Tambayan ng Tropa: 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Facebook New Security Features - Onetime Passwords and Remote Logout

Social networking site Facebook recently introduced two new features that according to Facebook will add more security to users - one time passwords and remote logout. Let us first examine what these two features are:

OneTime Passwords

The one time password is intended primarily for those who login the Facebook from computers at public places, such as Internet cafes. Any user just needs to send an SMS to a short number, and he/she will immediately receive a one-time password, which will be valid for 20 minutes. As of now the service will be available in US only.

According to the Facebook blog: "Simply text "otp" to 32665 on your mobile phone (U.S. only), and you'll immediately receive a password that can be used only once and expires in 20 minutes. In order to access this feature, you'll need a mobile phone number in your account. We're rolling this out gradually, and it should be available to everyone in the coming weeks."

Remote Logout

As the title suggests, the feature allows users to sign out of Facebook remotely and is now available to everyone. These session controls can be useful if you log into Facebook from a friend's phone or computer and then forget to sign out. So now that we know what the two new features is all about, will it now be safer to use Facebook? The answer is maybe yes, maybe no. The safety of using Facebook really depends on the user. Technology can only offer a certain level of security, but how a Facebook user uses his/her account is key. Let's site some examples:

1. If a user opens his/her account on a public PC like internet cafe for example. Now why would you open your Facebook account when you don't even know if the cafe's PC is secure or not? What is that PC contains a malware or a keylogger?
2. Opening your Facebook account on a free wifi. Free wifi in malls and restaurants are great, it allows people to surf the web for free, provided of course if you have your own PC with you. But free wifi is not secure. Have you noticed the agreement notice of free wifi services? That it is not secure and you have to use their services at your own risk.

Despite the given dangers, users still open their emails and Facebook accounts for some reasons I don't know. Is it really a matter of life and death that you need to open your accounts in unsecure connections? That is why I am saying the effectivity of these two new features will highly depend on how users uses their accounts. It's a cool feature to have a one time password or a remote logout function but do I really them if I am a responsible user? Just asking.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Steiner 7x50 Commander XP Binoculars

The most important innovation in the Commander XP are the XP Optics; a new high definition, broad band optical formula that features record setting light transmission for times in the dark and clear, sharp, high contrast and comfortable images in daylight.

In addition to the XP Optics, is a new high-tech optical coating on both the objective and eyepieces called "NANO Protection". This new coating repels water and moisture off the lenses leaving them clear of water or moisture. Like windshield wipers for your binoculars, you won't ever have to wipe them clean of moisture. The secret lies in a unique permanent molecular bonding substance that makes the lenses so smooth, that absolutely nothing adheres to them. Each Commander XP is hand-built to be mil spec waterproof and shock resistant.

Cybertecture Egg

Cybertecture Egg integrates technology, multimedia, intelligent systems and user interactivity to create customizable living and working spaces that focus on experience. The Cybertecture Egg takes this principle working theme a step further with ‘cybertecture health’ – interactive features that monitor occupant’s vital health statistics, like blood pressure and weight. In keeping with the focus on health and wellness, users can customize their views with real time virtual scenery.

The oblong office building incorporates passive solar design to decrease heat gain and lower energy loads. An elevated garden also moderates temperate by using natural vegetation to assist with cooling the building envelope. The Cybertecture Egg will use solar photovoltaic panels and rooftop wind turbines to generate onsite electricity. Water conservation will be managed with a greywater recycling system that will harvest water for irrigation and landscaping.

The building is due for completion by the end of 2010.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Proof-of-Concept CarShark Software Hacks Car Computers, Shutting Down Brakes, Engines, and More

Using homemade software and a standard computer port, a team of scientists has figured out exactly how easy it is to hack into a modern car -- scary news for motorists already wary of faulty brake and accelerator systems.

The research team wrote code that allows them to turn off the brakes in a moving car, change the speedometer reading, blast hot air or music on the radio, and lock passengers inside the car, PCWorld reports.

The team, led by Stefan Savage, an associate professor with the University of California-San Diego, and Tadayoshi Kohno of the University of Washington, will report on their findings in
a paper to be presented at a security conference next week.

While hacking modern-day autos is nothing new, the team's work is meant to encourage the auto industry to highlight security as it develops new computer systems. As the researchers note, many computer systems were designed to increase security -- think anti-lock brakes.
"It is not clear whether vehicle manufacturers have anticipated in their designs the
possibility of an adversary," the paper says.

The team didn't identify which cars they used, not wanting to single out a particular automaker. But all cars share the apparent Achilles heel: the Controller Area Network (CAN) system, required as a diagnostic tool on all US cars built since 2008. The team wrote software called CarShark that listened to CAN traffic, and then added their own network packets.

They used a shotgun approach, called "fuzzing," in which they sent a large number of random info packets to see what happened. The results were sometimes surprising -- brakes that didn't work, no matter how hard the driver smashed the pedal; popped trunks and engine hoods; and others.

Some attacks were deceptively simple. One attack called "self-destruct" required less than 200 lines of code to start a 60-second countdown on the dashboard, accompanied by a clicking noise. The horn honks in the final seconds, and as the clock strikes zero, the car's engine shuts off and the doors are locked. Most of that code was devoted to keeping time, PCWorld notes.

