http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090824-112824
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

]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090410-122609
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090326-114116
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090317-075106
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090316-072634
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090224-123754

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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090212-104638
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090210-080613
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090209-080518
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.

]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090122-140017
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.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry090115-122016 Technical Trainer

The web these days has become a powerful tool, and to some a source of addiction. The introduction of the internet essentially provided people with access to nearly any information they could ever want. This “Web 1.0” was a powerful tool, allowing users to speak across oceans; the internet was basically a never-ending library. But with the new millennium came the beginning of a new internet; the new Web 2.0.

Web 2.0 is a term that you will be hearing more and more of. It basically describes the change in direction of the internet. Instead of now using the internet as a resource, the internet is becoming a place to live instead of just visiting. Web 2.0 basically describes the way the internet is now connecting people and ideas, and how people can interact with the internet. The new Web is now considered by many to be an actual computer platform, like Windows Vista/XP or Mac OSX. This is because the internet now plays host to its own online office suites, games and other software. Previously if you wanted to use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint you had to install it on your computer, now all you have to do is visit Zoho.com and you can use the same products entirely online.

Web 2.0 has also been applied to the new look of the internet. Web pages have moved to a more streamlined look with bolder colors, special animations and rounded corners. With the shift to Web 2.0 you will begin to see websites with more central layouts that have a much bolder look. This is also being followed by companies such as Microsoft that have incorporated the Web 2.0 look into their software, as you can see in Word 2007.
Moving from the passive internet of the past the more aggressive Web 2.0, users can expect to be drawn into the internet. You never know, when Web 3.0 comes along the internet may reach through the monitor and pull you in.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081211-101130
You may have visions of iPods dancing in your head as the holidays quickly approach. But what about those people on your list who just aren’t hip to all of the gadgets offered by the information age? Take a brief trip through some of America’s best and worst decades as you see gifts for people stuck in any era!

For fans of what the early 20th Century had to offer (don’t forget this was the time of the Roaring Twenties!), great options include:

* Betty Boop alarm clock
* Gone With the Wind Paraphernalia (watch, DVD, or even the book)
* Retro soda vending machine or old time cart popcorn maker
* Anniversary Editions or other favorite DVDs of John Wayne or other early 20th century favorites

For fans of the 40’s:
* Once again, you can’t go wrong with a classic DVD set
* A die cast model of a favorite car from the era

And the 50’s:
* An Elvis album
* Collector’s Edition DVD box set of The Diamond Collection (Marilyn Monroe)
* Retro Milkshake Maker
* Vintage candy dispenser
* Lucy & Ethel Musical Globe

For those on your list with fond memories of their hippie days or other events of the 1960’s:
* Star Trek DVD set (or even a Phaser if it’s their favorite show)
* A Greatest Hits collection of The Beatles
* Auto Lava Lamp (read: for the car)!

And for everyone stuck in the 70’s:
* Rocky Horror Tribute Show DVD
* Music of Sonny & Cher or DVD of The Sonny & Cher Show
* Bobble head of a favorite Star Wars character (not exactly technological, but very amusing)
* Table Top Disco Ball

Finally, the last era anyone is still allowed to be stuck in is the 80’s:
* Leg Lamp from the Movie A Christmas Story
* Darth Vader USB Hub
* Dancing Gizmo Plush Figure
* Name that Tune DVD Board Game

These items will surely convert anyone who is still convinced that technology isn’t a great thing. For more era-specific ideas, visit Betty’s Attic at www.bettysattic.com.

Happy Holidays!




]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081210-122524
Are you looking for inventive ways to jazz up your PC this year? Well now you can. Creating your own PC modifications (case mod) is a fun and relatively inexpensive way to dress up your tired PC. You don’t have to know a lot about computers to create a case mod. You can find easy “How To” guides everywhere.

Case mods are often conducted on the lights and fans of the system, however; you can go as far as renovating the majority of the computer’s components including its exterior.

Case mods are not limited to computers. Some extreme console users often enjoy creating mods for their systems. One mod I recently found online was a Clerks mod for a PS3.

Computer enthusiasts in the past have created some of the strangest PC modifications ever. The following is a list of awesome mods I recently located online.

10. The Microwave PC-as strange as it sounds in order to create this machine the internal components of a microwave oven were taken out and replaced with computing equipment.

9. The Wall Crawler-built into a wall cabinet, made for a user that wants to alternate between hard drives on a daily basis.

8. The WMD-weapon of mass destruction was built with the intention of looking like an atomic bomb.

7. R2D2 PC-the PC is for Stars Wars fans who want to do more than just watch the movie. They want to keep a portion of the film with them forever.

6. The Lego MAC-is a PC mod created out of thousands of Lego blocks. This one will really take you back to your childhood.

