Facebook

Lifehacker is reporting that Facebook is making everyone searchable.

"Facebook reminded people today that they're removing the "Who can look up your Timeline by name?" privacy setting, which means anyone can search for your profile on Facebook.

They started retiring this feature back in December of 2012, but according to Facebook's blog post today, the feature hasn't gone away for everyone just yet—but it will. That means your profile will be searchable again, so if you want to keep your information locked down, you should focus on what you post. It's very easy to limit your past posts so they don't show up to the public. We recommend giving all your privacy settings a once-over too, while you're at it. Hit the link to read more about the change.

Reminder: Finishing the Removal of an Old Search Setting | Facebook Newsroom"

To limit who can see your posts, go to the security settings (upper right hand corner, click on the little gear icon), then click on privacy settings.    Click on edit next to "Who can see my stuff  who can see your future posts".   Click on the level of security you want:

Who can see my stuff?

• Close

  Who can see your future posts?

  You can manage the privacy of things you share by using the audience selector right where you post. This control remembers your selection so future posts will be shared with the same audience unless you change it.

  What's on your mind?

  • Friends

    • Public
    • Friends
    • Friends except Acquaintances
    • Only Me
    • Custom
    • Close Friends
    • Family
    • See all lists...

    PublicFriendsFriends except AcquaintancesOnly MeCustomClose FriendsFamilySee all lists...North Muskegon, Michigan AreaHackley Public LibraryGR FriendsFamilyMuskegon FriendsBowdoinHS FriendsKids friendsGirl ScoutsLibrarianMisc  FriendsMaine FriendsLimited ProfileFruitport, Michigan AreaNorth Smithfield Jr. Sr. High SchoolWayne State UniversityBowdoin CollegeMuskegon Area District LibraryNorth Smithfield High SchoolAcquaintancesGo Back

Your choices are Public, Friends, Friends except acquaintances, only me, custom, close friends, family.  "Public" means anyone can see it, "only me" would mean only you could see it.  Find the level you are comfortable with and you should be all set.  You can also change individual posts when you make them if you want.

Google Reader Shutting Down

If you use Google Reader to read your RSS feeds, you probably know by now that it is shutting down in a couple of weeks.  Here's an article that describes some replacements:

No more Google Reader...now what?

DNS Malware: Is Your Computer Infected?

From the USA.gov Blog:

DNS Malware: Is Your Computer Infected?:
DNS - Domain Name System - is an Internet service that converts user-friendly domain names, such as www.fbi.gov, into numerical addresses that allow computers to talk to each other. Without DNS and the DNS servers operated by Internet service providers, computers would not be able to browse web sites, send e-mail, or connect to any Internet services.
Criminals have infected millions of computers around the world with malware called DNSChanger which allows them to control DNS servers. As a result, the cyber thieves have forced unsuspecting users to visit fraudulent websites and made their computers vulnerable to other kinds of malicious software.
Check your computer’s DNS settings. If you’re a victim of the DNSChanger malware, you can register with the FBI.
Learn about DNSChanger malware and how it can affect your computer. (PDF)

Today is Change Your Password Day: Celebrate by Upgrading Your Password System [Change Your Password Day]

From Lifehacker:

Today is Change Your Password Day: Celebrate by Upgrading Your Password System [Change Your Password Day]:

When's the last time you changed your passwords, or at least took a good look at how many systems or services you're using old, busted, insecure passwords with? Well, today is Change Your Password Day, and toegether with our friends at Gizmodo we're on a mission to make sure that you take the time to beef up your security, upgrade your password system, and most importantly, change your passwords now—especially if any of yours look like one of these.

Ready to take the first step towards password nirvana? Here are some articles that can get you started, and even help you build a password system that you'll spend less time worrying about and more time using, without the hassle of remembering dozens of different passwords or fretting every time a site gets hacked.

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How to Audit and Update Your Passwords

When something like a password database compromise happens, it's a good time to reassess your online security. With the right tool, I've reset my Gawker Media password, and all others like it, in 3 minutes, from a train. More »

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Your Passwords Aren't As Secure As You Think; Here's How to Fix That

If you allow applications to save your passwords, anyone with physical access to your PC can decode them unless you're properly encrypting them-and chances are pretty good you're not. More »

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How I'd Hack Your Weak Passwords

If you invited me to try and crack your password, you know the one that you use over and over for like every web page you visit, how many guesses would it take before I got it? More »

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The Only Secure Password Is the One You Can't Remember

Let's assume you log onto a bunch of different websites; Facebook, Gmail, eBay, PayPal, probably some banking, maybe a few discussion forums, and probably much, much more. More »

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Geek to Live: Choose (and remember) great passwords

A secure, memorable password is easy for you to remember, and hard for others to guess.

