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2011
Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 13, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Tech Shopping 2011

  • Which Do I Get? - As always, this is best answered with another question; 'What do you want to do?' It basically comes down to a) I want a small computer to do 'normal computer stuff', b) I want an entertainment device, or c) I want something I can carry to make phone calls that also provides some entertainment.
  • Ok, Now What? - So now you've decided the type of device, which one do I get? Use these handy guides:
  • Androids Take Over - There are basically only 3 ways to go in the smart device world - Apple (iOS), Android and Everybody Else (Windows7, Blackberry, HP, etc.). Android is moving to become the ubiquitous winner of that particular war.
  • Pricewatch - When you know exactly what you want, find the cheapest price, here.
  • Free Shipping Day 2011 - Friday, December 16 means guaranteed Christmas delivery and free shipping from over 1500 vendors this year.
  • Saving Money on Christmas - This is an excellent article not only about how to save money by finding sales, but how to use technology to assist you in that effort.

    Christmas:
    The Essential Links

  • Printable 2011 Holiday TV Guide
  • NORAD Santa Tracker
  • Holiday Mail for Heroes
  • SantaClaus.COM
  • Email Santa Claus
  • American Bar Association's Safe Shopping Site
  • JT's Safe Shopping Tips

    I Resolve...

  • Advice from the Experts - You know these, 'set realistic goals', 'make concrete checkpoints', etc., but here they are in one list
  • And if That Doesn't Work... Take a Stick To Yourself - You've heard of the 'carrot and stick' method of motivation; well, here's the stick. You can stick to your goals and if you don't, there are monetary consequences!

    Holiday Travel Information

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • TSA Travel Tips - Flying this holiday season? The TSA has several reminders about what is is what not allowed on board.
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 1, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Apple Tech

  • The Man Behind Jobs - The tech world mourned the loss of Steve Jobs, but the death of the man who made Jobs' job possible went largely unnoticed.
  • iPhone Legal Troubles - Just days after the release of Apple's new iPhone 4S, manufacturer Samsung has sued in Australia, Japan and other countries to block Apple, citing patent infringement. Why do you care? With new technology riding on the successes of previous technology and the competitive economy, more and more suits may be coming, slowing down the pace of new tech releases.

    Legal News

  • Speaking of Which... - Free WiFi at your favourite hotel? Not so much. Innovatio, the company on whose technology a lot of WiFi is based feels they're not getting their "cut" of the pie.
  • We Didn't Really Mean That - After huge customer backlash, Netflix has done a 180 and told its customers that it won't separate DVD-by-mail and streaming services (though they're still going to increase the prices).
  • DirecTV vs Fox - In another case of 'pot calling the kettle black', DirecTV recently threatened to drop all of its Fox stations, including NatGeo, FX, Fox Sports and others, because of Fox's increased prices. This despite the fact that DirecTV has consistantly raised their rates and posted record profits for the last several years.
  • I Know What You Did Last Night - A hacker who tricked people into downloading software that allowed him to take over their computers, including cameras and microphones, has been sentenced to six years in prison.
  • Don't Insult the Royal Family - As reported last month, Thailand's goverment has a department devoted to ferreting out people who defame the royal family. A Thai ex-pat U.S. citizen was recently targeted by that government and faces up to 15 years in jail. Guess that'll teach you to have an opinion.
  • Anonymous Fail - After all the hoopla surrounding the threats from Anonymous to "take down" Wall Street on October 10, nothing much really happened. Once again, the script kiddies showed they're nothing but a bunch of snot-nosed NON-hackers.
  • It Goes Both Ways - It seems a 'conservative' hacker has gained access to websites and mailing lists used by the Occupy Wallstreet ne're-do-wells and has been supplying that information to the FBI. Remember, kids, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

    Privacy and Security

  • Hotmail Steps Up Privacy Efforts - "Graymail" is that stuff that isn't exactly spam but you still don't want: newsletters, offers, notifications from companies you've used, etc. Hotmail wants to beef up their spam filters to allow you to screen that out, as well.
  • Just When You Thought Those Annoying Calls Would End - Yeah, well, here we come into Recall Season and, of course, the congresscritters want to make sure that while marketers can't contact you, THEY still can. Time to stand up to these putzes and tell them that their stuff is spam, too.

    Thanksgiving 2011

  • EatTurkey.COM - The official site of the National Turkey Federation has just about every recipe you could think of for making turkey, including how-to videos and printable tips from professional cooks.
  • Turkeys Away! - What would the season be without the (in)famous "turkey drop" episode of WKRP?

    Holiday Travel Information

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 4, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Tech Watch

  • Skynet - No, not the ominous computer system from the Terminator movies, this is a project that's using computers (including yours, if you want) to perform a radio astronomy survey.
  • Droid Bionic - Leveraging "the cloud" is just the start for this new hardware from Motorola. This brings us one step closer to having not just your PC but your entire internet-connected life available in your pocket.
  • Super WiFi - The US lags behind much of the world when it comes to WiFi speed and coverage, but there is a proposal to beef it up.
  • Better Listen to the Flight Attendants - Southwest Airlines recently had a passenger arrested when he refused to shut down his cell phone. This brings up a number of technological questions, including if such devices actually do "interfere" with the aircraft and how can WiFi be offered on many airlines, now.
  • Banks Track Your Spending Habits - In their continuing quest to find more ways to make money from you, banks are now considering selling your spending habit information.
  • Losing Money on Long Distance - With more and more people using cellphones and network phones, AT&T is trying to recoup its losses by adding a fee if you don't use long distance.
  • Netflix Splits Service Sites - As we've been discussing, Netflix is positioning itself to go "all streaming". In addition to changing their pricing structure, they've now separated out the websites where you go to reserve DVDs or streaming video.

    Social Media Watch

  • Facebook's Timeline Feature Delayed - Facebook wants to archive and organize all your old postings and make them available to everyone. The service, called "Timeline", has its opponents and the launch has been delayed. You can use it, if you want, by enabling the "developer access" feature.
  • Unfriend - Another new "developer access" feature on Facebook allows you to find out who UNfriended you.
  • But You'd Better Not Unlike Best Korea - The government airlines of North Korea orders you to "like" them on Facebook. Or else.
  • China Wants to Control You, Too - Over the last few months, a number of quiet stories have appeared about foreign governments, including China, wanting to purchase Facebook. Makes you wonder if you really want all your personal information out there, comrade.
  • And Governments Aren't Alone - In addition to governments, courts and debt collectors find Facebook a font of knowledge about you.
  • Your Perfect Match - Maybe not. Match.com has settled a lawsuit with a rape victim and has pledged to screen out sex offenders from their user base. That just leaves Craigslist.

    The Lighter Side

  • :) - Birth of the smiley
  • You're Not Goofing Off, You're Being Productive - "Cyberloafing", mindlessly surfing the net, is actually a good work behaviour, according to a new study.
  • More Assange Asshattery - Apparently, what's good for the goose isn't good for the gander. Julian "Wikileaks" Assange is outraged that drafts of his biography have been leaked.

    Halloween

  • Scary Costumes - Not 'scary' as in 'frightening', but 'scary' as in OH MY GOD WHO WOULD WEAR THESE!?!
  • Electronic Voice Phenomena - Real stuff or hearing what you want? Judge for yourself at sites like mcmsys, ghostpix, and The International Ghost Hunters Society
  • Halloween Radio - Looking for 'mood music' or sound effects for your Halloween night? Check out this site.
  • All About Halloween - A great site for DIY ideas, locations of haunted houses in your area, recipies and other information to help you plan your Halloween party.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 6, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    New Tech

  • Bionic Launch - The new Motorola smartphone, the Droid Bionic, launches on September 8, 2011. This is a direct competitor to the new iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy S2.
  • Print Your Spare Parts - 3-D modelling printers are finally coming into their own. One man needed a small plastic replacement part for his Ikea striller. The company wanted $250 for the part, so using a company called Shapeways, he made his own for $25. He's even put instructions for doing this on the DIY site Instructables.
  • Flash Drives in the Oddest Places - These days, you can find USB flash drives in just about any shape you can think of. Don't believe me? One company is selling a 16GB USB-powered 'personal massager' (ahem).
  • More Space - But in realistic, useable storage news, IBM has annonced a new 120 Petabyte disk system. To put that in perspective, think 1200 "external USB" notebook drives.
  • But Not All New Tech is Good Tech - As 2012 looms, a new law will come into effect, outlawing 100 watt incandescant bulbs. Not everyone is so happy with this.
  • And Neither is the Most Expenseive - The US Army's $2.7 billion battlefield computer, well.... doesn't work. What more can we say?
  • Bug Bounty - Facebook is ofering up to $40,000 to folks to find bugs. If you find a valid bug, they'll pay you a finder's fee of at least $500. I wonder, however, if they'll have so many 'offers' that they won't be able to wade through them all. If nothing else, it will certainly increase their hit count!

    Cyber-Law

  • Cyber-Terror - One man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter? Both Anonymous and AntiSec have "declared war" on US police agencies. This should get interesting.
  • Prisons Vulnerable? - Using Stuxnet-like viruses, its possible that security at prison facilities could be compromised.
  • Big Brother? - Meanwhile, the TSA is floating ideas to track you at work, stores, in public at social gatherings, and basically anywhere you travel. Feel secure, there, citizen?

    Security in an Insecure World

  • Hack the Vote - In an effort to show up security problems with electronic polling, the Electronic Freedom Foundation is sponsored the first "Hack the Vote" contest, showing just how easy it is to cause voting machines to register incorrect ballots. That oughta really help resolve the recall issues in Wisconsin, right?
  • Child ID App - The FBI has released its first-ever iPhone app geared to store vital information about your child. Should the child be the victim of a crime, photos, vital statistics and other information can be made available to the FBI at the touch of a button.
  • Erasing Electronic Footprints - Newer browser version of Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari have the option to "do not track". This feature prevents the browser from tracking the websites you visit. While this can enhance your security, it has other effects you need to be aware of.
  • Security 101 - Passwords - While some may argue that there are too many passwords around and that its tough to remember them, here are some easy rules for creating very security and easy to remember passwords. Just remember, one of the things you should do from time to time is CHANGE them!

    Bizarro-World News

  • Facebook Founder Facepalm - Mark Zuckerberg, whose privacy-embattled Facebook constantly denies that it has security issues, recently set up his acccount on rival Google+ to have the maximum security settings -- so he can't be tracked. Hmmm.
  • Pot, Meet Kettle - Meanwhile, Wikileaks, the infamous information dumper, has sued the Guardian newspaper over... leaking information! How's it feel to be on the other side, there, Julian?

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 2, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Security Watch

  • Medical Implants - As if the worries about people stealing your RFID information weren't bad enough, security experts are warning that the new wave of wireless, implanted medical devices like insulin pumps are vulnerable to hacking attacks.
  • The 'Obama Assassination' Hoax - A group calling themselves exactly what they are, "script kiddies", hacked Fox News' Twitter account to announce the death of President Obama last month. Once again, the script kiddies made a childish mistake -- the Secret Service is tracking them.

    The Fast Pace of Changing Tech

  • Groupon a Ponzi Scheme? - An examination of the business model shows the liklihood that this and related services like Living Social may be doomed to failure.
  • Not a Monopoly Any More... - With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, cable companies are starting to realize that the days of charging whatever they feel like charging may have pushed them into a downward spiral from which they will have a hard time recovering.
  • ... But a New One Emerges - Meanwhile, flushed with their success, NetFlix has not heeded the lessons of previous technology companies and has decided to separate their pricing for movies by mail or streaming. So, either way, you now pay. Undoubtedly, if they continue this course, another contender will emerge.

    The Law

  • Undue Influence? - A watchdog group made documents public last month that show ties between the FCC and an advocacy group that supports the FCC's stance on Net Neutrality. And here we were told the FCC is supposed to be impartial.
  • http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/05/new-bill-upgrades-unauthorized-internet-streaming-to-a-felony.ars - On the heels New Zealand's new internet piracy laws, Washington started pushing for new internet copyright law. In order to unscore that point, they've now come up with a bill to upgrade unauthorized internet streaming to a felony offense.
  • And the Logical Conclusion - ... which leads to concerns that all those lip-sync videos of teens and cartoon parodies will now be banned content. Because we all know how practical the government is about enforcing such laws, especially when the RIAA and MPAA thugs feel its costing them money.
  • Regardless of the Facts - Even Scientific American has weighed in, pointing out that the 'facts' about piracy, as presented by the MPAA, RIAA and the government are dubious at best and complete and utter cowcrap at worst.
  • Meanwhile in PC Land - And here, PC stands for "poltically correct". The legislature of Tennessee has decided to fine or jail anyone who puts up images likely to "fright, intimidate or cause emotional distress". Wow, that's not an open invitation to the PC crowd, is it? But look on the bright side, I think I could successfully sue the protestors at the State Capitol or the budget morons in Washinton for putting their pictures on the web. I mean, that causes ME emotional distress.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 5, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Hackers, Hackers Everywhere

  • For the Lulz - Recently, 19 year old 'hacker' (my term, 'script kiddie') Ryan Cleary from the UK was arrested for bringing down the website of Britain's version of the FBI (the Serious Organized Crime Agency, SOCA). He was linked to the "Lulzsec" group which is the group of 'hackers' that took down Sony's websites and others. Though now free on bail, the LulzSec group then vowed revenge for his "framing"....
  • We're Out ... but instead they "called it quits, issuing a rather pompous statement that they'd achieved their 'goals'. More likely, they saw what happened to Ryan Cleary and decided a lifetime in their parent's basement beats a lifetime behind bars.
  • Governments Step Up Enforcement - A Greek teen was also arrested for attacking US government and Interpol websites using a Botnet. Meanwhile, NATO has issued a security report on the infamous group Anonymous, which has responded by threatening NATO. My money's on the governments on this one.
  • Not Hackers, Script Kiddies - Those of us who are serious computer professionals respect someone's ability to actually 'hack' as this requires finnesse and no small amount of intelligence. LulzSec and groups like that are instead called 'script kiddies', average computer users who use programs other people created in order to 'bring down' websites. The most common of these is called the DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) which is launched via a Botnet.
  • You Win Some... - The FBI and Interpol recently identified and brought down a Botnet consisting of millions of computers in over 170 countries. Unfortunately, they did it with old-fashioned police work and not really any new technology.
  • ... But You Lose More - A newly-discovered Botnet, TDL, is estimated at having ove 4.5 million host computers and has proved immune to current security technology.
  • And it's Not Just Big Governments - The script kiddies even attacked al-Qaida's websites with a DDoS, bringing them down for several hours. And this is the point -- they do it for one reason, to feel 'important', the target doesn't matter and there are no real "principles" involved.
  • Part of the Solution - Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. As we've said many times before, basic security precautions can prevent your computer from being a Botnet host.
  • Cry Me a River - Meanwhile, not to be left out, Julian "WikiLeaks" Assange in his 'house arrest' complains that he's being treated like a "caged animal." Must be tough to have a curfew and wear an electronic tag when you're out on the town eating caviar and drinking champagne. If you'd prefer, I'm sure a real cage can be arranged!

    Facebook

  • Hey, I Know You! - A new feature on Facebook automatically identifies you in photos, unless you 'opt out'. To get out of this, go to your account's Privacy Settings, seelct the "Customize Settings" page and deselect "Suggest Photos of Me to Friends".
  • Don't Like - Like something? Click the "Like" button. Don't like it anymore? You can "un-Like"... unless you've just been "likejacked". That's where you can't 'undo' this once you've clicked it and it stays on your page forever. How do you prevent it? Use Firefox or Chrome, not IE. Both have plugins to allow you to prevent this.

    Tech Watch

  • iTV? - An Apple exec has said, anonymously, that Apple plans to bring out its own TV display by the end of the year. Now the hipsters can feel smug about watching "ironic" reruns of "The Andy Griffith Show".
  • Not Quite Smell-o-Vision - But you may soon be able to buy a case for your iPhone that has a customized smell, say, Jelly Beans.
  • "I Know Jiu-Jitsu" - USC researchers have been able to demonstrate implantable memory cards in rats.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 7, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    New Tech Watch

  • A Paper Computer? It's more likely than you think! Though not actually made of paper, these new thin-film devices will be the direction that smartphones, tablets and many other media may take in the very near future.
  • And as one comes in, another goes out Nintendo's new Wii game console may be heralding the death of console gaming, according to some experts. Instead, gaming will move to tablets and smartphones.
  • And then Skynet Became Self-Aware - Like something out of "Terminator", European scientists are creating an internet/database that will provide information only for robots.
  • To the iCloud! - What is "cloud computing"? Basically, it's storing your "stuff" on the net instead of your own systems. Apple has announced their intent to create their own "cloud" for its music users.
  • Not Enough Storage? There's an App, er Device for That - Disk manufacturer Seagate announced a new wireless hard drive specifically built for the iPad, iPhone and iPod to increase their storage capacity.
  • Text Emergencies - A new national emergency alert system is being tested in New York City. The system sends national, local and amber alert messages to cell phones and devices with special hardware and software.

    Data and Personal Privacy

  • HIPAA not HITECH - Eventhough HIPPA was passed 15 years ago to protect your medical information, there hasn't been much done to make sure that this information is secure in the fast-paced high-tech world.

    Virus and Scam Alerts

  • Win 7 Home INsecurity - A program called Win 7 Home Security has been floating around for a few months and causing no end of headaches to a number of people who assume this is something from Microsoft. Nothing could be further from the truth. SEE AND AVOID. And if you get it, check the link for tips on removing it.
  • Beware the Phish - A scam that has recently "enjoyed" new popularity is the "Message from Ebay" scam. This can take several forms, from someone supposedly asking you about an item to asking if you've received payment. The quick way to check this out, if you use Ebay? Mouse over the links and buttons and see where they really lead.
  • Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Others - The "fun folks" over at the hacker group "Anonymous" have compromised something called the CA (certificate of authority) servers for the company Comodo. This means that the little "security key" you get when you think you're on a secure site might be lying. How do you fix it? Get rid of Comodo. This is how.

    Security Breaches Around the World

  • Sony's Troubles - In April, Sony's Playstation network was hacked by the "Anonymous" group. It took Sony until mid-May, but they began to restore service. Just as they did so, Sony's Greek music service was hacked and user data was exposed. Seems Sony has some security work to do.
  • Gas Wars - And while malicious software hackers aren't bad enough, there are reports that some gas pumps have credit card skimmers. And here you thought it was just really high gas prices.
  • You're Not Helping - Steig Larsson in his novel "The Girl Who Played With Fire", wrote "No security system is a match for a stupid employee." BP proves him right.
  • Anonymous Strikes Again - In March, the hacker group Anonymous, infamous supporter of Wikileaks, targeted Bank of America and released documents they'd stolen that purported to show improper forclosure proceedings.

    Governments Get In the Act

  • Stars the New STUXNET - Iran has reported that althought they have a handle on Stuxnet (maybe), there's a new virus called "Stars" that is targeting their country's nuclear program.
  • Act of War? - And yet the Pentagon has now formally stated that attacks or computer sabotage coming from another country can count as acts of war.
  • Operation Cupcake - Meanwhile, MI6 (of James Bond fame) has hacked an al-Queda website and changed their article about home bomb making into a recipe for cupcakes.

  • The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 3, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Smart Phones, Tablets and Readers (Oh my!)

  • Comparing the Technology - Droid vs. iPhone - PC World magazine compares the technologies. What does it come down to? Like computers, the question is "What do you want to do?"
  • Bridging the Gap - The new Motorola Atrix allows you to use your phone with a notebook-sized screen and keyboard. So you don't have to hold up a 'slab' just to take a picture or make a phone call.

    Gadgets - The Past...

  • Gadgets Who's Day Has Come and Gone - Technology changes fast... these are some of the gadgets that you just don't need anymore.
  • Martin Cooper? - Everyone remembers Alexander Graham Bell, but who remembers Martin Cooper? 38 years ago, he made the world's first cell phone call.

    ... The Present...

  • AT&T Buys T-Mobile - AT&T has announced that it will buy T-Mobile for Deutche Telekom for $39 Billion. How's that deregulation working out for you?
  • Personalized Voice Recognition - Ever use the "voice recognition" feature of your phone and were upset at some of the mistakes? Google now allows you to create a personalized database of your speech. Just be aware of the privacy issues.
  • App - Report Suspicious Activity - The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (who knew?) has released a new app to make it easier to send tips on supicious activity or security threats. Dallas has a similar app and you can expect more to follow suit.
  • App - Easier Shares or Voyeurism? - Ever want to peek on someone's smart phone to see what they've got for pictures? A new iPhone app allows people to automatically share pictures and videos to people around them without "posting" them or sharing them to individual devices.

    ... And the Future

  • App - Sign My eBook! - Stand in line to get your dead-tree book signed? Well, soon there will be an app for authors to "sign" your ebook!
  • And You Just Got Used to Voice Dialing - Voice dialing has become integrated into most cellphones and even cars. The next generation is already in testing -- dialing with your thoughts.
  • Google Goggles - Much like its voice recognition (see above), Google's apps can use your pictures to build a sight-recognition database. Apps like Layar already allow some image recognition and provide content based on it, but there's more to come.

    Security Issues

  • License, Registration and Cell Phone - Michigan State Police have have a device that scans your cell phones and smart devices. And they may have been using it during traffic stops.
  • iPhone Knows Where You've Been - The popular Apple phone has been pulling GPS information and sending it back to Apple. Hope you haven't made any questionable trips.
  • And So Does Android - Like Apple, Google's Android operating system has been collecting location data. Unlike Apple, Google has responded about this activity. The other difference is that every app for Android specifically tells you, now, what it will be accessing and allows you to opt out.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 5, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

Our special guest, this morning, was Barb Bader from Fox Valley CPA's. You can contact her at barb@fvcpa.com

    Fantastic Plastic

  • The Wallet Phone - With apps for airline boarding passes and such becomming popular, Google, Mastercard and Citigroup have announced they're teaming up to create an app for the Android that will allow you to pay all your bills, including things like buying groceries, from your phone. Just swipe and go!
  • Plastic to Cost You More - Beware ATM users, some banks are fighting the fed to try to allow them to charge higher ATM access fees. Chase is now testing $5 fees in Illinois and $4 in Texas.
  • Higher and Higher - Meanwhile, credit card interest rates are near record highs of 15% for new accounts.

    Taxes

  • Buy Online and Save Taxes? Not So Fast, There - The Illinois state legislature has gotten wise to shoppers who avoid state taxes by buying online. So they're looking at imposing "web taxes". You can bet that in this economy, they won't be the only ones.
  • Are You an IRS Target? - If you've been looked at for tax fraud, it's a good bet the IRS will be looking at you again. But what about those mysterious "random" audits? Who does the IRS target? Here's a list of some likely targets.
  • Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes? - "Who watches the Watchers?" Seems the Securities and Exchange Commission has a little problem with their own books. Oops.

    The Shifting E-conomy

  • NY Times Requires Digital Subscriptions - On March 28, the New York Times enacted their "paywall", a subscription service that blocks their website content to all but registered users. Time will tell if this will work for them or will doom the venerable news'paper'.
  • Ebooks Have a Shelf Life - Library patrons know that books get dogeared and have to be replaced. One publisher feels the same should be true of Ebooks. Harper Collins has notified libraries that after 26 checkouts, an ebook must be repurchased by the library. One library in Oklahoma made their feelings known in an open letter.

