Is Your Son a Computer Hacker?
Author:T Reginald Gibbons
Topic:Internet Idiocy
Posted:Dec 02, 2001

As an enlightened, modern parent, I try to be as involved as possible in the lives of my six children. I encourage them to join team sports. I attend their teen parties with them to ensure no drinking or alcohol is on the premises. I keep a fatherly eye on the CDs they listen to and the shows they watch, the company they keep and the books they read. You could say I'm a model parent. My children have never failed to make me proud, and I can say without the slightest embellishment that I have the finest family in the USA.

Two years ago, my wife Carol and I decided that our children's education would not be complete without some grounding in modern computers. To this end, we bought our children a brand new Compaq to learn with. The kids had a lot of fun using the handful of application programs we'd bought, such as Adobe's Photoshop and Microsoft's Word, and my wife and I were pleased that our gift was received so well. Our son Peter was most entranced by the device, and became quite a pro at surfing the net. When Peter began to spend whole days on the machine, I became concerned, but Carol advised me to calm down, and that it was only a passing phase. I was content to bow to her experience as a mother, until our youngest daughter, Cindy, charged into the living room one night to blurt out: "Peter is a computer hacker!"

As you can imagine, I was amazed. A computer hacker in my own house! I began to monitor my son's habits, to make certain that Cindy wasn't just telling stories, as she is prone to doing at times.

After a few days of investigation, and some research into computer hacking, I confronted Peter with the evidence. I'm afraid to say, this was the only time I have ever been truly disappointed in one of my children. We raised them to be honest and to have integrity, and Peter betrayed the principles we tried to encourage in him, when he refused point blank to admit to his activities.denials continued for hours, and in the end, I was left with no choice but to ban him from using the computer until he is old enough to be responsible for his actions. His

After going through this ordeal with my own family, I was left pondering how I could best help others in similar situations. I'd gained a lot of knowledge over those few days regarding hackers. It's only right that I provide that information to other parents, in the hope that they will be able to tell if their children are being drawn into the world of hacking. Perhaps other parents will be able to steer their sons back onto the straight and narrow before extreme measures need to be employed.

To this end, I have decided to publish the top ten signs that your son is a hacker. I advise any parents to read this list carefully and if their son matches the profile, they should take action. A smart parent will first try to reason with their son, before resorting to groundings, or even spanking. I pride myself that I have never had to spank a child, and I hope this guide will help other parents to put a halt to their son's misbehaviour before a spanking becomes necessary.

1. Has your son asked you to change ISPs?

Most American families use trusted and responsible Internet Service Providers, such as AOL. These providers have a strict "No Hacking" policy, and take careful measures to ensure that your internet experience is enjoyable, educational and above all legal. If your child is becoming a hacker, one of his first steps will be to request a change to a more hacker friendly provider.

I would advise all parents to refuse this request. One of the reasons your son is interested in switching providers is to get away from AOL's child safety filter. This filter is vital to any parent who wants his son to enjoy the internet without the endangering him through exposure to "adult" content. It is best to stick with the protection AOL provides, rather than using a home-based solution. If your son is becoming a hacker, he will be able to circumvent any home-based measures with surprising ease, using information gleaned from various hacker sites.

2. Are you finding programs on your computer that you don't remember installing?

Your son will probably try to install some hacker software. He may attempt to conceal the presence of the software in some way, but you can usually find any new programs by reading through the programs listed under "Install/Remove Programs" in your control panel. Popular hacker software includes "Comet Cursor", "Bonzi Buddy" and "Flash".

The best option is to confront your son with the evidence, and force him to remove the offending programs. He will probably try to install the software again, but you will be able to tell that this is happening, if your machine offers to "download" one of the hacker applications. If this happens, it is time to give your son a stern talking to, and possibly consider punishing him with a grounding.

3. Has your child asked for new hardware?

Computer hackers are often limited by conventional computer hardware. They may request "faster" video cards, and larger hard drives, or even more memory. If your son starts requesting these devices, it is possible that he has a legitimate need. You can best ensure that you are buying legal, trustworthy hardware by only buying replacement parts from your computer's manufacturer.

If your son has requested a new "processor" from a company called "AMD", this is genuine cause for alarm. AMD is a third-world based company who make inferior, "knock-off" copies of American processor chips. They use child labor extensively in their third world sweatshops, and they deliberately disable the security features that American processor makers, such as Intel, use to prevent hacking. AMD chips are never sold in stores, and you will most likely be told that you have to order them from internet sites. Do not buy this chip! This is one request that you must refuse your son, if you are to have any hope of raising him well.

