Computers Rule Our Lives
Whether we like computers or not they invade our homes, work, and school. Setting
aside the internet for a second, computers decide when we can access easy
information like an address book, homework assignments, and even a calculator.
How many times have you used the excuse “My computer ate my homework” and
really meant it? Well, I have used it more than once.
The first thing that comes to my mind when preparing a presentation for class or
work is to do it on Powerpoint, my favorite computer program. I love this program
because it looks really fancy when I am done and it is not hard to use. For the five
minutes of the presentation I feel like I have accomplished something requiring
computer intelligence even though in everyday life I have a hard time checking
email.
There are many games to get addicted to and many programs that are disguised as
games that make computers seem like a fun pastime. This is all a ploy. People
make these programs so that they hook even the most anti-computer person into
computers and then convince him that he ‘needs’ to keep adding new “toys” to his
computer. I do want to stress that computers are an important part of our
advancing culture, but the obsession and dependency is nothing more than a
marketing scheme.
A lot of media and just general people put a lot of emphasis on the use of
computers. Jobs look for computer literacy as a requirement and some bill paying
services suggest online payment as a good alternative to good old fashioned snail-
mail. It is easier for companies to teach a computer literate person their trade than
it is to teach a person skilled in their trade how to use a computer. This all leads to
the same conclusion: A person is more efficient and more useful if they have
computer skills over any other skill.
I hate computers, but you would never know it because I spend more than seventy-
five percent of my time at home in front of the computer. I have the phone right
next to me, my cd player, and all the books and resources I need so I never have to
get up. I have spent so much time in front of the computer in the past year that
when I am bored I just sit at the computer because I feel that I have to be there.
I used to think that Bill Gates and other technology geniuses were trapped in a quick
money industry that would vanish within a decade or so. Well, I am now convinced
that they are part of a high conspiracy (called advertising) that has convinced us (the
American people) that we “need” computers. Not only do we “need” computers, but
we “need” to keep making them better by spending more money to promote a
technology that causes glazed over eyes, pale complexions, and sore fingers.
The internet is a completely different story. Being a senior graduating in December,
I spend a great deal of time on search engines trying to find a job and setting up
contacts within my industry. There is a lot of great information on the internet that
is great for research for school as well as non-school education. The problem lies
in the fact that anyone can make a web page and solicit their ideas as facts. This
becomes a problem especially when writing papers and being able to have solid
sources to back up a thesis.
On the other hand, if you have a web page that promotes a certain topic or educates
people in a positive way you need to be prepared for comments or even attacks
from the significant number of “bad apples” that use the internet. There is not a lot
of ways to control who goes on your site and who doesn’t without charging, so the
dilemma remains; How can I address my page to a variety of people without
suffering the consequences of denial and abuse? There is no way, just deal with it
and don’t take things too personally.
When I think of buying a computer I want a machine that allows me to type my
papers and research the internet. That’s it! No monkeys jumping through hoops
when I log on. No computer lady saying “Good Morning Jennifer”, no passwords,
NOTHING! Now most of what I think of computers is probably out of pure
ignorance, but I am very comfortable with my ignorant life.
So in the end we cannot escape computers, but we can second guess ourselves
when choosing to buy one, use one, or suggest the use. When you are faced with
the decision to add a new program to your home computer, resist. Let computers
simply be one detail to your life that makes things just a little bit easier. Just
remember: When your computer blows up, it shouldn’t mean that your life has
blown up.
Jennifer Kittell is an experience freelance writer and co-owner of a successful web
design business. Our business specializes in the layout, design, and production of
quality websites. http://www.mustardseeddesign.com
An Inexpensive Solution to Securing Public Access Computers
Offering secure public Internet access is not as easy as it may seem. As the IT manager for a mid-sized public library, it’s become apparent to me that creating a secure network of library workstations for use by the public is more important than ever before. System administrators have the responsibility of protecting the library’s networks and systems, while ensuring quality and speedy service to all patrons. Offering public Internet access requires a dynamic security plan that is constantly under revision, taking into account the technical changes of the times. Traditionally, the software options available for help in this regard come at a significant price, often forcing libraries to spend thousands of dollars securing their computer rooms.
