December 29, 2008 at 4:07 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Gone are the days of face-to-face transactions where your favorite customer service representative took care of your needs the moment you set foot inside the door; gone are the days when cold, hard cash was used to pay for products and services; and gone are the days when we had to leave the comfort of home to buy what we needed. It’s an oxymoron no doubt, but the more we talk of social networking, blogs, wikis, Twitter, staying always in touch and opening up to relative strangers, the more behind closed doors we live. While it’s easy to go online and flaunt yourself, it’s not easy to judge that others doing the same are who they say they are. And the more visible you are online, the more open you are about your life and all its aspects, the more the likelihood of your identity being stolen and used for nefarious purposes.
The high degree of anonymity that the Internet affords has made it necessary for service providers to concentrate their efforts on authenticating users and customers and their transaction details. From single-factor authentication which consists of using just a user id and a password to gain access, we’ve moved to more sophisticated forms such as two and multi-factor authentication systems. In these, there are three aspects that are used in some combination or the other to enforce security:
• A physical token or device
• A password or secret code
• A biometric scan
Known in the world of security as “something you have”, “something you know” and “something you are” respectively, these three aspects form the basis of multi-factor authentication. The last one being the hardest and costliest to effect, it’s in use in only applications that need the highest levels of security and authentication.
An ideal security solution must incorporate the following aspects:
• Multiple layers of which authentication is one
• Proper implementation
• Customer acceptance
• Reliability
• Compatibility with existing systems
• Scalability
No matter how secure and impenetrable authentication formats become, there’s always the possibility of hackers and identity thieves getting through using the weakest link – the human factor. Gullibility and greed work hand in hand to make phishing and other such scams successful and keep the conmen in business. And since a system is only as strong as its weakest link, unless human beings do their best to preserve the integrity of a system, even the best protection will not keep the crooks out.
December 29, 2008 at 4:05 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
When use of the internet first became widespread, many people were concerned about online safety. Although this is still a concern, we sometimes forget to remind the younger generation that the internet can sometimes be even more dangerous than the outside world.
Online predators know how and where to look for young people on the internet and they really don’t have to try very hard to find potential victims. Myspace and Facebook are both full of profiles that are not set to private, and details of their whereabouts are casually left out there for anyone’s perusal.
It’s time to get back to basics and remind our children that though the web can be a fun place to get online, chat with friends, and network, they still must think of safety. In order to do this, you must take charge and know what your kids are doing when they are on the internet. They may not like it, but they will thank you down the road.
Know What Your Kids are Doing Online
Seemingly harmless internet posting and chatting can quickly go awry. Know what sites your kids are visiting and monitor their activity on the internet. Trust is something that must be earned, especially if your kids are going out of the way to conceal their activities online.
Create Parental Control Settings
If you start doing this when your children are young, they will get used to it and it shouldn’t be a problem. Restricted sites will require you to grant your children permission or access before they are allowed to log on and used any questionable sites.
Discuss the Benefits and Dangers of Using the Web
Kids may not like the feeling of being controlled, but they may feel a little better about things once they understand the rationale behind your actions. There are many great benefits that come from knowing how to use the internet effectively, but just as in the real world, there are dangers as well. Not only can physical harm come from these dangers, but emotional and even system damage to your computer can occur as a result of dealing with malicious users.
August 25, 2008 at 10:23 am · Filed under Internet Service, Security
The Internet is full of great resources, information and fun games for your kids to play. Unfortunately, it’s also home to sexual predators, cyberbullies and a plethora of content inappropriate for underage eyes to see. How can you protect your kids from these risks while still allowing them to enjoy the wealth of resources the Internet provides? We’ve collected 100 tips and tools that you can use to ensure that your kids can enjoy internet usage that’s safer and more secure so they can play games, learn and connect with friends without constant worry.
Tips
These tips offer some basic ways that you as a parent can help keep your child safe from the dangers lurking on the Internet.
- Don’t put a computer with Internet access in your child’s room. Putting a computer with internet access in your child’s room, away from where you can see it, is asking for trouble. If you can’t see and monitor what your child is doing he or she is much more likely to get onto sites you don’t approve of. Place the computer in an area the whole family uses and where you can easily see and keep track of what your child is up to online.
- Create a list of rules for Internet usage. Sometimes it can be helpful to lay out the expectations of your child’s internet use on paper. Ensure your child knows what is ok and what isn’t and if you can, post the list near your computer.
- Make sure children know to never give out personal information. The Internet is rife with opportunities for personal information to become public knowledge. Ensure your children know not to give out any personal information while they’re online, including their name and address unless you’re there to approve.
- Encourage stranger danger lessons online. While most kids are aware of stranger danger when it comes to talking to people they don’t know on the street, many may not realize that same lesson carries over to the online environment as well. Ensure your kids know not to talk to anyone they don’t know online, in email, IMs or otherwise.
- Ask your child to create a list of the identities and emails of their friends. To make sure your kids are chatting and emailing safely, have them put together a list of emails and IM names that belong to their friends. This way you’ll know just who they’re talking to and if they’re chatting with someone unfamiliar to you.
- Ensure that children understand the danger of meeting someone they met online. Internet predators are out there but you can help make sure your child won’t become a victim by explaining to them to real dangers of meeting someone in person that they only know online.
- Set time limits on Internet usage. Don’t let your child spend all day or night online. Set time limits for how long they’re allowed to use the Internet and make sure they stick to them.
- Monitor your child’s browsing habits. Whether you sit by your child while he or she is on the internet, check the browser history or employ a tracking program, make sure you’re watching what your child is looking at on the internet to make sure they’re not seeing anything inappropriate or dangerous.
- Filter out inappropriate content. There are a number of ways you can filter out what your kids are looking at on the net. You can employ a prefiltered ISP, adjust browser settings or even install a program designed just to limit access to sites that are of questionable content for kids.
- Increase your security and privacy settings. Ensure that your computer is as protected as it can be from outside intruders and unwanted SPAM, malware and even pop-up ads to keep inappropriate material from making its way to your kids.