    Social Networks - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

  • Farming for Dollars - One of Facebook's online games (time-waster?) has raised over $3.7 million dollars for Haitian and Japanese earthquake relief efforts by offering special items that can be purchased within the game.
  • Report a Bully - Facebook, in a move supported by the White House (which doesn't have anything better to do) has announced new tools that allow users to privately reporting cyber-bullying. As a forums moderator, himself, the Computerguy estimates that Facebook will need to triple their staff just to handle the complaint volumes.
  • Facebook Sued Over Murder Photos - A murder victim's parents are suing Facebook after pictures of their daughter's corpse were posted to the social network. The problem? Once it's 'out there', it's 'out there'.
  • Who?? - Erstwhile Facebook competitor MySpace is circling the drain. In the last few weeks they've lost nearly 10 million users.
  • Not Without My Consent - Facebook is considering using your photos in their own and third party ads. How do you stop this? Check out our Computer Tip of the Month for details.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 1, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Privacy and Security

  • Who Are You? - Recently, the Appleton Police Department sent out an email regarding a new website called Spokeo.com. This is an aggragator site that pulls information from online phone books, Facebook and other websites and makes it available in one place. You can get rid of this information pretty easily from their site, but be aware that the information is still "out there". Our Tip/Trick of the Month deals with this.
  • Facebook Privacy - Our Tip/Trick of the Month deals with online privacy with both Spokeo and Facebook
  • A Suitable Jury? - With so much information available on the internet, courts and lawyers have taken to using Google to find out about prospective jurors during 'voir dire' (vetting of the jurors).
  • No More Privacy? - With so many people and business using the internet to check up on you, are we living in the age of no privacy? Not necessarily, but you need to take some basic steps to protect yourself.
  • Microsoft Finally Not Blameless - For a long time, the Microsoft corporate line is that online security is a problem for ISPs. Recently, their chief security officer said that maybe the PCs themselves should be to blame. The problem? His solution includes letting other people's computers 'scan' yours. How much do you trust that??
  • Like Those Facebook Games? Here's Your Password - Be careful of giving away personal information, even seemingly innocuous. Sites like Facebook use "challenge questions" like "What is your birthdate?" or "What is your mother's maiden name?" to allow you to get in even if you forgot your password. Some online games and quizzes ask the same information, giving hackers a free ride to take over your account and steal even more.
  • Too Much Information? - Stop Googling Your Symptoms! Doctors say that the internet is a breeding ground... for hypochondriacs.

    Legalities

  • Hotlinking? - A common term for including someone else's picture in your blog, your posting, your forum, etc., a lawfirm is finding those images and suing the heck out of people using them.
  • MPAA Threatens Google - In what has to be the most humorous story in the RIAA/MPAA Nazi War, the MPAA has threatened to "take down" Google. Yeah, that'll work.
  • Free Porn for All - And in a followup to a story last year, an appeals court has ruled that free porn sites do not constitute "unfair competition" to pay sites. So feel free to keep browsing... unless you're a public official or using the company's computer.

    Net Neutrality

  • Verizon Takes on the FCC - Now that the FCC has put in place its new rules, the next act in the Net Neutrality circus has begun with Verizon filing an appeal.
  • Shades of the Future? - Meanwhile, Canada has now gone to metered "pay as you go" itnerent usage and not everyone is terribly happy.

    The Funny Side of Security and Privacy

  • Irony Isn't a Mineral - Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook and notorious privacy "flaunter" now says he's scared of a stalker... on Facebook!
  • But Wait, It Gets Weirder - Julian Assange's lawyer said that the real reason he's been hiding out is that he's in fear for his life.... from Sarah Palin.
  • Westboro Baptist Church vs. Anonymous - The hacker group named "Anonymous" which has been hacking businesses in support of Wikileaks issued a threat to the notorious protest "church". The "church" has fired right back with their own taunts. Meanwhile, the rest of us sit on the sidelines with beer and popcorn, settled in for the entertainment.

    PDA/Smartphone Tech

  • Acronym Soup - CDMA, 3G, GSM, EDGE...??? - There are alot of acronyms being thrown around in the cellular phone world. What do they all mean? About.COM does a great job of demystifying the terms. If you want to know more, the American Bar Association (yup!) explains Generations (3G vs 4G). The upshot is that CDMA is mostly US while GSM is overseas (for now) and the phones aren't interchangeable. US CDMA carriers are Verizon, Alltel, Sprint and while GSM carriers are T-Mobile and AT&T.
  • Hedging the Bets - Verizon has incorporated both GSM and CDMA into their version of the Apple iPhone 4. While they're not advertising this fact, it may be a sign of things to come.
  • Cellular At Sea - Taking a cruise? The site Scanmaritime.com has a page that shows what cellular providers are set up on what cruise lines. Just remember those roaming charges!

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 1, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Update

  • Chernobyl 2? - As we reported on the October 5, 2010 show, a computer virus called STUXNET was released that specifically targeted devices used to produce fuel for nuclear plants. Apparently successful, if Iran goes ahead with its nuclear program, the effects of this virus could cause a meltdown.

    Obsolescence

  • Netflix Dumps DVDs - As noted last month, Netflix, the home DVD provider is increasingly moving its focus to streaming video. Netflix has now announced that they are removing their "Add to DVD queue" option.
  • Other Obsolete Tech - High-tech has come a long way in just a few years. What seemed cutting edge and "best thing since sliced bread" a decade ago may have been consigned to the scap heap of history. Here are eight technologies that have fallen by the wayside.

    Security

  • Somebody's Watching Me - The smarter the phone, the more ability it has to pry into your privacy. With over 2 trillion (yup, you heard that right) texts sent per day, its obvious that the problem will only get more intense as phones and other devices get more net-savvy.
  • Your Browser Turned Spy - Quite a number of internet sites, from porn to religious ones, are using your browser against you -- to collect personal information. See our Tip/Trick of the Month for ideas on how to handle this.
  • Good News/Bad News - The good news: Spam volumes are down. The bad news: Java attacks are up.
  • Have a Seat Over There - A Florida man learned the hard lesson of securing his WiFi when the FBI raided his home. His WiFi had not been secured and it turned out that it was being used to download child porn.

    Hoaxes, Frauds and Scams

  • Twitter Hoaxes - What do Nelson Mandela and Justin Bieber have in common? They're the latest victims of Twitter-based hoaxes purporting to announce their deaths. Any time you hear something outrageous, shocking or too good to be true, check it out first at a rumour-debunking site like Snopes.
  • It Looked Better in the Picture - Housewives in Japan are finding out the hard way that the picture on the online store's menu isn't always what's delivered. American's are well acquainted with that phenomenon from years of TV dinners.
  • There's One Born Every Minute - A few decades ago, it was the guys in the van selling TVs and steroes that "fell off the back of the truck". Today, it's the laptop computer for just $100. Folks, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Caveat Emptor.

    Comedy Gold

  • Too Lazy to Hunt - Just can't pull yourself out of bed and into a tree stand? These folks in Georgia used the web to hunt their food plot.
  • The Wrong Target - This is what happens when someone steals a hacker's computer. Start at about the 3:15 mark.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 4, 2011 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Net Neutrality

  • What Is It? - Put simply, its the idea that everyone, regardless of what they use the internet for, pays the same for the service. The controversy is around whether or not the government should insure this by regulating internet providers. Those in favor of the regulation say that it encourages innovation, protects consumers, and makes sure everyone has equal access. Opponents retort that there's no need for more government regulation, that it opens the door to government snooping, and that it will result in increased fees. As they say, there's two sides to every story.
  • The Cookie Monster Called Netflix - One of the arguments used by those opposing net neutrality is that online video services like Netflix, which recently started offering movies via internet in Canada, put so much burdern on the network infrastructure at such a low cost that the providers can't increase bandwidth to keep up with demand.
  • Comcast vs Level 3 - Level 3, an internet service provider, has been told by another internet provider Comcast, which is also a TV provider, that they will levy charges on Level 3 based on the internet bandwidth they use. Is it so that Comcast can insure enough bandwidth or is it because Comcast provides similar services?
  • FCC's Pay-As-You-Go Plan - The FCC's latest proposal says that internet service should be charged based on what you use, so that everyone gets a fair chance at using the service. While the FCC maintains that this would stop issues like the Comcast/Level 3 controversy, others say that this would mean only the wealthiest would have access to service.

    Government and Internet Security

  • Electronic Frontier Foundation - This is the ACLU of the internet world. Last month, they announced that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals "ruled that the government must have a search warrant before it can seize and search emails stored by third party email service providers". Sometimes a watchdog is a good thing.
  • 24/7 Cyber-Security Monitor - The Federal Government has announced that a new non-profit, the Multi-State Information and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), will help state and Federal agencies monitor threats. In the Computerguy's opinion, given the sad state of our power grid, it couldn't get much worse so anything is an improvement. Meanwhile, a list of facilities 'vital to US security' has been leaked to the public by Wikileaks. Nothing like giving the terrorists a checklist.
  • Pot, Meet Kettle - It would be funny if it weren't so sad -- Julian Assange's lawyers are whining about his police information being leaked to the public. Remember when I said he was a hypocrit? Still dubious about that?
  • Something Firewalled In the Air - And more from the "terror in the air" front: some airline and security experts are saying that airborne WiFi provides a simple mechanism for terrorists to detonate bombs. Given the near-strip searches going on, they didn't cite how the bombs would get on board in the first place, but apparently that's irrelevant.

    The World Wide Web

  • Red Twitter - In a bid to provide internet service that the government deems "politically reliable", China has launched their own Twitter service. Maybe someone should tell them the name Redbook is already taken and that Redface probably sends the wrong message.
  • WikiMaps? - The online map site MapQuest has announced a new service that allows users to create and update maps, filling in things that may be missing or incorrect on their maps. "Turn where Chet Humley's house used to be, but before the bridge that isn't there anymore" probably won't help much.
  • An Islamic Internet? - Last year, in a rather mealy-mouthed politically-correct move, ICANN, the organization that assigns internet numbers and names, did away with its use of the phrase "terrorism" in its applicant guidebook and put representatives of five Arab states on its board. Some think that this heralds the Islamification of the internet. Those folks must not be aware how much of the internet is used for porn and how tough it would be to get rid of that.
  • But What About Google Earth? - The Iranians, however, may not want to do away with satellite image sites. It seems the never knew that the Israelis who built the Teheran airport hid a Star of David in plain view on the top of their terminal building. Oops.
  • I'm Sorry Alex, I Can't Do That - Watson, a computer program developed by IBM, will be playing against Jeopardy's two most successful champions on February 14-16. Can man beat machine or is the beginning of Terminator?

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

2010

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 7, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Headlines

  • The WikiLeaks Circus - The site that has been all over the news in recent months for leaking classified government documents is in trouble. After international outrage ranging from the U.S. to Sweden, they've lost their servers and lost their paypal accounts. Amidst all this, founder and editor-in-chief Julian Assange is facing arrest for sexual assault and refuses to answer questions about his own culpability. And while the British admit to knowing his location, a radio talk show host is offering a reward of $50,000 to capture him. Meanwhile, knee-jerk reactions include Joe Lieberman suggesting Chinese-style internet censorship as Assange vows a massive document dump if he's arrested.
  • Meanwhile, Closer to Home - Wisconsin made international news as Russian Oleg Nikolaenko, arrested on November 4, was arraigned in Milwaukee and plead Not Guilty. The FBI estimates that, as the owner of the Mega-D spambot, he was responsible for nearly a third of email spam.

    November Wrapup

  • Facebook Predicts Election - According to Facebook's "political team", the number of fans that candidates had before the November elections correctly predicted (74% of the time) who would win. Since the British Monarchy has launched its own Facebook presence, we'll have to see what that means for them.
  • Deep-Fried Disasters - Most people have heard that it's dangerous to fry a turkey, but some folks don't listen - and it gets caught on video.

    Christmas:
    What to Get, What to Get

  • Kaboodle - Almost every online retailer has their own Wish List, but how do you save your friends and family from having to go everywhere? A Wish List aggregator. There are several, but JT likes Kaboodle for its no-nonsense approach, lack of spamming and ease of use.
  • Bad Gifts? Convert Them - This year, online retail giant Amazon announced a patent for a "bad gift conversion system" that would allow you to, if the gift was purchased through Amazon, convert it to something else without the sender knowing. Etiquette "experts" say this is a "bad thing" and offer suggestions on how to correctly purchase gifts.

    Christmas:
    Penny-Pinching

  • Free Shipping Day, December 17 - Started in 2008, this is a day that over 1000 stores offer free shipping for their online purchases, with guaranteed Christmas delivery.
  • Discount Local Deals - Looking for discount deals on local attractions, services and restaurants? Check out WOSH's 50/50 Fridays for deals in Oshkosh and Half Price Perks for deals in the Valley.
  • Government Deals - What does the Fed do with all that "stuff" they seize or have as surplus? The GSA (Government Services Administration) auctions them off on their website; often for pennies on the dollar. What's the catch? You've got to do the pickup or shipping.

    Christmas:
    The Essential Links

  • 2010 Holiday TV Special Guide
  • NORAD Santa Tracker
  • Holiday Mail for Heroes
  • SantaClaus.COM
  • Email Santa Claus
  • American Bar Association's Safe Shopping Site
  • JT's Safe Shopping Tips

    Holiday Travel Center

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    The PostScript

  • Wisconsin Do Not Call List - It won't stop the annoying political solicitions, but if you get your cell and landline numbers in before March 1st, you'll be on by April 1st. Since there's no charge for this and no penalty to doing it more than once, do it once a year... on New Year's!
  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 2, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Tech Trends: As Some Things Appear...

  • Interactive Cat Adoption - The Oregon Humane Society has installed a webcam in their cat playroom that allows you to interact directly with the cats via a robot you can control. Be aware that you'll need Microsoft Silverlight to do this.
  • Look, Ma! No Remote!
  • - New technology called GR (gesture recognition) is not only coming, it's here. The latest rollout of this technology is in the Xbox Kinect which senses your body positions and movements without a remote like the Wii.
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls Live - Google has announced that in a few months you will be able to access the entirety of the Dead Sea Scrolls on the internet.

    Tech Trends: ... Others Fade Away

  • Death of the Dead Tree Version - Citing a huge demand for their online resource, the Oxford University Press, the producer of the Oxford English Dictionary, is considering phasing out its printed version.
  • Postal Service Posts Losses - The privatized US Postal Service announced that they expect a $6 Billion loss for fiscal 2010. The main cause? Postal mail volumes continue their slide into oblivion.
  • A Death We'll Welcome - The Senate has passed the CALM bill that mandates that TV commericals can't be any louder than the program in which they are displayed. WOW! THAT'S A LOW PRICE!
  • One Year and Out - Chatroulette, the site where people could engage in random video chats -- and most recently was dealing with "penis recognition software" -- has gone belly up, so to speak.

    Legal News

  • Excessive? - Adam Guerbuez, the Candian who was convicted in 2008 for spamming over 4 million Facebook users received an $873 million dollar fine. In Canadian dollars, that's over $1 billion. Although he's gotten out of it by declaring bankruptcy, his lawyer has called the fine "excessive".
  • It's Not Just Annoying, It's A Privacy Problem - Fresh on the heels of its inumerable legal troubles, Facebook faces yet another. The creator of that annoying Facebook game "Farmville" is being sued for illegally sharing Facebook user data. It seems that the application has been transmitting user information to advertisers and Internet tracking companies.
  • The Internet is Really, Really Great - Apparently unaware of how well it worked for Hollywood, the porn industry has succumbed to the wiles of RIAA and MPAA and are moving forward with "copy protection" that they say will stamp out online piracy by 2012.

    Say What?

  • Misuse of Technology - Apparently, when you're a police officer, you're not supposed to use your car for sleep or your laptop for surfing for women and looking for a new job. Who knew?
  • The Courteous Thief - A Swedish thief stole a laptop, but returned the data to the victim via email.
  • A Green Computer - A couple of con artists were selling laptops from the hood of their car -- turns out the laptops they sold were just blocks of wood, much like the heads of the people who bought them.

    Thanksgiving 2010

  • EatTurkey.COM - The official site of the National Turkey Federation has just about every recipe you could think of for making turkey, including how-to videos and printable tips from professional cooks like Tood English, Susan Gross and Ming Tsai.
  • Turkeys Away! - What would the season be without the (in)famous "turkey drop" episode of WKRP?

    Holiday Travel Information

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 5, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    The International Internet

  • Stuxnet 'Cyber Super Weapon' - Two weeks ago, it was announced that a new worm called Stuxnet was identified. Specifically built to target industrial equipment, some claimed it was targeting Iran's nuclear program. Experts note that such programs are difficult to trace, but some claim that an obscure reference in the source code hints at an Israeli connection. Meanwhile, the malware has migrated to India, Pakistan and China.
  • Presidential Perrogative - Given the Stuxnet scare, eyes are on a bill in Congress that would allow the President to effectively "shut down" the U.S. connections to the internet in case of a "network attack."
  • Facebook Korea is Best Korea - Despotic dictatorship North Korea wants you to "like" and "friend" their country. They have recently added Facebook, Twitter and Youtube accounts in attempts to use them for anti-South Korea and anti-U.S. propoganda.
  • Both Ends Against the Middle - Meanwhile, starved for hard currency (if not food), Kim Jong Il's regime is now putting out cellphone games in an attempt to bring some cash into the country. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

    All A-Twitter

  • Oops, Guess it Does Work - Last month, in a scenario familiar to PC users, Twitter users received unrequested popup windows redirecting their browsers to Japanese porn sites.
  • Darwin Award Candidate - In the "Stupidest Use of Their Time" category, the nominee is Tommy Christopher who used Twitter to inform people that he was having a heart attack. Guess you've got nothing better to do as you wait for the ambulance to arrive?

    Legalities

  • Net Neutrality Bill is Dead - Apparently, Rep. Waxman (D-eadhead) can't put together a Congressional majority to support his Net Neutrality bill, so it's now in the hands of the FCC, despite the fact that the FCC got overruled already on it.
  • Your 'Face' Is Not Your Own - Not quite, but Facebook is trying to trademark the word "face" in an attempt to block websites using that word.
  • FBI Gets a Course on Law - The FBI tried to get Wikimedia to remove a picture of their Official Seal from the Wikipedia entry on the FBI. Unfortunately, they got their legal citations a little... wrong.
  • It's Not So Funny in Real Life - Unlike the scenes in "American Pie", the use of a hidden camera to capture and 'stream' the sexual encounters of a Rugters freshman has had anything but humorous consequences. The teen committed suicide over the incident, last Friday.

    Cellular News

  • Explitive Deleted - T-Mobile has been censoring messages to their users. According to the company EZ Texting, they've blocked texts to and from a California company that supplies medicinal marijuana.
  • iPhone Users Don't Want AT&T - In the wake of their hacking and pricing problems, a recent study shows that almost half of iPhone users want to switch to Verizon, dumping their AT&T service.
  • Scare Prank Gone Wrong - A smart phone app has been blamed for scaring a teen with something out of a horror movie. The app repeatedly dialed the girl and told her "Get out now".
  • Video Phone - The free app Tango brings to Droids and iPhones a feature that previously only linked iPhones and iPads, video phone calls.

    Halloween 2010

  • This Year's Hottest Costumes? - Stuck for an idea? Drawing on current events, you might consider Tiger Woods and his gaggle of girls, former BP exec Tony Hayward or JetBlue Diva Steven Slater.
  • Halloween Tips - Wow. This resource is massive! It has ideas on everything from Special Effects to Pumpkin Carving. Very clean and streamlined design, allowing you to link to articles from the site and even offsite resources.
  • Extreme Pumpkins - For the last few years, we've featured this site that shows some of the most outrageous and ingenious pumpkin carvings ever. Check it out for ideas!
  • The Official Halloween Resource - This is the premier stop on the web for everything Halloweeny.
  • I Got a Rock - Need we say more?

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Our Computer Tip of the Month is courtesy of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse and deals with What to Do if you're a victim of identity theft.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 7, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Google, Verizon and the FCC - Recent Timeline

  • Waffles for Breakfast - Google, one-time proponent of net neutrality, has seemingly reversed its position by making a joint "policy statement" with Verizon.
  • Good or Bad? - Google presents this move as an "olive branch" in the net neutrality war, while others claim that this is a sham designed by the competitors to Apple's iPhone.
  • Microsoft (kinda) Weighs In - Not to be left out, Facebook jumped into the fray stating that they are against any such moves.
  • Stuck in the Mud - Meanwhile, the FCC, which has supported net neutrality through proposed legislation is continuing to solicit opinions.
  • Opposing Views - Educate yourself. What's this all about? The site Opposing Views gives you fact and opinion on both sides of the issue.

    Big Brother

  • We Know Who You Are - In the midst of the net neutrality debates, Google CEO Eric Schmidt's talk at the Techonomy Conference in August left many with a bad taste in their mouth regarding privacy.
  • And We Know Where You're Going - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (covering 9 western states, including California) has ruled that its legal for government agents to place a GPS tracking device on your car any time they want.
  • And We Know If You're In Class - Northern Arizon University is now tracking students' attendance by use of scanners that pick up the RFID tags in Student Cards.
  • Low Cost High Tech Spying? - The local government in Riverhead, NY, used Google Earth to check up on residents who've been skirting building laws. Is this an invasion of privacy or just a use of publicly-available information?
  • Facebook Privacy? - In a rather ironic twist, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, currently involved in a civil lawsuit, is complaining about an invasion of his privacy by the plaintiff's lawyers. How's it feel, Mark?

    Tech Watch

  • "Please Remove Your Shoes - And Batteries" - Citing fire and explosion hazards, the Transportation Department has proposed tighter regulation on shipping batteries in cargo holds. Will this spread to computing devices (most of which use these type of batteries)?
  • Feel-O-Vision - Once the punchline to a vingette in "Kentucky Fried Movie", Japanese researchers have developed a new TV technology that literally puts you 'in touch' with your programs.
  • There's an App For That - As smart phones gain popularity, there's a flood of "apps" (applications). You can find anything from an app for observing Ramadan to one that brings back the good old days of the page-turning "Choose Your Own Adventure" books.
  • And This Brings Us Back to the Top - Speaking of net neutrality (we were, you know), the FCC reports that the average cable TV customer gets half of the speed they're promised.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 3, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
Due to tecnhical difficulties, there was no podcast of this program.

    Back to School

  • iPads and Laptops and Notebook (oh my) - Wondering what to get for the college-bound kid? Depends on their needs, of course.
  • Tablet PCs - The iPad is really a tablet computer. But will soon be PC-based tablets, too, including the HP PalmPad, the Galaxy S and the Android-based Motorola pad. Apple may have the jump, but PCs aren't dead (yet).
  • iPad vs Kindle? - Apples (no pun intended) and oranges. One's an ebook reader, the other is a tablet computer.

    Technology and the Law

  • Truth in Advertising - Beefing up your online dating resume? The Australian Government wants to put a stop to that.
  • Facebook vs. Traffic Violators - Police in India are using the social networking giant to nab bad drivers.

    Gadgets, Gadgets and More Gadgets

  • Trends by Region - Think of the East Coast as the bastion of the intellectual elite? Think folks in Phoenix are "just fine" with their old VCRs and TVs? You may be right.
  • No More CD Sales? - Like its predecessors the cassette, 8-track and LP, the music CD may be on the way out.
  • And 10 Technological Dinosaurs - But some technologies just keep on going, eventhough their heyday is over.

    And Finally...

  • Amazon at 15 - July 18, 1996 marked the beginning of the largest online retailer.
  • Google Ancient Books - A project in England has received funding from Google to link ancient texts to Google maps and Google books to assist researchers.
  • Falcon PUNCH! - A couple of would-be thieves tried to hold up a PC gaming cafe in Hawaii... and found their own Revenge of the Nerds.
  • Huge Magnetic Storm! - Batten the hatches and check for the Nothern Lights!

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 6, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Apple

  • iPad Hacker Arrested - One of the hackers who, last month, hacked thousands of email addresses from the Apple iPad has been arrested. On drug charges. Intelligence and wisdom can be mutually exclusive.
  • Bugs in the Apple - Apple's rush to market of the iPhone 4 has lead to a number of reports of problems with both the display and, most annoying as its a cell phone, reception. Apple has responded by telling users that its users don't really have a problem despite the flood of complaints. There's a reason its called the "bleeding edge".

    Legalities - The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

  • Google and YouTube over Viacom - In a closely watched court battle, Google and YouTube have won a $1 billion lawsuit brought by Viacom that had claimed "tens of thousands of videos on YouTube" were based on their copyrighted works.
  • States Band Against Google - Last month, we noted that Google had been under fire for collecting open WiFi locations with its streetview cars. A majority of US States have expressed an interest (of course) is joining a lawsuit against the search engine company. Follow the money.
  • No Public Domain For You - An Appeals Court has ruled that Congress can unilaterally decide to remove works from Public Domain and re-enforce expired copyright law.

