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October 2007
A skinny companion for vacation trips
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Palm-sized computers just don’t feel right to me and I hate carrying a laptop on trips - unless I’m working - since I like to travel light.
All I really need to do while on pleasure trips is check e-mail from time-to-time and maybe find a restaurant review or directions online.
For people like me, this $400 laptop might be the answer.
There are all sorts of limitations - and you would expect that in a $400 machine. The screen is tiny, the storage memory (the hard disk) is way small, there isn’t much RAM and you sure aren’t going to play games with this computer. It comes with Linux (I didn’t list that in the limitations - it’s a plus, about the only way you’d get adequate performance out of a machine with hardware at the bare minimum).
It does come with the ability to surf the Web and to do word processing, spreadsheets - stuff like that.
The keyboard didn’t get kind reviews, it’s cramped … but that also seems like an expected tradeoff for the size and price. I have it on my personal Christmas watch list.
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Don’t wait to be hit with a bat
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Until a demented fellow used a baseball bat to break through a door at my home last year - a heck of a way to wake up, by the way - our home security system was seldom used.
Now I’m more prepared, with a dog named Glock, an active security system and motion sensor outdoor lights .
Like the security at your home, keeping your computer safe only becomes a big deal after you’ve been burned. But why wait for someone to convince you with a baseball bat? I hope you’ll take a hard look at the security for your computer and home network before things get ugly.
There are so many factors to consider that I’ll talk briefly about each area and then list Web sites to cover the “how to” details.
Firewall
Windows Vista users can rely on the built-in firewall. Windows XP comes with a less capable, but adequate firewall. If you want a fine commercial firewall consider Norton Security.
More information: For Windows Vista Firewall, go to this link or simply go to http://www.microsoft.com and type the words “Vista firewall” into the search box at the top right of page.
For Windows XP Firewall, go to this link or follow the same procedure above and type the words “XP firewall” into the search box.
Router
Most routers use a technology called NAT that adds an extra level of security. NAT stands for network address translation. It creates a firewall (one that works fine with your software firewall) for your computer.
While it’s not a good idea to use two software firewalls, using NAT and a software firewall together is a great idea.
More information: To learn all you’d ever want to know about NAT, and maybe a tad more, go to this link
Wireless routers
I created a separate category for wireless routers because so many of you use them and also because they can be a major entry point into your system.
Neighbors can innocently connect via your router, which is usually not a problem except that they are using the internet on your dime. Worse is the chance that a drive-by hacker could connect and gain access to private information. If you need the convenience of a wireless router, which makes it wonderfully easy to use a laptop anywhere in the house, you need to make sure it’s secure.
One thing that defeats even the best of hackers is turning off the wireless router. (Do this either with the switch, if your router has one, or by unplugging.)
You can use this link to learn how to use the security features of your wireless router during times it is turned on
Passwords
Use passwords with both numbers and letters. Avoid words that can be found in a dictionary . Change your password at least once every six months. If you do no more than that, you’;re better protected than most home users.
More information: You can get some fine tips about using passwords at these Web address:
or
Anti-virus
Many threats sneak into a computer using a virus or worm. It’s essential that you install an anti-virus program and keep it updated. I favor commercial anti-virus programs from Norton, and I’m a huge fan of a free anti-virus program that can be downloaded at this link
Doing all this won’t make your system bulletproof - just as my alarm system and Glock the beagle won’t make my house burglar proof. But it will sure make you sleep easier.
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Technology on fire
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I doubt that you need any proof that the Internet and Web are changing the news business.
But I do think you will be impressed with some of the dramatic coverage of the Southern California fires. You can click here to start. The satellite images alone are worth the click.
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Testing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Writing this column is a lot like teaching first grade. I stay away from the complex and technobabble. There’s plenty of that in magazines and on the Web. So, we talk about really basic things, and we come back to them from time to time.
Today, in the spirit of that elementary school classroom, we’ll have a short pop quiz. I’ve covered all this material in the past few months. So let’s see if you’ve paid attention.
Which of these program combinations is most likely to cause problems? A: Two word processors. B: A database program and a personal finance program. C: Two separate anti-virus programs. D: An online game along with a firewall.
What is the likely cause of a desktop computer clock that is frequently wrong? A: Virus B: Adware C: A bad battery D: The clock malfunctioning.
Your friend sends you an attachment. You click on it, nothing happens. A: The attachment was created with a program you do not have. B: The attachment is a virus. C: The attachment has become corrupted in transmission. D: You didn’t click hard enough.
Which of these repairs should not be attempted by the average home computer user? A: Adding memory chips. B: Replacing a video card. C: Putting in a power supply in a monitor. D: Replacing a computer mouse.
