![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
The Geekcast #68
The Geekcast #68 
Show Notes:
Contact info: | Feed: feeds.feedburner.com/geekcast | Website: TheGeekcast.com | geekcast@gmail.com | Skype & Gizmo: Geekcast | 206-98-geek-1 | Show notes: send blank e-mail to geekcastpodcast-subscribe@yahoogroups.co
**************
Items of Note:
Check out The Geekcast map from frappr! Come visit http://www.frappr.com/thegeekcast and add yourself to the map so we can see where we're all located.
If you're interested in learning more about the Linux book from the last episode, you can learn more about it at LinuxToys.net.
The Podcast Alley drive is on for December! Please vote for The Geekcast on podcastalley.com.
***** Microphone Fund Update:
With generous donations so far, here are the totals raised so far:
Total donated so far is $82.00!
Charity = $36.50
Microphone = $45.50
Please read below to learn more about the drive to help those in need and also help the show. Big thanks to all who have donated so far, including Nick and our good friend Teresa. Lets keep it up so we can meet both goals!
*********
The Show: I currently record into a $5 Radio Shack microphone, which you can probably tell. The most practical microphone I've found is the Samson C10U, which is professional but also affordable. The C10U retails for $79.99.
The Charity: Given that it's the holiday season, I would like to help those who are less fortunate.
The Idea: I ask that each of you donate $2 to The Geekcast. For each donation I will give $1 to charity and put $1 aside for a 'microphone fund'. Because there are many great charities, I am listing more than one organization to give to. Please visit their websites to decide which one you wish to help out.
The American Red Cross www.redcross.org
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) www.eff.org
The Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org
UNICEF www.unicef.org
Starlight Foundation http://www.slsb.org
How we all win: The charity / microphone drive is a win-win situation for everyone. Here is a breakdown of what would be done with all donations in any outcome:
-50% of all donations will be put aside for a 'microphone fund' until that sum reaches $79.99.
-If the sum of $79.99 is reached for the 'microphone fund', 100% of all subsequent donations will be given to charity.
-Choice of charity is to be determined by the donor. If no charity is specified, funds will go to a charity of my choice from the list above.
-If the 'microphone fund' does not reach $79.99 by 1/1/06 all money donated will be given to a charity listed above, regardless of sum.
How to donate: Click this button to donate $2 and start the ball rolling.
Please select only from the charities above, as they are legitimate charities and there is no fear of donating to a scam. If you wish to donate more than $2, feel free. Unless specified, 50% of that donation will be split. If you wish for more to go to the charity, a minimum of $1 has to go to the microphone fund. Updates will be given on each episode of The Geekcast. Thank you to all who help out the show and also help out those in need.
**************
Tech news:
Sprint to offer full-length movie downloads. Sprint Nextel is expected to announce on Monday that it has begun selling a service that allows users of its mobile video phones to watch full-length movies, television shows, concerts and comedy specials. Provided by vendor MSpot, the service offers unlimited shows and movies for a monthly flat fee of $6.95, on top of regular service charges. The announcement comes as Sprint and other wireless phone services are looking to video content like TV programs, music and sports to boost revenue. They also are spending billions of dollars building up their networks for mobile video and speedy Internet service so they can grow revenue despite cheaper calling plans and a shrinking pool of first-time wireless phone subscribers. Among them are "One-Eyed Jacks," the Marlon Brando-Karl Malden Western, as well as "Angel and the Badman" with John Wayne. Other titles include "Night of the Living Dead" and the most recent--"Short Circuit" from 1986.
Intel calls MIT's $100 laptop a 'gadget'. Potential computer users in the developing world will not want a basic $100 hand-cranked laptop that's due to be rolled out in 2006, Intel's Craig Barrett said Friday. Schoolchildren in Brazil, Thailand, Egypt and Nigeria will begin receiving the first few million textbook-style computers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab run by Nicholas Negroponte. "Mr. Negroponte has called it a $100 laptop--I think a more realistic title should be 'the $100 gadget'," Barrett, chairman of the world's largest chipmaker, told a press conference in Sri Lanka. "The problem is that gadgets have not been successful."
Microsoft Thanks Google for IE Fix. Google this week rolled out a fix to mitigate the risk from a newly discovered vulnerability in Internet Explorer that puts users of Google Desktop at risk even if they are running a fully updated system. Microsoft developers thanked Google for their work and say they are working on a patch for IE. The security hole involves a problem with the way IE imports cascading style sheets (CSS) from other Web sites, a technique referred to as cross site scripting (XSS). IE will import any type of file with a bracket, regardless of whether or not it's valid CSS.
**************
Test a geek:
--Last Question--
What was the motto or 'tag-line' for the original iPod?
"A thousand songs in your pocket"
--New Question--
When was Apple.com registered?
**************
How To: Use a firewall
In today's day of computing, it is very important to keep your computer safe online. You keep hearing about spyware, viruses and most importantly: firewalls. What is a firewall and how does it protect you?