    These Two Things Go Together

  • Not-Quite Facial Recognition - Having had enough, the social networking webcam site Chatroulette has announced plans to introduce "penis-recognition" software to filter out webcam 'flashers'.
  • Facebook, P.I. - Divorce lawyers have less to spend on private investigations thanks to people using the social-networking site Facebook to document their infidelities.

    And Finally...

  • Captain Obvious - A study from the University of Minnesota notes that video games contribute to the short attention span of kids. And they needed a study for that.
  • Last One Out, Turn Off The Light - Noted technology prognosticator The-Artist-Formerly-Known-As-And-Now-Once-Again-Known-As-Prince has declared that the internet is "over". If you read a little deeper, you'll see why he says this... because he's not getting paid by iTunes.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 15, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Google

  • Google x Bing? - The iconic, simple, white homepage of Google turned into something resembling Microsoft's Bing search site last Thursday, for about 14 hours. The response? In the words of Blaine and Antoine, "Hated it!"
  • New Search Strategy - Google has also put into place new search strategies that place the same weight on longer search queries as short ones, as well as re-introducing the use of metatags

    In the News

  • No Data For You! - AT&T has announced that they are dropping their unlimited data plans. With new phones like the new iPhone and Droid on the market that rely more heavily on data connections and with all the buzz around net neutrality, it remains to be seen of the rest of the industry follows suit.
  • RIAA's Shotgun Approach - The RIAA Secret Police are at it again, this time accusing the peer to peer network LimeWire of owing them nearly $1.5 TRILLION. Kind of makes you wonder if Kelly Klaus (a RIAA attorney) holds his pinky to his lips when he says that.

    Security

  • iPad Leak Thanks to a screwup at AT&T, the sole provider of 3G service for the Apple iPad, nearly 115,000 email addresses of 'early adopters' including government officials and celebs were 'stolen'.
  • Internet Lie Eraser? - This software bills itself as a way to "save hundreds of dollars" to recover from cyber-bullying. What it amounts to, though, is nothing more than a computer-based video course on how to contact the management of places like Facebook and make a complaint. They additionally offer a service to "alert" you when "your child's name hits the internet" -- basically something you can do for free with Google. The owner, Thiomas Rothsein, reports huge sales, validating P.T. Barnum's assertion that there's a sucker born every minute.

    And Finally...

  • PDA Boarding Pass - United Airlines has announced a trial run in several countries of a paperless boarding pass. In essence, you download an app for your Blackberry, iPhone, etc., that shows the 2D "square barcode" (known as a data matrix code) of your boarding pass, so you can just "scan your phone".
  • Dirty Pictures - You know, it's just as important to clean your computer as it is your home's air filter. Accumulated dust, besides being unsightly, can be dangerous (a fire hazard) and debilitating (fry your computer).

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 18, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Net-Neutrality Watch

  • The FCC Fights Back - Last month we reported that a Federal Appeals Court ruled against the FCC's stand on net neutrality. Now, the FCC has fired another shot in the war by stating that Internet lines are subject to the same rules as telephone lines. This means that no traffic can be blocked, slowed or given preference over any other.
  • The FTC Joins the Battle - The Federal Trade Commission has also weighed in by slipping in legislation in the financial overhaul bill that would allow them to make rules governing internet privacy and advertising.

    Social Networking and Online Privacy

  • Facebook Cuts Back on Privacy - With over 80% of the social networking market using its services, Facebook has decided that its user's information is now public. In addition to changing the defaults for many services to "public" instead of "private" and making services "all or nothing" (either your account is public or its not, you can't pick and choose) they are also handing over your information, without being asked, to other corporations.
  • One of the Top 100 Gets Busted - A DesMoines area "social media expert", one of the "top 100 smartest people in social media" has redefined the term "irony" by being arrested for sexual harrassment via text message.

    More Security Stuff

  • Social Networking and Online Privacy - With the proliferation of Social Networking sites like Facebook, there's legitimate concerns about the loss of privacy. Even Congress (having solved all the other problems) has taken and interest in the issue. While there's no substitute for common sense (which is neither), the Federal Trade Commission has some tips for parents regarding teens and social networking privacy.
  • Mainstream Security - Even the mainstream media has admitted that the internet is for porn and is offering tips for protecting your "file store".
  • Encryption Tools - There are a number of encryption tools on the market, including a number of free ones. There are two main ways to go - you can encrypt files or collections of files with the encryption option on tools like PeaZip or you can create an "encrypted drive" (like a separate hard drive that's part of your existing one) with tools like TrueCrypt. You can also go with self-encrypted devices like the Ironkey USB flash drive.
  • Sometimes You Gotta Laugh - This guy is probably the worst phisher in the world. His email is self-contradictory. And yet, some poor schmuck will fall for it.
  • RIAA and MPAA - Lots of folks think these two megalomaniacal groups have only been around since the internet. Interestingly enough, they've fought against several other innovations over the last decades that haven't, despite their dire warnings, killed their industries.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 20, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Internet Policy and Regulation

  • Reversal of Fortune - In 2006, Internet Search giant Google voluntarily censored their search results when posting such information to users in China. As of March, they have recinded that policy and are no longer censoring searches.
  • Venezuela Censors the Net - In a move similar to the policies of China, Venezuela's President-for-Life Hugo Chavez has declared that his country's people should not enjoy freedom of thought or speech and has suggested censorship.
  • The Fate of Net Neutrality - Recently, there have been a number of developments in the ongoing battle over 'net neutrality'. In April, a Federal Appeals court ruled against the FCC in a key case. This decision came on the heels of an accouncement by the FCC of its National Broadband Agenda which it wants to implement much like the Rural Electrification Program of FDR's administration. It's still unclear how these will shake out.
  • RIAA, MPAA go after Canada - RIAA and the MPAA have asked the federal government to assist them in shutting down what they consider 'pirates' in Canada by putting pressure on the country to change their laws.

    Security and Privacy

  • Private Online Forums Exposed - A new web search tool uses human-like behaviours to gain access into private and secretive websites and forums. Much like the Eschelon project of the NSA, this can be good for the war on terror, bad for personal privacy.
  • State Supreme Court Rules for Personal Email Privacy - A New Jersey Supreme Court has upheld that emails sent between an employee and her laywer from her employer's computer are protected by attorney-client privlege. This may have implications for what employers can and can't monitor.
  • Italian Court Cites Google for Invasion of Privacy - In February, an Italian court convicted three Google execs of violating privacy laws by hosting videos of a student being bullied in Turin. Though Google removed the videos, the Italian court said that Google should be responsible for their content.
  • Not Resume Material - Post to your facebook that you got "faced" at the bar last night? You may want to rethink that if you're applying for a job.
  • Facebook Page Held Hostage - A man in New York took control of his girlfriend's Facebook account, changing some information and demanding cash for control to be returned to her.
  • Craigslist Orgy - This time, though, it's a 'orgy' of theft as a woman finds out that people will take most anything from you, even if it's not what you want to give away.

    Tech Updates

  • NIMCO - Not In My Corporate Office: It seems not everyone at MicroSoft likes what their own company produces for phones. There's a growing underground of Microsoft employees who use rival Apple's iPhone but they've learned to keep that fact underground.
  • New Twitter Features - Twitter CEO Ev Williams announced new features including one called CAPTCHA, designed to foil "bots" from sending twitters.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life. Also, catch up with him on Facebook

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 16, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

Our special guest, this morning, was Renee Hedsand from Fox Valley CPA's. You can contact her at rhedsand@fvcpa.com

    Tax Time

  • Who's Responsible? - So you use a pay package like TurboTax or a free service like TaxACT and there's a mistake. Who's liable? Software may make figuring your taxes easier, but be aware of the implications. As they say, "Garbage In, Garbage Out".
  • California Looking to Tax Amazon - Not the river, the online Retailer. Most states do not collect tax because its difficult to track purchases on the internet. California is looking to change all that.
  • Amazon Fights Back - Colorado is also trying to tax Amazon, but Amazon is fighting back by pulling all their advertising from its affiliates in that state.
  • The Fight To Come - States are trying to catch up with the 21st century. Retailers are calling 'foul'. Who will win?
  • Wisconsin's Digital Download Tax - Last October, Gov. Jim Doyle imposed a tax on any digital downloads in the state of Wisconsin. Not quite what Colorado has done, but a step in that direction.
  • To Tax or Not To Tax - The legal answer website Nolo.com has tips and information on how, when and why tax is collected on internet purchases. Meanwhile, New Rules.org, a group supporting local initiatives, explains why internet taxes are a 'good' thing.
  • Taxing Your Online Earnings - With more and more people (and even some countries, as reported in Scientific American) using places like SecondLife and World of Warcraft to earn money, how will the Federal Government react?

    The Law

  • Italian Court Cites Google for Invasion of Privacy - In February, an Italian court convicted three Google execs of violating privacy laws by hosting videos of a student being bullied in Turin. Though Google removed the videos, the Italian court said that Google should be responsible for their content.
  • Facebook Page Held Hostage - A man in New York took control of his girlfriend's Facebook account, changing some information and demanding cash for control to be returned to her.
  • RIAA, MPAA go after Canada - RIAA and the MPAA have asked the federal government to assist them in shutting down what they consider 'pirates' in Canada by putting pressure on the country to change their laws.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 17, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Privacy and Security

  • Law Enforcement Backdoor - Think your text messages and emails are private? Think again. Think it takes a court order to obtain them? Think again. Police agencies are pushing internet providers for even more access to your data through a private backdoor web interface.
  • Social Security Numbers (again) - Its happened before, and it continues to happen. A mistake at the California Department of Health Care Services caused over 50,000 pieces of postal mail to have the recipient's Social Security number printed on them.
  • Electronic Frontier Foundation - These are the ACLU of the internet. They're kind of the "rights watchdog" group and have lots of good privacy information including 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy and their Surveillance Self-Defense (SSD) project aimed at government "spying".
  • Privacy Rights - This is another watchdog group that gives you lots on information regarding not only privacy rights, but "What do I do in case of" information.
  • Anonymizers - Concerned about who's seeing where you go on the internet? Software called anonymizers scramble your web request and the address from which they originate. There are a number of different solutions you can try, including:
  • Storage Encryption - What about if someone steals your computer or laptop, or gets a trojan program onto it? These software packages will help you keep your data safe:
    • TrueCrypt- Free virtual-drive encryption software
    • MEO- Free file-by-file encryption software
    • Jetico- Free and pay software for encryption and wiping (MILspec)
  • Chinese Hacker Training Camp Raided - As the Computerguy has noted, many of the internet attacks originate from the far east. Last week, Chinese officials raided one of the training camps for these malcontents.
  • Botnets Battle it Out - In an example of turnabout being fair play, a trojan horse program was released that took on another trojan horse in a 'battle of the botnets'.

    National Broadband

  • WSJ's Take - A recent Wall Street Journal editorial questions the need for the FCC's push of a 'national broadband plan'.
  • Google to Provide Highspeed Internet - Meanwhile, search-engine giant Google has announced that it will enter the fray by becomming an internet provider.

    And Now for Something Completely Different...

  • Viking Frogmen?? - Google's omni-present streetview camera vehicles had a bit of a trick played on them when they were chased down by a couple of Norwegian frogmen. There's actually a site dedicated to some of the strange things these cars 'see'.
  • No iPhone for You! - What's the favourite gadget of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak? Nope, not the iPhone. The Google Phone! Oops.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 19, 2010 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Tech News

  • The Android - Android is the operating system for a variety of new phones offered by a number of providers. From the Motorola Droid to the Google Nexus, this Linux-based phone is poised to overtake iPhone's hold on the smartphone/PDA market.
  • Reallocating Unused Airwaves - The Justice Department has suggested that parts of the broadcast spectrum that are not being used for TV be given over to high-speed wireless internet to increase competition.
  • Net Neutrality Update - As the Computerguy reported last fall, the Federal Communications Commission has weighed in on the net neutrality debate. From now until March, they are open to public comment on their proposed rules and as to whether or not they even have the authority to impose regulation on the internet.

    Security News

  • Millennium+10 - Oops. Millions of German bank cards have been affected by a "millennium" bug that causes the cards to be unable to handle the date "2010". I thought we had this one fixed a decade ago.
  • A Win for the White Hats - Make enough hackers mad, and they'll retaliate. Back in November, a team from the security company FireEye used a coordinated attack (similar to what the offenders themselves do) to take down a huge spam sustem called the Mega-D botnet.

    Offbeat News

  • No Fatties - The picture-rating site BeautifulPeople.com made over 5000 of their users re-evaluate their New Years' resolutions and re-apply for membership. Apparently, the site felt these users had a little too festive of a holiday season and packed on too many pounds for their site to host them.
  • Calling Forrest Gump - A restaurant chain in Pennsylvania has filed suit against a Texas-based cookie company. Apparently, they feel that the cookie company's "smiley face" cookies are too close to the smiley face cookies that the restaurant produces. The question becomes, does that mean the smiley emoticons are going to be trademarked?

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

2009
Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 15, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Click here for holiday music from the Computerguy
    Use the free media player Winamp as Windows Media Player no longer 'understands' playlists.

    Holiday Shopping

  • Free Shipping Day - On December 17, a number of online retailers will offer free shipping for one day, only and guarantee Christmas Eve delivery. Find them, here.
  • Pricewatch - My favourite and the "benchmark" for computer price shoppers. Know what you're looking for, then check here for the best prices online.
  • SafeShopping - This site is created by the American Bar Association and has alot of great information, including tips on the entire online shopping process, from secure connections to how to file a complaint.
  • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.

    Christmas

  • Cards for Recovering Soliders - There's an email going around telling people how to send cards to recovering soliders. The address is incorrect. As noted at the site Hoax Slayer, you should instead use the American Red Cross' Holiday Mail for Heroes program. Also see our link for sending email to the troops, at the bottom of this page.
  • Santa Claus.COM - The original internet site for the 'big guy' (not Bob) is family-oriented and includes links to stories, music, and holiday ideas. You can even order a letter or phone call from Santa for your children (or Bob).
  • Email Santa - For the net-savvy kids, they can email directly to Santa and he'll send them a reply!
  • NORAD Santa Tracker - It wouldn't be Christmas without The Computerguy's favourite site -- NORAD tracks (and hopefully doesn't shoot down) Santa. Seriously, this is a really fun site that lets kids see where Santa is on his round-the-world journey.

    Pets and the Holidays

  • Dangerous Foods - We hear every year about things like poinsettias (untrue) and tinsel, but there are also some common foods (yes, we know about chocolate) that your pets should avoid. The medical information site WebMD has a portion for pet health and has a slideshow on food items your dog should never eat.
  • Wisconsin Dog Rescue - While not comprehensive for breeds, this site does list not only dog rescues for breeds, but the county Humane Societies as well as other animal rescues including cats, ferrets, reptiles and others. If the breed you want is not listed on this site, check with the AKC for the breed's national parent rescue organization.

    Holiday Travel Information

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    The PostScript

  • Support Our Military - Locate the email address for your service person with help from the US Armed Forces News Service. And the popular America Supports You site run by the Department of Defense is now Our Military.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 17, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Windows 7 and Tech News

  • Engadget's Review - This is a fair, balanced review of the new Operating System that has some good video segments showing its operation.
  • C|Net's Review - This is a pretty "glowing" review, but they do a good job of being relatively balanced in pointing out some of the flaws.
  • Product Wiki's Review - Remember, this is a Wiki, which means the review is user-driven and can be 'skewed', but it appears pretty even-handed.
  • FCC Works on Net Neutrality - The FCC is now asking for opinions on their proposed legislation for so-called "Net Neutrality". But some internet service providers (ISPs) have been pushing back.
  • GeoCities goes down - The end of an era occurred last month as GeoCities, the original personal webpage site, closed down.
  • Vulnerabilities in Shockwave - Adobe announced that there are some problems with Adobe Shockwave Player that can allow hackers to run program on your computer. Updates are available.

    Holiday Travel Information

  • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
  • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    Thanksgiving Preparations

  • National Turkey Federation - If you've never prepared one, or you're looking for some new twists on the holiday classic (or even what to do with leftovers), try the "Pros Prep Turkey" portion of the official site of the official holiday bird
  • Frying Turkeys - Want to fry a turkey this year? Alton Brown has a three part series (1,2,3) on everything from how to build your own fryer (under $40) to tips on how to avoid problems. Speaking of which, doing this can be dangerous. Check this fire department safety video.
  • Turkeys Away - The infamous "turkey drop" episode of the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati".

    Holiday Shopping

  • Free Shipping Day - On December 17, a number of online retailers will offer free shipping for one day, only and guarantee Christmas Eve delivery. Find them, here.
  • Pricewatch - My favourite and the "benchmark" for computer price shoppers. Know what you're looking for, then check here for the best prices online.
  • Jawbone Prime - The best bone-conduction Bluetooth headset out there.
  • ThinkGeek - Not just hardware and gadgets, but toys, apparel, gifts and more for the "nerd" in the family.
  • The Death of InfomercialRatings.Com - If you do informercials, you make money. Enough, it seems, to silence your critics under a flood of litigation. Until they get sued, you can try Honest Infomercial Reviews or InfoNOTmercial.
  • SafeShopping - This site is created by the American Bar Association and has alot of great information, including tips on the entire online shopping process, from secure connections to how to file a complaint.
  • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.

    The PostScript

  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 20, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Tech News

  • Verizon Droid - This last weekend, Motorola, Verizon and Microsoft arch-nemesis Google rolled out the ads for their new Android phone. The premise is that this overcomes the shortcommings of Apple's iPhone. Time will tell if this one's a winner, but there's already some good buzz about it.
  • MotionPic Change - Upload any cellphone photo here, and it will animate it for you.
  • How to Make a Ghost on Your Cell Phone - A cheap and, after you see it, obvious way to make "shadow people" or "ghosts" appear on your cell phone's camera.

    Halloween

  • Streaming Halloween Music and More - Looking to 'set the mood' this Halloween? A number of websites, collected by About.Com, are available including music, sound effects and even old-time radio dramas.
  • Orson Welles' 1938 War of the Worlds Broadcast - The online source archive.org has the original Mercury Theatre broadcast available for streaming or MP3 download.
  • All About Halloween - A cool website dedicated to the heart-stopping holiday. Includes DIYs for decorating your home and yard, costumes, recipies and even MIDI music to get you "in the mood".
  • Bender Costume - Someone with too much time on his hands made this awesome Halloween costume of the "Futurama" character, "Bender".
  • Pumpkin Boat Race? - So what do they do with all those 'record setting giant pumpkins'? Turn them into boats and race them, of course!
  • PumpkinRot - Some very, very cool ways to decorate your yard. This guy's gallery of his past 'creations' is awesome. Alot of time and effort goes into it and it's spooktacular.
  • International Ghost Hunters Society - Long before the television show "Ghost Hunters", these folks were out catching photos and EVPs (electronic voice phenomenon). There's some really fantastic (and spooky) stuff here.

    The PostScript

  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 15, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Multiple Home Internet Connections

  • DIY - If you're going to do it yourself, you'll need:
  • Hubba, Hubba - You may now need a piece of equipment called hub, router or switch. What's the difference? Tux Magazine has a great tutorial on what they all do.
  • What's My Address - Do you need a "static IP" or a "dynamic IP"? What the heck is an "IP"? Wiki, as usual, tells us what an IP address is and Zytrax has a nice, short checklist to help you decide which you need.
  • DynDNS.COM - Don't want to "pop" the money for a static IP address? This site allows you to have your own, for free. However, you do have to use one of their domains, so this isn't a good choice for a "real company".

    Security

  • Phone Home - Yeah, all those "apps" are great, but did you know many of them may compromise your security by "phoning home"? Not only is this a security issue, but it will shorten your battery life.
  • Governmental Lockdown - The new Cybersecurity Bill, S.773, would allow the President to control the Internet, at least in this country, if he were to declare an emergency.

    The PostScript

  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 18, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. If you missed us live, then check out the podcast of this program.

    Operating Systems

  • Google Chrome - The search engine folks are poising to become the next Microsoft. They've already cornered alot of the technology markets and in addition to having launched their own web browser, they're now working on an open-source operating system for notebook computers.
  • Bootdisk.COM - Missing the boot floppy for your old Operating System? Download one from this site and it will allow you to create one on your current PC.
  • Time to Get Rid of Windows? - The computer industry journal, ComputerWorld has weighed in with their opinion that the time for Microsoft Windows has come, and gone.

    Security News

  • Info Wars - Using DDoS (distributed denial of service) attacks, someone (North Korea, anyone?) has been blocking South Korean and U.S. government websites.
  • Cash for Clunkers or We Own Your Computer? - A recent story by Glenn Beck brought up the Terms of Service for using the cars.gov website and the fact that, by agreeing to them, you give the goverment ownership of your computer and everything on it. That's been "fixed" but it brings up the problem with "fine print".
  • Twitter Compromised - Recently, a European hacker was able to gain control of Twitter's domain names as well as getting internal financial and other data. How'd he do it? Pretty easily, using the internet, itself, to gain personal information about Twitter employees.

    IOI (Items of Interest)

  • Facebook vs. Google - It's no secret that there's no loveloss between these two internet giants. However, it appears that Facebook is actively trying to keep Google from seeing information on their sites.
  • Textual Harassment - The increasing use of texting has lead to lawsuits, especially when its used to harass or bully co-workers.
  • The Billy Mays Caps Lock - Probably one of the most useless, yet humorous apps I've seen in a very long time. A tribute to the master of the pitch men.

    The PostScript

  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 23, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

Summer Picture Time

  • 4AllMemory - This is the quickest, easiest site I've found to locate what kind of memory you need, whether for your camera or computer. It may not have the best prices, but it will help you nail down the exact model you require.
  • Pricewatch - As always, JT's favorite site for searching for the best price, once you know exactly what you need.

    Hoaxes, Frauds and Forgeries

  • Fake USB Drives - There's been a huge 'uptick' in the number of fake 'brand name' and cheap 'no name' USB drives being sold online. Beware -- a number of them are deals 'too good to be true' and are scams.
  • Jury Duty - This particular email warning is making the rounds again, lately. It warns of the very real threat of identity theft.
  • Snopes - Does it seem too cool, too good, or too bizarre to be true? It probably is. Check things out on Snopes first, and remember, if an email asks you to do something, then it's probably a scam.
  • Source Verification - In the wake of the Air France disaster, a Bolivian TV station was caught not verifying their sources when they aired 'exclusive' footage of the doomed airliner going down. Turns out that the 'footage' was from the TV series 'Lost'. Oops. Guess they should've used Snopes.

    Tech News

  • The 'Search Engine Wars' - A few weeks ago, Microsoft launched Bing, their competitor to the entrenched search engine giant Google. What's the difference? Microsoft says 'alot', but it still has to prove it. There's also the new service Hunch which is a 'decision engine' that takes a different approach.
  • Goodbye, Kodachrome - After over 70 years, Kodak is retiring its venerable color film technology.

    The PostScript

  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
  • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 19, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Alphabet Soup

    • CDMA, 3G, GSM, EDGE...??? - There are alot of acronyms being thrown around in the cellular phone world. What do they all mean? About.COM does a great job of demystifying the terms. If you want to know more, the American Bar Association (yup!) explains Generations (3G vs 4G) and WikiAnswers has a very good basic overview of the difference between CDMA and GSM. The upshot is that CDMA is mostly US while GSM is overseas (for now) and the phones aren't interchangeable. US CDMA carriers are Verizon, Alltel, Sprint and while GSM carriers are T-Mobile and AT&T.
    • Travelling Overseas - As noted above, there's a different set of technology overseas. So what do you do? You can either buy a prepaid or disposable cellphone at your point of departure or you can go with one delivered directly to you. The Computerguy is using Rangeroamer on his upcoming trip because of the cost and ease of use.
    • WalkFi - New apps allow you to use your mobile broadband phone to be a mobile WiFi hotspot.

      It's the 21st Century, Do You Know Where Your Child Is?

