is getting harder all the time to find really good domain names.

There are many domain registration companies that provide name registration services for domain names. The registrars all have access to and search through a centralized database that contains all of the records of current domain names.

domain name registration
This database includes basic information about who registered the domain, or hostname, and when the registration will expire. When registering a domain, the minimum period of time is one year, yet most registrars allow the domain to be registered for up to ten years.

Most people will choose a domain name that reflects the theme of their website that they plan to build. Their domain web hosting also uses that website address. In some instances, people try to find variations of their own name to register, which can be difficult for very common names.

domain web hosting
Choosing a domain or hostname, is an important part of starting a web-based business. The name you choose for your domain it is the main thing that people need to remember so that they can find your website and it is what you will be promoting through your advertising and marketing efforts.

In essence, the domain name for a website becomes the “brand” that is most visible through marketing strategies. As anyone who has been around marketing can attest to, branding is a very important and fundamental element in building a name and reputation for any kind of business entity. This is why it can be a challenge to find the perfect dedicated server bandwidth for your site, and why there is so much competition to register names that are descriptive, short and memorable.

Once you have found a good hostname that is available and you have had it registered, be sure to keep your contact information current with the registrar that you used and make a note of the date that your registration will expire. If you have been able to secure a good name, then be careful not to let it expire.

hosting dedicated servers
If you don’t renew it because you didn’t receive the renewal email notice from the registrar, then someone else could easily come along and register your domain. When that happens, all of the marketing and advertising you have done will no longer benefit you and your website, but will go to the new owner of the domain.

After the domain name has been registered, the next thing you will need, if you don’t have it already, is a domain web hosting package that will provide the server space where your site files will reside. Your new domain needs to be forwarded to the web servers of your hosting provider, or managed dedicated servers then in short order your site will be live and ready to receive visitors.

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