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Installing Mozilla Firefox

Saturday, 04 February 2006 John Wright

Web browsing is becoming a favourite past time of many households around the world.  With the introduction of broadband internet over the last several years, access to the World Wide Web has never been easier.  You are now just one step away from a library of information, but you need to be safe from unsavoury software like pop-ups and viruses;

So you need Mozilla Firefox…   

What Mozilla say about Mozilla Firefox

“A Better Web Experience

Mozilla Firefox 1.5 has an intuitive interface and blocks viruses, spyware, and popup ads. It delivers Web pages faster than ever. And it’s easy to install and import your favorites. Packed with useful features like tabbed browsing, Live Bookmarks, and an integrated Search bar, Mozilla Firefox will change the way you experience the Web, for the better.”

Other features include:

  • Faster Browsing
  • Automatic Updates
  • Tabbed Browsing
  • mproved Pop-up Blocking
  • Integrated Search
  • Stronger Security
  • Clear Private Data
  • Live Bookmarks
  • Accessibility
  • Customise Mozilla Firefox
  • Next Generation Web Support

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mozilla Firefox is undoubtedly a very good, safe and practical alternative to Internet Explorer and over the next few paragraphs I will explain how you can install Mozilla Firefox and describe how to set it as your default internet browser, replacing Internet Explorer in your Start Menu.

{mosgoogle}

Ok lets get started; firstly you will need to download Mozilla Firefox if you haven’t already.  For those of you who have not yet downloaded Mozilla Firefox I have included a link in the top right hand corner of this page.

Step 1

Installing Mozilla Firefox

Double (left) click on the Mozilla Firefox Setup.exe (exe is short for executable).  This will open the Welcome to Mozilla Firefox setup window.  Click next in the set up window.

 Mozilla Firefox Setup exe

Step 2

Software License Agreement Window

You are now at the software license screen where you have to select I Accept the terms of the License Agreement.  To do this place your cursor over the white radio button and left click.  You should see a black dot in the area you clicked.  Now you can continue with the Mozilla Firefox installation by clicking on the next button in the bottom right of the Software License Agreement Window.

 Mozilla Firefox Software License

Step 3

Setup Type Window

The setup type window allows you to select either a Standard installation or a Custom installation.  In this instance we only require the standard Mozilla Firefox installation as this installs all of the necessary components that you will need to use Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser.  Click next in the bottom right of the Setup Type window.

 Mozilla Firefox Setup Type Window 

Step 4

Summary Window 

You are now at the Summary window which details the location of the Mozilla Firefox internet browser on your computer hard drive.  By clicking the next button in the bottom right of the Summary window you will begin the installation procedure.  This may take a few minutes depending on the speed of your computer.  Once the installation has been completed the Install Complete window is displayed.

 Mozilla Firefox Summary Window

 Mozilla Firefox Installation Window

 Mozilla Firefox Installation Complete

Congratulations you have just installed Mozilla Firefox.  Left clicking on the finish button in the bottom right of the screen will launch Mozilla Firefox for the first time.

 Welcome to Mozilla Firefox 

Now that we have installed Mozilla Firefox lets make it your default internet browser.

Making Mozilla Firefox your default internet browser

Step 1

Properties Box

Right click on the windows start button in the bottom left of your screen.  You will see that a box appears with a list of items.  Don’t worry if your listed items do not match mine, the Properties button is always displayed.  Look down the list until you find the Properties button and left click on it.

 Properties Window  

Step 2

Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window

The Taskbar and Start Menu Properties window is now displayed.  You will see that the Start Menu is already highlighted.  To the right of the Start menu is the Customize button.  Left click on the customize button to open the Customize Start Menu.

 Taskbar & Start Menu Properties Window

Step 3

Customize Start Menu Window

As you can see the Customize Start Menu Window has a number of items displayed.  We need to focus on the bottom section of the window in the box titled Show on Start Menu.  You will see that the top drop down box has Internet Explorer highlighted.  To change this to Mozilla Firefox left click on the down arrow to the right of Internet Explorer.  A list of internet browsers will be displayed.  Locate Mozilla Firefox and left click on it.  Once you have done that click on the OK button in the bottom of the window.

 Selecting Mozilla Firefox 

Step 4

Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window

We are now back at the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window.  In the bottom right of the screen you will notice that the Apply button is now highlighted, left click on the Apply button to confirm the change from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox.  Now click on the OK button and the Taskbar and Start Menu Properties Window will close.

 Taskbar & Start Menu Window Apply  

Congratulations you have now replaced Internet Explorer with Mozilla Firefox as your default internet browser.  Click on the Start button in the left hand corner of the screen.  At the top of the Start Window you will see Mozilla Firefox.  Well done.