    • Parental Monitoring - You've heard the stories about tons of texting, so what's a parent to do? There are a number of different solutions available:
      • - For those using BlackBerry or Windows Mobile, there is an app from Textguard that allows archiving of texts, spam blocking, filtering and even remote deactivation
      • - Accutracking uses GPS to track the phone location
      • - You can also buy a pre-loaded phone from MyMobile Watchdog whose service includes web access to contact lists and activity calendars as well as parental notifications.
      • - Or consider Kajeet which has all the features, above, in a flat-rate cellphone with GPS tracking

      Oops

    • Craigslist - Hot on the heels of the Craigslist Killer comes news that the classified ads website is dropping their erotic services ads. However the popular site has also recently been used to perpetrate money cons.
    • Money For Nothing - From Sweden comes yet Nigerian 419 scam, this one based on a supposed lottery win.
    • The Downside of Electric Cars - Thinking of buying a "green" car like the Prius? You may want to remember that the cars are so tightly computer-controlled that if the computer "glitches" you may end up with no brakes!

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 21, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Wireless

    • Wireless Security Primer - There's a lot to this, but basically the first wireless (wifi) security system was called WEP (wireless equivalent privacy), intended to give the same security as "wired" networks. This was pretty much a dismal failure and has been succeeded by WPA (WiFi Protected Access). Find out more on WikiPedia and from WindowSecurity.com.
    • Security your WiFi - Common (and not so common) sense tips for making sure your wireless access point (WAP) is secure.
    • Community WiFi - One idea is to create your own WiFi "hotspot" by getting together neighbors and sharing the costs of a WiFi router and its wired connection. Remember to set up security so people who aren't paying for the service don't receive it. Since most "home" WiFi routers have limited range (less than 120 feet) you may need something a bit 'beefier'. However, all WiFi is limited in broadcast power, so look for things like MIMO (multiple antennas on the router) and maybe consider some better receiving antennae.
    • Hackers - Remembering the Secuity Primers, above, make sure you secure your network from Wardrivers. These can be serious hackers or even your local Police Department officers.

      Security

    • Conficker Roundup - The Conficker Working Group, a group dedicated to the detection and eradication of the much-publicized Conficker Worm announced their estimate that approximately 4.6 million PCs were infected in April's attack.
    • Rare Mac Attack - Unlike a "Big Mac Attack", it was reported on April 20th that a DoS (Denial of Service) attacked was launched using Apple's Max OS X. Unlike Microsoft-based attacks, this one was hidden in pirated copies of Apple's iWork 09 and Adope Photoshop CS4.
    • Twitter Worm - For the fourth time this month, the up and coming "micro blog" service has been used as the basis for a worm attack. The service is beginning to rival Facebook and Myspace and is used primarily for short messages (called "tweets") that tell people what someone is currently doing or thinking.
    • Electrical Grid Vulnerability - Just how vulnerable is the U.S. electrical supply grid? The answer is "shocking".
    • Solar Maximum in 2012 - The culprit of the 1977 New York blackout and 1989 Quebec blackout is getting ready to rear its head again. For a bit less 'sensationalist' view than that of the Daily Mail, check out NASA's warning about the coming storm.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 17, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

    Our special guest, this morning, was Barbara Bader from Fox Valley CPA's. You can contact her at barb@fvcpa.com

      Protest!

    • Tax Day Tea Party - It started with CNBC's Rick Santelli and the "Chicago Tea Party" and has now become nationwide. You can even find one being planned right here in the valley.

      Beware!

    • Credit Fix Scams - There have been an explosion of ads on TV and the internet for "credit fixing" companies. Be careful, there are no quick fixes. And many of the offers out there are scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
    • Tax Debt Scams - Like credit scams, there are alot of IRS Tax Debt scammers out there, too. While there are reputable firms that may help you negotiate a settlement, betware of the companies soliciting you with offers "too good to be true".
    • Settlement Funding - Beware the "structured settlement" companies that lure you with "cash now" promises. You may be giving up huge amounts of your settlement over time in order to get the cash now.
    • Payday Loans / Cash Advances - Another "cash now, pay later" scheme that I call a "scam". The Federal Trade Commission, while not outright calling them scams, urges people to find alternatives. Basically, these places are legalized loansharking with APRs that flirt with the three-digit ranges. There are alternatives and the FTC gives you some good ideas.
    • Oops! - Seen those Lifelock commercials where the CEO, Todd Davis, goes around advertising his social security number? Seems that it's not quite as secure as he thinks as not only has his number been hacked and used, but disgruntled customers have sued his company for not protecting them.

      Software

    • Tax Software - There are a number of software packages available, but remember the old computer maxim, Garbage In, Garbage Out. They're only going to be as good as what you know about your situation and finances. Here are a few of the players:
      • TurboTax is the perennial favourite and now includes audit support
      • H&R Block TaxCut is the software available from arguably the nation's most famous income tax firm
      • TaxACT offers a free online tax preparation and filing
    • Accounting Software - A number of accounting software packages are also available to help you throughout the year. They range from the simple, good-for-home-use ones to the complex (and costly) packages able to handle business:
      • Quicken, the grand-daddy of home accounting software is still a very powerful package that can handle small home businesses as well.
      • GnuCash is robust and open source. It straddles the line between personal and business software and includes tools and features of both. Best of all, its FREE for Linux, PC and Mac.
      • Peachtree is a full-featured package that is a bit much for personal use but great for small to medium businesses. it includes the ability to sign up for annual tax code update releases.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 24, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Security

    • Ooops - Security software company Kaspersky Lab had their own website hacked. This underscores the point that security is a constant job, not just something you do once.
    • And another "oops"... - Seen those Lifelock commercials where the CEO, Todd Davis, goes around advertising his social security number? Seems that it's not quite as secure as he thinks as not only has his number been hacked and used, but disgruntled customers have sued his company for not protecting them.
    • Sexual Offenders Removed from MySpace - A few weeks ago, the blog site MySpace removed nearly 90,000 users for being identified as sex offenders.
    • Sexual Predator on Xbox - The latest technology of Xbox, Playstation and Wii games 'online' has opened the way for sexual predators.
    • Parental Control - The best defense against sexual predators is for parents to know what their kids are doing. However, if you insist on having technology do the job, there are several solutions including Kidswatch, Cyberpatrol and NetNanny. You can find reviews from PC magazine here, including pricing.

      Speeding Up XP and Vista

    • XP - There are a number of web pages that give hints on speeding up your Windows XP system, including:
      • wikiHow - an on-line how-to guide that allows people to add their own entries (like wikipedia. This site gives some very good basic instructions on things to do.
      • CNet's Insider Secrets - one of the perennial computer publications, CNet Reviews has a list of things you can do, mostly dealing with speeding up both startup and shutdown.
      • ChannelWeb - another computer industry publication, this is JT's choice for the best of this list. They not only cover the spectrum of 'things you can do', from easy to advanced, but they have links to lots of other resources.
    • Vista - As with Windows XP there are several good resources for tips on speeding up Windows Vista:
      • Wired Magazine - The tech-guru magazine has their own How-To wiki and some great tips.
      • The Register - an excellent online 'IT watchdog', the Register gives some great recommendations in real-world (not geek) speak.
      • TweakVista - For the truly dedicated, this site is the 'official' site for Vista tips and tricks.
    • Virus Scanning - Most pre-loaded computer systems come with a virus scanner. Unfortunatley, you usually get a little free time (a few months or so) and then have to either subscribe or remove the software. What do you do?
      • Either subscribe to the one installed on your PC as soon as you get the system, or buy one of the good ones. JT suggests Symantec, the makers of Norton.
      • There are some good free virus scanners, including AVG and JT's favourite, Avast!.
      No matter what you install, it's important to keep it updated and to scan your system regularily as well as making sure it scans all files you download, create, and your email, too.
    • Spyware Removal - Spyware and browser hijackers can really slow your system down as well as being a major security problem. JT recommends Spybot Search and Destroy.
    • Zone Alarm - This software, from Zone Labs, is a firewall for your computer to help prevent infections from viruses, trojans, email worms, and other malicious attacks.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 27, 2009 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. For the sites we discussed on previous shows, check out our archive. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Phone Choices

    • Plans, Plans, Everywhere Plans - How do you choose a cellular plan that's right for you and your family? There are several guides, including Wirelessguide.COM (personal), Ezine.COM (family) and even one from the Iowa Attorney General's Office. Be sure and check out Wirelessguide.COM's J.D. Powers Customer Satisfaction Chart.
    • And What About the Phone? - Phones vary by the provider. Check out Consumer Reports site that will lead you through, based on your service provider, the various different phone available.

      Travelling Overseas

    • Rental Phone - One of the possibilities is to rent a cellular phone. Since different countries often use different technologies, make sure that your phone is set up for the country or countries you're visiting. Check Cellhire.
    • Buying a Phone - Another possibility is to buy a cellular phone and load it with minutes to use overseas. One provider of these units is Mobal.

      Cellular News

    • No Cancer Risk - A recent study shows there's no link between eye cancer and the use of cellular phones, putting yet another nail in the coffin of the idea that cellular use causes cancer.
    • Bury Me With My Cell Phone - Nothing quite says "addicted" like lobbying to change the laws so that you can be buried with your phone.

      Tech News

    • DTV Does anyone really not know about this? Well, just in case there are some cave dwellers amongst us, here's the official site.
    • Windows "Worm" Spreading - A huge outbreak of a "worm" program called Downadup shows no signs of letting up anytime soon. Much like organic organisms, this computer worm has "morphed" into versions capable of bypassing the fix that Microsoft applied last October. Businesses are particularily vulnerable. Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date.
    • The 40-Year Old Mouse - The computer "mouse" was invented at Stanford 40 years ago last month.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    2008
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 23, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Holiday Travel

    • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

      Christmas

    • Let the Buyer Beware - It seems that American Express has started to adjust down some customers credit limits based on the stores where they buy. Their explanation is that customers who buy there tend not to pay their bills.
    • Santa Claus.COM - The official site for all things about Santa featuring services and items from the text of The Night Before Christmas to personalized Phone calls, videos, and letters. As with previous years, the Email to Santa service is free.
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - The perennial favourite "your tax dollars at work" website that has the North American Aerospace Defense Command providing flight following for the big guy.
    • Tanks for the Present - Looking for a last minute gift for the guy who has everything (or for your favourite Computer Guy? For a mere $12,000 you can get a 1/4 scale model King Tiger tank powerful enough to pull your car!
    • Free Shipping Day - Its come and gone for this year, but this website is a handy one to bookmark. It keeps track of all the "free shipping" specials during the holidays.

      New Years

    • New Year's Party Central - Blue Moon Brewing Company sponsors this website that lists New Years Even parties all over the nation. You can even buy tickets, here.
    • Times Square - The official website for the Time Square ball drop, including a countdown timer and webcams.
    • Wacky New Year's Eve 'Drops' - It's not just the ball in New York's Times Square. Communities all over the county have some interesting ways of counting down the New Year.
    • Top 20 Top 10's of 2008 - Lifehacker, the online tech journal, rounds up the best of their Top 10 lists for the previous year.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 24, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Security and Spam News

    • 419Eater - Don't know what a "419" scam is? Want to see some scammers get scammed? Check out the website.
    • Hospital Computers Infected - Three hospitals in Great Britain had their networks shut down after they were infected with a computer virus that most likely came in from an infected email.
    • Major Spam Source Taken Offline - The primary internet service provider for alot of spam was taken offline two weeks ago. This single action resulted in a two-thirds drop in the volume of spam on the entire internet.
    • Delta's Porn Filters - Delta Airlines (and now, others) have started filtering content from their inflight internet service.

      Holiday Travel

    • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

      Turkey Day!

    • National Turkey Federation - If you've never prepared one, or you're looking for some new twists on the holiday classic (or even what to do with leftovers), try the "Pros Prep Turkey" portion of the official site of the official holiday bird
    • Frying Turkeys - Want to fry a turkey this year? Alton Brown has a three part series (1,2,3) on everything from how to build your own fryer (under $40) to tips on how to avoid problems. Speaking of which, doing this can be dangerous. Check here and here for fire department safety videos.
    • WKRP Turkey Drop - The infamous "turkey drop" scene from the TV show "WKRP in Cincinnati".

      Holiday Shopping

    • Pricewatch - My favourite and the "benchmark" for computer price shoppers. Know what you're looking for, then check here for the best prices online.
    • ThinkGeek - Not just hardware and gadgets, but toys, apparel, gifts and more for the "nerd" in the family.
    • Infomercial Ratings - So how well does that "amazing new product" work? Find out on this site from people who use it. Beware that some manufacturers may "seed" reviews with their own fake ones, so pay attention to "majority rule".
    • SafeShopping - This site is created by the American Bar Association and has alot of great information, including tips on the entire online shopping process, from secure connections to how to file a complaint.
    • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.

      The PostScript

    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 27, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      The Elections, Online

    • Caught in the Act - It seems that at least some of CNN's political analysts find it easier to surface Facebook during the Presidential Debates than to do their job. One of them got caught in the act, on video.
    • Tracking the Electoral Votes - Want to know, at a glance, how the all-important Electoral College votes stack up? This site tracks the latest polls from a number of sources and will be providing live updates on election day.

      The March of Technology

    • Going Wireless - The first cell phone call tool place 25 years ago in Chicago, this month.
    • Online Murder - A woman in Japan has been jailed for identity theft after she logged onto her estranged husband's internet account and deleted his online persona.
    • Online War on Terror - It seems that digital justice has found its way to the War on Terror as the website most closely associated with Al-Qaida has been under a DoS (denial of service) digital attack.
    • Not Racist - The accidentally-discovered substance "black silicon" may revolutionize everything from digital photography to solar power. The secret? It's 100 to 500 times more sensitive to light that normal silicon wafers.
    • IM Hoax - JT recently received an instant message from a friend telling him that Yahoo! was shutting down service on November 17th. A quick check of the Snopes site showed that to be an oft-repeated hoax. Checking with the Yahoo! Answers confirmed the hoax status.

      Halloween!

    • Haunted Wisconsin - Looking for a Haunted House or Halloween event? This site has them all as well as community Trick-or-Treat schedule information, pumpkin patch locations, reviews of events and more.
    • Ghosts of the Prairie - Stephen King's New England has nothing on Wisconsin. We've got our fair share of spooky places. Links to each place, including the story of our very own Ed Gein highlight this list.
    • Shadowlands Guide to Wisconsin JT's favourite Halloween site has great information on haunted sites in the state.
    • EVP - JT's favourite site on Electronic Voice Phenomenon. Are they really ghosts? You be the judge. There are some really chilling sounds here and here, so listen with the lights on!
    • The 13th Track - This is the site where you can find CDs of halloween music and sound effects. It even has a streaming "halloween radio station".
    • Totally Awesome! - These pumkins aren't the traditionally-carved style, they're more like works of art.
    • Halloween TV - Everybody knows the Christmas TV specials, but what are the top 5 "must see" Halloween TV specials? This list has them.
    • Old Time Candy - Looking for the stuff you knew as a kid? Much of it's still available online.
    • "I got a rock... - ...and other 'treats' you'd rather not get on Halloween.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 23, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      The Politics of the Internet or The Internet of Politics

    • The Blogosphere - A quick Google on the words "political" and "blog" net you over 17 million sites. This election year, more than any other previous, is going to be closely watched on the internet.
    • Etalkinghead.COM - So, how do you narrow down what you want? Check out the Online Political News Magazine Etalkinghead.COM and their handy Political Blog Directory that's got them categorized.
    • Spartan Internet Political Performance (SiPP) - So who's talking out there? One consulting company has put together a system to track the candidate's overall "market share" of the internet based on how many folks are talking about them.
    • Does the Internet Factor In? - There are differing views, some saying the effect will be huge, others saying that traditional media still holds sway. Regardless, the technology of the internet has had an impact on candidates and voters alike.

      Bits & Bytes

    • TravelWisconsin - This site from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism keeps you updated with the Fall Color Report (a color coded map), a calendar of events, downloadable maps and guides and much more. You can subscribe to an email service to receive notifications of color reports, snow conditions as well as deals and destinations.
    • The Clbuttic Mistake - Some "obscenity filters" try to replace "objectionable" words with other words. Unfortunately, these aren't always reliable. According to one such filter, President Abraham Lincoln was "buttbuttinated" by John Wilkes Booth.
    • BigDog - This robot from Boston Dynamics may someday help troops in the field to move equipment and supplies over rough terrain.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 26, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. Click here for a streaming audio version of this program.

      Cutting Edge

    • Fixing Digital Video - A new technique from some students at the University of Washington enhances and even fixes digital video using digital stills -- even to the point of 'filling in' missing spaces!
    • Using Google to Track Disease - The site Healthmap uses internet news reports to create a map of disease outbreaks across the world.
    • Ironkey - What happens if your flash drive gets stolen? With Ironkey, you have fewer worries. It's both encrypted and tamper-proof. Supports Microsoft, Mac and Linux. Their website also has a wealth of resources on privacy and security.
    • Phonezoo - Want an annoying ringtone? What about a new wallpaper? Instead of forking out the bucks, try this user-supported download page that includes information on how to make your own. It requires a free subscription, so this would be a good place to use your 'spam' account.
    • Gmail - You do have a spam account, don't you? One of the best free services is Google mail (Gmail). Their email service has tons of space and has a pretty good spam filtering system that you can control.

      Help!

    • Forgotten Windows Passwords - So, you've set up security on your Windows box, but forgotten the password. What now? This simple-to-use software allows you to remove the password.
    • Tech Support - Technical support is available right on your computer (provided its working, of course):
      • Tech Support Guy - This website is a free forum where people can post their problems and (hopefully) receive answers. Not immediate support, but if you have a nagging problem, this might be a good place to go.
      • Justanswer.com- Another forum-like site, so you'll have to create an account, but they have more than just computer folks available -- cars, law, health and even pets.
      • Need it Right Now! - Try a phone 'pay per minute' site like Geeks By Minute or MyComputerWorks.
      • Geek Squad - Best Buy's consumer electronics helpdesk offers computer support even if you didn't buy from them. They have 24-hour support by phone or by an application they install on your computer. But, be aware that while their software and the calls are free, what they'll be doing is giving you an estimate for fixing your computer and you'll most likely have to take it in.
      • LiveTechs - These folks offer monthly service plans. This might be just the thing for your small business that lacks an IT department.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 24, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security, Safety and Sensibility

    • 10 Most Common Passwords - Your password is essential to keep you secure. Choosing a good one is not difficult (see below). At the very least, avoid the ones on this list.
    • Creating Good Passwords - There are a number of excellent sites that tell you how to create good passwords. The tips include mix upper and lower case, mix numbers letters and symbols, and keep it under about 12 letters. Find more hints on good password security here (University of Maryland), here (United States Computer Emergency Response Team and here (UseWisdom.com).
    • FelonSpy - Is your neighbor a convicted felon? Find out, here. This site draws on the Registered Sex Offender database and other public, legal sources, and ties into the Google Maps system.
    • Facebook Dipping - First there were 'flash mobs', then there was 'social performance art', now the new craze has kids checking out Google Earth to find homes with pools and using text messages to organize mass pool parties (without the owner's permission).
    • Spell-Check Mistakes - This is why you don't just accept whatever the spell-checker recommends. A high school in Pennsylvania ended up with students names' mangled in their Yearbook.

      Innovative Services

    • Moodstream - Getty Images, one of the largest "stock photo" services available, offers streaming audio and video for you to enhance your mood and your cognitive abilities. You can customize the images and presentation to your own liking or use one of the "saved" settings.
    • A Holy Mission? - The site Lasermonks is run by an order of Catholic monks right here in Wisconsin. They offer over 43,000 products to schools, churches and the general public.

      Misc. Technology

    • Birth of the 'Baby' - The world's first computer with memory that could store a program was build 60 years ago this month in England.
    • 4AllMemory Flash Cards - Bring your cameras up to date for EAA Airventure 2008 with plenty of room for pictures and video.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 22, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Crash Recovery

    • EasyRecovery - A powerful, if a bit expensive, program to allow you to recover files from crashed disks. There are versions for both business and home usage.
    • Hard Drive Recovery Beginner's Guide _ The folks at PCStats have an excellent Beginner's Guide for hard drive and file recovery. It's this month's Tip..
    • Last Resort - How much is your data worth to you? If you absolutely need to have it back, services like DriveCrash, Gillware, and Aerodata will take that hard drive and recover the contents for you. But it's not cheap. Prices can range from the hundreds to thousands of dollars.

      Futures

    • Internet Out of Sapce...? - AT&T claims that if there is no more investment in infrastructure, the internet will reach its capacity by 2010. We've heard these kind of claims before, so take it with a grain of salt -- innovation tends to far outpace limitations where the net is concerned.
    • ...But a New One's on the Horizon - This summer, scientists at Cern are "hitting the switch" on the replacement for the internet, dubbed "the grid", capable of speeds over 10,000 times faster than broadband.

      Security

    • Linux Unbeaten, Vista and Mac? Not So Much - At the recent CanSecWest convention, teams attempted to hack into Vista, Mac and Linux for a price of $20,000. The MacBook went down first, followed by Vista the next day. Unbeated was Linux. Still wondering why IBM and others are pushing Linux for their enterprise computing solutions?
    • Landline Hacking - Don't think "old technologies" are invulnerable. Thieves are hacking into voicemil systems in order to make long distance calls. How do you prevent it? Get a better password than "1 2 3 4".
    • Ironkey - A USB flash drive with military-grade encryption and security software built in. It's even built so that if its opened, it self-destructs! Perfect for your next Mission, Mr. Phelps.

      On The Web
      SueEasy - Just what this country needs -- a website to make finding a lawyer to file a lawsuit easier.
    • Where's Waldo via Satellite - A Canadian artist has moved the "Where's Waldo" game into the 21st century by painting our hero on a rooftoop so that folks can use Google Earth to find him.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 25, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Tax Time

    • Fox Valley CPAs - Our friend Barb Bader stops by with tips about the upcoming tax season including use of E-file tools and what you can and can't claim for business electronics use.

      RIAA Update

    • RIAA Racketering Suit - In February, a federal judge dismissed Tanya Andersen's countersuit against RIAA, but last week her attorneys have refiled and is moving forward to discovery. The gist of this suit alleges that RIAA engages in racketeering tactics and this new phase means that RIAA will have to disclose its methods for tracking downloaders.
    • Unlimited Music Downloads - Meanwhile, Apple is in discussions with some of the biggest record companies to bypass RIAA and offer unlimited downloading of tunes for a flat fee with thier iPod and iPhone devices. If this goes through, expect a fight from RIAA as they realise they've just been consigned to the dustbin of history.

      Community-Controlled Content

    • What is a "Negative Link"? - What does "free speech" entail? The folks at ComplaintRemover.com think that the everpresent internet meme of LOLcats is "negative" and needs to be blocked. Their software is designed to "protect" your browser from "negative links". The problem is, their list of such links is generated by people making complaints about a given site and, it seems, without too much research.
    • Rate-a-cop Website Pulled - One of the obvious problems with "rating" websites that are user driven is that they can be rather one-sided. The site RateMyCop.com is a good example. The police in San Diego worried about compromising police officer's identities, but one also has to wonder how much of what was posted was true. Either way, the site got so much attention that it had to be pulled as it was crashing the servers of the provider.
    • Man Robbed by Craigslist - Someone posted an ad in the online classifieds Craigslist that a man in Florida was abandoning his home and possessions and that they were all 'up for grabs'. Seems there's still folks who believe everything they read on the internet as the unfortunate gentleman (who was NOT leaving) came home to find his house being cleaned out!

      Tech News

    • Spammer's Conviction Upheld - At the end of February, the Virginia Supreme court upheld the conviction of spam king Jeremy Jaynes that sentenced him to nine years in prison. This landmark decision helps pave the way for enforcement of anti-spamming legislation.
    • Dumped via Wikipedia - It's been done by phone, by email and by text message, so it was only a matter of time... Jimmy Wales dropped his girlfriend via the community-driven encyclopedia Wikipedia.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 26, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      RIAA Update

    • Downloaders are Crack-Dealing Terrorists - According to a leaked RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) training video for prosecuters, if you download music, you're likely to also be a crack-dealing, gun-toting terrorist.

