Tec Papers

The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has won rapid acceptance among university students and executives who are constantly on the move because of its ability to package a lot of different data requirements into a palm sized device. The PDA is designed to make a busy life easier by providing sensible connections to all the information you need, have it at your fingertips when you need it, and transport it to other systems. Once ‘organised’ with your PDA, you will have all of your contact phone numbers, be collecting your emails, process your business orders, display your photographs and relax to your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as a digital recorder and have windows based compatibility for word processing and spreadsheet financial calculations.

PDAs At the simplest end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your diary and record your memos. But it’s important for people moving into using a PDA to understand that it is a tool that is most beneficial to an already organised mind: it won’t actually do the organising for you. But if you find you need to view and manage documents on the go, keep track of your appointments and have instant access to your name and address book, then the basic functions of a PDA will probably enhance your productivity. And of course the added bonuses of listening to your mp3s, watching short video clips, reading ebooks and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.

PDAs with the Windows Pocket PC operating system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal windows and office environments. Screen size and image resolution can be critical if you intend to use the device for reading books and managing text-heavy documents. While sales of PDAs have steadily declined over the past two years, losing to smartphone technology, the main manufacturers have advanced the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases in memory and multimedia capability. In many situations, smartphones have been able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data management with mobile phone technology. But if you want to work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones are at a disadvantage from smaller screen sizes and data storage capability and sometimes cost, but they obviate the need to carry two devices.

What to look for

There’s a hand-held PDA device to suit practically every budget and need. You need to consider just how much data you want to carry with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously more memory, faster processor and bigger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare brands, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the following specifications to guide you.

A budget basic unit might offer a processor speed of 16 MHz, 8MB of memory and at 2.5 inch (diagonal) screen. At the high end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400 MHz processor, 256MB memory, with expansion slots, 4 inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colours and 640×480 display resolution, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging. In the middle of the range you will find devices with 64MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3 inch screen and built-in microphone or audio input jack. Bear in mind that all of these specifications and functionalities change continuously, and devices are upgraded with new features over very short spaces of time.

Apart from processor speed, memory and screen size, some of the critical specifications that you can use for cost and brand comparisons include:

Data input – While some models have a full QWERTY keyboard built-in, you may want to consider adding a fold-up full-size external keyboard. Entering lots of text with the small built-in keypads or using the handwriting software can be frustrating.

Audio input – A built-in microphone or microphone jack is needed for recording voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.

Music playback – MP3 audio file playback can sometimes need additional software.

GPS – While there are a number of purpose-built hand-held devices for industrial applications, your PDA’s GPS capability may not be suitable for rugged outdoor activities.

Communication – Look for integrated Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter

Smartphone – Combines the functions of a mobile phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone capability requires a separately purchased service contract

Audio Output – A headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files

Cradle/Charger – This device allows for easy connection and synchronization with your PC while simultaneously recharging your battery. Consider buying an additional cradle for the office for maximum convenience. Some PDAs include a cable or a special cradle that provides an interface with your desktop computer to synchronize data.

Battery life – Each device will have its own battery-life characteristics. Battery recharge life is also dependant upon the data you are processing. You can use manufacturer’s specifications as a guide to compare between brands and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect your actual use.

Bluetooth – This wireless technology lets you to exchange data with other handheld devices or any other Bluetooth enabled device such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop computer, headset or printer. The Bluetooth feature will allow you to add an external keyboard.

Digital camera – PDA cameras usually capture low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing but not ideal for printing.

GPS – Global positioning system allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.

Music/Audio – The MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. The audio quality is often better when played back through a quality headset.

PDA Screen – PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches up to 5 inches on the very high-end. Larger, brighter screens require more power to operate therefore increase battery consumption.

Processor speed – refers to the speed in which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range between 4 MHz and 624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly as technology develops, it is recommended to have a processor speed of at least 16 MHz for general day-to-day functions.

Video capture – Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and a third-party software download, and higher memory capability.

Web Browser – Used with a Wi-Fi connection, lets you browse the internet as you would from a desktop computer.

Wi-Fi – Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network), enables you to connect to the internet in any hot spot. Enabling the Wi-Fi features tends to consume battery life quickly.

In summary

You may like to consider whether you are a novice (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur or a technophile, and make your search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a novice, you will be searching for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the bells and whistles. An entrepreneur will be searching for the most adaptable capabilities. The following might assist.

