A Daily Read*
It’s a fact: over time, things grow, and expand. The Internet itself is constantly growing, and every day thousands of new websites, blogs, and ‘online services’ appear.
I find it hard to keep up! (As, other things that are constantly growing are my business and my To Do List..) I simply do not have the time to explore them all.. and I bet you don’t either. (As a matter of fact, they say over 1,000 new ‘tech blogs’ are created each month. That’s the kind of market I am in!)
Fortunately, I know a guy.
That “guy” is Rick Robinette, and for over two years now his What’s On My PC… website has been a daily read of mine — one of the half dozen (or less) remaining “daily reads”. I cannot say enough nice things about him; but the reason I am mentioning him to you, Dear Reader, is — he is reporting on the new ‘cloud computing’ developments as they happen, and bringing us the best of this new stuff. As you can see from his list of ‘pages’, below. (With a strong emphasis on free.. which I like!)
His writing is friendly, relaxed, fun, and yes, educational. He enjoys exploring fun and useful small utilities like desktop clocks and weather reports and sticky notes. As evidence, here’s a few recent What’s On My PC… articles:
Freahly printed: Three Technological Innovations That Will Blow Your Mind
“Technology never ceases to amaze me. Check out these three technological innovations that will blow your mind — a spherical flying machine; brain imaging technology that is leading us down the road to mind reading; and, ASIMO, the humanoid robot. Spherical flying machine developed by Defense Ministry’s Research Department The world’s first spherical flying machine […]” Read more..
Other samplings..
- How did I miss out on the Google Chrome Web Store?
- An Awesome Web-Based Sticky Notes Service
- Calculate More with the Windows 7 Calculator
- FREE On-Demand Music, Internet Radio and MORE!
- Humor: My Blackberry Is Not Working
- NEW: Play Up to 1GB Video Files in Google Docs
- FREE Software to Organize and Cheer Up Your Desktop
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP, Vista and 7
- Get Live Audio Feeds of Police, Fire and EMS On Your Computer
If you are at all interested in free software, useful tips, and/or want to get a feel for this “cloud computing”.. well, now you ‘know a guy’ too. Visit http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com and find out why I cannot say enough good things about this great online resource.
I am pretty sure that if you do, Rick will become one of your “must reads” too!
* Orig post: 1/18/11
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
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How To Block Websites
Preventing access to websites is called “blacklisting”. (Parents, take note.)
In yesterday’s article, I mentioned that I was going to boycott any website that started showing me image advertising – just won’t go there no more – and I used the Geekspeak word ‘blacklist’. Which prompted a few letters asking how that was done. Today I will show you how it’s done.. and I’ll try to keep the Geekspeak to the very minimum.
If you should decide that you want to block access (called “access control”) to websites you do not approve of, or think may be dangerous to you and/or your family, (and yes, there’s plenty of those) there are several strategies and methods — which you choose will probably be decided by how many websites you wish to block and for how many machines.
Simplest first: The web browser.
Say I just wanted to make sure my own, one machine, here, (or perhaps my child’s) never went to MSNBC, regardless of what I accidentally clicked or Googled (or perhaps I discovered a website that tried to do a “driveby” virus download) – I could add that site to my browser’s Do Not Go There list.
In Internet Explorer:
- Click Tools, and then Internet Options
- Next click on the Security tab
- Now click on the red-circle icon for Restricted sites
- Click the Sites button
[Notice that the URL for the web page you are currently on is – by default – filling the “Add this site” pane… Which is fine if you happened to be on the site you want to block; but you may (probably) want to manually type in URL for the website. You can add more than one – just separate the URL’s by comma+a space.]
- Click the Add button. You will now see the URL(s) listed in the blocked Websites list pane. (You can add as many sites as you want.)
If you make a mistake, click on the list entry, and then the Remove button. - Click Close to close that window, then OK to close Internet Options. You’re done.
Other Web browsers can work much the same way (though may use slightly different wording) though my preferred “alternative browser”, Firefox, needs an Add on for this (called Blocksite).
A better way: In the “home computing” environment, it was assumed that it would mostly be parents – wanting to prevent their children from visiting “mature” websites – who would desire to block (blacklist) Internet access. Because of this, most ‘Internet access control’ tools can be found under Parental Controls though, obviously, you do not need to be a parent to take advantage of it.
A good place to get started learning about enabling Parental Controls (to block websites) in Windows is here, Set up Parental Controls (and a brief video can be seen here); and on an Apple Mac, here.