      Personal Privacy

    • You Touch It, You Bought It - The ubiquitos "minibar" found in many hotels has evolved a sinister side. A new technology deployed in some hotels incorporates a sophisticated scale to determine if you've helped yourself. The problem is, if you even pick up an item to check the ingredients, you get charged!
    • The Danger of Increased Security - As the Federal Government collects more and more information about citizens in centralized databases, the risk of that data being compromised increases. As an example, recently a Florida Customs agent was convicted of supplying private Government Database information to a drug runner. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
    • Big Brother? - As reported last month, Microsoft has applied for a patent for software that will link users to their computers with wireless sensors in order to measure their metabolism as "productivity monitors."
    • Death Threat Scam - Apparently offering huge cash rewards isn't enough for the email scammers, they're now turning to extortion and death threats via email. The FBI is involved and would like to know if you receive one of these.
    • The TOP 12 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy - The internet advocacy group EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation) has publushed a very helpful guide to online privacy. This quick list includes a huge number of links to software and resources for building your privacy.

      Tech Trends

    • Hot Pants - Samsung has confirmed reports that a problem with the battery in a Samsung P10 laptop has overheated and caused a fire. A similar report was filed last month regarding an LG notebook computer.
    • Avoiding Hot Pants - There are a number of products available to help reduce the heat of laptops, from systems with "fans and fins" to passive cooling systems like the Xpad.
    • Beta vs VHS for the New Millennium - Toshiba announced on February 19 that it will no longer build HD DVD equipment. In a corallary, they're not supporting the competing Blu-ray standard, either. For now, they're sitting out the 'format wars' and only continuing to develop standard DVD systems.
    • You Will Be Absorbed! Microsoft, after having its unsolicited bid rebuffed by Yahoo Inc's board as "massively undervalued", has set itself up for a proxy fight by preparing to work to oust Yahoo's board members in this year's elections. Remember, if you can't beat Bill.... YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED!

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 22, 2008 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Legal News

    • RIAA told to Pay Up - Despite their propoganda to the contrary, RIAA does and is losing in the corts. An Oregon District Court has ordered RIAA to pay the legal fees of one of their targets -- a disabled 44-year old mother.
    • RIAA Denies "Personal Use" - In the face of the fact that downloads are here to stay and despite setbacks in the courts (see above) and studies debunking the basis of their claims, the mafiosi known as RIAA continue their attacks on personal liberty. Their recent suit of an Arizona man for downloading (erroneously reported as being sued for making copies of his own CDs) is case in point. RIAA has, in fact, opened the door to attacking "fair use" by going after private copies of legally-purchased music by referring to them as "illegal copies".
    • Recording Industrry vs. The People - This website tracks news and events regarding RIAA and the "download phenomenon" with alot of legal detail.
    • Fair Use - An explanation from the University of Maryland as to the meaning of the term "fair use". This includes, "If you make a copy from an electronic source, such as the Internet or WWW, for your personal use, it is likely to be seen as fair use."
    • Boycott RIAA - This site, openly opposed to RIAA, includes a list of artists that is opposed to RIAA and affiliates themselves with this organization.
    • Google Phone The search engine (email, online shopping, etc.) giant, Google, has made good its promise to jump into the wireless arena by successfully bidding in the FCC's auction of airwave bandwidth.
    • Big Brother? - Very quietly, Microsoft has applied for a patent for software that will link users to their computers with wireless sensors in order to measure their metabolism. The reason? To monitor productivity! Apparently not satisfied with office-place webcams and random drug screenings, employers, the software giant feels, would also like to track polygraph-like biometrics.

      In the News

    • Untraceable - The new thriller opens this week and though it appears to be "high-tech", it appears to be nothing more than a plot device (much like FeardotCom) for a "grindhouse" horror flick. Don't expect too much in the way of technological veracity here -- it's called "artistic license."
    • The End of an Era - The free web browser, Netscape, that was on the vanguard of the anti-IE movement (and grew from the original web browser, Mozilla) was purchased by AOL in 1998. Development will cease on February 1st, leaving the fight to its very successful progeny, Firefox.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    2007
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 18, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Evil Empire

    • Piracy vs. CD Sales - One of the main arguments that RIAA and others have used to justify their Draconian methods to combat piracy is that it "hurts" music sales. The facts, however, are significantly different.
    • Don't Call it Magenta - In another example of corporate stupidity gone wild, T-Mobile has trademarked the color Magenta.
    • Microsoft Kills Santa Claus - Oops! It seems that the automated MSN messanger "northpole@live.com" has been handing out sexual advice to kids. So Microsoft pulled the plug.

      Holidays 2007

    • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.
    • NORAD Santa-Tracker - This is JT's perennial favourite site that uses the awesome tracking abilities of the North American Aerospace Defence Command to follow Santa's trip around the world. This year, they've also teamed up with Google Earth to provide mapping of Santa's journey.
    • SantaClaus Online - Here it is, the official site of the "Big Guy" himself. Everything from gift ideas to e-cards, including Letters to Santa which allows your kids to send Santa an email and receive a personalized reply.
    • Santa's Arch-Enemy - Every hero has a nemesis... Santa's is named Krampus.
    • New Year's Facts - Ever wonder how the tradition of "New Year's Resolutions" got started? And what the heck does "Auld Lange Syne" really mean? This website demystifies the first of the year.
    • 10 Tips for Keeping those Resolutions - Ok, we all make 'em, and most break 'em. So how do you make and keep resolutions? Psychologists give you 10 tips on doing just that!
    • Resolution Reminder - One way to keep those promises to yourself is to remind yourself of them periodically. This automated service will do just that throughout the year.
    • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 27, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security

    • Security or Privacy - There's a new data encryption system that uses something called DRBG as its 'heart'. One of the authors has announced that the National Security Agency has put a "backdoor" in it that will allow them to decrypt it easily.
    • Don't Lose Your Laptop - A group in England has called for 'criminal action' if you lose your an unencrypted laptop. That's right -- forget the person who stole it, you're liable!
    • Free Windows Encryption Software - This list handles all Windows systems from Windows 95 (!) right up through Vista. But, caveat emptor, you get what you pay for, in many cases.
    • Jetico - These are the folks that make BestCrypt, BCWipe and other excellent security and encryption programs for Windows and Linux. They have some freeware versions, but their pay versions give you alot of bang for the buck. If you're going with a pay version, JT recommends this.
    • SafeShopping - This site is created by the American Bar Association and has alot of great information, including tips on the entire online shopping process, from secure connections to how to file a complaint.
    • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.
    • Cellphone Security - This website not only has ideas on how to get rid of your old phone to charity, but also allows you to find, by manufacturer and model, how to delete your sensitive information before donating (or trashing) your old phone.

      Toward the Future

    • IBM's Autonomic Computing - In a scene that seems eerily like "I, Robot", IBM has announced a new set of "autonomic computing products" that include "self-healing" features!
    • Divorce, Millennium Style - We all know you can do almost anything online, now folks in Broward County, Florida, can file for small claims court and even divorce, online.

      Holidays 2007

    • Kaboodle - This site allows you to create Wish Lists for any online store. Also, you can easily put a "button" on your web browser so that if you find something online, you hit the button to add it to your wish list. Then just email your lists's link to your friends and family!
    • NORAD Santa-Tracker - This is JT's perennial favourite site that uses the awesome tracking abilities of the North American Aerospace Defence Command to follow Santa's trip around the world. This year, they've also teamed up with Google Earth to provide mapping of Santa's journey.
    • SantaClaus Online - Here it is, the official site of the "Big Guy" himself. Everything from gift ideas to e-cards, including Letters to Santa which allows your kids to send Santa an email and receive a personalized reply.
    • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on holiday roadtrip.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 23, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Changing Technology, Changing Times

    • White (Web) Pages - AT&T is talking to the North Carolina Utilities Commission about getting rid of the venerable "white pages" residential listings, citing, amongst other things, online services like realpageslive and yellowpages.com for declining use of the directory.
    • Time of Day Out of Time - In another nod to the information society, AT&T has shut down its time of day phone service in Southern California, noting that time services are available on everything from the internet to cell phones.
    • Mini Hard Drives Win Nobel - Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg took home the 2007 Nobel Prize for physics. Their discovery of "giant magnetoresistance" (GMR) lead to the miniaturization of disk technology that has accounted for such things as the iPod and cellphone storage.

      Lobotomy Time, Jack!

    • Extreme Pumpkins - Tired of the "same old" pumpkin? See if you can match or beat some of these "extreme" carvings -- try, for example, the "Flaming Head" (with real flames!). This site includes video "how tos" as well as tips on tools and techniques.
    • Space Invader Pumpkin - Or how about this crossover salute to geeks and the holiday -- a Space Invaders pumpkin complete with the Atari logo!
    • Pumpkin Carving How-Tos There are alot of good resources out there, but two of the best are the "for beginners" site Pumpkin Carving 101 (suitable for beginners and kids) and the more advanced The Pumpkin Wizard.

      Halloween Tricks and Treats

    • The 13th Track - No, not a movie "just in time for Halloween", this site is where you can find CDs of halloween music and sound effects. It even has a streaming "halloween radio station".
    • Halloween Heads - Doing some decorating with those "hanging halloween heads"? The X-Entertainment blog does a review of some of the kitchiest camp available from your local WalMart and KMart.
    • Failed Halloween Candy - We all know that around this time of year just about anything gets turned into a colored sugar "treat", but believe it or not, some things were just too nasty to go into production.
    • 10 Cool Costumes - Wondering what to go out as this Halloween? Here's the "Mental Floss" Top 10 list of cool homemade costumes.
    • The Halloween Safety Game - A kid-friendly site from the publishers of Halloween Magazine that educates your children about staying safe this trick-or-treat season.
    • Healthy Halloween Treats - The Food Section of Yahoo! online magazine lists 8 healthy treats for halloween that don't taste like cardboard! And believe it or not, apples and raisins aren't on the list!

      The Spooky Side of Halloween

    • 15 Famous Ghost Photos - Want a chill? Check out this picture album of the 15 most famous ghost photos ever taken!
    • EVP - JT's favourite site on Electronic Voice Phenomenon. Are they really ghosts? You be the judge. There are some really chilling sounds here and here, so listen with the lights on!

      Over the River and Through the Woods

    • National Turkey Federation - If you've never prepared one, or you're looking for some new twists on the holiday classic (or even what to do with leftovers), try the "Pros Prep Turkey" portion of the official site of the official holiday bird
    • AllRecipies - This site has it all, from "Turkey Roasting 101" through recipies for all the leftovers
    • RecipieSource - Stuck for a side dish? Or something different? Check out RecipieSource.com for recipies from around the world.
    • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on that fall tour.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Jonathan? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 25, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Autumn Travel

    • Wisconsin Fall Color Report - Provided by the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, this includes a map as well as listing of cities and their "peak color rating". You can also subscribe to an email service that will send you information on the color as well as travel ideas and even a listing of festivals.
    • Road Conditions - The Wisconsin DOT maintains a website that not only keeps track of weather conditions but, more importantly for this time of year, tracks all the construction projects around the state. Check here before leaving on that fall tour.

      No Call Lists

    • No Call Lists Expire in 2008 - As we've told you before, State and Federal Do Not Call Lists are not "perpetual", they need to be renewed. The first of the lists (started in 2003) expire next year.
    • Wisconsin No Call List - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection runs the state's No Call List. This list is updated four times a year, so it may take some time for your number to get on it.
    • National Do Not Call Registry - Eventhough you're on the state list, it's a good idea to be on the Federal and vice-versa. Make this an annual stop as well as something you do whenever you move.

      Questions In the News

    • Gaming - PC, Xbox or PlayStation? - With the release of Halo 3, not for PC, is this the death-knell for PC gaming? Not hardly. This article compares and contrasts PC and game console gaming.
    • Call from the Moon? - A cell phone company, YouNeverCall, is offering a $10,000 prize for the first person to make a cell phone call to their headquarters -- from the moon!
    • Copyrighted Pricing? - This question makes you question the sanity of the legal system. Harvard University Bookstore is claiming that their prices are "intellectual property" in order to keep people from comparing them by posting to websites. RIAA must be getting their new lawyers from Harvard.
    • Internet Anonymity - Where does someone's right to privacy end and the state's right to proecute begin? A lawsuit against a blogger in Texas is testing that limit.

      Privacy and Anonymity Tools

    • JAP - This JAVA-based program allows you to surf the net anonymously by "bouncing" your internet connection across dozens or more servers throughout the world. However, this can affect your speed and surf control programs may puke on it.
    • Spybot Search & Destroy - Keep your system clean of trojans, adware and spyware for free!
    • Electronic Frontier Foundation - Basically, the EFF is the ACLU of the digital world, working to protect the privacy rights of all netizens.

      The PostScript

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Jonathan? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 28, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Breaking News

    • Faster Than Light Networks? - German scientists reported earlier this month that they may have broken the last speed barrier to the internet -- the speed of light. Don't expect products for a while, but this is definately a leap in technology.
    • Got a Rotten Neighbor? - This website allows you to check on yourself and rate your neighbors, but beware, there's not alot of controls so people could use this to give you a little payback.
    • Recording Industry vs The People - Maybe this should be in "Scams" since it involves RIAA, but we'll put it in "Breaking News" instead since this website tracks developments in the court cases both by and against RIAA and their strongarm tactics.
    • iPhone iHacked - A New Jersey teen succeeded in hacking into an iPhone and getting off the GSM network, instead putting it on T-Mobile. What does this mean? Well, it's legal, so this may lead to provider competition.
    • Your Tax Dollars - Well, not yours, Australia's, but the same idea applies. A 16 year old hacked his way past a pornography filter that the Australian government put in place to "protect" kids. It took him just over 30 minutes to get past the system that cost Australian taxpayers over $84 million.

      Scams

    • FBI Scam Warning - Last month, the FBI issued a warning of three very dangerous scams that try to get your personal information and even money -- one that masquerades as an electronic postcard, one that says its from the FBI, and one that claims to be from military members overseas.
    • Internet Scammer Nabbed in Flordia - Notorious "Nigerian 419" scammer Rilwan Soetan was arrested earlier this month in Florida. Don't know what a "419" scam is? We bet you've gotten an email, so check the article and it will explain. Want to see some scammers get scammed? Check out the 419Eater website.

      Back to School

    • Latops for Less - A great website for purchasing products for your laptop, PDA, iPod and other technology for "back to school".
    • Laptop Review - PC Magazine's review and price comparisons for various laptops. This is a good place to do your research before purchasing.

      And Finally...

    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Jonathan? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 26, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Spam

    • Email Bankruptcy? - Nothing to do with paying for your email, this is when you've had it with spam and want to start all over. But is it really that easy? You may want to think twice.
    • Google Mail - This free web-based email service features no popups or banners, over 2.5 GB of storage, integrated search engine and a very powerful anti-spam system. Either get invited by a current user or click on the link to find how to get an invitation via your cellphone.
    • Challenge/Response Systems - There are dozens of these services available, from free, online email address providers, like Spam-Stop and EmailAddresses to services that work with your existing email address and mailer, like 0Spam and Qurb. Which one is for you? Check out About.Com's article revewing the various options.
    • Spamsoap - This is a third-party company that will "scrub" your email, whether private or corporate. You route your email through them, and they apply the filters.
    • Choicemail - This is a whitelist service that runs on your computer, so you don't have to "route" your email through someone else. However, you have another program running on your system.
    • Fighting Back - Spamcop - This is where you report SPAM you receive. These folks keep a list of spam producers that can be used to avoid spam. Before reporting a spammer, make sure and read their rules!
    • DENIED! - In a "win" for all of us, a Seattle judge denied bail for the notorious spam king Robert Solway. This guy has not only skirted the law, but has thumbed his nose at it, ignoring judgements against him. The tables have turned.

      Extortion by Any Other Name

    • Net Taxes - Someone once said that taxes are a way of demanding money with menaces. If Congress has their way, you'll soon be taxed on your internet usage.
    • NoInternetTax - This organization lobbies to keep taxation and regulation off the internet.
    • Not Enough Yachts? - As we've discussed before, RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America, has been trying to find ways to bolster their bottom lines for a couple of years now, even going so far as to suing children and old ladies for 'piracy'. Now, they take another step in saying that radio play doesn't really help sell their music, so they want radio stations to pay them royalties in addition to the ones stations already pay! How much is enough?
    • Fighting Back! - A defendant in a RIAA lawsuit in Florida has filed charges against RIAA for extortion and conspiracy. While this will not be the end of the battle, it's certainly encouraging. More in-depth analysis can be found here.

      New Tech

    • Bend Me, Shape Me - Sony has recently unveiled its new OLED (organic LED) thin-film display technology. What does that mean? Flat panel TVs and computer displays the thickness of a sheet of plastic!
    • Spare Wall Socket, New Computer - Jade Integration now offers a PC that fits into a standard wall electrical socket. While it won't run your kid's games, it's just fine for internet functions. So why? Think about eliminating the need for bulky desktops or desksides at workstations.
    • iPhone Hype - You've probably seen the commercials, but what you don't know is that Apple investors expecting a boost in profits similar to the launch of the iPod may be very disappointed. So check into this before you invest.

      Random Net Droppings

    • EAA 2006 - Last year, WOSH News Director Jonathan Krause and JT took videos of some of the activities at EAA's Airventure. The ComputerGuy posted them to his YouTube account, so you can watch and help clog the internet.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    There was no April, 2007 show.

    March, 2007 was the Annual Tax Show

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 27, 2007 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Disasters?

    • Daylight Savings Time Bug - This isn't really a bug and it's not nearly as threatening as the infamous Millennium Bug. The problem is that back in 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act of 2005, part of which changed the start and end of Daylight Savings Time. Computer programs (and lots of other things) use the old schedule, so their time may be an hour wrong for up to a week.
    • Wisconsin Bars Get Extra Hour - But the news isn't all bad, because of the change in Daylight Savings Time, it looks like your favourite watering hole may be open an extra hour this year!
    • The Internet is Full? - Thanks in part to the increasing popularity of streaming video from places like YouTube, the internet's "backbone" structure is close to capacity.

      Signs of the Times

    • Cellphones vs. Watches - It's happened... the cellphone has become more ubiquitous than the wristwatch.
    • Postal Mailboxes Going by the Wayside - As more and more folks go "electronic", the use of the old reliable postal mailbox keeps declining. Is that why the price of stamps keeps going up?
    • IRS and EBay - Had fun selling your old stuff on Ebay? It seems that the IRS has gotten wind of all that "undocumented cash" and wants their cut.
    • Avoid "Real" Junk Mail" - Decidedly 'low tech' junk mail that shows up in your postal mailbox is as annoying as the electronic stuff. Here's how you can stop alot of it.

      Content on the Web

    • Edmunds - This online version of the Edmunds Catalog is a great source for not only used car prices, but also new car prices and reviews. You can also use it to search for where specific used cars can be found.
    • Kelley's Blue Book - As in "blue book price", this is the official site of the venerable used and new car publication. You can't get much more authoritative than this site for pricing out vehicles.
    • Epinions - Want to find out a seller or product from people who've actualled used them? Have an opinion (good or bad) yourself on a product or service? This site allows you to find unbiased (well, by the manufacturers) opinions from consumers like you and its free.
    • EAA 2006 - Last year, WOSH News Director Jonathan Krause and JT took videos of some of the activities at EAA's Airventure. The ComputerGuy posted them to his YouTube account, so you can watch and help clog the internet.
    • The Den - What does The ComputerGuy do when he's not on the show with Bob? He blogs about politics and life.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 23, 2007

      RFID

    • Understanding Radio Frequency ID - What's RFID? This Wikipedia article explains it in plain english.
    • Report on Vulnerabilities - This article explains the security concerns of RFID technology in credit cards.
    • Diabling Credit Card RFID - So how do you protect yourself? Step one, take a ball peen hammer (no, we're not kidding). Step two, check this site.

      Creating Content
      or, Giving Back to the Web
      or, Exercising your First Amendment Rights

    • Blogging - First, what the heck is a blog? It's a "web log" that allows you to create your own web page. Call it an online diary, call it a place of your own on the net, or call it your own personal "soap box", it's a great and easy way to get your thoughts and opinions out on the net. Two of the most popular places to create blogs are Myspace, a Google service, and 360, a service of Yahoo!. Both are free and very easy to use.
    • Photo Sharing - Ok, so you have all those digital photos on your computer, but how do you share them with friends and family? Photo-sharing sites like Flikr and Dropshots allow you to create your own online photo albums, that even have slideshow features!
    • Video Sharing and Video Blogging - Just like Photo Sharing, you can also share your homemade videos to friends and family. But beyond that, there's the new craze called vlogging (video blogging). Instead of writing stuff down, you can just create a video diary of your thoughts and post them to sites like YouTube, Dropshots and Grouper.
    • Geriatric1927 - Think you're too old to do this blogging and vlogging stuff? proved, starting in 2006, that you don't have to be a youngster to get in on these new technologies. Heck, if he can figure it out, why not you?
    • Wiki - What the heck? Wiki? Isn't that a game? No, it's a term that means, essentially, "open editing" or "community content". These are places where you, the anonymous web person, can contribute to information available on the web. This phenomenon covers everything from movies to the famous online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. So, if you've got information that no one else has, feel free to contribute to true "world knowledge".

      Limits to Free Speech?

    • Limits on Blogging? - As I note in my own blog, the new Congress has introduced its first Senate Bill, which includes limits on bloggers! You have to wonder what they're afraid of.
    • Mix Tapes? NIX! - That's right. RIAA has decided to crack down on so-called "pirates" by forming it's very own SWAT team and raiding DJs who create mix tapes. Is your house next? Again, something I talk about in my blog.

    2006
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 26, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 28, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Online Protection for Holidays and Every Day

    • MaxProtect Predator Guard - In cooperation with the National Center for Missing or Exploited Children and the SafeNow Project, these folks have developed software that searches for thousands of key phrases used by sexual predators. If found, it alerts the parents through email. Can't watch your kid 24x7? This is one tool to help.
    • SafeShopping - This site is created by the American Bar Association and has alot of great information, including tips on the entire online shopping process, from secure connections to how to file a complaint.
    • JT's Safe Shopping Tips - As discussed, JT gives you safe shopping tips from his own experience in this month's "Tips/Tricks" feature.
    • Protecting Your Cell Phone Secrets - Buying a cellphone for someone for the holidays? Upgrading yours? Beware of these "gotchas" that may lead to identity theft!
    • Wireless Recycling - This website not only has ideas on how to get rid of your old phone to charity, but also allows you to find, by manufacturer and model, how to delete your sensitive information before donating (or trashing) your old phone.
    • 80% of Spam from These Few - The anti-spam site Spamhaus estimates that nearly 80% of all spam originates with just 200 spammers, worldwide, with the majority coming from just 10 of these guys.

      Online Christmas 2006

    • Virtual Red Kettles - Want to help out the Salvation Army with their annual appeal but don't have the time or stamina for standing outside ringing a bell? This site allows you to set up a "virtual red kettle" to collect donations, from your website.
    • Animation Station - Looking to add a bit of pizzaz to your website for Christmas? This site has a huge number of animated GIF images that you can cut and paste onto your own website, including a bunch of Christmas and holiday-themed items.
    • NORAD Santa-Tracker - Updated for 2006, this is the perennial favourite site that uses the awesome tracking abilities of the North American Aerospace Defence Command to follow Santa's trip around the world. They even have a section for downloads that have games, coloring books and music!
    • SantaClaus Online - Here it is, the official site of the "Big Guy" himself. Everything from gift ideas to e-cards, including Letters to Santa which allows your kids to send Santa an email and receive a personalized reply.
    • Airport Information - Many airports now have their arrival and departure boards available online, saving you the hassle of calling to find out what's going on with a flight. Here are a few of the ones in our region:

      Hi-Tech Gifts

    • Plasma vs. LCD - Now that you can get widescreen TVs for under $1000, which technology is right for you? CNET gives you the skinny. Also, remember that HiDef TV from your local channels is not just on the way, it's here, so be prepared.
    • iPod Accessories - Got a kid with an iPod? This is the official site for accessories, though you can find a ton of other places to go.
    • 4AllMemory - A great option for techheads always is "more memory". Not sure the type of memory their computer, camera or MP3 player has? Check this site with their handy selectors by manufacturer, model or category.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 26, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Computer Security

    • Dangers of Stolen Computers - A number of stories, lately, from lost evidence to disgruntled hackers serve as warnings that computer security begins "at home".
    • Application and Windows Locking - The easiest way to secure things, you can use either builtin (Windows,MacOS, Linux or Windows) screen locking program, or a third party one like Desktop Lock. While this will stop casual sneaks, these kind of things can be defeated by someone with a little bit of knowledge.
    • BIOS locks - These can be very good, because they are in your computer's hardware and keep someone from even booting up your computer without a password. But if you lose your password, you can be stuck, and they are not undefeatable. Companies like Password Crackers, Inc. offer not only services to unlock your BIOS password if you forget it, but also replacement computer chips that give better security than the standard BIOS password systems. However, if someone opens the computer, they can still find ways to access your data.
    • Data Encryption - Products like Jetico's BestCrypt, Windows Bitlocker (Vista only), and Truecrypt allow you to set up "encrypted" virtual hard drives on your computer.