Still, the researchers say hacks like these aren't easy. A would-be criminal would have to have some serious computer skills, not to mention access to the car's physical computer in order to launch the attacks. So motorists shouldn't be worried.

Disabling Autorun CD

In windows XP you can enjoy a good feature to run CD or DVD automatically when you loaded it into you CD drives on your computer. This is a defaults feature in windows XP but you can disable and enable it according to your nature of work. In user interface mode there is no option to disable or enable this feature, you must edit the registry of windows and be careful to work registry. Click Start button then type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next. Here locate the location to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom Here you can disable or enable automatically running your CD. Change the value of Autorun to 0 for disable and change the value to 1 for enable. At the end restart your computer for this change.

Windows Hot Shortcut Keys

Win Press windows key to open start menu

Win+R Apply to open Run dialog box

Win+M Apply to minimize all opened windows

Win+Shift+M Apply to maximize all opened windows

Win+L Press keys to lock keyboard in windows XP

Win+E Press keys to open My Computer

Win+F Apply to open search options

Win+U Apply keys to open Utility Manager

Win+D To view desktop/minimize all windows

Win+F1 To view the detail windows help page

Win+Pause To view the System Properties dialog box

Win+Tab Move through taskbar programs

Win+F+Ctrl Apply to open search for computers

Alt+Tab Move through opened windows programs

Alt+F4 Press keys to close active windows program

Alt+Enter Apply to open properties of selected item

Alt+ SPACEBAR Open the system menu of active window

Alt+ SPACEBAR +N Press keys to minimize the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR +R Press keys to restore the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+C Press keys to close the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+X Press keys to maximize the active program

Alt+ SPACEBAR+M Press keys to move the active program

Ctrl+Alt+Delete Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Shift+Esc Apply to open windows task manager

Ctrl+Esc Press keys to open start menu

Shift Shift key to prevent CD from automatically playing

Shift+Delete To delete items permanently

Why static electricity can kill your PC?

There are electronics that are highly sensitive to static electricity; computers and laptops are one of them. Try rubbing a balloon in your hair and then stick it to the wall. You will notice that it will stick to the wall. This is due to the massive build up of charges around the rubbed part of the balloon, producing a high voltage.

This high voltage when put near any electronics, metal cases, and any conductor may cause spark called Electrostatic Discharge or ESD. You may notice some warnings in your electronics about their static sensitivity.

As a computer user and technician, I know about the risk and effect of static electricity on computers. I am here to share with you some tips that can help you save your computers from being damage because of static electricity.

First, we have to know the possible source of static electricity and how to prevent it from building up.

Carpets and Clothes

Most carpets and clothes have a natural proneness for building static charges. Most of the time, they are made of materials that is a poor conductors of electricity. These materials exchange charges when rubbed against another non-conducting materials.

So walking or accidentally rubbing on carpets can produce static electricity. And its not only the carpet that get charge, but yourself as well.And when you purposely or accidentally touch any wires or metals in your computer, you get a spark.

This doesn’t mean that you should throw away the carpets in your house or refrain from wearing clothes. But you have to keep your computers away from carpet area. Be sure to touch any other metal before you start using your computer.

Dry Ambient

A dry ambient is a perfect spark for static buildup. Try putting some plants inside the room to help humidify the room. You can also buy humidifier if you don’t want to put in plants.

Always remember that static electricity may sound simple but it can destroy your electronic appliances.

So make sure, you are static electricity free before touching your laptops and computers.

Windows XP to make more faster

Did you know that you can still be able to squeeze out some more performance power just by simply disabling unneeded services on your Windows XP? Some people are asking me why am I still giving tips for Windows XP when there is Vista and the upcoming Windows 7, the quick answer is “I love XP” and there are still more people that chooses to stay with XP even the eye candy Vista is out there. Some reasons maybe it’s hard for them to use Vista, they don’t have the power to run the resources hungry Vista, compatibility issue or just really love XP. To all single user XP lovers I have here some list of services that you can disable without any ill effect to your system. This tip will not only make your XP system run a little bit faster it will also make your XP computing more safer.

To disable the services below, go to Control Panel –> Administrative Tools –> Services

xp services

Alerter

Clipbook

Computer Browser

Fast User Switching

Human Interface Access Devices

Indexing Service (Slows the hard drive down)

Messenger

Net Logon (unnecessary unless networked on a Domain)

Netmeeting Remote Desktop Sharing (disabled for extra security)

Remote Desktop Help Session Manager (disabled for extra security)

Remote Procedure Call Locator

Remote Registry (disabled for extra security)

Routing & Remote Access (disabled for extra security)

Server

SSDP Discovery Service (this is for the utterly pointless “Universal P’n’P”, & leaves TCP Port 5000 wide open)

TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper

Telnet (disabled for extra security)

Universal Plug and Play Device Host

Upload Manager

Windows Time

Wireless Zero Configuration (for wireless networks)

Workstation

Monday, May 10, 2010

Smartbro(ke) Bulok

Hayzz smartbro service in Laguna is very bad, sked nila ako for that day and no one come. I called the hotline and they me that smartbroke subcon cant locate may location... subcon said in their report to smartbro that they tried to contact but cant reach... ohh my God i didn't received anything in my mobile, missedcall or even text. "Cant locate my place" what a damn alibi, last month i requested a demo for smartbro corporate account and a subcon coming from Cavite came and i didn't hear anything with them that my place is hard to find.
Suggestion, how about the subcon coming from Cavite will be the one servicing the Laguna area heheheor smartbro must be sure that the subcon they will get know the area they will handle....
Their reasons is not valid for me. This is for you KABLOOM!!!

