PrimeTime Articles

December 2008
SPAM Greatly Reduced, But Only For a Bit
Notice a decline in spam? Some agencies that track such things here in the USA say SPAM emails are down 70%. Why? Because of work done by the Washington Post newspaper. They did a little research and discovered that many SPAMS were coming through a firm McColo. It seems that this firm set up sites for spammers that were running botnets here in the USA. Botnets are networks of computers that send out SPAM using computers that are not aware they have malware on them and are sending out spam. Some researchers now estimate that 90% of SPAM is sent from innocent computers that are not aware they are a part of a botnet. Regardless, thanks to the Washington Post’s work, we all get a little break for a little while. As soon as McColo was identified, the ISP’s that hosted them pulled them off the Internet. The bad news is that these spammers will relocate, probably somewhere outside the USA. Why do they continue to SPAM? It has been found that if they only get a single response from every 12.5 million emails they send, it is profitable. For more information, visit
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December 2008
Using Movie Video Clips in Church? Keep It Legal
Most churches have come to realize that they need a license from CCLI (Christian Copyright License International) in order to display the words and music of over 150,000 different Christian songs. However, few realize that when they grab a DVD and use a short clip from a popular movie as an illustration or to make a point in their Bible study, they are probably breaking the law. If you read that FBI notice at the beginning of all videos, you are not allowed to re-broadcast the video to a crowd. However, there IS a solution, CVLI, (Christian Video Licenses International) which can provide an inexpensive license to allow clips from most videos to be played as an illustration at your church. Christian Video Magazine has started a new series of articles reviewing secular movies and pointing out great opportunities to use such clips for illustrations, but be aware to check out the CVLI site to do so legally. For more information, visit
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December 2008
PC Magazine Going Online Only
PC Magazine will stop their print magazine, with the final issue dated January 2009. The magazine started in 1982 and at times reached 400-500 pages per issue. PC Magazine will continue with their online site PCMag, and will plan to produce an electronic version. For more information, visit
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December 2008
Microsoft has Final Security Patch Set before Year End, Along with Reports that the Bad Guys are Winning
Microsoft will be doing one more security patch before the end of the year. They will patch at least eight critical security holes in their products. Recent reports show that computers infected with Malware, and made involuntary parts of a botnet, may reach 15% by the end of this year (according to MTI). This is up from 10% last year. Most malware gets into our computers through security holes. Be sure to get your Windows update. Of course you need to be sure you have your automatic update set, but if you also set up your system to allow for the updates and a reboot, remember to close your programs out and save your data before going to bed (if you’re like me and leave your computer on most nights.) This will help ensure that your data won’t be corrupted or lost. For more information, visit
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December 2008
Wal-Mart to Offer Discounted iPhones
According to store employees and several media sources, rumor has it that Wal-Mart will be offering an iPhone later this month at a substantial discount. The iPhone will be sold for around $100 but will only have 4 gigs of memory. To compare, the 8 gig iPhone is presently being sold for $199 and the 16 gig iPhone for $299. Personally, unless you purchase movies or TV shows from iTunes, you will probably never use more than the 4 gigs. For more information, visit
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December 2008
Microsoft will Launch Cloud Computing Services
Microsoft has announced that “soon” they will be releasing their online SAAS (Software as a Service) applications, including the programs that make up their business office suite. Google has been making such online services available for some time, including a word processor program, online spreadsheet, and more. Microsoft stated that they have decided to move in this direction because of their expectations of tough economic times. By offering the products online, they will depend on advertisements to defray the cost. They claim that each product will be offered in a variety of levels, with the lowest level being free. Yet they claim that the lowest level will be more powerful than the free versions offered by Google. Obviously services with more features will charge a subscription rate. The advantages for the end user, besides a lower cost for use, would be less powerful hardware. For more information, visit
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November 2008
Salvation Army Uses Texting for Contributions
This year, when you see the bucket and hear the bell, you will not necessarily have to dig for change to make a donation. If you live in Ohio, you will have another option. The Salvation Army is experimenting with a new texting service. When you see the buckets and hear the bell in Columbus, Ohio, you will notice a sign that will have instructions on giving through your cell phone company. By texting to a specific number, you will be able to donate $5 to the Salvation Army, with the money being added to your cell phone bill. If this test is as successful as they hope, we will see more options like this across the nation in the future. For more information, visit
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November 2008
T-Mobile Launches new G1 phone (Google’s Android)
Once again, many people stood in line to purchase a smart phone, only this time it wasn’t the iPhone, it was the T-Mobile G1 Android phone. Now that the competition is up and running for the iPhone, it should be a great ride for consumers. Wal-Mart has announced they will be offering the G1 phone at a discounted price, and Electronic Arts has announced they will be releasing three of their popular games to run on the G1. AT&T has already responded by adding value to the iPhone. They have removed the fee to use over 20,000 WiFi hotspots for iPhone users, including free WiFi at all Starbuck’s.