Your computer has slowed down. You have not added new devices or programs. The most likely cause is: A: Your processor chip has slowly become defective. B: The hard disk is going out. C: Your computer is clogged with adware and spyware. D: A hacker is using your computer to send out spam.
When your connection to the Internet is lost, the cure to try first is: A: Turning off the modem and turning it back on. B: Replacing the ethernet cable that connects the modem to your computer. C: Using the reset button on the bottom of the modem. D: Reinstalling the operating system.
The primary threat from a buildup of dust inside a computer is: A: Heat build up. B: Short circuit. C: Contamination of memory chip coatings. D: All the above.
When it comes to computing, a UPS is: A: Universal Power Supply. B: Uniform Programming Service. C: Uninterruptable Power Supply. D: Unit Ping Size.
A lightning strike is most likely to enter your computer via: A: The power line. B: The telephone line. C: An open air arc. D: The mouse port.
The original meaning of computer hacker is: A: A person who breaks into computers. B: A computer enthusiast. C: A repair technician. D: A computer criminal.
When your computer makes a beeping noise, the most likely cause is: A: It’s an error code, the number of beeps can help you identify the problem. B: The internal battery needs to be replaced. C: Your Internet connection is bad. D: There are voltage surges.
OK. Now here are the answers. Keep in mind that we are dealing with the most likely answer for each question. 1: C; 2: C; 3: A; 4: C; 5: C; 6: A; 7: A; 8: C; 9: B; 10: B; 11: A
If you got eight answers right, you’re doing fine. If more than half your answers are wrong, you’ll need to repeat the class. If you missed them all - well, you’re my job insurance.
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Suggested wedding gift - a socket wrench set
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now here’s a notion - some guy did a Ph.d thesis with this title: “Intimate Relationships with Artificial Partners.”
His idea is that people will eventually marry robots. After all, that would end the argument about who takes out the trash.
Me? I don’t think so - it’s hard enough to remember when to get the oil changed on my car … I don’t want to have the same problem with a wife.
You can read the item by clicking here.
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Getting starry eyed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I blame my interest in astronomy on our next door neighbor when I was 13. She wasn’t an astronomer or a scientist, but she did flame my teenaged heart when she washed her car.
So I begged my folks for a telescope. The neighbor soon moved, but my interest in telescopes and astronomy stayed. Now that winter - and the clear skies that it brings - is on the way, lets talk about getting started as a stargazer.
Standard advice is to start with a good pair of 7 x 50 binoculars and a star locator. Here’s why: It’s easier to find objects in the sky with the wide field of view from binoculars. Besides, a cheap telescope offers such a lousy view that it can be worse than no telescope at all.
As far as the star locator, it’s basically a map of the night sky. I’d suggest one from Edmund Scientific priced at $3. You can find it by clicking on the astronomy link hereScientific Online.
I also recommend a book, “Night Sky: A Field Guide to the Heavens,” by Mark R. Chartrand and Helmut K. Wimmer. The book, part of the Golden Field Guide Series, retails for $14.95, but you can pick it up for $11.66 at Amazon.com.
OK, with that out of the way, let me spend a moment arguing with myself a little (I usually win). While binoculars are still a good bet for a beginner, I can also argue for a some fairly inexpensive telescopes. I base this on an e-mail I received the last time I wrote about scopes. The fellow explained that his son fell in love with astronomy based on viewing the craters of the moon. Most cheap scopes do an adequate job for moon-gazing.
At the same Web site I listed for the star locator, you can find a $200 telescope called the Astroscan. Like binoculars, it offers a wide field of vision, and it’s well-made. So if you just can’t wait to buy a scope, consider that one.
While winter brings nice clear skies for viewing, light pollution can still be an issue. If you live in a city or built-up area, most of your viewing will be limited to the moon, a few planets and some of the brightest objects in the sky. You don’t appreciate light pollution until you try to view a dim object from a backyard in the city.
One way around it is to plan a weekend trip to a place where skies are relatively dark. Even without binoculars or a telescope the difference is shocking - especially to those who spend most of their evenings in town. For one thing, you’ll find out how the Milky Way really got its name.
Any light you use to see a star locator or book can also make viewing more difficult. Most folks use a red filter in front of a small flashlight to keep their night vision. Also keep comfort in mind: clothes warm enough for quick jaunts outside the car aren’t warm enough for prolonged periods outside.
If you buy all or part of this for a child, also take this advice: Let them mess around with the binoculars or the telescope. If they want to read the book and use the star locator, so much the better. But if they just want to play, grit your teeth and stay away. Some of life’s most fun activities can be spoiled by parents who try to make everything educational.
If the interest is sparked, books and locator will follow. If not, all this will end up in a closet anyway. Even then, all is not lost. Unlike computers and electronic gadgets, binoculars and telescopes are never out of date.
