February 22, 2012

You are here: Home / Archives for Internet

Visit CNET and Pick out Some Free Software

July 25, 2011 By
The free software way

Image by opensourceway via Flickr

 

Software is expensive. People have learned to steal movies and music and pretty much get whatever they want. But, for us regular people it sounds like rocket science. 

There are several websites who cater to those who like free software. Download.CNET.comis a great place that has literally thousands of programs and apps to offer people at reasonable prices, or free. Put the words “free programs” in the search bar. 

Some people already know what they want even before they get there. Others go and lazily shop, looking at everything that catches the eye before deciding to download. This takes a lot of time but makes for an informed choice of downloads.Shop Sitting Down, Then Play With the new Toy

The website will determine if the user has a pc or mac and show only programs that workon each. On the front page there’s two categories to see; the Latest Software Reviews and the Recently Added Programs. Each program’s page has user ratings, lists the price and offers a brief description of what it does. 

On the low half of the page is “The Daily Download,” and it’s the site’s blog. Lots of information and stuff that’s nice to know about some of the programs. On the right side is a long sidebar listing the most popular downloads so far, and it’s no surprise that AVG’s free edition of Anti-Virus is at the top. 

The user needs to scan programs to make sure they’re downloading nothing harmful, but it’s all good stuff. 

Take a look; it’s shopping, but if the free programs are searched out, there’s tons of fun and value in there.

 

 

Filed Under: Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Newbie Cheat: Use the Same Form With Different Labels

July 10, 2011 By
Form codes for websites are something found free on the Internet and lots of them are good. Even a beginning coder can look at the language and see how to modify a form. There’s no need to hire someone to make it.

 

Forms can be used for so many different things by simply changing the labels on the dialogue boxes. No need to be a genius; for instance, the code for an email contact response (like the Contact Us page) can have dialogue boxes labeled like these:
  • Customer’s email address
  • Customer’s zip code
  • Customer’s message or reason for contact
  • Customer’s phone number
  • Customer’s web address
  • Security question
When the customer fills in the boxes and hits the Submit button, all that form informationgets emailed to the site owner. That same form can be used for other purposes by changing the labels for the dialogue boxes. 

It’s as Easy as Copy and Paste 

If another dialogue box is needed, just copy the whole code for one of the boxes already there, move down and paste it in, being sure to paste it under the other dialogue boxes. Replace current labels with new labels and it’s done. 

Here’s an example of which labels to change on a Contact Us response form so it can be used as an order form:
  • Customer’s name
  • Customer’s email address
  • Item number of intended purchase
  • Quantity of items
  • Total before shipping
  • Shipping address
  • Shipping method preferred
  • Security question
Modify the labels however desired and use the form over and over again without having to hire a programmer.
Filed Under: Internet, Photo Software, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Tips to Keep You Safe When File Sharing

March 12, 2011 By

File sharing is becoming more and more popular for internet users. People are always looking for a way to download music and movies, and peer to peer file sharing seems to be it. There is no way to guarantee the safety of file sharing unless you are using a known music site, but there are some steps you can take to help make sure you don’t walk right into something you can’t get out of.

  1. The first thing you need to do is to learn the whole process. You need to do this before you use any file sharing website. Look at sites with a critical eye and get details about how the site operates. Look to make sure that the network does not have any adware or trojans. You should also check to see if there is any support offered.
  2. Make sure your computer is protected. There is a high risk of picking up a virus when you use a peer to peer file sharing sight. Always make sure that you have up to day antivirus protection on your computer along with any other protection available. You should also look at all file extensions before you download anything. Look out for vbs extensions, and any other extensions that you do not recognize.
  3. Learn about copywright laws. There is an ongoing debate about what file sharing is doing to the music industry and the sale of music. Some believe that it is helping while others believe that file sharing denies the artists from getting the compensation they deserve.
Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

File Sharing Away Your Personal Information

January 22, 2011 By

Content

As the Internet became a commonplace part of most people’s lives, lives and industries began to dramatically shift. The digitization of most forms of media meant things that had only existed in hard copy could now be streamed and shared across oceans in mere minutes. The movie and music industries were two of the most impacted groups, with newspapers and magazines coming in right behind. The idea of sharing music and movies file, peer to peer sharing as it is commonly known, drastically changed the face of how people were introduced to and consumed their media.

