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 []