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November 2008
Social Networking, Twitter, and Text May Have Determined the Presidential Election
Many analysts are agreeing that one of the key elements playing an important in Obama’s win was the large turnout of younger and first time voters. Analysts also reflect that Obama did a much better job of using Social Networking sites, along with Twitter and text messaging to reach the 20’s-30’s crowd. The election is over, but an important lesson should be learned by all. If you want to reach those under 40, you need to use their favorite means of communication, which are Social Networking sites and services such as Twitter. Church history tells us that many people came to the same conclusion as Martin Luther, before he nailed his beliefs to the church door. The difference was that Martin Luther used a new method of communication, the printing press, and within four weeks his message had spread across Germany, and within four months, Europe. Of course we have to continue to use present mass media tools available, such as print ads, TV ads, radio, mail, email, but to reach those 40 and below, we MUST learn to utilize Social Networking (such as Facebook) and texting tools, such as Twitter. This is an IMPORTANT point for those seeking to share something far more important than just who to vote for, but the very message of the Gospel.
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November 2008
Faster Better Computers Coming This Month, Using Intel Core i7 Chips
Analysts who have had the chance to play with Intel’s new chip (due out in models later this month) state that it shows a marked increase in speed. This new chip will be especially attractive for those that are power users or game players. The chip also gets high marks for handling heat and power consumption, helping users to save on the electricity bills. When many duel processor chips first came onto the market, they really didn’t have the speed bonus they promised, since software didn’t seem to take advantage of their power. However, reports of noticeable speed improvements are being reported with this new power house. The chip is actually designed to work best with the next version of Windows 7, supposedly being released next year. Since this new operating system will be a multi-touch screen interface, this chip was designed to really have the ability to run powerful graphic and handle needed processing. For more information, visit
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November 2008
AT&T’s iPhone Now Best Selling Cell Phone/Sprint-Nextel Announce Loosing 1.3 Million Customers
A shift is in the works that will certainly affect the future of HOW we use mobile computing and cell phone devices. For over a year, the Razr was the best selling cell phone in America. However, in the third quarter of this year, the iPhone took over the lead. The iPhone only works with the AT&T network. During the same third quarter, T-mobile released the GPhone, with Google Android (an alternate to the iPhone OS for smart phones.) How is this affecting the market? Third quarter of this year, AT&T and Verizon both reported an increase in their customer base, while Sprint-Nextel reported they lost 1.3 million customers during the three month span. How is the economy affecting all of this? While the iPhone won the lead for most units sold, overall sales of cell phones dropped during this quarter, with revenues dropping by 10%. This means that there will be some real losses for companies that can’t come up with a smart phone that uses multi-touch interface, fast Internet access, GPS AND allows for third-party applications to be developed and marketed. This IS the future of cell phones, and those that don’t get it will be undone during this troubled economy. For more information visit
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November 2008
New Study Reveals People Are Shunning Rural Neighborhoods without Broadband Internet Connections
The move to the suburbs may be slowing. It seems that in the last 10 years broadband Internet connection has moved from being a luxury to a necessity, and real estate brokers are reporting that the lack of high-speed broadband in a new subdivision is hurting sales to the point that access is actually affecting price. The need for broadband connection has become important as more and more of our Internet needs are based upon video. In addition, more and more people do work from home, and need the high speed connection to connect back to the office or for other work related issues. For more information, visit
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November 2008
Which Is More Important? Good Anti-Virus Protection or Upgrades
It seems that when I talk about computer security, most people assume they are covered because they are running a popular anti-virus program. However, it is now MY opinion that the greatest need for computer security is to keep your computer updated. Many people feel they have done this when they have “automated updates” set up for Microsoft for Windows. However, there are now many other dangers, including Flash, Adobe PDFs, non-windows browsers and more. One solution is to give a free utility called Secunia a try. It will scan your installed software to let you know which out-of-date programs need an update, and will help you with the process.
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October 2008
Are Digital Video Recorders Already Obsolete?
