Internet Security

Once again internet security made the mainstream news. This time US and South Koria sites are being attacked and shut down. This is a problem that will continue and no doubt escalate over time.
Hearing this story made me think about security on home computers. I have never had a problem. I attribute it to smart internet surfing on my part. Additionally I don't store sensitive personal/financial information on my computers. Yes I want information on me known on the web. But only information I am willing to share. I don't care if people know my name or what websites I own. In fact the process of promoting my websites requires this information to be known. That being said, where I bank or do business and things of that nature have nothing to do with web site promotion and are kept private.
To keep this information secure, I save no documents, account numbers or passwords on my computers. If I have a need to save such information I utilize removable media ie: A CD or USB flash drive and don't have it connected to the computer except when I am actually using that stored information.
The bottom line is, "Your common sense and good judgement is the best internet security you have."

Projects, Projects, Projects

Being a person that has to have projects in the fire, I have another one in the planning stages. After having an Asus EEE netbook for 6 months I am highly impressed how well the Intel Atom processor runs. I've been looking into the idea of building up a mini pc to use as a secondary computer on the desktop. I've found an Intel atom board and processor that would fill the bill nicely. The board is roughly 6 inches square so it can easily be put in a small case or even a home built custom case.
My current thoughts are of using this computer with my main computer using a keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch box. Doing this I would only need one keyboard, monitor and mouse that could be instantly switched between the two computers. This is an important consideration with my already over crowded desktop.
I'm interested in hearing from any readers that have dabbled in the realm of mini-computers. Leave your comments.

Blog changes

After having an advertising agencies AD's on this blog for about a year and a half I parted ways with them. The advertising was rarely relevant to the content of this site.
I was fortunate to be selected by Tiger Direct to be an affiliate site. Accordingly I now have Tiger Direct advertising discretely placed in the left margin of the page. For those not familiar with Tiger Direct, they are a large retailer of computer and computer related electronics. Their prices are highly competitive and their service is second to none. I have been buying from Tiger direct for years.
I encourage you to click one of the links and check out Tiger Direct.

My Geeky activities

It seems I always have some type of computer/electronics project to work on. The launch of our Live Pod Radio station has created a need to interface the computer used for the skype phone and Ventrillo to the station mixer on the streaming computer to facilitate taking telephone calls while on the air. This project is on hold because I need additional cables that I should have at our Michigan home. If I don't have the exact cables i need, I have the materials to make them up.
Another project needing my attention is replacing one of the routers here at the Toronto home. A replacement router will be in the mailbox when we go to Michigan next week.
My buddy Rick is sending me a new motherboard that he got a "deal" on. It was cheap because it isn't a commonly configured board that can go into most cases. It will require a highly modified case to get it working. This project is going to take some planning but I'm confident I can make a good workable and quite unique computer out of it.
So I manage to stay busy with my projects. Are you involved in any projects? Share them here by leaving a comment.

River of Love

My buddy Rick was playing, This is the results. Thanks Rick.

Nice day today, but not really

It's a sunny warm day in Toronto. Normally this is a good thing. Today is the exception as I have to go into the hospital with my brother in law Danial for his first cancer radiation treatment. It is so hard seeing the transformation cancer can make on such a vibrant 47 year old man. all we can hope for is that the treatments will buy a bit more time for him to share life with us. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Pirate Radio

For most of my years I have been an avid radio fan. Among the many things I've enjoyed is listening to Pirate radio. For those who don't know what pirate radio is, it is stations broadcasting without licensing from their government. While this is illegal and governments will criminally prosecute the station operaters, stations continue to come on the air. Why you might ask? Their goals are typically two fold. First they desire to present programming that typically is not broadcast by licensed stations. The second reason is cost. Obtaining a license and setting up a legal and government compliant station is extremely expensive.
Where do you find pirate stations? They can show up most anywhere. The top end of the AM broadcast band has always been a popular place to find them. Listen above 1600Khz AM during the late night hours for them. Pirates also show up most anywhere on the FM broadcast band. The FM pirates are usually short lived as their range is limited and they are easily tracked down. You will also find pirates in the shortwave bands. Receiving them requires more sophisticated receivers and antennas.
The internet has reduced the number of pirate stations. On the internet with minimal funds and equipment you can stream a radio station totally legal. Our station Live Pod Radio is just such a station. Tune in anytime.
I'm planning on doing a weekly radio program dedicated to pirate radio. We will be providing information on recently heard pirate stations, sound clips from pirate stations and with luck we will get some of the pirates to call in for an interview. Stay tuned for the launch of this project.

First live program on Live Pod Radio

After an absence from live radio for over a year, I found myself quite rusty at the task. I'm sure things will smooth up over the next couple shows.
While listeners were not anywhere near what we want them to be, we are comfortable with what we had. But, listeners will never be where we really want them.
We are still pondering what format the shows are going to follow. Remaining open to listener feedback will be the ultimate factor in that decision. So please email your thoughts and opinions to livepodradio@gmail.com.
Hope to hear from many of you.


Live Pod Radio