Everywhere you turn you've got to come up with a password to register for something or another. More »

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Use This Infographic to Pick a Good, Strong Password

We always enjoy a useful infographic, and there are few things quite as important as choosing a strong password-at least in the area of online security. More »

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How to Build a (Nearly) Hack-Proof Password System with LastPass and a Thumb Drive

It seems like every day there's news that a new site or service has been hacked. The intruders make off with usernames and passwords, and even if they're encrypted the service forces users to change them. More »

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LastPass Alternatives that Keep Your Passwords Safe from Online Hacking

After popular password manager LastPass faced a possible security breach yesterday, many of you are looking for an alternative password solution that doesn't store your passwords on someone else's servers. More »

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Five Best Password Managers

As more of our work, play, and business is conducted online it becomes increasingly important to use a diverse set of strong passwords. This week we take a look at the five best password managers to keep your passwords organized.More »

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Xkcd Password Generator Creates Long, Easy-to-Remember Passwords

Web comic xkcd notes that "through 20 years of effort, we've successfully trained everyone to use passwords that are hard for humans to remember, but easy for computers to guess." More »

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When you're finished changing your passwords or setting up your ultimate password system, come back and let us know how you did it. Did you use LastPass, one of our favorite tools? Or perhaps the open-source marvel KeePass is your preferred tool? Maybe you're a 1Password kind of person, or alternatively you just jot down all of your secure passwords and keep them in your wallet. Whatever you do, let us know how you're improving your security today in the comments below.

'Gameover' Scam Targets Bank Accounts

From USA.gov Blog

'Gameover' Scam Targets Bank Accounts:

The FBI identified a new phishing scam online that targets your bank accounts. The scam is called “Gameover.” Once the virus is on your computer, it can steal all of your user names and passwords before you realize what has happened.

How It Works

The Gameover scam will email you, pretending to be from the National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA), the Federal Reserve Bank, or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The email will say that there has been a problem with your bank account or a recent transaction, and will include a link to help fix the problem. The link will send you to a phony site, where the Gameover malware is automatically installed on your computer and starts stealing your bank account information.

If you think you’ve been victimized by this type of scheme, contact your financial institution to report it, and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Learn more about the Gameover Scam.

SOPA/PIPA

Today, many websites are going dark to bring attention to SOPA, the Stop Online Privacy Act, and PIPA, Protect IP Act.  To read more about them see the Wikipedia articles on SOPA and PIPA.  To see how the Michigan Delegation is voting on it, and to get links to the Senators' and Representatives' websites to leave a comment, see the ProPublica site.   Wikipedia also has a link to finding your Congressional Delegation.