4. Does your child read hacking manuals?

If you pay close attention to your son's reading habits, as I do, you will be able to determine a great deal about his opinions and hobbies. Children are at their most impressionable in the teenage years. Any father who has had a seventeen year old daughter attempt to sneak out on a date wearing make up and perfume is well aware of the effect that improper influences can have on inexperienced minds.

There are, unfortunately, many hacking manuals available in bookshops today. A few titles to be on the lookout for are: "Snow Crash" and "Cryptonomicon" by Neal Stephenson; "Neuromancer" by William Gibson; "Programming with Perl" by Timothy O'Reilly; "Geeks" by Jon Katz; "The Hacker Crackdown" by Bruce Sterling; "Microserfs" by Douglas Coupland; "Hackers" by Steven Levy; and "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" by Eric S. Raymond.

If you find any of these hacking manuals in your child's possession, confiscate them immediately. You should also petition local booksellers to remove these titles from their shelves. You may meet with some resistance at first, but even booksellers have to bow to community pressure.

5. How much time does your child spend using the computer each day?

If your son spends more than thirty minutes each day on the computer, he may be using it to DOS other peoples sites. DOSing involves gaining access to the "command prompt" on other people's machines, and using it to tie up vital internet services. This can take up to eight hours. If your son is doing this, he is breaking the law, and you should stop him immediately. The safest policy is to limit your children's access to the computer to a maximum of forty-five minutes each day.

6. Does your son use Quake?

Quake is an online virtual reality used by hackers. It is a popular meeting place and training ground, where they discuss hacking and train in the use of various firearms. Many hackers develop anti-social tendencies due to the use of this virtual world, and it may cause erratic behaviour at home and at school.

If your son is using Quake, you should make hime understand that this is not acceptable to you. You should ensure all the firearms in your house are carefully locked away, and have trigger locks installed. You should also bring your concerns to the attention of his school.

7. Is your son becoming argumentative and surly in his social behaviour?

As a child enters the electronic world of hacking, he may become disaffected with the real world. He may lose the ability to control his actions, or judge the rightness or wrongness of a course of behaviour. This will manifest itself soonest in the way he treats others. Those whom he disagrees with will be met with scorn, bitterness, and even foul language. He may utter threats of violence of a real or electronic nature.

Even when confronted, your son will probably find it difficult to talk about this problem to you. He will probably claim that there is no problem, and that you are imagining things. He may tell you that it is you who has the problem, and you should "back off" and "stop smothering him." Do not allow yourself to be deceived. You are the only chance your son has, even if he doesn't understand the situation he is in. Keep trying to get through to him, no matter how much he retreats into himself.

8. Is your son obsessed with "Lunix"?

BSD, Lunix, Debian and Mandrake are all versions of an illegal hacker operation system, invented by a Soviet computer hacker named Linyos Torovoltos, before the Russians lost the Cold War. It is based on a program called "xenix", which was written by Microsoft for the US government. These programs are used by hackers to break into other people's computer systems to steal credit card numbers. They may also be used to break into people's stereos to steal their music, using the "mp3" program. Torovoltos is a notorious hacker, responsible for writing many hacker programs, such as "telnet", which is used by hackers to connect to machines on the internet without using a telephone.

Your son may try to install "lunix" on your hard drive. If he is careful, you may not notice its presence, however, lunix is a capricious beast, and if handled incorrectly, your son may damage your computer, and even break it completely by deleting Windows, at which point you will have to have your computer repaired by a professional.

If you see the word "LILO" during your windows startup (just after you turn the machine on), your son has installed lunix. In order to get rid of it, you will have to send your computer back to the manufacturer, and have them fit a new hard drive. Lunix is extremely dangerous software, and cannot be removed without destroying part of your hard disk surface.

9. Has your son radically changed his appearance?

If your son has undergone a sudden change in his style of dress, you may have a hacker on your hands. Hackers tend to dress in bright, day-glo colors. They may wear baggy pants, bright colored shirts and spiky hair dyed in bright colors to match their clothes. They may take to carrying "glow-sticks" and some wear pacifiers around their necks. (I have no idea why they do this) There are many such hackers in schools today, and your son may have started to associate with them. If you notice that your son's group of friends includes people dressed like this, it is time to think about a severe curfew, to protect him from dangerous influences.

