Goodbye, Passwords. You Aren't a Good Defense.

Journal #15

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/10/technology/

We are all used to the familiar signing-in log on page when we try to access what we think is secure information. But is it really secure? This article brings up the point that it is definitely not safe and secure to have only a single login website. It also suggests that there is no difference between the level of difficulty in passwords that we chose. A string of numbers such as '123456' and a random combination of letters and numbers, both have the same chance of being broken into. I think this is very interesting because I am one of those users who has a long complicated password, but almost never changes it. So, when my password is just as vulnerable as someone else's who just has 'LetMeIn,' I think it truly shows how nobody's password is safe. 

To solve this problem we should completely eliminate passwords and rely on cryptography instead. This is when the two machines trying to connect accept each other as the authentic site. In order for the machines to 'talk' to each other they need an Information Card, which only about 20% of computers have. Currently only Windows Vista machines have this equipment, so Windows XP, Mac, and Linux users would have to download the application. The new approach to logging onto sites is gaining attention as Microsoft and Google are among the six founding companies to promote the Information Card. But even if you don't have Windows Vista, and you can't download the program, then there are ways to help protect (but not eliminate) your password defense wall. Your computer should have a firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software installed. And of course do not open emails or attachments from addresses you do not know. All these things should help protect you from password, and even identity theft, but in the long run the new Information Card is the way to go. 

Libraries step into the age of iPod

Journal #14

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/column

With the ever changing forms of technology, the library is now no longer behind its time. It can now be cool to check out material from the library. Today, instead of "checking" out books, movies, etc. we can now download them. At select libraries across the country it is now possible to download videos, music, and electronic books for free. This new system is wildly popular, but not everyone knows about it. This system is still relatively new, but already has over a million downloads. The concept is extremely simple and even the senior citizens who knew of the operation were excited to use it. All you need is your old library card, access to the Internet, and an easy downloadable software program such as Adobe. Once you have downloaded the material you can keep it for one to three weeks, and then it will disappear. The article does not specifically mention how the item downloaded disappears, but I think it would be very interesting to find out.

Once you have your downloaded book or music you can play it on almost any MP3 player, including your iPod. This makes information very convenient and easy to acquire, which is always embraced in today's society. There is also no need to return the material back tot he library, since it automatically is taken off of your computer. This saves gas money and also square footage at the library. If the material is digitalized the library can store even more data, without having to rebuild or find more shelf space. I think this is an amazing way to bring technology back into libraries, and I have no doubt that it will be successful. The Phoenix Public Library has started to pave the way, and has received the 2008 Digital Pioneer Award (http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/pressreleases). The Phoenix library has even surpassed the New York Public Library with its huge selection. 

Hi-tech thieves target Olympics

Journal #13

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7548870.stm

There are always scams out on the Internet and with the Olympics just starting, for hackers there is no better way than to catch people off guard. These hackers use the Olympics as a tool to lure innocent computer surfers to their sites in order to steal valuable information. They are targeting mainly Microsoft PC users, so the article warns for those who have this system to regularly update and be aware of what site you are really on. These hackers usually send emails of Olympic headlines with links to videos. In order to watch the videos, users have to download a special viewing program, which is how they gain access to information. These fake emails have gotten very sophisticated recently and have been known to imitate news agencies such as CNN. Furthermore, when clicking on links and videos from unknown emails, your personal computer could become part of a botnet. These botnets are a collection of personal computers where users have clicked or downloaded something, which allow hijackers to access their information. According to this article, you may be reconnected to a fake page even if you typed in the correct web address, which fully supports how sophisticated these hackers really are.

So, in order to protect your information and computer, it is recommended to just not open any of these emails, and delete them right away. You should never open an email if you do not know who it is from, no matter what the subject line says. If you take this risk then you are risking all of your personal information, as well as possibly opening your computer up to viruses and other harmful devices. These hijackers are not only targeting everyday users and personal computers, but sending fake messages to lead on members of national sporting organizations and people who help train athletes. Of course these people would be more likely to open these emails, even though they are harmful, but really would have no way of knowing. So, the main moral and lesson of this articles is to stay clear of messages that you don't know who sent them. 

China's Ambition Soars to High-Tech Industry

Journal Entry #12

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/01/business/worldbusiness/01factory.html

China has always been referred to as a maker of cheap plastic products, but as the country develops they want to change that image. The government wants to discourage low-end manufacturers from operating in southern China and support innovation. China's economy is closely linked with the level of technology they produce. For instance, South Korea and Japan started out much like China and now they are producers of high-tech global brand names. China is ready to make the transition from housing low-skilled and low-cost manufacturers for toys, clothes, and other goods to more complicated and sophisticated products such as software, biotechnology, medical devices, and even commercial passenger jets. Once China starts production in these high-tech industries, the cheaper goods will move to lower-cost countries such as India, Vietnam, or Bangladesh. Then it will only be a matter of time before these countries are affected by technology and their economy will begin to grow. 

