Instead of asking it's users "What are you doing right now?" facebook has changed its question and is asking, "Whats on you mind?"
These changes are due to Facebook feeling threatened by Twiter who is becoming more and more popular.
Facebook's also adding filters so people can choose which of their friends to keep up with and which to silence.
Next week there will be a new homepage that lets users receive updates all the time instead of every 10-15 minutes.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Sunday, 15 February 2009
Police and ICT
Derbyshire police officers are now swapping their note pads for a small memory card, this means that hours of film can be recorded on the card and fingerprints can also be gathered as evidence. This technology had be tested before and is said to be a great way of tracking down criminals.
Head cams are being worn by police officers with new computer stystem. This new technology has enabled officers to store and retrieve footage more quickly and easily.
An officer claimed that, "Everything I see and hear is recorded onto this memory card and we can look at it back at base."
"Officers can now record emotions and dramatic situations, to present the very best evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to secure convictions."
Head cams are being worn by police officers with new computer stystem. This new technology has enabled officers to store and retrieve footage more quickly and easily.
An officer claimed that, "Everything I see and hear is recorded onto this memory card and we can look at it back at base."
"Officers can now record emotions and dramatic situations, to present the very best evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service to secure convictions."
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Google problems
Google has recently been suffering with technical problem resulting in users not being able to access search results. On Saturday, all search results were flagged as harmful to your computer. Users were told to pick a different search results, one which is less likely to harm your computer - though all were classed as harmful.
Google claimed that all users were affected by this problem for about 40 minutes.
Google described the problem as a "Human Error."
Now Google has said that they will, "We will carefully investigate this incident and put more robust file checks in place to prevent it from happening again,"
Google claimed that all users were affected by this problem for about 40 minutes.
Google described the problem as a "Human Error."
Now Google has said that they will, "We will carefully investigate this incident and put more robust file checks in place to prevent it from happening again,"
Sunday, 11 January 2009
YTF
England and many other countries now recognise the digital divide internationally and have set up charities to minimize this divide.
For example, Youth for Technology Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides for the less developed countries, i.e = Africa.
The main problem is that there are so many countries that lack equipment, training, education etc, so YTF aims to provide these people with the resources which will enable them to use technology effectively.
YTF believes that through the power of technology it will help reduce poverty, crime, violence and unemployment.
For example, Youth for Technology Foundation is a non-profit organisation that provides for the less developed countries, i.e = Africa.
The main problem is that there are so many countries that lack equipment, training, education etc, so YTF aims to provide these people with the resources which will enable them to use technology effectively.
YTF believes that through the power of technology it will help reduce poverty, crime, violence and unemployment.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Koobface
There are around 120 million people who use facebook and they are now being targeted by a virus. This virus has been designed to get hold of personal information like credit card details etc...
The virus is known as, “Koobface,” and is spreading across facebook into people’s inboxes; the message is pretending to be from a friend, this results in people opening the message therefore opening the virus. The message is a trick, it usually says, “You look funny in this video, or You look awesome in this new video.” Once users have clicked on the link they are asked to look at "new videos by Tom."
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Teenage Hackers
Computer Security professionals have found many net forums where teenagers populate and swap credit card number, give each other phising kits and hacking tips. Security say that they will be caught and arrested.
Forums are firstly made with people sharing files and even sharing stolen data. Some people look for exploits and virus codes that can be run against social network sites where there are many young people.
Though teenagers have been said to creating virus' and hacking, experts say they have very poor IT skills, "They do not even know enough to get a simple phishing or attack tool right," said Kevin Hogan.
Many of the hackers post what they have done on sites such as youtube and sign on like they would if they were going to hack a site, by running a phishing attack or writing a web exploit.
Some are even stupid enough to leave their personal details, making it really easy for computer security's to track them and shut them down.
Forums are firstly made with people sharing files and even sharing stolen data. Some people look for exploits and virus codes that can be run against social network sites where there are many young people.
Though teenagers have been said to creating virus' and hacking, experts say they have very poor IT skills, "They do not even know enough to get a simple phishing or attack tool right," said Kevin Hogan.
Many of the hackers post what they have done on sites such as youtube and sign on like they would if they were going to hack a site, by running a phishing attack or writing a web exploit.
Some are even stupid enough to leave their personal details, making it really easy for computer security's to track them and shut them down.
TV Screens
With new plasma TV becoming more and more popular old CRT's are being replaced.
Though there is a new TV screen being made from Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, which promise better pictures, lower power consumption and lighter screens.
