Computer
Saturday, October 25th, 2008
by admin
As of Thursday Morning a new Virus Patch was released, due to a powerful virus that is literally taking over peoples operating systems. Here is a little more information on what this Virus can do, and what you can do to protect yourself from it. From The Threat Expert’s Blog.
Critical vulnerability in Server Service has only been patched by Microsoft (MS08-067), as a new worm called Gimmiv.A has found to be exploiting it in-the-wild.
Once executed, the worm will drop 3 files: winbase.dll, basesvc.dll and syicon.dll into the directory %System%\Wbem\basesvc.dll.
It will then install and start up a new service called BaseSvc with the display name “Windows NT Baseline”. The service BaseSvc will force svchost.exe to load the DLL winbase.dll which is specified as a ServiceDll parameter for BaseSvc.
Once loaded, winbase.dll will load 2 additional DLLs into the address space of the system process services.exe: basesvc.dll and syicon.dll.
After dropping and loading the aforementioned DLLs, the worm will collect system information from the compromised computer, collect passwords from the Windows protected storage and Outlook Express passwords cache, and post collected details to a remote host. The details are posted in an encrypted form, by using AES (Rijndael) encryption.
Details collected by Gimmiv.A are then posted to a personal profile of the user “perlbody”, hosted with http://www.t35.com hosting provider. At this time, the collected details are displayed at this link.
At the time of this writing, there are 3,695 entries in that file. Every line contains an encrypted string, which could potentially conceal current victims’ details, indirectly indicating how many victims have been compromised by this worm so far.
This is one of the worst virus’s known to attack Windows. This leads me to think whether Microsoft needs to switch off their operating system, and revamp the whole windows experience in General. Windows has been based off of their previous operating system for the past few OS’s. Maybe it’s time for them to erase their “memory” and start from scratch. The updates for Windows are being needed more and more often, filling up the hard drive of Windows users. Macintosh’s on the other hand only have 1 known virus able to attack their operating system.
This leaves the question of what Windows plans to do With Windows 7. We have already heard rumors that it is yet again going to be based off of previous Windows Machines, with not much more of a secure system. Yes of course it’s going to look a little nicer, but is it going to cover all of the problems we have grown to know with a Windows operating system.
What are your thoughts? What do you think needs to happen with the Windows OS? Please feel free to email me by clicking here or comment below. I am really interested in knowing what you know about the world of technology.
Thanks Brad
Friday, October 24th, 2008
by admin
On the internet, a glimmer of success can go along way either through popularity or money. The Internets power has brought people to fame, and has brought businesses to the ground. Some people have learned to deal with the internet and it’s strength, while others have crumbled beneath it’s force. This leads us to today, where I’m going to point out the Top 5 most successful websites in 2008 in my opinion. This doesn’t include 2007, 2006, or any time before that. It’s just my opinion on what websites have influenced the internet community whether it be video streaming, news making, or blogging. So let’s get started with the top 5 most successful websites in 2008 from my point of view. By the way, these are in no particular order.
1- Ustream.tv- I remember about a year ago, Ustream.tv was lucky to get just about 100 channels going, which at the time seemed like a great amount. I’ve been with Ustream for about a year now, and have just adored the service that they have provided me. They bring a professional user interface to the table unlike Stickam etc. Stickam has brought a more teenage population to online streaming, which i find to be very boring and unprofessional. Ustream has brought enthusiasm, trust, and incredible attitude to their profession, so much that they have over 700 video channels at any one time. They have also attracted influential people to the internet including Presidential hopeful John Mccain, and Barack Obama. Musicians, and Actor wannabe’s are bringing their talents to Ustream and advertising their product. Nasa has involved their NASA Television with Ustream bringing the Space Missions right to peoples screens. People Like Chris Pirillo, Cali Lewis, Leo Laporte, and much more have used Ustreams services. All of this and much more is why Ustream.tv is one of the top 5 most successful websites on the internet today.
