Windows To The Web: Choosing A Browser

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

WINDOWS TO THE WEB: CHOOSING A BROWSER

A web browser is an application that enables you to view web content. Like a window, the browser alters your online experience by framing web pages and other media. A poorly-constructed browser can affect performance negatively by exposing your system to harmful viruses, over-utilizing resources such as memory and graphics or cluttering your display. However, there are a number of browsers that boost browsing speed, offer customizable display and content options and include anti-spyware and pop-up blocking tools.

Internet Explorer (IE)
Internet explorer is a web browser that has been produced by Microsoft since 1995. Over 15 years and nine major remodels, Internet explorer has come to be the staple browser for PC users. It is loaded and automatically configured on all new Windows PCs. IE includes build in parental controls, pop-up blocker and useful add-ons which increase the functionality of other Windows programs such as MS Office. [www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx]

Firefox
Firefox is one of the most popular downloadable browsers out to date. Produced by Mozilla, a multi-national open-source software project, Firefox is available as freeware. This means it is free to download, use and expand. There are many independent programmers (professional and amateur) that develop Firefox add-ons. These useful extensions allow you to customize your browser and enhance the functionality of specific sites such as Facebook and YouTube. All of the standard browser security features are built-in. [http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html]

Chrome
Though slow to start, Google has plowed its way into every corner of the tech market. From cell phones to music, search engines to web 2.0 developments, no market is complete without a viable Google-based alternative. Google Chrome is a stream-lined browser designed to work with the other components of the Google productivity suite. Users enjoy a fully-customizable browsing session with online collaboration capabilities–all of which can be saved to your Google account and accessed from any web-enabled device. How cool is that? [www.google.com/chrome]

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Big Brother Gets Involved With Internet Privacy

December 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
BEIJING, CHINA - DECEMBER 22: Boon-Lock Yeo, ...
Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Due to complaints from consumer advocacy groups, the Obama administration has created a subcommittee to discuss regulations for privacy issues relating to the Internet. The subcommittee will utilize expertise from individuals with various backgrounds in legislative and governmental issues and will focus on finding ways to improve the privacy of Internet users.

Currently, phishing for information remains one of the biggest challenges for Internet users, and it affects people in a variety of ways, including on social sites, through emails, and through advertisements. Phishing works by collecting private information from user accounts. This information can include a person full name, physical address, email address, phone number, and credit card number. In some cases, phishing even captures social security numbers.

Other complaints center around a number of privacy breeches generated by the Internet. One of Google’s programs, Street view, was collecting information from residential wireless networks. A recent study found thousands of privacy violations with Facebook, which reported a third-party application was snatching user information from account users.

The subcommittee will act to try to find a way to stop these violations from occurring. Christopher Schroeder from the Justice Department and Cameron Kerry from the Commerce Department will lead the subcommittee. Currently, two bills are before the House. They propose making it voluntary for websites to collect private information rather than mandatory. This would at least shift the responsibility to users rather than websites.

Part of the issue will also stem on finding a balance between the needs of users and the needs of businesses. For example, Amazon and other leading websites use information from users to help target ads. This tends to generate more revenue from the ads because consumers are often more attracted to local ads than national ones.

The impact this new subcommittee will have on Internet privacy is unknown at this point in time, but for now, many consider this a step in the right direction.

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Google Demo Slam

December 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Google Demo Slam

As one the world’s leading tech companies, Google takes a lot of pride in the things they do. You don’t have to go far to find a blog, article or spastically excited review by one of Google’s technicians. However, this press is by techies for techies.

The average Joe, wiping his $500 phone on a pair of denim jeans, couldn’t care less about the lost 24MB in a GB or the technology required to make voice recognition software possible. But these technological phenomenon are necessary components in the devices we use everyday. And understanding how they work and why they work can go a long way to increasing individual efficiency and eliminating technological illiteracy.

To combat this problem, and close the ever expanding gap between laymen and technicians, Google provides user-friendly applications and features such as Toolbar and Instant search, that are designed to meet the needs of users of all levels.

Demo Slam
Demo Slam is the latest innovation from Google that attempts to bring the wonders of modern technology to the masses. Demo Slam is a database of database of educational guides and product reviews that simplifies technological explanations with humor, practical applications and realistic people.

Viewers are invited to actively participate in Demo Slam, by watching and rating the videos they found most entertaining and informative. Videos are presented two-at-a-time in a competitive environment, and currently feature celebrities such as Jimmy Kimmel, Weezer and Patrick Pichette (Google’s very own CFO).

But just because it’s for laymen doesn’t mean techies aren’t getting excited over Demo Slam. ANY individual is welcome to submit their own Demo Slam video for a chance to win fame and nerdy bragging rights. Just upload an original tech tutorial or demo to YouTube and submit the link for a chance to appear on the Demo Slam website.

