The Error of My Ways: Computer Security

I completed my first lab project last night for my online class.  It showed me how a simple search engine like Google can be used as a hacker's tool, the process is sometimes called Google Reconnaissance.  Its advanced search features is easily exploited by anyone who can find out how to do so online - although Google has recognized this and prevents users from completing some of the known hacks like getting credit card numbers - which was part of our project to try and do.  Google gave me a very polite error message and refused to give me a result set.  It was so cool!

It also introduced me to this great tool called the Secunia Software Inspector that inspects your machine for non-secure applications.  In my first week I realized the importance of installing those updates that pop up in the lower right hand corner of my computer screen from time to time.  Yes, those same ones I completely ignored in the past.

So I took the time to install my updates in both my laptop and desktop.  I renewed my Norton subscription to protect my machine more completely and I am going to sign up for those Security feeds my text book suggested just so I know what threats are out there.  My computers are my livelihood - I use them for my side projects and I am determined to protect my investment.  So I will try to make sure that they are as protected and secure as they can be from now on.

Is your computer protected and secure?  Even if you don't use it to earn a living, a computer or laptop is an expensive purchase.  It is only logical that you get the most out of it - and you can't get more bang for your buck if you have an exploited system.  So protect and secure your investment, my friends.

I learned so many things in just one week.  I love studying!  Now I should really get back to it - so I can take that first quiz before our Sunday night deadline.

Adobe CS5: Installation and First Impressions

A very long time ago I got a great deal on an Adobe CS3 Web Premium.  I must admit I only really use Dreamweaver and Photoshop of all the products in this bundle. Although I took an Adobe Flash basic class in the Philippines, I hardly ever attempt to use it - maybe I should look into Flash classes in my community college.  When Adobe CS5 came out with all the great features in these two applications, I considered buying just the two.  But when I compared the price of how much it would cost to buy the two individual applications versus a web premium upgrade - it made more sense to just buy the upgrade - so I did.

It arrived yesterday and I installed it on my laptop right away - delaying date night with my husband to do so (yes, I have a very understanding hubby!).

It took a long time to install, but it was very easy to do so.  I even figured out how to install the fonts on both Windows XP and Windows 7 - I skipped this part in my original CS3 bundle!  I honestly thought it would uninstall CS3 and install CS5 - but apparently I am allowed to keep both installations intact. I woke up early this morning to install the upgrade on my desktop - and it took just as long or maybe a little longer (my laptop processor is faster).

I played with the new selection feature last night and it is much easier to select the photo subjects than it used to be - you just drag it across the image and it figures out what you want to select.  I looked up YouTube videos about Photoshop CS5 and absolutely loved the puppet warp.  I have a dozen or so photo projects in my head already by viewing just five of Photoshop's new features - there is something to be said about a programmer that checks out photo editing features before programming IDEs, don't you think?  What can I say, I love photos!

And now for the ultimate test - let's see if I can clean up the photo of my mother-in-law I was not able to in Adobe CS3.  Apparently Photoshop CS5's noise reduction capabilities are much improved too - yay!

I'll post the results here - wish me luck!  And don't worry, I'll get to the other applications included in the bundle too - the upgrade cost I paid will not be wasted.  I fully intend to watch Adobe TV for tutorials and I have subscribed to two Photoshop evangelists already.  More to come - check back for more articles on CS5!

Education on Demand

My fall semester started this week in a nearby community college.  This is the first time I am taking an online class - and it feels so different!  The course is on Network Security Fundamentals, which is a review for taking the CompTIA Security+ Exam.

I am reading the first chapter now - and I love the topics.  You won't believe how much statistics our textbook crams in just a few pages!  I've posted in our discussion forum, which is the class' version of actual classroom discussion.  Quiz and lab work is due at the end of the week.  And our professor has posted his contact information for questions.  It pretty much feels like education on demand!  I don't have to worry about my schedule, the course work is very flexible, which works for me - especially since I work a full time job and several side projects.

I only hope they offer more online courses - specifically in computer forensics and ethical hacking.  Both courses were originally offered on-site, but were cancelled before classes began.  Information Security is an exciting field of expertise and I am eager to learn more.  I realize now that it's not just because I watch all these FBI and CIA dramas that always have a computer professional in their teams - I think I may really have a passion for this.

Have you ever tried taking an online class?  How do you like it? Was it more convenient than regular lecture courses?  Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Hostage Crisis: The Social Media Commentary

A terrible tragedy happened in the Philippines Monday night.  A former police officer who had lost all hope because the Ombudsman had accused him of planting evidence and extortion - and relieved him of his position, disregarding his petition of reconsideration.  He would have retired in January.  He was in service for over three decades and was a decorated officer.  He claimed to be falsely accused.  He took a bus with 15 people hostage (most of them tourists from Hong Kong), caused an international incident and was instrumental in showing the world how inexperienced and ill-equipped the Philippine National Police was to handle crisis situations.  We grieve with the people of Hong Kong for the death of their countrymen.