 Mozilla Firefox Set as your internet browser   

Now that you have installed Mozilla Firefox why not give it a whirl, happy browsing.

As Featured On Ezine Articles
 

Computer Security - The #1 Issue In Personal Computing

Friday, 10 March 2006 John Dow
The Internet is a wonderful place. Anyone with an Internet connection can stay in touch with family and friends via email. Starting an Internet business is easier than ever and can even lead to the lifestyle of your dreams. And, thanks to eBay, you can even hold a "virtual garage sale" without worrying about the weather or bothering the neighbors.

But the Internet is also a DANGEROUS place to be. In fact, YOU are at RISK right now.
 
Computer security is the most important issue of being on the Internet. Just consider the following statement - startling I know, but VERY true.

"If you are connected to the Internet and you don't have current anti-virus software, ALL security updates to your Operating system and browser, as well as a firewall properly configured, you have a virus or adware on your computer RIGHT NOW!"

That is what I've been telling clients of my computer repair business recently. Some of them listened and took action. Others didn't and had to learn this important lesson the very hard way.

Let's look at the problem first, then I'm going to give you FIVE ways you can solve that problem today!

First: the facts.

Fact 1. There are three types of programs that are attacking your computer right now: Spyware, Malware, and Adware. All three are programs that get downloaded to your computer as part of a legitimate download, then hang around sending data like your credit card numbers to the villains who write them.
{mosgoogle}
While this article is too short to define each, all three types are a threat. For now let's call them all adware.

Fact 2. In the last 12-18 months I have not seen ONE unprotected computer that doesn't have a virus or adware.

Doing computer repair on a daily basis for a living I see a LOT of computers. Some units have OVER 50 pieces of adware on them. Please understand; these people are just like you and me, not some 14 year old gamer who will download anything. They THOUGHT they were being careful enough, and were shocked when they discovered that they had a problem.

Some of these machines even had anti-virus software, but weren't updated with the latest security patches.

Fact 3. While onsite or phone support service calls used to involve bad hard drives, equipment failure, or adding new devices, about 80% of all service calls now involve virus and adware removal.

Fact 4. It's getting worse. The adware and virus creators are getting smarter, and the software is getting much harder to remove.

Here is what you can do TODAY to solve the problem, a problem you might not have even been aware existed, yet could cost you untold hours of frustration as well as put your financial life at risk.

Step 1. Be aware! Does your computer run slower now than when you bought it? Do some software programs no longer work or "hang up"? Does your browser go to some strange home page? If so, the odds are 99.9% that you ARE infected.

Step 2. Install anti-virus software that automatically updates. There are several good choices out there that fit that criteria, Norton, MacAfee, AVG, PC-cillin are the top brands. The important thing is to make sure that the software is setup to update the virus signatures automatically.

Step 3. Install all security patches for your operating system. Go to the Microsoft site and run a test of your computer and software. It will tell you what updates you need to install and even install them for you.

There is no cost and it is extremely effective against many of the virus and adware out there. Go here to check your system: www.microsoft.com and look on the menu on the left for Windows Update and click on that. Depending on what operating system you have, it will take you to the appropriate update page. Also turn on auto-update if your operating system allows that feature.

Step 4. Install a firewall. A firewall looks at network traffic coming into or going out of your computer. Viruses or adware that may try and infect you is scrutinized and rejected. Windows XP has an included firewall (automatically turned on in the SP2 update) that can help but you may find a 3rd party program like Zone Alert (www.zonelabs.com) to be a better choice.

Step 5. Now that you know the danger, use a generous amount of common sense in reading email and surfing the web. If you get an email attachment from anyone you don't know, don't open it, ever!

If you know the person sending the attachment but it looks questionable, don't open it. You may also want to set your email to open only in text mode, that keeps any html (that can run a program) from doing any harm.

Never, and I mean never, click on a hyperlink in an email to fill out any financial, password, or login data. No legitimate vendor will ever ask you to do this under any circumstances.

When you are surfing the web and a window pops up and asks you to install a program, just say no. If you don't recognize the company or publisher, don't do it. You can go into your browser security section and make changes so that no outside source can make any installations or changes with out prompting you to approve.

Keep current backups of all your important data. We all know to do this, but so few actually do it. No matter the method - just do it!!!! If disaster strikes, your critical data will be safe.

By following these five tips you will have peace of mind knowing that your online experiences, be they playing games or making money or something totally different, are safe as well as enjoyable.

Protect your data, and your peace of mind, by taking action on these five steps today.

John Dow owns www.jdWebWorks.com, a website that specializes in web site design tools, computer troubleshooting tools, and security. John has helped many new and existing website owners by providing a collection of tools, utilities and how to articles on Web Site Design & Computer Troubleshooting. Click here to learn more: http://www.jdwebworks.com
 

An Introduction to Internet TV

Friday, 10 March 2006 Rodney Garrett
You use the Internet and, of course, you watch television, but have you ever tried Internet television?

