Technology The newest and greatest computer technology

Computer technology is one of the most rapidly changing and developing fields within the world! There are so many different things that computers can do, and every year many new computer products and technological advances are announced! Here are a couple of the newest and greatest pieces of computer technology:

Newest: One of the newest types of computer technology is a new product which Bill Gates calls "Surface." This project took five years to make, and it was only known by its secret code name "Milan." The "Surface" looks like a low, blacktop coffee table, but it is sensitive to the touch. Keyboards and mousse are not needed, because "Surface" is completely controlled by hand gestures and movements! The hardware for this product is run by a special version of Microsoft's Windows Vista. "Surface" is scheduled to be released to the public in November of 2007. It is thought that this easier way of computer technology will be more accessible and user-friendly to people who struggle with keyboards and the computer mouse. In addition, "Surface" will also be helpful to retailers. T-Mobile USA has a contract with Microsoft for "Surface," and they will be able to place different cell phones on the top of the "Surface" screen. The screen will sense which different types of cell phones are there, and then pull up a list of the phones' different features!



Newest: Another one of the newest types of computer technology is the Apple TV. This is a new product which will use computer technology to hook the computer and TV together. It is known as Apple TV and iTv. Using computer technology, the Apple TV will be able to wirelessly stream both music and videos from the computer or Internet. The basic television set will be able to pick up on these signals, and the image will be available for viewing on the television screen! This is one of the newest and most exciting types of computer technology that has been announced recently. This new computer technology also is giving Macintosh, or "Apple" computers a way to directly compete with the Personal Computer industry (also called PC computers). The Apple TV, in conjunction with iTunes, could make Apple computers the most popular computers on the market.

wireless connections How to avoid getting your information

How to avoid getting your information stolen via wireless connections
This occurs using crimeware, previously installed on a public computer, logs the keys you are stroking and sends the information (electronically) to criminals.

It can be dangerous to look at any of your online financial information on these (public access) machines.

When writing about this phenomenon, I remembered that even using your personal computer at a public place with a wireless connection can expose a person's personal and sometimes, financial details.

Just the other day, Martin Bosworth, over at Consumer Affairs, wrote an excellent piece covering this danger, where he stated:

Sending unencrypted information over any unfamiliar network can turn your computer into an open book -- with pages full of your personal information.Many of these connections are appear to be legitimate connections because they are spoofed (camouflaged to appear as if they are a trusted connection).

Spoofing a connection, or site isn't very hard to do. They simply copy and transpose pictures and statements (words) from legitimate sites to their own. The Artists Against website has a portal, where you can see fake websites that are up and running on the Internet, here.



Martin's article contains some excellent tips on how to navigate the murky waters of public hot spots, safely.

They can be viewed, here.

Interestingly enough, wireless technology, isn't only used to compromise individuals. In the recent TJX data breach, where some are saying 200 million records were stolen since 2003, reports are saying the data was stolen, using wireless technology.

It's being reported that this was accomplished from a car with a laptop. Driving around with a laptop, using other people's wireless connections, is sometimes referred to as "war-driving," which is my new word for the day.

Joseph Pereira (Wall Street Journal) wrote about this (courtesy of the Northwest Florida Daily News), here.