It has been all over the news - not just locally but in several news outfits abroad as well.  My husband and I have watched it over and over again on ABS-CBN - a local Philippine TV station that broadcasts internationally through cable channels.  In the commentaries, local news shows feature reactions from Filipinos around the world, quoting comments from Facebook and posts from Twitter.

This style of journalism is unique to Filipino news shows - I have yet to see US or International news programs quoting non-expert Facebook and Twitter posts as extensively as Filipino news programs - unless it is a celebrity post and usually only in tech shows or in celebrity news shows.   Featuring social media posts in news programs has many pros and cons - in my opinion.

When I logged in to Facebook on the day of the hostage situation, I already saw a lot of posts from friends who are frustrated at how the situation was handled - some judging the capabilities of the PNP very harshly.  Similar comments were read out loud in news coverages from the Philippines.  Comments from people who were not qualified to criticize the situation because they were not experts in law enforcement and crisis management.  And if, in fact, they are not expert commentators then doesn't that mean that the news outfit just posted a lot of hearsay/gossip?

I do also acknowledge that their intention may just be to gather the pulse of what Filipinos, in general, think about the issue - an informal poll.  In this case then they are pioneers in this type of media use.  The appropriateness of this type of journalism is then a matter of interpretation.

What do you think?  I think social media should be used moderately and appropriately at all times.  Social media users are not journalists, but they do broadcast their personal opinions on issues (that they may not be experts in) to the world through these networks.  Therefore, social media users should post responsibly- you never know who will repost/retweet what you broadcast online.  Be kind.  Be courteous.  And most of all, be true.

Filipino Cuisine Conquered 24-Hour Restaurant Battle

Karine Bakhoum, Gabriella Gershenson, Geoffrey Zakarian and host, Scott Conant, were the four judges who appreciated exotic Filipino delicacies in the Food Network's 24-Hour Restaurant Battle.

I stumbled upon the show's Battle of the Home Cooks episode.  Filipino father and son team, Lad and Andrew Dizon, were shopping for their menu when I landed on the Food Network.  The mention of beef tongue, ox tail, and turon caught my attention and, after learning that they were serving Filipino food at their restaurant-in-24-hours battle, I was hooked!

The father and son team wanted to introduce Filipino cuisine in a big way in this competition.  They did not shy away from serving beef tongue (lengua estofado) and ox tail in peanut soup (kare-kare) as their main entrees - even after Scott Conant suggested they add a safe dish so as not to scare away customers.  Now that's going all out!  I wouldn't be surprised if they served balut (duck egg) and dinuguan (meat in blood soup) when they open their own restaurant for real!

They served shanghai egg rolls and stuffed bitter gourd (ampalaya) as appetizers.  They had turon and leche flan for dessert.  Filipino mainstays - which could be considered safe - in my opinion.

They did scare away a lot of potential clients, but the clients who dined in their restaurant loved the food.  I think that is mainly why Filipino food has not caught on in other parts of the world.  Most people look at the ingredients and run away without trying it.  The ingredients may be exotic, but there is a reason why they are delicacies!

As the judges discovered, beef tongue melts in your mouth in wonderful flavors and ox tail is tender meat  that absorbs the sweet and salty flavors of peanut and shrimp paste to perfection.  The Filipinos won the challenge and went home with the $10,000 prize!  Personally, I feel that they made us all proud by standing up and representing Filipino cuisine - against all odds.  Great job, guys!

In the Hunt for Good Deals: Gifts With Purchase

I saw this Lancome promotion in my Borders Perks email and remembered that my mom loves their powder.  I looked at their promo on the Lancome website and almost bought my mom's gift from there - but then I remembered that Macy's has Lancome in their cosmetics counter.

I checked Macy's website, wondering if they had the promo too - they did and they had a lower minimum purchase than the Lancome website to avail of the gift.  So I went to their store and found this wonderful Lancome gift set with mineral anti-aging powders, bronzers and foundation for my mom - and got the sample gift set for free!

And when my mom requested the powder the next time I talked to her over the phone - I was so happy to report that I had already bought it for her!

Are you more likely to purchase expensive cosmetics or perfumes when they have a gift available with purchase?  I must admit that I do buy expensive stuff more often if they come with a free gift!  I just feel like the added gift makes the expensive purchase seem like a deal.

I purchased my husband's perfume on the same day I went shopping for my mom's gift.  I purchased it because it came with two bags - one to put his toiletries in and a big weekender bag (that I had been meaning to buy because we needed one).  If I deduct the price I would have paid buying a weekender bag to the cost of the perfume - it would've been a 50% or more deal!

Do you think these gifts with purchase are good deals?  Why or why not?