Computer Crime: The law on the misuse of computers and networks. Paul Mobbsfor.

Computer crime is an oft-used term that has a very vague meaning. The law on computer crime tends to lag behind the actual practice of computer-based crime much more than is the case in other branches of crime.

Computers are a tool, and, like any other tool, can used by people intent on causing damage or carrying out some form of illegal activity. The nature of today's Internet and computer networks means that criminal activity can be carried out across national borders. This can create problems over the jurisdiction of those investigating the crime, and over differences in the law of the relevant countries where the crime took place; an activity deemed criminal in the home country of the target of the crime, for example, may not be considered so in the country from which the offending action was launched.

There are number of ways in which computers can be used for crime:

• to commit 'real-world' crimes, such as forgery, fraud or copyright piracy, just like any other technical device; these types of computer-enabled crime are not usually prosecuted using other relevant laws rather than computer crime law;

• to damage or modify other computerised systems; these are the types of activity that are usually prosecuted using computer crime legislation;

• used for activities that cannot be prosecuted but that skate around the edges of legality; to the frequent frustration of law makers and security consultants, these sorts of activity cannot be legislated against because they often employ everyday, lawful means on the Internet.

Computers and the Internet are complex, but they function on a very narrow set of technical principles. This provides great flexibility, but makes it very difficult to legislate against certain types of activity without affecting others.

More on http://www.internetrights.org.uk

Things that make your computer slow by Linda St.Cyr

Several things can make a computer slow. A slow computer loads files at the speed of a turtle, takes forever to open new windows and prevents work from getting done as quickly as possible. Learning how a computer that once was fast goes to being slow can help you know why the computer slows but also how to prevent it from slowing down and ultimately having a hard drive crash.

Software Programs

Software programs are preloaded onto a new computer. This can be Windows (any version), games, paint programs, Word programs or many others. Some software programs are needed to use the computer, and some software programs get downloaded over time. Often these programs, once downloaded, get placed in the start-up menu of your computer. This additional information loads when the computer gets turned on. This takes time and slows the computer down drastically if there are a lot of software programs to load. Keeping software programs to a minimum of what you use consistently and getting rid of the rest can make the computer load faster.

Space and Storage

Each program on a computer takes up space on its hard drive. Computers with older processors have smaller amounts of available space. Newer computers offer a variety of space options when they are purchased. Some of the preloaded software programs on the computer take up space. Each new software, application or service that is added to the computer takes up more and more of this space. As this space gets used up there is little space left to run new software programs. The full storage makes a computer slow because of all the information it must process in the storage space. This space cannot be upgraded directly on the computer, but an external hard drive can be purchased to give the computer you are using more available space. Another way to add more space onto the computer is to go into the "My Computer" tab, right click on "Local Hard Drive," click on "Properties," and see how much space is taken up on the computer and how much available space is left. If the open space is small, click on "Disc Cleanup" to compress old files and remove temporary ones that may have been added to the computer you were while on the Internet.

Too Many Applications

Doing too many things at once on the computer can make it operate slowly. Opening up email in one window and doing Internet searches in another window, while uploading pictures from a digital camera while running instant messenger services, can slow down a computer so much that it may even freeze up. All of these programs take time for a computer to process, load and function. When too many applications are opened the computer has to take its time loading them properly, which means it will finish loading the first application completely before moving on to the next application. This can make all the other applications seem like they are taking forever to load. Running one application at a time and closing out an application before using another can make a computer run much faster.

Viruses

When a computer gets a virus from another computer, a program or wherever computer viruses come from, it will slow down. Files may get erased or corrupted. Personal information can be hacked into, or the computer may crash and come to a complete halt. Using an anti-virus program can keep the computer free of bugs and viruses. It will let you know if files are corrupt or if a virus is suspected. An anti-virus program can speed up a computer where a virus will ultimately shut it down.

Internet Connections and Browsers

Internet access speeds up the time in which it takes you to get information and to entertain yourself. A dial-up connection runs Internet service through a phone line. This connection is very slow compared to new, faster Internet service technologies like DSL and cable. Having a dial-up Internet service can make a computer slow because it takes longer to transfer the information. High-speed Internet services speed up web loading times because they are designed to connect at higher speeds. Internet browsers can also cause a computer to be slow. Browsers that do not function well with the computer's operating system can make the wait time for computer pages to be loaded long and painful. Updating the browser or changing your browser can make Internet pages load faster.

All About Windows 7

Windows 7 is the most recent publicly available version of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, and media center PCs. Windows 7 was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and general retail availability on October 22, 2009, less than three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista. Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was released at the same time.