10. Is your son struggling academically?

If your son is failing courses in school, or performing poorly on sports teams, he may be involved in a hacking group, such as the infamous "Otaku" hacker association. Excessive time spent on the computer, communicating with his fellow hackers may cause temporary damage to the eyes and brain, from the electromagnetic radiation. This will cause his marks to slip dramatically, particularly in difficult subjects such as Math, and Chemistry. In extreme cases, over-exposure to computer radiation can cause schizophrenia, meningitis and other psychological diseases. Also, the reduction in exercise may cause him to lose muscle mass, and even to start gaining weight. For the sake of your child's mental and physical health, you must put a stop to his hacking, and limit his computer time drastically.

I encourage all parents to read through this guide carefully. Your child's future may depend upon it. Hacking is an illegal and dangerous activity, that may land your child in prison, and tear your family apart. It cannot be taken too seriously.

Source: http://www.adequacy.org/

Are you a computer addict?

By Reema Saffarini, Staff Reporter Published: February 17, 2008, 01:26

Do you or someone you know have OCD? And by that I mean Obsessive Computer Disorder! Yes, it is certainly not a registered, real medical term, but it does somehow convey the idea. Simply ask yourself this question: Can you imagine yourself going about your life for a day without checking your email, browsing the net to download music and movies, replying to your Facebook messages or even playing that computer game you have become so obsessed with? If you can do it, well … many can't. Why? Because being glued to the computer screen has become as important as breathing and eating to many. Computer addiction is a reality, even though there is no "psychological" diagnosis for it, according to American University of Sharjah (AUS) student counsellor Dr Mona Mergani. It may not be listed in the giant Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a form of addiction, but like any other type of dependency it affects family and friends. A lifestyle Ahmad Abu Hattab, an electrical engineering senior at AUS, gets upset if a day passes without his going online to check his email and chat. In fact, he spends an average of five to six hours daily watching television shows online, downloading movies and chatting with friends. "I spend a lot of hours on the computer at the university because there isn't much else to do. At home it is a different case. As I live in a dorm and do not have a television set in my room, you will find me most of the time on the computer," he said. Even the phrase "taking a break from work" no longer means moving away from your machine. "Now when you want to take a break, you log on to Facebook to see who left you a message and if you want to talk to somebody, just log on to MSN Messenger and start chatting," said Ahmad. Arif Khan, hotel management student at the European International College for Hotel Management and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, also spends an average of six hours a day at his computer. "I think I am a computer addict and I can't go through a day without checking my email and messages. I need to read at least the emails even if I cannot reply," he said. Assignments and research However, not everyone who spends that many hours at the computer is an addict. Bashar Tariq, a third-year architecture student, is constantly logged on to his university email because of the demands of his studies. "I always get my assignments through email, information about competitions and contests … things that are directly related to my work. I check my email regularly even during holidays because of that. It is true that I am usually connected to MSN and my Facebook is always on, but I do not chat or message friends while I am working," he said. "I have seen though some students who are willing to skip classes to stay online and play computer games." Bashar's brother, however, spends an average of two hours at his computer. Omar Tariq, an electrical engineering student at the Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST), says that he does not care if he doesn't check his online messages for a day or two. "I don't consider myself a computer addict. In fact I think that computer addiction causes people to become isolated, anti-social and incapable of dealing with people directly," he said. "Add to that the physical problems like back pain or eye damage." Depression, back pain and blinking problems Omar is not off the mark when he speaks about the consequences of computer addiction. Dr Mergani says that the most immediate negative effects are social. "Relationships begin to wither as the user stops attending social gatherings, skips meetings with friends and avoids family members to get more computer time. Even when computer addicts interact with their friends, they may become irritable when away from the computer," she said. Excessive computer use can take an emotional toll. Users may gradually withdraw into an artificial world. "Constant computer gaming can cause someone to place more emotional value on events within the game than things happening in their real lives," said Mergani. Other effects also include getting nervous if computer users let a day go by without checking their e-mail and thinking longingly about their computer when they are not using it. Eating disorders and computer addiction This destructive electronic love affair, according to Mergani, may not only cause emotional damage but also lead to repetitive stress injuries, back problems, sleep deprivation, obesity, eating irregularities and the failure to blink, resulting in migraines. Luckily, though, there is a cure. "Like any addiction, this one can be treated. I believe that one of the most effective methods to deal with all these types of problems is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which teaches the individual to identify the problem, solve it and learn coping skills to prevent a relapse," she said. Treatment, she said, must be similar to