Monday, January 30, 2006

5 Steps to Home Wireless Security Connected Home Media: Steps you should take to secure a home wireless router. [Simply: change all default settings; enable encryption; reduce or eliminate the opportunity for "alien" devices to get on your network.] 2:29:09 PM    comment []

Friday, August 05, 2005

The long and short of broadband speeds  The speeds and prices for [provider-designated] low-end services are followed by charts for midlevel services and high-end services . 11:42:52 PM    comment []

Monday, June 27, 2005

Buffalo's new WRB-G54K wireless router and repeater kit  Buffalo's kit is great for large homes or offices that need a wireless network with room to grow and range to spare. 8:42:43 PM    comment []

Best ISP Is...  PC World has just released a survey they took of more than 6,000 Internet users, in order to determine who the best ISP was.  The winner, overall, was Earthlink’s cable service. The top three ISPs for overall service were all cable companies. Nobody did particularly well in the “spam blocking” category. 5:23:47 PM    comment []

Security cameras aren't just for big corporations any longer!  IP Camera + Pocket PC = Security! [?? How about security tool instead!]  Thanks to the dropping cost of camera technology and the proliferation of broadband connections and home LANs, affordable solutions are now available for the average consumer. [The article looks at a specific technology combination - D-Link DCS-900W IP camera and a Pocket PC equipped with a program called ViewCommander-Mobile - but contains good info on (wireless) ip cameras and setting the whole thing up.] 4:56:49 PM    comment []

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard  The Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard works in combination with Skype's excellent VoIP software, letting you make free Internet telephone calls to other Skype users through an analog phone--and it allows you to place regular landline calls, too.  The Internet Phone Wizard is slightly larger than a standard deck of cards. The back edge includes a USB 2.0 port for connecting the device to your computer, plus two RJ-11 jacks for plugging it into your analog phone and, if you also want to use that phone for plain old telephone calls, the phone jack in your wall.  The Internet Phone Wizard also offers several  features that make using it a pleasure. Although  its $79 price is a bit high, CNET recommends the Internet Phone Wizard to anyone with broadband connection who wants to use Skype using a headset. 8:41:31 PM    comment []

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Microsoft offers WPA2 Wi-Fi security  Microsoft has added a key wireless LAN security specification to Windows XP. The specification, called Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 or WPA2, requires a Wi-Fi client to include the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. WPA2 is an implementation of IEEE 802.11i, the wireless LAN security standard. The new, free software from Microsoft supports all features of WPA2, according to a Microsoft program manager. 7:16:49 PM    comment []

Friday, May 13, 2005

Microsoft To Offer PC Health Service Called OneCare Microsoft is launching a PC "health service" that promises to deliver automated protection, maintenance and machine tune-ups in a single package. Windows OneCare initially is being distributed to company employees as part of a testing and development process before public beta availability later this year. The subscription service will be continually updated in an effort to address safety issues such as worms, viruses and spyware. Micorosoft also is focused on broader PC health issues, including: the protection of digital photos, music, financial data and software, as well as system performance. Windows OneCare will provide updated antivirus, antispyware and two-way firewall protection. The package offers periodic disk cleanup, hard-drive defragmentation and file repair. Automated file backup also is offered, along with the option to back up all files on the system or only those that have changed since the last time the action was performed. 10:21:46 PM    comment []

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Streamload makes it easy to safeguard important stuff and pass along giant-sized files  Check out Streamload. It's an online storage service that [allows you to access, and even stream, your favorite music and videos to any Web-connected PC in the world? Or how about sharing your fancy, high-resolution photos with the folks back home through a simple URL in an e-mail ], plus you can use it for free if you accept some restrictions. If you're willing to shell out a few bucks per month it gets even better, because the service doesn't charge you for predetermined storage limits (as Xdrive does) or even by the amount of storage you actually use (like Data Deposit Box). Instead, Streamload charges for the amount of data you and your friends subsequently download from your account. 9:13:35 PM    comment []

Friday, March 04, 2005

VoIP's troubling flaw Lack of simple 911 access can have dire results. 10:42:45 PM    comment []

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

LogMeIn and GoToMyPC make remote access easier  Two new services, GoToMyPC and LogMeIn, promise simple and secure access to your computer from just about anywhere -- provided, of course, that you leave it on, and online. All traffic between computers is encrypted from end to end. Because the services use standard Web communications techniques, they work through most, though not all, corporate firewalls without intervention from information-technology departments. You may, however, run into trouble if you are trying to get into your PC from a public computer, such as those in libraries or hotel business centers. These may not permit you to download the application you need to establish remote connections. Although the computer being accessed must run Windows, you can use GoToMyPC from any browser that supports Java, including Macs and even Pocket PCs. The latter's displays may be too small to be of much use. LogMeIn can be used from Windows computers and Pocket PCs but not Macs. 12:46:45 PM    comment []