- Limit access by age. Remember that there isn’t a one size fits all rule when it comes to kids and the internet. Younger kids will require more limitations and should be allowed to use email or social networking sites without supervision. As kids get older, loosen up the reins a little while still ensuring that your teens are staying out of trouble.
- Find and monitor your child’s social networking profiles. You’ve no doubt seen the news reports exposing the potential dangers of social networking sites like MySpace. This shouldn’t mean that your child can’t use them at all, after all, they are a great way to keep in touch with friends. Just make sure you regularly check up on their profile to make sure nothing suspicious is going on.
- Respect privacy. While monitoring what your kids are doing is important, it’s also important to give them a certain measure of privacy. If they’ve never given you a reason not to trust them then don’t read all their e-mails or go through their files.
- Maintain trust. Make sure that you don’t cross the line with your kids and make them feel as though you don’t trust them. Give them the knowledge and skills to make good decisions online instead of constantly looking over their shoulders.
- Use the Web together. With younger kids, it may be a fun and safe idea to look at websites and play games on the internet together rather than setting your kids free on their own.
- Make sure photos stay private. These days it’s easy to take and upload pictures of pretty much anything. Make sure your kids are using photo albums and sites that are only accessible by friends and family.
- Have your children sign an Internet use contract. Lay down the rules of internet use in your household in contract form. Have your kids sign it and have clear consequences if they violate the contract.
- Learn about the Internet. It’s hard for parents to protect their kids from the dangers that lurk on the Internet if they know nothing about technology or how to use the net. Educate yourself on the latest technology, websites, trends on the internet and more so you’ll be savvy enough to talk to your kids about it.
Web Resources
Check out these sites to get information and advice on creating safe internet access for your child.
- Safe Kids: Here you can find a forum, loads of safety tips, news and more all dedicated to educate you on keeping your kids safe online.
- ProtectKids.com: Learn about issues like internet dangers, empowering parents, safety tools and how you can report a cyber crime on this site.
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: While you hopefully won’t need to use this site for a missing child, you can reference it for tips and advice on keeping your child safe from internet predators.
- OnGuard Online: This government sponsored site provides a home to loads of practical tips to help you protect your identity, monitor fraud and create a safe internet environment for your children.
- SafeTeens: Check out this site for tips, advice and news on keeping your teens safe while they look at the Internet. You’ll also have access to a forum where you can chat with other parents.
- KidzPrivacy: This kid friendly site is full of articles and suggestions that can help parents, teachers and even kids themselves use the internet in a safe and secure manner.
- Safe Surfin’: This foundation works to educate the public on Internet crimes against children and suggest ways that communities can protect their children.
- Family Guide Book: If you’re trying to explain the dangers of the Internet to your children, check out this guide. It’s kid friendly and provides information for kids, teens, parents and teachers.
- KidsCom Internet Safety Game: Kids can learn how to use the Internet safely in a fun and imaginative way with this online game.
- Help Delete Online Predators: Learn about the dangers of online predators and what you can do to protect your kids on this Ad Council sponsored site.
Articles
From tips to advice, these articles provide a range of information on internet usage and kids.
- FBI Safety Tips for Kids on the Internet: The FBI has put together this list of tips that are designed to alert parents and kids to the dangers that could be lurking on the Internet.
- Internet Safety Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: The NCMEC wants to help prevent children from being the victims of sexual crimes or kidnapping and provides these tips to keep your kids away from online predators.
- Improve Your Family’s Web Security in 4 Steps: Make sure your family computer is a safe and secure environment by double checking these tips provided by Microsoft.
- How to Protect Your Children on the Internet: 20 Tips: These 20 tips can provide a great place to get inspiration on how you can take measures to ensure your children aren’t getting into trouble on the net.
- Online Family E-ssentials: The National Consumers League has put together this guide to help you go through and determine if your computer is set up for secure family online usage.
- 14 Tips to Protect Your Kids Online: Blogger Ronit Baras gives her advice on ways you can work to ensure your kids aren’t being taken advantage of while they’re online.
- Keeping Kids Safe on Social Sites: The news is full of reports of the dangers of MySpace and Facebook. Learn how your kids can use these sites while still staying safe with some help from this article.
- 10 Ways to Protect Your Children from CyberBullies: Cyberbullying has become an increasingly large problem as more and more children use computers on a daily basis. Learn how you can keep online bullies away from your child with these tips.
- CyberAngels: This Guardian Angels program aims to help keep children and adults safe from predators and bullies online. Check out their site for resources, articles and more.
- The Dangers of Chat and Instant Messaging: Online chat and instant messaging can be harmless and fun activities for children and teens. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous activities if not monitored and you can learn about these risks from this article.
- Protecting Your Children from Online Predators: Predators can use the online forum for a quick and easy way to gain access to children and build their trust. Learn how to keep these criminals away from your kids by reading this article and implementing preventative measures.
- Living With Technology: Keep Your Kids Safe Online: Technology is a great asset but unfortunately it comes with some drawbacks as well. This article can help you more effectively use technology while keeping your kids safe at the same time.
- Teaching Kids to Be Safe Online: You can’t always be looking over your kids’ shoulders when they’re online so make sure they know right from wrong when it comes to online behavior.
- Kids Don’t Tell Parents the Truth About Online Activities: Check out this article to find out how teens and kids deceive their parents about what they do on the net and what you can do about it.
- Teens, Privacy and Online Social Networks: While it’s good to monitor your children’s online activities, make sure you’re not invading their privacy. This article can help you walk that fine line.
Organizations
These organizations are dedicated to helping keep your kids safe from internet predators, privacy invaders and cyberbullies.
- WiredSafety.org: WiredSafety "provides help, information and education to Internet and mobile device users of all ages." This site is especially geared towards the prevention of cyber attacks and providing help for victims.
- Surf Net Parents: Here you’ll find suggestions for sites that are safe to look at with your kids, advice on keeping kids safe online, and more.
- The NetSmartz Workshop: This site provide resources for both parents and kids on how to use the Internet safely and responsibly.
- GetNetWise: The goal of this site is to ensure that net users enjoy a safe and constructive online experience. It provides resources on everything from protecting your kids online to stopping unwanted email.