that given for an eating disorder where the aim is to help the patient normalise their behaviour in order to survive. "A combination of cognitive behaviour therapy and motivational interviewing are the most helpful to the patient. Treating the depression and anxiety with antidepressants is also recommended," said Mergani. It can happen to you It is easy to read about issues like computer addiction and brush them off as something that can never happen to us … after all it is always "others" who suffer. Students and professors, however, can easily fall into this cyber trap. According to Mergani, university campuses are "ripe" for internet overuse. This is generally because of "free and unlimited internet access, huge blocks of unstructured time, newly experienced freedom away from parental control, the desire to escape college stress and social intimidation and alienation." It maybe true that it is hard to go about our life without spending at least an hour in front of our beloved machines every day, however, the key to avoiding this addiction is moderation. Questions to ask yourself to test if you are a computer addict: According to an ABCnews.com interview with Psychologist Dr Dave Greenfield, a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the study and treatment of all forms of internet abuse and behaviours associated with addictions linked to technology, these are some questions you need to ask yourself: Are you spending an excessive amount of time online? Are you preoccupied with the internet? Are you keeping it a secret from people? Do other people think you might have a problem? Do you experience intense intimacy while online? Can you not wait to go online or to use the computer? — Information courtesy of:www.virtual-addiction.com Psychological symptoms of computer addiction: Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while using the computer; Inability to stop the activity; Craving more and more time at the computer; Neglecting family and friends; Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer; Lying to employers and family about activities; Problems with school or job. — Information courtesy of: www.computeraddiction.com Advice on how to survive computer addiction Avoid relapsing. One of the keys to recovery is creating your new schedule that stresses brief but regular periods of online use. Be patient with yourself. Give recovery time. Real-life change takes longer than the instant intimacy and satisfaction you are used to from the internet. Give yourself credit for trying. It is natural to feel embarrassed or ashamed that you got hooked on the internet and can't seem to handle the problem overnight. Tune in to your addictive triggers. Recognising the emotions fuelling your online use, you will be much better able to make healthy decisions at the key points in your recovery. Get your loved ones on board. You may want to work with loved ones to clarify and finalise your recovery goals and steps. Make specific time limits. Set an alarm to go off in one hour and end computer time when it rings. Set aside "computer-free" parts of the day. If your computer use starts after dinner and extends into the night, get all your computer work done in the morning and don't touch it after dinner. Install software to restrict your access to web sites that you visit compulsively. Make a list of things you could be accomplishing instead of wasting time on the computer and post it prominently near your monitor. Enlist family members to help encourage you to limit your use. It might be difficult to stop on your own. Put the computer in high-traffic area of the house. With others looking over your shoulder all the time, you'll be less likely to overuse the computer. — Information courtesy of Dr Mona Mergani, student counsellor at the American University of Sharjah How many hours a day do you spend on the computer? — Compiled by Maysam Ali/Staff Reporter "I spend around two to three hours a day. I check Facebook, chat on MSN, and also use it for research." — Sara Meslmani, business administration, American University in Dubai (AUD) "I spend six to seven hours a day. I watch movies, check my mail and play poker on Facebook." — Yamin Darwish, finance, AUD "I use it for two hours. I check my email and do some research on the internet for academic projects and for work." — Darwish Ahmad, industrial engineering, Alhosn University "I use the internet for around two hours, basically for msn and checking my email." — Gazi Al Janahi, electronics engineering, Dubai Men's College (DMC) "I spend more than five hours a day on my computer. I use it mainly for checking my email, research and just surfing the net." — Faisal Al Saffar, BBA and financial services, DMC "I spend most of my time on the computer, more than six hours a day. I use it for browsing the internet, downloading music, videos and applications." — Tom Thomas, BBA, Mahatma Gandhi University Off-Campus Centre How can you break computer addiction? — Compiled by Manal Ismail/Staff Reporter "By increasing the number of extra- curricular activities available to students." — Rafay Ahmad, MBA, Szabist "Technology has become an important part of our lives that we can't avoid." —Adeel Quraishi, BBA, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) "By engaging students in more outdoor activities. " — Faraz Khan, finance, UOWD "The administration should reduce the dependence on computers inside the classroom. They should also make them not so easily available." — Kulsoom Usmani, BBA, UOWD "Internet usage should be reduced in and outside the classroom. The net is the main cause for computer addiction." — Mohammad Quraishi, accounting and finance, London School of Economics "Students should be involved in other activities such as sports, music and art." — Atif Nafis, banking and finance, London School of Economics Source: http://archive.gulfnews.com/

10 Major Differences Between Linux And Windows

Both Linux and Windows are operating systems. An operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome

When linux is properly installed, there no longer a need to use the mouse. Chances of you using a mouse is close to zero.