Better yet: The best place to block Internet access is at the front door.. which in computer land is the device known as the “router” (or “wireless router”, or “WAP”), if you have one. Here you can block access by machine, time of day, and more.
This screenshot shows me blocking the website MySpace on a Linksys router, as well as by some “adult” keywords. It is taken from my step-by-step How To article here, Protecting your network–use your router for access control.
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
A Daily Dose of Tech
It’s a fact: over time, things grow, and expand. The Internet itself is constantly growing, and every day thousands of new websites, blogs, and ‘online services’ appear.
I find it hard to keep up! (As, other things that are constantly growing are my business and my To Do List..) I simply do not have the time to explore them all.. and I bet you don’t either. (As a matter of fact, they say over 1,000 new ‘tech blogs’ are created each month. That’s the kind of market I am in!)
Fortunately, I know a guy.
That “guy” is Rick Robinette, and for over two years now his What’s On My PC… website has been a daily read of mine — one of the half dozen (or less) remaining “daily reads”. I cannot say enough nice things about him; but the reason I am mentioning him to you, Dear Reader, is — he is reporting on the new ‘cloud computing’ developments as they happen, and bringing us the best of this new stuff. As you can see from his list of ‘pages’, below. (With a strong emphasis on free.. which I like!)
His writing is friendly, relaxed, fun, and yes, educational. He enjoys exploring fun and useful small utilities like desktop clocks and weather reports and sticky notes. For proof, here’s a few recent What’s On My PC… articles:
- How did I miss out on the Google Chrome Web Store?
- An Awesome Web-Based Sticky Notes Service
- Calculate More with the Windows 7 Calculator
- FREE On-Demand Music, Internet Radio and MORE!
- Humor: My Blackberry Is Not Working
- NEW: Play Up to 1GB Video Files in Google Docs
- FREE Software to Organize and Cheer Up Your Desktop
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows XP, Vista and 7
- Get Live Audio Feeds of Police, Fire and EMS On Your Computer
If you are at all interested in free software, useful tips, and/or want to get a feel for this “cloud computing”.. well, now you ‘know a guy’ too. Visit http://whatsonmypc.wordpress.com and find out why I cannot say enough good things about this great online resource.
I am pretty sure that if you do, Rick will become one of your “must reads” too!
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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A Top Site for Finding Work
Best of the Web/Top Site for Finding Work – Job-Hunt.org is a “Top” or “Best” site for job hunting and careers according to US News & World Report, Forbes, and PC Magazine.
“Job-Hunt is dedicated to the millions of people who have had their personal lives disrupted by the loss of a job.“
The Internet Has Changed How We Live Our Lives. How We Communicate. How We Date, Work, Play…
and how we look for work. More and more we go online. And where the people go, that’s where you’ll find the criminals and predators. Please be aware that Identity Thieves have – for some time now – been posting fake job openings, fake employment websites, and various other employment scams online.
Some time ago now, I wrote about “cyber-safe” resumes, and I received a nice letter from Susan P. Joyce at Job-Hunt.org. She reminded us that,
“The recession has multiplied the scams, and people need to be very careful using any job board or even “employer” Website – not just when using Craigslist (which is often a good source of jobs).”
Please see the excellent, Job Search Scam Avoidance Guide
Job search scams look very appealing, and even smart people “fall” for them. The result can be loss of the money you do have, trouble with the IRS or other law enforcement agency, and identity theft when your SSN is provided to the fake “employer.”
And if you are (or you know someone who is) in the process of seeking a new job/career, please click here, read, and learn how to “Put the “Safe” in your Cyber-SAFE Resume by modifying the content of your resume! Take control and create your own privacy protection this way, without depending on the Web job site to do it for you. Do this to protect your existing job, if you have one, and your privacy.“
Related reading: Cyber-safe Resume Gets Noticed
Copyright 2007-2010 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved. 
post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
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Thank You, Tech – for Everyone Readers | One Million!
The old odometer has just clicked over the 1,000,000th visitor to my humble tech Tips, Tricks, and Advice site, Tech – for Everyone.
Since I first published article #1, The first Tech Paul Post: secure your web connection, in June of 2007, I have learned a good deal, made some very important friendships, and – hopefully – helped a few folks learn a few things, solve a few problems, and better enjoy technology along the way.
To you – Dear Reader – I say…
A few other T4E stats:
# of articles posted: 1,056 (roughly 93.56% original, 6.44% re-postings.) Use my “Search widget” to browse prior tips & answers by keywords, or browse my writings by month.
