Security: The Hardware Advantage

A fairly high percentage of computer users are now educated enough to know they must have

security products deployed in order to protect their computers.

In the case of Corporate Users, the IT staff makes sure their gateway is stacked with the

latest and greatest security appliances protecting the parameter.

In the case of Home Users, the users themselves make sure to install security software,

typically a combination of personal firewall, antivirus and anti-spam. Or a single

streamlined Internet Security Suite.

In both cases, the solution is simply not good enough!

We’ll start with explaining why security software running on top of the computer it aims to

protect will always be inferior to an external hardware solution.

The following points are well known to the IT professionals as they would obviously never

rely on software installed on users’ computers alone, and will always focus on the

hardware-based security appliances protecting the organization’s perimeter.

The advantages of external hardware-based security appliances are:

Immunity from the inherent vulnerabilities of the underlying OS – If, for instance, an

organization is running MS Windows on all its computers, the security software installed o

the computer will still suffer from the same underlying vulnerabilities and backdoors that

Windows inherently has. When you are protected by an external appliance who has its own

proprietary OS (Or a flavor thereof), the security mechanism does not suffer from these

vulnerabilities.

Mobile code is not run - content arriving from the internet is not executed on these

appliances it just goes or does not go through into the network. It makes it more difficult

to attack as the mobile code delivered by the hackers does not run on the appliances.

Cannot be uninstalled – Security attacks often start by targeting the security software,

while trying to uninstall it or stop its activity. Software-based security solutions, as any

software program includes an uninstall option that can be targeted. In contrast, the

hardware-based security appliances cannot be uninstalled as they are hard coded into the

hardware.

Non-writable Memory - Hardware-based solutions manage the memory in a restricted and

controlled manner. The security appliances can prohibit access to its memory, providing

greater protection against attacks on the security mechanism.

Controlled by IT personnel – The security appliances are controlled by IT, who constantly

maintains the highest security policies and updates.

Performance - The security appliances are optimized for maximum security and operate

independently from computers in the network, not degrading the performance of the desktops

or consuming their resources.

Prevent potential software conflicts – The security application you install on your computer

will reside on the same computer with an unknown amount of other unknown software all using

the same CPU, memory, OS and other resources. This often results in various conflicts,

“friendly fire” between 2 or more unrelated security application installed on the same

computer etc. When using a dedicated hardware security appliance, nothing runs except for

the intended use it was made for.

These are all just the general conceptual problems of protecting a computer with the

exclusive reliance on an installed software security application.

There’s a lot more to be said about the problems with these types of solutions. The lack of

Network Address Translation (As you’d get in a dedicated external hardware-based security

appliance), lack of physical network separation (DMZ), the fact that even simple ARP

poisoning attack cannot be stopped by them and much, much more.

Now that we’ve clearly established that using software-based security applications is not

the best security solution – what’s wrong with the security that Corporate Users get? The IT

staff makes sure their gateway is stacked with the latest and greatest security appliances

protecting the parameter.

We’ve shown that that would be the best way to go – So where is the problem?

The answer to that is simple – Mobility.
More and more of the corporate users actually have laptops and no desktop computers. More

and more users are becoming mobile, working remotely from outside the organization, working

either from home, or are simply on the road traveling as part of their business duties.

The minute the user packs up his laptop and leaves the protected (by a series of dedicated

hardware security appliances) organizational perimeter – all the amount of money and

professional effort that went into building up the corporate gateway, all of that becomes

meaningless!

The user has left the corporate protection behind, and is left essentially “naked” only with

the software security solution to his protection. And we’ve already established above it is

not enough.


So what is the perfect solution?

The perfect solution that solves all the issues presented above is simply to use a Personal

Security Appliance – A term coined by Yoggie Security Systems.

Yoggie has coined the term and essentially created a whole new category of security

products. The first of its kind in the world is the Yoggie Gatekeeper which is a powerful

and robust hardware-based security appliance that connects to the laptop and externally

scans and protects all the traffic with a series of 13 different security applications.

The Yoggie Gatekeeper is tiny and mobile, fits comfortably in your palm and can simply be

attached to a USB port on your laptop, which provides both the power and connectivity.

This way the powerful corporate-level security can be re-instated even as the user is away

from the protected corporate perimeter, allowing the laptop user maximum performance and

productivity (by offloading it and using external security applications, instead of

laptop-installed ones), giving them the highest level of security, and allowing the IT

department means to monitor and enforce security policies over remote and traveling laptops

without being intrusive to their users!

Spyware - Get your Basics Right!