Thursday, February 17, 2005

The Security Mentor The Security Mentor provides "advice for normal people about computer and information security from Beryllium Sphere(R) LLC." The blog is a client resource and marketing tool for Beryllium Sphere LLC, a computer security consulting company in Redmond, Washington, USA. Fred Wamsley is the owner and chief blogger. His company specializes in serving small businesses, especially the SOHO (small office/home office) market. Fred describes who he is trying to reach with his blog, saying: 'My target reader is someone motivated enough to do online research but unwilling to become a full-fledged nerd. The "computer person by default" at a small business, who becomes the de facto IT department because "s/he knows about those computers", is a perfect example.' [This looks like an excellent site - albeit a direct and effective competitor. It's straightforward, easy to understand writing gets right to the point. As an example, here's an excerpt from the Monday, February 07, 2005 post on Phishing - "Phishing is getting more tricky and insidious. 'Phishing' scams, you'll remember, are when someone sets up a fake web site pretending to be your bank or something else so they can trick you into typing in your banking password. Then they can use the password to loot your account."] 6:42:11 PM    comment []

Saturday, November 13, 2004

Study shows most attacks come from exploited PCs beloging to DSL or cable customers. CipherTrust, the e-mail security company, in a survey this month of more than 4 million pieces of e-mail, found that nearly all of the  phishing attacks came from about 1000 machines, mostly customers of DSL or cable modem services.  Close to 28 percent of the IP addresses used in the phishing attacks during the two-week survey were from U.S. computers. Another 17 percent of the IP addresses were South Korean, and another 8 percent were Chinese. 8:49:43 AM    comment []

AOL Tells Customers to Find New Carrier  America Online, which earlier this year stopped signing up new broadband customers, is telling existing broadband subscribers in nine Southern states that they must find a new broadband carrier by Jan. 17. 8:23:39 AM    comment []

Saturday, October 30, 2004

Cybersource Safe Internet Computer  According to the  Cybersource web site:  Every time you restart your Safe Internet Computer, it is wiped clean of any malware and reset to factory settings. A clean slate, every day.  The SafeIC is a small-form factor PC which will sit unobtrusively in your lounge room, study or home office. It plugs straight into your ADSL router or office hub/switch. It needs zero configuration.  If your home or office is connected to the Internet, the SafeIC will be connected too. ["Computers" like this were formerly called "dumb terminals"; then "network computers". No onboard permanent storage, no hard disk drive (or writeable optical drive - there must be some form of temporary storage); original system restored each time system is restarted (which is why it could be impervious to malware although frequent, deliberate restarts would be required). Monitor not included. At AU$595, which includes "all  the software",  it  is expensive. The software environment isn't MS Windows nor is the application software from Microsoft . The product brochure indicates a "standards compliant browser"; an office suite that "supports" Microsoft file formats; games and educational programs; and an RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) client that "connects to Windows Terminal Server or Windows XP Profressional."  Once such a connection is made, especially if it's a long-lived one, this arrangement doesn't seem so safe.] 4:53:21 PM    comment []

Friday, October 29, 2004

Sony's location-free TV  The company began selling its LocationFree TV, a portable LCD television panel that uses Wi-Fi wireless technology to receive video content and access the Internet from a base station hooked up to a broadband connection. Sony is selling a $1,500 12.1-inch set, the LF-X1, and a $1,100 7-inch model, the LF-X5. The company says the televisions' wireless range is 50 feet from the base station. The sets feature picture-in-picture capability and can connect to camcorders, a PlayStation 2 and other consumer devices. 6:23:16 PM    comment []

Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Home PCs not protected  In findings, from a detailed survey of 329 consumers that included inspections of each of their home computers, released Monday by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a picture emerges of consumers increasingly using their home PCs for sensitive, online transactions without adequately protecting themselves from cybercrime. While 77% of the survey respondents believed they were safe from online threats, two-thirds lacked current anti-virus software and did not use any firewall protection. More than half said they did not understand the difference between the two. Yet 84% stored personal data on their home PCs, and 72% routinely used the Internet for sensitive transactions, such as banking and medical data exchanges. 7:45:34 PM    comment []

Friday, October 22, 2004

Netgear Boost Wireless Coverage In Home Networks  Netgear has launched a home network wireless extender kit that uses power outlets to push coverage to any part of the house.  Dubbed the WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit, it includes two pieces, a range extender and an Ethernet bridge, both which plug into outlets. The bridge links the current home networking router with the home's power line system, while the extender plugs into the outlet at the other end to expand wireless access into house "dead spots." The kit works with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless routers, as well as wired routers, said Netgear. 7:38:42 PM    comment []

