melsjumpsite.com » computer

Really, really Creepy, “Aaron’s Rent to Own” Computer Policies

melt — Fri, 06 May 2011 00:00:23 +0000

“PITTSBURGH — A major furniture rental chain provides its customers with computers that allow the company to track keystrokes, take screenshots and even snap webcam pictures of renters using the devices at home, a Wyoming couple said in a lawsuit Tuesday……the PC Rental Agent product includes components soldered into the computer’s motherboard or otherwise physically attached to the PC’s electronics. It therefore cannot be uninstalled and can only be deactivated using a wand, the suit said.”

Kinda makes you wonder about the sickos that dreamed up this mother of all invasions of privacy. If I was unfortunate enough to have one of these instruments of the devil in my place, I don’t know whether I’d just toss it out back in the garbage or take a sledge hammer to the thing. Actually I think I’d make sure the power was off to the thing and call the police or a good lawyer. In any case it would be …gone. And here’s hoping that the Pittsburg lawyers take them to the proverbial cleaners.

Here’s the jump: Couple Says Aaron’s Can Spy On Computer Users

Browser Wars circa 2011

melt — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:18:05 +0000

I hear that the new Firefox 4 will be available on the net sometimes today, 3/22/11. I’ll post the link when I see it come up. They claim it is much faster than your old version3. But to me, the big news is the support for the ratified but still unimplemented HTML5 and support for new web video format WebM, to replace the often disliked Flash format.

On the other side of the isle, I hear rumor that Internet Explorer 9 will be in an upcoming automatic Windows Update.
Update: You can also download it from this jump: Download IE 9

Jump to Firefox4 now up for download: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/new/

Internet Freedom and Legal Gibberish

melt — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:00:10 +0000

There’s been much hoopla lately about new Net Neutrality Rules proposed by the new FCC. All in all, it is at least a step in the positive direction. But like all laws or rules, there seems to be some lobbyist stink on this one as brought to light by some pretty bright guys at Yale, Harvard, Columbia, etc.

The end of US Internet freedom looms

Ready or Not here comes Internet Explorer 8

melt — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:02:20 +0000

Microsoft have quickly polished up their new browser software and have begun pushing it out as a critical update to most versions of Windows. So its coming to a computer near you real soon. What with all the new threats out there and some recent “high-profile” security snafus (foxnews.com), they haven’t even waited til the shiny wears off old number 7.

Yep the guys at Redmond have been busy as little beavers in the past month, as this comes right on the heels of a quite large (260mb) Windows core update in the past couple of weeks.

Let’s keep those machines updated folks!

Security Threat: Adobe Reader

melt — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:48:05 +0000

Almost everyone with a computer has the Adobe Reader installed. It’s impossible to read many web documents without the thing. As such, I suppose it was inevitable that it would become the target of hackers. There is an exploit on the net that attacks the reader and attempts to install mal-ware onto your computer.

Here’s the jump to the full scope and a short and effective fix: New in-the-wild attack targets fully-patched Adobe Reader

Once mighty Nortel succumbs to times.

melt — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 04:15:21 +0000

Back when I first entered the world of computers and networks these people were practically at the top. A share of their stock would have set you back $850, today you can buy that share for 15 cents. Once the largest maker of telephone equipment in North America, the company has filed for protection from it creditors.

Probably a combination of the bad times and the further decline of the traditional telephone. Traditional telephone vendors have been subjected to the double-wammy of Internet phones and, of course, the cell phone. I haven’t had a “traditional telephone” for over 2 years now and I ain’t going back now.

Here’s the jump: Nortel files for bankruptcy, shares plunge

New Hope for Rural Broadband

melt — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:48:18 +0000

“Broadband service is becoming a necessity in rural areas.

In less than two decades since its commercialization, the internet has become an essential tool for businesses, schools, and families. Unfortunately those in rural areas seem to have been left in the dust as opposed to their urban counterparts. Hopefully in a few months that will become a thing of the past.”

Jump to Agriculture Online post: Fate of high-speed rural America unknown

Security breech in IE being exploited

melt — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 11:47:23 +0000

Microsoft have issued a security advisory for its popular web browser, Internet Explorer. Affecting all versions of the browser, the hole allows exploit sites to drop payloads of dangerous programs to your system.

Read the story and follow the recommendations.

Here’s the jump: Microsoft: Hole exploit endangers all IE versions