Spyware! Spyware! Nowadays, we all get to hear this word more often that what would make us feel comfortable. What exactly is Spyware? Spyware can be defined as any technology that aids a group in collecting information about a person or organization from their computers without their knowledge. This is widely accepted as an encroachment of privacy. Now, how does this spyware actually reach your computer? Spyware can be installed in your computer via any program or software your download in your machine, while surfing the net. In most cases, you will not realize that you have installed something unwanted till things start going wrong or rather start smelling fishy (not literally, though!). What you need here is a spyware removal program to bail you out.

Get Rid Of Spyware Programs

Ok, if it is unwanted and I want to get rid of spyware, I can delete it anytime with the help of the ‘add or remove programs’ feature in my computer! Why would I need a spyware removal program? Well, what you need to understand is that spyware are not just any Tom Dick and Harry looking through your stuff. Spyware mingle with your registry files. Looking for them and deleting the right files, is like looking for a needle in a haystack!

There are people who can inflict quite a big dent on your reputation with the help of spyware, if they are in the mood to do so! Damage? Yes, spyware programs are not necessarily innocent knowledge gathering gimmicks by advertising companies. Those are called adware programs. Spyware programs, also known as tracking software can actually turn your computer to a source of viruses for thousands of machines. If an investigation is carried out, you will be the one to face the rut!

Now that you have realized that spyware can be bad for your health, what can you do to ensure that it stays out of your life and the computer? The first step you can take is block pop ups in your browser. Second, try avoiding downloads from websites you are not sure of, especially downloading pirated versions of paid software. You may actually be downloading malicious spyware or irritating adware in your machine instead! Finally, do not click on any URLs sent you via emails, unless of course you are sure about its authenticity.

Look around for free spyware killer programs on the net. Companies like Microsoft, Google and Yahoo offer free spyware removal programs that can be updated regularly. Various companies are offering spyware removal tools for free or for a nominal charge. It would be a good idea to download a trial version of any of the programs free and then depending on your experience purchase the full version. Getting a full version is essential because the trial versions in most cases lack some key feature and do not offer full functionality.

The Past And Present Of Computers

Computer (computador) is an appliance which can manipulate data in accordance with a list of instructions. It is a type of data processing system.

Today the computer (computador) has become indispensable in every household and comes in numerous physical forms. The first modern day computer was developed in the mid-20th century, though the concept of computer (computador) and various similar machines existed before. It actually started in 1837, when `The Analytical Engine`, the first fully programmable mechanical computer, was designed by Charles Babbage.

The Earlier versions were huge and bulky and used up a whole room. The device EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator) was one of the very first computers that could implement the stored program architecture. In comparison to them, modern computers (computador) have tiny integrated circuits and are much better in terms of capacity and speed as well as accuracy. Today`s tinier version can even fit in your wrist watch and are powered from the watch battery. Personal computers can be found in almost every house today and in various forms. They are in fact the icons of the information age.

What makes computers (computador) highly versatile and distinguishable from other appliances is that it can be programmed. A calculator can only calculate, just like a washing machine can only wash, but a computer can be programmed to do any kind of job. Software programs are a list of instructions that can be stored and executed by the computer.

A general computer (computador) has four major sections, the arithmetic and logical unit or ALU, the control unit or CU, memory and the interface for input and output devices. These parts of computer are interconnected by busses. The ALU, control unit, registers, and the interface for input and output devices are collectively known as the central processing unit or CPU. The Early CPUs used to be composed of different separate components, however since the 1975; the CPUs are being constructed on a single integrated circuit, the microprocessor.

The ALU is for arithmetic and logical operations of the computer while the control unit is for directing the various parts of a computer (computador). Its job involves reading and interpreting the instructions of the programs one by one and converting them into control signals for operating other parts of the computer.

The earlier version of computer (computador) used Magnetic core memory but today it has been replaced by the semiconductor memory. The main memory of Computer is divided in two parts, RAM or random access memory and ROM or read-only memory. RAM can be written and read anytime through CPU commands. On the other hand, ROM is pre-loaded with software and data that never changes, and it can be only read by the CPU.

I/O is hardware by the means of which a computer(computador) can receive information from the outside world and also sends back results. Common input devices are the keyboard and mouse. While common output devices include monitor and printer. There are some devices that serve as both input and output devices like Hard disk drives, optical disc drives, floppy disk drives etc.

Internet has literary changed our lives. Today people can search all types of information on various subjects, advertise their company or products pass information to a large group of people and do much more merely by a few clicks of the mouse. Whether you want to search a new home or compare prices of the latest mobile or fill up your college form or read the latest Harry Potter book, everything can be done on the Internet through your computer.

With increase of computers (computador) and its uses, an increasing number of professions involving computers have also developed. Computer-related professions include Electrical engineering, Nanoscale engineering Telecommunications engineering, Software engineering, Web design, Desktop publishing and Optical engineering.