2-Twitter- Earlier in it’s time Twitter was known as an unreliable service that allowed you to post what you were doing in 140 characters or less. From server crashes, to IM failures which unfortunately is still down today, Twitter has become one of the most influential websites in the world. With politicians such as Barack Obama using it’s services to CNN and their up-to date news feeds. Twitter has spread news throughout the world in just 1 line. It was Twitter that brought information on Barack Obama’s running mate, it was Twitter that has potentially saved hostages in the middle east, it was Twitter that has brought other websites to fame. The road for Twitter hasn’t been easy though. As I’ve mentioned earlier, it had plenty of server crashes coming out of nowhere, so much that now Twitter has added limitations to how many “Tweets” you may send, and how many people you may follow. As I’ve expressed earlier, these limitations have disappointed me due to my needs of reaching you (the community). The New York Times have called Twitter one of the fastest-growing phenomena on the Internet. Twitter has also influenced other companies to make products that create an ease of access to your Twitter account. Examples of this would be Twhirl, Ping.Fm, Twitter Feed. Iphone Applications have also be developed to access Twitter. Although it still has a few bugs to work out, Twitter is definately one of the top 5 most successful websites of 2008.
3-TechCrunch-
TechCrunch, founded on June 11, 2005, is a weblog dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies. In addition to covering new companies, we profile existing companies that are making an impact (commercial and/or cultural) on the new web space.
That is just a little information from their website. Techcrunch has influenced the technology community with no end since it’s first post in 2005. But 2008 is when Techcrunch really came out and brought opinion, information, and authority to profiling new, and interesting companies. Techcrunch has been featured in hundreds of online news articles, magazines, and much more. Tech Crunch has also brought more interest to the popular blogging Software Wordpress as this is the software that they use in providing their service to the online community. Now Wordpress is used by major news organizations like the CBC and Cnn. These are all just a few reasons why Tech Crunch is 1 of the top 5 most successful websites of 2008.
4-Google- I know i said that this post was going to be the top 5 most successful websites of 2008, but i couldn’t resist. Google even today is “taking the over the internet” From their Search engine first being created over 10 years ago, to the reality today where they have become an internet powerhouse. With present projects like Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, and much more. Google has accomplished more than anyone else in plenty of different adversities. Google has also brought money to other people using their Google Adwords and Adsense Programs where people put relative ad units to their content and make money every time someone clicks on an add. This is otherwise known as PPC. Adsense has become so popular that Googles rival Yahoo has wanted in. Yahoo is now embedding Googles Adsense into their search results. This is bringing millions if not billions of dollars to both companies. Below i’ve taken a little history from their Wikipedia Page to give you guys a little more information on what Google has done throughout the years.
Google began in January 1996 as a research project by Larry Page, a Ph.D. student at Stanford.[1] In search for a dissertation theme, Page considered—among other things—exploring the mathematical properties of the World Wide Web, understanding its link structure as a huge graph.[2] His supervisor Terry Winograd encouraged him to pick this idea (which Page later recalled as “the best advice I ever got”[3]) and Page focused on the problem of finding out which web pages link to a given page, considering the number and nature of such backlinks to be valuable information about that page (with the role of citations in academic publishing in mind).[2] In his research project, nicknamed “BackRub”, he was soon joined by Sergey Brin, a fellow Stanford Ph.D. student and close friend, whom he had first met in the summer of 1995 in a group of potential new students which Brin had volunteered to show around the campus.[2] Page’s web crawler began exploring the web in March 1996, setting out from Page’s own Stanford home page as its only starting point.[2] To convert the backlink data that it gathered into a measure of importance for a given web page, Brin and Page developed the PageRank algorithm.[2] Analyzing BackRub’s output—which, for a given URL, consisted of a list of backlinks ranked by importance—it occurred to them that a search engine based on PageRank would produce better results than existing techniques (existing search engines at the time essentially ranked results according to how many times the search term appeared on a page).[2][4] A small search engine called RankDex was already exploring a similar strategy.[5]
Google In 1998
Convinced that the pages with the most links to them from other highly relevant Web pages must be the most relevant pages associated with the search, Page and Brin tested their thesis as part of their studies, and laid the foundation for their search engine. Originally the search engine used the Stanford website with the domain google.stanford.edu. The domain google.com was registered on September 15, 1997. They formally incorporated their company, Google Inc., on September 7, 1998 at a friend’s garage in Menlo Park, California.
