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Did you know that ResNet...
* Offers students 24/7 support via our Knowledgebase: http://support.resnet.eku.edu/kb/
* Is online networking @ Twitter (EKUResNet), Facebook, YouTube, this Blog and an RSS feed
* Offers residential EKU students an electronics recycling program
* Upkeeps ITs SmartComputing webiste: http://smartcomputing.eku.edu
* Can conenct student-owned PCs, game consoles and movile devices to EKU's network

by Graham Ricks

With so many peoples’ lives becoming wrapped up in social networking, a Facebook server being updated and not allowing a user to login can be torture. They sit anxiously waiting, stressing over who might be buying whom in the Owned application or what relationship statuses are changing. These types of people have one ultimate fear: their account being disabled! For those of you out there who think that a disabled Facebook account is sure death, here is a list of things that are guaranteed to get an account disabled.

1. Falsifying information: This includes not providing your real name or lying about your school or organization affiliation. All users must be real people; no pets or inanimate objects are allowed to have accounts.

2. Too much activity: As odd as this may seem, apparently there is such a thing as being too social on a social networking site. Having too many friends (>5000) or joining too many groups (>200) is a sure way to have your account disabled.

3. You talk too much: Posting on an excessive number of walls, sending multiple messages containing the same text, and any form of advertising on walls is considered by the Facebook servers to be spam and will result in automatic account disabling.

4. Being underage: Facebook lists this as the largest violation for users. Facebook terms of service state that users must be at least 18 years old or a student at a recognized high school in order to have a profile. Recently Facebook has even been disabling accounts of home-schooled users under 18, since they do not attend a recognized high school.

5. Posting Torrents: Pirate Bay has integrated itself into Facebook by allowing users to post torrent links into profiles. If Facebook were to allow users to post torrent links they could be implicated in the legal proceedings that torrent sites are currently facing. This is still a very new thing to Facebook, so users sharing torrents are in the process of being sought out.

Facebook boasts 175 million active users worldwide; if you are one of the 175 million and want to remain an active user, make sure to keep up with what Facebook is currently blocking users for and you should be in the clear.

by Devon Neal

Few things go hand-in-hand like music and technology. Most of the space these two share is fraught with negativity in relation to P2P software, the outbreak of viruses and spyware, and the RIAA’s fight to limit illegal downloading of copyrighted tracks. The debate on this is heated and endless, but all for one very important reason: music is something everyone can be completely passionate about. Whether you’re looking for a comforting voice on a sad day or looking to liven up your morning with something energetic, music is one of those rare forms of media that we all can make incredibly personal.

With the risks that can be had in downloading music these days, some may find it fairly difficult to broaden their musical horizons. However, the technology world provides plenty of completely legal ways to discover your next favorite band.

Apple’s iPhone just recently announced the integration of a new application in conjunction with a company known as Kyte. This company has struck an agreement with Interscope Geffen A&M to allow any artists or bands signed to this label to develop their own personalized applications. What this means is that the bands themselves can actually provide video content and allow fans to chat and comment on concerts. So far, the label has provided artist-specific applications for the All-American Rejects, Keri Hilson, Lady Gaga, the Pussycat Dolls, and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. In doing this, Kyte is looking to develop its own network of artist-produced applications allowing bands to interact one-on-one with all their fans, all through their iPhones.

Don’t have an iPhone? Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to interact with and discover new talent. The new Sirius/XM merger has allowed a broadening of satellite radio larger now than ever before. And, for cheaper, you can log on to any online radio station. One of these, Pandora, allows you to create your own stations by entering the names of your favorite bands and artists, and then plays any related artists, including many obscure ones that you possibly haven’t heard before. You can “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” certain songs as they play, allowing further customization. You can even get applications to allow Pandora to play on your Blackberry, iPhone, or with Windows Mobile.

Despite the hubbub that music and technology are stirring up, there are still plenty of ways for you to artfully and legally assemble the soundtrack for your life.

by Graham Ricks

This week contains a holiday that is renowned for its ability to get people to wear certain colors. St. Patrick’s Day sees people from all over the world wearing green to avoid being pinched. This year the Irish holiday will find that people haven’t been waiting for the holiday for this color. A trend has been sweeping the planet, one that focuses on being more environmentally aware; it’s called Going Green. Starbucks saved the equivalent of 78,000 trees by using recycled paper sleeves, and Harvard University is actually using oil from their kitchens to make biodiesel to use in University Vehicles, but going green is not just for large corporations. For this movement to be effective it needs to reach down to every individual. You may not be able to use the oil from last night’s dinner to drive to work, but there are small things that you can do that help.