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A boost for Windows XP
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
File this away under the ‘good news if true’ label.
There are reports that Service Pack 3 for Windows XP will add a few Vista features to the aging operating system. Among them is one that will add tighter security when accessing corporate networks. So don’t expect the look and feel of XP, but it’s good to see (if true) Microsoft taking care of XP users. That’s a good thing since some folks stuck with XP because of hardware problems, others because they saw no reason to change.
You can read about it by clicking here.
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The ugly awards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
This article about the ugliest products in tech history sure brought back memories - you can click here to see it.
Two of my personal candidates for mega-ugly were on it (one of them is the acoustic coupler, that’s the gadget I used to carry around with me when I needed to connect via dial-up modem from on the road in the very very old days).
Funny thing though, some of these technologies and gadgets are so ugly that they’re pretty to me.
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Good tips for bad weather
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Just a couple weeks ago it was so hot and humid it felt like I had to swim through the air. Now, the morning chill tells me winter isn’t far away.
I don’t want to seem negative about a nice change in temperatures, but all that means trouble. Winter brings ice and downed power lines. I can’t think of a winter passing in recent years without a power outage or two. At best, power will be out for a few hours; at worst it can be out for several days.
There are things you can do to make the inevitable power outages more bearable. For starters, you need a flashlight and batteries. How’s that for impressive, high-tech advice? But don’t give up on me. We’ll go beyond the basics now.
Pick up at least two flurorescent camping lanterns. Get the kind with two light tubes. Mine uses eight batteries and puts out almost as much light as a table lamp. That wide swath of light lets you read, do repairs or cook.
While we are talking about light, here are some things not to do: Don’t use a gas- or oil-powered light, and stay away from candles. It’s better to be in the dark than to burn your house down.
A UPS excuse
A UPS is an uninterruptible power supply - basically a gadget that contains a battery and the circuitry for converting the DC battery power to the AC household current your plug-in devices use.
The onset of winter is a good excuse to buy one because it supplies power to your computer, monitor, modem and other devices in case the power goes out. We’re talking about minutes of power, not hours. But that’s enough time for you to shut down the computer properly, or even to send a quick e-mail.
Now let’s go beyond the basics. Think of all the things you could do with an alternate source of household current when the power is out.
You could keep your cordless telephones running. Many households only have cordless phones (a bad idea; keep a regular wired phone that will work in a power outage). But with an extra UPS charged and ready to go, you could run cordless phones for a couple of days. A charged UPS will also work fine for charging up the batteries on your laptop, or furnishing power to a small radio.
And while a UPS won’t keep a desktop computer going for long, it can power a DSL or cable modem and a router for a day or two. That means, with a laptop computer, you could send out e-mails or even check the Web during an outage.
Keeping in touch
During any kind of weather emergency, communication with the outside world can literally save a life. Most people have cellphones today (and you can keep them charged with that UPS I mentioned). Telephones often work even when the electrical lines are down.
You’ll also want to be able to check the news for information about street closings and weather warnings. So make sure you own a battery-powered radio. It’ll run for days on a set of batteries and, if nothing else, will furnish some old-fashioned entertainment. Those who want to get fancy can also find battery-powered televisions.
A weather radio is also a good idea. You’ll get weather warnings and information directly from the National Weather Service. Many of them are able to switch automatically from AC current to battery power.
Many of you have gasoline-powered generators that can furnish power. That’s fine. But please consult an electrician so that he can create an isolation circuit. That way, there is no danger of the power from the generator leaving your house. When the power company is working on a downed line, the electricity from your generator can be an unpleasant or even fatal surprise.
The deluxe approach to generator power is one that automatically kicks in when your power is out. These natural gas powered generators can be very expensive. A friend has one that handles his entire house; he paid $10,000 for that peace of mind.
At my house and with my budget, it’s batteries, a fireplace and heavy sweaters. But we will have light, radio and Internet service.
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More on the iPhone update
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In my last post I talked about the problems the latest iPhone update caused for those of you who have modified your phone.
So, just in case you’re in that leaky boat, here’s an article that tells you how to undo the update and get things back to normal.
Just to be clear, I can not vouch for these instructions (I don’t own an iPhone). Nor am I suggesting that you follow them. Instead, I’m just following up on what seems to me to be an interesting story.
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How to turn an iPhone into a doorstop
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Modifying - modding - high tech equipment is practically a given. For those who enjoy technology finding ways to customize or add features is part of the fun.
That sure happened with the iPhone … within days there were all kinds of nifty new unauthorized programs for it. And some users modified the phone so that it could be used on other carriers.
So what a shock and horror when - for many of these modders - last week’s update turned some iPhones into expensive doorstops (OK, they’re too small to be a good doorstop).
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