SONY is the producer of this screen and is releasing OLED screens in Japan in December month and worldwide in 2009.
The OLED screen is only 3mm thick and is very energy efficient as it doesn't need a back light, unlike Plasma and LCD screens.
The price of a OLED TV is currently priced at about £3.500.
Though there is a new TV screen being made from Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, which promise better pictures, lower power consumption and lighter screens.
SONY is the producer of this screen and is releasing OLED screens in Japan in December month and worldwide in 2009.
The OLED screen is only 3mm thick and is very energy efficient as it doesn't need a back light, unlike Plasma and LCD screens.
The price of a OLED TV is currently priced at about £3.500.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Nokia Phone
The new Nokia phone system is said that once developed further could eventually control central heating, home security cameras and draw your curtains.
The Nokia phone would have a wireless router, which interfaces with equipment around the house. Nokia has paired up with a European Energy company to manage heating. The Nokia phone is currently out in Barcelona and should be on our shelves by the end of the year 2009.
The phone has a 6 GB storage, necessary to act as a camera for video security cameras if needed. The phone is also able to read the temperature and if it knows that the temperature is getting too cold and the house –owner is away, it automatically turns the heating on to avoid the pipes from freezing.
The Nokia phone would have a wireless router, which interfaces with equipment around the house. Nokia has paired up with a European Energy company to manage heating. The Nokia phone is currently out in Barcelona and should be on our shelves by the end of the year 2009.
The phone has a 6 GB storage, necessary to act as a camera for video security cameras if needed. The phone is also able to read the temperature and if it knows that the temperature is getting too cold and the house –owner is away, it automatically turns the heating on to avoid the pipes from freezing.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Apple Iphone
The Apple Iphone advert has been banned by the BBC for exaggerating its speed to the viewers. The advert was showing the phone loading Internet pages within seconds, though this is not true.
The advert received many complaints from people who had been mislead by the advert, thinking that the phone was a lot better than it actually is.
Due to the complaints the ASA have said that the advert will be shown but in a different form, a more accurate one.
Apple said its claims were "relative rather than absolute in nature" - implying the 3G iPhone was "really fast" in comparison to the previous generation - and therefore the advert was not misleading.
Apple also said that the advert did claim that the speed of the Internet would vary due to the location that you were in!
The advert received many complaints from people who had been mislead by the advert, thinking that the phone was a lot better than it actually is.
Due to the complaints the ASA have said that the advert will be shown but in a different form, a more accurate one.
Apple said its claims were "relative rather than absolute in nature" - implying the 3G iPhone was "really fast" in comparison to the previous generation - and therefore the advert was not misleading.
Apple also said that the advert did claim that the speed of the Internet would vary due to the location that you were in!
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Spam
It is said that if you surf the web without web-protection you are likely to receive 70 spam messages in your inbox a day, according to an experiment taken out by McAfee.
McAfee invited 50 people from any where around the world, including 5 from the UK, to surf the net without spam filters. Results have shown that UK residents are more likely to be targeted by the infamous Nigerian e-mails.
One UK participant, over one month received 5,414 spam e-mails. Though the US still beats this, they received a total of 23,233 spam email throughout the course of the experiment. Brazil received 15,856 were the second most spammed country.
In the UK 5 participant received a total of 11,965 spam messages throughout the whole experiment.
Germany attracted the least spam, with just 2,331 junk messages.
This experiment shows that spam is showing no sign of slowing down, participants noticed that their computers were slowing down due to the amount of spam they were receiving.
McAfee invited 50 people from any where around the world, including 5 from the UK, to surf the net without spam filters. Results have shown that UK residents are more likely to be targeted by the infamous Nigerian e-mails.
One UK participant, over one month received 5,414 spam e-mails. Though the US still beats this, they received a total of 23,233 spam email throughout the course of the experiment. Brazil received 15,856 were the second most spammed country.
In the UK 5 participant received a total of 11,965 spam messages throughout the whole experiment.
Germany attracted the least spam, with just 2,331 junk messages.
This experiment shows that spam is showing no sign of slowing down, participants noticed that their computers were slowing down due to the amount of spam they were receiving.
Friday, 14 November 2008
How "Tool Man" could change the way he works.
PDA= He could Carry this around with him and enter customers home addresses, email addresses and phone numbers; this way he will have all his customers details on him all the time.
There is also a calender on the PDA so he can enter appointments and then the PDA will tell him where he has to be and at what time, it would be like his personal organiser.