Unlike its predecessor, which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line, with the goal of being fully compatible with applications and hardware with which Windows Vista is already compatible. Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch support, a redesigned Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to as the Superbar, a home networking system called HomeGroup, and performance improvements. Some applications that have been included with prior releases of Microsoft Windows, including Windows Calendar, Windows Mail, Windows Movie Maker, and Windows Photo Gallery, are not included in Windows 7; most are instead offered separately as part of the free Windows Live Essentials suite.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7

Learning and Teaching Information technology in Cameroon schools.

As the use of information technology increases throughout the world, the school systems in Cameroon are bound to keep pace. Students and teachers are therefore called upon to use more technical tools in the production of course materials and student projects. Basic skills such as using computers, from the use of email to power point presentation have become a core competency.

Studies have shown that the use of computers in every level of education opens a new era of knowledge and offers a tool that has the potential to change existing educational methods. Within most secondary and high schools in Cameroon, computer technology has become a fundamental part of education and will likely be more so in the future. However, a fundamental problem today is the effective exploitation of this resource in the educational system by teachers. Educators must be prepared for the use of this technology in classrooms because the role of teacher is now evolving from giving information to facilitator of learning. To achieve this goal, the following basic principles have to be met by institutions:

- Teachers must obtain the fundamental concepts, knowledge and skills for applying technology in educational settings. There is an urgent need for purchasing sufficient hardware and software for basic education in schools and thus making computer and related technology part of classroom teaching activities. A laboratory to ensure student/teacher access to computers during school hours is a necessity.

- The second need is for in-service training in computer technology. The effectiveness of teachers is a determinant to educational quality. In service training is therefore important to enhance the effectiveness of teachers. Teachers need to receive training which will build their confidence so they can become capable of dealing with the latest technology.

- The final step is training students to become effective users of the internet for research. Students need to learn how to use technology to design, develop, publish and present products. They will hence use technology resources that demonstrate and communicate concepts inside and outside the classroom as they prepare for the real world. It is therefore imperative for institutions to seize this opportunity by defining and implementing technology skills as a first step in assuring all students become proficient information technology users in future.

Fastest growing careers

Demand for personal financial advisors is projected to grow a whopping 41 percent between 2006 and 2016. Which other careers on Money and PayScale.com' s list of America's best jobs will see big opportunities?
1. Telecommunications Network Engineer
Best Jobs rank: 30
10-year growth: 53 percent
Current total employment: 21,000
Traditionally hired to control and maintain power grids and communications for phone and cable companies, telecommunications network engineers are seeing demand from potential employers rise with the demand for Wi-Fi, broadband and other new technologies. Telecom has gone green, too: Energy and environmental companies have opportunities for engineers to help build communications infrastructure for their new products.
2. Systems Engineer
Best Jobs rank: 1
10-year growth: 45 percent
Current total employment: 88,000
Systems engineers possess a wide breadth of knowledge and engineering skills that have long been widely sought within the aerospace and defense industries. Now companies from car manufacturers to consumer products firms are quickly realizing the value of systems engineers as well, leading to a hiring boom.
3. Personal Finance Advisor
Best Jobs rank: N/A
10-year growth: 41 percent
Current total employment: 20,000
The personal financial advisor profession has exploded as baby boomers reach retirement age and seek advice on making their nest eggs last. Meanwhile, younger folks are seeking guidance on managing savings and retirement accounts in lieu of a company pension plan. "People know they have to manage their own financial futures, and they're turning to financial advisors to help," says Richard Salman, president of the Financial Planning Association.
4. Veterinarian
Best Jobs rank: 25
10-year growth: 35 percent
Current total employment: 68,000
Pet ownership has grown 17 percent in the past 10 years, and as more people embrace furry friends, more vets are needed to keep them healthy. The veterinary medicine field has echoed advances in human medicine, and veterinary specialists in fields like oncology and ophthalmology have found clients clamoring for services. Another growth driver: An increased demand for vets in fields like food safety, disease control and pharmaceutical research.
5. Senior Financial Analyst
Best Jobs rank: 21
10-year growth: 34 percent
Current total employment: 127,000
Recession or not, investors and businesses need to put their money somewhere, and they continue relying on experts to examine the risk-reward profile of securities and projects. "One of the things that came out of the financial crisis is people need to do their own due diligence, and there is even more attention being paid to analysis," says Bob Johnson, a senior managing director at the CFA Institute.
6. Business Analyst, IT
Best Jobs rank: 17
10-year growth: 29 percent
Current total employment: 125,000
Companies are increasingly relying on IT business analysts to make sure they're using technology efficiently and cost-effectively. In the past, this job was often farmed out to consultants, but many companies now prefer to use in-house analysts who have in-depth knowledge of their specific industry.
7. Software Development Director
Best Jobs rank: N/A
10-year growth: 28 percent
Current total employment: 12,000
Just like an architect would design a building to be structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and functionally practical, a software architect designs computer programs that help a business run efficiently and practically. The auto industry is a particular hot spot: Cars these days can easily have at least 40 computers inside to run everything from the lights and radio to the seat-warmers -- and these gurus are needed to design the programs that keep them running.