Most people are unaware of one of the more recent developments in interactive Internet use. This new technology brings all the benefits of the Internet and television together to create your own personalised viewing experience. In simple terms Internet television means that you can watch TV straight from your laptop or desktop PC.
 
Internet TV allows you to you maximize the use of your computer and your Internet connection. I expect you have probably thought that there must be more you could do with your personal computer or laptop. You know that typing the occasional letter, transferring your MP3 collection to your iPod or playing the odd game or two online is hardly making use of its full potential. Now you can explore a trusted method of entertainment with access to unlimited viewing and you don't even have to stop your usual computer activities.

If you are someone who can't get enough of watching programs on television, think about how Internet television will open up new options for free viewing. You can catch up with current news stories, watch real time sports action, keep up to date with stock market movements or enjoy a little light comedy. You are provided with a wide variety of entertainment possibilities that continues to grow, gaining in popularity every day.

At the time of writing, FIFA World Cup 2006 is just around the corner and, for many, Internet TV will provide access to free live football streams. Viewers will be able to keep up with the latest action from all the international football games involving teams including Brazil, Argentina, France, England and many more. Japan's third largest TV broadcaster, Tokyo Broadcasting System, has recently announced plans to air World Cup programmes over the Internet and on mobile phones.
{mosgoogle}
If you use the Internet for any kind of research (even if it's only helping the kids with their homework), you no longer have to view what you find in the usual format of text and pictures. Now you can see this information through streams of live or pre-recorded video enabling you to see details that simply wouldn't be visible in a series of pictures.

5 Features of Internet Television:

1. Stations are available internationally. Currently over 150 countries have Internet access so you can rest assured that your country has at least one Internet TV station you can watch.

2. No additional hardware is required. In the past, watching television on your computer would require the fitting of a PC TV card but this is no longer necessary. Improvements in the telecommunications industry have made broadband connections more widely available and cheaper than ever before allowing more and more people to view high quality streaming media on their computer.

3. Anyone with an Internet connection can watch. A minimum connection speed of 56K is recommended and watching at this speed should give you a reasonable picture. Higher connection speeds will improve the picture quality (dependant on the server capabilities) and the fastest connections can enable you to view programmes in DVD quality.

4. New channels are added all the time. Major players in the Internet industry have recently started showing significant interest in this rapidly expanding market. Google is developing Google TV and has signed up American channel UPN and is in talks with the BBC in the UK to provide content. AOL is launching IN2TV which will show thousands of hours of programmes from Warner Brothers across 6 different channels and Yahoo has plans to show Internet TV in Japan which could lead to a worldwide service if successful.

5. Personalize your experience. Normal televisions have fixed channels which depend on the local stations or the cable operators. Internet television gives you the opportunity to bookmark your favorite stations so you can get back to them quickly without having to flick through everything else available. There is usually the option of viewing in either full screen mode or in a smaller window enabling you to get on with other things on your computer while watching.

You too can enjoy all the benefits of Internet television. The world really is at your fingertips now you have discovered this new, hassle-free way of watching TV.

Rodney Garrett runs a website about Internet TV and maintains a regularly updated ebook that lists many of the channels you can watch free of charge. Visit http://www.free-tv-on-your-pc.co.uk for further information or to download your free copy of the ebook, visit http://www.free-tv-on-your-pc.co.uk/members/download.php
 

How Web Conferencing Is Going to Revolutionize Our Future

Wednesday, 08 March 2006 Amit Laufer
A researcher studying future trends once said that our society is transforming from Atoms into Electrons. What he meant to say by that is we are moving from the physical substance like a real brick & mortar business (The Atoms) to the virtual stores and business on the Internet (The Electrons).

From paper books to ebooks, from paper manuals to CDs, from a human teachers to virtual presentations and video clips. From film cameras to digital cameras, from drawing by hand to designing on computer screens and it goes on and on.

So what is it exactly "Web Conference Call", web conferencing is when two or more users who are all connected to the Internet share information.

Web Conference Call is in-line with this trend of digital, virtual, electronic world we are all living in the western world.

My father came to visit us and saw my five years old son playing with my laptop, he smiled and said, well, first they minimized the computers now I see they started to minimize the users as well... :-)

{mosgoogle} 

This amazing technology of web conference calls is taking a huge leap towards the creation of the world as a one small village that is very efficient and saving much time, money and energy.

These technological advances have tremendous impact on our economy, environment and our lives. The Web Conference Calls technology is strengthening the tendency to allow employees to work from home, and in the future to cut on commuting, save time and money, reduce the amount of cars on the roads, to lower the death rates on the roads, to cut on pollution, gasoline consumption, amount of flights etc'.