Torrents are the most popular way people share music and movies across the wide swath that is the Internet. These types of files are uploaded and downloaded from the computers of hundreds if not thousands of users and sharers simultaneously. People in these file sharing communities open up their hard drives to users they have never, nor will likely ever, meet. There is a level of trust implicit in these types of exchanges: “We’re both doing something illegal so let’s not destroy each other.” However, many hackers and malicious coders use that level of trust to destroy the computers of innocent strangers.

There are a few ways that these bad guys take advantage of this kind of situation. They can simply have a “pirate” download a piece of malicious code that can either cause an innocent prank or crash your hard drive. They can also use the access they are getting to your computer, oftentimes people who want to upload are asked to open ports in their firewall to allow file sharing to occur, to steal personal or sensitive information. Some people find it hard to pity downloaders who are targeted because they are engaging in illegal activity. Whether you feel bad for them or not, by allowing these hackers to practice on their computers, society is only enabling them to get strong enough to attack any computer.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

Gambling Online is Gaining in Popularity and Quality

January 21, 2011 By

When you play games online, one of the things you want is a realistic experience. You can get that with a lot of games anymore, including gambling games. There are a lot of reasons that people would want to gamble online instead of going to a real casino, including the idea of not having to make the drive. If you live close to a casino, this might not be too bad, but most people live farther away. They also might live somewhere where the weather is bad, and it can be dangerous to go out in bad weather. There’s really no reason to do it when you don’t have to, so why take the chance? Gambling is not a necessity – but it can be a great source of fun and enjoyment when you do it responsibly.

Another good reason to stay home and play in an online casino is that you don’t have to pay for anything extra like food or any kind of attraction that the casino might be offering. You’re surrounded by freedom and convenience, and that makes it even more enjoyable for you to play. The weather can be terrible, but all you have to do is get comfortable on your computer and you can play as much as you want. The graphics are getting better and better as time goes on, and it can make you feel as though you’re actually in a real casino.

Don’t underestimate how much fun you can have with an online casino. You don’t have to travel to a loud, expensive, noisy place far from home just to do a little bit of gambling. You can stay in your comfortable chair with a drink in your hand and enjoy, no matter what the weather is like or where you live in relation to a traditional casino.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

File Sharing: Security

January 20, 2011 By

Content

There are few things in this world that rival the ease of file sharing. You’ve discovered that downloading is a convenience that can’t be denied. Peer-to-peer networking has offered you access to endless films, songs and software — all of which would demand far too many dollars and far too much time to purchase in traditional shops. This process removes these issues, allowing you, instead, to find what you desire and claim it for your own. There’s no concern. There’s no hesitation. You take everything you see and indulge in the giddy power.

That power eventually turns worrisome, however, when your computer alerts you to the possibility of a virus hidden within your latest music download. Software pounces upon the problem, undoing the codes before they can seep into your system; but the warning is clear: file sharing is not quite as simple you thought.

There can be no doubt that peer networking (sharing information across the Internet, utilizing individuals to discover new ideas and documents) provides positive aspects. The ability to trade files is one that everyone can enjoy. But there are still dangers to be aware of with this process and the need for modern anti-virus protection is required.

Never download any programs without first being fully secured: have firewalls, encryption codes and an access control management system. Never download files from unknown sites. Choose only reputable hosts. And be certain to scan each individual file, allowing software to break down the sources and search for any potential threats. Never accept any uploads until they’ve been thoroughly scrubbed by your system.

These methods will help to elimimnate complications, ensuring that your information is not stolen by those who would abuse it. Be aware of your choices and your servers. Research all files carefully. And understand the necessity of caution — rather than simply selecting every download you can find and ignoring the possible ramifications. They do exist and they can cause harm.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,

File Sharing: Is it Worth the Risk?

January 18, 2011 By

There are many different ways to share files on the internet. It is quite often difficult to tell if you are doing something illegal when you see so many websites out there that allow you to do it. So is it worth it to use these sites where you can download music or movies for free?

The choice is really up to you, but it is important to know the risks involved. If you choose to download music that you do not pay for you need to realize that it is not legal. There are copyright laws that give artists the right to be the only ones to distribute their music. They also have the right to make a profit from their hard work. For those who think that they already have enough money should think about how they would feel if they went in to work every day and didn’t know if they were actually going to be paid for the work that they did that day. Just because you have enough money to pay your bills plus extra doesn’t take away your right to be compensated for your hard work.