Use the extra cash for rewards

Linux is 100% free while Windows Vista Ultimate costs $398.99 at the time of writing. Companies that pay a licensing annually could have used the money for other things like buying an additional server to reduce the load or even give a bigger bonus to its loyal employees.

Formats are free, freedom is preserved

Linux file formats can be accessed in a variety of ways because they are free. Windows on the other hand makes you lock your own data in secret formats that can only be accessed with tools leased to you at the vendor’s price. “What we will get with Microsoft is a three-year lease on a health record we need to keep for 100 years”

Zero risk in violating license agreements

Linux is open source so you are unlikely to violate any license agreement. All the software is happily yours. With MS Windows you likely already violate all kinds of licenses and you could be pronounced a computer pirate if only a smart lawyer was after you. The worldwide PC software piracy rate for 2004 is at 35%. Which means that 3 out of 10 people are likely to get into real trouble.

Transparent vs Proprietary

MS Windows is based on DOS, Linux is based on UNIX. MS Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) is based on Microsoft-own marketing-driven specifications. Linux GUI is based on industry-standard network-transparent X-Windows.

Better network, processing capabilities

Linux beats Windows hands down on network features, as a development platform, in data processing capabilities, and as a scientific workstation. MS Windows desktop has a more polished appearance, simple general business applications, and many more games for kids (less intellectual games compared to linux’s).

Customizable

Linux is customizable in a way that Windows is not. For example, NASlite is a version of Linux that runs off a single floppy disk and converts an old computer into a file server. This ultra small edition of Linux is capable of networking, file sharing and being a web server.

Flexibility

Windows must boot from a primary partition. Linux can boot from either a primary partition or a logical partition inside an extended partition. Windows must boot from the first hard disk. Linux can boot from any hard disk in the computer.

Mobility

Windows allows programs to store user information (files and settings) anywhere. This makes it impossibly hard to backup user data files and settings and to switch to a new computer. In contrast, Linux stores all user data in the home directory making it much easier to migrate from an old computer to a new one. If home directories are segregated in their own partition, you can even upgrade from one version of Linux to another without having to migrate user data and settings.

Proven Security

Why isn’t Linux affected by viruses? Simply because its code has been open source for more than a decade, tested by people all around the world, and not by a single development team like in the case of Windows. This leads to a lightning fast finding and fixing for exploitable holes in Linux. So that my friends, proves Linux as having an extremely enhanced security and lesser chances of exploits compared to Windows.

LINUX vs WINDOWS
A comparision of Linux and Windows

Source: http://rangit.com

How Safe Is Your Computer?

10-Step Security

If you have about an hour, you can batten down your machine's hatches against Net threats new and old. Here's how.

by: Dennis O'Reilly

Each new wave of computer viruses, spies, and spam may have you ready to dust off your typewriter, but PC security can be effective without being a chore. To keep your computing safe from current and future threats, we've distilled our security advice down to the basics. These ten quick and easy tips will help protect your hardware, software, and data.

1. Patch automatically: Ensure Windows is set to update itself. In XP, click Start, Control Panel, Security Settings (if you're in Category view), Automatic Updates. In 2000, choose Start, Settings, Control Panel, Automatic Updates. In both versions, verify that 'Automatic (recommended)' is selected. You can also have Windows notify you before it downloads an update, or you can install the update manually. (The steps and options are only slightly different in Windows 98 and Me.)

2. Don't wait for Windows: If your PC has been off for more than a few days, don't wait for Windows' automatic update to kick in. Make the Windows Update site your first Internet stop. Also, there may be a lag between when a patch is available and when Windows Update pushes it to you. Microsoft releases Windows patches on the second Tuesday of each month, so to be safe check for updates manually every couple of weeks. And don't forget to set your antivirus and anti-spyware tools to update automatically (or check weekly for updates yourself).

3. Use XP's security monitor: Windows XP Service Pack 2's most welcome addition is the Windows Security Center, which alerts you when your PC's firewall and antivirus protection are disabled or out of date. Still, XP's own firewall protects you only from inbound pests; it doesn't alert you to suspicious outbound traffic (see "Tweak Windows XP SP2 Security to Your Advantage" for more). We recommend that you disable the XP firewall and instead use Zone Labs' (ZoneAlarm) or another third-party firewall program that protects both ways.

