Opera Browser Now Offers Free VPN Service

I tip my geek hat to the folks over at Opera.

* Opera Browser Now Offers Free and Unlimited Built-in VPN Service

“Opera becomes the first web browser to offer a built-in Free, unlimited and 256-bit encrypted VPN service for everyone.

Opera’s Free VPN protects unencrypted browser session from leaking on public WiFi networks and will also let unblock firewalls to improve privacy and security.” Read more..

* Get the Opera browser here.

Today’s Pretty Picture:

Not a bad cellphone pic, eh? Click on image to see more by this artist

“Spring 2011” by SurFeRGiRL30, courtesy of Flickr Commons

* * *

Today’s quote: “There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.” ~ Aldous Huxley

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Safe Browser Rebuttal + More

The other day I mentioned a study which concluded that Internet Explorer by far and away blocked more malware than the competition (see Which Browser Blocks The Most Malware? Surprise!). Today I noticed a fresh article which takes quite a different view..

• Internet Explorer is the safest Web browser!? Ha!

“Microsoft is trying again to con people into thinking that Internet Explorer is the safest browser around. It’s not. At best, it’s tied with Chrome.” Read more..

Some other items of interest..

• Google engineer calls Google+ a “pathetic afterthought” and “knee-jerk reaction”

“A Google software engineer who accidentally broadcast a 4,578-word rant about the company’s failings saved his toughest criticism for the Google+ service. A list of features can’t make up for a…” Read more..

• New UK ISP porn filter: a tragedy of transparency, privacy and security

“UK government will hold ISP’s responsible for filtering internet content to appease a Christian charity. There is no technical or peer scrutiny in filter implementation.” Read more..

[What? Government does something stupid? No!]

Oh. Yes. There’s a new iPhone. (Yippee.)

• iOS 5 breaks down upon arrival for some mobile users

“iOS 5 is here…at least for some iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners.” Read more..

(Oops..)

• RIM ramps apology parade for outage: Lazaridis up to bat

“The timing of RIM’s outages couldn’t be worse with the launch of Apple’s iPhone 4S and a new BlackBerry 7 cycle.” Read more..

(Oops)

• Again? Sony’s PlayStation Network hit with another attack

“Sony’s PlayStation Network, the gaming and entertainment platform knocked offline for weeks this spring, has been hit again. … Read more..”

(Oops)

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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Which Browser Blocks The Most Malware? Surprise!

In Q2 of 2011, NSS Labs performed a test of web browser protection against socially-engineered malware targeting users around the globe.

“Socially-engineered malware is a widespread problem, claiming one third of internet users as victims. The use of free browser-based reputation systems to assist in the fight against socially-engineered malware is a strong use of cloud technologies. However, in this global test of socially-engineered malware, we found that not all vendor implementations and daily operations yield the same results.“

So who did the best at blocking online threats? The result of one lab’s tests may surprise you.

Windows Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) caught an exceptional 99.2% of live threats. Read more..

(A full report of their tests is available as a PDF download. Anyone interested in the true state of Internet insecurity should take a quick read.. pick up a few interesting [and scary] factoids.)

Today’s quote: “A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn’t see the clouds at all – he’s walking on them.” ~ Leonard Louis Levinson

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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How To Set Your Browser To Surf More Safely – Picture Tutorial*

How to Configure Internet Explorer to Stay (More) Secure Online: Step-by-Step

The Internet is an amazing place. It is the world’s largest man-made object. It has changed and enhanced our lives in countless ways. Like most things, it has it’s “good side” and it’s “bad side”. I think you need to know: cyber-criminals are ruining the Internet, and stealing billions of dollars a year in the process (that we know about.. think “tip of the iceberg”).

Instead of simply telling you “be safer”, I have a link to a step-by-step slideshow tutorial: How to configure Internet Explorer for secure surfing.

The pictures make it very easy to follow, and performing the steps can prevent many online attacks against your computer.