# of Reader Comments: 3,892 (almost exactly half of those are my replies.. so lets say, 2,000 readers have asked questions/commented. I welcome your comments on my articles and questions about computers and “tech”. Dialogue is what keeps the Web relevant and dynamic.)
Most popular article: Manage Startup programs in Vista (115,584 page views)
Most downloaded program (referral): Security Task Manager (928)
# of cups of coffee consumed by Tech Paul while writing all these articles: 16 (… but, they were Olympic swimming pool-sized cups. Ha!)
I never intended to write so many posts, nor write for so long.. my intention was simply to publish a few How-To’s so I could say “read this”, instead of repeating myself (when people find out you’re a tech.. they ask you questions!). But let’s see if we can’t make it through another three years together – shall we?
If you are looking for who won my latest contest drawing, click here.
Copyright 2007-2010 © Tech Paul. All Rights Reserved. post to jaanix.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
What’s On My PC?
Great Site Celebrates First Birthday
Folks, we all have certain websites we visit regularly — our “Favorites” — which we’ve “bookmarked”. Today, one of my favorite blogs reached a milestone; today is its birthday.
Happy Birthday!
I read this site everyday, and I have had the privilege of getting to know the author. Rick Robinette is a “regular guy” who happens to have years of real life IT experience. His site is about his sharing with us his joy and marvel at exploring the vast Internet, and new and exciting technology. Below is a list of his most recent articles…
Your one stop place for daily net news…
Geek Squeaks’ of the Week (#20)
Commercial Grade Backup and Recovery Software for FREE
Panda Cloud Antivirus in Beta2
Speed Dial your way in Firefox
Geek Squeaks’ of the Week (#19)
A FREE Personal Information Manager for your Flash Drive
Make your mouse smarter with these productivity tools…
Atypical Ways of How Your Data Can Be Stolen
New Tech Sites Added to Launch Pad
A FREE Multifunctional Media Converter
Or, simply click here, and give this site a perusal. Look around some. I think you will be glad you did.
Copyright 2007-9 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix
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Tips For Safe Online Shopping*
I think it is a pretty safe bet that quite a few of you are doing some last minute holiday shopping.. and that some of you are going to use the Internet to do some of that shopping.
I would like to remind you that there is a healthy, active, and well-financed underworld of cyber-criminals who are well-aware of the fact that the next few days are prime credit card and “identity” theft opportunities, and are going to be particularly active in trying to GET YOU.
You will see an increase in spam, and bogus pop-opens that tell you you are infected when you’re not. (Note: The phraudulent Skype alert is active again, too. see Skype — “Windows Requires Immediate Attention”.. Not! )
I am posting the following Basic Internet Shopping Tips in the hopes that Tech–for Everyone readers will not join the 9 million Americans who had their identities stolen last year.
- Download Software Updates — Regularly!
- Use Complex Passwords (include numerals and @#$%^&*[])
- Use Onetime Credit Cards
- Verify Secure Connections See that little padlock symbol at the bottom of your screen, and in the URL address bar?
- Check Your Credit
- Enter Your Shopping Site’s Web Address Manually (embedded links=no!)
- Shop From Your Own computer (not a public ‘hotspot’)
- Enable your browser’s phishing filter, or install a add-on. (such as the super-easy WOT toolbar)
- Don’t Send Credit Card Information Over E-mail. Even if you think it’s secure. Don’t send it over IM either. If you feel uncomfortable about sending personal information online, call up the business.
I would like to direct your attention to the first bulletpoint. The programs on your computer need to be fully “patched” with the latest updates, as exploiting weaknesses is the primary method hackers use to infect your machines. (You visit a website that they’ve ‘poisoned’, and if you have an unpatched ‘hole’, bingo – you’re infected.)
How do you know if you have the latest updates? For all your installed programs? Do you think you are patched? Don’t guess. Be sure!
Today’s free link+download: Secunia offers a tool that I highly recommend. The online scanner (which you should bookmark, btw) will scan your machine for roughly 100 programs and tell you if there is a patch/update you need. If you go this route, you will need to visit once or twice a week.)
Better yet, they offer a download, a Personal Edition, which will scan your system against a database of over 7,000 programs.
Even better yet, it includes direct download links to the missing patches it finds.
I just ran it and it found an old ActiveX plug in, and told me that my Java Runtime Environment was out of date.. and I didn’t think I had installed JRE on this machine!
Further reading:
Computer Security – Time to Think About It
A Teen Texting Trend All Parents Should Be Aware Of
Copyright 2007-8 © Tech Paul. All rights reserved. post to jaanix
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• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
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