One CEO of large corporation estimated that Web Conference Calls technology is saving his organization more than 40 million dollars per year on travel and accommodations alone.

Web Conference Calls is taking advantage of the Internet's two most notable qualities of sharing information and connecting people from around the globe.

Imagine, ten people need to meet at an office in NY at 9:30 am sharp. Each one of them is driving his own car or fighting to find a cab, they drive during rush hour surrounded by many nervous drivers around them, they arrive to the building area and there is no free parking around.

They park at the first free parking lot they can find and they pay anywhere from $25 - $75 an hour. They walk ten minutes by foot during the humid summer or rainy winter.

Then there is a delay because not every body made it on time. They drink coffee and chat and the meeting that was supposes to be 90 minutes is becoming two and a half hours. When it finally ends, each participant need to drive back to his office and waste some more time...

Now compare all that to a Web Conferencing virtual meeting!

Whether it's joining an online training session, initiating an online brainstorming session, or reviewing a meeting that was missed, conferencing and "meeting" online has never been easier.

About the Author

=============This Resource Box must be included with the Article copy!=============

Amit Laufer is a writer and Internet Marketer. MBA - International Trade & Finance. Bsc. Computers and Information Systems.

Owner Editor of: Web Conference Call

(c) copyrights 2006 http://www.web-conference-call.com/

 

The Threat of Spam and Basic Preventative Measures

Saturday, 04 March 2006 Justin Brown
Everyone who uses the internet has more than likely been targets of spam at one time or another. At first they are easy to dismiss for internet experienced persons, however for the inexperienced user of the internet, the messages contained can sometimes be intimidating and in some instances lead to trouble (I will come onto a personal example later).

Spam can take several forms; email and search engine spam are just two, but the one we will concentrate on in this article, and also the one you will, and have most likely encountered, is via email.
 
Spam can take several forms; email and search engine spam are just two, but the one we will concentrate on in this article, and also the one you will, and have most likely encountered, is via email.

Spam is defined as unsolicited bulk mail, much of which is caught in your “bulk” or “trash” folder found in your email service provider control panel. You have probably often seen a mass of these types of emails in you bulk folders when checking for email that you actually have consented to receive, as many emails are caught by spam filters even though they should not. The majority of spam you may receive will be of a sexual or gambling nature, however over the past few months I have noticed an ever-increasing number of scam emails asking for sensitive information, claiming to be someone they are not.
{mosgoogle}
Paypal and eBay scams are a prime example of these types of emails known as “phishing scam emails”. The email will be along the lines of:

“We have noticed an irregularity in your account details and require you to update them immediately. Failure to do so will result in the permanent closure of your account”

You can see how these emails can be pretty alarming to an inexperienced internet user who may only occasionally use the internet to sell or buy items on eBay for example. Some of the emails will look very convincing, and will use the images and symbols of the respective company, however be very cautious and take heed to the following important point:

If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the email, do not follow any link contained within the email to an external website. Instead, type the website address that you know is correct into your browser directly, so that you are safe in the knowledge that you are not using a fraudulent website.

Failure to do this may result in your account being hijacked by the scammer; it's as easy as this. You follow the link in the email to a website claiming to be, and also looking very much like one where you have an account. The website will ask you to input your username and password to access your account and voila, you will have now sent this information to the scammer, allowing them access to your account containing sensitive information about you.

Another type of email scam that has been very popular is where you are notified to be the very lucky winner of a lottery, even though you have never entered the lottery in the location claiming your success! This is where the example of a personal experience comes in. Many people reading this will be thinking “I'll never fall for one of these scams”, however the unfortunate reality is that many people will do so. An elderly relative of mine received one of these lottery scams from Spain, and then insisted on following up with the email scam, even though they had never even entered the lottery draw. The only stumbling block was that the bank account details required, needed to be sent by fax, which she couldn't do, and despite the frustration that this caused I of course refused to help send it.

There are measures that you can take to help avoid being targeted by spammers; a few have been mentioned here. However, in addition never reply to a scam email as it will notify them that the email address is live and also that you have read the email, leading to further spam.

Of course there are many other threats from spam that are not discussed here, such as viruses and trojans being sent via email attachments. More details on spam can be found here: http://www.spam-blocker-online.com.

Justin Brown owns and runs http://www.spam-blocker-online.com where visitors can find spam blocker information and purchase anti spam software and books. He also runs an automotive site where you can sell or buy any used cars online.
 

