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For the last year, SQUIB has given you a look into different tech products (the good and the bad), cool websites, and valuable resources for the computer user. In case you missed the top stories the first time around, we're rehashing...
What do you do with obsolete computer equipment?
Do you have an old computer that doesn't work anymore? How about a monitor that is so dim that you have to look at the power light to tell if it's on? If you're like a lot of people, these items end up in a closet, or a basement, or in the corner of your computer room.
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Some people get tired of looking at their old monitor in the corner and toss it in the nearest dumpster. But be warned! Computers contain toxic metals - arsenic, chromium, and mercury - and CRT monitors can contain as much as eight pounds of lead. Many areas are classifying this waste as hazardous waste.
Placing your computers and monitors in standard waste receptacles is illegal. But, regardless of the legality, throwing out these items with regular trash is wasteful and potentially harmful to the environment. I don't know about you, but I like my water unleaded. If you can't donate your old equipment because it's either too old or doesn't work, what can you do?
Fortunately, we live in an area that provides an outlet. Recycle Works, located at 60 Triad South Drive in St. Charles, accepts computers and related equipment. This facility will take most computer equipment for free, but larger items such as laser printers and CRT monitors require a $5 fee per item. You can even dispose of really large appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners for a nominal $15 fee per item. Recycle Works will dispose of non-recyclable materials properly and recycle the materials that can be used again. If your closet space is endangered (like mine is), try this service.
Read the official statement regarding the Recycle Works center at the St. Charles County Department of Community Health & The Environment website <http://www.scchealth.org/docs/doche/pr/041404_RecycleWorks.html>.
If you live closer to Wentzville, try http://www.scchealth.org/docs/es/esdocs/recycops.html.
The Facts Behind the Forwards - www.Snopes.com
Urban legends are pervasive in today's email. I get a fair amount of forwarded messages warning me against shopping at particular department stores or telling me the story of a hospitalized boy wishing to send an email around the world. Recently, I received a forward on how collectively consumers can lower gas prices.
Most of the time, the emails are convincing. I certainly don't want to pay $6.00 per gallon for gas. However, before I jump on the email bandwagon and pass on the messages, I stop by a great website to check the information for accuracy. I go to www.SNOPES.com.
At Snopes you can look up just about any email forward you’ve ever received and check its accuracy. On the Snopes homepage, a search field allows you to look up topics by keyword or phrase. Type the subject line of the forwarded message into the search field. The search results are listed with a brief synopsis of the article content as well as when the information was posted. Chances are you’ll find the message listed.
Follow the link to the article page. You’ll find the title or "claim" of the topic, the "status" of the story (whether it’s true, false, or undetermined), an "example" of the story you’ve read, the "origin" of facts behind the story, and the references that support the topic content. Read more...
An Alternative to Rental Fees – NetFlix.com
I have come up with a universal flaw in the DVD rental business -- the need for my physical presence in the store. There is nothing more troublesome than actually getting in my car so that I can drive to the movie store, knowing that I will also have to get in my car to return the movies BEFORE they are due.
If only there were a better way. Well, there is and it is called Netflix <http://www.netflix.com>.
No store. No driving. This online DVD rental system is nearly perfect.
It works like this....
Your account has a "queue" and you fill it with all of the movies you would like to see. NetFlix will mail (yes, I said mail) the first group of DVDs listed in the queue. (The number of movies sent to you depends on your subscribed package. I subscribe to the standard package, which gets me three movies at a time for $20.00 per month.) Keep the DVDs until you are done with them. That’s right, NO LATE FEES! When you are done with a DVD, package it up in the pre-paid mailing sleeve provided by NetFlix and drop it in a mailbox. When NetFlix gets their DVD back, they send an email to confirm that they got it. Then, they will notify you which DVD you’ll be getting next and its approximate time of arrival. Read more...
Virus, Worm, and Trojan Horse - What's the Difference?
Here are a few quick definitions that simply explain the difference between computer viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses. These types of invasive programs differ not in what they do, but how they spread. Each type can delete files, allow access to your computer, or cause other mayhem on your machines.
A computer virus is a piece of executable code attached to a file or application. It will replicate itself when the file or application is used. The best defense against computer viruses is to run security fixes, system updates and anti-virus software.
A computer worm does not require human interaction to spread. Therefore it replicates much faster. It is a self replicating program that hides among the mundane files in your system. Like computer viruses, the best defense is to run security fixes and system updates regularly.
A Trojan Horse program often appears useful or harmless in order to get the user to run it. When the program is run any number of malicious actions can affect your computer. To combat a Trojan horse, users should make sure all programs are safe before running them.
It’s important to know that these types of problems are not usually an issue for Linux and Mac OS X users. Their user access methodology and permissions structure keep viruses, worms, and Trojan horses from affecting the more important parts of your system.
PC users should know that Windows ships with VB scripting and at least five networking ports and several services open by default. If you are unsure about the vulnerability of your machine, please contact Pelarious to discuss how your computers can be protected.
What You Should Know About Adware and Spyware
Spyware and Adware are hot topics these days and not knowing how they affect your system can leave you feeling insecure. We've discussed the differences between the most common computer afflictions – computer viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. Now, we'll define adware, spyware, and malware. Also, we'll give you some tips on how you can detect them and what you should do when you find them.
Spywareis any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs that can be downloaded from the Internet; however, it should be noted that the majority of shareware and freeware applications do not come with spyware. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Read more...
The Guru's Gadgets - A WiFi Finder that Really Works
This one works! A WiFi locator that actually does the job.
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My very first Guru's Gadgets column, all the way back in October 2003, was a review of the abysmal Kensington WiFi Finder. Now someone else has done it right.
Sold under two different names the WiFi Spy from Marware <http://www.marware.com/WiFySpy.html> and the WiFi Locator from Intego <http://www.intego.com/wiFiLocator/> are a perfect accessory for the laptop-toting Road Warrior.
Priced at $30, the device is smaller than the remote car entry fob on your key chain. Keep it on your keys or anywhere else handy and know before you open your laptop bag if a WiFi hotspot is available. I keep mine as a zipper pull on my laptop back. Read more...
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Airport Express with AirTunes
My Music, Where I Want It.
Apple has done it again. In 1999, Apple brought the Apple Airport Base Station to market becoming the first mainstream consumer wireless networking company. Five years later, WiFi is in many homes and businesses, built into virtually every laptop, and a cinch to find almost anywhere.
Airport Express brings a new level of functionality and convenience to your network. It is a full Base Station, acting as a wireless access point when connected to an Ethernet network, including DSL and Cable Internet service. It is a remote wireless printer host and a wireless range extender for Airport Extreme networks. The hottest new feature of the Airport Express is AirTunes. Read more...
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