      Free Software

    • Dark Room - This is a clone of the old Macintosh progream "WriteRoom". It's a basic, no frills, word processor that's smarter than Notepad, but not overloaded on features.
    • OpenOffice - The largest competitor to the Microsoft Office (TM) suite, this is a fully-integrated set of office programs (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) that not only read and write all the Microsoft formats, but is available on Windows, Mac and Linux for free! But if you really want, you can order it on CD, too. Version 2 now adds an Access(tm)-like database, so everything from MS Office is there.
    • OldVersion - Ever needed an older version of some software, say Instant Messanger, because the new versions won't work with your older system and you have to reinstall it? This site keeps old version of many popular programs, and they are free for your download.
    • Open Source Freeware - This site has over 400 freeware utilities for downloading. They're all categorized, so you can find just what you need by the function you require, instead of having to know the name.

      Net Neutrality

    • Sen. Kennedy on Net Neutrality - What is Net Neutrality? Put simply, telcom providers want to start charging hyou for your access speed , giving preference to those who pay more, and also restricting what they give you access to, unless you pay the "unlimited" access fee. Ted Kennedy explains.
    • Pennsylvania's Proposed Law - Now that Senator Stevens' bill appears to be dying in Congress, telecom providers are "taking it to the states". Pennsylavia is the first, but all they will need is one precident. Voice your opposition.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 30, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Vulnerabilities (for your computer and your wallet)

    • CPU Virus - A feature for updating AMD processors can be used to make viruses.
    • Next Windows Version - Wanna upgrade your Microsoft Windows version (something that you'll have to do to run the "new stuff")? Get ready to pay. Or give up and arm and a leg.

      Getting Away from MicroSoft

    • RedHat Fedora - The commercial version is best for business (in fact, it's what IBM sells and supports). But for home use the free version is easy to use and very popular.
    • Linspire - A "for pay" Linux version that's extremely popular due to its ease of installation, use, and resemblence to that MicroSoft product (Windows). At $50, it's alot less than Vista!
    • Windows to Linux: A Beginner's Guide - So how do you move from Windows to Linux? This guide shows you how easy it is!
    • Beginner's Introduction to the KDE Desktop - This guide can help you navigate through the most commonly used desktop, called KDE
    • OpenOffice - The largest competitor to the Microsoft Office (TM) suite, this is a fully-integrated set of office programs (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) that not only read and write all the Microsoft formats, but is available on both Windows and Linux for free! But if you really want, you can order it on CD, too.
    • NVU - This is a rockin' website development tool.
    • The GiMP - This graphics manipulation program walks, talks and acts like Adobe Photosop.
    • Jahshaka - Want to do some serious video editing and manipulation? Check this out.
    • Audacity - And use this for everything from casual to professional sound editing.

      Around the Web

    • Wikipedia - What's "wikipedia"? An online (free) encyclopedia that ANYONE can contribute to, edit and update.
    • Gas Map - Where are the lowest gas prices in your area? Going on a trip? Check this county-by-county US map.

    May/June 2006

    Go here for EAA Airventure 2006 pictures and Interview Schedule.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 25, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      In the News

    • Government Deregulates Internet - On Wednesday, April 26, the US Government will back out of all regulation of internet pricing. Read for the rising rates?
    • Gas Price Map - This US map shows you, county by county, gas prices throughout the nation. But what's really handy is that when you click on a county, you get the prices at stations throughout that area, often as recent as a few hours old!
    • RIAA Sues Computerless Family - The Recording Industry and Artists' Association (RIAA), who has gained noteriety for suing music downloaders in a hapharard fashion, has reached a new low -- they've sued a family in Georgia for downloading songs, but the family doesn't even own a computer!

      Warm-up for EAA

    • Firsts.... - First photo of the cockpit of the brand new "fly by wire" Airbus A380-841
    • and Lasts... - The last Boeing 717 left the factory, yesterday, after a production run of 70 years
    • AirVenture - Official website of the 2006 Airventure

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 28, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Thanks go to our resident tax expert, Barb Bader from Fox Valley CPA's for all her information and tips.

      The Tax-Man Cometh

    • IRS - Yup, the Eternal Revenue Service. But their site is suprisingly helpful and not nearly as daunting as their forms. It includes not only downloadable forms, but also good tips on Identity Theft as well as free software that will allow you to prepare and file your taxes online.
    • Wisconsin DOR - The official site for the state Department of Revenue also has the state forms available, checklists of what you need to complete your taxes, and even a FreeFile online program like the IRS
    • DOR Delinquent List - Are you on it? Know someone who is?

      More Government "Fun"

    • FEC and the Internet - Amazingly, the federal government will not try to regulate some parts of the internet; at least those regarding political campaigns.
    • Winnebago County Election Results - Looking for the official results as they come in? Check out the Winnebago County Clerk's webpage

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 28, 2006 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      The Scourge of SPAM

    • Google Mail - This free web-based email service features no popups or banners, over 2.5 GB of storage, integrated search engine and a very powerful anti-spam system. Either get invited by a current user or click on the link to find how to get an invitation via your cellphone.
    • Spamcop - This is where you report SPAM you receive. These folks keep a list of spam producers that can be used to avoid spam. Before reporting a spammer, make sure and read their rules!
    • Challenge/Response Systems - There are dozens of these services available, from free, online email address providers, like Spam-Stop and EmailAddresses to services that work with your existing email address and mailer, like 0Spam and Qurb. Which one is for you? Check out About.Com's article revewing the various options.
    • The Pros and Cons of Challenge/Response - Brad Templeton, one of the longtime denizens of the net, wrote the very first email C/R (challenge/response) system to try and cut down on spam. After years at the game, he's got a very good idea of what is good and bad about this approach to anti-spam.

      Tech News

    • A La Carte Cable - The FCC has reversed its decision and admitted that so-called "a-la carte" selection of channels will save you money.
    • Ripping CD to Your iPod? Illegal - The Recording Industry and Artists Association (RIAA) has opined that ripping CDs you already own onto your iPod is a violation of "fair use". How much longer until whistling a tune is a violation of fair use?
    • Blackberry Jam - It doesn't look likely that Research In Motion and NTP, fighting over patent rights on the BlackBerry phone/messaging/internet technology will be solved anytime soon. Now's not the time to buy one.

    2005
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 27, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Viruses and Scams

    • Santa Claus Worm - Do NOT open the email promising a picture of Santa. It will install a "rootkit" on your computer that will enable hackers to take control of your computer. If you think you've already been infected by this, update your virus scanning software and run a full system check. Technical details of this worm can be found at Symantec Antivirus website.
    • W32.Sober.X@mm - The "Sober" worm is by far the biggest one out there, right now. Once it infects your system, it lowers your system's security, and then uses its own builtin email server to send itself to every email address it can find on your computer. Luckily, a simple update and scan with your antivirus software will take care of this threat.
    • Illegal Website FBI Scam - Gotten an email from "the FBI" that claims you've visited "illegal websites"? It's a scam that delivers a virus to your system. Luckily, your virus scanner, updated, can take care of this for you.

      Anti-Virus Software

    • F-Secure - Probably the least well-known of the commercial antivirus packages, F-Secure is, nonetheless, a good package that is priced at $59.95 and also offers family licenses and corporate versions.
    • Symantec Anti-Virus - Also known as "Norton", this is the "granddaddy" of the anti-virus packages. Priced starting at $39.95, you also need to subscribe to their update service to keep current. But it's a small price to pay for the security it gives.
    • McAfee Viruscan - The other "big" package, this one offers No payments until February 1st, 2006 if you buy before the 31st of December.

      Case Mods

    • Case Mods - Tired of the same old computer? Have a hobby like woodworking, metalworking, or even macrame? Why not combine them and do your own "case mod" (that stands for "case modification". The site, above, as well as a number of others (CaseModGod, BlueSmoke, etc.) give you tons of ideas for making your PC unique! You can even buy some special parts you might need to fit your modded case, here.
    • The Wooden Computer - This guy is one heck of a good woodworker. He made everything from a wooden case (with rolltop opening) for his monitor to a wooden mouse! But one guy took it a step further with a wood iPod case mod!
    • My favorite -In this case mod, the builder used a wicker basket and with some clever use of mirrors gave the optical illusion of the basket being empty!
    • 10 Wierdest Case Mods - If that didn't give you ideas, try this one with everything from a "weapons of mass destruction" case to a lifesize Japanese anime doll case!

      Miscellanii

    • Internet Usage Statistics - Leave it to the U.S.; with only 5.1% of the world's population, we account for 23% of the world's internet users. Interesting statistics on usage versus population can be found here.
    • FutureMe - Want to leave yourself a message from your past? This site lets you send yourself an email at any time in the future. Alot of folks are using this as a "where are you now" kind of thing, set anywhere from 2 to 10 years into the future to remind themselves of their goals and aspirations.
    • Immortality - NASA is compiling names to be encoded on a special disk and sent with the Dawn Spacecraft to the asteroid belt. You can include your name, for free, to be preserved on the spacecraft for millions of years to come.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 22, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Home Automation
    Special Guest: Tom Toonen
    Logical Home Technology

  • Logical Home Technology - Tom and his team of professionals can answer all your questions on home automation as well as help you plan, install and upgrade. Contact him via email with your questions or comments.

    Thanksgiving!

  • National Turkey Federation - If you've never prepared one, or you're looking for some new twists on the holiday classic (or even what to do with leftovers), try the "Pros Prep Turkey" portion of the official site of the official holiday bird
  • Thanksgiving On The Net - This site, brought to you by Holidays.NET, is both informative and educational. It includes historical information and links as well as recipe and even music resources
  • America Supports You - The official site that allows you to send your notes of thanks to servicemen and women serving at home and abroad.

    Christmas!!

  • Virtual Red Kettles - A great idea for those who want to donate to the ever-present red kettles from the Salvation Army but don't want to stand out in the cold. You can create your own "red kettle" online, then emails folks to collect donations.
  • Santa Claus Online - Naughty? Nice? The "Big Guy" knows, and you can contact him through the official site.
  • Naughty or Nice? - Not sure what side of the ledger Santa has you marked on? Try his online Nice-O-Meter and find out!
  • NORAD Santa Tracker - Since the demise of the former Soviet Union, the folks at NORAD don't have quite as much to watch for, but they always keep an eye out for those eight tiny reindeer

    Holiday Travel

  • Austin Straubel Flight Board - The actual Arrival/Departure board from Green Bay's airport is available online
  • Outagamie County Airport - Find the Arrival and Departure boards from Appleton, as well

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 25, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Give Jack His Lobotomy

  • Pumpkin Carving 101 - The first and official site for traditional pumpkin carving
  • The Pumpkin Wizard - This site is for the more "advanced" carvers and includes patterns and instructions for some really slick carvings.
  • Extreme Pumpkins - A Flaming Head? The "Puking Pumpkin"? Learn how to make them from a site that includes Patterns, Strategies and Advice as well as some really cool photos!

    Tricks and Treats

  • Halloween Recipes - MmmMmmmmmm! Everything from Roasted Pumpkin Seeds to Microwave Fudge make your Halloween party complete.
  • Head in a Jar - Yeah, that's right, a HEAD IN A JAR! First, start with one head... Actually, this is a VERY cool illusion that you may want to give a try.
  • Cylindrical Faces - These are the printouts you'll need to make your "head in a jar", above. This is the one that was used for the example, but you'll need to do some photoshopping for the colors. However, this guy did the work for you. But if you want something really bizzare, try this one. It loads slow, but it's worth it.

    Classic (and not-so-classic) Halloween Movies and Music

  • Halloween 3 - Season of the Witch - The I-Mockery>site has a really funny blow-by-blow review of this truly awful non-Michael Meyers member of John Carpenter's movie franchise.
  • Halloween Movie Ideas - This great site allows you to find your Halloween movie choices by genre: Classic, Campy, Science Fiction, Slasher, etc.
  • Family Movies - Got smaller kids? Don't want to be scared? Try these "family-friendly" Halloween classics.
  • The 13th Track - Want to play some Halloween music to scare the little munchkins? You can order CDs from this site and even stream their all-Halloween radio station via your computer.

    The Wierd and the Unusual

  • Theatre of Lost Souls - Oshkosh's Grand Opera House has a reputation for paranormal activities. And during Halloween, it doubles as a REAL haunted house!
  • Haunted Wisconsin - Did you know that the Paine Art Center, as well as the Grand Opera House is supposedly haunted? Check out this site for great information on Wisconsin sites for the budding ghost hunter.
  • Wierd Wisconsin - From UFOs to Ghosts, from Vampires to Bigfoot, this site tracks the rumours and tales of everything wierd and paranormal in Wisconsin.
  • Wausau Paranormal Research Society - Wisconsin's very own member of the T.A.P.S. family, the organization featured on the Sci-Fi Channel's hit series, Ghost Hunters.
  • EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomenon. Are they really ghosts? You be the judge. There are some really chilling sounds here and here, so listen with the lights on!

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 27, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    The Case for Open Source

  • OpenSource - This site has a wealth of information on the economics of Open Source programs, case studies on making the transition - why it works for Businesses, for Home Users and for Developers.

    Sources for Open Source(s)

  • Mozilla - Makers of the increasingly popular Firefox web browser and Thunderbird email client
  • OpenOffice - The largest competitor to the Microsoft Office (TM) suite, this is a fully-integrated set of office programs (word processing, spreadsheet, etc.) that not only read and write all the Microsoft formats, but is available on both Windows and Linux for free! But if you really want, you can order it on CD, too.
  • Lazy8 - This is a comprehensive accounting and bookeeping solution like Quickbooks.
  • NVU - This is a rockin' website development tool.
  • The GiMP - This graphics manipulation program walks, talks and acts like Adobe Photosop.
  • Jahshaka - Want to do some serious video editing and manipulation? Check this out.
  • Audacity - And use this for everything from casual to professional sound editing.
  • OSgaming - Tons of news and links to free games you can download or play online.
  • VideoLAN - This is the place for the VLC Media Player that rivals Microsoft Media Player
  • Freebyte - A very user-friendly catalog of freeware you can download.
  • SourceForge - For Geeks Only -- this is the resource for alot of Open Source programs and where many ideas are exchanged for future enhancements and development.

    Loading Linux

  • Linspire - Formerly called "Lindows", this one is a direct competitor, in look and feel, to Microsoft. While not free, the $50 price is significatly less than Windows.
  • RedHat Fedora - While the largest distributed version has gone commercial, you can still get the "unsupported" version for free. And though you need to be a bit more adventurous to download it, don't let the "unsupported" label throw you. It's alive and well and growing.

    Learning, Living and Loving Linux

  • Windows to Linux: A Beginner's Guide - You're sold on the "price" of Linux, but can you cope when moving from Windows? This tutorial will help.
  • Beginner's Introduction to the KDE Desktop - So you've gotten a Linux system. Now what? This guide can help you navigate through the most commonly used desktop, called KDE

    Upgrading Memory

  • 4AllMemory - This website not only has low prices on memory, it features a three-way system for determining what kind of memory you need. You can search, based on your computer model or make, or best yet, you can let their website "check your system" for you.
  • Data Memory Systems - Like the 4AllMemory site, this is a nice, simple memory selector. It not only supports PCs, laptops, and Macs, but also many digital cameras.
  • Cruicial's Installation Guides - This website, where you can also buy memory, has step-by-step guides, with photos to help you along. Since every computer is different, though, you may also want to check with your computer's manufacturer.
  • PC911 - A great "Tips" site that doesn't try to sell you anything, PC911 also has a step-by-step installation guide.

    Cable Upgrade Speeds Your Disk

  • SATA Hard Drives- The newer ATA hard drive standard, which most new hard drives allow, is much faster, speeding your computer. All you need is a SATA compatible hard drive and these cables

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 23, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Choosing Computers - PART 2

  • Starting with the Basics - PC or Mac? What operating system? Don't even know what an operating system is? Check this article. And make sure to check the related items under the navigation bar on the left, including Local or Mail Order and Warranty and Protection.
  • Choosing the Processor - Ok, so you don't know how to pick which "brain" your computer needs? Check here.
  • What about a Monitor? - Well, you've gotta see *something*, right? Don't skimp, here.
  • How to Choose a Computer Brand - Once you know what you need, shop around. This site offers some common sense tips on "brand buying".
  • CD Alphabet Soup - This article demystifies the various kinds of CD readers, burners and rewriters.
  • Understanding CD Burner Speeds - Confused by what all the "x" things mean? This short article gives a good explanation of what it all means.
  • DVD Alphabet Soup - DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM.... WHAT THE HECK? This article clears it up for you.
  • Dual Layer DVD - 4GB not enough? Dual Layer DVDs store 8GB... but remember that your DVD burner needs to understand it, and you need special DVDs. And your home TV DVD player may not understand them, either.
  • The Computerguy's Checklist - A summary of everything we talked about, above in a single page.

    Feel-O-Vision!

  • New TV Technology - 3D TV with "feel" capability a possibility by 2020. Wanna smack a Packer on the butt while he runs onto the field?

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 18, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 24, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Upgrading Memory

  • 4AllMemory - This website not only has low prices on memory, it features a three-way system for determining what kind of memory you need. You can search, based on your computer model or make, or best yet, you can let their website "check your system" for you.
  • Data Memory Systems - Like the 4AllMemory site, this is a nice, simple memory selector. It not only supports PCs, laptops, and Macs, but also many digital cameras.
  • C-Net's How To Guide - This is a nice, short overview of what you'll need to do to add memory to your computer. It explains some of the technology without getting too bogged down in details.
  • Cruicial's Installation Guides - This website, where you can also buy memory, has step-by-step guides, with photos to help you along. Since every computer is different, though, you may also want to check with your computer's manufacturer.
  • PC911 - A great "Tips" site that doesn't try to sell you anything, PC911 also has a step-by-step installation guide.

    Cleaning Your System

  • Tracks Eraser Pro - Not only is this a good security application that removes private information, but it also cleans out areas of your disk that are seldom cleaned. Price is $30 and you can buy and download right from the site.
  • Microsoft Disk Cleanup Tool - This utility comes with most MicroSoft operating systems, but folks don't really use it. MicroSoft has instructions for XP, Windows 2000, as well as older vesions. The articles also describe how to automate this process, something you should consider doing.

    Finding Freeware and Shareware

  • SnapFiles - Arguably the inheritor of Twocows and WinFiles since they went "commrecial". This search site is primarily for freeware and shareware.
  • WinFiles - This used to be the end-all be-all for freeware and shareware software. But it was acquired by Download.COM (C|Net) several years ago and now it's become hard to find anything other than "demo" versions of commercial software.
  • Twocows - This was the "big alternative" to WinFiles. It started as the private repository for users of the TwoCows ISP, but grew from there. Like WinFiles, this is primarily for demo versions of commercial software, now.

    New Uses for Old Computers

  • Linux Terminal Server Project - At our lab, we have 4 Pentium 90's running in a Linux Terminal Server environment just as good as brand-new machines! And we can even interoperate with Windows using Citrix!
  • Uses for Old Computers - Not interested in using the equipment yourself? This site has ideas on everything from upgrading to disposing.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 26, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Viruses, Spyware and Browser Hijackers

  • Symantec (Norton) Products - Symantec has a full range of products from AntiVirus to full Internet Security for both PC and Mac.
  • Sophos - Geared for small to medium businesses, this includes not only anti-virus software, but also notification services of new virus threats
  • Spybot Search & Destroy - By far the best anti-spyware program out there. And it's free!
  • Mozilla Firefox - The new Mozilla Firefox web browser is smaller, faster, friendlier, more se cure and configurable than Internet Expolorer, and it's FREE! It has powerful built-in pop-up blockers, virus blockers and privacy modules. And switching to it from Netscape or IE is easy.
  • Netscape Toolbar for IE - This is a plugin for Internet Explorer which gives it the powerful popup bl ocking of Netscape.
  • SpywareGuard - This is a really nice suite of tools packaged together that includes spyware blocking and browser hijack protection. It's freeware, so check it out.

    Spam!

  • Scientific American - Ran this article in the April 2005 issue, called "Stopping Spam". What's the bottom line? You either have to use "positrive protection" (see below) or you have to relay on a series of methods including software, hardware and legislation. A good read that's understandable by everyone.
  • Norton AntiSpam - Software that interacts with your email client to help stop spam. This runs on your computer, so you're using your rules as you want, but it's also using your resources.
  • Choicemail - This is "positive protection". Only pre-approved email can get through to you. If someone tries to email you who isn't approved, you're notified and you can choose to accept or block them. Runs on your computer, and interacts with your email clients.

    Scam!

  • The Citibank/Visa/Your Bank Scheme - It's called phishing as in "fishing for your information". Innocent email from your credit card or bank company wants verification of your account. Only its NOT from your credit card or bank company! They just want to scam you out of your identity in order to run up huge charges! BEWARE!
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alert - You can email to this address alert@fdic.gov if you receive one of the bank/card scams. Make sure you send the entire email you received!
  • Recovering from Identity Theft - The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection has tips for how to recover if you've been a victim of identity theft

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 22, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    The Tax Man Cometh

  • ArsTechnica on Doyle's Internet Tax Proposal - Review and comments on Governor Doyle's proposed tax on internet downloads
  • ArsTechnica on Illinois Internet Taxes - A review and comment upon the private lawsuit in Illinois against online merchants
  • Internet Tax Moratorium - A report on the 2003 Law signed by President Bush to extend a moratorium on internet taxation until 2006
  • The Internal Revenue Service - A helpful site that includes all the forms you need for mail-on and e-filing, whether personal or business. They also have tips on avoiding tax fraud schemes and other interesting tidbits
  • Wisconsin Department of Revenue - In addition to State tax forms, this site has links and information on web filing, which software does what, and the online Wisconsin Free-File program
  • Barb Bader, Fox Valley CPAs - For the second year, our special guest Barb Bader provides tips and insights for "destressing" this time of year

    And Speaking of Stress Management...

  • FetchFido Games - Free online JAVA, Flash and downloadable games for letting off some steam. Want to practice your short game? Try Mini Putt or Mini Putt 3, just don't let the boss see
  • Stress Management Links - Put together by a private individual, this page has a plethora of links from the academic to the humorous. Give it a shot, instead of taking a shot at the TV!

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 22, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Firewalls

    • Firewall Guide - An unaffiliated site that provides good information about firewalls and reviews of products for everything from home users to small businesses.
    • Norton Personal Firewall - From Symantec, the folks who bring you Norton AntiVirus, this is a relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
    • Zone Alarm - A very friendly and powerful personal firewall, this comes in both a free and pay versions that include basic firewalling through antivirus and content protection. It can, however, be difficult to uninstall.

