The PC GUY authors a monthly column for local publications. Under the guise of "The Computer Monitor", ThePC GUY writes topical technology articles geared toward residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Hot Summer, Cool Communications
Are you fed up with spam? Of course I’m referring to unsolicited commercial e-mail, not the gelatinous meat-like product that America loves to poke fun at. While the latter may occasionally appear in your lunch box, the other undoubtedly jams your inbox.
Sheer abundance has upgraded spam’s status from annoyance to crisis. Sorting through the ads and scams takes valuable time. The volume of today’s e-mail traffic taxes our computers and reduces the efficiency and speed of our Internet connections. Inappropriate content in some spam messages can be offensive and others may even contain harmful payloads and viruses. It’s time to fight back!
The spam-filtering firm Brightmail.com recently compiled data that you may find not too surprising. Their research shows that nearly 40% of all e-mail is spam. While nearly one third of that junk mail is related to financial services, pyramid schemes, and investment scams, messages containing lewd content are numerous as well. Spam isn’t always generated by those trying to make a quick buck however. Chain letters fall into the category as well. The most popular e-mail in recent months preys on the gullible. The message referring to the “JDBGMR” file is a hoax. This Windows file does not contain the BugBear virus and it should NOT be deleted.
Most e-mail systems and programs allow the implementation of filters. By defining message rules, unwanted messages can be automatically blocked, routed, or simply deleted. We can filter based on who sent the message. Black lists can be used to deny e-mail from specific sources. “White lists” are simply lists of people whose mail you’re willing to receive. We can also filter by searching for keywords that may appear in the subject line or body of the message. Keep in mind, however, that aggressive filtering could potentially treat innocent e-mail as spam.
There are further steps we can take to combat the proliferation of spam. Don’t reply to the messages! Doing so often exacerbates the problem because you are verifying the validity of your e-mail address. Reporting abuse to the spammer’s e-mail service provider is the best method. The domain from which the message originated is often hidden somewhere in the message header and is usually not what is displayed in the “FROM:” field. Tracing the actual source may require some investigative work. If you are able to determine the source domain, AOL for example, then it is usually just a matter of sending a brief note to abuse@AOL.com. Visit http://spam.abuse.net for more details.
Many services and software programs are available to automate and simplify the tasks of filtering and reporting spam. SpamCop.net is one of many service providers that will filter your existing e-mail accounts regardless of the type of e-mail service you use. All of your messages are intercepted and then filtered according to rules that you establish and black lists that they maintain. You read your e-mail at their web site. You can also install a program on your computer to do the work. However, most of these products only work with Microsoft’s Outlook e-mail program. SpamNet.com offers a free downloadable tool, while “I Hate Spam” is available from SunbeltSoftware.com for around $20. Both are about 95% effective in removing unwanted e-mail messages.
Take a political stand. Consider joining the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail at www.CAUCE.org. This volunteer initiative lobbies for legislation to regulate spam. Additionally, fraudulent e-mail can be reported to the US Federal Trade Commission at uce@ftc.gov.
Effective spam management is best accomplished by employing a combination of techniques including doses of both tolerance and patience. Like the delicious Hormel product (www.spam.com), the movement to combat the flood of unsolicited e-mail promises to endure. Any way you slice it, the benefits of today’s technology far outweigh nuisances.
Envision a camera that never needs film or the processing
fees associated with developing film. Imagine having the freedom and flexibility
to print only the photos you want in any size and quantity you desire. The
digital camera is revolutionizing the way we take pictures. The benefits surpass
those of their traditional, film-based counterparts, and that is why they are
here to stay.
I’m convinced that there is no better way to view a photo album than lit up on a
computer monitor or TV. I can easily create a slide show of my favorite images
and share them with friends and family on the Internet. The pictures are readily
resized and cropped to achieve a professional look. It’s also reassuring to know
that these photos won’t degrade over time and that the overall process doesn’t
create as much waste as traditional photographic methods do.
The quality of a digital camera’s image is generally measured by the optical
resolution of its digitizing mechanism. The unit of measure is the pixel
(picture element, a single point in a graphic image). One million pixels is a
megapixel. Low quality digital images tend to look grainy or “pixelated”,
consisting of uniformly colored square dots. The camera that captures more
megapixels generally produces the better image.
Digital film usually comes in the form of small removable storage cards which
can hold hundreds of photos. Some cameras are capable of storing thousands of
images on very small hard drives. Storage capacity is generally measured in
megabytes. Stored images can be instantly viewed and even printed. It’s like
running your own one-hour photo!