Upcoming Computer Classes

Upcoming Computer Classes

Computer Class-Basic Computing Thursday, January 12, 10:00am Basic Computing will offer an introduction to what a computer is and how to use it. It is designed for beginners with little or no knowledge of computers. Topics covered will include an explanation of Windows and files, how to turn on a computer, and how to use the mouse. Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration is now open. Computer Class-Basic Computing Thursday, January 12, 2:00 pm Basic Computing will offer an introduction to what a computer is and how to use it. It is designed for beginners with little or no knowledge of computers. Topics covered will include an explanation of Windows and files, how to turn on a computer, and how to use the mouse. Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration is now open. Computer Class-Email and Internet Thursday, January 19, 10:00am Learn how to "surf the net", set up an email account, and find your away around cyberspace.Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration is now open. Computer Class-Email and Internet Thursday, January 19, 1:00 pm Learn how to "surf the net", set up an email account, and find your away around cyberspace.Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration starts on January 26. Computer Class-Resumes Thursday, January 26, 10:00 am This class will step you through creating a resume. Students will learn about formating and the importance of tailoring their resume to fit the job to which they are applying. Registration starts on January 12. To register call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276. Computer Class-Resumes Thursday, January 26, 1:00 pm This class will step you through creating a resume. Students will learn about formating and the importance of tailoring their resume to fit the job to which they are applying. Registration starts on January 12. To register call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276. Computer Class-Basic Computing Thursday, February 2, 10:00 am Introduction to computers will offer an introduction to what a computer is and how to use it. It is designed for beginners with little or no knowledge of computers. Topics covered will include an explanation of Windows and files, how to turn on a computer, and how to use the mouse. Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration starts on January 19. Computer Class-Basic Computing Thursday, February 2, 1:00 pm Introduction to computers will offer an introduction to what a computer is and how to use it. It is designed for beginners with little or no knowledge of computers. Topics covered will include an explanation of Windows and files, how to turn on a computer, and how to use the mouse. Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration starts on January 19. Computer Class-Email and Internet Thursday, February 9, 10:00am Learn how to "surf the net", set up an email account, and find your away around cyberspace.Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration starts on January 26. Computer Class-Email and Internet Thursday, February 9, 1:00 pm Learn how to "surf the net", set up an email account, and find your away around cyberspace.Class size is limited. Please call ahead to register (231-722-7276). Registration opens on January 26. Computer Class-Couponing and Craigslist Thursday, February 16, 10:00 am The first part of the class will cover coupons online. The second part will cover Craigslist, an online want ads site. To register, please call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276. Registration starts on February 2. Computer Class-Couponing and Craigslist Thursday, February 16, 1:00 pm The first part of the class will cover coupons online. The second part will cover Craigslist, an online want ads site. To register, please call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276. Registration starts on February 2. Computer Class-Resumes Thursday, February 23, 10:00 am This class will step you through creating a resume. Students will learn about formating and the importance of tailoring their resume to fit the job to which they are applying. Registration starts on February 9. To register call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276. Computer Class-Resumes Thursday, February 23, 1:00 pm This class will step you through creating a resume. Students will learn about formating and the importance of tailoring their resume to fit the job to which they are applying. Registration starts on February 9. To register call Hackley Library at 231-722-7276.

Old Gadgets Can be Useful, Too

From the USA.gov Blog:

Old Gadgets Can be Useful, Too:

By Felicia Chou, a program analyst in the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery at the Environmental Protection Agency

‘Tis the season to be gushing about the new electronic gadgets you’ve received for the holidays, and figure out what to do with your old ones. Sure, you could keep them in your closet or attic, waiting for the day VHS tapes are all the rage again, or when radio-sized phones are back in style. Maybe that old TV can be used as a giant paperweight. But there are plenty of better alternatives to put your unwanted electronics to use.

I’ve had this laptop since college and believe it or not, it still works. Well, besides the fact that the touchpad and keyboard aren’t working; and I have to keep it plugged in because the battery is pretty much dead. If, like me, you don’t want to part with your old computer just yet, see if you can upgrade the hardware or software to put it on par with your new gadgets. In my case, I would replace the battery and the keyboard, and plug in a new wireless mouse. Or, after clearing out your personal data (PDF), you can donate working electronics to those who need them.

The next best thing is to recycle your old gadgets, but before you start carting loads of electronics to your nearest electronics collection program or drop-off point, check if they’re working with a third-party certified recycler. You’re probably thinking, third-party what? Well, companies that recycle electronics can be certified by outside organizations (like R2 Solutions and eStewards) and regularly audited to make sure that your electronics will be managed safely. That way, you can rest assured that your old gadget is being recycled in a way that is protective of our health and the environment. Check out R2 Solutions and e-Stewards for a list of certified recyclers.

So, why shouldn’t you just let your electronics sit at home and collect dust, or worse, get thrown away in the garbage?

Electronics are made of precious metals and materials, like gold, copper, and glass. If they’re thrown away, all that precious material that required a lot of energy to mine and manufacture will go to waste. When you recycle your electronics, those precious materials can be used in other products, such as electric cars or watches. You’ll also be preventing the pollution that would have been caused by having to mine and manufacture raw materials. In fact, recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power over 3,000 US homes for a year.

So while you’re having a blast trying out all the new features on your shiny new gadgets, just remember to put your old ones to good use. I, for one, will be looking forward to the new battery and keyboard to keep my beloved laptop working for as long as I can.

Find out more about what you can do to green your holiday season.

Know when to Buy new tech gadgets

Bookmarks for November 4, 2011:

From the "What I Learned Today" Blog:

• Decide.com
  
  Know when to buy new tech gadgets or when to wait.
  