Publish Post

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Atty. Leif Opiña

Para konsehal ng Cabuyao, Laguna

Friday, February 19, 2010

Featured Song: Bangon

Hey mga katropa, i want to share with you another great song of Rico Blanco entitled BANGON. I really loved how he made it and of course the lyrics that will touch our heart and mind... Join me to hear it...

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Featured Katropa Artist : Dalubhasa Familia

Mga katropa, here's a group of pinoy rapper from Cabuyao, Laguna with their first song entitled Tugma ng Dalubhasa. The group members are Throw One, Young One, Neynine, Macky G, Thug One, Clash G, and Prince G. I really liked how they twist their tounge to made a great melody of rap music. Listen and enjoy...

Top Tech Gadget for the Year 2009

Once again Time has come out with their top tech gadgets for 2009. The top spot was given to the Android based Droid SmartPhone. Everyone sems to love this smartphone which is Google’s open source operating system. It may not have the gloss of the iPhone but the screen is sharp and has a physical keyboard. Loaded with possibilities, the Android will go head to head with the amazing iPhone. It can rip through the Internet with blazing speed. Will it be the iPhone killer? Well, it seems every new smartphone that comes out claims to be the latest iPhone conqueror. That remains to be seen, but this neat little tech gadget does seem to be doing well. They just launched it in the United Kingdom, so we will anxiously await the results there. For me, I think there is a reason every new smartphone compares itself to the iPhone. Maybe because the iPhone is still the best. But the Android not only has the hype, it is also receiving a lot of positive reviews.

Highest Glass Floor in Chicago USA

If you're scared of heights, it may be time to look away now. Not content with having the tallest building in America, the owners of Sears Tower in Chicago have installed four glass box viewing platforms which stick out of the building 103 floors up. The balconies are suspended 1,353 feet in the air and jut out four feet from the building's Skydeck.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Top 15 Most Spoken Languages in the World

Here's the list of top 15 most spoken languages in the world according to rank.
1. Mandarin Chinese
2. English
3. Spanish
4. Hindi
5. Portuguese
6. Russian
7. French
8. Bengali
9. Malay / Indonesian
10.German
11.Japanese
12.Italian
13.Persian
14.Panjabi
15.Urdu

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Cebu Dancing Inmates

Hey mga katropa... i got a video of dancing inmates from Cebu with Travis Payne, the dance choreographer of Michael Jackson in This Is It concert, who led and taught them the dance steps of They Dont Care About Us music of MJ.

Watch it!!!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

TOP 30 Music for 2009 year ender

Here's the music for 2009 with the most requested in JAHCS (JAHren's Computer Shop).
1. Nobody by Wondergirls
2. I Got a feeling by Black Eyed Peas
3. Insomnia by Craig David
4. Poker Face by Lady Gaga
5. Move Shake & Drop by Pitbull & Flo Rida
6. I Know You Want Me by Pitbull
7. Boom Boom Pow by Black Eyed Peas
8. One Time by Justin Bieber
9. Fire by 2NE1
10. Party In The USA by Miley Cyrus
11. Mas Mahal Na Kita Ngayon by Michael V. / Young Men
12. Aking Pagmamahal by Ladskie
13. You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
14. Mhine by Repablikan
15. Jai Ho by Pussycat Dolls
16. 21 Guns by Greenday
17. Nagmahal Ako ng Bakla by Dagtang Lason
18. Mad by Ne Yo
19. Bintana by Repablikan
20. I Will Take U Forever by Kris Lawrence
21. Moment of Truth by FM Static
22. The Climb by Miley Cyrus
23. Tonight by FM Static
24. Right Now Na Na Na by Akon
25. Mandirigma, Makata, Arkitekto by Mike Kosa
26. Momay by Juan Thugs
27. Gabay by Siakol
28. Upuan by Gloc 9
29. Teardrops On My Guitar by Taylor Swift
30. Paano Na Kaya by Bugoy Drilon

Contenders : Bad Romance (Lady Gaga), If I Were A Boy (Beyonce), Billie Jean (Michael Jackson), Single Ladies (Beyonce), Down (Jay Sean), Fire Burning (Sean Kingston), One Less Lonely Girl (Justin Bieber), Hindi Sadya (Tuglaks), Tatlong Taon Kitang Iningatan (Tuglaks), Kahit Di Na Tayo (Repablikan), Thriller (Michael Jackson), Upside Down (6 Cycle Mind).

We will post the Most Requested Song every month in Tambayan ng Tropa.
Ref: jahcs.blogspot.com

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