“With assistance from the United States Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT), this slideshow will walk you through the steps to configure Microsoft’s Internet Explorer to limit the damage from hacker attacks.”

click for slideshow

“In this digital age, we are all connected, and each of us plays an important role in securing cyberspace.” So do your part. Make sure your web browser is “hardened” against online attacks. Click and learn!

Today’s free download: For further browser security, I recommend installing Spyware Blaster as well as the steps above. It works well with your existing protections.

SpywareBlaster doesn’t scan for and clean spyware–it prevents it from being installed in the first place. SpywareBlaster prevents the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other potentially unwanted programs. It can also block spyware/tracking cookies in IE, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, and many other browsers, and restrict the actions of spyware/ad/tracking sites. With the built-in Check for Updates feature, you can help ensure your protection is up-to-date. SpywareBlaster also includes a System Snapshot feature, which lets you take a snapshot of your computer in its clean state and later revert, undoing many changes made by spyware and browser hijackers.

Related: Earlier I posted a slideshow tutorial for the web browser Firefox (see, Safer Internet Surfing Cont. – Tutorial: Tweak Firefox for Greater Security)

Folks, to find out more about cyber-security, and connect to more educational resources, click here.

* Orig post: 10/18/10

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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How To Set Internet Explorer As Your Main Browser

Quick Tutorial: How To Set IE As The Default

If you have been using an “alternative” web browser (such as Firefox or Chrome), but now that IE 9 is out, you want to switch back.. and you want Internet Explorer to be the one that opens automatically when you click on hyperlinks, etc., you need to set it as what is called the “default” browser. Here are the steps to do so in Vista and Windows 7.

To make Internet Explorer your default web browser:

1) Click the Start button, then click Control Panel, then click Network and Internet, and then click Internet Options.

2) Click the Programs tab, and then click the Make default button.

3) OK, and then close Internet Explorer.

Okay. That’s it. You’re done.

You can still use your other (installed) web browsers – simply open them – but Internet Explorer will be the one that your machine goes to first. And, you can always change your mind and make some other browser your “default” at some future date.

Friday Fun:

Today’s quote: Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.  ~ Anthony J. D’Angelo

Today’s free download: MailWasher allows you to preview multiple accounts and all aspects of your e-mails before you download them. It also allows you to delete and bounce e-mails back to the originator. The sender will receive an e-mail saying the address was unknown. Another feature helps identify and mark e-mail as normal, virus, possibly virus, possibly spam, probably spam, chain letter, and blacklisted, so you can deal with the e-mail as you wish. Other features are comprehensive customizable filters, use of MAPS RBL to identify spammers, multiple accounts, visual and auditory notification of new e-mail, minimization to system tray, and much more. It works with Outlook, Outlook Express, Incredimail, Thunderbird, Windows Mail, GMail, Hotmail and every other email program..

Limitations: Will only monitor one email account. A Pro Version is available without restrictions.

Today’s reading reco: Google’s Blogger outage makes the case against a cloud-only strategy

“The same week that Google made its strongest pitch ever for putting your entire business online, one of its flagship services has failed spectacularly. There’s a lesson here.”

(I find that hilarious..)

Just because:

Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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Winners named, Browsers & Add-ons, Friday Fun

I am posting a bit of a hodge-podge mixed bag for your Friday, which I hope you’ll enjoy. There’s pictures, so you may have to scroll..

First, I am frequently asked my opinion about web browsers: mainly, “which is best – Firefox or Chrome?” Yes, sometimes I am asked about IE or Opera too. Well.. what do you mean by “best”? And is your definition of “best” the same as mine? Fortunately, I don’t have to think too hard when I am asked, as web browsers all basically do the same thing –> show you websites.

I use Firefox as my “alternative” browser. And I have chosen it simply because of the many Add-ons available. If these “Add ons” were not available, I would not use Firefox. It’s that simple.

So, what Firefox Add-ons do I use? I’ll show you:

With the exception of the Vimeo video capture-to-blog plug in, I would recommend this configuration. Why? Well, what do these things do? Look at them, and you’ll see that they are defenses, and yes folks, your machine needs defenses on the Internet. (OK. The Java is not a defense. It’s a vulnerability.. see, Java, the new Adobe (+How To Protect Yourself).)

