Google updates terms of service to reflect its scanning of users’ emails | PCWorld
For a number of years now Google has been engaging in the practice of automated analysis of Gmail users email content in order “to provide you personally relevant product features, such as customized search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection. This analysis occurs as the content is sent, received, and when it is stored.” (as stated in the new Google Terms of Service)
This recent update to the terms of service has been entered in amidst litigation disputes with governmental agencies and privacy groups.
~Ted Eiler
To Article: Google updates terms of service to reflect its scanning of users’ emails | PCWorld.
Rejoice! The Start menu is coming back to Windows | PCWorld
The Start menu will be coming to Windows 8.1 in a forthcoming update whose release date as of yet is unannounced. In addition to traditional features, this new version of the Start menu will also include live tiles as you see on the ‘Metro’ start screen.
Also, another cool feature included with this update is the ability to run the newer Metro apps in windows on the traditional desktop screen. This is another step forward in making the new Windows 8 apps and features accessible to you in a classic Windows desktop environment.
~Ted Eiler
To Article: Rejoice! The Start menu is coming back to Windows | PCWorld.
Security Alert: Heartbleed Bug
A serious vulnerability has been discovered in the OpenSSL cryptographic software library used to secure web connections, affecting nearly two-thirds of all websites.
The bug allows a hacker to steal information such as passwords, encryption keys, financial data and other important personal information send through a secure (https) connection.
Fixing this bug requires websites that use OpenSSL for secured connections to update to the current version of the software which eliminates this problem. Most major websites that use this software have installed the required updates.
If you are concerned about a particular site such as your bank, I would contact them directly to find out the status, or you can go to the Heartbleed test site and put in the website to check if its vulnerable or not:
In any case it would be a good idea to change your online passwords on sites that have fixed or do not have the issue, just in case there has been a previous security breach.
~Ted Eiler
Support is ending for Windows XP – Microsoft
After a 12 year run, Microsoft has decided to officially end support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. What this means is that while Windows XP systems will continue to function, they will no longer receive updates, making them potentially more vulnerable to security risks as time progresses.
Also, as hardware and software vendors focus on supporting more recent versions of Windows, you will see more programs and devices that are incompatible with Windows XP in the future.
If you are still running Windows XP and want to stay protected, your best bet is to transition to a new computer with updated hardware and a current version of Windows (7 or 8).
~Ted Eiler
To Article: Support is ending for Windows XP – Microsoft Windows.
Paul Otlet, visioning a web in 1934 – YouTube
Belgian author and visionary Paul Otlet predicted a future communication and information retrieval system much like our modern day internet way back in 1934!
~Ted Eiler