He could have a price list of all his products etc and have a list of what people owe him.
GPS= This is like a Satellite navigation system, this would be very useful for him and would not only be easier but would save him a lot of time as he wouldn't have to look for a location on a map, instead the Sat Nav would tell him where to go and he would be more likely to arrive on time to places. The GPS would be linked with the PDA therefore would have all customers address' on it.
Laptop= This would be very much like the PDA, though the only main difference is the size of the screen. He could use a laptop to store information; on customers, price lists, amount owed, invoices etc. The laptop would be very useful as it would save him having to visit the office as much and he could just do his work where ever he wanted in spare time.
Mobile Phone= would be very useful as he can communicate with customers, although if he had their email address it would be cheaper for him to mail them. Though a mobile phone is very important to have imidiate contact with the customer, for example if he was stuck in traffic he could let them know he would be running late.
Disadvantages of using this technology:
He would at some point need to visit the office to print off invoices etc.
Over Reliance; if it were to break he could loose all of his information therefore he needs to have a back-up system, i.e carry a road map with him just encase his GPS broke.
There is also a calender on the PDA so he can enter appointments and then the PDA will tell him where he has to be and at what time, it would be like his personal organiser.
He could have a price list of all his products etc and have a list of what people owe him.
GPS= This is like a Satellite navigation system, this would be very useful for him and would not only be easier but would save him a lot of time as he wouldn't have to look for a location on a map, instead the Sat Nav would tell him where to go and he would be more likely to arrive on time to places. The GPS would be linked with the PDA therefore would have all customers address' on it.
Laptop= This would be very much like the PDA, though the only main difference is the size of the screen. He could use a laptop to store information; on customers, price lists, amount owed, invoices etc. The laptop would be very useful as it would save him having to visit the office as much and he could just do his work where ever he wanted in spare time.
Mobile Phone= would be very useful as he can communicate with customers, although if he had their email address it would be cheaper for him to mail them. Though a mobile phone is very important to have imidiate contact with the customer, for example if he was stuck in traffic he could let them know he would be running late.
Disadvantages of using this technology:
He would at some point need to visit the office to print off invoices etc.
Over Reliance; if it were to break he could loose all of his information therefore he needs to have a back-up system, i.e carry a road map with him just encase his GPS broke.
Ambulance - Technology
Ambulances are now being installed with a touch-screen communication system, which is costing £300,000.
The technology transmits information on patient health and shows schedules to and from patients. Patient’s information is recorded using touch screens, which are clearer and more accurate than written records.
Paramedics enter the patient’s data by tapping on the screen. Updates of the patient’s information can be altered as well; for example their blood pressure, these changes can also be sent to the hospital if needed.
A&E staff use web portal to access the data, here they can retrieve all the patients’ details too.
Customer Services Director Andy Jones, said: "This is good news for patients because it allows us to react more efficiently than we have previously been able to."
This new technology uses touch screen technology to allow ambulance staff to provide LIVE updates.
The technology avoids unnecessary journeys resulting in a lot of time being saved.
The NHS is now expected to have a summary of electronic patient records for every person in England. The summary of information would be shared with the patients GP, Paramedic’s and emergency care doctor’s and nurses. This is very important as now the doctors etc will be able to see what problem the patient has straight away and know what drug they can and cannot take.
The technology transmits information on patient health and shows schedules to and from patients. Patient’s information is recorded using touch screens, which are clearer and more accurate than written records.
Paramedics enter the patient’s data by tapping on the screen. Updates of the patient’s information can be altered as well; for example their blood pressure, these changes can also be sent to the hospital if needed.
A&E staff use web portal to access the data, here they can retrieve all the patients’ details too.
Customer Services Director Andy Jones, said: "This is good news for patients because it allows us to react more efficiently than we have previously been able to."
This new technology uses touch screen technology to allow ambulance staff to provide LIVE updates.
The technology avoids unnecessary journeys resulting in a lot of time being saved.
The NHS is now expected to have a summary of electronic patient records for every person in England. The summary of information would be shared with the patients GP, Paramedic’s and emergency care doctor’s and nurses. This is very important as now the doctors etc will be able to see what problem the patient has straight away and know what drug they can and cannot take.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
How the Web is helping Obama
Obama is using the web to help him as he prepares to be the new American President via a website called change.gov.com
The site is proided as a guide to the transition process. The site also shows suggestions from US citizens and how they see America.
The site shows the 13 most urgent issues that Obama needs to deal with.
