A series of rambles

I am at a loss this week. We have spent the last few weeks doing, almost exclusively, virus and Trojan clean up.
This is the worst outbreak I have ever seen. What really surprises me is that the anti-virus companies haven’t been able to stem the tide on this round as quickly as usual.
This means that the bad guys are getting much better at what they are doing. This round of Trojans is embedding so severely into the systems that wiping out everything and re-installing is the best bet in many cases. They are infecting not just your system files but, in some cases pictures and music files are being affected.
I am going to say, again, keep all your Windows files and anti-virus/spyware programs up to date.
In the last week Apple has introduced the iPad. To many this will look like an over grown iPod but, it will attract many people. With the WiFi and optional 3G capabilities along with small size and weight and, easily read full color screen it will be a challenge to many tablet computers, music players and eBook readers. This could turn out to be a very good all in one product. For a change Apple is not charging a huge premium in price for its superior design.
Now a subject that I don’t enjoy talking about, keeping your child safe online. I know of no better way to do this than having them do this only under adult supervision. I realize this can take away from your time but you must keep in mind that these are your children.
I am a strong advocate of the line of thinking that children have zero privacy. I would check on what they do on MySpace, Facebook, and texting. Periodically I would look through their cell phones to see what texts and photo’s are being sent.
Don’t get me wrong on this. I think these things are useful but like anything they can be abused. There are TV programs and movies you wouldn’t want your children watching, places you wouldn’t want them going and people you don’t want them hanging out with. This is no different than those concerns.
Tips for Protecting Personal Privacy Online (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/tips-protecting-personal-privacy-online) is a web site developed by Common Sense Media to help parents explain issues, such as the fact that nothing is really private online. There are tips for keeping personal information private and setting privacy settings on social networking web sites. You will also find tips for rules for what to post and NOT post online.
If you have questions you can contact the Adrian Journal or email us at adriancomputers@gmail.com