Choose amongst functionalities. Consider you need for mp3 players, or video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA may reduce the need to have to carry another device around in order to enjoy the benefits offered.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from hot spots, and simple cable connection to your desktop computer can let you read your emails on the road.

Go for maximum memory for money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications. Memory can be boosted in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.

Search Myshopping.com.au to compare models and brands, and vendors and prices.

Andrew Gates
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/pda-handheld-computers-buying-guide-52204.html

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In these economically strained times, computer crime such identity theft from spyware runs rampant. Adding insult to injury, many malware can permanently disable your computer. Here are some tips for how to keep your computer up and running and free of spyware, adware and other malware.

• Run a spyware removal tool. Remember that many software that claims to remove spyware is actually spyware in disguise, so be wary and download antispyware only from reputable sources.

• Avoid Microsoft Outlook. This seemingly innocent program has so many unsavory security holes in it because of the great lengths it goes through to open and interpret your data, that it’s almost impossible to run without leaving your security door open for your PC to be infected by the next virus that comes out. Use an email managing system that has a good reputation and fewer adware problems. Check the internet to research the one that is best for you.

• Avoid Microsoft Internet Explorer for the same reason as Outlook.

• Keep all antivirus software up to date using the procedures that were included with it at purchase. Updates often are published daily, so update when one is offered.

• Stay current with your PC system updates. This is a high priority. If that fails, contact your manufacturer via Internet Explorer.

• Do not open an email attachment unless it’s from someone you trust, and from whom you’re expecting an attachment. Attachments should be sent separately from the email saying the attachment is coming. In other words, email your source that you will be sending an attachment in the next email, then email the attachment separately with a note. Ask senders to do the same for you.

• Use a firewall on all equipment that has this protection. If your Windows or browser box has the option of running personal firewall software, do it. You need multiple security layers, and this one is free and easy.

• Pick antiviral software with a good reputation. A computer expert can fill you in on the kind best suited for your PC. Please note that this software does not prevent the computer from getting viruses, it merely cleans up some of them once the computer is infected.

• Never set up a network share from your system. This also applies to a shared printer or a shared drive. Contact an internet security person if you need a jolt of fear regarding this matter. That person will tell you that this is like leaving the door open after moving into a mansion full of priceless artwork after a community home showing.

If you factor your time and effort into the proper care and prevention of computer problems, and use award-winning antispyware to remove spyware, adware and malware, you will remain a worry-free driver on the internet super highway.

Carl Atkinson

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I have many music videos (not bought off itunes) that are in the ipod format. I can put them on my ipod but not in the right place. Its puts them in the movie place. On itunes while my ipod is hooked to the computer, under where it shows what your ipod contains it doesnt have a place to put your music videos. It only has music, movies, and tv shows. How can i put my music videos in the right catagory on my ipod?

Its in your iPod , and iTunes right? If so, go to iTunes, find your Music Videos and right click on it. Go to every tab on the options, and find the tab that says Video Type. Once there, scroll down the list and select music videos. Then your done. Now just connect your iPod and it will fix your flaw.

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I just received my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in security. I have no practical experience, yet. I was wondering what certifications would be beneficial to helping me look more attractive to employers. Where should I start?

Go to your nearest computer course center.
Apply there only for getting some certififcate.
The certificate will be awarded to you after you complete an examination.

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So I want to import songs from the Music section on my ipod (music that is already on my ipod) onto my ipod playlist. It says that you need to put songs into a playlist from you library though…
Does anyone know how to put the music you already have on your ipod into the library or how to put music that already on your ipod into a playlist?
P.S im pretty sure the version of itunes i have is 3.1.1 if it helps
thanks

Go to your Music library, select all of the songs and then click the File tab, click "Create Playlist from selection", once you have the playlist. You can drag it into the iPod icon or Sync it.

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We have 4 computers in our house. Three are currently wireless, one hardwired. We have one printer that is connected with wires to one of the wireless computers. Right now, we can only print using that one computer. So if we are working on one of the other computers, we have to save the file and email it to ourselves and go open it on the "printing" computer. How can I print from the other three computers? Is there a way to link it all now or do I need to go buy some more equipment for the printer? Or do only certain printers have these capabilities?