Technology Security: understanding how malware attacks your computer.

Whenever you connect to the Internet, read your email, or share files with others, you are at risk. Why? Because there are automated attacks against your computer. These attacks can come directly, or indirectly, by malicious software (or malware) designed to harm your computer. Fortunately, you can protect yourself by taking a few simple precautions. But you need to understand the risks and how to avoid them.
How They Attack By Email:
Email Malware.

. May appear to come from someone you know or trick you into opening.
. May not have symptoms of infection but may be silently gathering information .
. Some may reduce performance or cause strange behaviors like a spontaneous reboot .

What To Do

. Only open email attachments that come from a trusted source and that are expected.
. Scan email attachments with AntiVirus prior to opening .
. Delete all unwanted messages without opening.
. Keep security patches up to date.

Email SPAM : How You Know

. Spam is a serious security concern as it can be used to deliver Malware.
. Messages that do not include your email address in the TO: or CC: fields are common forms of Spam .
. Some Spam can contain offensive language or links to Web sites with inappropriate content.

What To Do

If you suspect an email is spam, do not respond, just delete it .
Consider disabling the email's preview pane and reading emails in plain text.

Email Phishing : How You Know

. Requests for confidential information via email are not legitimate .
. Phishing attacks may use scare tactics to entice a response.
. Fraudulent emails are often not personalized .
. Phishing attacks may consist of a group of emails that share similar properties like details in the header and footer.

What To Do

. Be extremely wary of emails asking for confidential information .
. Confirm the authenticity of a suspicious request before responding in email.

How They Attack From The Web, Web Phishing
How You Know

. Fraudulent websites are used to steal personal information.
. Phishing attacks re-direct victims to a bogus Web site where malicious code is downloaded and used to collect sensitive information .

What To Do

. When visiting a website, type the address directly into the browser rather than following a link.
. Only provide personal information on sites that have "https" in the web address or have a lock icon at bottom of the browser.
. Do not provide personal information to any unsolicited requests for information.
. Confirm authenticity of a Web site .

Web Spyware : How You Know

. Many "free" programs downloaded from the web install software that tracks your behavior and displays unwanted advertisements.
. Some web pages will attempt to install spyware when you visit their page.

What To Do

. Allow only authorized programs to connect to the Web.
. Do not accept or open suspicious error dialogs from within the browser .
. Spyware may come as part of a "free deal" offer - Do not accept free deals .

Internet Vulnerabilities : How You Know

A vulnerability in the web browser may create a weakness in the computer security providing an opportunity for some websites to download malicious code

What To Do

. Install product updates and security patches before using the internet .
. Keep web browser up to date with latest patches.
. Make sure your computer is configured securely.
. Automatically shield newly discovered security holes with your Antivirus software .

How They Attack: From Instant Messaging; Instant Messaging Malware : How You Know

. IM attachments, just like email attachments, can carry destructive viruses, Trojan horses, and worms .
. Some new worms use IM software to send themselves to every member of your buddy list .

What To Do

. Don't open attachments or click on Web links sent by someone you don't know .
. Don't send files over IM.
. If a person on your Buddy list is sending strange messages, files, or web site links, terminate your IM session .
. Remove viruses from IM with your AntiVirus software .

Instant Messaging SPAM : How You Know

Some Spam can contain offensive language or links to Web sites with inappropriate content

What To Do

. Reject all Instant Messages from persons who are not on your Buddy list
. Do not click on URL links within IM unless from a known source and expected

Instant Messaging Vulnerabilities : How You Know

Most instant messages still travel unencrypted across the Internet, exposing private conversations to anyone who can find a way to listen in .

What To Do

. Never send personal information through an IM .
. Keep your IM software up to date.
. Keep your operating system and security software up to date'

How They Attack From File Sharing: File Sharing Malware

. Malware may spread through common peer-to-peer file sharing applications by placing themselves in shared directories with enticing filenames.
. Some Malware threats use peer-to-peer networks to communicate out from an infected system .

What To Do

. Scan all files with an Internet Security solution before transferring them to your system.
. Only transfer files from a well known source .
. Use your Windows Firewall to block all unsolicited outbound communication.