Adding Add-ons to Firefox is easy: click on the Tools menu, and then Add-ons. A window like the one pictured will open. In the upper left is the Get Add-ons button. Click it.
(If that seems like too many to you, I would say at a minimum you want NoScript, WOT, and Flashblock.)

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Do you have a favorite TV show? Do you ever record movies?

I thought so. So I have a reading reco for you, a tutorial: How To Burn A Recorded TV Show in Windows Media Center

“Many people out there that have Windows Vista and Windows 7 based computers have never tapped into the Windows Media Center component that is right under their noses.”

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The folks at TuneUp Utilities generously donated 3 licenses, to me, of their ‘hot off the press’ newest release of TuneUp Utilities (aka “TU 2011″). I sincerely thank them for that. I generously offered them as prizes to you, Dear Reader, in Wednesday’s giveaway. Here are the winners.

Congratulations to:

Again, my thanks to the folks at TuneUp Utilities for making the giveaway possible!
(Winners, check your Inbox [and maybe your Junk folder] for the Subject TU2011 Winner)

*     *     *

Loyal readers know that I sometimes post Nigerian 419 (and other) scam emails — as a warning.. and because they often amuse me.

Yesterday, I saw an email with the Subject DID YOU AUTHORIZE DR GEORGE JEFFLEY TO PICK UP YOUR ATM CARD FOR YOU?
A slightly different tack from the usual.. but the rest looks vaguely familiar.

DID YOU AUTHORIZE DR GEORGE JEFFLEY TO PICK UP YOUR ATM CARD FOR YOU?
Friday, November 12, 2010 6:19 AM
From: “ATM CARD PAYMENT OFFICE” < info_cbn41@yahoo.in > <— Ha! India..
To: undisclosed-recipients

OFFICE OF NEW APPIONTED EXECUTIVE
GOVERNOR CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN)
ZARIA STREET, GARKI 11, ABUJA NIGERIA
P.M.B 0187, GARKI, ABUJA .

ATM Card Beneficiary,

I wish to use this medium to inform you that your CONTRACT/INHERITANCE Part Payment of USD$2.3M (Two Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars) from CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA have been RELEASED and APPROVED for onward transfer to you via an ATM CARD which you will use to withdraw all the USD$2.3M in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world, but the maximum you can withdraw in a day is USD$40,000.00 Only.

We have mandated Skye Bank Nigeria Plc, to send you the ATM CARD and PIN NUMBER which you will use to withdraw all your USD$2.3 Million Dollars in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world, but the maximum you can withdraw in a day is USD$40,000.00 Only.

However, we received an email now from one Dr George Jeffley, who told us that you send him to come and pick up your ATM CARD for you.

He has also submitted his account for us to transfer your funds to him. Dr George Jeffley account co-ordinate is as stated below:
Bank: Bank of America
1121 N 205th St, Shoreline, Wa 98133
Bank routing number: 167000024
Bank account number: 3619672201
Account Holders name Dr George Jeffley

We want to know if you are the one that send him,but if you are not the person that send him You are therefore advice to contact the Head of ATM CARD Department Contact Person:
DR.ANTHONY AKA
E-mail:dranthonyaka47@gmail.com

Tell DR.ANTHONY AKA that you received a message from office of the director of ATM CARD International Credt Card Settlement department Skye Bank Nigeria Plc,instructing him to send you the ATM CARD and PIN NUMBER which you will use to withdraw your USD$2.3Million Dollars in any ATM SERVICE MACHINE in any part of the world, also send him your,

1. FULL NAME
2. FULL ADDRESS
3. PHONE AND FAX #(P.O BOX NOT ACCEPTABLE)
4. YOUR AGE, SEX AND CURRENT OCCUPATION.
Please do keep this only to your self for now until the bank transfer your fund into your bank account.

Yours faithfully.
Lamido Sanusi.
Executive Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
(Reply to: dranthonyaka47@gmail.com

Yes, Mr. or Ms. info_cbn41, somewhere in India, I’ll get right on this. Check your Inbox.