- Kids Privacy: Make sure your child’s information isn’t getting out onto the web with the resources and guidance from this site.
- WebWiseKids: This organization aims to empower today’s youth to make educated and responsible choices about internet usage. It uses fun, interactive games to do this and provides resources for both kids and parents.
- StopCyberBullying: Dedicated to eliminating the problem of cyberbullies, this organization provides a host of resources and information.
- Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use: Parents, librarians, and educators can access this site to learn about ways they can educate and provide guidance to children to promote safe and responsible internet use.
- iSafe.org: This organization bills itself as the worldwide leader in internet safety education. It’s part of a non-profit foundation dedicated to empowering students and parents to make the Internet a safer place.
Parental Control Apps
Take control over what your kids are looking at on the Internet by installing one of these helpful parental control programs.
- Net Nanny: Get a 14-day free trial of this software that allows you to easily monitor and control your child’s internet usage.
- Free Shield: Make sure young, impressionable eyes aren’t shown inappropriate images by installing this pornography blocker on your computer.
- Parental Control Bar: This free program allows parents to easily block sites that can show children questionable content.
- Crawler Parental Control: Don’t just control your child’s Web access. This program allows you to control what games and applications they can use as well.
- K9 Web Protection: Filter and control the content your child has access to over the Internet by using this helpful free tool.
- Golden Eye: Much like the James Bond movie of the same name, this tool is all about spying. Parents can monitor and filter the content children have access to and best of all it’s free to use.
- Free Parental Control: This program makes it easy to remove adult images, cookies and caches from your computer so it’s safe for kids to use.
- KGB Spy: For parents who want to take their spying one step further, there’s this tool. It logs the keystrokes your child makes so you can access his or her accounts.
- ChatShield: Keep creeps and predators away from your child’s instant messenger with this helpful tool.
- ContentPurity: Make sure your computer is free from inappropriate content by installing and using this directory cleaning tool.
- Cyber Patrol: With Cyber Patrol you can filter and block websites, monitor internet use, and protect against inappropriate activity.
- Surf Watch: This tool allows you to filter out questionable content including sites on pornography, gambling, violence, hate speech, and drugs.
- CyberSitter: Check out CyberSitter for an easy way to monitor and control what your kids have access to on the Web.
- Safe Surf: This isn’t a parental control tool per se, but it does provide a home base for an site rating standard that can let you know what content is safe for your kids and what they should avoid.
- Safe Eyes: Install this program on your computer to easily filter and control what and when your kids can look at online content.
Prefiltered ISPs
These ISPs filter out content before it ever reaches your house, making it easier to keep unwanted images and information away from immature and impressionable eyes.
- Crosswary Christian ISP: Those of the Christian faith can take advantage of this ISP which filters out a lot of content before it reaches your home. Some families may not agree with its filtering as it supports more traditional values and excludes content on homosexuality and feminism.
- MayberryUSA: Filtering from this ISP cannot be turned off and provides protection for a variety of questionable sites as well as spam an unsolicited emails.
- SurfSafely: This dial up service provides a prefiltered connection that will prevent your kids from accessing any inappropriate sites.
- SurfOntheSafeSide: You’ll get access to pre-paid filtered internet access with this company.
- Setting Captives Free: With this ISP, you’ll get to decide what content gets filtered. The service also provides an unfiltered option as well.
- pkFamily: Put out by Promise Keepers, this filtered internet access is designed to filter out the R and X-rated content on the internet.
- PEF Internet: With this filtered internet provider you can block access to certain sites or by category.
Kid-Safe Browsers and Playgrounds
These browsers provide a way for parents to create an internet playground for their children where content is limited to just what’s deemed child-safe.
- Magic Desktop: Create a safe and fun learning environment right on your computer with this program. It contains a special desktop and browser that limits what your kids can access.
- Zeeks.com: This site is full of games, chat, videos and more that are all kid friendly and safe to use.
- MaMaMedia: Check out this kids site to play games, create digital creatures, collect websites to use later, and join clubs with other kids.
- Disney’s Club Blast: Kids will love this Disney site which is loaded with games, music, videos and more that is all kid-friendly.
- JuniorNet: This online service provides access to games, stories and puzzles that encourage kids to learn and explore.
- KidRocket: KidRocket is a browser designed just for kids. It blocks out all web content except sites you deem to be ok.
- MyWeb: Designed to suit the needs of kids, this animated browser allows parents to restrict access to all but kid friendly sites.
- KidZui: This free download allows kids access to over 800,000 sites which have all been approved by teachersand parents for clean, safe content.
- Peanut Butter PC: This desktop application will only launch kid-friendly programs making it easy to control what your kids use and see.
- NoodleNet: NoodleNet creates a safe desktop and online environment so parents can feel secure in letting their kids explore and learn online.
- Hoopah Kidview: This program makes it easier for parents to let their children use the Internet by creating a secure environment for internet and desktop usage.
- Crayon Crawler: This complete internet browser and community suite so children can securely send email, chat, play games and use the internet.
Activity and Time Trackers
Keep an eye on what your kids are looking at and how much time they’re looking at it with these helpful tools.
- WinWhatWhere: This program provides everything from keystroke logging to internet activity tracking to ensure your kids aren’t doing anything they shouldn’t be on the computer.
- Addict: Keep track of the time your kids spend on the Internet with this tool.
- PC Tattletale: Monitor incoming and outbound emails, chat conversations and visited sites by installing this stealthy monitoring software.
- SnoopStick: Just plug this USB device into your child’s computer and it will install software that will allow you to monitor what they’re doing at all times.
- User Tracker: With this tool you can track the amount of time your child is spending on the computer and what they’ve been doing while they’re on there.
- Kids PC Time Administrator: Put limits on the amount of time your ids are allowed to use the computer by using this application, designed to set time limits and schedules for computer use.
- eBlaster Spy Software: Capture inbound and outbound emails, IMs and browsing habits by using this spying tool.
Kids Search Engines
Let your kids surf the net in relative safety with these kid-friendly search engines.
- Yahooligans: Kids can visit this site to search through Yahoo, get access to games, music, jokes, ecards and more.
- Ask for Kids: The popular search engine Ask provides this kid-friendly version that will only search through sites designed to educate and entertain kids.