The name “Google” originated from a misspelling of “googol,”[6][7] which refers to the number represented by a 1 followed by one-hundred zeros. Having found its way increasingly into everyday language, the verb, “google,” was added to the Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary and the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006, meaning, “to use the Google search engine to obtain information on the Internet.”[8][9]
By the end of 1998, Google had an index of about 60 million pages.[10] The home page was still marked “BETA“, but an article in Salon.com already argued that Google’s search results were better than those of competitors like Hotbot or Excite.com, and praised it for being more technologically innovative than the overloaded portal sites (like Yahoo!, Excite.com, Lycos, Netscape’s Netcenter, AOL.com, Go.com and MSN.com) which at that time, during the growing dot-com bubble, were seen as “the future of the Web”, especially by stock market investors.[10]
In March 1999, the company moved into offices at 165 University Avenue in Palo Alto, home to several other noted Silicon Valley technology startups.[11] After quickly outgrowing two other sites, the company leased a complex of buildings in Mountain View at 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway from Silicon Graphics (SGI) in 1999.[12] The company has remained at this location ever since, and the complex has since become known as the Googleplex (a play on the word googolplex, a 1 followed by a googol of zeros). In 2006, Google bought the property from SGI for $319 million.[13]
The Google search engine attracted a loyal following among the growing number of Internet users, who liked its simple design.[14] In 2000, Google began selling advertisements associated with search keywords.[1] The ads were text-based to maintain an uncluttered page design and to maximize page loading speed.[1] Keywords were sold based on a combination of price bid and click-throughs, with bidding starting at $.05 per click.[1] This model of selling keyword advertising was pioneered by Goto.com (later renamed Overture Services, before being acquired by Yahoo! and rebranded as Yahoo! Search Marketing).[15][16][17] While many of its dot-com rivals failed in the new Internet marketplace, Google quietly rose in stature while generating revenue.[1]
Google’s declared code of conduct is “Don’t be evil“, a phrase which they went so far as to include in their prospectus (aka “red herring” or “S-1″) for their IPO, noting, “We believe strongly that in the long term, we will be better served — as shareholders and in all other ways — by a company that does good things for the world even if we forgo some short term gains.”
The Google site often includes humorous features such as cartoon modifications of the Google logo to recognize special occasions and anniversaries.[18] Known as “Google Doodles”, most have been drawn by Google’s international webmaster, Dennis Hwang.[19] Not only may decorative drawings be attached to the logo, but the font design may also mimic a fictional or humorous language such as Star Trek Klingon and Leet.[20] The logo is also notorious among web users for April Fool’s Day tie-ins and jokes about the company.
5-Apple- Although it in itself is not a company, Apple has influenced the website through it’s products such as the Iphone, Macbook Pro, Macbook, Ipod Touch, Ipod Nano, and much more. It has also influenced the internet with it’s unique web design, and simplicity it brings to the internet. The Apple website is one of the most vibrantly designs website I’ve seen, and the speed, and support is just remarkable. Apple has also been the cause for new websites such as Mac Rumors which is a website that brings information all related to Apple. Apple has also brought competition into their hemisphere. With Google now releasing their Android Phone, Apple now has competition with their Iphone, further forcing them to create revolutionary products. Apple has also brought controversy about the health of their CEO Steve Jobs. Although this isn’t directly related to their website it has brought attention to the company. Apple has also been a supporter of product Red. Product Red is a charity dedicated to saving lives in unfortunate companies such as Africa and Madagascar. All of this is why Apple has become one of the major powerhouse within the Internet community.