1. Don’t waste energy. This is a simple step that everyone can do. Things like turning off your computer when you are going to be away from it. If you are doing something that requires your computer to be on but need to step away turn off your monitor to save power.

2. Recycle your electronics. Many places, including the ResNet office, offer electronics recycling programs. Electronics need to be disposed of properly to avoid polluting the environment.

3. Check out the products you purchase. Companies like Dell, HP, and even Apple are offering green computers, some of which are Energy Star certified for their low power consumption.

Putting some of these tips into effect is an easy and satisfying way to ensure that Green is for more than just St. Patrick’s Day.

by Joni Meadows

On EKU’s campus there are two options on how to connect to the internet with your own personal computer, depending where you’re located. In all the residence halls there are Ethernet ports supplied with fast speed internet, where all you have to do is plug in an Ethernet cord and are immediately connected. But if you live in one of the many residence halls on campus with wireless built in, then you could also get onto the wireless network instead. If you do not live in a residence hall you could still get onto the wireless network and even set it up where whenever your computer finds that signal, you’ll be connected to it automatically. But what if you’re thinking of living off campus next year and having an internet connection is on your list of needs for your new home? Will you get wired or wireless installed?

Having your internet installed for wireless is much easier than having it wired because there are fewer cords to drag across your rooms to reach the Ethernet port. Also for wireless you will more than likely need a laptop with a compatible wireless card built in. Desktops can be wireless compatible, but they would need to be specially built in. For a wired connection you will need an Ethernet cord. Wireless, depending on the battery life, has better mobility options, but there is a problem with walls and kitchen appliances like microwaves interfering with getting a good connection at times. Wired connections are cheaper and have a much faster connection, making it the best choice for those who play online games.

Both wired & wireless connections have their pros and cons. Making the decision on which one best suits your needs is up to you.

by Graham Ricks


Many college students view their computers as an essential part of their lives, and possibly the most important material part of their lives. With a large portion of the average college student’s week spent on a computer, it’s no wonder more and more computer related health issues are beginning to show up. Extended computer usage can cause multiple health problems, but for the most part these problems can be easily remedied by a few simple tricks. Below is a list of some of the most common health issues stemming from computer usage, and some tips on preventing problems and how to alleviate existing symptoms.

1. Eye Disease: One of the most common health concerns is Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS. Symptoms include dry or burning eyes, increase in the time it takes your eyes to focus on objects, blurry vision, and headaches. This can also make your eyes more susceptible to diseases like glaucoma and Macular Degeneration. Prevention is as simple as placing a sticker on your monitor that says “BLINK”; this gives you a reminder that will ensure your eyes do not dry out. Another good tip is every few minutes look at a distant object, allow your eyes to focus on it, and then close your eyes for a few seconds before looking back at the monitor.

2. Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’s): CTD’s are simply injuries or issues that arise from repeated behaviors and actions; the most well known CTD is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Making sure that you use proper typing technique can help with CTD’s. Keeping your wrists straight and using gentle pressure while typing can also greatly reduce problems associated with CTD’s.

3. Structural Problems: Issues relating to your back, shoulders, and neck are often called structural problems. This can include strained muscles, tendinitis, back pain, and over time even muscle degeneration. Setting your monitor just below eye level, keeping your thighs parallel to the floor and maintaining good posture are a few easy ways to prevent structural problems.

Along with these tips remember that the best prevention for these kinds of problems is simply walking away. Every half hour get up and leave your computer for at least 5 minutes. Computers may be one of the most useful tools available to us, but the most important aspect of our lives is our health. If you have to use a computer for extended periods of time, make sure you practice smart computing and stay healthy.

by Graham Ricks

There are many things that begin to happen this time of year. Soon animals will begin to come out of their warm homes from the cold winter. Flowers will begin to sprout and bloom. While nature begins to prepare serenely for the year, humans are trying to keep from ripping our hair out! Why you might ask? Its tax season, that’s why!

With the stress of an improperly prepared tax return landing you a fine or at minimum the hassle of having to redo your taxes, what are college students to do? Since the average college student does not have the money to have their taxes prepared by an accountant or the time to wait in line at H&R Block, many are looking towards e-filing.

The government is trying to make it easier on tax payers by offering online tax filing. With the online filing option you still have to fill out all of the old tax forms, but you are just doing it online. If you need some help with your taxes, look to one of the online tax services for help. There are 3 major online tax services that work well for the average college student: H&R Block TaxCut, TaxAct Online, and TaxSlayer. All three offer State and Federal filing for around $15, and have easy-to-use interfaces. While any of the three work fine for simple tax returns, they each have their bonuses.

