Office Living : Supply Cabinet

Supply Cabinet

tinadh — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 06:18:00 GMT

Covering your tracks on the Internet

It’s a fact: you leave a trail that can easily be followed every time you access a Web site. If someone really wants to know where you’ve been, they’re only a few mouse clicks away from finding out. Below are brief explanations of potential problem areas.

Browser history stores a list of every Web site you've visited. It’s easily accessible from your browser by anyone who looks when you’re not around.

Search history stores a list of everything (passwords, credit card info, etc.) you type into a Web page. And anyone who starts filling in Web forms or typing in search boxes while using your computer will get a drop-down list of information you previously entered.

Cache is a place on your hard drive where your browser stores data from viewed Web pages. By simply opening cache files anyone can see where you've been, what was viewed and more.

Cookies are files that Web sites write then store on your computer. Every time you visit a certain site, it will look for its cookie on your hard drive. It uses the information stored within the cookie to know your name, shopping preferences and more!

To remove all Internet traces from your computer, you have to clear the cache, history, cookies and registry. To do this, just use this very basic security protocol to help keep your Internet activities private.

In Internet Explorer, for example, Delete Browsing History on the Options screen will help clear Internet history, search history, cache, cookies, index files, stored passwords, recent documents and recently used programs. Furthermore, Clear All History will do it automatically and can be set to clear out all your private documents every time you start/exit your computer or after a set period of time.

Of course, the above information may not completely hide your tracks, but it will go a long way in helping you get there. Your best bet is to make sure that you and only you have access to your own computer.

Supply Cabinet

tinadh — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:18:00 GMT

Printer security –
How networked printers can leave you vulnerable

Thanks to modern firewalls and password technology, managers at large companies can sleep soundly at night, reassured their data is secure, right?

Two trends are making today’s multifunction products (MFPs) the focus of enterprise security. First, they offer more data-handling features than ever, including hard drives, making them as sophisticated as many PCs. Second, companies typically connect MFPs to networks, which give them all the flexibility and security vulnerability of any computer on a network. The biggest threat is that the printers are inside the network and are a more trusted launching pad for attacks.

Most companies use multifunction networked printers. These printers allow many users to share one centralized printer, saving the company money, space and supplies. While they are very beneficial for the users, they also pose a security risk to the company.

“Without a doubt, security is of the utmost importance in today’s business environment,” says Kay Fernandez, director of Product Marketing for Toshiba America Business Solutions Inc. “While many companies have taken extensive measures to protect corporate network infrastructures, one of the most overlooked areas in establishing a security strategy is the document production environment,” she adds. "Stop treating them as printers. Treat them as servers, as workstations.”

Here’s what to look for to manage and secure MFPs:

· Control access and track usage. Choose MFPs with central control panels that require employees to enter pass codes or network user names and passwords. This keeps unauthorized people from printing, copying or faxing sensitive data from MFP hard drives.

· Use data encryption. Data-encryption technology can protect MFP hard drives as thoroughly as if they resided in servers and workstations.

· Overwrite data and don’t forget to thoroughly clean hard drives of data when it’s no longer relevant.

Printers should be part of a company's patch program and be carefully managed, not forgotten, by IT.

Information from documentsecurity.com, smallbusinesscomputing.com, okidata.com, documentsolutions.techweb.com, schneier.com, itbusinessedge.com

Supply Cabinet

tinadh — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 06:18:00 GMT

GPS Devices

Throughout history people have often gone to extreme measures to keep from getting lost by erecting impressive landmarks, making detailed maps and learning to read the stars in the night sky. Today, things are much easier. For less than $100 you can get a pocket-sized device called a GPS that will tell you exactly where on earth you are at any given moment.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is actually a network of 27 satellites orbiting the planet (24 in operation and 3 reserves as backup in case one fails), providing worldwide coverage in all weather—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The U.S. military developed and implemented this satellite network as a military navigation system, but in 1993 made it available to civilians and other friendly powers as an essential component for modern navigation on land, water and air. GPS technology has also found useful applications in the fields of mapping and surveying.

A GPS receiver calculates its position by carefully timing the signals sent by the network of GPS satellites high above earth. They circle the planet twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information down to the surface. GPS receivers then take this information and use triangulation to calculate the user’s exact location. The GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. This time difference tells the receiver how far away the satellite is. With distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can then determine the user’s position and display it on the unit’s electronic map.

GPS systems can be very accurate in measurements, generally have an error rate of only a few meters and require no subscription fees or setup charges. So, as long as you have a GPS receiver with power and a clear view of the sky, you'll never be lost again.

Supply Cabinet

tinadh — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:16:00 GMT

DVR vs. TiVO - Win, lose or draw?

How many times have you watched a TV program only to be interrupted by a phone call during the most critical time in the action? Or, what about missing that incredible play during the big game? It wasn't that long ago when I would say, "Wait, what was that? I missed it." Well, thanks to the invention of DVR or digital video recording, we'll never have to miss a single minute of our favorite television shows or events ever again.

The first DVRs were introduced to the general public in 1999. The unit features a hard drive that stores all the shows that you have programmed. Certain devices can hold up to 1,350 hours of standard definition programming. Stocking up on bulky VHS tapes and attempting to set the timer on your VCR are no longer necessary. Now, it only takes a couple of button pushes on your remote control and entire seasons of your favorite shows are ready for recording.