4. Make your file extensions visible: Some viruses masquerade as harmless file types by adding a bogus extension near the end of their name, as in "funnycartoon.jpg.exe," in hopes your system is set to hide such extensions (the default in Windows XP and 2000)--you see '.jpg' but not '.exe'. To make these troublemakers easier to spot, open Windows Explorer or any folder window and click Tools, Folder Options, View. Ensure that the option 'Hide file extensions for known file types' is unchecked.

Bonus Tip 1: To get the most complete picture of your Windows setup, check Show hidden files and folders and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).

Bonus Tip 2: Click here to play Microsoft's video guide to Windows XP security settings.

5. Keep Internet Explorer safe: Many people find IE 6's Medium security level too obliging to ActiveX controls and other small programs, or scripts, that the browser runs on your PC. ActiveX and JavaScript enable such useful Web features as order forms and security scans, but they also may run malicious code and give attackers access to your system. To make IE safer, click Tools, Internet Options, Security, Custom Level, select High from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the Security Settings dialog box, and click Reset, Yes, OK.

Unfortunately, setting IE to the High security setting can lead to the browser's unleashing a fusillade of warnings and permission pop-ups every time you visit a site. The solution is to add the sites that you access often to IE's Trusted Sites list: Choose Tools, Internet Options, Security, click the Trusted Sites icon, and then click the Sites button. Enter the Web address, click Add, and repeat as necessary (see the Trusted Sites screen below). Be sure to uncheck Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone. When you're finished, click OK twice.

6. Make Firefox more secure: The only way to block JavaScripts on a site-by-site basis in the Mozilla Foundation's free Firefox browser is to download and install the NoScript add-in that was created by Giorgio Maone. NoScript places a warning bar at the bottom of all the Web pages you visit that use JavaScript. Click the bar to see options for allowing scripts on the site (permanently or temporarily), blocking scripts, and other operations (see the NoScript screen below). The program can also stifle Flash animations and other Firefox plug-ins, but keep in mind that going Flash-less means you'll be missing out on some of the Web's richest content (along with all of those great dancing ads). Although NoScript is freeware, the author does accept donations at www.noscript.net.

7. Handle e-mail links with care: If a virus infects your PC, chances are good it arrived piggybacked on e-mail. To reduce your risk of an e-mail-borne infection, don't click links in suspicious messages (the text in the message may mask the actual Web address). Instead, enter the URL in your browser's address bar manually, or go to the site's home page and then navigate to the page in question.

8. Scan attachments for viruses: Run each of the e-mail attachments you receive through your antivirus software before you open them. Rather than double-clicking the attachment to open it instantly, save the file to a drive on your PC, open Windows Explorer, right-click the file, and choose the option to scan it for viruses. (Better yet, set your antivirus software to scan incoming and outgoing e-mail automatically.)

9. Close the preview pane: Some maleficent messages need only be opened in your e-mail program's preview window to do their dirty work. That's why we recommend that you close the preview pane in all of your inboxes. In Microsoft Outlook 2003, click View, Reading pane, Off. In Outlook Express 6, click View, Layout and verify that 'Show Preview Pane' is unchecked. In Mozilla Thunderbird, click View, Layout and confirm that 'Message pane' is unchecked (or press to toggle the preview pane on and off).

10. Read your mail in plain text: Since many e-mail pests rely on HTML code to achieve their nefarious goals, you can stop them in their tracks by viewing your messages as plain text. In Outlook 2003, click Tools, Options, Preferences, E-mail Options and check Read all standard mail in plain text. In Outlook Express 6, choose Tools, Options, Read and click Read all messages in plain text. In Mozilla Thunderbird, select View, Message Body As, Plain Text.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com

About Geeks

What is a geek? (a subjective work in progress)

c:\GEEK>
n. Slang

1. A person who is single-minded or accomplished in scientific or technical pursuits but is felt to be socially inept.
2. A person regarded as foolish, inept, or clumsy.
3. A carnival performer whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a live chicken.

c:\OPINION>

This official defintion (found in most dictionaries) does not entirely describe the word "geek." Whereas it may imply certain social deficiencies, I would say that a geek is a person who is talented in an area outside the boundaries of social normality. There are different kinds of geeks; band geeks, gaming geeks, literary geeks, film geeks, science geeks, computer geeks, etc. They generally have one thing in common, whether or not they are able to disguise it from the rest of the world.

c:\NEW_DEFINITION>

Geeks strive to prove their worth outside the definitions of mainstream.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, now has a thorough definition. Probably because there are plenty of geeks who like to spend their time updating open content encyclopedias!
Wikipedia article about geeks.

Take the Geek Test! v.3.1.

