Wednesday, November 07, 2007

$198 PC… as long as you like Google

The Everex computer company is releasing a $199 Linux computer which comes preloaded with the Linux OS and free Google applications.  Programs like Google Spreadsheet and Docs, Google Blogger, and gMail are installed, along with other free programs like Firefox, Facebook, and Skype.  There will be links to other free programs which aren’t pre-installed.  The manufacturer claims they can save 65 - 90% in costs by using open source software.

Despite the name “gPC”, and all the Google apps, Everex claims that the “g” has nothing to do with Google.  It stands for “gOS”, the Linux 7.1 operating system.  The operating system is based around Google-apps, however, and the designer describes it as “Google-inspired”.  So, it’s pretty much a Google computer.  If you use a lot of Google apps in your day-to-day computing, this might be the computer for you.
Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/07 at 10:10 AM
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Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Spammer jailed

You might wonder if spammers are ever punished for assaulting your inbox, and the answer is Yes.  A man from New Jersey was sentenced to two years in prison for sending more than 1.2 million spam emails to AOL users.  Tod Moeller defeated AOL’s spam filers by sending spam from different headers, and modifying email headers so they contained false information.  He was caught after he attempted to make a deal with a government informant, and he told the informant that he earned about $40,000 per month.  Most of the spam sent my Moeller contained false information about the stock market.

So, in case you needed any reminders, spamming is bad.

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/06 at 09:44 PM
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Monday, November 05, 2007

China in orbit

China now has a lunar module in the moon’s orbit, and it’s being called a milestone in China’s space exploration program.  The module is called Chang’e One, and it’s mission is to scan the lunar surface.  In 4 years, China is planning an unmanned moon vehicle landing, and within 15 years, a manned landing is anticipated.  In 2003, China became only the third country to launch a manned rocket into orbit.

China’s actions are facing international scrutiny, with other countries fearing the start of a space arms race.  Japan is hoping to get in on the action, too; they hope to land a spacecraft on the moon in the next ten years.  The moon, ignored for the last few decades, is suddenly becoming a very busy place.

Click this link for a great video documentary about China’s planned space program (in Chinese, but with subtitles).  And, if you want to see video of the launch of Changé, just look below:

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/05 at 06:49 AM
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Sunday, November 04, 2007

Invention of the Year

Time magazine has named the iPhone the ”Invention of the Year”.  It was deemed an important technological advance because it was a major step towards the manufacture of a small, fully-featured mobile computer.  Other cell phones may have email, text messaging, and the occasional game, but the iPhone was able to incorporate video, music, a touchscreen, and things that a computer user would look for in a “can’t leave home without it” kind of gadget.  Speaking of gadgets, Time asked readers to vote for their favorite “Gadget of the Year”, and you can view the top 5 results here:  Gadget of the Year Poll

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/04 at 04:10 AM
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Saturday, November 03, 2007

How clean is your computer?

A British computer security company named ”Prevx” just completed a study which found that one out of every six PCs (15%) is infected with some sort of spyware or malware.  That figure represents computers which have antivirus and/or antispyware software installed, too!  Of computers which have no protective software, about 60% are contaminated.  Even businesses aren’t free from worry; 60% of business will find at least one computer in their organization has some sort of problem.

There’s no one solution to the problem of viruses and spyware except to be aware and diligent.  Besides the usual caveat of “never download a file from someone you don’t know”, it would also be a good idea for you to have a couple of different brands of protection software, and to use them regularly.  One program may catch what another misses.  If your budget doesn’t allow for expensive software, there are some good free ones, but only download from companies which are well-known and reputable.  Stay away from “Joe’s Fly-byNight AntiVirus Software”, for example.

If you’re dealing with spyware, free programs like Lavasoft’s AdAware and Spybot:Search and Destroy will both help seek out unwanted computer intruders.  The aforementioned Prevx company also has a free spybot detection program which you can run from their website.  If you’re hunting viruses, you may want to check out AVG Free Advisor, and Avast Home Edition.  Microsoft’s new antivirus program, Windows Live OneCare, offers a free 90-trial, and McAfee will give you 30 days.

Long story short, be diligent about scanning your computer for things which shouldn’t be there.  Don’t be one of the unfortunate and compromised 15%.

Posted by Leigh-Ann on 11/03 at 03:14 AM
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