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NEW FAQs:

"I received an email stating that I have been infected and am sending out infected emails. Should I order/use/install the attached software?"

This is my new pet peeve.

First of all, NO. DON'T DO THIS!

You should always consider the source of software you are installing, and this is especially true for antivirus software.

This type of email is usually generated in two different ways.

One is generated by offending computer viruses to trick you into installing the virus or trojan horse. Both are bad for your system.

The other represents a marketer using less than safe methods for distributing his product. This is like buying milk from a guy at the last intersection that previously was selling flowers that no one in their right mind would give away. The reason is the same; you don't know where that software has been. I don't trust my systems to them and I recommend that you don't either.

Be safe out there.

 

 

NEW GADGETS:
"DVD Video Recorders"

DVD Video Recorders
Info from Panasonic

It's time. The new DVD Video Recorders have finally freed us from the bondage of decaying VHS tape.

The prices are still pretty high ($700-800 and higher), but they afford us the opportunity to rescue those wedding and birthday and even bachelor party videos that are slowly fading on the shelf.

Each blank DVD-R disk is just a few dollars, but can record up to 4 hrs of video depending on the compression level. The current technology uses MPEG-2, but the new MPEG-4 compression is being developed for these consumer electronics too.

If you have too many tapes in your library, here is a way to reduce the storage space and more safely preserve you precious recording for posterity.

 

 

HOME NETWORKING

Who needs a firewall?

Maybe, you do. A firewall is a software or hardware product that will provide rules for traffic in and out of your home network.

This is a fancy way of saying, a firewall is what keeps the world off of your computer when you are connected to the public Internet.

We see all kinds of ads for firewall programs, but in general I don't recommend them. Your single computer connected to the Internet is very unlikely to be targeted because your IP address changes every time you log on.

The nature of your everyday DSL account is that of a wandering Bedouin. A cyber criminal would not know where you would pop up next.

(If you have a non-changing, static IP address, this is very different. In that case, I heartily recommend a strong firewall.)

Secondly, firewall software is ever present on your system. It slows down everything you do and sometimes restricts normal usage out of its confusion.

A better solution is to install a DSL Router with firewall software built-in. It would let your computer be a productivity tool, and allows the router to handle security and Internet access.

Every network is different, and this configuration may not meet your needs. If you your network raises performance or security concerns we would be happy to counsel you or discuss your plans.

 

 

ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT:
"AtlanTIX"

http://www.atlantatheaters.org/we_provide/atlantix.asp

I confess that I agree with the ancient bard, himself, "The play's the thing."

http://www.eamesharlan.org/tptt/hamlet22.html#6465
(William Shakespeare, in "Hamlet" Act II, Scene II)

I really enjoy the theater. This summer I was blessed to fulfill a lifelong goal to see a play on Broadway. (It was wonderful and I encourage you all to go. http://www.broadway.com/template_5.asp )

While there I encountered the perfect solution to last minute show plans. It was called the TIXtent or TicketTent. In short, it allowed me to walk up and pay half price for shows available today. It was easy and afforded last minute plans; perfect for a tourist like me.

Now we have that kind of resource here in Atlanta! It is called AtlanTIX and is a same-day walk-up ticket purchasing business. Because we aren't as show driven as Broadway in New York, they also offer many local museum tickets as well.

I know it's odd recommending a real world item that you cannot use online, but the online reference will tell you what is playing. I hope that the option of same-day purchase will make your last-minute entertainment more fun.

Enjoy the show!

 

 

--dedicated to the glory of God--
Matthew 6:34

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.