Use Virus Protection:
Viruses, worms, and Trojan horses are programs created by hackers that use the Internet to infect vulnerable computers. Viruses and worms can replicate themselves from computer to computer, while Trojan horses enter a computer by hiding inside an apparently legitimate program, such as a screen saver. Destructive viruses, worms, and Trojan horses can erase information from your hard disk or completely disable your computer. Others don't cause direct damage, but worsen your computer's performance and stability.Antivirus programs scan e‑mail and other files on your computer for viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. If one is found, the antivirus program either quarantines (isolates) it or deletes it entirely before it damages your computer and files.Windows does not have a built-in antivirus program, but your computer manufacturer might have installed one. Check Security Center to find out if your computer has antivirus protection. If not, go to the Microsoft Antivirus Partners webpage to find an antivirus program.Because new viruses are identified every day, it's important to select an antivirus program with an automatic update capability. When the antivirus software is updated, it adds new viruses to its list of viruses to check for, helping to protect your computer from new attacks. If the list of viruses is out of date, your computer is vulnerable to new threats. Updates usually require an annual subscription fee. Keep the subscription current to receive regular updates.

If you do not use antivirus software, you expose your computer to damage from malicious software. You also run the risk of spreading viruses to other computers.

Use Spyware Protection:

Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you, or change settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links, or favorites in your web browser, change your default home page, or display pop-up ads frequently. Some spyware displays no symptoms that you can detect, but it secretly collects sensitive information, such as which websites you visit or text that you type. Most spyware is installed through free software that you download, but in some cases simply visiting a website results in a spyware infection.

Office 2010: What Microsoft will and won't say. By Mary-Jo Foley

A new build of Office 2010 — more recent than the Community Technology Preview (CTP) Microsoft delivered in July to a select group of testers — allegedly has leaked. (But as of this posting, not yet leaked to the Web.)

The new build, which, according to Wzor, is labeled “Beta 1,” (Build 14.0.4417.1000) includes some updates to Office 2010’s built-in Backstage document-management platform and some of the new volume-licensing-activation tweaks that company officials recently acknowledged were coming. There is also a new “upload center” in the leaked build, which could be related to Office Web Apps, the Web-ified versions of key Office apps that Microsoft is planning to release to testers this fall.

Microsoft officials declined to comment on the leak. I asked whether the allegedly leaked bits would be what Microsoft is planning to release as part of the public Beta 1 of Office 2010 due out later ths fall. A spokeswoman provided this statement in response:
“Microsoft officially released the Office 2010 technical preview in July and we are on track to deliver the public beta later this year. No additional Office 2010 code has been released by Microsoft since the technical preview. We strongly recommend that customers only download or use officially released Microsoft products, through appropriate Microsoft channels, since unofficial copies might contain malicious code.”

Even though Office 2010 seems pretty well baked, there’s still lots the company won’t say about the release, which Microsoft execs indicated to partners will ship in May/June 2010.
However, there are a few things the Office team is willing to talk about, especially regarding the product’s user-interface changes.

As Microsoft officials have said before, with Office 2010, all of the Office apps are getting the Ribbon interface. In Office 2010, OneNote, Publisher and Visio all will become “Ribbonized,” as will the rest of Outlook, said Aaron Butcher, Senior Program Manager on the Office User Experience Team. The Ribbon works a bit differently with each app, so adding it isn’t as straightforward a task for the User Experience team as it might seem. (The User Experience Team, a group of about 70 testers, designers, programmers and usability engineers, are the ones behind the UI changes in Office.)

“People said they would be better at their jobs if the could master Office,” Butcher told me during a recent phone interview. “We wanted to help them save time and to make everyone a power user.”
In spite of all Microsoft’s telemetry data that company officials cite when claiming the Ribbon is a success, there are plenty of customers and potential customers out there who aren’t Ribbon fans. Butcher noted that the Ribbon can be collapsed so that it takes up less room. (”Menu mode” is the closest you an get to doing away with the Ribbon all together, Butcher said.) Additionally, with Office 2010, users will be able to create their own custom set of commands. Users will be able to hide all labels or surface even more commands using the Ribbon.
If you’re holding out hope that Microsoft might completely do away with the Ribbon or offer a classic/Luddite option with Office 2010 or a future version of Office, you might want to come up for air. There are no such plans, Butcher said.

“We are really committed to the changes the Ribbon provides. Microsoft doesn’t want to have to support two distinct models (a Ribbonized view and a classic mode.” Plus, if we provided a classic mode, we’d be hurting developers who are building around Office,” Butcher said.
The Ribbon isn’t the only new UI element upon which the User Experience team is working. The aforementioned Backstage feature is part of that team’s domain. The Ribbon will be applied to the Backstage view in ways that it makes sense, Butcher said. Related to the Backstage overhaul, Office’s print function from scratch for the 2010 release. “There won’t be three different areas you need to go to to print,” Butcher said.

The User Experience team also has been instrumental in Office 2010’s enhanced tool tips — via which hovering over a specific tab will give a user a paragraph description on how to use a particular feature. And galleries — which Butcher describes as “mini-scripts, basically dialogues and commands under a single script,” is another.

What don’t you know about Office 2010 that you’d like to, at this point — other than when the heck those promised Office Web Apps are going to show up?

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1153060451636228908