Security and Internet browsers ? Firefox vs. Internet Explorer

Saturday, 04 March 2006 Igor Pankov

Introduction


The Internet is becoming a more and more dangerous place to be, due in no small part to the inherent security risks posed by viruses and spyware. Additionally, applications that access the Internet as part of their normal operations may have errors in their code that allows hackers to launch attacks against the computer on which those applications are running. The safety and integrity of digital assets is further compromised by the fast-growing threat of cybercrooks who devise and implement large-scale hoaxes such as phishing and ID theft.

ActiveX restrictions

Aside from some graphics enhancement of web pages, in most cases ActiveX is more damaging than beneficial. Many sites that serve up spyware and pop-up ads use ActiveX scripting technology, and ActiveX scripting in the Windows environment can be allowed to run unrestrictedly with administrator (root) privileges. Firefox 1.5 does not support Microsoft's proprietary ActiveX technology and so the Firefox browser is more resilient against spyware infection.

In IE6, even with SP2, ActiveX is allowed to run by default, which automatically renders IE users less protected against the threat of spyware. In the upcoming IE 7, it is not yet known whether Microsoft will continue this approach, but early indications point to this being the case. This would be unfortunate, since the current approach is a clear security vulnerability.

In the light of all this, it's clear that users need a reliable and secure web browser between them and the Internet, which will be free of these problems and won't let harmful content invade the computer.
{mosgoogle}
The web browser industry continues to be dominated by the Windows-bundled Internet Explorer, with an 85% market share, but in recent years a new breed of free, more functional and resilient browsers has appeared – the most popular being Mozilla/Firefox and Opera. All have received serious security upgrades to help protect against recent scares and safeguard users online.

Internet Explorer is at version 6.0, essentially the same product that was included with Windows XP in 2001. Eighteen months ago, the release of Windows XP Service Pack 2 substantially increased IE safety; however, it did not eliminate many of the loopholes exploited by hostile program code. At present, Firefox is at version 1.5, but its very different development history (see next section) means that it can be considered at a similar level of maturity as Internet Explorer.

Currently, Microsoft is preparing its next-generation browser, Internet Explorer 7.0, which it plans to introduce sometime during the first half of 2006. The company has stated that it intends to make the browser stronger and more secure to help protect its users against the many problems that have dogged the software over the years.

We, along with Internet users everywhere, await the final results with interest. In the meantime, we decided to undertake our own security evaluation of both IE 7 (beta) and its closest rival, Firefox 1.5.

History and overview


Internet Explorer is a proprietary graphical web browser developed by Microsoft. In 1995, the company licensed the commercial version of Internet Explorer 3.0 from Spyglass Mosaic and integrated the program into its Windows 95 OSR1 edition. Later, it included IE4 as the default browser in Windows 98 – a move which continues to raise many antitrust questions.

Firefox is an open-source browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation; anyone who is proficient enough can collaborate in writing and improving its program code. Mozilla is known for its stringent approach to security, promising a bounty of several thousand dollars for any major vulnerability found in the product.

Security incidents and threat response


While no browser is perfect, major security lapses happened rather more frequently with IE than with Firefox. To be fair, Firefox has less than a 10% market share and is thus a rather less enticing target than IE; that's probably also why security researchers focus much of their attention on the vulnerabilities of Microsoft's browser, not Firefox's. Some people have argued that if the market shares were reversed, bugs in Firefox would start appearing on a more frequent basis, as has recently been the case with Internet Explorer.

The open-source architecture of Firefox contributes to the overall safety of the browser; a community of skilled programmers can spot problems more quickly and correct them before a new release is available for general use. It's been said that threat response time for Firefox averages one week, while it may take months for Microsoft engineers to fix critical bugs reported by security analysts – an unacceptable situation for users who remain unnecessarily vulnerable to exploits (hacker attacks) during that time.

From the threat response standpoint, Firefox is clearly the winner.

Security features


Phishing safeguard


New protection against financial fraud and identity theft has been incorporated into the new IE. A so-called “phishing filter” now appears on the Internet Options menu, which is intended to protect users against unknowingly disclosing private information to unauthorized third parties. Here's how it works:

If a user visits a spoofed site which looks exactly like a genuine one – usually as a result of clicking on a link in a fraudulent email - the browser senses a phishing attempt and compares the site against a list of known phishing sites. If the filter finds the site is a phishing culprit, it blocks access to the site and informs the user of the danger of leaving his/her personal details on sites like this. The database of known phishing sites is updated regularly, and users have an option to report a suspected phishing instant to Microsoft for evaluation.

We're pleased to report that, even in beta, the filter appears to work quite well, correctly identifying half of the test sites we visited as phishing sites.

In Firefox, phishing protection is delivered through third-party extensions such as Google Safe Browsing (currently in beta for US-based users only (see http://www.google.com/tools/firefox/safebrowsing/index.html); this can be plugged into the browser's extension menu.