      Routers

    • NAT Enough? - PC Magazine explains "firewall routers" in this September, 2004 article. Very good information.
    • Wired and Wireless Router Overviews - Firewall Guide, above, provides good information and reviews of both types of router technology

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 25, 2005 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    2004

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 28, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Scams, Shams and Spams

  • Zafi Worm - This one's been around a while. It sends itself to email addresses gathered from the infected computer. The worm may also attempt to lower security settings, terminate processes, and open a "back door" on your computer for the bad guys to use in the future. The latest incarnation masquerades under the email subject line of "Happy holidays!"
  • The TCF/Visa/Your Bank Scheme - It's called phishing as in "fishing for your information". Innocent email from your credit card or bank comp any wants verification of your account. Only its NOT from your credit card or bank company! They just want to scam you out of your identity in order to run up huge charges! BEWARE!
  • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alert - You can email to this address alert@fdic.gov if you rece ive one of the bank/card scams. Make sure you send the entire email you received!
  • Recovering from Identity Theft - The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection has tips for how to recover if you've been a victim of identity theft
  • "We Cannot Cancel Your Payment"... - ...And other "OEM Software" scams. Email from these spammers offer "retail" software at bargain basement prices. But beware! Not only are these usually pirated copies of software (which are illegal and can get YOU in trouble) but you're giving your payment information to the underworld, in most cases the Russian Mafia!
  • National Do Not Call Registry - Register your phone numbers, here, to prevent those annoying telemarketing calls. Note that you can even register your cell phones. Updating once a year will not hurt you, even though the listing is good for five years.
  • Cell Phone Telemarketing? - This is, at this point, an "Urban Myth" propogated in email. But like all myths, it has its basis in a grain of truth. You can, if you're worried, register your cell phone with the National Do Not Call List, above.
  • Wisconsin No Call List - This site is specific to Wisconsin, but be aware that it will "weed out" your cellphone number for the reasons listed in the articles, above. Again, it won't hurt to "double up" on your registrations.
  • Top 10 Net Hoaxes of 2004 - About.COM has put together a list of the Top 10 Net Hoaxes and Urban Legends of 2004. Have you seen any of these in your email??

    New Tech

  • Mozilla Firefox - "Another web browser... *yawn*", right? Wrong! The new Mozilla Firefox web browser is not only smaller, faster, friendlier, more secure and configurable than Internet Expolorer, it's FREE!!! Also, since it's open source, which means that hundreds of thousands of contributors are building extensions and modules for it. The Make the Switch document makes moving to Firefox easy!
  • Linux Toys - "13 Cool Projects for Home, Office and Entertainment" as the cover reads. This is a great book that even contains a software CD to allow you to create "geek toys" from a Digital Video Recorder to a big-time phone answering system.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 23, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Bits and Bytes

  • Mozilla Firefox - "Another web browser... *yawn*", right? Wrong! The new Mozilla Firefox web browser is not only smaller, faster, friendlier, more secure and configurable than Internet Expolorer, it's FREE!!! Also, since it's open source, which means that hundreds of thousands of contributors are building extensions and modules for it. The Make the Switch document makes moving to Firefox easy!
  • Lexmark Spyware - Installing a new Lexmark printer may infect your computer with spyware! Worse yet, Lexmark denied doing it! Make sure you install a spyware remover (see below) and blocker to remove and keep your system free of such privacy-violating software.
  • Spyware Blog - This is a great, independant site for tracking spyware news. It has links to many free and payware solutions for removing and blocking spyware.

    Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips

  • National Turkey Federation - Cooking tips including 30 multimedia cooking demonstrations from different chefs
  • Thanksgiving On The Net - This site, brought to you by Holidays.NET, is both informative and educational. It includes historical information and links as well as recipe and even music resources
  • RecipeSource.COM - Literally thousands of recipes from all over the world, this site even allows you to search by World Region, Meal Type and Event
  • Fancy Napkin Folding - Looking for a quick and easy way to make an impression? Find detailed step-by-step instructions here for doing fancy napkin folds.
  • Scholastic Magazine Thankgsgiving - Anyone with children knows about this magazine. Their website about Thanksgiving includes interactive stories, games and educational materials for any school-age child

    Christmas is Coming

  • Support Our Troops - The US Military suspended Operation Dear Abby in 2002 due to security concerns. However, this is a great website for finding ways to support and communicate with our troops this holiday season.
  • Virtual Red Kettles - Want to ring bells, but not stand out it the cold? The Salvation Army lets you create an online Virtual Red Kettle that you can then fill by emailing your friends and relatives to make online (and secure!) donations
  • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
  • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids! Now updated with more activities and information, including Holiday facts and history

    Travel Tips

  • Priceline - Travel fare, hotel, rental auction. Beware that you have to be flexible with your travel plans.
  • Orbitz - Discount travel finder. Not an "auction" site.
  • Travelocity - Discount fare finder (locates low fares, doesn't "auction" them
  • Trip.Com - In-flight flight status tracker for most major airlines
  • Austin Straubel Flight Information - The actual Departure and Arrival screens from the Green Bay airport.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 26, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Elections, Elections

  • Electoral-Vote.COM - This non-partisan site updates every day with new polls from around the county. The graphical map of the US allows you to see, at a glance, where things stand. It has a great section on the Electoral College and has links to tons of sites with lots of good information.

    SpoOooOOoky Halloween Fun

  • 100 Scariest Films - The nostalgia site RetroCrush offers an update to their 2003 list of the 100 Scariest Films of All Time. Is yours on the list?
  • Home and Garden TV - Excellent site from the cable channel HGTV, includes not only decoration and party ideas, but streaming video "how to" clips from their shows as well as downloadable pumpkin carving patterns and project slideshows on demand
  • International Ghost Hunter's Society - This site will really make your skin crawl. Check out the Electronic Voice Phenomenon page, but leave a light on!
  • Ghost Research Society - A fascinating collection of "real"(?) and "faked" photos includes tips on photographing ghosts as well as information on spotting fakes.
  • Halloween Unseen - Though the site isn't all that well put together, you MUST see the video at the bottom of the page. Hair raising!
  • Halloween Magazine - The "official" magazine of the holiday contains much more information than you could possibly devour, from Stories, E-Cards and online Streaming Music to Last Minute Party ideas

    Gearing up for the Holidays (without Martha Stewart)

  • RecipeSource.COM - Literally thousands of recipes from all over the world, this site even allows you to search by World Region, Meal Type and Event
  • Thanksgiving On The Net - This site, brought to you by Holidays.NET, is both informative and educational. It includes historical information and links as well as recipe and even music resources
  • Scholastic Magazine Thankgsgiving - Anyone with children knows about this magazine. Their website about Thanksgiving includes interactive stories, games and educational materials for any school-age child
  • PopCap Games - Here's a good way to keep the kids entertained (or for you to "waste" some time). This site features both free online and downloadable versions of lots of fun (and addictive) games

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 23, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    EAA Links

  • Transport Canada - Transport Canada helps general aviation with getting across our northern border
  • Magic Dragon Aircar - A unique attempt at a flyable car (or "roadable" airplane)!
  • Adopt-A-Horse - This program by the US Bureau of Land Management allows you to adopt horses or burros
  • General Land Office Records - Research who owns/owned parcels of land through this online database
  • NOAA Weather Service - Get online forecasts, radar and other weather data directly from the source
  • Hal Shook - Check out the books and stories from Hal Shook, WWII aviator
  • National Aeronautical Charting Office - Get your charts and supplies online from the source
  • Balloon Federation of America - Interested in Hot Air Ballooning? This is the place to go
  • Fox Valley Ballooning - Look here to find places in the Fox Valley to go ballooning

    Back To School

  • Buy.Com - A great site for deals on all sorts of computers and home electronics
  • Overstock.Com - Looking for real deals on closeouts and overstocks? Check here, but remember that the stock changes daily
  • Pricewatch - My favourite and the "benchmark" for computer price shoppers. Know what you're looking for, then check here for the best prices online.

    I Deleted/Lost My Data... Now What?

  • OnTrack Easyrecovery - OnTrack has a suite of programs that run from $89 to $1500 to allow everyone from the home user to big business to recover files and data that were deleted or had the disk almost destroyed.
  • FAQ on Adding a Second Hard Drive - This will take you through, step-by-step, how to add a second hard drive to your computer

    Odds 'n Ends

  • The Peeping Tom Worm - That's right, it uses your webcam to spy on you!
  • Courts and Music Sharing - Slow moving lawsuits over music sharing are producing some interesting court twists
  • File Sharing Companies Held Blameless - Interesting decision by a Court of Appeals says that the companies that host peer-to-peer networks are not responsible for their content

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 23, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    EAA Links

  • Transport Canada - Transport Canada helps general aviation with getting across our northern border
  • Magic Dragon Aircar - A unique attempt at a flyable car (or "roadable" airplane)!
  • Adopt-A-Horse - This program by the US Bureau of Land Management allows you to adopt horses or burros
  • General Land Office Records - Research who owns/owned parcels of land through this online database
  • NOAA Weather Service - Get online forecasts, radar and other weather data directly from the source
  • Hal Shook - Check out the books and stories from Hal Shook, WWII aviator
  • National Aeronautical Charting Office - Get your charts and supplies online from the source
  • Balloon Federation of America - Interested in Hot Air Ballooning? This is the place to go
  • Fox Valley Ballooning - Look here to find places in the Fox Valley to go ballooning

    Back To School

  • Buy.Com - A great site for deals on all sorts of computers and home electronics
  • Overstock.Com - Looking for real deals on closeouts and overstocks? Check here, but remember that the stock changes daily
  • Pricewatch - My favourite and the "benchmark" for computer price shoppers. Know what you're looking for, then check here for the best prices online.

    I Deleted/Lost My Data... Now What?

  • OnTrack Easyrecovery - OnTrack has a suite of programs that run from $89 to $1500 to allow everyone from the home user to big business to recover files and data that were deleted or had the disk almost destroyed.
  • FAQ on Adding a Second Hard Drive - This will take you through, step-by-step, how to add a second hard drive to your computer

    Odds 'n Ends

  • The Peeping Tom Worm - That's right, it uses your webcam to spy on you!
  • Courts and Music Sharing - Slow moving lawsuits over music sharing are producing some interesting court twists
  • File Sharing Companies Held Blameless - Interesting decision by a Court of Appeals says that the companies that host peer-to-peer networks are not responsible for their content

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 22, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Upgrade that Old PC

    • Crucial Technology - PC memory vendor with a very nice tool to help you determine what kind of memory you need (you'll need to know who the motherboard manufacturer is).
    • Kingston Technology - A manufacturer of PC memory who also has a configurator tool similar to Crucial's, above.
    • Memorystock - Another memory retailer, with a configurator, but this one also shows you the maximum amount you can put on your machine and other information.
    • Buy.COM - This online retailer has some very good prices on memory and components.
    • Pricewatch - A perennial favourite site, this lists retail sources of components from lowest to highest price.
    • Memory Installation for PCs - A good step-by-step guide for installing DIMM style memory. With pictures.
    • Tweak3D - An excellent all-inclusive tutorial on choosing and installing memory in most PCs.

      Old Computers?

    • What to do? - This is a great list of ideas on what to do with your old computers. It includes links to places that will help you find upgrade components and even how to install them! It's a wealth of great suggestions.
    • UsedComputer.Com - If nothing else, don't throw it away, donate it! There are non-profit foundations that want and need your old computer and electronic equipment.

      Digital Cameras and Camcorders

    • CNet Reviews - CNet Central's digital camera reviews; be sure to check out the Best Values section in the middle of the page
    • Choosing Digital Cameras - This article is written from the perspective of traditional film photographers. If you're coming from that arena, you may want to read this.
    • Choosing a Digital Camera - A nice How-To article with explanations of terms. This is a good starting place on your quest.

      My Disk Done Died

    • OnTrack Easyrecovery - OnTrack has a suite of programs that run from $89 to $1500 to allow everyone from the home user to big business to recover files and data that were deleted or had the disk almost destroyed.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 25, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Newsaholics Anonymous
      or
      Feed Me, Seymour!

    • What it RSS - A good explanation of the "newsbite" web format and how it came to be
    • BLOG?? What the HECK is a "blog"? It's net shorthand for a "web log".
    • amphetadesk - A customizable news aggregator for Windows, Mac and Linux, very customizeable, relatively easy to use and free
    • Pluck - This tool allows not only for reading RSS news headlines, but also for sharing links, web pages and content between your friends and co-workers. It's free and integrates into your existing web browser.
    • Bloglines - On the go? This aggregator allows you to check your news, blogs, and other "feeds" from any web browsers, anywhere. Very clean, very nice. The service is free, but expect ads and spam.
    • NewsIsFree - Another web-based aggregator like Bloglines. This one is a bit more like the standard "bulletin board" formats, so you might like it if you're used to that kind of look and feel.
    • What?Is - Mystified at what the kids are talking about? Feeling like a newbie? Can't remember one of the terms we mentioned on this show? Check this page out for the meanings to many of the phrases and acronyms spawned by or used by Netizens

      Old Computers?

    • What to do? - This is a great list of ideas on what to do with your old computers. It includes links to places that will help you find upgrade components and even how to install them! It's a wealth of great suggestions.
    • UsedComputer.Com - If nothing else, don't throw it away, donate it! There are non-profit foundations that want and need your old computer and electronic equipment.
    • Nerd-O-Rama Sale - Click here to email the Computer Guy about his Nerd-O-Rama sale coming up on June 19

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 23, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Taxes!

    • The Internal Revenue Service - The ole revenooers! Actually, they have a pretty helpful site. All the forms you need, including e-filing and even tips on avoiding tax fraud schemes.
    • Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Your friends in Madison have to get their share, too. They also have e-filing options as well as information on where to receive free tax preparation assistance for low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly.
    • Barb Bader - Our special guest, this morning, was Barbara Bader from Fox Valley CPA's. You can contact her at barb@fvcpa.com

      Identity Theft - Part 2

    • The Citibank/Visa/Your Bank Scheme - It's called phishing as in "fishing for your information". Innocent email from your credit card or bank company wants verification of your account. Only its NOT from your credit card or bank company! They just want to scam you out of your identity in order to run up huge charges! BEWARE!
    • Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Alert - You can email to this address alert@fdic.gov if you receive one of the bank/card scams. Make sure you send the entire email you received!
    • Recovering from Identity Theft - The Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection has tips for how to recover if you've been a victim of identity theft

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 24, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Mailing Lists and Groups

    • Topica - This site allows you to search through hundreds of thosands of discussion lists, bulletin boards and websites for the one(s) you want
    • Yahoo! Groups - The largest email list/group system has literally thousands of groups available
    • Start Your Own Yahoo! Group - You can create your own email list group
    • Tips on Using Groups - This is a good starting place for learning about the do's and don'ts of using email and newsletter discussion groups, as well as finding resources for locating groups you might be interested in joining

      Dealing with Spam

    • Choicemail - This software blocks all email to your computer unless someone is specifically on your "white list" -- the ultimate spam blocker
    • Federal Trade Commission - Email link for the FTC's anti-spam efforts. Make sure and send the offending email including all headers
    • SpamCon - Grass roots anti-Spam organization. You can report spammers here, too.
    • Spamhaus - It's not what you think... these people hate spam. From their Registry of Known Spam Operations (ROKSO to their Spamhaus Block List (SBL) these people track the folks who bring you over 90% of the world's garbage emails.

      Blocking Popup Ads

    • Netscape 7.1 - The newest version of the popular FREE web browswer contains pop-up blocker software built in.
    • StopZILLA - Popup Blocker and Security tools all in one FREE, highly-rated program.
    • Webwasher - Filters out ads, pop-ups, embedded scripts, third-party cookies, web bugs, etc. (Free for home use)
    • Spybot Search & Destroy - Shareware spyware detector and remover. The author has pledged to keep this free and keep it updated.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 27, 2004 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      AGH! Spam! AGH! Scam!

    • And End to Spam? - Well, don't hold your breath just yet, but some are predicting an end to spam by 2006.
    • Spamhaus - It's not what you think... these people hate spam. From their Registry of Known Spam Operations (ROKSO to their Spamhaus Block List (SBL) these people track the folks who bring you over 90% of the world's garbage emails.
    • Phishing for your Private Info - A recent email purported to be from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Department of Homeland Security asks you to verify your identity. DON'T FALL FOR IT. It's a trap to capture your personal information. The FDIC asks you to report if you receive this email.

      Tis the Season?

    • RepairClinic.COM - I love this site! You may have to answer "20 questions", but you'll be able to find those hard-to-find parts for just about any home appliance. It has helpful hints all along the way to narrow your search for the right part and then you can buy it easily online.
    • Multifunction Printers - A "must have" for the small or home office. These printers start at $100 and do scanning, faxing, printing (in black&white and color) and copying all in one small unit. Many manufacturers have them, so you may want to do some comparison shopping.
    • Superbowl XXXVIII - Ok, so the Pack isn't in it, but some people still want to watch. Here's the official site.
    • Superbowl Ads - Then again, why watch the whole thing just to see what you REALLY want... the ads!
    • Superbowl Party Tips - And though it's a bit out of date (it references Superbowl XXXV), this page has some good links for tips on holding your Superbowl Party.

    2003
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 25, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Holiday Food and Cooking Tips

    • National Turkey Federation - Cooking tips including 30 multimedia cooking demonstrations from different chefs
    • Butterball Turkeys - Cooking tips including streaming "how to" videos for thawing, cooking, etc.
    • Recipe Source - Searchable archive of recipies by region, type, event, etc.

      Santa Online

    • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids! Now updated with more activities and information, including Holiday facts and history

      Travel Tips

    • Priceline - Travel fare, hotel, rental auction. Beware that you have to be flexible with your travel plans.
    • Orbitz - Discount travel finder. Not an "auction" site.
    • Travelocity - Discount fare finder (locates low fares, doesn't "auction" them
    • Trip.Com - In-flight flight status tracker for most major airlines
    • Austin Straubel Flight Information - The actual Departure and Arrival screens from the Green Bay airport.

      Practicing Safe Hex (Viruses)

      This topic was presented by keith@eyesurf.biz

    • Swen - Yet another mass-mailing worm that uses its own mailserver engine to spread itself. It attempts to spread through file-sharing networks, such as KaZaA and IRC, and attempts to kill antivirus and personal firewall programs running on a computer.
    • Bugbear@mm - A mass-mailing worm. It can also spread through network shares. It has keystroke-logging and backdoor capabilities. The worm also attempts to terminate the processes of various antivirus and firewall programs.
    • Minmail - Another mass-mailing worm that attempts to steal personal information. This worm displays a series of forms that ask users to enter their credit card information.
    • Blaster - This infamous worm targets only Windows 2000 and Windows XP machines, attempting to perform a Denial of Service (DoS) on the Microsoft Windows Update Web server
    • Mac.Simpsons - One of the few Macintosh viruses, it attempts to open Microsoft Outlook Express or Entourage, and send a copy of itself with the original message to everyone in your address book
    • Linux Slapper - A rare Linux worm, this attempts to use an OpenSSL buffer overflow exploit to run a shell on a remote computer and also contains code for a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

      For assistance with these kind of virus issues, you can contact Keith via email at keith@eyesurf.biz.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 28, 2003 show.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 23, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Your Computer's Security

    • Porn Horror Story - A rogue program corrupts an internet link and gets a family man arrested over child pornography
    • ZoneAlarm - Powerful personal firewall system for your home computer. The freeware version will allow you to find out how "bad" things are and at least block alot of the "bad guys". You can Try & Buy their professional version with a 30-day free trial.
    • Spybot Search & Destory - A very, very powerful shareware program for detecting, removing and immuniz ing your computer against spyware and other threats
    • Tracks Eraser - Eliminates "cookies", history files, and other sensitive information. Regu lar version is only $19.95 and the Pro version $29.95

      Instant Messaging

    • You IM? You Pay MicroSoft "quietly" started telling folks that if you use their Instant Messanger, you may have to pay them.
    • Trillian - A nice Instant Messanger program that talks to MSN, AOL, Yahoo, ICQ and IRC. The freeware version is great, but the Pro version includes things like video conferencing and easier contact management.
    • Jabber - At one time just a "geeks-only" messanger, this totally free IM protocol is becomming more and more popular

      Weather, Moving and Misc.

    • Hurricane Tracker - A Java-script application that lets you see the tracks of hurricanes of the past and present (including Isabel!)
    • NOHRSC - The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (no-risk) keeps track of snow and moisture across the US.
    • Wendy Willcox - Scamming the scammers! A hilarious story of a prankster who scammed some "Nigerian Bank Scam" (aka 4-1-9) scammers
    • Moving Advocate Team - These folks fight back! Lists of "moving company scammers" and scofflaws. Avoid these people!
    • American Moving and Storage Association - Thse are the "good guys". Includes tips on picking a moving company, a list of "to do's" and other tips to save you time and money.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 26, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Your Computer's Security

    • The Sobig Worm - This worm is crawling around creating havoc for hundreds of thousands of home and business computer users.
    • The MicroSoft Blaster - This is the virus that pushed Microsoft to its corporate limits.
    • Welchia Worm - This worm actually disinfects your system from the Blaster Worm, but it also does scans of your computers!
    • ZoneAlarm - Powerful personal firewall system for your home computer. The freeware version will allow you to find out how "bad" things are and at least block alot of the "bad guys". You can Try & Buy their professional version with a 30-day free trial.
    • MicroSoft uses Linux! - Even Microsoft acknowledges that their network products are nearly as robust with security as the free Linux operating system.

      EAA Airventure 2003

    • Bear Search and Rescue Foundation - Started by Cpt. Scott Shields of the NYC Parks Patrol to help support Search and Rescue groups
    • Gene Soucry - Official homepage and schedule information for aerobat Gene Soucy
    • Segway Personal Transporter - The two-wheeled marvel of balance and electronics
    • NOHRSC - The National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (no-risk) keeps track of snow and moisture across the US.
    • BLM Airspace Information System The BLM Airspace Information System gives interactive current WAC, Sectional, and GNC Aviation Charts plotted with graphical TFR information to help pilots avoid inadvertent violation of Restricted Airspace due to fire fighting operations and other national airspace restrictions
    • Mike Wiskus - The official site of Mike Wiskus, the Telex aerobatic pilot
    • Bahamas - Information and assistance for flying privately to the Bahamas
    • Balloon Federation of America - Official site and information for going Up, Up and Away!
    • Outerbanks - Find all your information, here, for the First Flight Centennial in December

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 22, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Digital Cameras for Capturing Summer Fun

    • CNet Reviews - CNet Central's digital camera reviews; be sure to check out the Best Values section
    • ZDNet Reviews - ZDNet's digital camera reviews; check out their What to Look For section.
    • Nikon Coolpix 4300 - JT's choice for digital cameras.
    • Buy.COM - Great place for memory for your digital camera

      Mini-Laptops and Palmtops

    • Sharp Zaurus - More than just a PDA, the Sharp Zaurus is a palmtop computer, complete with mini-keyboard, running the Linux operating system (so your applications are numerous and cheap (or free!))
    • Sony PCG-U3 - The Sony Vaio "subnotebook". Small, lightweight and fully-functional laptoop PC running Windows.
    • PockeTop Keyboard - A folding wireless keyboard for your Zaurus, Palm, Ipaq, Casio, Handspring and many, many others

      Feeling Sllllooooooowwwwwwww?

    • Spybot Search & Destory - A very, very powerful shareware program for detecting, removing and immunizing your computer against spyware and other threats
    • ZoneAlarm - Powerful personal firewall system for your home computer. The freeware version will allow you to find out how "bad" things are and at least block alot of the "bad guys". You can Try & Buy their professional version with a 30-day free trial.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 24, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security

    • Word of Mouth? - Don't fall for this "personal information" scam
    • ActiveX Security - Are you vulnerable to the most common Internet Explorer "exploits"? Test your IE setup, here
    • StartMan - Streamline your Windows startup for faster booting and increased processing speed

      Summer Fun

    • Create your Own Fireworks - A cool little JAVA application (with sound!) that allows you to create your own fireworks show on your computer
    • evite - Free "internet invitation" service that sends invitations to your events, tracks responses, sends reminders and maps
    • Airventure 100 - The EAA's online guide to Airventure 2003 "Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Flight". Be sure and listen to WOSH daily during EAA.