It is also important to realize that every time you use a site to download free music you are putting your computer at risk. Even if it has not happened to you in the past, there is no guarantee that you won’t be affected by a virus in the future. You may also be putting your personal security at risk if you do pick up a virus.

Whether you choose to illegally download music or not, just make sure you weigh the odds first.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Downloading Safely From the Internet

December 22, 2010 By

The internet has a treasure trove of resources, music, video and other files that you can download at the click of a mouse. But beware before you start to download anything, especially from a site that you are unfamiliar with. Often, viruses may be hidden in what looks to be an innocent file. This can be anything from a video, an email attachment to a picture. Avoiding a virus can be done if you take the right steps and download in a safe manner.

One of the first things that you need to do is to get a good antivirus program on your computer. There are numerous ones to choose from, such as: Norton, Kapersky and AVG. These programs screen and scan different files and websites for potential threats to your computer. If you have a warning come up about a download that you are attempting, be wary. These programs need to be kept up to date so that they can recognize the latest viruses that are being spread. You can download a trial for free, or purchase them at your local computer store.

If you get an attachment through your email, watch to see who is sending it. If the sender is not someone you know, or is in your contact list, do not open it. Attachments are wonderful places to hide viruses that can do nasty things to your computer. You are better off deleting the email, and not opening it in the first place. Another good tip is to only download movies and music from reputable sites. Torrent sites, which often feature illegal downloads, can be riddled with viruses. The free movie that you are getting could also carry a bug that could wreck your computer. Your best bet is to download with caution and install a quality antivirus program that will protect your computer.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

Data: ubiquitous

December 14, 2010 By

Dateline: Dec 31,2010. It’s official. My life has become synonymous with data. I receive data, I pass along data, I delete data I don’t agree with, and I ignore data that doesn’t fit into my worldview or political philosophy. I have various tools that I use to interact with that data. I am writing this on my laptop. Whereever I go, I have my smartphone, which I frequently consult to check my email, my news updates, and am continually on the lookout for new apps to download.
What did we ever do without data access? How did we ever manage without cell phones? The internet is bursting with ways to keep us connected to all manner of information. Every major news organization has a smartphone app so that we are never more than a click away from the latest update. At least 30 times a day, I receive updates from retailers, advertisers, and their e-commerce brothers. I know all about the latest sale and also the newest product I can’t do without. Going along with this is the ability to pass along this information to my family and friends. I rarely consider this type of data because of its indirect nature. Whenever I get these emails, they usually go directly into my virtual trashcan, but occasionally I do receive an item that actually taps into a need I might have.
Yesterday, I received an email offering affordable dental care. Given that I was feeling the effects of a toothache, I was compelled to open it. I didn’t have much use for the particular services offered, but it intrigued me. I hadn’t searched on Google, yet there it was in my spam box. I was amazed at the coincidence. It felt someone had read my mind. The moral of the story is this: The next time you get something out of the blue, pass it on, you just might be filling a need.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , , ,

Google – More than a Search Engine

December 11, 2010 By
Image representing Google SketchUp as depicted...
Image via CrunchBase

When most people access Google, it is for one thing, searching. But is that all it is good for? Searching? The answer is a resounding no!

Google is so much more. When you type in www.google.com, click on “more” at the top. It will open a page that tells you what else is available. There are the expected options: Doc allows you to upload any document format, or create from one scratch, then download in any document format; Picnik and Picasa allow you to edit your photographs; and, of course, Google is the home of YouTube for your video-viewing pleasure.

Along with all of that you can create websites with Sites, SketchUp allows you to build 3D models, and Knol allows you to write what you know and share it. Google offers these and many more for free. For a fee you can upgrade some things, such as Picnik and SketchUp.

Some other areas of Google are Scholar which allows you to search scholarly papers. You can search patents with Patent Search. If you are multi-lingual, you can translate a webpage into one of many languages with Translate. Orkut is another social network, much like Facebook and MySpace.

If you are into computer programming you can view open source code and play with code in Google’s Code Playground. For the computer code enthusiast, this is the one for you. Google’s Developer Tools give you the code to do virtually anything from building apps for your Android with Android to building social apps using OpenSocial. Want a gadget for your Gmail? Use Gmail APIs and Tools.

The possibilities are virtually endless. If you’re using SketchUp to build 3D models, you can do even more with Ruby API. Ruby allows you to customize SketchUp. Virtually everything you need for anything is available on Google.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts