This is something all parents of busy young Web surfers should know about. "Drive-by downloads" are nasty little programs people inadvertently download to their computers just by going to some not-so-well-meaning Web sites. The Washington Post's "Computer Guy" does a great job of explaining what can be done about them (they are largely an Internet Explorer problem, so users of other browsers can … [Read more...] about ‘Drive-by downloads’
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3rd & 4th graders on cybersafety
Most of the third- and fourth-graders at Deer Park Elementary have a Net-connected computer at home, but "only 39% of the third-graders and 43% of the fourth-graders are required to ask their parents' permission before using their home computer," according to a survey conducted by the Washington, D.C., area school. Teacher Diane Painter reports in TechLearning.com that Deer Park celebrates … [Read more...] about 3rd & 4th graders on cybersafety
Families, look for AIM update!
This is for AIM users and their parents (a whole lot of teenagers use AOL instant-messaging!): Look for a critical update that AOL will be releasing very soon. A vulnerability in AIM has been discovered which "could allow a malicious hacker to use the 'Away Message' feature to take control of a user's machine," Internet.com reports. AOL says a hacker could take over an AIM user's PC only if "a … [Read more...] about Families, look for AIM update!
The ‘pirate generation’
The Business Software Alliance says that the younger people are "the more likely they are to own and use pirated goods" such as software, CDs, and DVDs, the BBC reports. The article cites fresh BSA research finding a "growing disrespect" for copyrights, with nearly half of UK 18-to-29-year-olds owning pirated or counterfeit goods. The study found that 17% of people over 50 own pirated goods, … [Read more...] about The ‘pirate generation’
Free virus protection?
Many families have this question: Must we pay a yearly subscription for decent protection from viruses, worms, etc.? The basic answer from New York Times tech guy J.D. Biersdorfer seems to be, "you get what you pay for." He names some free anti-virus programs, but this is key: "You may find better technical support and a wider array of features in some of the antivirus programs designed … [Read more...] about Free virus protection?