56 Geeks, Illustrated

Free Buttons & Avatars

The Geek Hierarchy

The Code of The Geeks v3.12

Source : http://www.innergeek.us

Guide to Geek Girls

So, your crush on Björk has finally died a whimpering death and you're wondering where to go from here. All the scenester ladies are either dating a series of interchangeable high-school riot boys in skater uniform and an overdose of manic panic, or permanently shacked up with some bitter old gentleman who pays all the bills. Which will it be, a masculine prison or a humiliating one night stand? Into this void of potential mates comes a woman you may not have considered before, a woman of substance, quietude and stability, a cerebral creature with a culture all her own. In short, a geek girl.


Why Geek Girls Rule

• They are generally available.
  
• Other men will tend not to steal them.
  
• They can fix things.
  
• Your computer will love them.
  
• They're smart.

Where the Geek Girls Lurks

While they are often into alternative music, geek girls tend not to go to shows too often. Instead you'll find them hanging out with their friends, discussing the latest hardware revolution or perfecting their Bill Gates impressions. You know how some people wear t-shirts with their favorite bands on them, thus showing that they went to certain shows? Well, geek girls wear t-shirts with the logos of different software companies on them, thus showing that they are up on the latest releases. A small, though con-vivial, rivalry may be detected here amongst the geek ladies. Try wearing one yourself and see if she strikes up a conversation.


Imprinting

You might notice that these women harbor some strange ideas about how the world works and some particularly strange ideas about men. There is a reason for this. Because they've had limited interpersonal experience, geek girls must look elsewhere for behavior models. Lacking a real world social milieu, geeks often go through a transference stage with such narratives, and try to model their interactions on them. Thus, certain media images and themes come to have an overly cathected, metaphorized reality to them, while the rest of us view such programming as mere entertainment. Case in point, our next topic...


The SciFi Factor

If you're not up on your Star Trek, you can forget about getting or keeping a geek girl. You've got to be up on your The Next Generation, your Deep Space Nine, your Babylon 5. Armed with your own knowledge of Federation policies, you can better gauge when and how to act. The sexual politics of Star Trek are pretty blunt: the women run the technology and the ship, and the men are caretakers (a doctor and a counselor). Note the sexual tensions on the bridge of the Enterprise: the men, in skin tight uniforms, and with luxuriant, flowing hair. The women, often balding, and sporting some sort of permanently attached computer auxiliary. This world metaphorizes the fantasies of the geek lady, who sees herself in the geeky-but-heroic female officers and who secretly desires a sexy, smart, Berry or Kevin to come along and deferentially accept her for who she is. If you are willing to accept that this is her starting point for reality, you are ready for a geek relationship.


Once You Have Nabbed Her

Of course, catching that geek girl is only half the battle. Keeping her by your side is another story altogether. I was privileged to speak with a guy, who not only got himself a geek girl, but was also clever enough to marry her just a few short months ago. He interrupted his newlywed bliss to give us a few tips on the care and feeding of a geek woman: Geeks are sensitive and caring lovers and wifes. If you can hang with the techno-lifestyle, they make the best mates. They are the most attractive people, not flashy or hunky, but the kind who get cuter and more alluring over time (I told you he was a newlywed). Definitely give geeks a chance.


Geek Cuisine

Geeks tend towards packaged junk foods since they prefer to work and think and aren't all that into cooking for themselves. Make sure that your geek girl understands that you are not merely a replicator, and provide her with home-cooked food. A batch of chocolate chip cookies will let her know that you love her. You do have to monitor your geek girl for weight gain, however; remember that most of their days are spent sitting and staring at a monitor.


Geek Lifestyles

The geek girl has long work habits and tends to bring her work home with her. She seems permanently connected to her hard disk. You must at least appear interested in her work. Generally, a solid understanding of the computer is a must; if you cannot master this, you should at least be able to talk the talk. Remember most geeks are anal and they get stressed about details which appear insignificant. Be understanding, put on your best face and empathize.

To relax, geeks love to play the latest computer games. Let her play Tomb Raider III if she wants to. Act concerned if she's stuck or has just been erased. Some geeks love to try to help people on the internet who say that they are stuck in a game. She comes up with clever riddles instead of directing them point blank. Geeks also like to go to sci-fi and Japanese animated movies, again, a basically harmless vent for your woman.


Geek Friends

Many geeks extend their work friendships into what they jokingly refer to as RL (Real Life, also known as "that big room with the ceiling that is sometimes blue and sometimes black with little lights"). The greatest thing about your geek's friends is that you can feel secure in setting them up with your boyfriends. They may feel awkward around males at first, so don't overwhelm them. In time they will come out of their shell and realize that you are into the same things they are.