5. The Cyber Pumpkin-speaks for itself.

4. The Y2K Bug-Its outward appearance takes on the look of a random insect but this mod took several months to build.

3. The Gingerbread House-Just in time for the holiday season. This particular mode looks almost eatable.

2. The Toilet PC-This mod is my favorite. The Toilet PC comes complete with its own biohazard sign and painted on excrement as well as a flusher used as a power switch.

1. Miss Kanna PC-For all of you Manga fans out there this PC is for you. This design was actually created for a magazine in 2004. It’s structure is made out of piping and clay.

(Information taken from http://gadgets.fosfor.se/the-top-10-weirdest-case-mods/)

Other interesting case mods include: Leela Futurama case mode, DOOM 3, and Battlestar Galactica case mods.

Computer Moding equipment can be found at some of the following locations:

www.FrozenCPU.com

www.Xoxide.com

www.ArticMod.com




]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081208-081326
Now that we have officially moved into the holiday season many people have begun the search for the perfect holiday gift. The only thing harder than finding a gift for the person who has everything is finding some technology for a demanding geek. Here is a list that will hopefully shorten your search for gifts and make your techie happy they know you.

1. Kingston DataTraveler 150 32GB Flash Drive – $46.99 on Newegg.com – This product can be found all over the internet for around $50 but newegg.com also offers free and very fast shipping.
Newegg.com
Search: DataTraveler 150 32GB

2. Canon Powershot A1000 IS 10MP Camera – $142.95 on B&H Photo –
A very popular point and shoot camera by one of the leaders in the digital photography market. This 10 Megapixel image stabilized digital camera comes in a variety of colors and is perfect for your holiday photos.
Bhphotovideo.com
Search: A1000 IS

3. Garmin Nuvi 205W GPS – $149.99 on tigerdirect.com – A 4.3 inch touch screen with turn by turn voice directions for $150? What more can you ask for?
Tigerdirect.com
Search: Nuvi 205W

4. Panasonic Blu-ray Disc Player – $249.99 at CirtcuitCity.com – A speedy Blu-ray player that supports BD-Live, the latest industry Blu-ray standard, and it even comes with free shipping for the holidays.
Circuitcity.com
Search: DMPBD35K

5. The Dark Knight on Blu-ray – Pre-order $23.99 on Amazon.com – The only choice for your first Blu-ray movie to go with your new Panasonic Blu-Ray Player, available with a digital copy for your computer and the latest format Blu-ray disc.
Amazon.com
Search: Dark Knight Blu-ray

With the internet and this list along side, you no longer have to fight long lines and search empty shelves for the perfect tech gift.


]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081204-115407
The end of the semester always carries with it the dread of projects, papers, and finals. Another tidbit that creeps up on students to accompany the end of the Fall semester is the Holiday season. How will you make the holidays work when coupled with so much stress and so little time and money? A few clicks around the cyber universe will help you do Holidays on a budget, and below are a few to help you get started.

http://www.edgetechcorp.com/holiday/ This site offers tech gifts organized by price range--starting as low as under $10--interest, or person. The site also boasts a “you choose” category for such things as camera memory and flash drives, and an “EDGE picks” category with a Top 10 list. It is perfect for one stop shopping, even if you’re on a tight budget.

http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/a ... ving_guide This site provides tips on cheap holiday gifts for a student’s friends, parents, roommates and professors.
http://www.oprah.com/article/omagazine/ ... free_gifts Oprah’s website offers ideas for gifts that are very cheap or even free.

A simple Google search will provide many more ideas for Holiday gifts. Remember, lots of money is unnecessary to give a gift someone will love. Put your time and energy into doing well on your final projects, papers, and exams.

Happy Holidays!

]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081126-135801
Thanksgiving will come and go on Thursday, and everyone knows what that signifies: the beginning of the holiday shopping season! Sure, you could wake up before dawn on Black Friday and wander through huge crowds hunting for bargains, but there is a better way: let the internet help you.

2008 Black Friday Ads maintains an up-to-date list of Black Friday ads as well as a strategy guide for truly devoted shoppers.

SlickDeals.net provides up-to-date information about bargains and also offers coupons for electronic items.

Forbes offers a list of the top 15 Black Friday bargains.

PriceProtectr sends email alerts if the price of an item you purchase drops within 30 days of your original purchase. If the store where you bought the item has a price match guarantee, you may be able to take the receipt and proof of the lower price to the store and be refunded the difference.

These sites should prove to be helpful tools for your holiday shopping.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081125-082127
With the holidays fast approaching, people are beginning the search for the perfect gift. Our nation’s most prolific shopping day, Black Friday, is a week away. Stores have already begun stocking for this shopping rush. Each year we hear more elaborate stories of people camping out overnight for a Tickle Me Elmo doll, or the newest game console, but with the use of the internet you no longer have to worry about fighting those long lines and sitting in hours of traffic.