When shopping for a digital camera, you will want to compare models with similar
megapixel ratings. A 2-megapixel camera will capture high quality images that
look good even when slightly enlarged and printed with a good quality,
high-resolution, photo printer. Be certain to check for precise compatibility
with your personal computer as well.
You will also want to consider other factors when making a purchase such as
warranty, storage capacity, and optical zoom capability. Cameras with liquid
crystal displays (LCDs) will cost more. The small screen helps to frame your
subject, preview your images, and erase or re-shoot as needed. LCDs, however,
are notorious battery consumers and are often washed-out in bright sunlight.
After downloading your pictures from camera to computer, get creative by using
the software that normally comes bundled with your new gadget. With image
editing software, you can easily manipulate your snapshots. General functions
include crop, resize, and redeye fix, as well as color, contrast, and brightness
adjustment. More advanced features allow you to add borders, apply special
effects, “stitch” panoramic landscapes, and even create short movies.
Most digital cameras double as web cams allowing you to capture video and
transmit it over the Internet in real time. Many web sites exist for the sole
purpose of sharing personal photos. They are usually free and often allow
password protection. You may also want to consider showcasing your work on a
digital picture frame. Digi-Frame.com offers a 5.6” tabletop model that can
cycle through up to 1500 digital photos.
There’s never been a better time to jump on the digital bandwagon. Shutterbugs
unite! Start saving time and money, and enjoy all the freedom digital imaging
has to offer. It’s fun that the whole family can share. Gather ‘round, grab your
mouse, and say “CHEESE”!
I recently ventured into an area of personal computing that
invokes a sense of wariness in most folks, including myself. My trepidation
quickly turned to enthusiasm however, and I don’t foresee ever turning back. I’m
talking about personal finance management and banking online. It’s the latest
trend and it’s something to get excited about.
I’m a pretty traditional guy that finds comfort in established routine, but
change is always welcome when it makes my life easier. Online banking saves you
time and money. It’s as secure as conventional banking and good for the
environment as well. The bottom line, however, is convenience! Pay your bills,
monitor your monthly expenditures, and balance your budget all with a
mouse-click. Embrace it. Your bank offers it and wants you to use it.
The proliferation of Internet banking should lower fraud risks. Newer
technologies are designed to make it harder for criminals to be successful and
that saves us all money in the long run. Because paper checks aren’t used,
criminals cannot forge, alter, or steal them from you. Additionally, most banks
guarantee $0 liability for any unauthorized activity originating from online
banking. Therefore, it is in their best interest to use the most secure and
advanced data encryption available. Their business depends on it.
Electronic banking offers many benefits. It greatly reduces the amount of paper
that is used in traditional banking and billing processes. Monthly bank
statements are viewed online rather than sent in the mail. Most utility and
credit card companies offer electronic billing. In fact, SRP (www.srpnet.com)
offers a monthly discount when you abandon paper billing. You are alerted by
e-mail when your bill arrives. To pay bills online, you create an address book
of payment recipients. When you get a bill, you select a payment amount, the
date it should be sent and the recipient. The bank takes care of the rest. You
can easily set up automatic payment for recurring bills as well.
No longer will you have to make inconvenient trips to the bank and post office.
Now you can transfer funds, review transactions, and stop payments at 3:00 am in
your pajamas if you like. Transactions are executed and confirmed quickly so you
get a more accurate assessment of financial accounting. This all leads to better
control and management of your money.
Generally, no extra software or dollar investment is needed for online banking.
Just go to your bank’s web site and look for instructions. Although many banks
used to charge their customers for this luxury, most have abandoned that policy
altogether. In fact, some are offering enticing incentives just to try it out.
The service is designed to increase convenience for the consumer, while also
reducing banking costs. Low overhead ultimately translates into better interest
rates and lower banking fees.
You can tie everything together by purchasing personal financial management
software. Highly rated programs such as Microsoft’s Money and Intuit’s Quicken
can track your miscellaneous spending and even create budgets. They offer basic
accounting functions that can pull information from your banks’ web sites. You
can import mortgage and investment data as well as generate
tax reports. This software could be the key to developing a workable budget
solution for your household. Once you can review and understand your spending
patterns, you are on the road to successful financial planning.
So don't lick any more stamps and stop writing all those checks. Make the
transition and leave the tedium behind. Your computer is more powerful than a
personal ATM. I doubt you'll see crisp, green $20 bills shooting out of your
floppy drive any time soon, but I do think you'll be happy with the added
control and convenience of electronic financial management. You can bank on it.
