High Hopes Blog

How To Safeguard Your Computer Against Malware

December 21st, 2011

How To Safeguard Your Computer Against MalwareComputer viruses, spyware, and other malicious software (malware) are created to damage or infiltrate someone’s computer without their consent. It can be used to gather data about the user, control computer settings, or display unwanted ads. Many of the original malware programs were created as pranks, but today they are often used to further Internet crime. There are now illegal companies that make a profit developing software to initiate forced advertising, send spam emails, or monitor web browsing.

Here are some common forms of malware:

  • Viruses – A virus is a destructive kind of computer program that is able to copy itself. They can spread over networks, the Internet, or they can be transmitted to a new computer through removable components like CDs and USB drives. Often, a computer virus will interrupt normal processes on the computer, although they can also exist secretly, with the sole motivation of copying themselves onto as many computers as possible. Viruses are typically attached to an executable file, as they need to be able to execute code.
  • Worms – Like viruses, a worm is malicious software that can copy itself and infect new computers. Unlike a virus, it does not require a host program to work. Worms are commonly used to create “backdoor” entrances to computers. A hacker can then use the backdoor to get into the computer and control it. Computers are exposed to worms if there are security issues in the operating system. Companies protect their customers by creating patches that guard against known worms.
  • Spyware – Spyware is software that installs on computers, and collects information about the user(s) of that system. It can collect information about web pages that are visited, and record surfing habits. It may also take over browsers to redirect web pages, change Internet connection settings, and interfere with other programs. Spyware is different than viruses and worms as it does not replicate itself and infect other computers. Typically, spyware is installed secretly when the user installs a separate program.
  • Adware – This software is designed to download and display advertisements on the computer that it infects. It is sometimes incorporated in spyware programs. The spyware portion determines what types of products or services the user would like, then the adware sends relevant ads.
  • Trojans – A Trojan, or Trojan horse, is software that appears to have a valid function, but secretly invades privacy on a computer. Once a Trojan is installed, a hacker can manipulate the computer from a distance. They can search the computer for personal information, and obtain financial information and passwords. They’re also able to download and upload files to and from the computer, or manipulate current files. Trojans are also commonly used to create networks of “zombie” computers that send out spam messages.

There are many systems and programs designed to detect malware, and remove it from your computer. The majority of computers without this protection will have some kind of malware present if it is networked with other computers or connected to the Internet. Such programs are often able to go undetected normally, and can run in the background without you ever knowing. They may not do anything noticeable apart from slowing your computer down.

Here are some ways that you can improve security on your computer:

  • Firewalls – A firewall acts as a barrier on a network, analyzing each piece of information that passes to your computer. If an item is suspected or if it doesn’t meet the pre-selected criteria, the firewall blocks it. Good firewall software will block suspicious material that comes in and goes out. It will also be able to automatically detect good software and block obvious malware. A firewall application is a good security tool for any computer.
  • Antivirus Software – This software is designed to detect and remove malware from a computer, as well as prevent new infections. This is accomplished by a few different methods. The antivirus software may look for signatures within a file. This is then compared to a dictionary of known virus signatures to determine if it is a threat. The drawback of this is that the signature needs to be created first, so if it is new malware, a virus signature won’t be detected. In that case, the software can analyze the programming code of the suspected file. If it matches known malware code, or is very similar the software will target it. Finally, antivirus software can predict what action a file will execute, and determine whether these are suspicious.
  • Passwords – Make your passwords complicated enough that a computer hacker couldn’t guess them easily. Use more than six characters, and incorporate capital letters, numbers, and special characters for increased complexity.
  • Online security – Be careful about giving out personal information on websites that aren’t trustworthy. Read the site’s privacy policy if you are unsure.
  • Phishing – Watch out for fraudulent emails that pretend to be from real businesses. Make sure that the addresses are real before you give any personal information, like bank account numbers or passwords.
photo by: chrisweible

A Good Computer Mouse

November 1st, 2011

A Good Computer MouseA mouse is an important part of the average computer system, allowing the user to interact with the screen in front of them. A computer mouse may seem like a straightforward tool, but there are actually many different technologies, which make up the various types. The original computer mice had a mechanical design, but these days there are mice that navigate using optics and wireless technology.

Here are some of the main mouse designs:

  • Mechanical– These mice were the original design used with computers. They are much less common now, but are still sold in some places. They contain a physical ball on the underside of the mouse that can move in any direction. The mouse point movement on the screen corresponds with the ball movement inside the mouse. Typically they are used in combination with mouse pads, in order to create greater resistance between the mouse ball and surface that it rests on. The major disadvantage of these mice is that they tend to lose sensitivity over time. It’s easy for lint and other debris to become lodged in the mouse, and disrupt the smooth movement of the ball. The precision of these mice is fine for basic computer work, but they are not sufficient for serious graphic design work or gaming.
  • Trackball– This kind of mouse follow the same general idea as the mechanical mouse. However, instead of having the rolling ball on the underside of mouse, it is placed on the top. The user manipulates the ball with their fingers in order to move the on-screen pointer. With this style of mouse, you’re able to keep your arm and hand in one place as you use it. It’s also possible to improve precision when navigating the mouse ball with fingers instead of your hand and wrist. Unlike the original mechanical mouse, a mouse pad is unnecessary since the ball does not come in contact with the surface it rests on. The trackball model of mouse is also not very popular any more.
  • Optical– The optical mouse is a more recent invention. Instead of detecting movement using a physical ball-roller system, the optical design uses a beam of light and an optical sensor. This style of mouse requires less maintenance, as there is no mouse ball to clean. The optical design also allows this style of mouse to be significantly lighter than the mechanical mouse. The optical mouse allows for more precision, as well.
  • Laser– The laser mouse is the most recent design available on the market. It follows the same idea as the optical mouse, but uses a very narrow beam of light (a laser) instead of the wide beam. This design is even more sensitive than the optical mouse, which makes it great when precision is necessary. Gamers find that the laser mouse works well for their purposes.