- CyberSleuth Kids: Check out this site with your kids to find information on hundreds of educational topics.
- KidsClick: Librarians have put together this site which allows kids to search through sites on everything from the supernatural to geography.
- Berit’s Best Sites: This site provides a list of safe, recommended websites that are approved for children.
- KOL: Let your kids enjoy searching and browsing through this AOL kids site.
- Animal Search: For kids who love animals, this site can be a great search point for finding information.
August 21, 2008 at 9:35 am · Filed under Internet Hacks, Social Networking, Web Tools
LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) servers are very popular for their ease of use and flexibility. They’re also easy to initiate, because the components are easy to aquire and there’s a lot of documentation available to help with getting started. Read on to find some of the best resources available for creating your own home LAMP server, from installation to maintenance.
Tips
Follow these tips for a simpler and easier installation experience.
- Use localhost: If you don’t know your IP address, you can just use localhost, https://localhost:10000/, to access your setup on the machine you’re using, specifically with Webmin.
- Have at least 256MB of RAM available: If you go any lower than 256MB of RAM, you just won’t have enough memory to run your server.
- Avoid using HTTP GET: GET may set you up for problems with search engines and users, so use POST instead.
- Turn off unnecessary services: There are a number of services on most distributions that are just not needed to run a LAMP server.
- Don’t forget to set up a firewall: Protect your LAMP server with a firewall that has strong settings.
- Create a junk database: Give yourself a database for things that don’t need backing up, such as views, caching tables, and session states, and you’ll save yourself time and bandwidth when backing up the stuff that matters.
- Don’t forget to update: Make sure you’ve updated all of your necessary packages before you get started installing your server.
- Consider removing default installations: If you plan to install LAMP from scratch, you’ll want to remove default installations of Apache, MySQL and PHP.
- Check the status of your PHP installation: Point your web browser to http://yourserveripaddress/testphp.php after you’ve set up your PHP installation to make sure everything came out OK.
- Keep all of your database code together: Keep all of your database calls in a single source file if possible so that you can easily modify it later.
- Set up redundant components: Be sure to have a redundant power supply, RAID, and ethernet adapters.
- Be sure to choose manual partitioning: With manual partitioning of your disk, you can create seven partitions to be used for specific functions.
- Don’t forget to set up Wins Support: Make sure that you can access your server from a Windows machine by enabling Wins Support.
- Set up directory password protection: Use .htaccess to set up files in a directory to be protected.
Software
This software is helpful for managing and installing LAMP.
- Ubuntu: Download Ubuntu to get the operating system your server can run on.
- Webmin: Use Webmin to set up a web-based Unix system administration that will allow you to set up user accounts, DNS, file sharing, and more, either from your computer or remotely.
- VPSlink: Get a virtual private server package from this host.
- PuTTy: If you’re accessing your server through SSH, you can use this terminal emulator application to act as a client.
- phpMyAdmin: With this software, you’ll be able to manage your database from the web.
- BastilleLinux: BastilleLinux is recommended for security hardening measures.
- Balance: Use this open source software to load balance for your servers.
- Apache Friends: Use this project’s easy to use LAMP installation for minimal hassles.
- eaccelerator: Use this PHP extension to save on processing and perform page generation.
- VMware: You can set up a virtual machine on your computer with this player.
- VMware Utilities: Add a few bells and whistles to your virtual machine with these utilities.
- DYN-DNS: Use this dynamic DNS service to create an address that others can bookmark and connect to your server with.
- OpenSSH: Use this free SSH connectivity tool for secure access to your console.
- Webalizer: With this web server log file analysis program, you can get detailed usage reports in HTML format.
- psPictureViewer: This tool offers a simple, effective way to present images on a LAMP server.
- XAMPP: Set up this Apache web server that has MySQL, PHP, and Perl pre-installed.
- Samba: The Samba network fileshare tool can be easily accessed.
- Samba Web Administration Tool: Simplify the process of configuring Samba by using this tool.
Tutorials
Here you’ll find a variety of different distributions and approaches to getting started with a LAMP server.
- Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron) LAMP Server Setup: Here you’ll find out how to install and set up a LAMP server in about the same time as it takes to install the Ubuntu Server Edition.
- The Perfect Server-Ubuntu Gusty Gibbon: This tutorial will show you how to set up the perfect server for what you need it to do.
- How to install a LAMP Server: Visit this wiki entry to get detailed instructions for setting up a LAMP server on NetBSD.
- How-To: Add a LAMP Server to Your Linux Desktop for Development: Alexander Grundner explains how to set up a LAMP server for development testing purposes.
- Ubuntu LAMP Server-Setup Guide with Desktop GUI: Follow this guide to learn how to create an Ubuntu LAMP server.
- LAMP Installation On Ubuntu 6.06 for Linux Noobs: Linux newbies will be able to easily follow this LAMP tutorial.
- LAMP Server: This coder explains the process of a recent Ubuntu home server installation.
- Setup LAMP System: Here you’ll find LAMP documentation aimed at RedHat users.
- How to Configure an $80 File Server in 45 Minutes: Here you’ll find out how to set up a LAMP file server in a quick and simple way.
- Ubuntu 7.10 (Gusty Gibbon) LAMP Server Setup: Use this tutorial to set up a LAMP server on the Gusty Gibbon distribution of Ubuntu.
- Installing LAMP Server Using TASKEL: Install an Ubuntu LAMP server with TASKEL by following this tutorial.
- How To: Set Up Ubuntu Linux 6.06 LTS LAMP Server: Here you’ll find an incredibly detailed 4-step guide to setting up Ubuntu Linux.
- Howto: Setup a Debian/Ubuntu LAMP Server: Find out how to do an easy DIY installation with this tutorial.
- Setting Up Your PHP Server Environment Using Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP: This tutorial is geared towards Dreamweaver users.
- LAMP Setup: spideR Net offers a customizable guide to setting up a LAMP server.
- Building a LAMP Server with SSL and mod_perl Support: This tutorial offers a few extra touches.
- The Perfect Setup-CentOS: Find out how to set up a CentOS LAMP server in this tutorial.