Well I hope i’ve made my point about all these companies. There are plenty more influential websites throughout the internet, but these 5 just seemed to stick out in my mind. All of these companies have generated millions of dollars not just to themselves but to others as well. They have brought the world together through communication, news, search, and their products.
If you have any more influential websites that you think have influenced the internet whether in a positive way, or a negative way please feel free to email me by clicking here. Or leave a comment below. I love hearing what you guys think the latest and greatest is within the technology community whether it’s hardware, software, or even the internet. I also have a Twitter account, and i follow all people that follow me.
Thanks.
Saturday, August 23rd, 2008
by admin
Gnomedex hosted by Chris and Ponzi Pirillo, has been yet one of the biggest successes ever performed by the couple. They had very powerful and thought oriented people that clashed together with positive thoughts to make technology more recognized throughout North America, and the world.
Whether it was Sarah Lacy or Mark Bao each presenter had something positive to say and contributed to the tech community around them in some cases involving the community. Ben Huh came in and showed the soft, funny side of the technology community around us, while Scott Maxwell came and showed us what the technology can do to help us advance and linger in the outer limits of our world.
Chris Pirillo dazzled the audience and the chat room with insight, thought, professionalism, creativity, and acceptance. Highlights of the conference included a youth from Chris’s chat room hugging his role model with respect and praise. Chris involved anyone and everyone whether it was a buddy from Ireland, or a local
Chris Pirillo’s (Un-moderated) chatroom also made a spectacular appearance being one of the most respectful television audiences I’ve seen in my entire life. With detailed and intelligent questions, this chatroom could be the brain of technology future alike. Credit for that goes to Kat Armstrong, and Chris Pirillo.
The Pirillo couple also amazed the technology world with his amazing team working the cameras on his live feed. He created it so that the viewers of the tech community felt like they were present and apart of this conference.
Chris also mentioned at the end of this 3 day conference that him and his wife Ponzi are considering moving around the country delivering this technology influenced content to different states, and cities of America.
As this is over, Chris will move back into his office at home in Seattle , and still stream himself plucking away at his keyboard with a trusting community that will follow and respect him for the road ahead whether there is a Gnomedex or not.
Thank you,
Photo Credit: Derek K. Miller-
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
by admin
Francine Hardaway, Mark Bao, and Chris Pirillo had a talk today called “Meet Generation Y”. Mark Bao is a 16 year old entrepreneur, he is the owner of Avecora. Mark has also already sold three Facebook applications.
Bao pointed out some things about the Y Generation(1985)
- Creative technology is out there and more available. New technology is coming out all the time within high-school and college.
- Changing Career Path and influence. More youth are influencing movement within technology careers.
- More interested in data. Will search automatically on the internet. More digital.
- More exposed to being connected with our peers, friends, and colleagues.
Those were some points on how the Youth have influenced and view new technology, and how their life is and will become within the future.
Francine Hardaway then went on the floor and described how it was in the past when all she had was a landline telephone. She felt more secure, with less information being available. She also expressed that jobs will not be around in the future, as technology is growing with more at home work.
Mark, Francine, and Chris than went into conversation. Here is my attempt to describe at what they were talking about!!!:
Francine: How much in the way is our generation?
Mark: In the future products will be directed towards the generation Y Market. We need to have generation Y to connect with the other generations. Have other generations learn from older and more experienced generations.
Francine: What place does school have in your life?
Mark: It’s hard to have a balance.
Francine: Do you see school having an influence on your life?
Mark: I use it more for college, for networking.
Mark also believes that there should be more business courses in school. He believes that Chemistry, Physics etc is more for the jobs right now, and not for the future.
Francine:Whats the most important technology to your age and generation.
Mark: It’s between Facebook and Text Messaging. In highschool email is something you do. They let people connect anywhere. Generation wide, we all know what text messaging is.