The weekend is almost here…

and how about some action? You did say you like movies? Like stunts? Jackie’s the man.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Cinemassacre’s Top 10 Jackie Chan Stunts, posted with vodpod

Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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Learn How To Get More Out Of Your Browser*

I am doing a big on-site job today, and so I must re-post a prior article. This article describes how to get more out of Internet Explorer with the use of bookmarks (“Favorites” ) and tabs. Though Internet Explorer 7 debuted some time ago, the basic lessons are the same for the current version, IE 8; and the principles apply to other Web browsers, such as Firefox, as well.

Once again, I am reminded that the simple things often make the best topics. I showed my screen to a client during a support session, and they asked me “how do you do that?”

I didn’t know what they meant, and was startled to learn that what they wanted to know was – how did I have Internet Explorer “pre-set” to several of my mailboxes, and Google’s search page? To be more specific — they didn’t know about tabbed browsing, and weren’t real sure what Favorites were either.

Tip of the day: Stop repeating yourself, get the hang of IE 7’s features. Relatively new to IE (but not to Firefox, Opera, Netscape, and others) is a feature called “tabbed browsing” which allows you to open multiple websites within a single window, and quickly switch back-and-forth between them. In this screenshot you can see how my IE usually appears.

As you can see, I typically have five “tabs” open: my Google home page, an online dictionary, Tech–for Everyone, Hotmail (now “Windows Live Hotmail”), and my ISP’s home page. When I shut down at night, I click IE’s red “X” — the big red one in the upper-right corner –and am presented with the window (You may see “You are about to close multiple tabs. Do you..?” Click on the “Show Options” link.) shown below.

and I select (check) “Open these tabs the next time I use Internet Explorer”. This option allows me to skip having to open five tabs and navigating to each of my regular websites each morning.

To open a new tab, and this works in every browser I’m familiar with, press Ctrl+T. Depending on your Settings selection (under “Tabs” in Internet Options) this new tab will open to your current Home Page, or to a “blank page”, as shown below.

Now I can type “http://www.mychoiceofsite.com” (no quotes) into the browser bar, and there I am. Or I can click on the gold star for my list of Favorites, and launch (open) a site from there.

“Favorites” is Microsoft’s word for “bookmarks”, and in the world of PC’s the two words are interchangeable. If I stumble across a particularly interesting and/or useful Website that I know I will be returning to frequently, I can “bookmark it” by clicking on the green + on-top-of-the-gold-star icon and select “Add to Favorites” (or hit Ctrl+D). My mailboxes, my favorite tech websites, Google, and an online dictionary are in my Favorites list, so I can launch (open) them with a click — which saves on my typing.

To close a tab, simply click on its “x”; which is not red but grey. The tab must be “active” (selected) to be closed.

Now set your Tabs options to keep all your browsing in one instance of IE (instead of opening another IE, a new tab will open). In the upper right corner, click on the “Tools” menu and select “Internet Options”. Look down to the Tabs area and click on the Settings button.

Now select the radio buttons to change “in a new window” to “in a new tab”, as shown below.

Related articles:
Restore Missing Favorites In IE*

Internet Explorer Runtime Error!!*

Quick Tip: Turn on ClearType in Internet Explorer

Can’t Download? Reset IE

How To Clear Your Cache

View Multiple Mail Identities in One Browser

Extracting text from Web pages*

Precautions for your Internet privacy*

Quick Tip: Customize new tabs behavior

IE’s Menu bar, Taskbar icons, and bad Updates*

Internet/E-mail Troubleshooting – JavaScript

What is a “homepage”?

How to use tabs in IE 7

Saving webpages as files

Today’s free download: (You knew this was coming … right?) An application that has gained quite a name for itself is the “alternative” browser called Firefox. If you haven’t tried this powerful, free program, nor learned about its nifty “Add ons”, I suggest you give it a test drive now. Click here to download Firefox and then click the Tools menu and then Add ons. I suggest you start with NoScript and AdBlock Plus, and then explore the vast assortment.

*Orig post: 2/4/2010

Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.

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