One Last Thing

Because they have been so abused and ignored by society, many geek girls have gone underground. You may actually know some and just haven't noticed it. They often feel resentful, and misunderstood, and it is important to realize this as you grow closer to them. Don't ever try to force the issue, or make crazy demands that she choose between her computer and you. Remember, her computer has been there for her whole life; you are a new interloper she hasn't quite grasped yet.

Geek girls thrive on mystery and love challenges and intellectual puzzles. Don't you consider yourself one? Wouldn't you like a little intellectual stimulation of your own? We thought so.



Source: http://www.obn.org

How Stuff Works

How WiFi Works

by Tracy V. Wilson and Marshall Brain

Inside this Article

1. Introduction to How WiFi Works
2. What Is WiFi?
3. WiFi Hotspots
4. Building a Wireless Network
5. Lots More Information
6. See all WiFi & Mobile articles

If you've been in an airport, coffee shop, library or hotel recently, chances are you've been right in the middle of a wireless network. Many people also use wireless networking, also called WiFi or 802.11 networking, to connect their computers at home, and some cities are trying to use the technology to provide free or low-cost Internet access to residents. In the near future, wireless networking may become so widespread that you can access the Internet just about anywhere at any time, without using wires.

One wireless router can allow multiple devices to connect to the Internet.

WiFi has a lot of advantages. Wireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. They're also unobtrusive -- unless you're on the lookout for a place to use your laptop, you may not even notice when you're in a hotspot. In this article, we'll look at the technology that allows information to travel over the air. We'll also review what it takes to create a wireless network in your home.

First, let's go over a few WiFi basics.

Source: http://computer.howstuffworks.com

10 Geeky Ways To Train Your Brain

Train Your Brain

Improve your memory, increase your IQ, and test your spatial skills with the help of these 10 fun brain games and exercises.

by Jennifer L. DeLeo

f you're blessed with a memory like an elephant, we congratulate you. However, if you—like me—have a memory like a sieve, you know too well how easy it is to forget where you last left the car keys or if you mailed your mortgage payment.

We'd all love to have a memory like that of 50-year-old Dominic O'Brien, who can remember the order of 54 randomly shuffled decks of playing cards (that's 2,808 cards total). The good news is that we're all capable of improving our memories—maybe not 2,808 cards worth, but every little bit helps. How you go about retraining your brain—whether it's driving a different way to work, reading books you wouldn't normally read, doing crosswords, or starting yoga—is what helps to stimulate and exercise the brain on a day-to-day basis.

According to research and advisory firm SharpBrains, the U.S. revenue from brain stimulation products—such as online Flash puzzles and Nintendo's popular Brain Age—rose from $100 million in 2005 to $225 million in 2007. Among the various brain-training resources available today, there are 10 in particular that we think you should check out. Set aside at least 15 minutes a day and try out these great brain exercises and games that will improve your memory, increase your IQ, and test your spatial skills.

Here are a couple of resources featured in today's The 10 Ultimate Brain-Training Resources slideshow:

Fit Brains
To keep your brain actively fit, visit Fit Brains daily. This site features ten games designed to exercise your visual and spatial skills, memory and concentration, language, and executive functions. Currently in beta, all games are free as long as you sign up to become a member. I have a horrible memory most of the time, so I immediately started playing Crime Scene Shuffle, in which you use your memory skills to convict criminals by collecting clues at the crime scene. It's very CSI! I've always been a math geek, so I also enjoy playing Sum Snap. You can also read up on the science and technology behind the mind on Fit Brains's blog.

CogniFit MindFit Software
The unique software program MindFit from CogniFit determines how much memory you have left (yes, the results can be very depressing), then helps amp up your memory by designing an individual training program for you. According to the company, the program will help improve brain functioning by more than 18 percent. Consisting of fun algorithms to solve, the program requires you to use it 15 to 20 minutes three times per week. Some of the games include Tip of the Tongue, to test your naming skills, and Picasso, in which you're presented with geometric shapes to solve a puzzle. Download MindFit for $139 or purchase it as a boxed copy for $149.

Now check out the rest of The 10 Ultimate Brain-Training Resources slideshow, including Smart-Kit, Kaplan's futureU, Happy Neuron, Games for the Brain, Brain Age 2, Lumosity, Brain Arena, and Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree.

Source: http://www.pcmag.com