H&R Block TaxCut offers “Worry-free Audit Support” which basically means it actively searches out errors in your return and fixes them; they even offer the ability to have a real-life professional check over your return. http://www.hrblock.com/

TaxAct Online offers a much simpler interface and even offers support for your College Student Financial Aid Report (FAFSA). http://www.taxact.com/

TaxSlayer gives users the quickest way to file their tax returns. Their basic version is perfect for a simple return, while their premium version offers a deduction finder and audit support. http://www.taxslayer.com/

When April 15th arrives and you realize you should not have put off your taxes this long, you might just want to check out one of these three online tax services and make sure your taxes make it in on time.

by Graham Ricks

The step our nation has taken to move towards a wireless future has finally spun off a hit: Wi-Fi Theft. Stealing wireless Internet is quickly becoming one of the most committed crimes in the United States, and yes it is a crime… a felony, actually. Accessing a wireless network that is unsecured is called Unauthorized Access to a Computer Network, a 3rd degree felony in most states.

You might say big deal… I don’t steal wireless Internet. That doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods yet though. If you have an unsecured wireless network and someone uses it for malicious purposes you may be held accountable. The FBI Cybercrime Division has stated that a homeowner that does not secure their wireless network is guilty of negligence.

So what are your options?

You could pay someone to secure your home or office network, or try to do it yourself. But why do that when you can just run down to Home Depot and get a can of security that cannot be bypassed?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a household paint that blocks Wi-Fi signals. The one thing that separates this paint from all others is the addition of aluminum iron oxide, which has been found to resonate at the same frequency as Wi-Fi. This allows the paint to absorb and dissipate any wireless signal, allowing you to set up a physical wall around your wireless instead of depending on wireless security alone.

Currently the paint is not available on the commercial market, but when they release
Wi-Fi paint in colors like Citrus Orange or Avid Avocado I am not sure I will be able to resist.

by Lindsey Brown

More often than not, when my cell phone is out in the open, I always receive comments about it. Things like “That’s a really nice phone” or “That phone is huge.” I am the owner of the Motorola Q, one of the many smartphones on the market. Many of you may own a smartphone, have a friend that owns one, or see them being played with variously throughout campus. Some see them as a cell phone that does too much and some cannot live without them. Various models exist on many networks; some are even exclusives. The most recent releases, and some of you may be owners, are the BlackBerry Bold for AT&T and BlackBerry Storm for Verizon Wireless.

There are several features that distinguish a smartphone from the ordinary cell phone. More often than not, they feature a full keyboard, known as a QWERTY keyboard, tiny processors and around 64MB of RAM, Windows Mobile, Symbian, or BlackBerry’s software, sync ability and software for your PC or Mac, a HTML internet browser, and the capability to receive corporate email, such as email through a Microsoft Exchange server. An extra that many of these phones have is a very simplified version of Microsoft Office, featuring Outlook, Word, Powerpoint and Excel, including the ability to view PDF files. Features like this make it highly productive in 3G areas, which another thing several are not clear on. 3G networks are faster than the now classic EDGE network, which operate as a 2.75G network. 3G networks offer faster browsing speeds, higher bandwidth for viewing videos through the wireless provider or YouTube, and downloading music directly from the wireless provider.

These phones were originally designed with the corporate worker in mind, but as years have passed and text messaging has become the way many of us communicate throughout our day, they leaked into the average consumer market. If you are in the market for a new phone, reviews on the latest BlackBerry, the Moto Q and Samsung’s Epix and BlackjackII are all available at www.cnet.com.

By. Morgan Abney

Just recently the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) started, which displayed to the public this year’s hottest new products and prototypes in consumer technology. If you’re someone who has trouble choosing which TV or cell phone to buy, then the gadgets presented during this expo will be very beneficial. The show included tons of electronics from MP3 players to home theaters to GPS’s. Two of my favorite gadgets displayed at the CES were the Samsung OLED HDTV and the Powermat.

The Samsung OLED HDTV is a 50 inch TV, compared to the Sony 11 inch OLED HDTV for sale right now. Plus, since it uses LED’s the television is extremely thin even compared to LCD’s. The bad news is it is only a prototype.

The Powermat is a charger that allows you place multiple items like a cell phone or MP3 player on a small mat that plugs into the wall, which will charge them without connecting any wires. However, you will have to buy a powermat battery to go along with the device you would like to charge.

CES is a great place to get up to date on new technology or learn about certain products so you can make an informed decision about them before you buy. You can look up many of the products presented at the CES on such sites as www.cnet.com, or www.cesweb.org before you make your next electronic purchase. Also, the CES is only shown once a year, so the next one is in 2010 on January 7-10.