Where do you want to go today? Wherever that may be, technology will certainly help you get there. Computers have made airline travel both safe and inexpensive and the Internet provides access to information and tools that make organizing a getaway fun and easy.
You can literally plan a complete vacation on the Web. I recently researched a destination, the tropical paradise of Micronesia, at LonelyPlanet.com. I highly recommend Lonely Planet as an inspirational multimedia world guide. Within seconds, the site produces detailed maps, slideshows, and cultural information.
Because of recent setbacks, the business of tourism is now emerging as a more streamlined and efficient industry. This is good news for an economy that relies heavily on travel. Recovery is evidenced by the success of many Internet travel companies. This is perhaps the most prosperous e-commerce niche. It’s an exciting trend that’s generating a lot of buzz.
Although conventional travel agents are still handling most of the business, consumers are quickly disregarding any “reservations” they once had about booking their trips on the Web. According to Jupiter Media Metrix Inc., consumers are expected to spend about $30 billion on travel sites this year. These sites steer millions of clients toward specific amenities in a manner that lowers prices and improves customer satisfaction.
Nielsen/NetRatings ranks the top three travel sites as Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, and Orbitz.com. These services promote airfares, rental cars, hotels, cruises and complete vacation packages. Some also allow you to exchange currencies, purchase international travelers checks, and view panoramic images of hotel lobbies, rooms, and balcony views. You can even reserve a specific airplane seat. In addition to these niceties, “alert” services can be activated to notify you of delays, cancellations, or gate changes via e-mail or phone. Taking part is an empowering experience that’s fun and hassle free.
According to the American Society of Travel Agents, you should anticipate spending an additional $30 fee for an airline ticket purchased through a travel agent. In addition, airlines are increasing their fees for paper tickets by $10-$20. Buy an e-ticket online and you can put that $50 toward souvenirs! E-tickets are converted to boarding passes by a clerk at the airport gate or via a self-service check-in computer in the terminal.
Once you’ve booked your reservations, you may want to consider how you will access your e-mail while you’re away. Most e-mail clients can access their accounts from any computer with Internet access. Simply remember to pack your e-mail web site, username, and password, and you’ll be corresponding from the hotel hospitality room, library, or cyber café. You may also want to consider forwarding mail to your cell phone or other handheld device.
If you are, or aspire to be, a mobile computing “road warrior” who takes a laptop everywhere with you, then please took a look at the following techie travel tips.
Valuable travel information can also be found at the following web sites:
It’s never been more convenient to travel, but if you can’t get away right now, consider a “virtual vacation”. At TerraQuest.com you can climb the steep vertical face of Yosemite’s El Capitan or sail away to the Galápagos Islands where the eldest giant tortoise may have witnessed the arrival of Charles Darwin back in 1835. Me? I’ll be snorkeling in the tranquil Micronesian waters, scoffing at the notion of missing my e-mail.
In the back of every computer user’s mind is the matter of privacy and data security on the Internet. Just as there are risks involved with driving on the freeway, the information superhighway provides its share of hazards as well. The key to protecting yourself lies mainly in your behavior. If you fasten your seatbelt, obey the laws, and drive defensively, you’ll be on the road to worry-free computing.
There are unscrupulous entities out there that want to crash your computer, monitor your e-mail, pilfer your passwords, and even steal your identity. Make no mistake about it: Your information is a hot commodity, and there’s little doubt that your “personal” computer is storing data that you want guarded. We are all potentially vulnerable, but there are precautions we can take to virtually eliminate the threat.
You are the weakest link, so practice safe habits:
Those of you with more extensive security concerns should consider additional measures. By default, the security settings on your computer are pretty lax.
You can tighten security significantly by making slight configuration changes. You can turn off the “AutoComplete” feature, adjust Web browser security levels, and disable “cookies”, which are mechanisms that allow Web sites to identify and track you. Personal firewalls can be used to detect and prevent unauthorized access, and filters are available to screen e-mail and censor Web content.
Assume your communications are not private unless encrypted. Encryption technology can protect your e-mail as well as the data on your PC. You can purchase software to convert data into camouflaged code that is very difficult to decipher.
“Spyware” is any computer program which takes information from your system without your knowledge or consent. It can be installed by someone who wants to monitor your computer. “Adware” watches and reports where you go online in order to send you targeted advertising. Many Web surfers unknowingly accept agreements to be monitored in this fashion when installing downloaded freeware or shareware programs.