Cyber Monday has brought holiday shopping into the 21st century. For those of you who have not heard of Cyber Monday, this is the name given to the Monday after Thanksgiving. Instead of fighting people for the last toy on the shelf, many people have decided to do all of their shopping online, and most people tend to do it while at work and behind their computer. Below are a few tips to follow when doing online shopping.

* First of all, make sure you are dealing with a reputable online retailer. This time of year a lot of websites pop up hoping to catch unsuspecting shoppers giving out their credit card numbers for a seemingly good deal. If you stick to larger retailers like Buy.com, Overstock.com, or even EBay’s Shopping.com you have less to worry about than if you shop at a generic internet discount store.

* Make sure that any page you submit any personal information to begins with https://. If the web page address does not begin with this, DO NOT ENTER PERSONAL INFORMATION. The “s” in the address indicates that the page is secure; if the “s” is not there your information could be captured by an outside source looking to steal your identity.

* Look for logos on the site from groups like TRUSTe or VeriSign. These are companies whose business is to verify the legitimacy of other websites. They look at things like how long the company has been in existence, customer surveys and the amount of internet traffic they receive. Making sure a website is verified by TRUSTe or VeriSign will ensure a more pleasant shopping experience.

If you follow these guidelines for online shopping safety, you are going to insure that you have a pleasant and safe holiday shopping experience.

Happy and Safe Computing!
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081124-082030
Thanksgiving is coming up next week, and a Google search will generate many websites oozing with turkey-day suggestions. Below are a few nifty sites to enhance your Thanksgiving experience.

Thanksgiving involves many kitchen appliances, but if you have no idea where to start in the Thanksgiving Extravaganza you’ve decided to host for your friends, try the Food Network. This website will provide you with menus, recipes, and even step-by-step instructions.
www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/package/index.htm

Meat centered dishes abound this time of year, but what if you’re trying to stick to your newly declared vegetarian lifestyle? Look no further than Vegetarian Kitchen. The site provides meat-free recipes for salads, main courses, stuffing, side dishes, and desserts.
http://vegkitchen.com/recipes/vegetaria ... giving.htm

After dinner is over and you just want to take a nap, it’s always a good idea to pop in a movie. This website provides a list of great movies for Thanksgiving Day, along with little blurbs about why the movies are so fabulous.
www.springfieldlibrary.org/reading/thanksgivingmovies.html

You will very likely have massive quantities of food left over from Thanksgiving Day, but why throw it away? Use the recipes from Mr. Breakfast to turn your leftovers into body and brain fuel for your Black Friday escapades!
www.mrbreakfast.com/thanksgiving/asp

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Break!
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081114-140913
Everybody uses a camera these days, whether to take pictures of friends or to capture a beautiful landscape. No matter the reason, cameras are a universal product that is created for everybody to use.

Photography companies like Nikon, Sony, Canon, and other camera manufacturers are always upgrading their latest products to suit the evolving requests of potential buyers. With each new product, they promise several factors such as better picture quality, easier use, higher resolution, or other special features like zoom or video capabilities. Each camera is different to better suit a person’s interests. For example, someone wanting to carry their camera around with them may want a handheld camera, while someone with a desire to make a profession out of photography would want something more complex. Cameras have come a long way since the camera obscura, the very first camera where a person stood behind a curtain and traced out a person's picture, by being able to take pictures at a much faster rate, with better looking photos, and becoming much more convenient.

To choose which camera would best fit your needs means to start looking at different manufacturer’s websites and go to your nearest electronics store. If you’re looking for a brand new and fun method of showing off your pictures, the new Nikon Coolpix S60 might be for you. It’s small and lightweight, comes in several fun colors, and is even shown in a commercial with Ashton Kutcher. The LCD screen on the back is touch-sensitive and when viewing your photos, you can flip through them with a swipe of your finger. But what if you’re looking for more of a professional camera that concentrates more on quality than quantity? These cameras are usually bulkier, have detachable lenses, and have more manual settings than compared to the smaller point-and-clicks. But these are only digital camera options. Maybe you would rather develop your own photos or just stick with the camera on your phone? There is no right or wrong camera because they all come out with the same result: your memories captured on film.
]]> http://support.resnet.eku.edu/sphpblog049/index.php?entry=entry081112-081106
Children are an infinite wellspring of energy. This little fact can be unnerving. But what if that energy could be applied usefully? New York based Saber Technical intends to find out.

Saber has developed green playground technology in the form of systems that use children’s energy to create electricity. The most common equipment being used seems to be the merry-go-round. Children run around it to generate electricity, and they are rewarded by flashing lights if they run fast enough.

Green merry-go-rounds are in place on many private-school playgrounds in the United States, and many universities are following Saber’s lead and their various science students are replicating such technology. A group of Brigham Young University students have already installed an electricity-producing merry-go-round in a small village in Ghana that provides electricity for the small school located there.

Saber tech is hoping to start sister programs for their donated playground technology in India, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The company also has projects in the works that hope to improve living and educational conditions in various countries using their kid power playgrounds.
]]>