      Internet FIlters and Controls

    • tuEagles - Anti-pornography filter that features online updates, time/date access and password protection. $39.95
    • iProctectYou - Freeware internet content filter and control software

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 20, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 22, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 25, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      War!

    • Defend America Send thanks to the U.S. Military directly
    • CNN War Tracker - CNN's Iraq War website
    • Fox News War on Terror - Operation Iraqi Freedom coverage
    • amphetaDesk - Yes, it's legal... it's "a free, cross platform, open-sourced, syndicated news aggregator - it obediently sits on your desktop, downloads the latest news that interests you, and displays them in a quick and easy to use (and customizable!) webpage". A must for news junkies.
    • Realplayer - The RealPlayer media player for sound and TV clips
    • Windows Media Player - Microsoft Windows Media Player for sound and video clips

      Hoaxes, Frauds and Scams

    • Quatloos! - Scams and Frauds Exposed
    • The Princess Chronicles - Over the years, Brad Christensen has been deluged with every type of "URGENT" offer imaginable from Nigerian scam artists. Finally, he decided to fight back by conning the con men.
    • Federal Trade Commission - Email link for the FTC's anti-spam efforts. Make sure and send the offending email including all headers
    • Urban Legends Reference Pages - Sounds too good to be true? It probably is and you can find it here
    • Blocking Ads with One File - Click the link for our Computer Trick/Tip of the Month

      Security!

    • Google Watch - Be careful of those Google Search cookies!
    • Cookie Cruncher - Blocks and removes "cookies" from your system

      Getting "Linux Certified"

    • Linux Professional Institute - Professional Certification for the Linux Community
    • RHCE - Red Hat Certified Engineer
    • Linux Certifications - Comparison of the various Linux Certifications

      Linux Resources

    • Linux Books - Linux Online Bookstore
    • O'Reilly - The source for Linux books

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 25, 2003 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 28, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security Central

    • SQL "Slammer" Wreaks Havoc - The Microsoft SQL Slammer worm has wreaked havoc on hundreds of thousands of server systems, bringing the internet to its knees
    • SQL Slammer Overview Description of what the SQL Slammer does and how to overcome it
    • TurboTax Alert - TurboTax's new anti-piracy restrictions may cause users registration woes
    • ZoneAlarm - ZoneLabs firewall program. This will show you what is trying to "get in and get out" of your computer
    • Norton Internet Security - Combines a firewall and a virus scanner to not only alert you of problems, but clean them up, as well

      Hardware

    • Driver Detective - Let your system tell you when new hardware drivers are available and let it update them itself

      Frauds and Scams

    • The Princess Chronicles - One person's "exchanges" as he out-cons the "Nigerian Scam" cons
    • Quatloos!

      Off-beat News Homepage

    • Fark - It's not news, it's Fark

    2002
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 31, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      New Year's Eve Helps, Hints and Tips

    • New Year's Resolution Reminder - Email reminder service for what your New Year's Resolution was
    • how-to-keep-yo ur-new-years-resolution.com Tips on Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
    • Resolution Picker - Do you still need a resolution? Let the web pick one for you!
    • New Year's Party Planning Tips - Includes party ideas, ideas for the kids, hints on choosing and opening champagne, and lots of other great information.

      Firewalling and Security

    • BlackICE - Firewall protection for individual PCs. Commercial-grade for $39.95
    • ZoneAlarm - Firewall for individual PCs. Freeware version is good, but the Advanced is only $29.95 and the Pro version only $39.95.
    • IPCop - IPCop is a freeware firewall for home or small business use.
    • Smoothwall - Enterprise-level version of the popular IPCop software (see above)
    • BBIAgent - Small, fast floppy-based firewall that will even run on a 386!

      Fun with Linux

    • Basic Linux Security - Online slide presentation on basic steps you can take to secure your home or office Linux system(s).
    • Lindows - Linux does Windows! This is a commercial home-grade Linux installation for folks who are "scared" to leave Microsoft or like the MS "look and feel" but need something more flexible and more powerful.

      Spyware Detection and Removal

    • Spybot Search & Destroy - Shareware spyware detector and remover. The author has pledged to keep this free and keep it updated.
    • Aluria Spyware Eliminator - Commerical-grade spyware detector and eliminator. $29.95 price is a discount from the normal $59.98 and includes free customer support for life and free updates for life.

      Spammed by Spam?

    • SpamAbuse - The "central spot" for news, information and links to software to help you deal with junk email

      My Favourite Site

    • The Smoking Gun - Great, fun stuff from the news.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 26, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Online Shopping Safety

    • Safe Shopping - Tips, reports on retailers and security information from the American Bar Assocation
    • Wisconsin No-Call List - Click on this link before November 30, 2002 to be listed in the January 1, 2003 No Call List

      Last Minute Gift Ideas

    • Amazon.com - Gift certificates that can be applied many times
    • Marcus Theaters Gift Cards - No more standing in line for Harry Pottter, Lord of the Rings and James Bond
    • XM Radio - Satellite radio
    • Sirius - Satellite radio competitor to XM Radio

      Holiday Food and Cooking Tips

    • National Turkey Federation - Cooking tips including 30 multimedia cooking demonstrations from different chefs
    • Butterball Turkeys - Cooking tips including streaming "how to" videos for thawing, cooking, etc.
    • Food and Wine Magazine - The online version of the magazine includes over 237 holiday recipes and a searchable recipe index
    • Food Network - Website for all the shows on the Food Network including the holiday shows from Curtis Aikens to Emiril Lagasse to Roy Yamaguchi... BAM!
    • Recipe Source - Searchable archive of recipies by region, type, event, etc.

      Holiday Helps, Hints and Tips

    • New Year's Resolution Reminder - Email reminder service for what your New Year's Resolution was
    • how-to-keep-yo ur-new-years-resolution.com Tips on Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions
    • Reader's Digest Christmas or Reader's Digest - Recipies, stories, crafts and forums
    • Music City Morpheus - Peer-to-Peer music, video, and media file sharing (think "better than Napst er")

      Santa Online

    • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids! Now updated with more activities and information, including Holiday facts and history

      Holiday Travel and Weather

    • Intellicast Weather - Real time radar, forecasts, etc. for NorthEast Wisconsin
    • WeatherBug - Live weather statistics, forecasts, radar and alerts on your desktop. Note: If you use this program, scan it first with Ad-Aware to remove the Gator "spyware"

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 22, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Keeping it Clean and Private

    • Cyberscrub - a DOD caliber disk/file cleaning utility. ($40 - $60 PC only)
    • BestCrypt - Encrypted virtual disks on your hard drive that can be used with any application ($90)
    • BCWipe - Securely delete your files to the U.S. Department of Defence standards (DoD 5200.28-STD) ($40)

      Watching the Web (watching you!)

    • Ad-Aware - searches your system for "Spyware" and internet cookies that may report personal info to various sites. ($15 PC only)
    • Spychecker - Free site to lookup software to determine if it is spyware. (Free Mac & PC)
    • ZoneAlarm Pro 3.1 - One of the highest rated personal security tools ($50)
    • Webwasher - Filters out ads, pop-ups, embedded scripts, third-party cookies, web bugs, etc. (Free for home use)
    • Cookie Crusher - Gives COMPLETE control of your cookies, with descriptions, explanations of their uses, etc.
    • Verified By VISA - VISA now allows you to "password" your credit card to protect online transactions

      Virus Protection

    • Norton AntiVirs - Norton Internet Security 2003 (PC) - Norton Internet Security 2.0 (Mac) $70 - $100
    • NetIQ Security Analyzer - Security scanning software trial version
    • Sophos AntiVirus - AntiVirus software and email notifications of the newest threats

      Halloween!!

    • International Ghost Hunters Society - Pictures, EVP (eletronic voice phenomenon), and other scarey stuff
    • Halloween Movies - The official site of Michael Meyers
    • Tricks and Treats - Party games, recipies, stories and more
    • Happy Halloween - Information on the background of the holiday
    • Halloween Radio - Streaming Halloween radio (classics, sound effects, etc.) - You can buy the CDs, too
    • Halloween Safety Game - Things to watch out for as a parent or a child during Trick or Treating door to door
    • Halloween Magazine - Yup... devoted to the holiday, including tips, treats, places to find costumes, etc.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 27, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security Alert

    • Credit Bureaus - The real info regarding an email going around, stating that "the our major U.S. credit bureaus are allowed to share your credit information with anyone who requests it as of July 1 2001 unless you specifically request to be excluded."

      Alternate Email Applications

    • Eudora - A common interface for Mac, Windows and even the Palm Pilot
    • Pegasus Mail - A Windows (and even DOS!) mail client
    • Netscape - A popular web browser, mail client, news client for Windows and Mac

      Hardware Speedups

    • Promise Technology - Fast, inexpensive hard drive controllers
    • Pricewatch - Great site for memory "deals", and also for other computer items

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 25, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the May 28, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Power Protection

    • Kensington - Manufacturer of surge protection hardware. This is not UPS (power supply) equipment, but is for power conditioning only.
    • Powerware (was Best Power) - Wisconsin-based manufacturer of UPS and power conditioning systems.
      Online Auction and Purchase Protection

    • Bay's Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program - Protects your intellectual (or other) property from others selling it
    • Verified By VISA - VISA now allows you to "password" your credit card to protect online transactions

      Buying a PDA (Handheld Computer)

    • C|Net's Handheld Computer Guide - Has them broken into Budget, Color, PalmOS, PocketPC and includes price comparison charts and allows you to search for the latest prices or email you when there's a price change.
    • Linux-Based PDAs - There's another handheld OS other than PocketPC or PalmOS, and it's the same one as you can have on your desktop including hundreds of applications.
    • Zaurus@LL - All things about the Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 Linux-based handheld
    • Zaurus Software Index - Free download site with tons of applications for the Zaurus

      Just the facts, Ma'am

    • Urban Legends Reference Pages - Not just for viruses, but any hoax, fraud or forgery. An invaluable tool for determining if the "virus scare" or "heartstring tugger" is true.
    • The Smoking Gun - The Freedom of Information Act at its best! Get the real documents related to the headlines you're reading.

      Fun Stuff

    • Intellicast Weather - Great weather site includes radar, satellite and local forecasts. For Oshkosh, check here.
    • Chocolate with Jacques Torres - From the Food Network, a program guide (and recipies) for all chocolate lovers
    • Signature Fodder - Sometimes wise, sometimes witty, always fun quotations to use for your email signature.
    • Dream Screen Saver Maker - Free trial software that allows you to create your own custom screen saver. Full package is only $29.95.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 23, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Our Top "10" Sites

    • Intellicast - No-nonsense weather site with all the trimmings (JT)
    • BBC's Radio 1 - Music and "programmes" from the British Broadcasting Company (Dale)
    • Alliance NAP Looking Glass - Where's the problem with my slow link? Find out here (JT)
    • VW Vortex - Top site for information about VW cars (Dale)
    • The Smoking Gun - Think Lone Gunemen without the conspiracy angle. Documents for all kinds of selacious info (JT)
    • Audio Galaxy - Web-based music and file sharing (better than Napster ever was) (Dale)
    • Wil Wheaton Dot Net - I hated Wesssssssley too, but Wil's just plain funny! (JT)
    • Mac Rumors - Best place for reliable "rumors" about Apple and the Macintosh (Dale)
    • Kevin & Kell - Online comic about something near and dear to my heart -- running an ISP (JT)
    • Duke USA - Cool site for racing videos of all types (Dale)
    • Google BONUS - IMO, THE search engine (JT)
    • FileEXT BONUS - Information about computer filename extensions and their associated applications (Dale)

      Bottom "10" Sites

    • X-10 Camera - Ok, so they give you a way to supress their ads, but these people must be taken out and shot. Soon. (JT) Most annoying "pop-up" advertiser in history. (Dale)
    • Advertisement Banners - The scum of the earth -- these folks not only supply many of the pop-ups you see, but try to justify their existance with case studies. Can you say "made up statistics"? (JT)
    • Casino Dot Com - Second most annoying "pop-up" advertiser of all time (Dale)
    • IBM - Don't get me wrong, I like IBM. But dudes... how about a website where you can actually FIND what you're looking for? Proof that it's possible to have too much content (JT)
    • Steve from Dell - The annoying idiot in the Dell "Dude! You're getting a Dell" ads (Dale)
    • WhoWhere - And on the other end of the scale, do these guys ever actually have any phone numbers to give? Me? I use AnyWho (JT)
    • Pokemon! - Do I actually need to explain this one? (Dale)
    • All Your Windows Are Belong To Us - Every and any site that resizes your browser window! (Dale and JT)
    • The I Hate Frames Page - Just another idiot wasting bandwidth with no content (Dale)

      Dads & Grads

    • Sony Digital Imaging - Makers of digital cameras and digital camcorders, including the Sony DCR-PC110
    • AudioTron - The premier "component stereo" MP3 player, uses your stereo for sound and your home computer for storage
    • SONICblue - Makers of the RIO portable MP3 player
    • XM Radio - Satellite radio. Nationwide, but no locals and susceptible to weather.
    • Sirius Radio - Competitor to XM Radio (see above), but beware... no satellites yet!

      Discount Computers

    • Computer Rennaisance Green Bay or Computer Rennaisance Appleton - Buy and sell used computers
    • Pricewatch - Parts is parts. Good prices, sorted from lowest, but know what you need before going.
    • Multiwave Direct - More parts. Fast and low priced.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 26, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 26, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security

    • Windows XP Security Hole - A problem with the Universal Plug-n-Play (PnP) on the network may cause a Denial of Service (DoS)

      Bob's Hardware Request

    • Internet Lineshare - Online call waiting system that works with a telephone call waiting service to allow users to receive phone messages while dialed into the internet

      Internet Messaging

    • Trillian - AOL Instant Messanger, MSN Instant Messanger, IRC (Inter Relay Chat) and Yahoo! Chat all in one
    • Jabber - XML based "non proprietary" messaging protocol

      Distributed File Systems

    • Gnutella - A private, secure shared internet file system with no central server
    • Freenet - Like Gnutella, but keeps requestors/servers anonymous, and uses a more efficient protocol
    • Fastrack Sharing Protocol - The network sharing protocol used by Music City Morpheus, KaZaA, and Grokster alike
    • Audiogalaxy - Small sharing agent with a web front end, allows waiting for "offline" selections to come online

      Distributed Computing

    • SETI@Home - Help process radio signals from space and search for ET. Be a part of the Seti@UniServe Team
    • folding@Home - Stanford University's cooperative effort to map the Alzheimer amyloid-beta protein in search for a cure
    • Intel/United Devices Cancer Research Project - Helping to search through 3.5 billion molecules to find one that binds to one of 8 proteins cancer needs to grow, helping "target" future drugs

      New Applications

    • EFax - Free faxing; receive faxes to a real, private phone number and delivered to you through email
    • FilExt - Lists file types you may see as attachments and what "plugins" and applications you need to handle them
    • CDEveryWhere - Drag and drop utility for creating a unified CD format for Windows, Mac and Linux
    • Download Accelerator - This application plugs into your web browser to give you faster downloads, multiple concurrent downloads, and resumes interrupted downloads

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 22, 2002 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    2001
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 14, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 27, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

      Security

    • Ad-Aware - Scans and removes spyware from your system. Be sure to download refupdate as well to autodownload the latest spyware definitions

      Shopping

    • Pricewatch - Excellent site for good prices on computer/electronic equipment. Lists availability from various dealers by ascending order of price.
    • Safe Shopping - Tips, reports on retailers and security information from the American Bar Assocation
    • eToys.com - Toy shopping via the web
    • Amazon.com - Gift certificates that can be applied many times

      Holiday Helps, Hints and Tips

    • Reader's Digest Christmas or Reader's Digest - Recipies, stories, crafts and forums
    • Martha Stewart - Cooking, shopping and tips
    • Recipe Source - Searchable archive of recipies by region, type, event, etc.

      Santa Online

    • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids!

      Holiday Travel and Weather

    • Intellicast Weather - Real time radar, forecasts, etc. for NorthEast Wisconsin
    • WeatherBug - Live weather statistics, forecasts, radar and alerts on your desktop

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 23, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 25, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
    • Bugtraq News - Information regarding the Nimda virus
    • McAffee Virus Scan - Purchase the virus scanning software here or get the latest virus definition updates
    • Norton Anti-Virus - Purchase the virus scanning software here or get the latest virus definition updates
    • Incidents.ORG - Internet heath and traffic reports (including "threat" levels)
    • Urban Myths - Research any "too good to be true" stories, articles or rumors here
    • 9th Tee Enterprises - TiVo parts and accessories, including expansion drives and "TiVo Net"
    • Pioneer Electronics - Makers of the only DVD writer drive for home computers at this time
    • TiVo Upgrades - How to upgrade your TiVo yourself!

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the August 28, 2001 show.
    • Ad-Aware version 5.6 - Spyware Detection and Removal
    • Zone Labs - The freeware (and commercial) Zone Alarm software to protect your system
    • Advanced Laboratory Workstation System - Center for Information Technology, National Institutes of Health Security Software (Linux/Unix)
    • Anonymous Remailers - Send your email without the receiver being able to identify who sent it
    • Bugtraq - SIA (Security Intelligence Alert Service) - get the latest vulnerability information as soon as it becomes available through email, voice message, fax or SMS on wireless phones, and ARIS analyzer - submit suspicious network traffic and intrusion attempts anonymously, for detailed analysis and tracking
    • BestCrypt - Encrypted virtual disks on your hard drive that can be used with any application
    • BCWipe - Securely delete your files to the U.S. Department of Defence standards (DoD 5200.28-STD)
    • East-Tec Eraser 2000 - Securely remove sensitive data from your computer, beyond DoD standards
    • Nmap - Sniff your network and computers for open services and ports that might allow in hackers

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 24, 2001 show.
    • Zone Labs - The freeware (and commercial) Zone Alarm software to protect your system
    • VeRO - Ebay's Verified Rights Owner program by which copyrighted or trademarked ma terial may be removed from auction
    • FireWire - Apple's high-speed technology for PC and Mac peripherals (an IEEE standard)
    • Zip Drive - Fast, large (100MB or 25MB) removable media drives
    • Jaz Drive - Fast, even larger (2GB) removable media drives
    • Epson InkJet 777 or 777i Printer - Cheap, fast (5 pages per minute) printer for under $100

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 24, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.
    • APC - Manufacturer of UPS (uninteruptable power supplies) and power conditioning products. Check their handy Sizing Selector to find a product which fits your power requirements.
    • Kensington - Manufacturer of surge protection hardware. This is not UPS (power supply) equipment, but is for power conditioning only.
    • Best Power - Wisconsin-based manufacturer of UPS and power conditioning systems.
    • Epson Inkjet 777 - Excellent low-cost ($99), high-quality (2880x720 dpi) inkjet printer, 8 pages per minute
    • Iomega Zip Drives - Removable media (drives) that you can connect to many systems to transfer lots of data -- more than floppies!
    • PriceWatch - Prices computer components from various resellers in cost order

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the March 27, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the February 27, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • Advertising Spyware - A good article on What is Spyware?
    • Ad-Aware - Spyware Detection and Removal
    • McAffee - Makers of Virus Scan anti-virus commercial software, get your updates here
    • Norton - Makers of Norton Anti-Virus commercial software, get your updates here
    • Zone Labs - The freeware (and commercial) Zone Alarm software to protect your system
    • Security Focus - The best (in our opinion) source for Anti-Hacking news!
    • Attrition.Org - Good "hacker/anti-hacker" information site

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 23, 2001 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • Computers 4 Kids - Nonprofit educational initiative supplying computers to schools and organizations; donate, volunteer, or apply for a grant
    • Computer Re-Use Network - Tax deductible donations of new and used computer equipment to non-profit groups, schools and churches
    • Computer Renaissance - Buy, sell, trade new and used computers

    2000
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 27, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. For the sites we discussed on previous shows, check out our archive.

      Virus and Security Information

    • Bugtraq - Virus Information, Security News, Software and Events

      Shopping

    • Safe Shopping - Tips, reports on retailers and security information from the American Bar Assocation
    • eToys.com - Toy shopping via the web
    • ToysRUs - Toy shopping via the web, with instore return policies
    • Sony Mavica - Digital camera for still and video right to CD
    • Canon - Digital camcorders
    • Canon - Digital still cameras
    • Kodak Advantix Preview - Preview image before committing to film
    • FinRing - Fingertip mouse
    • iFeel Mouseman - Sensory mouse that "feels" the screen as you move

      Holiday Helps, Hints and Tips

    • Reader's Digest Christmas or Reader's Digest - Recipies, stories, crafts and forums
    • Martha Stewart - Cooking, shopping and tips
    • Ask Jeeves - A "plain English" way to search the web commercial

      Santa Online

    • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids!

      Holiday Travel and Weather

    • Intellicast Weather - Real time radar, forecasts, etc. for NorthEast Wisconsin
    • WeatherBug - Live weather statistics, forecasts, radar and alerts on your desktop

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the October 24, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site. For the sites we discussed on previous shows, check out our archive.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the September 26, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • NorthWest Airlines - Airline information with rate finder and gate/flight status
    • Trip.Com - In-flight flight status tracker for most major airlines
    • Travelocity - Discount fare finder (locates low fares, doesn't "auction" them
    • Priceline - Travel fare, hotel, rental auction
    • Interpass - Connectivity anywhere in the US with local phones ($20 for 30 hours)
    • Hotmail - Web-accessible free email
    • Seagate BackupExec - Back up program for 95/98/2000, about $80
    • Exabyte - 7-150GB tape backup hardware

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the July 25, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • PriceWatch - Prices computer components from various resellers in cost order
    • Team Excess - Good source for low-cost excess inventory from other resellers and manufacturers
    • Axion Technologies - Reseller of components and prebuilt computers, with support
    • Aberdeen - Components reseller with online auctions of parts, too
    • Micro Pro, Inc. - Low-price components reseller with order tracking
    • Circo - Cases for almost every computer and peripheral
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the June 27, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the April 25, 2000 show.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the January 25, 2000 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 28, 1999 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • RealPlayer - RealPlayer movie player and RealJukeBox music player for RealAudio streams
    • Nullsoft Winamp - Premier MP3 sound player
    • MacAmp - Premier MP3 sound player for the Mac
    • Casady & Greene SoundJam MP - Another fine MP3 sound player for the Mac
    • MP3Car - MP3 players (for cars) for people "on the go"!
    • Diamond Rio - MP3 "walkman"-like player for people "on the go"!
    • Nullsoft SHOUTcast - Internet Radio software to make your own Internet Radio Station (Requires Winamp)
    • Live Radio on the Internet - Live real and Internet Radio stations around the world (Requires RealPlayer)
    • Yahoo Broadcast - Yahoo!s Internet and Live Radio search engine
    • MP3 - Definitive MP3 audio source site
    • Scour - Search the entire net for MP3s, wavs, movies, pictures, etc. (Requires freeScourMedia Agent program)
    • 2Look4 - MP3 FTP listing site (this does not search the whole web, just the added listings)
    • Napster - MP3, audio, video "barter" site
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the December 21, 1999 "Liveline" show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    • Safe Shopping - Tips, reports on retailers and security information from the American Bar Assocation
    • Reader's Digest Christmas - Recipies, stories, crafts and forums
    • Martha Stewart - Cooking, shopping and tips
    • Ask Jeeves - A "plain English" way to search the web
    • C|Net Central - A "bit-head" paradise. Includes A Last Minute Holiday Buying Guide and Price Search mechanism.
    • Land's End - The equipment and apparel retailer guarantees Christmas delivery if your order is placed before December 22, 1999
    • Santa Claus Online - The "Big Guy" himself!
    • Santa Tracker - Your kids can watch Santa make his toy deliveries in real time (and get a special link emailed to them on Crhistmas Eve)!
    • NORAD Santa Tracker - Who better to track Santa's annual flight than the North American Aerospace Defense Command. That's right, the NORAD tracks Santa for your kids!
    • How The Grinch Stole Christmas - Yes, a site devoted to this favourite of Dr. Seuss stories, includes sound clips

    1999
    Here are the Web Sites as mentioned on the November 23, 1999 show. Just click on the link to go to the site.

    If you have questions or comments, visit the UniServe website or email us.