Linux.com posted an article called "Ten Firefox extensions to keep your browsing private and secure" yesterday. It's a decent collection of Firefox extensions, but it's incomplete, as far as I can tell. From my experience with Windows PCs, the biggest cause of slow-downs and infections is cookies placed by ads on websites. The most successful solution to this problem I've found is by using an extension called Permit Cookies (mozilla addon version). This extension allows you to set your browser's default to reject all cookies. Then, you can white-list sites that require cookies to function properly (e-mail providers, for example). The extension puts a little C icon on your browser toolbar which turns green when cookies are allowed.
The NoScript extension (mentioned in the Linux.com article) uses the same strategy for blocking scripts. It block all scripts, then you can allow the ones you want. This extension updates VERY FREQUENTLY, which is a pain.
As long as you're configuring extensions in Firefox, you might as well make sure you never see ads on websites. I use the original Adblock, but Adblock Plus is also available, and it allows you to use other users' blacklisted ad images, ad scripts, and other annoyances.
Finally, even with this kind of preemptive protection, you're going to have to clean off the bugs some times. Spybot's Search and Destroy is great, as is AdAware, and Ashampoo's WinOptimizer 4. As with any other bug-scanning program, make sure you update the definitions for these programs before you scan your computer, or they'll be completely useless.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Finally, a laptop worthy of spoiled ITA instructors!
Gizmodo just published pictures of what they're calling a "semi-portable" laptop that unfolds to reveal three screens. They're calling it obscene, but I just think it's practical, don't you?
Friday, September 28, 2007
Fusion's iodrive
This new device (pics), a "PCI Express card with a controller and NAND flash chips," uses a PCI connection to attain super-fast transfer speeds (800 megabytes per second read and 600 MB/sec write) to a solid state (no moving parts )stroage medium. They're introducing it at 80GB, but will scale to 320 and 640 GB next year. I want one!
Virtual Slide Rule
This could be a fun little teaching tool for PC Service Camp, a virtual slide rule. it's just like the real thing, only digital!
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