Sold per module or license, many of these software solutions offer a variety of features, but often fall short of actually securing the workstation. Plagued with stability issues, it’s not uncommon for many of these security solutions to crash and leave an administrative-level desktop open for public use. After test-driving a seemingly endless amount of pro-active protection software packages, the PC’s I administrate were still accumulating spy ware, browser hijacks, and tracking cookies on a daily basis. That is, until I came across the completely free software solution that actually does what others claim to — tightly secure any and every Windows 2000/XP Pro workstation.
The Public Access Computer Security Tool is a complete software security system designed by, and offered freely through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Designed for any public access computer that runs Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, it helps keep workstations secure by restricting public access to the machine, and creating customizable profile environments to meet patron needs, without compromising the ever-important administrative access to the terminal.
So how does the Public Access Computer Security Tool work? By utilizing three separate layers of pro-active security restrictions (system restrictions, profiles, and profile restrictions), patron access is limited to a desktop completely configurable by the Administrator, and locked down at the policy level. This results in a computer environment that performs flawlessly, despite the “heavy use” factor that’s become synonymous with the public access computing world.
After installing and configuring the Public Access Computer Security Tool on our library’s ten public access Internet machines, the days of spy ware, instant messengers, and search bars are now behind us. I’m confident our public access terminals are now properly secure. Stability is not an issue any more; the operating system itself is reconfigured to disable access to sensitive parts of the machine. There’s absolutely no way for patrons to intentionally or accidentally disrupt the functioning of the computer, as they are limited to the software we’ve given them access to.
Best of all, libraries on the tightest of budgets can use the Public Access Computer Security Tool for every public access terminal in the building, and not owe a single dollar. The software is completely free and requires no license/registrations. As an IT administrator, if you’re shopping around for public access solutions, I suggest you check out the Public Access Computer Security Tool. Further information and links to downloading the tool at available at: http://www.pacomputing.org/PACTool/pactoolhome.aspx.
Jim Frank is the Head of Computer Services for the Berwyn Public Library. He can be reached by emailing jiminberwyn@gmail.com. A support forum for the Public Access Security Tool can be found by visiting http://www.securepc.org. (NOTE TO EDITORS: This article may be edited for publication in your newsletter or on your website, but must include the author’s name, and the title of the article.)
Tags: comput, internet, internet access, library, public access, public library, securing windows, WindowsMicrosoft is Accused of Monitoring Computers with “Spyware”
Microsoft, the software giant that a lot of people love to hate, is now accused with placing “spyware” on machines using Windows XP operating system in order to make sure that there are no pirated copies out there.
Microsoft is doing this through the “Windows Genuine Advantage” (WGA) package that the users download as a part of the critical security updates that MS issues regularly. The users are asked to give their consent to a rather complicated “contract” that most users (of course) do not read in full or even when they do, they do not understand all the fine print legalese involved.
The critics claim that the WGA software, no matter what it is called by MS, is technically nothing more than a “spyware” since every time a user boots his/her machine it sends very detailed information about not only the operating system itself but even (allegedly) about the serial number of the user’s hard disk.
“Why should Microsoft verify my hard disk number every time I start my machine? Did they buy my hard disk? What if I want to change my hard disk? Should I get Microsoft’s permission in order not to jeopardize my XP’s legal status?” is a complaint heard on some of the blogs criticizing the Microsoft for the intrusive software.
There are a lot of MS users out there who do not like the fact that MS treats them “guilty until proven innocent” when it comes to Windows XP ownership.
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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation.
He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.
In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).
You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.
You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials.
While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited:http://www.lulu.com/content/263630
Tags: computers, editor, high tech, microsoft, operating system, ugur akinci, writer