Prepare for dot-madness

Folks, a huge change is in progress, and the ‘net will never be the same. Though it is  now dated, I think this article describes what’s going on better than most.

Here comes the greatest Internet landgrab in history

“ICANN tomorrow will reveal who is going after what new domain extensions, paving the way for a very different looking Web. Prepare for dot-madness.” Read more..

Unfortunately, one unintended consequence of this is it is going to make it a lot harder for you to spot shady URL’s, and easier for the criminals to hide their activities. But what the hey. A small handful of people are gonna make some quick & easy BIG BUCKS (sound familiar?).

And.. since “average computer users” don’t look at the URL’s they click anyway.. I guess it won’t change things all that much in terms of phishing… (You do know that you do not want to click on http://sputnick1.ru/bank_form1.exe to get to your B of A account, right? The “.ru” tells you the website is in Russia? [And the “.exe” should be a bit of a tip off, too…])

Just in case this huge change is slow in being felt.. I will share a bit of my own personal surfing habits with you: Domains I never visit

.ru
.ch
.pl
.ua
.info

There are more. That’s my short list. If you see those in a URL, you probably should just squelch your curiosity and pass. I’m just saying.

Have a great weekend everybody. And please, exercise good, healthy, “paranoid common sense” when surfing the Internet. It’s a jungle out there. (And it ain’t gettin’ any better any time soon.)

* You see, by avoiding certain websites, and other “risky behaviors” online, you can avoid the vast majority of malware infections. (And thus, avoid having your “identity” stolen and used for fraud, or finding your savings account drained to $0.00….) Take the time to look at the URL.

Let’s say you want to find a recipe. Which of these two do you think is the better (aka ‘safer’) choice to click on?
1) Quick and easy recipes
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes

2) Quick and easy recipes
http://www.goodeatin.info/recipes

Scam alert: Skype Scam – System Notice

“Many Skype users, are getting a rather disturbing call. It indicates that there is a problem with your computer and you should visit a site to repair your service. This is a complete scam.” Watch video..

A little Geek Speak: “Domain”. Um, well, this gets kind of complex. We have known them all these years as “dot com”, “dot net”, “dot org”, etc.. Basically, this is just a way to organize all the machines, by names. For those who actually want some understanding of TLD’s, click here.

Today’s quote: “This is the true joy in life – being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.” ~ George Bernard Shaw

Wow: My thopto-bop-tommeter reads 105° (in the shade). It never gets that hot here…

Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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