Restriction of executable Web content


In the current version of IE, suspect websites have been free to install almost any software they want on visitors' machines. While XP SP2 has dramatically reduced this possibility, many unnecessary add-ons and toolbars can still be easily installed by inexperienced users. IE 7 should provide more protection for naïve users, as it will offer to run in protected mode, thus restricting access to the host OS files and settings and making these critical elements of the computer inaccessible to malware.

The default setting for Firefox 1.5 is to have installation of extensions and add-ons disabled; the user must manually change settings in order to enable adding extensions to the browser.

There will always be a tradeoff between security and functionality, but security experts always maintained that letting websites unrestrictedly launch executable code within the browser creates unlimited potential for exploitation. IE 7 will offer much greater flexibility in configuring which external code will be permitted to run within the browser and what impact it would have on the OS.

Of course, IE users can manually disable ActiveX scripting on a particular website and let ActiveX be started automatically on all other sites visited. Or, vice versa, they can disable ActiveX scripting on most of the sites visited and permit it to run on a particular site. All this can be configured under the Security tab in IE's Options menu. However, it is hardly realistic to expect Internet novices, who need the most protection, to do this.


Java, JavaScript and Visual Basic components

Java and JavaScript can be enabled and disabled by both browsers. Firefox allows users to specify permissions for particular actions performed by these scripts. IE 6 allows users to create a group of trusted sites to which global limitations on these scripts will not apply. In IE 7, more flexibility will be added that will lead users toward a more customized display of web pages belonging to a particular site; it appears Firefox also plans to introduce more flexible parameters.

Internal download manager


IE 7's download manager will be revamped, and feature an option to pause and resume downloads - a feature not available with the current version. Specific actions will be able to be defined following the completion of a download, and users can check the newly-downloaded file with their anti-virus before running it. This approach is already in place with Firefox, so Microsoft appears to be playing catch-up here.

Encryption of data on protected sites


When you submit sensitive information, such as transaction details to a bank or financial institution, it travels in an encrypted form through a secure HTTP (SHTTP) connection. The information is encrypted by your browser and decrypted at the receiving end. The new version of IE will use stronger encryption algorithms to reliably transfer your data without the risk of being intercepted and deciphered by someone in transit. A padlock icon indicating that a user is on a secure site will be placed in a more obvious place than currently, and more detailed information will be provided to help visitors check the authenticity of such sites.

Firefox currently has a better-organized display of security certificates for its users, so clearly Microsoft has a room for improvement.

Updating


Both browsers are updated automatically when new code is ready. Firefox has this update mechanism already in place, and for IE 7, it is expected that updates will be provided through Windows update technology.

Privacy enhancements


IE 7 will have the ability for users to flexibly set what private data will be saved and can be applied to different sites; users will be able to easily remove browsing history and other private details such as passwords, cookies, details submitted on web forms, download history, and temporary files. In IE 6, these files were stored all over the place and users have complained that there is no clear way to delete this information. Firefox 1.5 already provides this capability.

Conclusion


IE 7 promises a lot of interesting security and privacy enhancements that will help users stay more secure. With the final release users will receive a good, solid browser that, if Microsoft promises are fulfilled, will help it to compete well on the security front. As we have seen, Firefox 1.5 is already a role model, and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for this talented challenger.

Igor Pankov is a Product Marketing Manager at Agnitum Ltd., the developers of Outpost Firewall PRO. Free Version is available for download .
 

How to Send SMS via HTTP Internet Post

Sunday, 22 January 2006 Joe Macon
Although making use of an SMS API to send text messages from one's website or software application can sound like a fairly daunting task, many SMS providers offer simple HTTP SMS posting allowing one to send SMS text messages directly through their gateways. Generally speaking, one will need to setup an account with an SMS gateway provider in order to get started. Most providers will offer a bunch of messages with which one can test the service; thereafter one will need to purchase more messages. One of the world's most popular SMS gateway providers, Clickatell, offer real time HTTP SMS setup online through their website.

In the tutorial below, I will explain in a few simple steps how one can manually send SMS messages via the Clickatell HTTP Post. Note, that it is intended that developers will code their own commands around this API such that the relevant data can be extracted from their own systems. To that end, most providers offer additional code samples to assist with this sort of integration.

Step 1 Logon to their site www.clickatell.com and find the "SMS gateway" tab. Register for an HTTP API account. Once having done this you will be issued with what is called an API_ID. In order to send SMS via HTTP you will need the following bits of information:

Username (this you select when registering) Password (this you select when registering) API_ID (this gets issued to upon completion of registration) The mobile number/s you would like to send the message to in international format e.g. a UK number would look like this: 448311234567 The message text itself e.g. "Meet me at the cafe in 10 minutes"

Step 2 Open your Browser (e.g. Internet Explorer), and type in your info in the address bar in the following sequence:

a) The basic start is http://api.clickatell.com/http/sendmsg? b) Adding your personal authentication detail - you will then type the following into the browser:

http://api.clickatell.com/http/sendmsg?user=xxxxx&password =xxxxx&api_id=xxxxx&to=448311234567=Meet+me+at+the+café+in+10+minutes

Press "Enter", and your message will be sent. If the message is sent successfully a confirmation code will appear in your browser. If not, you will receive an error message.