The Internet has brought many conveniences to today’s consumer, but advanced technologies have also introduced elements that many perceive as privacy infringement. With many people shopping online today, the Internet is also a lucrative environment for scam artists. In response to these developments, government agencies are slowly developing legislation for regulating such conduct.
The key to ensuring personal data security is to assume responsibility by educating yourself and implementing prudent protection measures. It should be as routine as closing your blinds and locking your doors at night. Follow the adage: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cyber-cure.
Earlier this year, my extended family reunited for grandmom's 90th birthday. We planned to collaborate on the documentation of our shared genealogy. We wanted to record our family tree digitally by storing it in a computer. Everyone arrived with his and her haphazardly organized inventory of pictures, notebooks, certificates, and personal recollections. What appeared to be a daunting task proved to be a joyous and rewarding endeavor.
We all periodically ponder our family origin in an attempt to explain why we are who we are. This curiosity to decipher our ancestry ultimately reveals connections. These bonds provide insight into our familial customs as well as our physical characteristics. We trace the lineage, connect the dots, and form a complete picture.
However, untangling your roots often becomes a very complex procedure. Although traditional research methods are invaluable to understanding any pedigree, computer technology complements the overall process. Computers provide access to millions of public records and organize the ones you want in an orderly manner.
According to Nielsen/NetRatings (www.netratings.com), the three most popular genealogical Web sites are Ancestry.com, RootsWeb.com, and Genealogy.com. These are all fee based service sites that streamline tasks, link you to relatives, and offer access to nearly one billion records. Commercial sites usually offer free searches of the Social Security Death Index (SSDI). The SSDI contains over 60 million records of Americans who died after 1960.
Another popular site is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FamilySearch.org is the church’s nonprofit site which offers millions of ancestral lineage files at no cost. Type an immigrant’s name into EllisIslandRecords.org and you will discover statistics such as date of arrival, port of departure, and ship. You can even view original ship manifests.
Ardent researchers should visit the U.S. National Archives & Records Administration (NARA) at www.archives.gov. Its genealogy page alone provides links to more information than anyone could digest in a lifetime, but everything is indexed logically allowing for intuitive navigation. Finally, The Genealogy Home Page (www.genhomepage.com) has links to everything the amateur historian would want and is also said to be the very first genealogy Web site.
Once you have compiled all the relevant data, you will want to input everything into a computer program. Broderbund (www.broderbund.com) publishes Family Tree Maker, which is the most popular software package. Family Trees Quick & Easy, by Individual Software Inc., is a popular budget buy and GenoPro.com offers a barebones, yet free downloadable program. The software creates your family tree and then allows you to link additional data to individuals such as photos and stories. Photos, certificates, etc. are usually input via scanner or digital camera.
The resulting product is very impressive and can be displayed in various ways. Because it’s recorded digitally, it will not degrade over time like photos or paperwork do. Future generations will certainly appreciate that. Updates can be easily made and you can even incorporate trees from distant relatives you may meet on the Internet. It takes just a mouse click to print a tangible version of your composition. Pass it around the family room and send everyone on a blissful trip down memory lane.
Grandma? At her birthday party, she was presented with an album bearing the culmination of her descendents’ collaborative effort. On the cover was a family photo taken moments before. She was amazed as she thumbed through the pages. The gift depicted a very proud heritage - a loving tribute to the legacy she had given us.
Hot Summer, Cool Communications
Hot desert summers no longer diminish social interaction. As
with the rising summer temperatures, electronic messaging heats up during this
season as well. When cabin fever begins to set in, the Internet can also provide
relief by whisking us away to distant places and different times.
Our nation was founded on principles that allow us to innovate and improve life
for ourselves and future generations. After all, freedom is the nurturing mother
of invention, and evolving technologies make life better for all Americans.
Imagine the year 1860. If you wanted to send a greeting to a loved one in the
Midwest, you could pay the Pony Express (www.ponyexpress.org) a $5 fee to
deliver your message in about ten days. In 1861, the Pony Express was superseded
by electronic technology which was inexpensive and expeditious. Samuel Morse’s
telegraph ultimately improved life for everyone in the West by providing
instantaneous communication.
With the relatively recent proliferation of travel, Americans on the move now
feel an expanding need to keep in touch with loved ones over great distances on
a regular basis. Today we have many communication options to choose from. You
can send e-mail virtually for free or you can pay the U.S. Postal Service (www.usps.com)
37 cents to have a letter delivered in 3 days. What could be more American than
having the freedom to choose?
Summer holidays often provoke loving thoughts of family and friends and it is
these days of celebration that commonly bring everyone together. Unfortunately,
distance, dollars or disability frequently prevent this.