You need a network printer server. You plug your printer into this little box and plug it into your wireless router. No longer plug printer into any of your computers. Leave the printer, printer server, and router on all the time. You can turn off the computers. Printer’s always available. Some printers already have this ability built-in, and are usually labelled as "network ready", or something like that; they’ll have an ethernet jack on the back if they are. Anyway, Linksys makes these little items, inexpensive too. If the following link doesn’t work for some reason, the device is the Linksys WPS54G.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1114037289494&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

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Regarding my computer security, is it better for me to install 2 anti-virus softwares or just 1 anti-virus?

One. And one firewall.
Anti-adware/spyware/malware are ok to have more of.

Should you run more than one antivirus program at the same time?

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nav.nsf/docid/2000031316555206

Symantec strongly recommends that you run only one antivirus program at a time. Having more than one antivirus program active in memory uses additional resources and can result in program conflicts and false virus alerts. Your best defense against computer viruses and malicious programs is to keep your virus definitions up to date, and run Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect. If you choose to install more than one antivirus program on your computer, then only one of them should be active in memory at a time. (The Norton AntiVirus module that is active in memory is named Auto-Protect. Other antivirus programs will have different names for this function.)

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Sites offering free iPod music downloads are appearing all over the internet everyday. But if you were to take a closer look at them, one thing you must find out is whether they are legal music downloads. Everyone likes free stuff including free iPod music downloads. The sad truth is quite a number of these sites are illegal and violate copyright laws by uploading patented or copyright music without permission from the record labels or music companies. There are only a few sites where you truly can get hold of free iPod music downloads.

Recently, there were reports on the TV and newspapers regarding people facing lawsuits filed by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association for America) for uploading copyrighted music for others to download. These people may face fines in the range of thousands. It seems that those who supported these offenders by downloading free iPod music downloads could be implicated. These are the free music sites that cost you absolutely nothing to download. But there are the risks of getting caught of course.

However, there remain ways in which a person can download free or rather almost free iPod music downloads without getting into trouble with the law.

The first thing you should be looking for is sites that have a membership system. For you to be a member of these sites, you have to pay a one-time membership fee, about $40 over to join. After that, you are free to download as much music as you want to your iPod. At present, this seems to be an increasingly popular alternative to sites like iTunes, WalMart, eMusic, etc which operates their business on a pay-per-download system. There are occasions you can find iTunes offering certain songs for free downloading but such occasions are really rare. Registering with a paid membership site is still more cost effective for free iPod music downloads. Period.

So it is not wrong for anyone to say that downloading iPod music at these online membership sites is free afterall. It is simple maths that the more you download, the average cost per piece of music goes down and down until you reach a point where the cost per download is almost zero. For example, I paid $40 for the lifetime membership and download close to 2000 songs. Each song cost me 2 cents per song only. Free iPod music downloads is within reach as we download more.

In everything, there are the good ones and the not-so-good sites. But generally, these are the few factors you need to watch out for. The sites must offer a wide selection of all kinds of music giving you a personalized feel when you download music at these download sites. Everyone must be able to find their favorite music there. With millions of songs in store at several popular and reliable sites, it is almost a certainty that you would find what you are looking for. The technical and customer support must be top-notch and assist you should you face any difficulty in downloading music from their sites to your iPod.

Free iPod music downloads do not only mean they cost nothing. They must also be free from adware, spyware and viruses so that you can download them with a peace of mind. Only when these download sites satisfy these conditions are they considered worthy to join. Read up a review on my music blog to find out which sites are great places for free iPod music downloads.

The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only and is in no way associated with Apple, iTune, or any company or subsidiary of Apple. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The name of the author, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.

Davion W
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/free-ipod-music-downloads-real-or-not-362833.html

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Last October 2 marked 170 years of Charles Darwin’s return to England after five years spent around the world collecting knowledge about flora, fauna, wildlife and genealogy. The information he gathered would form the basis of his Theory Of Evolution. Interestingly on the same day in 1985, actor Rock Hudson would die from the AIDS virus. 149 years separated two very contrasting albeit controversial events—one delving into the very origin of life while the other, a death resulting from a threat with no known cure.

1985 also saw the emergence of another kind of virus—the first computer virus. More than twenty years later, computer viruses have morphed from a laboratory test into organized crime’s new weapon of choice.

There was a time when viruses were no more than the fruits of idle hands. Some might even describe them as nothing more than hijinks by programmers out to make names for themselves. Even the naming of the viruses reflected a level of triviality, some were named for particular computer hardware brands, some for the virus programmer’s girlfriend, one was a homage to a female tennis player known better for her curves than her on-court ability, and who could ever forget the disarming “I Love You” virus? It was indeed a nuisance for users when they find out that their computer system was infected. But with a little foresight and the right tools, it was a problem that could be handled. The cost for the home user was time wasted, but in a business environment, time wasted meant money lost.