Technology has an interesting relationship with globalization (from this article), which brings up a point that not only will other countries have to produce the cheap items for the Unites States and Europe, but also for China itself. Africa is introduced as another lost-cost manufacturing site, but Africa is desperately behind in terms of technology and the ability to have a stable industrial environment. 

China's new interest in technology has come a lot from their military. Even though they have a communist government, they are reducing budgets and letting agencies privatize their business. This puts all of the technology out in the open, where most people are not expecting it. For example, a company called BYD (Build Your Dream) has grown into the second largest battery producer, and now it plans on designing and making a green energy car. This corporation is making this giant leap because they have the technology and are ready to face up to other big businesses. 

Study Revives Six Degrees Theory

Journal Entry #11

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7539329.stm

This article introduces a new study that supports the theory that it only takes six steps to link everyone. The idea was first introduced by the American Stanley Milgram. He completed experiments where he asked people to pass a letter to others they knew only by name. He concluded that the average number of times the letter was passed on was six. There have always ben counter-arguments to his claim, such as when Judith Kleinfeld (a professor from Alaska) took another look at Milgram's research notes and revealed that 95% of the letters never made it to their final target. 

Now, a new study by Microsoft researchers announced that Milgram's theory might be right. The researchers studied 30 billion instant messaging addresses during one month in 2006. They discovered that to their knowledge the study had for the first time confirmed Milgram's theory, even though seven links seems more exact. I think it is amazing that we finally proved this theory using technology. Not only is technology so dispersed that we are all linked by six or seven people, but we have the technology to study 30 billion instant messages. In the original 2006 article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/) where Kleinfeld disproves Milgram's theory as an urban myth, he argues that it's not the number of links that's important but the quality. There are barriers such as class rank that can make the separation deeper and farther apart. The theory may have been used to make the world feel like a smaller place if everyone was connected by six people. 

There is also another experiment on facebook, where a group was created to see if the theory is correct. As for now the group has over 200,000 members but there are about 17 million users on facebook. So I think the Microsoft study might be more accurate. 

First It Was Song Downloads. Now It's Organic Chemistry

Journal Entry #10

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/technology/27digi.html?pagewanted=1&ref=technology

I agree with this article that college textbooks are ridiculously overpriced, and the students are basically fed up. There are only two options in acquiring a textbook, either buying it new or used. Now students are getting their "revenge" by posting the complete textbook online and allowing others to download it. I see why the students think this is okay, but truly they are breaking the law. It is similar to what the music industry had to go through with listeners illegally downloading songs. In the past textbook publishers were spared from these illegal downloads because of the time and energy it takes to copy hundreds or even thousands of pages onto a computer. But with new technology students have found faster ways to accomplish their goals. 

The publishers are just as aware of the situation, so instead of having students resort to buying used books (where the publishers and authors receive no profit) they are transitioning into a digital mode as well. They are offering the book online for a specific amount of time with a subscription. This will not only cut down on the used book sales but will also bring in money for the authors and publishers they would not originally be getting. The only drawback, is again, peer-to-peer sharing of scanned copies. One student can sign up for the book, and then make copies of certain pages for others. 

There is also another movement towards online textbooks that are free, which would only cost money if you wanted to print and bind them (http://www.usatoday.com/news/education). As another effort to try to lower the costs of student textbooks, this will help change and expand the market. Even professors are tired of the high prices and are helping their student by putting their own textbooks online and giving students free access. I think this is a great idea, and I am so glad that some professors see how the book publishers have a monopoly over the industry. 

Futuristic windshield aims to help older drivers

Journal Entry #6

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/18/windshields.older.drivers.ap/index.html

Technology never stops developing; there is always something new and improved coming to the market. Despite the fact that it's still in the developing stage, everyday car windshields are no exception. This advanced and revolutionary technology improves visibility with infrared sensors, lasers, and a camera all in your car and a part of your windshield. This is specifically designed for the older baby boomer generation who will most likely need enhanced vision if they want to drive with their increasing age. General Motors seems to be the farthest ahead in the research and production phase of these windshields, but Chrysler has also confirmed they have been working to improve this field. Then Ford Motors announced they had no similar plans.

A key concept is to make the objects that are already in the driver's view stand out, not distract the driver with flashy information. I think having flashy details engulfing the windshield would be even more of a hazard, and the technology would be doing more harm than good. Specific examples include having a laser project a blue line onto the windshield, which follows the edge of the road. There are many factors that go into the creation of such a system, which is why it is still in the beginning phase of research. The projections depend upon the car's position, the object on the road, and the driver's head and visual movement. 

There are already similar versions out on cars now, with drop down displays. However the main difference with the newer windshields is that it would cover the entire area, not just a little drop down box. I think the elder population will embrace this new technology, since they grew up with the invention of machines such as the computer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, currently 12.4% of the population is 65 and older, but by 2030 about 20% of the population will be over 65 (which is about 71.5 million people). They are the fastest growing driving population and they simply want to continue driving (http://redorbit.com/news/technology/1484316/new_windshield_guides_older_drivers/index.html).