Technology comes to the rescue in the form of e-mail and Instant Messaging (IM).
Studies from Pew Internet and American Life Project (www.pewinternet.org)
suggest that electronic messaging strengthens social bonds and improves family
relationships. It comes as no surprise that the primary use for today’s Internet
is personal communication.
Electronic messaging is fun, easy, and inexpensive. E-mail is mail that's
electronically transmitted by your computer. It allows you to compose messages
and transmit them in seconds to one or more recipients across the street, the
country, or the oceans. All you need to get started is an e-mail account, an
online connection, a computer, and an e-mail program. Popularity has increased
dramatically in the last decade. In fact, there are now more e-mail addresses
than telephone numbers in the world. Some folks like to spice up their memos
with customized fonts, colors, and stationery. You can even add sound, include
animations, or attach pictures from a digital camera or scanner. Tap into your
creative side and express yourself with multimedia e-mails.
Instant Messaging (IM) is becoming a vital part of Internet communication.
Technology consultant Gartner Group (www.gartner.com) predicts that IM will
surpass e-mail as
the primary online communications tool within the next three years. IM is a
technology that allows two or more people to communicate in "real time" over the
internet, superseding the pace of e-mail. Instant Messaging systems alert you
when somebody on your “buddy list” is online. You can then initiate a chat
session with that person and type messages back and forth. Settings allow you to
alter your online status, making you appear invisible to everyone or certain
individuals that you choose.
The most popular IM programs are AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger,
and Microsoft’s Windows Messenger. You can use these to instantly transmit text,
voice, and live video: You can see and speak to your friends anywhere in the
world at virtually no cost. Audio and video quality is greatly improved with the
use of a high speed Internet connection such as a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
or cable modem. Video-conferencing requires a Web cam which can be
professionally installed for around $100.
What would summer be without our great American pastime? The authority on
professional baseball can be found at www.mlb.com, Major League Baseball’s
official Web site. Here they dish up a smorgasbord of information including team
schedules, standings, statistics, and trivia. There is also an abundance of
multimedia content including condensed games, video highlights, live
play-by-play animation, and audio broadcasts of every game. At www.mlb.com you
can even watch complete games such as game 7 of the 1952 World Series. It’s a
baseball enthusiasts dream come true!
Finally, if you need an escape from the summer heat, visit
www.coolantarctica.com or www.northpole.com. These very “cool” sites may provide
the chill you are looking for.
According to the Mediamark Research Inc. and Jupiter Media Metrix, those over the age of 55 are the fastest growing sector of Internet users. Older Americans are embracing the Internet with great enthusiasm and are now spending more time online than any other age group. The Internet not only provides access to information needed to make informed decisions, but also offers a plethora of benefits that enhance the quality of life for seniors worldwide.
For those in their golden years, personal computers provide an easy and inexpensive way to keep in touch with friends and relatives around the world. Seniors are using computers to track investments, make purchases, plan vacations, read hometown newspapers, and research health issues. It is a great way to seek war buddies, share advice, take college courses, join clubs, and make new friends. It is an interactive way of looking into the future, exploring the present, and reconnecting with the past. It is a great way to expand your horizons while stimulating your mind.
As popular as computer usage is, some seniors are still apprehensive about entering the realm of the Internet. In many cases, however, it is just a question of “when” or “how”. Computers have never been more accessible and user-friendly than they are right now. It is these two issues that have caused the most intimidation in the past.
Computers are encountered in most every corner of daily life. They are frequently found at the library, mall, and community center. In most cases, there is no fee to use them. Another option is to purchase equipment for the home, office, or getaway. New, Internet-ready computer systems are now available for well under $700. Used systems get the job done and are extremely affordable as well. You may also want to consider leasing or borrowing equipment.
It is no longer necessary to be technically savvy to operate a computer. One doesn’t even need typing skills. What is needed is a basic understanding of operation that many people often teach themselves, and to help, there are many books available on the subject. Some public libraries offer computer literacy classes. Many beginner classes are free, and some are geared toward seniors. Friendly instructors teach a basic set of computer skills to you and a group of peers. For those with disabilities, enhancements are available which make Web surfing virtually effortless.
New findings are surfacing that like Internet usage among senior citizens with a higher quality of life. If you aren't already in the water, there has never been a better time to get your feet wet. Before you lies an exciting opportunity and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Golden are the years spent exploring and expanding your world. Cyberspace awaits your arrival with open arms.
Copyright 2000 Misty Mountain Enterprises, Inc.