  

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Related posts:

1. Book Gadgets


2. Generations and their Gadgets


3. New Google Gadgets

Online computer classes

This just in from MeL:

Greetings All! We have recently added a new LearningCenter to LearningExpress Library in MeL. Now your library users who need help with just getting started with computers can take tutorials or e-courses that will help get them up to speed! In this new Learning Center you will find:

Getting Started with Computers which includes an Introduction to the Computer; Introduction to Windows and The Computer in Action.

And

Getting Started with the Internet includes an Introduction to the Internet; Email and Chat; Social Networks and Online Communities and Web Applications and Internet Security.

Do take the time to check out this useful addition to an already terrific resource!

Should I Change My Password? Quickly Checks if Your Password Was Compromised in a Recent Hack [Security]

Should I Change My Password? Quickly Checks if Your Password Was Compromised in a Recent Hack [Security]: From the Lifehacker Blog:

"With many sites being compromised and user data released publicly on the web, you may have fallen victim. Should I Change My Password? is a simple webapp can tell you if you may be at risk.

When you visit the site, you just enter the email address you use for various accounts and click 'Check it!' A large database of compromised account passwords and their associated email addresses (see the sources here) will be searched and you'll find out if you're in one of them. If you are, you should change your password right away. If not, you're safe for the time being but you'll be reminded to still change your password regularly.

It's worth noting that Should I Change My Password? isn't a surefire way to know if your accounts are completely safe, but it is a good way to find out if they were compromised. As always, you want to make sure you choose a secure password and avoid putting any sensitive information online if you can.

If you're concerned that the site may just be phishing for emails, the FAQ may make you feel better.

Should I Change My Password?

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You can follow Adam Dachis, the author of this post, on Twitter and Facebook. Twitter's the best way to contact him, too.

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Look Out for Phishing Scams

Look Out for Phishing Scams: From USA.gov:
"Over the weekend, thousands of people learned that their email addresses had been compromised as the result of an unauthorized entry into the systems of Epsilon Interactive, an email service provider.

If you received one of the alerts, you should be extra vigilent about the kind of emails you receive and which ones you chose to open or answer.

Because of this security breach, you may be at an increased risk of phishing scams, where you receive a message that tries to trick you into supplying personal or financial information.

The Federal Trade Commission provides the following tips to protect yourself from phishing scams:

• Don’t reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don’t click on links in the message. Don’t cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
• Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a “refund.” If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
• Don’t email personal or financial information.
• Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
• Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email.
• If you’ve been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft.

Learn more about how to identify and protect yourself from phishing scams from the Federal Trade Commission.
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The Zombie Network: Beware 'Free Public WiFi'

The Zombie Network: Beware 'Free Public WiFi': From NPR: "Free public WiFi? Sounds pretty good, right? This news story from NPR sheds light on how a computer virus is being spread through this seemingly innocent channel. NPR's site provides information about this ongoing problem and also includes tips on how you can protect your computer. Running time for the audio version of the news report is 3:59. "

Know Your Laptop's Temperature Limits to Avoid Summer Meltdowns [Laptops]

Know Your Laptop's Temperature Limits to Avoid Summer Meltdowns [Laptops]: From LifeHacker: "Summer has reached its peak, and while working outside can be relaxing, it becomes far less so when your laptop starts overheating. Here's a quick summary of what outdoor conditions could do harm to your notebook.

Photo by Ed Yourdon.

We all know heat is bad for our computers, but as the weather really starts to get hot out there, it's important to know just what conditions could potentially cause problems. Technology blog Unplggd has a list of tips for keeping your laptop safe in hot weather, and number one is monitor the weather. Laptops are usually okay in temperatures of 50° to 95° Fahrenheit (or 10° to 35° for you Celsius folks), but anything higher is likely to lower your laptop's battery life or even make your hard drive expand (and thus cause a whole host of problems). Note that these are outdoor temperatures, not the temperatures inside your computer. In addition, humidity above 80 percent is something you want to stay away from—the last thing you want is moisture condensing inside your machine (at best, tripping the moisture sensor and voiding your warranty, and at worst shorting out your circuits).

While it's always good to err on the side of caution, if you have to be outside in hotter weather, be sure to use a laptop stand and make sure your laptop gets plenty of airflow (if you don't have one, you could even use a water bottle as a cooling laptop stand).. In addition, if possible, plug in your laptop to avoid stressing the battery, or even better, remove it completely. Hit the link for a more tips on keeping your laptop cool, and share your own in the comments.

9 Tips For Using Your Laptop in Warm or Hot Weather [Unplggd]

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