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
by admin
When I first saw the Ipod Touch I was astounded to see how beautiful it really is. It has a crystal clear interface with amazing technology inside it. The frames move seamlessly and the applications that come with the App store work in sync with the Ipod. I should also point out how easy it is to use the on screen keyboard supplied with the Ipod Touch. I made very few errors with this feature and when I did it automatically corrected itself.
Turning on the Ipod poses a bit of a time constraint. In my opinion it took a bit to long for the Ipod Touch to get going and go through it’s start up routine. I also find the hold button on the top a bit annoying to hold down to start this mechanism up. Unlocking the Ipod Touch when it’s in use seems more of a treat than just the necessary bing bang. The slider seems to run so perfectly in sync with the object that’s touching it and so gracefully.
The battery life of the Ipod Touch is defiantly not very impressive. I myself have the 16 gigabyte Ipod and with only 5 hours of battery life when watching video’s, making the step up from eight Gig to sixteen Gig is hardly worth it. If you are a music lover though, having the ability to choose from a large selection is worth the extra money, with (in our tests) 21-22 hours of music. I should also point out that I got the 5 hours of battery life when watching a video from the Apple website. When actually testing it, it seemed to last less than the advertised amount.
I know it seems unlikely, but the app store can be a downfall in isolated areas. The reason I say this is because the ease of buying an Application in my opinion is too easy. With the ability to put your credit card on your Apple account, buying apps is so easy as to the click of the button. I must warn that if you are not in the greatest situation with you cash, maybe stay away from the App store. Not to bring the incredibility of the app store down though, I found some of the applications within the app store to be very entertaining, not to mention useful. I downloaded Aqua forest and paid for it(without knowing), and it turned out to be the coolest game I have ever seen on a mobile phone. The way the game uses the accelerometer is just outstanding.
The Ipod Touch has a very sharp, glossy screen which defiantly brings the eye candy out. It is very addicting to look at the screen as the colors are very rich and well chosen by Apple. A downside about the actual hardware is the weight. The Ipod Touch gives me the feeling that my pants are falling down when it’s in my pocket. Even in my hand it is unattractive to have the weight anchoring your hand to the floor.
I didn’t think I would say this, but using Safari on a mobile device is a breeze with the Ipod Touch. The WebPages are crystal clear and the Zoom feature really makes it more exciting to view your news, and pictures. I am still getting used to the pinching action provided with the Touch, but it’s becoming a simpler task every hour I use it.
A quick few points to sum up. I don’t like the Cover Flow, I like their organization of the music, Safari feels like a Safari, Maps are fantastic, App Store is addicting, the interface is addicting, the icons on the main screen are addicting, and of course the Ipod Touch is one of the most addicting things I’ve ever seen in my life.
If you guys have any questions about this review feel free to email me at Bradley(at)bradwelltv(dot)com. Also comment below as I read all comments provided to me, so long as they are not spam. I would also like to hear about your experiences with the Ipod Touch, or even the Iphone. Do you like it? Do you find it simple to navigate? Is it appealing to you?
Thanks
Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
by admin
Over the years technology has advanced in Schools, usually not to the students liking. This advancement in technology has caused schools and workplaces to block websites, and prevent you from going to simple websites like Youtube or Facebook.
Well i have found a website that will solve all of your problems. It’s called IBypass, and what you do is put the website you are wishing to visit within their search engine. How does this work? When you put the website name into the IBypass search engine it creates a temporary link that will replace the actual link and therefor hide the website you are visiting.
It is very important though that you don’t spread this website throughout your classroom or your workplace as your boss may find out, and eventually block you from iBypass itself. Also don’t forget to visit brad.bradwelltv.com in IBypass.
Just a little side note that i think you should know. They offer an Ibypass Gold where you can browse the web faster, with no pop ups, un-blockable access, and a screen changer which lets you flip your screen when a teacher or a co- worker walks into the room.
Thanks for reading this. If you have any questions feel free to email me, or comment below.