About VoIP

What is VoIP? Is it useful, or inexpensive? The answer is that VoIP is Voice over Internet Protocol. Voice over the Internet allows connections all over the world. It is one way to have a free pc to phone international call. In other words it is a phone call from pc. Yes, it is useful, and it is inexpensive, especially if you like the word free. Some Voice over Internet service may allow you to only call anyone who has the same service, but some will allow a phone call to anyone with a telephone number including international numbers.

Easy Free PC To Phone International Call
Voice over Internet Protocol allows the converting of your voice into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, using a broadband service, the signal is converted to a regular telephone signal before it reaches the destination. In layman’s terms you are using your Personal Computer via a modem or phone adapter to connect to the Internet, and the receiving person will answer via PC or telephone. This allows the free pc to phone international call. This all happens with this broadband Internet connection instead of a regular or analog phone line.

The equipment needed to make this happen are a broadband high speed Internet connection. A computer, adapter or other specialized phone is required. Some Voice over Internet Protocol services only work over your computer or a special VoIP phone, while there are other services that allow you to use a traditional phone connected to a VoIP adapter. If you are going to use your computer as a phone call from pc then you will need to have some software and an inexpensive microphone. Some special VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and operate largely like a traditional telephone. If you use a telephone with an adapter, then you will use the phone like you always have.

In order to make the VoIP free pc to phone international call you must make certain that your Internet provider will allow you to make those calls. It comes down to what your subscription service will allow on their services. Check into that before you decide if VoIP is right for you. One of the advantages of VoIP is that you may be able to avoid paying for both a broadband connection and a traditional telephone line, which will save you money. More so if you are able to make a phone call from pc. If you are traveling overseas or to another country you may take your phone and adapter with you, and connect to another computer. This makes you able to use your same provider to make phone calls back home.

The disadvantages are that the VoIP will not work during power outages and the service provider may not offer backup power. Not all VoIP service connects directly with emergency services such as 9-1-1. Nor will some providers offer directory assistance or white page listings. These seem to be the downfall of having VoIP service. The computer does not have to be turned on for the VoIP to work, but the broadband connection must be active or live. The other piece of news is that you can use both the computer and the VoIP phone service at the same time. Yes, this is one good way of making your free pc to phone international call.

The option is for you to check with your Internet service provider. Make certain you have all software and possible adapters, as well as the broadband connection. With the right equipment you will be able to make a free pc to phone international call. If you are attending school, working overseas, or checking on the family back home, then VoIP is a wonderful tool to connect with loved ones, and special people. This is a way to have your free pc to phone international call. The tools are available. Your next step is to set up your computer and Internet service provider for a Voice over Internet Protocol.

Stopping Spam – Some Useful Techniques

Spam has existed for about as long as the Internet has. Across the Internet there are

various ways in which spam can be posted. Spam in the form of emails remains the most

dominate type of spam present on the Internet. 90 billion spam emails sent daily worldwide;

a figure that that has more than doubled since 2005 at which point it stood at 30 billion.

As well as spam emails, spam can be seen across the Internet in the form of various aspects

of media such as, websites, guestbook’s, forums and link spamming, Link spamming is when a

normal link is manipulated to take you to a spammer’s site so that the site gains more hits

and therefore increases the sites page rank. As well as this, links can be manipulated and

placed on websites where the links tag looks innocent but when it is actually clicked it

takes you to sites containing, for example adult content.

These along with email spamming happen on a regular basis, as you’re probably already too

much aware of. Even if you have never posted in a chat room or forum but merely signed up to

one, your details are still there, making it possibly for spammers to get hold of them in a

way that is known as harvesting. Spammers use chat rooms and forums and ‘harvest’ email

addresses that are posted on the site or that appear as member’s username. Due to this it is

advised that if you need to give your email address out that you replace characters with

words; for example yourname@domain.com should be written as yourname[at]domain[dot]com; this

stops the spammers being able to harvest your email address.

An Anti-spam campaign that has recently been running to try and stop spammers altogether is

one that involves downloading a screensaver to your PC, which has a statement referring to

stopping spam. This screensaver, when idle on your PC, sends a lot of data traffic to

website that sell the goods and or services that are mentioned in spam emails. The idea

behind this was to get these spam sites running at a 95% capacity and to generate lengthy

bandwidth bills for the spammers that are behind the sites.

This screensaver has apparently been downloaded more than 90,000 times and has already

caused two big spam sites to go offline. Although this shows that the anti-spam campaign is

working there is a chance that by doing this you are setting yourself up for more attacks in

return to downloading the screensaver. Many discussion groups have also said that doing this

could be a dangerous precedent which might cause vigilantism.