Times have indeed changed. On October 3, an article appeared on the Techweb site describing how “toolkits” are now openly available to anyone wishing to set up a website with the intent of stealing their visitors’ personal information. Toolkits, as the term itself suggests, are a package of codes that even those with little programming skills can use in setting up a rogue website. These rogue websites are programmed to secretly install codes to their visitor’s browser. These codes take advantage of unpatched computers—those that do not have security updates. The installed code can then send information to the criminal about what the visitor is typing, for example their credit card number or bank account number. Depending on what kind of attack is launched on your computer, it could even be turned into a “zombie” computer—completely under the attacker’s command.

“How do I protect myself?” you ask. Well, with a little foresight and the right tools naturally. And this applies especially to users of Microsoft Windows since it is the preferred operating system of cyber criminals because of its many weaknesses. Make sure your computer is up to date with their security patches. Install anti virus software, an entire suite (which includes anti spyware, firewall, spam blocker, etc.) if possible and see to it they are also up to date. Avoid going to “black market” websites—these include sites offer downloads of pirated software, pornography and the like.

Twenty-one years of infecting personal computers and annoying the users, yes indeed, computer viruses have come of age. But guess what? They have not even reached their prime.

F. Aldo
http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/from-womb-to-your-personal-computers-doom-61120.html

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Computer Forensics – A Brief Description

Computer Forensics is the function of utilising scientifically proven methods to assemble together and process data found on a digital device, (computer, hard disk drive, mobile phone, memory card etc), and interpret that data for possible use in a court of law or other theatre of investigation. The evidence may assist in the prosecution or a criminal, help in the defence of an accused person, or be of intelligence to an individual who is seeking knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

The main users of Computer Forensics are law enforcement officers, as a large percentage of crimes in some way utilise digitally stored data. This data could be a phone call made on a mobile phone, (or cell phone), which could place an individual at the scene of a crime, (or of course away from it), accounts for illegal activities such as drug sales, images of paedophilia, human resource issues, hacking, email abuse, unauthorised data duplication, IP theft etc. Corporate organisations are utilising computer forensics more and more now as they often have to investigate incidents such as inappropriate computer use, inappropriate email use, unauthorised data duplication and disloyal employees. Human Resource departments and Internal Security are the biggest users of these specialist corporate services. Private individuals may also use these services. It may be the lover cheating on their partner, or inappropriate internet use by a family member.

Computer Forensics or Cyber Forensics as it is also known, is now taught at many colleges and universities around the world, and is available to both the law enforcement community and private individuals.

What to do if you suspect illegal or inappropriate activity on a computer or digital device:

1. Turn the power off – Pull the plug out if necessary

2. Secure the ‘exhibit’. Don’t allow anyone access to it, security seal it if possible

3. Contact a Computer Forensics Expert

What NOT to do if you suspect illegal or inappropriate activity on a computer or digital device:

1. Call your IT manager, or one of your technical staff

2. Get them to ‘see’ if the user has been looking at ‘dodgy’ websites or if any important files are missing

3. Sack the member of staff

The analogy of the above:

Imaging a body lying in a muddy field. There is a blanket over the body and something petruding from it. By not following procedures, what you will have done is the same as follows:

1. See the body

2. Walk up to the body in the field

3. Take the blanket off the body

4. Move the body to ‘have a look’

5. Put the blanket back over the body – ‘like it was before’

6. Leave the field

What you have just done:

Entered the scene of a crime, left YOUR footprints all over the muddy field, left YOUR fingerprints on the body and blanket, left YOUR DNA all over the place.

You then expect to call the relevant organisation/authority and have them try and find evidence, which has just been tainted by YOU or YOUR STAFF. This is not a good start, and could make the case in question inadmissible.

Remember that this is a very specialised service provided by experts. Use experts to do the job correctly in the first place, then there shouldn’t be a problem.

Simon Steggles

Disklabs Computer Forensics

www.disklabs.com/computer-forensics.asp

www.computer-forensics.co.uk

simon.steggles@disklabs.com

Disklabs
http://www.articlesbase.com/cyber-law-articles/computer-forensics-a-brief-introduction-135946.html

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