A firewall is the gatekeeper for your computer. It monitors all traffic going in and out of your computer. By looking at all packets, the firewall can help determine of a rogue program is trying to get online or if something malicious is attempting to get in. A firewall will block some traffic on its own but most of the time it will ask you what you want to do.
When you first install a firewall, you are constantly prompted to allow or grant access to programs. While this can be annoying at first, this is vital so the software can understand your computer. After just a few short minutes of using your computer, you can have your firewall set up to block and allow access on a program-by-program basis.
A firewall keeps you secure because if something is on your machine that depends on the internet to work, such as spyware, you can be made aware of that traffic and it helps identify that program's existence on your computer. All ports on your computer become closed and if something odd tries to get onto your system, the firewall can block it. The most important thing to remember is to read the questions it asks you. When prompted to grant or deny access to a program, don't just click yes or no. By clicking yes on everything you can be granting access to all sorts of nasties on your system. On the other hand, by clicking no on everything you run the risk of stopping legitimate software from running. Too many times have I seen someone who can't get online because they denied access to internet explorer when their firewall asked them what to do.
If you're looking for a firewall there's a whole bunch out there but the best free one is from ZoneLabs, which is called ZoneAlarm. This is a fantastic program that can help lock down and computer. You can download it from www.download.com I've noticed the latest version might be a little buggy and slow down a PC, so if you encounter problems, you should remove ZoneAlarm.
If you're using a mac or linux box, there are firewall programs out there but these systems are more secure and have built-in firewalls already. An additional firewall is not necessary.
**************
Ask A Geek:
--Question--
Eric asks:
When patches are applied to a windows server it is as secure as linux?
--Answer--
While Windows does get a hard time in the server market, there are some advantages of using it as a server. When dealing with security, Windows has pros and cons. While an out-of-the-box install of Windows Server 2003 has more holes than swiss cheese, it is very robust once fully updated. The integration with workstations, especially those running Windows XP, is fantastic and can make a great working environment.
If properly maintained, Windows can hold up pretty well but it does need to be checked up on each day. Unlike a Linux or Mac server a Windows box does need to be rebooted periodically. It is also at risk for all the major viruses that are always making the rounds. While a virus scanner is a great solution, the downside to this is that you lose lots of performance in the hardware by using these security programs. You also need to run software update all the time, so a Windows machine does need a babysitter.
Overall, if someone is experienced with the business side of Windows, a MS box will work fine and hold up fine, with adequate security software. The choice of what you want to do is yours.
**************
Hack: This segment will return on a future episode of The Geekcast
**************
The geek's view: This segment will return on a future episode of The Geekcast
**************
Show Notes:
Contact info: | Feed: feeds.feedburner.com/geekcast | Website: TheGeekcast.com | geekcast@gmail.com | Skype & Gizmo: Geekcast | 206-98-geek-1 | Show notes: send blank e-mail to geekcastpodcast-subscribe@yahoogroups.co
**************
Items of Note:
Check out The Geekcast map from frappr! Come visit http://www.frappr.com/thegeekcast and add yourself to the map so we can see where we're all located.
If you're interested in learning more about the Linux book from the last episode, you can learn more about it at LinuxToys.net.
The Podcast Alley drive is on for December! Please vote for The Geekcast on podcastalley.com.
***** Microphone Fund Update:
With generous donations so far, here are the totals raised so far:
Total donated so far is $82.00!
Charity = $36.50
Microphone = $45.50
Please read below to learn more about the drive to help those in need and also help the show. Big thanks to all who have donated so far, including Nick and our good friend Teresa. Lets keep it up so we can meet both goals!
*********
The Show: I currently record into a $5 Radio Shack microphone, which you can probably tell. The most practical microphone I've found is the Samson C10U, which is professional but also affordable. The C10U retails for $79.99.
The Charity: Given that it's the holiday season, I would like to help those who are less fortunate.
The Idea: I ask that each of you donate $2 to The Geekcast. For each donation I will give $1 to charity and put $1 aside for a 'microphone fund'. Because there are many great charities, I am listing more than one organization to give to. Please visit their websites to decide which one you wish to help out.
The American Red Cross www.redcross.org
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) www.eff.org
The Salvation Army www.salvationarmyusa.org
UNICEF www.unicef.org
Starlight Foundation http://www.slsb.org
How we all win: The charity / microphone drive is a win-win situation for everyone. Here is a breakdown of what would be done with all donations in any outcome:
-50% of all donations will be put aside for a 'microphone fund' until that sum reaches $79.99.
-If the sum of $79.99 is reached for the 'microphone fund', 100% of all subsequent donations will be given to charity.
-Choice of charity is to be determined by the donor. If no charity is specified, funds will go to a charity of my choice from the list above.
-If the 'microphone fund' does not reach $79.99 by 1/1/06 all money donated will be given to a charity listed above, regardless of sum.
How to donate: Click this button to donate $2 and start the ball rolling.
Please select only from the charities above, as they are legitimate charities and there is no fear of donating to a scam. If you wish to donate more than $2, feel free. Unless specified, 50% of that donation will be split. If you wish for more to go to the charity, a minimum of $1 has to go to the microphone fund. Updates will be given on each episode of The Geekcast. Thank you to all who help out the show and also help out those in need.