Thursday, October 21, 2004

Watch Out For Security Freeware Gotchas  Security freeware is pretty popular. The price is right and everyone needs more security. What's the catch? But just because software is free doesn't exempt it from the requirements of paid software. Folks who write security tools should practice secure coding. Authors of security freeware should be accessible and accountable for the product they provide; in security-speak, the software should have readily identifiable, non-repudiable origins. Folks who make security software available should have competent, security-savvy staff to support and maintain it.  So if you are considering security freeware, remember the five Ws. Who wrote the software? Can you identify and trust the developer?  What does the software do?  When should you use security freeware?  Why are you choosing freeware over commercial ware?  Where do you intend to use security freeware? 6:21:07 PM    comment []

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking  A guide to home networking that was written for true beginners. 5:23:50 PM    comment []

New Yorkers Get Friendly with the Neighbors  Some New York City residents are taking advantage of a project offered by NYCWireless that teaches them how to set up a hotspot to share with their neighbors: Neighbornode is a project offered by NYCWireless that includes a package of open-source software that helps interested folks get started. NYCWireless is also offering workshops. People who set up the hotspots are encouraged to set up electronic bulletin boards that allow users to communicate with each other. So far, some of the hotspots are getting people together, for social reasons as well as neighborhood watch concerns. No mention here of whether NYCWireless offers advice on avoiding the wrath of broadband providers like Time Warner, which sent out letters to people in New York City a while back warning customers against sharing their Internet connections. 3:13:10 PM    comment []

Microsoft to debut 'Istanbul' application  Microsoft on Tuesday introduced a desktop computer application that aims to seamlessly integrate e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, traditional phone service and Internet-based calling. 9:26:08 AM    comment []

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

SANS "Ouch" newsletter for "unsophisticated end users" A new free SANS newsletter has gotten rave reviews from unsophisticated end users - they really appreciate the plain non-technical writing and the cool examples. It's called OUCH! More than 500 security awareness professionals from around the US and the world helped them get it right. If you want to redistribute it to your users, that' allowed. The newsletter includes a pointer to a great phishing quiz for anyone who thinks he or she can spot a phishing email. To subscribe go to the newsletter page at the SANS portal and choose it. 12:22:32 PM    comment []

Monday, October 18, 2004

SBC officially announces $1.99 per month unlimited hot spot services  If you subscribe to SBC's DSL service at a rate as low as $26.95 per month for their cheapest service, you are entitled to unlimited Wi-Fi hot spot service for $1.99 a month with a one-year commitment -- after receiving free service until April 2005. 1:13:59 PM    comment []

Sunday, October 17, 2004

AT&T Launches Local Version Of Internet Calling AT&T launches local service for its residential broadband telephone service 1:40:39 PM    comment []

Friday, October 15, 2004

FCC approves fiber-optic broadband rules  The Federal Communications Commission approved new rules Thursday aimed at making high-speed Internet available to more Americans. The  Commission gave its blessing to a proposal that lets the major regional phone companies build fiber-optic networks to within 500 feet of a customer's home without requiring the companies to share their networks with competitors. Currently, the former Baby Bell companies don't have to lease their networks for fiber that is installed directly to the home. The new rule extends that regulation to within 500 feet of a residence. However, critics complained the move will hinder competition in broadband services and keep prices high. Separately, the commission voted to set ground rules for the deployment of another type of high-speed Internet access — broadband over power lines, known as BPL.  This technology is still in its infancy, with only a handful of companies offering broadband over electric power lines to fewer than 5,000 customers nationwide. The transmissions, however, can cause interference with ham radio operators who have complained loudly to the FCC. The agency said its rules would limit interference by BPL providers by using devices that would skip frequencies the amateur radio operators use. 7:26:02 PM    comment []

The Basics of Forwarding Ports  If you want to serve Web content from your home or office without exposing your network to the Internet, consider port forwarding. Even if you aren’t running a Web server per se, port forwarding may be useful for setting up your own in-house FTP server or SSHing into your Linux box. 9:40:35 AM    comment []

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

EarthLink Offers Free VoIP  EarthLink Free Online Calling is essentially a stripped-down version of EarthLink Unlimited Voice.  The free service is available to the million-plus EarthLink broadband customers, who can use it to call each other and others using SIP (session initiation protocol)-based services. Partnerships with SIP providers SIPphone and Free World Dialup enable free VoIP access to a wider range of users.  Users do have to purchase either a computer headset or an analog-telephone adapter to access the service. Included are unlimited, high-quality calls to SIP users, voicemail accessible via e-mail, an online calling log and online signup and account management. EarthLink's Unlimited Voice service, introduced in March 2003, offers unlimited calling for a flat rate of $39.99 per month. It includes a lot more features than the free offering. 8:39:47 PM    comment []