- How to Set Up LAMP on Ubuntu Desktop Edition: This is a friendly tutorial for creating a LAMP server that also functions as a desktop.
- Ubuntu LAMP Server Guide-Configure Apache, mySQL, and cgi-bin: This tutorial explains how to get LAMP components set up the way you’d like them to be.
- Installing LAMP on Ubuntu for Newbies: Get a newbie-friendly guide to LAMP installation here.
- Set up your own server with Ubuntu 7.10 server edition: This tutorial explains how you can set up an old piece of hardware as a LAMP server using Ubuntu.
- Ubuntu LAMP Server With TorrentFlux in VMware: Follow this tutorial to set up an Ubuntu Server box as a web server and torrent client in VMware.
Resources
Use these resources to learn more about installing and using LAMP.
- LAMP on Wikipedia: Check out this Wikipedia article to learn the background and details of LAMP.
- LAMPware: This user community is all about LAMP.
- ApacheMySQLPHP Community Documentation: Turn to this Ubuntu community documentation to get some guidance on setting up a LAMP server.
- Adding New User Accounts to MySQL: This guide explains how you can set up new user accounts in MySQL.
- O’Reilly ONLamp: ONLamp is a great resource for finding LAMP information.
- QuickStudy: LAMP: Learn all about LAMP details in this informative article.
- PHP Documentation: Here you’ll find useful information for making sense of PHP.
- How to Configure Wake on LAN and Broadcast Magic Packets: Find out how you can set up your server to wake on LAN. This is a convenient way to avoid having to physically turn on your server.
- LAMP vs. LAMP: This article compares LAMP using Perl and LAMP using PHP.
- LAMP lights the way in open-source security: Here you’ll find out why LAMP servers are so secure.
- Your LAMP Server GUI: Find out what other server administrators are using as their interface for LAMP.
- LAMP Server Layout: This diagram and explanation offers an easy way to visualize your LAMP server.
- MySQL Documentation: This resource is a great place to start when you’re looking for help with MySQL.
- Hard Drive Size Limitations and Barriers, The Basics: Make better use of the hard drive space you’ve got with this guide.
- Securing the Initial MySQL Accounts: This resource explains how to lock down your initial MySQL accounts.
- Strong Passwords: This guide offers a good look at using strong passwords to protect sensitive information.
- Benchmarking your LAMP server: Find out how well your LAMP server performs by following this tutorial’s method.
- Apache HTTP Server Documentation: Check out this documentation to get all of the little details you need for Apache.
- How to Configure a Low-Cost Load-Balanced LAMP Cluster: This resource will show you how to create a load-sharing cluster that distributes Web requests over a number of different servers.
- MySQLPasswordReset: If you’re having trouble setting up your MySQL password, check out this resource.
- Hardening the TCP/IP stack to SYN attacks: Read this article to beef up security a bit.
- Open source LAMP a beacon to developers: This article explains why LAMP is such a great tool to use.
- Three simple tips for LAMP web site developers: Here you’ll find some common sense tips for developing on a LAMP server.
- Securing your Environment, Part One: Use these LAMP tools to beef up your security.
- Fine Tuning a Linux Apache MySQL PHP (LAMP) Server: Read this resource to learn how to fine tune LAMP for your usage, load, and more.
- LAMP Performance for Dummies: This LAMP user shares his tips for dealing with slow performance.
Hardware Resources
Use these resources to find good parts for a LAMP server.
- Garage sales: Garage sales are excellent places to find old computers that you can strip for parts or use whole as a server.
- Freecycle: Check out Freecycle, where you can often find old computers that people don’t have a use for anymore.
- Curbside trash: Take a drive around your neighborhood on trash day to find old unwanted computers that your neighbors are throwing away.
- Intechra Outlet: Here you’ll find used and refurbished computer hardware that you can use for a LAMP server.
- Craigslist: Craigslist is a wonderful source for finding free or cheap computer hardware that can be brought back to life.
- eBay: eBay is another great place to find cheap computer hardware.
- Woot: This deal-a-day site often features computer hardware that’s well below market value.
Books
With these books, you’ll have a wealth of LAMP knowledge at your fingertips.
- LAMP Server Setup & Maintenance Essentials: Find out what books a systems administrator uses for LAMP reference.
- Professional LAMP: Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP Web Development: Find sample scripts, applications, and in-depth discussions in this LAMP reference guide.
- Apache Cookbook: Solutions and Examples for Apache Administrators: Use this cookbook to find common solutions to Apache problems.
- Teach Yourself PHP, MySQL and Apache All in One: This book will help you learn how to use PHP, MySQL, and Apache at once.
- Apache Security: Use this book to make sure you’re running a tightly secured Apache ship.
- A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux: Follow this guide to learn more about a popular Linux distribution for LAMP.
- Run Your Own Web Server Using Linux & Apache: Web developers who want to set up a home server will appreciate the information in this book.
- PHP Cookbook: In this cookbook, you’ll find a number of solutions to regularly-faced problems in PHP.
- Linux Bible, 2008 Edition: This book will help you get started with 11 different distributions of Linux.
- Setting up LAMP: Getting Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP Working Together: This book offers a single volume that will help you set up a LAMP server of your own.
- Open Source Development with LAMP: Using Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl, and PHP: Here you’ll find a practical guide to LAMP technologies with plenty of useful information.
- Web Database Applications with PHP & MySQL: Follow this guide to learn more about using PHP and MySQL together.
- MySQL Cookbook: In this cookbook, you’ll find out how to set up databases for queries, table manipulation, data formatting, transactions, and much more.
August 20, 2008 at 9:52 am · Filed under Web Tools
There are some wonderful social media communities online, but often, they are well-kept secrets. Whether they’re just not getting the traffic they deserve, or they’re in a really small niche market, there are just some social media sites that don’t get a whole lot of attention. Here, we’ll take a look at 50 of these sites that you don’t know about, but should.
Shopping
These sites are great for finding the best deals and cool stuff to buy online.
- AgentB: On AgentB, you’ll be able to find great deals online.
- iliketotallyloveit: Visit this site to find weird, but fun products.
