The Dangers of Peer-to-Peer SystemsWritten by Dee Scrip
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) systems do not operate on secure lines, thus providing a conduit for hackers to enter a network or computer, access personal and confidential information, as well as deploy viruses or worms. Users of P2P systems are prime targets and/or launching points for malicious hacker attacks simply because it requires downloading and sharing electronic files or programs, not to mention usage on publicly open and interpretable industry standard protocols and industry standard codec.A Staff Report submitted by Government Reform Committee of U.S. House of Representatives (May 2003), entitled “File-Sharing Programs and Peer-to-Peer Networks – Privacy and Security Risks”, stated that users of these programs have inadvertently made their personal information available to other users. “A search of one P2P network found at least 2,500 Microsoft Money backup files, which stores users’ personal financial records, available for download.” Personal information includes tax returns containing you name, address, and social security numbers of not only you, but your spouse and dependents, financial information such as income and investments, medical records, business files such as contracts and personnel evaluations, and attorney-client communications, to name a few. Spyware and adware programs are frequently bundled into P2P file-sharing software. These programs collect personal information for marketers and provide access to your computer by malicious hackers. In an article located on Vnunet.com entitled “Users Fume at Grokster ‘Drive-by Download’”, these two programs “…can redirect a user’s homepage to a different website, install a new browser toolbar, insert entries into users’ browser bookmark list, reinstall itself after uninstallation, and ultimately crash a user’s system.”
| | Using Wholesale Electronics to Get OrganizedWritten by Nick Smith
If you're not at top of whatever workflow chart you find yourself a part of, chances are good that you find yourself wishing your office was a little bigger. Even though technology makes our lives easier, it certainly takes up a lot of space. And with more and more gizmos and gadgets coming out each year, wires, manuals, and add-ons can really take their toll on your already cramped space. Office space clutter is not only annoying, but it can also be one of fastest ways to lose a client's or coworker's respect. Here are a few tips and wholesale electronics devices you can use to cut down on clutter and create a neat, clean, professional-looking office. In world of monitors, big is NOT beautiful. The first thing you should do if your desktop acreage leaves you wanting is to toss huge monitor that came with your computer and go out and buy yourself a flat panel monitor. They're not cheap, but I promise it's best birthday present you'll give yourself until you're on top of workflow chart (i.e. BMW...). Go wireless. Keyboard and mouse wires are unnecessary evils now that wireless options are cheap and readily available. An optical mouse eliminates need for a mouse pad if you are really in a crunch for space. Depending on size of company you are working for, wireless internet routers and wireless cards for both PCs and laptops are options to help cut down on miles of wires that seem to run to back of your computer. Wholesale electronics vendors typically carry package deals on wireless keyboards and mouses that make this option even more economical. Keep wires under wraps. Some devices don't come without wires (yet), and chances are you've got dozens of wires running under your feet as you read this article. Use Velcro strips, ties, or tubing to bundle wires together. When you upgrade your wires and connections, check wholesale electronics section to see if they carry wire organizing devices. Not only does this keep you from pulling printer cable out of back of your computer each time you stretch your feet, but it will also make under your desk look neat.
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