About the Author

Joe Macon writes about a variety of technology topics, with a focus on SMS technology. For SMS HTTP he recommends http://www.clickatell.com .

 

Catching the new wave in portable music

Saturday, 04 March 2006 David Smith
Anyone with a computer, an Internet connection and time can find and play MP3 sound files. It just takes a lot patience.

There's a symphony of sound on the Internet, and much of it is stored in MP3 file format. MP3 files -- MP3 stands for MPEG 1 layer 3 -- are compressed, allowing for reasonably quick downloading compared to other types of audio files, while preserving quality sound.
 
Companies marketing MP3 technology use terms such as "CD quality" or "near-CD quality" to describe what the music sounds like. It's more accurate to say that the quality differs depending on how the file was created, and the highest quality MP3 file is near CD-quality. iPod Forum

MP3s are abundant on commercial music Web sites, and there are stockpiles of illegal files stashed on pirate sites or traded via newsgroups. MP3s can be played over the Internet or downloaded to a computer and then played. The streaming audio technique lets Internet listeners hear music as it's sent from the site, eliminating the wait while files download.
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Downloading MP3 files is the most time-consuming part of the process. Theoretically, it should take about 21/2 minutes to save a 1-megabyte file using a 56 kbps modem. So a five-minute song should take about 12 minutes. But modems often don't connect at the maximum speed because of line quality or modem configuration, and that can drag out the process. Using a high-speed Internet connection, such as a digital subscriber line, speeds up downloading considerably, with songs taking only a few minutes.

Download speeds also depend on the speed of the server and the amount of network traffic. High-end commercial sites, such as mp3.com, usually have optimum download times, while pirate sites usually are substantially slower. A 1-megabyte MP3 file holds about one minute of high quality music or several minutes of spoken words.

Saving TLC's song "I Need That" in MP3 format from http://www.mp3.com/ at 28.8 kbps took about 21 minutes, while downloading the song at 56 kbps took about 15 minutes. The song, which is a previously unreleased track from the R&B group's latest album, "FanMail," is 3.7 megabytes, or 31/2 minutes long.

MP3 players come in two forms: the software kind that run on computers, and the hardware kind that can connect to computers, download music from the machine and then play the files independently.

Several free MP3 players can be downloaded from the Web, installed and then used to open and play files, just like any other computer program. Some solid MP3 players for computers with Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT include Nullsoft's WinAmp, MusicMatch's Jukebox and RealNetwork's RealJukebox.

All three can be downloaded for free, and MusicMatch Jukebox and RealJukebox can also create MP3 files from audio CDs. MusicMatch and RealJukebox also have enhanced versions with more features.

MacAmp is popular with the Apple computer crowd, and there's a Macintosh version of RealJukebox, too.

Most MP3 players have a virtual boombox interface -- with basic commands such as play, fast forward, rewind and pause -- and some models also include a graphic equalizer and a playlist that acts as a cue for songs.

After a player has been selected and downloaded from the appropriate Web site, setting it up is usually just a matter of double clicking the install icon and following a couple steps.
http://www.ipodreviewforum.com

Visit the iPod Forum today to find more information! http://www.ipodreviewforum.com
 

Microsoft Explorer Cookies Protect Yourself Before Its Too Late

Wednesday, 15 February 2006 Eric Roberts
Microsoft Internet Explorer - as all modern browsers - store small text files called "cookies" on your hard drive that allow web site publishers to remember your settings and preferences to allow customize their web sites according to your personal wishes. Cookies are also used to remember your user name and password so you don't have to enter it again, weather sites use it to "remember" what city you want the weather for.
 
These are all potentially "good" things - things that can help make your browsing experience easier, and thus, better.

Not all cookies do things to help you. There are some sites (more and more now days) that share their cookie information with other sites. This basically means that they can track where you go - thus creating a profile on your surfing habits. If they combine this data with all the other public data on you - it's possible that they can figure out your name, email address, and other things that you didn't give them permission to know.

The fact is - your computer probably contains hundreds of cookies right now. The good new is that you are in 100% control of how your browser handles cookies and you can choose to allow "good" cookies and block "bad" cookies.