- Dealigg: Dealigg offers "social bargain hunting" on lots of tech deals.
Gear & Gadgets
In these communities, you’ll find discussions and links that are all about grown up toys.
- AutoSpies: Find out what the spies are sharing on this social media site that’s obsessed with automobiles.
- Meme or Lame: This "citizen media platform" is all about gizmos, ranging from cars to cell phones.
Finance & Business
Stay on top of the worlds of business and money through these sites.
- Value Investing News: Get news about the stock market from other investors on this social media site.
- HubSpot: Find and share content about marketing online and off on HubSpot.
- Real Estate Voices: Read the most interesting news about the real estate market on Real Estate Voices.
- Small Business Brief: Visit this community to learn how to be a better small business owner.
- FeedTheBull: Visit FeedTheBull to see what’s hot in the market.
Sports
Read about your favorite teams, players, and sports on these sites.
- BallHype: This social media site has a great community and all of the best sports stories to share.
- SportsAg: Visit SportsAg to find an aggregation of all the best sports articles, all in one website.
- PlanetMVP: PlanetMVP is full of "sport shorts" — videos of sports players of all ages and skill levels.
- ScoreGuru: In this online sporting community, you can get the latest in sports news.
Web Development
Here you’ll find a wealth of web development sites, ranging from SEO to design.
- DNHour: Find domain name news content from other domainers through this site.
- Sphinn: In Sphinn’s discussion forums and links, you’ll find great information about internet marketing.
- DZone: DZone offers plenty of helpful links for web developers.
- SEO TAGG: SEO TAGG is home to search engine optimization content, and other related links.
- Pixel Groovy: Pixel Groovy’s community seeks out the best in online tutorials for developers.
- BloggingZoom: Read the posts on BloggingZoom to get the latest on the blogging world.
- Design Bump: Read news about web design on this fun and informative website.
- PlugIM: PlugIM is full of awesome internet marketing content.
Fashion
Visit these sites for eye candy, finds, and plenty of style.
- Stylehive: Stylehive connects stylish people with each other, offering bookmarks, links, forms, and a lot more.
- Chictini: Chictini features the latest in fashionable and cute.
Technology
Keep up with the latest in technology on these social media sites.
- Tweako: On Tweako’s site for "collaborative computing," you’ll find guides, tutorials, and lots more for computing, technology, and the Internet.
- Hacker News: Check out Hacker News for teachnology links from the dark side.
- SWiK: In this community-driven resource, you’ll find information about open source software.
Entertainment
Enjoy videos, celebrity news and more on these social media sites that entertain.
- Video Bomb: Stop by Video Bomb to get a sampling of the best videos online.
- Lipstick: Lipstick shares all of the celebrity news that matters.
- ShowHype: ShowHype has loads of stories about movies, TV, music, celebrities, and more.
- VideoSift: VideoSift will help you get through the muck of videos to find the most entertaining and useful stuff out there.
News
These sites offer an up-to-the-minute look at news along with a sense of community.
- Newscloud: On Newscloud you can find stories hand picked from users around the world.
- Shoutwire: Shoutwire has Internet news in just about every category imaginable.
- 2CentsNews: Find community-created news and submit your own 2 cents on this social media site.
- Newsvine: Keep your ear to the ground and find out what the world is talking about on Newsvine.
- Searchles: Search for news within your social circle on Searchles.
- NewsHeat: Get the latest in popular political news through NewsHeat.
- NowPublic: Read about all of the new and interesting news events around the world on NowPublic.
- BuzzFlash: BuzzFlash’s community aims to fight ignorance with progressive news and commentary.
International
Here you’ll be able to connect with users from different parts of the world.
- Muti: Muti centers on all things Africa.
- IndianPad: On IndianPad, you’ll see all of the latest news stories in India and great finds in Indian interest.
Weird & Interesting
If you’re in the mood to find something offbeat, be sure to visit these sites.
- Plime: In this community, you can find and add weird and interesting links.
- Truemors: Check out Truemors for the latest breaking news and rumors.
- linkfilter.net: linkfilter.net is exactly what it sounds like — a filter for all of the web’s links.
Miscellaneous
These social media sites are in a class of their own.
- Wordsy: Wordsy’s links are all about books, writing, and words.
- BrewPoll: Join this community, and you’ll get the latest in home brewing and craft beer news.
- blogs4God: Get connected with Christians who blog by checking out this site.
- Hugg: Within the Hugg site, you’ll be able to find lots of different news and advice about the environment.
- Kirtsy: Formerly known ask Skirt, Kirtsy has links that women will really appreciate.
- TTiqq: Get online tips and tricks for technology, finance, and lots more on TTiqq.
August 18, 2008 at 10:07 am · Filed under Social Networking, Web Tools
Twitter is an excellent, addictive tool for getting connected socially and building your personal brand. It’s also a simple tool, but there’s a lot you can do to improve upon it. Make use of these tips, tools, and other resources to make your Twitter experience better than ever.
Tips
Put these tips to work, and you’ll find that Twitter is easier, more fun, and more rewarding.
- Flag words: You can highlight words with a # to mark them as searchable keywords.
- Track words and phrases: Twitter allows you to track words and phrases much like Google Alerts, so you’ll get a notification any time your search term comes up on Twitter.
- Don’t send useless tweets: Although it’s tempting to say it, none of your followers really want to check Twitter updates just to see that you’ve said, "Good morning, Twitter!"
- Claim your Twitter Technorati page: You can monitor who links to your Twitter in posts by signing up with Technorati.
- Keep an eye out for friends who Twitter: If you see your friends and acquaintances throwing around anything that starts with @, there’s a good chance they’re using Twitter, and you should find out what their username is.
- Allow users to comment on your blog through Twitter: Set your blog up on Yahoo! Pipes so that people can reply through Twitter.
- Choose your avatar wisely: Your Twitter avatar will follow you around, so make sure that the one you choose has an impact.
- Keep up with the Twitter blog: You can find out the latest and greatest news and developments on Twitter by simply reading the blog. It may also be useful to read the archives.
- Don’t overdo it: Your followers don’t want to read inane tweets all the time, so take it easy.