Though it is not just Obama who is using the internet to get his message accross, there are high-tech criminal who are tricking web users into handing over valuable information.
"E-mail users who are eager to get the latest scoop on Obama's monumental presidential win should be careful that they are not being tricked by conniving cybercriminals," said Graham Cluley from Sophos.
The site is proided as a guide to the transition process. The site also shows suggestions from US citizens and how they see America.
The site shows the 13 most urgent issues that Obama needs to deal with.
Though it is not just Obama who is using the internet to get his message accross, there are high-tech criminal who are tricking web users into handing over valuable information.
"E-mail users who are eager to get the latest scoop on Obama's monumental presidential win should be careful that they are not being tricked by conniving cybercriminals," said Graham Cluley from Sophos.
Windows 7
Microsoft has released a new operating system named Windows 7. The release follows the make Vista, which is under great criticism from its users.
Vista was launched in January 2007, the complaints slowly were due to some programs and devices not working. So customers have been slow to switch from Windows XP to Vista.
Microsoft has allowed Windows XP to continue selling as there are customers who prefer it and don't want the upgrade.
Vista took more than 5 years to be produced whereas Window 7 should be out and in use in a couple of years.
Windows 7 has added a variety of new products:
Vista was launched in January 2007, the complaints slowly were due to some programs and devices not working. So customers have been slow to switch from Windows XP to Vista.
Microsoft has allowed Windows XP to continue selling as there are customers who prefer it and don't want the upgrade.
Vista took more than 5 years to be produced whereas Window 7 should be out and in use in a couple of years.
Windows 7 has added a variety of new products:
- A different task bar to allow quicker access to Programs etc.
- A feature called HomeGroup, allowing users easy sharing of data across PCs and other devices in the home.
- Better support for devices like camers, video recorders, printers, mobile phones.
- Touch Screen- a different way for users to publish their information.
- There are also improvement to some publications; Paint and calculators etc.
Windows 7 is said to be published in 2010, though there should be a trial taking place by the year 2009.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Life in the Information Age - Working Styles
The range of ICT technologies have a great effect on the population and the way people work now is very different to before.
Before people used to use calculators and pencils etc..... which they still do now just not as often. Nowadays people use spreadsheets.
Office staff are now expected to know how to use a computer; Word Process, Excel, Spreadsheets, Email etc.
Moreover, shop assistants are now using computerised tills, (EPOS) and Stock Control Systems.
Car mechanics use computerised equipment to figure out what is wrong with certain parts in the car.
As you can see technology is having a great affect on the way people live their lives. Nowadays people find it strange to discover that there are some who do not know how to use a computer, this is Prof that the digital divide is slowly closing, become smaller.
Over the years jobs have changed dramatically because of computers and will still continue to do so, with even greater effect.
Before people used to use calculators and pencils etc..... which they still do now just not as often. Nowadays people use spreadsheets.
Office staff are now expected to know how to use a computer; Word Process, Excel, Spreadsheets, Email etc.
Moreover, shop assistants are now using computerised tills, (EPOS) and Stock Control Systems.
Car mechanics use computerised equipment to figure out what is wrong with certain parts in the car.
As you can see technology is having a great affect on the way people live their lives. Nowadays people find it strange to discover that there are some who do not know how to use a computer, this is Prof that the digital divide is slowly closing, become smaller.
Over the years jobs have changed dramatically because of computers and will still continue to do so, with even greater effect.
Battleseen.com
This website is an overview of real life through the eyes of a soldier. There are videos available to watch real battles and chaos in action, blogs where people have written stories, news- updating you with the latest information and battles, forums – where you can talk to others about the current situation in Iraq etc.
I think this website is very good as it is not the same as newspapers telling you what has happened; you can actually see for yourself what life is really like for the soldiers.
I read a story about how a British Commander quit his job because of the deaths of his soldiers and he blames the Ministry of Defence for the deaths. He believed that soldiers weren’t provided with the correct amount of equipment to defend themselves.
4 of his soldiers died when driving in Afghanistan and hitting a roadside bomb. Maj. Sebastian Morley- the British Commander claimed that the Land Rovers they were provided with were not safe!
People are able to register on this site that way they can comment on blogs and talk to others about what life is like etc.Friday, 31 October 2008
Limewire- Downloading Service- Music
Limewire is a FREE file sharing program which allows users on the internet to share music, videos and other files.
Limewire directly transfers files from the hard drive of one user to the hard drive of another user.
