Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook

Talking technology, computers, and the Internet… for the average computer user

Archive for category security programs

Login to Your Computer With Face-Scanning Software

Feb 11

Posted by Mrs. Mecomber in crime, security programs | 1 Comment

This blows my mind: what was once high-tech security measures comes to a computer near you. C|Net.com wrote a riveting article about the latest program to come down the pike: KeyLemon. It uses the webcam to detect your face and upper-body shape. There’s even a Firefox plugin for logging in to social networking sites.

KeyLemon adds an extra layer of security to your computer log-in process by making your Webcam do all the heavy lifting. Instead of typing your password, KeyLemon 2.2 associates your face with your profile, and then regularly checks to make sure that the person sitting in front of the computer matches the image attached to that profile. If it doesn’t think they match, the computer takes a photo via the Webcam and then automatically goes to hibernate.

The latest version of KeyLemon introduces a Firefox plug-in called LemonFox that lets users log in to three social-networking services using their Webcam.

C|Net said that the software was pretty good, working correctly about 90% of the time.

I don’t know about you… this stuff may be convenient, but if it doesn’t work, I’d probably wind up throwing my computer across the room!

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There’s No Place Like 127.0.0.1

Jan 20

Posted by Mrs. Mecomber in computers, how to, security programs | No Comments

Did you realize that you can control what Internet sites (including advertisements) are displayed on your computer? Within Windows, there’s a file called “Hosts” that essentially controls what websites your computer can connect to. You can modify the Hosts file to block websites on your computer. It’s a great way to block ads, malicious sites, and as a filter for unwanted websites.

There is a terrific website, MVPS.com, that has loads more about the Hosts file. They also offer a pre-made Hosts file that you can use to block websites (mostly ad sites).

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Completely Wipe Your Hard Drive

Oct 22

Posted by Mrs. Mecomber in computers, security programs | 10 Comments

I remain totally baffled at the amount of pre-owned computers out there today, just handed over to complete strangers without data removed completely. I’ve heard stories of individuals buying old bank computers on eBay, and lo and behold, the bank data is still there! Or of someone just giving someone else his/her computer without making sure the data is completely erased.

Part of the problem is that people don’t know what erasing data really entails. Just tossing documents into the Recycle Bin on your desktop does not erase data. Just selecting “Empty Recycle Bin” doesn’t completely remove the data, either. The data technically still remains on the hard drive– it’s just jumbled now. For data to be completely removed from your hard drive, you have to do one of the following:

  • Remove your hard drive from your computer and smash it to smithereens with a hammer.
  • Delete your data and have the hard drive rewritten.

There’s a neat, free (!) program I’ve recently heard of that erases data. Not surprisingly, it’s called Eraser. It’s open source, so that means it’s free! Eraser rewrites information onto your hard drive several times. This erases your old data. It’s definitely safer than handing over your old unit to an eBay auction!

P.S. this is not a paid review! I know there ar ea lot of readers who buy and use older, pre-owned computers. I hope this program helps you.

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Superior Gate Security Systems and More

Aug 17

Posted by Mrs. Mecomber in business services, security programs, technology | 1 Comment

Got a business large or small, a mini-mansion, or are perhaps fencing off portions of your property such as a ranch? Unless you want to hop or pole-jump over the fencing every time you need to enter or exit, you’d better think of installing a gate! Gate opener technology has come such a long way with technological advances. Today, automatic gate operations can be controlled by radio receivers, telephone entry, microchips, and more. The technology is extremely sophisticated to make exiting and entering both safe and secure.

One of the leading companies in the United States for reliable and affordable automatic gate systems and parts is Access Control Distributors of Texas, and they have a website at GateOperator.net. Their product lines, quality of sales and service, and systems they offer is very impressive. And they are having an End of Summer sale on various gate systems– be sure to check out the website for their sales and other promotional offers.

Access Control Distributors of Texas offers a unique and versatile product line– automatic gates that are electric and solar; are suited for driveways large or small, for security access locations, and for any of the smaller barrier needs; are perfect for the homeowner, corporation, or small business; and more. The gates are in various styles for every need and taste: swing gates, slide gates, wrought iron, metal, and more. The selection is tremendous!

Access Control Distributors of Texas has headquarters based in Houston, TX. They proudly produce some of the best gate openers in the world, manufactured and made in the U.S.A. They offer sales and service around the world! And they promise to offer you superior customer service. Should you need help or service for your gate choices, you can go to their website and get a Custom Gate Operator Quote from a specialist; or you can call their office toll free at (877) 688-4283.

Access Control Distributors of Texas are members of the Texas Fence Association and the American Fence Association, and have been in the automatic gate business for over twenty years. Be sure to check them out for all your automatic gate needs.

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Top-Rated Anti-Virus Program

Jun 30

Posted by Mrs. Mecomber in anti-virus, security programs | 3 Comments

Continuing my series on various anti-virus programs, here’s another I’ve found, newly released: VIPRE Antivirus Software. This one caught me by surprise; I hadn’t heard of it until the good folks at Sunbelt asked me to take a look at it. I’m familiar with Sunbelt programs, having the old Kerio/Sunbelt Firewall on one of my other computers. (Kerio was going to discontinue the firewall, but Sunbelt snatched it a few years ago and renamed it Sunbelt Personal Firewall).Sunbelt has been busy, chugging out some high quality software recently.

The VIPRE software is a suite– a combination anti-virus/anti-spyware. Such combos are becoming more popular, but not every company can get it right. Judging by Sunbelt’s record of reliable software, I’d say VIPRE scores big. There’s a free 15-day trial, and then the software is about $30. VIPRE promises not to slow down or bog down your PC (like the notorious Norton and McAfee programs do). And it was rated 5 out of 5 stars by Download.com (my primary software-download website). Very impressive!

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Go to the Sunbelt website; there you’ll see a plethora of screenshots, FAQs, lots of other information, and the link to download your free trial.

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