- Practice balanced linking: Make sure that not all of the links you tweet about are yours-promote others as well.
- Promote your Twitter following outside of the service: Add your Twitter address to your email signature, profiles, and business cards to let people know you’re out there.
- Be active: Join conversations, share links, and ideas to be an active Twitter user.
- Follow Twitter grammar rules: Avoid irritating abbreviations, but make use of shorthand symbols.
- Follow the right friends: Consider what kind of information and relationships you want to get out of Twitter before following someone.
- Keep your tweets in balance: Don’t reply too much and add noise to the Twittersphere, but avoid not replying enough, which can make you miss out on interaction.
- Don’t spam: Avoid sending too many messages about your blog posts and events, and focus on information that your followers want to hear about.
- Make use of direct messages: Keep your Twitter noise down by sending messages directly to followers.
- Ask questions: Ask your followers for advice on Twitter, and you’ll get a lot of helpful responses.
Apps
Use these apps to automate Twitter postings, read tweets, and more.
- Google Talk: Configure Google Talk on your Twitter Devices, and you can update your Twitter using the app. It will even archive your tweets to your Gmail account.
- TwitterFeed: Automatically post blog updates to your account using RSS with TwitterFeed.
- Slandr: With Slandr, you can tweet from your mobile browser.
- Digsby: Store multiple social media accounts, including Twitter in this one app for convenience.
- OutTwit: Integrate Twitter with Outlook by using OutTwit.
- PocketTweets: Use this web-based Twitter client to update and read Twitter from your iPhone.
- Jabber: With the Jabber app, you can easily and quickly update your Twitter.
- TwitterIM: Add Twitter to your IM contact list and update from your IM client with TwitterIM.
- Twitter-Sync: Twitter away right in Yahoo! Messenger by making use of Twitter-Sync.
Bots
Make use of these Twitter bots to get the news, or just confess your sins to Twitter.
- Breaking News: This bot delivers breaking news headlines, often sharing news before it makes mainstream headlines.
- Timer: The Timer bot will send you a future reminder through Twitter.
- Plusplusbot: Send Twitter karma using this simple bot.
- GCal: Use the GCal bot to update your Google Calendar on Twitter.
- Wordbot: Wordbot will help you with crosswords and Scrabble.
- Stock: Check stock quotes any time by sending this bot a tweet.
- Forecast: Get the weather forecast any time for your zip code with this bot.
- TwitterSecret: Have your secret posted to Twitter anonymously with this bot.
- iwantsandy: Use this personal email assistant to keep up with all of your details.
- RUWTbot: RUWTbot will give you sports news, scores, TV listings, and more.
- eventtrack: Stay on top of local events and more through eventtrack.
Tools
With these useful tools, you’ll be able to monitor conversations, clean out your followers, and more.
- TWhirl: Install this software on your PC and you can stay up to date with Twitter on your desktop.
- Twitthat: This browser tool allows you to share web page links on Twitter, and will collect the links you share.
- Tweetscan: Find out who is talking about you on Twitter by searching on Tweetscan.
- Twitter Link Monitor: Find Tweets in your feed that contain links by using this tool.
- Twitterdoodle: Share relevant information with your blog readers using this WordPress plugin that creates mashup posts based on Twitter chatter.
- Quotably: Using this tool, you can track conversations in threads so they are easier to read.
- Google Alerts: Often, Twitter conversations are continued on blogs, so set up alerts for your Twitter name to find out what people are talking about.
- FriendFeed: Get set up on FriendFeed, and you’ll get updated on multiple properties like Twitter, Flickr and del.icio.us at once.
- Twitter Twerp Scan: Clean out your Twitter friends by identifying the twerps with this tool.
- tweetburner: Track what people do with the links you’ve shared on Twitter with tweetburner.
- Summize: Summize is a search engine for Twitter that even offers a local search.
- Twitterlocal: Set up a Twitterlocal feed to find tweets based on location.
August 11, 2008 at 10:36 am · Filed under Security, Web Tools
If your wardrobe includes a shiny tin-foil hat, then you will love these free Internet tools. Whether you want to protect yourself from Internet snoopers, want to spy on those out to get you, or want to be able to track trends that you know will lead to something big, then these tools will help you get the job done.
Without a Trace
If you want to use the Internet without anyone knowing who you are or leave an untraceable phone number, then these tools are for you.
- Big String. Big String offers self-destructing IMs and emails for those who don’t want any evidence of their online communications. Use with many popular IM clients.
- Mozilla Firefox, Portable Edition. This free web browser leaves no personal information on your computer. Not only can you use this anywhere, but no one will know you were there.
- x Paranoia mod. This Firefox extension is great for those who want to leave nothing behind on the computer. With a couple of clicks you can clear all your Internet history, passwords, cookies, and cache.
- Bugmenot.com. If you’ve ever had to register with a site just to read an article or watch a video, then you will want this tool. Find login information for many websites that require registration and never have to give your information again.
- 10 Minute Mail. Use this tool to get an email address that is good for 10 minutes, then expires. This is a great way to register with sites that require an email validation or just to cover your tracks.
- numbr. Get a disposable phone number that you can use to forward calls to any other phone in the U.S. No one will be able to trace you with this number.
- GrandCentral. Here’s another phone option when you don’t want to be traced by your number. Consolidate all your phones into one with this tool that gives you one voice mailbox and one number for all your phones.
- File.io. Want to share a top-secret online file with someone and then have no sign of the evidence later? This is the tool for you. The file is deleted after 30 days.
- Fake Name Generator. If you need a name, address, email, or even a UPS tracking code, use this handy tool to generate any one of the necessary fakes.
- cl1p.net. Create a note or upload a photo that you can keep for yourself or share, then delete it when you are finished with absolutely no sign of what you had.
Browsing Security
If you want to browse the Internet in privacy, these tools will help you do just that. Use these to do the actual browsing or to check the security of your browsing privacy.
- Hide My Ass!. Hide your identity with this free tool. This proxy service will hide your IP address so no one will know you.
- Tor. Like getting secreted away, this free service allows you to hide your Internet identity with a "network of virtual tunnels." Join journalists, government agencies, and more who use Tor for the ultimate in Internet privacy.