**************
Tech news:
Sprint to offer full-length movie downloads. Sprint Nextel is expected to announce on Monday that it has begun selling a service that allows users of its mobile video phones to watch full-length movies, television shows, concerts and comedy specials. Provided by vendor MSpot, the service offers unlimited shows and movies for a monthly flat fee of $6.95, on top of regular service charges. The announcement comes as Sprint and other wireless phone services are looking to video content like TV programs, music and sports to boost revenue. They also are spending billions of dollars building up their networks for mobile video and speedy Internet service so they can grow revenue despite cheaper calling plans and a shrinking pool of first-time wireless phone subscribers. Among them are "One-Eyed Jacks," the Marlon Brando-Karl Malden Western, as well as "Angel and the Badman" with John Wayne. Other titles include "Night of the Living Dead" and the most recent--"Short Circuit" from 1986.
Intel calls MIT's $100 laptop a 'gadget'. Potential computer users in the developing world will not want a basic $100 hand-cranked laptop that's due to be rolled out in 2006, Intel's Craig Barrett said Friday. Schoolchildren in Brazil, Thailand, Egypt and Nigeria will begin receiving the first few million textbook-style computers from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab run by Nicholas Negroponte. "Mr. Negroponte has called it a $100 laptop--I think a more realistic title should be 'the $100 gadget'," Barrett, chairman of the world's largest chipmaker, told a press conference in Sri Lanka. "The problem is that gadgets have not been successful."
Microsoft Thanks Google for IE Fix. Google this week rolled out a fix to mitigate the risk from a newly discovered vulnerability in Internet Explorer that puts users of Google Desktop at risk even if they are running a fully updated system. Microsoft developers thanked Google for their work and say they are working on a patch for IE. The security hole involves a problem with the way IE imports cascading style sheets (CSS) from other Web sites, a technique referred to as cross site scripting (XSS). IE will import any type of file with a bracket, regardless of whether or not it's valid CSS.
**************
Test a geek:
--Last Question--
What was the motto or 'tag-line' for the original iPod?
"A thousand songs in your pocket"
--New Question--
When was Apple.com registered?
**************
How To: Use a firewall
In today's day of computing, it is very important to keep your computer safe online. You keep hearing about spyware, viruses and most importantly: firewalls. What is a firewall and how does it protect you?
A firewall is the gatekeeper for your computer. It monitors all traffic going in and out of your computer. By looking at all packets, the firewall can help determine of a rogue program is trying to get online or if something malicious is attempting to get in. A firewall will block some traffic on its own but most of the time it will ask you what you want to do.
When you first install a firewall, you are constantly prompted to allow or grant access to programs. While this can be annoying at first, this is vital so the software can understand your computer. After just a few short minutes of using your computer, you can have your firewall set up to block and allow access on a program-by-program basis.
A firewall keeps you secure because if something is on your machine that depends on the internet to work, such as spyware, you can be made aware of that traffic and it helps identify that program's existence on your computer. All ports on your computer become closed and if something odd tries to get onto your system, the firewall can block it. The most important thing to remember is to read the questions it asks you. When prompted to grant or deny access to a program, don't just click yes or no. By clicking yes on everything you can be granting access to all sorts of nasties on your system. On the other hand, by clicking no on everything you run the risk of stopping legitimate software from running. Too many times have I seen someone who can't get online because they denied access to internet explorer when their firewall asked them what to do.
If you're looking for a firewall there's a whole bunch out there but the best free one is from ZoneLabs, which is called ZoneAlarm. This is a fantastic program that can help lock down and computer. You can download it from www.download.com I've noticed the latest version might be a little buggy and slow down a PC, so if you encounter problems, you should remove ZoneAlarm.
If you're using a mac or linux box, there are firewall programs out there but these systems are more secure and have built-in firewalls already. An additional firewall is not necessary.
**************
Ask A Geek:
--Question--
Eric asks:
When patches are applied to a windows server it is as secure as linux?
--Answer--
While Windows does get a hard time in the server market, there are some advantages of using it as a server. When dealing with security, Windows has pros and cons. While an out-of-the-box install of Windows Server 2003 has more holes than swiss cheese, it is very robust once fully updated. The integration with workstations, especially those running Windows XP, is fantastic and can make a great working environment.
If properly maintained, Windows can hold up pretty well but it does need to be checked up on each day. Unlike a Linux or Mac server a Windows box does need to be rebooted periodically. It is also at risk for all the major viruses that are always making the rounds. While a virus scanner is a great solution, the downside to this is that you lose lots of performance in the hardware by using these security programs. You also need to run software update all the time, so a Windows machine does need a babysitter.
Overall, if someone is experienced with the business side of Windows, a MS box will work fine and hold up fine, with adequate security software. The choice of what you want to do is yours.
**************
Hack: This segment will return on a future episode of The Geekcast
**************
The geek's view: This segment will return on a future episode of The Geekcast
**************