Though this software is illegal, as it is slowly destroying the music industry as people are sharing music, songs which results in people not buying CD's or even legally paying to download per song on apple etc.
Limewire has said to transfer many viruses when downloads take place, though this could be argued.
Limewire is not the only FREE illegal downloading service for music, videos etc there is bearshare.com.
Though if your computer system was traced by police having downloaded illegally there are heavy fines to be paid.
Limewire directly transfers files from the hard drive of one user to the hard drive of another user.
Though this software is illegal, as it is slowly destroying the music industry as people are sharing music, songs which results in people not buying CD's or even legally paying to download per song on apple etc.
Limewire has said to transfer many viruses when downloads take place, though this could be argued.
Limewire is not the only FREE illegal downloading service for music, videos etc there is bearshare.com.
Though if your computer system was traced by police having downloaded illegally there are heavy fines to be paid.
E-Government
Definition = "Refers to the use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) by governments as applied to the full range of government functions."
The E-Governement is the largest unit in Cabinet Office, the government is responsible for formulating information technology, delivering citizen-centred online services and finally promonting best practise accross government.
Government had 16 new objectives
To stimulate joined up business led IT strategies and policies
To support citizen-centred public service reform
To maximise the re-use and consistent application of common ICT components and systems across government
To promote and assist joined up identification and authentication across the public sector
To enable corporate service transformation
To be an IT ‘change agent’
To sponsor cost effective IT security
To increase IT-enabled change capability/capacity
To support ‘mission-critical’ projects
To build partnerships with IT suppliers
Stakeholder Management
Local Government Stakeholder Management
Improving confidence in Government IT
Common Infrastructure Development
Delivery of Directgov website [External website]
Delivery of Knowledge Network products
I went on the E-government Unit website and looked up there responisblities. These responisibilites are new and the priminister has set out 16 of them.
These responsiblities have been designed to encourage a ‘culture of security’ regarding information systems.
The E-Governement is the largest unit in Cabinet Office, the government is responsible for formulating information technology, delivering citizen-centred online services and finally promonting best practise accross government.
Government had 16 new objectives
To stimulate joined up business led IT strategies and policies
To support citizen-centred public service reform
To maximise the re-use and consistent application of common ICT components and systems across government
To promote and assist joined up identification and authentication across the public sector
To enable corporate service transformation
To be an IT ‘change agent’
To sponsor cost effective IT security
To increase IT-enabled change capability/capacity
To support ‘mission-critical’ projects
To build partnerships with IT suppliers
Stakeholder Management
Local Government Stakeholder Management
Improving confidence in Government IT
Common Infrastructure Development
Delivery of Directgov website [External website]
Delivery of Knowledge Network products
I went on the E-government Unit website and looked up there responisblities. These responisibilites are new and the priminister has set out 16 of them.
These responsiblities have been designed to encourage a ‘culture of security’ regarding information systems.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Spame attack halts Virgin e-mail
Thousands of Virgin customers were cut of from their Internet access for about 4 days due to a suspected spam attack.
The problem affected a company which processes messages delivered through the Virgin.net platform.
E-mails were held back when the large attack occurred on Tuesday; so that the spam could be removed.
There are about 200,000 people who use virgin.net, though under half of these where affected by the attack.
Those who couldn't use their email service were worried that they would loose mail, but Virgin Media stressed that no e-mails had been lost.
The problem affected a company which processes messages delivered through the Virgin.net platform.
E-mails were held back when the large attack occurred on Tuesday; so that the spam could be removed.
There are about 200,000 people who use virgin.net, though under half of these where affected by the attack.
Those who couldn't use their email service were worried that they would loose mail, but Virgin Media stressed that no e-mails had been lost.
Friday, 10 October 2008
IceSave
Icesave have been having serious problems, they have now had to tell customers that they will probably have to claim compensation for money held in their saving accounts that they have lost. Claims from Icesave's UK customers will be handled by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
"We are gearing up to be ready to do whatever we can in order to get compensation back to UK savers as quickly as possible," said a FSCS spokesmen.
Currently Icesavers are not letting people take money out of their accounts, or put in deposits.
On Monday Icelandic government passed emergency legislation to try to rescue the country's banking system.
"We are gearing up to be ready to do whatever we can in order to get compensation back to UK savers as quickly as possible," said a FSCS spokesmen.
Currently Icesavers are not letting people take money out of their accounts, or put in deposits.
On Monday Icelandic government passed emergency legislation to try to rescue the country's banking system.
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