- Guardster. Another proxy service that hides your IP, this one is available in both free and for a fee versions. The free version does not work with encrypted SSL sites.
- Megaproxy. Paste the URL for whatever website you want to visit into this tool and you will have a completely private look at your target site. No registration or downloads needed to use this tool.
- Scandoo. Get real time protection when surfing the Internet with warnings about websites before you click on them. Based on ScanSafe technology, this home version is free.
- ShieldsUP!. Check out this tool to learn what information your browser is sending out. You can also test the effectiveness of your personal firewall when running ShieldsUP! testing.
- Junkbusters. Like ShieldsUP!, this site will tell you what of your information is being revealed just by clicking on their site. You can also learn more about Internet privacy at this site.
- What Is My IP Address?. Use this tool to ensure your IP blocking software is working correctly and not revealing your true IP address.
- Clusty. Use this search engine when browsing. Clusty doesn’t save your information or track you at all when you use it.
- Scroogle. Try searching Google with this tool. Scroogle uses SSL to send your search terms to Google with encryption, then does the same when sending the results back to you.
Computer Security
Using the Internet is a huge open door for people to stick their nose in your business. Use these tools to slam that door tightly shut.
- avast!. This free anti-virus software is one of the best available (for free or for a fee) at protecting your computer. This tool will alert you any time malware is detected and even checks incoming email. avast! also includes a boot-time scan option.
- Ad-Aware. The free version of this software does an excellent job of protecting your computer against spyware and adware. The paid version gives you real-time protection which is not available with the free one.
- Sandboxie. This free tool is great for both protecting your computer and getting rid of evidence. It works as a temporary storage area for information that would normally go to and from your hard drive. When you are finished in the "sandbox," you can just clear it out.
- ThreatFire. Use this in conjunction with your anti-virus to fend off malware. ThreatFire detects malicious behavior such as capturing keystrokes and also serves to defend against zero-day threats.
- SnoopFree Privacy Shield. The ultimate free software for the ultra-cautious, this tool will detect any method of privacy invasion through your keyboard, screen, and open windows.
- Comodo Firewall. Keep out hackers with this free firewall. This program is one of the best when it comes to protecting your computer.
- WinPatrol. Protect your privacy and your computer with this free tool that works by alerting you to "hijackings, malware attacks and critical changes made to your computer without your permission."
- AVG Free Anti-Virus. Get anti-virus and anti-spyware protection from this free software. This software also includes a scheduled scan option.
- TrueCrypt. This disk encryption software will keep nosey-parkers at bay. You can create a virtual encrypted disk, encrypt USB flash drives and hard drives, and more.
- Trustable Downloader. Download files from the Internet without worries of Trojans, worms, or viruses with this free application. As described, this tool will help guard you against government spying on its citizens.
- SiteAdvisor. This software alerts you before you visit a website that has spyware or harvests your information for spam. Use their color-coded system to alert you to the potential dangers of websites.
- Peer Guardian 2. This IP blocker is capable of blocking incoming and outgoing connections. You can also select to block spyware, adware, and educational and government ranges.
- GlowWorm FW Lite . Mac users can use this software to be informed when a program attempts to make an outgoing connection. Not only will this tool protect your information, it also guards against malware.
Laptop Tracking
If someone makes off with your laptop, know how to stop them with these tools.
- Adeona. If you want to guard against someone taking your laptop, check out this tool. This software continually tells you where your laptop is located without the interference of any third party to help you track and recover your computer.
- iAlertU. Another laptop protection and tracking device, this one specifically for Macs, this software is based off mouse and keyboard movement which sets off an alarm, takes a photo of the thief, and emails the photo to a specified email address.
Spying on Those Out to Get You
If you know someone is trying to get to you, then turn the tables on them with these tools that will help you get the dirt on them.
- GotVoice. Take advantage of the 14 day free trial to have your target’s voice mail sent directly to you. If you need more time, get another 14 day trial with different information.
- Decoding Social Security Numbers in One Step. You can’t get everything out of that magical number with this tool, but you can narrow down the state and year of issue with any social security number instantly.
- Keylogger. This free software allows you to log everything entered on the keyboard so you can track computer usage. Be sure to use the stealth mode so your target doesn’t know you are tracking him.
- Decode Your License. This article describes how you can get a driver’s license from any state and decode the barcode on it to receive personal information. You will need the Internet tool described in the article and a scanner.
- Webcam Spy. Use this software to spy on your target using a webcam. The software activates the webcam with a motion sensor for an auto on and off feature. Spying on your target isn’t the only use for this–you can also use it in your home to see who comes by when you are gone.
Maps for Monitoring Occurrences
Whether you are looking for evidence for your conspiracy theory or trying to put all the pieces together on a plot you know is about to be hatched, then these maps will help you get all the information you need.
- Global Incident Map. Find out where terrorism is occurring around the world with this mapping tool. You be able to find plenty of patterns to put together your own theories.
- HealthMap. This tool will keep you posted on health alerts. Find outbreaks by geographical location, disease, or chronological occurrence.
- Who is Sick?. This Google map-based tool shows symptoms for any geographical spot. You’ll be able to track any type of outbreaks with this tool.
- Incident1. Track police, fire, and emergency services on this map. You can also do a search by zip code or select a region within the states.
- Incidentlog. If you live in the northeast and couldn’t find anything on Incident1, try Incidentlog for more options. This map is populated from a different pool of data.
- Havaria Information Service Alert Map. Find everything from earthquakes to hazmat incidences to biological hazards on this world map. You can narrow the results by country if you don’t want to see the world view.
- GeoMAC Wildfire Information. This map shows where wildfires are currently burning throughout the United States or check out past wildfires since 2002.
- Piracy Attacks Maps. Pirates on the high seas are not a thing of the past. Use this map to track current piracy around the world.
- UNEP: Atlas of Our Changing Environment. Sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, this map includes incidents that document environmental changes around the world. Click on each incident to see photos and read the story.
- Google Maps Mania. This unofficial site follows the incredible array of various interactive maps being used in conjunction with Google Maps. Find a map that tracks your favorite passion or create one of your own.