TiVo was the first brand of DVRs that became widely known. Its popularity was so great that the name quickly became the broad term for recording a show with your DVR – "I TiVoed last night's episode of Survivor."

Today, satellite or cable television providers such DirecTV, Comcast and AT&T offer a variety of packages that include DVR units. It's amazing to have the ability to pause live TV, rewind a program as you watch it, and record multiple shows at one time. One other benefit is the ability to fast forward past those pesky commercials.

My wife has taken the digitally recorded program to the next level. She avoids all commercials and forwards to the scenes that feature her favorite characters. A full hour show has actually been compressed to less than 10 minutes. The invention of the DVR has certainly changed the way TV is viewed.

Has the DVR or TiVo changed your television viewing habits?

Supply Cabinet

tinadh — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:04:00 GMT

The Digital Transition

By now you've probably heard about the coming digital transition on the television ot radio, or read about it in the news. You're also probably confused about how or even if it will affect you.

On February 17, 2009, broadcast television stations will stop using analog signals and start broadcasting only in digital. This digital transition will result in improved picture and sound quality as well as free up space on the broadcast spectrum for police, fire and rescue communications.

So what does this mean for you and your television? If your television requires a roof-top antenna or "rabbit ears" to get a signal, you're going to have to make some choices because these will no longer work after the transition. The least expensive solution is to simply purchase a digital-to-analog converter box sold at your local electronics retailer for $40-$70. To get up to 2 coupons for a digital-to-analog converter, visit www.dtv2009.gov.

If you want a new television, purchase a Digital TV (DTV) or a High-Definition TV (HDTV). By law on March 1, 2007, all television devices (TVs, VCRs, DVRs) imported to or shipped within the U.S. must have a digital tuner, but some stores may still carry analog. Any store with analog televisions still in stock is required to display a consumer alert on or near the analog-only device.

Before you make any purchases, check to see if your television is already digital. You don’t need to do anything if your television has the following labels:

Digital Tuner Built-In
Digital Receiver
Digital Tuner
DTV
ATSC

Be careful, however; labels such as “Digital Monitor” “HDTV Monitor,” “Digital Ready” or “HDTV Ready,” do not mean it has a digital tuner and you will likely need to buy a digital tuner.

Finally, no matter what kind of television you have, if you pay for a cable service or have satellite dish you're already ready for the digital transition.

For more information about the digital transition, go to www.dtv.gov.

How will the digital transition affect your life?

Supply Cabinet

Katie — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Recharge Your Batteries

Tired of having your iPod battery drain out on you in the middle of your favorite song? Does your laptop battery always seem to die in the middle of meetings? There are measures you can take to extend the life of your rechargeable lithium ion batteries. Check out some of the tips below:

Avoid buying a backup battery

Lithium ion batteries begin to lose power once they’re assembled and it’s estimated that an unused battery could lose 20% of its life a year. So unless you’re in a position where you’ll be using a back-up battery on a regular basis, don’t buy an extra battery until you absolutely need one.

Battery drain not needed

Previous generations of rechargeable batteries would lose life capacity unless the full power of the battery was drained before charging. This is no longer the case. It’s safe to recharge your battery at any power capacity. The life of your battery will not be diminished. Though, it’s recommended that a battery is fully drained once every 30 charge cycles.

Worry about over-heating, not over-charging

Many laptop owners fear that keeping a fully charged battery in a laptop while the AC adapter is plugged in will “overcharge” the battery and diminish its life span. This is not the case. Most devices are equipped with circuits that divert the power away from a battery and straight into the device when the battery is fully charged. However, heat does increase the rate in which a battery loses its life. So laptop owners who regularly power their computer with an AC adapter may consider removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place (it’s recommended that this be done with the battery at 40% power) to preserve its life. The downside to this is that there will be no backup power for your computer in case of a power outage, making data loss a possibility.

Supply Cabinet

admin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:06:00 GMT

Beyond the music: What else can your iPod do?

At first glance, the iPod is very similar to a walkman – both are portable devices that allow you to listen to music through headphones. The iPod’s big advantage over a walkman is that you can carry around all your music in it instead of just one CD or cassette. But with video iPods now standard, there are a plethora of uses for iPods that go beyond listening to music. Here are a few (note: all these features require a video iPod unless noted).

Photo album

Gone are the days when you open your wallet to proudly display the ragged photo of your two-year old (now four). The video iPod allows you to download photos from your computer – so instead of carrying around just a few photos of your loved ones, you can display entire albums and slideshows to patiently gracious admirers. Click here for a video tutorial on how to download photos onto your iPod.

Get around town

Like to travel? iSubwaymaps can help you explore the great cities of the world by allowing you to download subway maps onto your iPod. So even if you’ve never been to London, you can know the underground like the palm of your hand.

Work out aid

These days, it’s not often that you see a jogger without some sort of iPod strapped to their arm. If you own an iPod nano and a special pair of Nike shoes, your iPod can do more than just help pass the time with your favorite music. The Nike + iPod package enables your iPod to track the time, distance and pace of your run.

Pocket theater/arcade

While your iPod will never compare to your local movie theatre or a PS3 system, there are times – like a long flight or train ride – when a small screen is better than no screen at all. iTunes has a wide selection of movies, TV shows and video games that you can download to and view on your iPod.