I'll be honest with you - if you choose to go down this road, depending on how tightly you want to control things - you'll have to give up some of the "ease of use" you're accustomed to.
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For example, you'll have to enter your own passwords; some shopping sites may or may not work; and some site may refuse to load at all. However, most "main stream" sites have ways to allow you in, to allow you to shop WITHOUT using cookies. These are the types of sites you probably want to visit, anyway!

In a nutshell - you're going to need to:

1. Delete all your existing cookies
2. Tell Internet Explorer to block all future cookies
3. Tell Internet Explorer to accept cookies only from the sites you choose

Fire up Explorer (if it's not already open). The setting below demonstrate the MOST RESTRICTIVE setting you can get. Now we're ready to take control of our cookies:

Choose "Internet Options..." from the "Tools" menu

Click on the "Privacy" tab.

Click the "Internet" icon and click the "Advanced" button.

Choose "Override automatic cookie handling" to place a check mark in its box.

Choose Block under both "First Party Cookies" and "Third-party Cookies".

Click to put a check mark in the "Always allow session cookies" box.

Click OK.


To view different cookie management strategies and to get more detailed information and tips on fine-tuning your control over your cookies - I suggest you check out the free articles at http://www.1clicktraining.com.

About the Author:
Eric Roberts is an internet entrepreneur that has founded a number of sites helping people get more done in less time including http://www.1clicktraining.com. Check out his blog at http://newbienerds.blogspot.com.
 
Eric is a computer programmer, author and trainer. He has trained people internationally for over 14 years, has spoken at major conventions, and still manages to find time to have fun while exploring the ever-changing technology landscape. For more insights into his mind - visit his blog at http://NewbieNerds.blogspot.com.  
 

Is Spyware Slowing Your Computer Down to a Crawl?

Wednesday, 15 February 2006 George Peirson
Everyday more and more computers are becoming infected with Spyware and Adware (advertising tracking). No matter where you go on the web, someone is trying to sneak something on your computer. From honest web sites placing simple logon cookies, to paid advertising tracking your movements on the web, to malicious software that is designed to record your keystrokes and discover your passwords, Spyware and Adware have together become the web's number one problem.

Many of these programs are down right dangerous and seriously threaten your online privacy and identity. But even the simple and supposedly benign Adware programs can cause you serious problems.

Spyware is any program that installs itself onto your computer with the intent to spy on your activity. This can be recording your online searching habits, or whatever you type on your keyboard. Adware is not much better. It is designed to watch what you do online, where you go, which terms you search for and then report this to the ad agency that runs the adware program.

Adware programs may be designed with the best intentions in mind, but even these can cause your computer serious problems.

Here is what happens. Many, if not most, advertisers on the internet will try and place a cookie or other small program on your computer. Many will add code that will track that cookie as it hits different pages. The code may be designed simply to gather anonymous data, or it may be trying to send ads to your browser that the advertising company thinks you will be more likely to respond to.
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Whatever the case, the Adware or Spyware is using your computer to do its tracking. This means that part of your computer's power and CPU cycles are being diverted away from the activity you are trying to perform. Your computer is being used by someone else instead to track your movements. Now, when we multiply this behavior by tens or hundreds of Adware or Spyware programs all trying to use your computer for their work you can begin to see the problem.

These programs can literally slow your computer down to a crawl, or make it crash altogether. They can fill your computer up with trash files, open unwanted popup windows, use up the space in your internet cache and generally just make working on your computer a nightmare.

Luckily there are several easy solutions to the problem. But first let me make one distinction, Spyware and Adware are not the same thing as a computer virus. Although a computer virus can install spyware on a computer, you will need different tools to remove a computer virus and to keep your system clean from Spyware and Adware. You should be using both a high quality commercial anti-virus program and one or more good quality programs for handling the spyware/adware problem.

There are several good Spyware/adware programs on the market. I use two different programs on my network, Ad-aware from Lavasoft and Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software although there are several others. You can easily find both of these by doing an internet search for Ad-aware and Spy Sweeper. Or simply do a search for spyware. Both of these programs will scan your hard drives and registry and present you with a list of spyware/adware programs hiding on your system. You can then quarantine or remove the offending programs. I use both of these programs since neither one seems to catch everything. Plus I will run them 2 or more times in a row, the nastier spyware will not be completely removed on the first pass.

The process is very easy and I recommend running these programs at least once a week and every time you have been doing some extended web surfing. You will be surprised at how many of these spyware/adware programs will sneak onto your system. I run a very clean network and I have yet to scan my system and not come up with at least a few of these hiding on my hard drive.

So be aware of the problem, take reasonable precautions, scan your system frequently, and the spyware/adware curse can be broken.

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George Peirson is a successful Entrepreneur, Internet Trainer and author of over 30 multimedia based tutorial training titles. Read more
articles by George Peirson at http://www.howtogurus.com/free-articles.html
Article copyright 2005 George Peirson
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