Downloading such a thing could also slow down your Internet connection and there is no

guarantee that other sites that have nothing to do with spam won’t be targeted. Due to this

I would recommend that the best possible way to fight spam is through the use of a decent

anti spam software package.

Anti spam software packages will stop spam emails reaching your email account; filtering out

emails that are from your contacts and that are also seen as safe emails from genuine people

that want to contact you or your business.

As well as protecting your email account from spam messages, an anti spam filter system

should also block 100% of viruses that could cause devastating harm to your business,

including the loss of data. Outbound as well as inbound virus filters are another key

feature to an anti spam system, which protects your company reputation by stopping your

company spreading viruses unknowingly.

Anti spam filters/software are essential to the smooth running and operation of businesses,

making them a wise investment before the damage of spam takes effect.

Some Spam Filtering Facts

Do spam filters work? Even though it is estimated that 90 billion spam emails are sent worldwide every day the use of spam filters is still questioned.

The term spam filter can also be known as anti-spam software. This piece of software analysis’s your incoming email and uses a number of rules to decide whether the mail that you are receiving is legitimate email or not. So in answer to whether spam filters work or not the answer is yes. The extent as to how good they work depends on the spam filter that you have chosen. Some spam filters work better than others.

A decent spam filter will block about 99% of spam through filtering ‘buzz’ words that refer to adult content and medical supplies, which are mainly based on weight loss supplements. As well as filtering words based on a blacklist, a spam filter will also block explicit images.

Another feature of most spam filters is to scan for viruses. This is done on both inbound and outbound messages. Any viruses that are found are then blocked straight away. This feature is especially important to business owners whose reputation could be at risk if viruses are spread through to clients through messages that are in their outbox.

When we look at emails we can tell straight away what it spam mail and what is a genuine email, most the time without even having to open the message. To a computer however all the emails that you receive look the same, meaning your computer needs help to filter through what is spam and what is actual emails from people who are on your contact list or from people who are trying to contact you.

Many spammers know that spam filters work by filtering out words that have been blacklisted, that refer to typical goods/services that spammers are ‘promoting.’ Due to this many spammers try and get around spam filters by using incorrect spelling, inappropriate spacing and replacing letters with numbers on words that they know wouldn’t get through a spam filter. It is because of facts such as this that when you are choosing a spam filter that you get the best one you can for your personal/business needs.

A spam filter/anti spam solution means you get full control of the emails that you receive and often you get a feature with your spam filter/anti spam solution that is known as a dashboard. This dashboard gives you complete visibility of exactly what emails are being blocked meaning that you can set it so that none of the emails you wish to receive are accidentally blocked by your spam filter.

If you are using a spam filter within your business then you will notice how through the use of one your business will become more productive, saving you money and time.

Filtering through emails yourself wastes time that could be used up working or taking care of more important tasks, so why not let a spam filter do this for you.

Why to Buy a Green Environment Friendly PC?

As Techsavy become increasingly more environment conscious, PC manufacturers are tending to stay in step with a conscientious approach towards the issue of global warming which encouraged them to come up with a new generation of computers – Green PC.

Aiming at reducing the e-waste in the environment, these eco-machines enjoy a number of advantages that make them superior over conventional PCs. Green PCs or “Eco Friendly Computers” as they are commonly known as, use a fraction of the electricity of a normal PC–energy efficient 45W, contrary to usual 200W.

Green Computers do not contain the hazardous materials like brominated flame retardants, PVCs, and eliminate the dangers of heavy metals as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which are generally used in computer manufacturing. The parts used in eco friendly computers are designed out of recycled steel, aluminum, and plastic. Their screen can also be even made out of wood. This certainly underlines the component of fashion in sustainable living!

One of the biggest factors making computers an environmental menace is its dumping. According to the data showcased by recent surveys, around two million PCs are dumped in UK landfills every year. This causes soil infertility as most chemicals end up in the soil. The situation is worst in Asia, where much of the West’s useless equipment ends up.

As opposed to traditional computer equipment, green computers save energy and are easier to upgrade and recycle, thereby making your investment worth the money. Green PCs are no doubt a significant step taken towards the monumental objective of tackling changes in climate.

Using environment-friendly products in an efficient system, green computing solutions attempt to address the factors making a negative impact on environment.

Green computing solutions focus on increasing economic viability of the product, maximizing its energy efficiency, and biodegradability of a futile product. Many IT companies including the prominent names like Wipro have already gone green whereas a few others are in process to come up with their eco-friendly computers.

The introduction of Green PCs is likely to push environmental versions of all consumer products soon. They are more similar to a small piece of a large jigsaw puzzle.