Besides the basic design, there are a number of features to look at when choosing a computer mouse. The components of the mouse, as well as the performance are both important if you want to find the best option. Here are some of the main features:

  • Buttons – The majority of computer mice incorporate two or three buttons into their design. However, there are a limited few that contain more. Multiple buttons may be incorporated so the user can program various common functions into different buttons for ease of access. While this could be beneficial to the avid computer user, two is usually enough for the average person.
  • Scroll Wheel – A computer mouse will often include a scroll wheel between the two main buttons. This allows users to scroll up and down web pages, and other documents efficiently. The scroll wheel also typically acts as a third button. It can be pressed to activate processes in many different programs. Sometimes, you will also get the option to scroll from left to right, in addition to up and down. This is useful if you need to navigate around large documents or images.
  • Performance – The sensitivity of a computer mouse is often measured in term of dots per inch (DPI), which is the amount the mouse pointer moves with every inch the physical mouse is moved. A typical sensitivity or resolution is about 800 dpi. Gamers in particular want good mouse sensitivity so it has good reaction time. However, a lower sensitivity works fine for many other applications.
  • Ergonomics – A good ergonomic mouse shape could make it more comfortable to use, especially if you’re using it a lot. It could also reduce your chance of developing muscle and wrist disorders due to a poorly designed mouse.
  • Wiring — There are both wired and wireless mice available. These days, the most common kind of wired mouse connects via USB. Wireless mice use a few different kinds of technology, such as radio signaling and Bluetooth. They allow for greater freedom of movement, and reduce clutter.

Editing Pictures Like A Professional

October 19th, 2011

Editing Pictures Like A ProfessionalPhoto-editing software opens up many options for manipulating digital photographs and drawings. The sky is the limit with this kind of creative software. You can develop art in this medium, touch up personal photographs, add various effects, and manipulate lighting. Some photo-editing software is highly complex, as they’re created for image-editing professionals, but there are many programs with good interfaces that allow even inexperienced users to work on them with relative ease. Good photo-editing software will have well-constructed help sections and wizards to guide you through the various components. There are many different photo-editing programs available which range in price from free to hundreds of dollars.

There is a wide array of photo-editing software out there from very simple computer programs to highly complex ones. A simple program may only have options like cropping and basic photo manipulation, while more complex software will have seemingly endless options for modifying pictures. Here is a list of some of the options that you may find:

  • Cropping – With cropping, you can create a new image by selecting a rectangular portion of the original image. The area that isn’t selected is removed, and the remaining portion becomes the new picture. It does not alter the image resolution. It is typically used to improve the image composition.
  • Image Size – The size of an image is often recorded in terms of pixels per inch (ppi). An option to change the image size allows you to manipulate this value. Expanding the ppi too much will result in an image with poor resolution.
  • Color Quality – The coloring of an image can be manipulated in a number of ways. The balance of the colors can be improved with certain tools so the image has more intense coloring. It can correct problems that originated with improper camera settings.
  • Color Change – Some programs will offer the option to change a specific color or color range within the image. In this process, you select the desired colors to change, and specify a new color to replace it throughout the whole image.
  • Brightness – This tool can make the image brighter or darker, depending on your preferences. It is useful if you have pictures that are underexposed. There are also advanced techniques incorporated into some software to change the brightness of only some of the pixels that are within a certain range of luminosity.
  • Sharpness – The sharpness of an image can be manipulated using deconvolution and unsharp masking tools. This can improve the apparent focus of a picture. Alternatively, it can be used to blur portions of the image to draw attention to the subject.
  • Perspective – Some photographs have a distorted perspective due to the angle at which the picture was taken, and the camera lens. A perspective control tool can fix this problem, although it takes some care, as you could lose some image definition in the process.
  • Orientation – This option allows you to rotate the image in any direction, and to any degree. This is useful to correct photographs that weren’t taken level with the horizon. Rotating the picture a few degrees can fix this problem.
  • Image Noise – This tool involves a number of different algorithms that can either remove or add noise to the image. Noise reduction is able to remove scratches or dust marks present on a picture. However, excessive reduction in noise will lead to a loss of detail within the image.
  • Layers – Layers allow various elements that make up the image to be manipulated separately. Separating an image into various parts using layers make the process of image editing more efficient.
  • Other Effects – The average image-editing software will have a number of tools to alter a picture in strange or interesting ways. This may involve various types of distortion, artistic effects, and the addition of various textures.

When searching for a good photo-editing program, here are some things to consider:

  • Price – The cost of a given program doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality. There is some good software available at a low price, and some costly software that is difficult to use. When searching for a good program to manipulate your images, it’s best to focus on whether it will meet your editing needs or not.
  • Image Formats ‘- Digital images are stored in various formats. Good photo-editing software will at least support the main types, including BMP, GIF, JPG, TIF, and PICT. The more kinds it supports, the better.
  • Editing Capabilities – This part is up to you. If you’re satisfied with basic photo-editing options then that is right for you. Otherwise, look for some of the editing options listed in this article, and others that you desire.
  • Help and Support – There should be a good help section with the program, so you can navigate the various options with ease. It’s also beneficial if the vendor has email or phone support available.