Month: May 2013

Do Not Track – An Overview Of Internet Privacy

Post author By spirozzi
Post date May 30, 2013

The Problem

When it comes to privacy on the internet, the user is very often left in the dark regarding how his or her data can be accessed and utilized by third parties. In this context, third parties can refer to “analytics services, advertising networks, and social platforms” [1] that can leverage a myriad of existing web technologies to track the websites you visit. These third parties can then use this information for various purposes such as directing advertisements toward more relevant audiences.

For example, if a website you visited decided they want to track their users’ web history, they could simply slip a clause into the privacy policy of their site (which can be intentionally obfuscated and is very rarely read by users) that would legally allow them to track your web history – even while you’re not on their site!

In an attempt to resolve this informational discrepancy (these third parties are within legal limits, just not fully transparent), the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) proposed a specification known as Do Not Track which “is designed to enable users to opt-out of online tracking” [2].

Operating System Windows

IPConfig

Post author By Scott
Post date May 24, 2013

If you want to check the network connections associated with a Windows based computer, IPConfig is the tool to use. All you have to do is:

1. Open a command prompt window
2. Hit enter
3. Type “ipconfig” in the first line

Mac OSX Operating System

Remote Control Your Mac

Post author By Ash
Post date May 23, 2013

You can control your computer remotely by using ssh, a nifty command that allows you to connect to other computers and servers over a network. One great use is to set up your Mac for it, then you can control your computer from anywhere! As long as your computer is open and on, of course.

Tags OSX, ssh, terminal

Android Apps Security

Android Apps: A General Guide

Post author By spirozzi
Post date May 23, 2013

As the number of Android smartphones sold worldwide continues to increase, so does the number of apps available to users in the Google Play Store. With over 850,000 apps and counting, it can often be a chore to separate the apps worth buying from the junk apps that are hardly worth a penny. What follows is an overview of some general techniques that can be used to discriminate between apps worth paying for and apps that aren’t quite worth the price tag.

Microsoft Operating System Software Windows

Diskpart

Post author By Scott
Post date May 21, 2013

Diskpart is a very useful tool, not only for diagnosing problems, but also fixing them. Diskpart is an application that can be started via command prompt or by starting the app separately. If starting diskpart via Command Prompt, open a command prompt window and type “diskpart” and then hit enter. Diskpart grants access to a different set of commands which can be used to manipulate the hard disks in a windows-based computer. The capabilities of diskpart are very extensive and will require not a small amount of personal investigation in order to fully understand and utilize the program.

Mac OSX Operating System

OSX Terminal Tricks

Post author By Ash
Post date May 21, 2013

There are some really helpful shortcuts you can use in terminal that can make your day a lot easier. And of course, there are some fun commands you can use as well. Here’s a taste of some of the conveniences and entertainment terminal can provide.

Tags command line, commands, OSX, terminal, unix

Mac OSX Software Windows

Spring Cleaning

Post author By
Post date May 21, 2013

Is your computer running slow? Well, at least that makes it easier to catch. Often a computer can be overloaded with unnecessary system files that can make your computer run slowly. This can cause hours of unnecessary frustration. Users can benefit from running various programs and applications that are designed to get your computer back running like new.

Learning Management Systems Library Web

Go!

Post author By Ash
Post date May 16, 2013

UMass Amherst has a new portal for students to use, Go – All the information from UMass that you’d want in one, convenient location. Students can log on with their UMass netID and see the classes that they have in Moodle, athletic news, emergency phone numbers, and more. There are a few choice areas that students might find particularly helpful, all accessible from the Go homepage.

Library Mac OSX Software

Discovering the Digitial Media Lab

Post author By bmalloy
Post date May 15, 2013

When the Fall 2013 semester begins, students will be surprised to find the new gem that is located on the third floor of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The newly constructed Digital Media Lab has landed a home in the library in hopes of being a destination where students can spend countless hours working on and obtaining knowledge pertaining to 21st century technology.As a way to keep UMass students up to speed with the ever changing technological world, the Digital Media Lab will be offering workshops, training, and opportunities for students to use top of the line equipment and software. From cameras to video cameras, MacBooks, GarageBand and more, the Digital Media Lab will provide the resources that students need.

Operating System Windows

Windows 8 Product Activation

Post author By taylorwl
Post date May 2, 2013

Having trouble activating your new copy of Windows 8? Ensure the following:

You have received and entered the correct Microsoft Activation Key for your copy of Windows (Professional, Enterprise, etc.)
You have not already used this MAK on another computer
Are connected to the Internet

Tags windows 8