For more information and to rate some videos visit DemoSlam.com, or Google search keyword:”œDemo Slam”

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Google’s Lack of Internet Privacy Riles British Parliament

November 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Image representing Google as depicted in Crunc...
Image via CrunchBase

People love new apps, and as soon as one pops up, they typically download it as fast as possible just to give it a try. Many new programs are fun, while others are tools. Regardless of where you classify Google’s Street Views, there’s one thing almost everybody agrees on. The program has a fatal glitch that violates an individual’s right to privacy.

Many in the U.S. are familiar with this debate, especially as Obama formed a new subcommittee to tackle the difficult issue. In the U.S. the matter hinges on the rights of the manufacturer or website versus the rights of the individuals. This may not be the case in Britain, where the parliament is meeting to consider an Internet bill that will protect its citizens.

The issue with Google’s Street Views occurred when the program accidentally started collecting information it should have left alone. A glitch in the program allowed it to collect data from personal Wi-Fi devices in people’s homes, transporting private information along with its street views.

With the current realization of just how easy it can be to violate a person’s privacy using the Internet, the parliament will need to determine how to handle the situation. Some propose creating a society to oversee Internet Privacy, thereby taking the burden away from parliament to issue a state action for every issue. This society would work in a similar fashion to the British Law Society. Others believe self-regulation would be a mistake as it allows too much room for error. After all, once information gets out on the Internet, it can be impossible to recover.

Case in point, Google’s little glitch resulted in email accounts, passwords, and URLs stored on unencrypted Wi-Fi devices. Imagine all that information in the hands of cyber criminals rather than a website company. That’s not a pleasant thought.

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Top Five (Legal, Child Safe) Ways to Use the Web

August 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Google Earth
Image via Wikipedia

With the vast majority of United States citizens having internet access, partially thanks to recent advancements in Satellite and Wireless internet technologies, it should be obvious that the web has vast appeal. You may already know exactly what you want the internet for (and shame on you!), but you should consider some other great activities on the web.

#5: Getting a New Job

The internet is an amazing resource for finding a job. With sites like Monster, Jobs.com, and even Craigslist, you can easily find more job opportunities in your area than ever before. The internet’s uses for finding a new job extend beyond that as well, though. You can educate yourself on putting together a resume, filling out applications, and acing the interviews, too.

#4: Advanced Chatting

Yes, email is spiffy, and instant messaging with groups like MSN can also be fun, but chatting has evolved. There are many free services, including Skype, Gmail chat with integrated voice and video, and more, all of which will allow you to chat with your friends in ways that strongly resemble what we saw in classic episodes of The Jetsons.

#3: A Free Word Processor

Google is the noble King of the internet world, and they’re also the first group that allowed for high-quality, free, online word processing and spreadsheet creation. You don’t need to download any software, install anything, or store any files. Everything is taken care of online through this completely pro bono service.

#2: Getting an Education

While it may not be as established as physical colleges, which go back a couple thousand years, online Universities are a very viable solution. They tend to be more affordable than physical colleges, provide more degrees and focuses, give you flexibility with your time, and provide a fully accredited and valued degree.

#1: Killing Time

This is the broadest and most common use of the Internet. There are unlimited time sinks on the internet. Some of the best of these are: social networking, online games, reading random Wikipedia topics, getting addicted to eBay, starting your own website or blog, and goofing off on Google Earth.

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The Benefits When You Download Software

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

With almost every computer having a connection to the Internet, one of the perks is that programs can be downloaded directly to your system. There are many benefits when you download software, such as being able to install and use it immediately after you select or purchase it. You do not have to wait to receive a CD in the mail or go to a store to buy the package, get home, fumble through opening the package, and then put the disk into your computer to begin the installation process.

You can also download free trials of software, and even programs that are completely free. Without any packaging to go along with it, there is less of an expense for what you get. Countless free trials can be downloaded and evaluated, any time you feel like doing so. When you are satisfied with a product, all you usually need to do is buy the program from its website or the site that is offering access to the software.

Software that is commonly downloaded includes security programs like antivirus, antispam, password software and Web browsers, as well as new versions of them. Instant message and other communications applications are popular too and can be found on many Internet provider sites. Another benefit to this is that you have easier access to read and post reviews on any of these.

The range of downloads go from simple photo editing software and video games, to complex professional programs like development tools to code new applications. Graphic design and business planning and systems software are tools downloaded by professionals as well. For any individual or company, the ability to download software is a relief on the budget. Also, many functional programs do not cost anything at all, and if you’re lucky, you can find the right one on large sites that specialize in cataloging a range of software.

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