Cablevision is leading the way in what they call network DVR’s, allowing customers to set recording times for shows they want to watch later, and have those shows stored on Cablevision’s servers for download when the customer wants to watch. Cablevision says this will save them around $700 million dollars a year, because it costs around $400 a DVR box when they provide them for their customers, and the monthly rate of $9 takes a long time to recover the cost. With the new system, customers will still have to pay around the same monthly fee, but their favorite shows will be stored online. Comcast and TimeWarner are both moving to network DVR’s, but are about 18 months behind Cablevision. However, network DVR’s are being opposed by the Motion Picture Association of America and they have taken Cablevision to court. They claim that network DVR is different from individual customers storing a movie in individual boxes. Cablevision has won the first round, convincing the judges that they will assign a set amount of memory to each paying customer and that each show will be stored in their personal space on Cablevision’s server. The case will probably go up the ladder of courts, but Cablevision feels confident that they will win and that network DVR will be the future. Other adaptations of this have already been implemented, such as video on demand, where selected shows are stored for general replay. Other cable companies are trying a different approach such as Cox’s “My Prime Time” where they have been given permission to store broadcast network shows on their system for up to 12 hours for any customer to replay. The catch in Cox’s case is that viewers are not allowed to fast forward past commercials. For more information, visit
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October 2008
First Digital Broadcast Test Has Problems
On Feb 18th next year, television stations have to switch over to digital broadcasts and those views who have not installed the new converter boxes on their TVs will not be able to watch the new broadcasts. In order to test what that might look like nationwide, the FCC asked the stations in Wilmington, NC to volunteer to use their city as a test, moving the date up for digital only broadcasts. The test revealed some new problems. It seems that digital broadcast signals do not have the same coverage pattern as regular broadcasts. In the case of Wilmington, the NBC affiliate digital broadcast signal didn’t go out as far as it had before, leaving thousands without the ability to watch NBC. During the test, the NBC station ran a text bar using the regular broadcast signal with a number to call the FCC if there was a problem. During the five day test, over 500 people in the area called to complain that they lost NBC’s signal. Many on the outskirts that had been watching the NBC signal from Wilmington were able to receive a signal from other stations. However, when everyone switches over in February, it is now estimated that millions will lose TV reception even with a converter box. Presently the only solution I have heard about is for those on the outskirts to get a bigger antenna, or stations will have to set up repeater booster stations around their area. For more information, visit
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October 2008
Keyboards Found To Be Security Risk
If there are no keystroke trapping devices on your computer, and you are positive there are no botnets running on your system, you should be safe to type away, secure that what you are typing is safe, right? Wrong. Many have speculated that devices could be made that could tell what you are typing by reading the electronic impulses that are being created as you type. Recently, two researchers from Switzerland created a device using what they called “inexpensive materials” and were able to set up an antenna and use their device to receive the same keystrokes that were being sent from a computer across the room. By increasing the power and antenna, they were able to detect every keystroke typed on a computer over 20 meters away in another office. Now that their findings are published, they claim others will be able to improve on their design and have the ability to snoop on others. These were not wireless keyboards, but rather keyboards connected to computers using a USB connection, and even keyboards that were built into notebook computers. Keyboard manufactures will have to start improving their hardware, and we will probably begin seeing “snoop proof” keyboards entering the marketplace in the near future. For more information, visit
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October 2008
77% of Americans Claim to Have Used Text Messaging or Emails While Driving
Recently a train crash in California, killing 25 people, was blamed on the engineer sending a text message at a critical time, missing an important red light which caused the crash. How many Americans have been just as reckless by texting while driving? A new study reveals that 77% of Americans claim they have either sent a text message or an email while driving a car. Part of the problem stems from the fact that more and more people do such communications in relationship to work. 25% of America’s workforce text as part of their employment, and that is predicted to climb as high as 40%. One advantage of texting over sending email is that it is immediate. When you receive a text, if a reply is required, you know the other person is waiting at that moment for your response. We are going to have to learn how to deal with this when we are behind the wheel. For more information, visit
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October 2008
New Study Shows Families Closer Than Ever Thanks to Cell Phones, Texting, Etc.
Many have speculated that with the busy schedule of families today, we might be growing farther apart. However a newly released study reveals that just the opposite is true, specifically thanks to cell phones and texting. Many children and parents communicate frequently and thus are better connected. In a poll, 60% of families felt communication technology had no impact, while 25% felt it had a very positive impact. 11% felt it had a negative impact. My personal opinion, text messaging is a great way to supplement communication with parents since younger people seem to be more open via text messaging. For more information, visit
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October 2008
Cell Phone Users Now Texting More Than Calling
According to a new study, last quarter of 2007, cell phone users began placing more text messages from their cell phones than they did voice calls. There are a lot of different reasons people like to text instead of call. But two of the physical reasons for the growth are the increase in devices with full keyboards, and the fact that many cell phone companies have begun to offer free or discounted mass email packages. Is texting just for young people? It depends on what you call young. The last figure I heard six months ago stated that the age of those who prefer texting to voice calls is 38 years-old and younger. For more information, visit
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October 2008
Google Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary By Sponsoring $10 Million Contest
Google has announced they will award $10 million in a contest for “Good Ideas”! What are the ideas to be about? Just something that is good for the world. You can submit your idea, big or small, technically challenging or very simple. Google believes many great ideas could impact the earth, but lack funding and support. So, by launching this contest to celebrate their ten year anniversary, they hope the contest will have an impact on us all. Google employees and an advisory board will narrow the submissions to 100 semifinalists by January 27. Then, between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, the public will vote online for their favorite ideas. For more information, visit
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October 2008
Sprint Offers WiMax in Baltimore
Sprint has rolled out WiMax in Baltimore. WiMax is similar to WiFi, but WiFi devices will not work with WiMax. WiMax sends out a wireless connection to the Internet that can allow one tower to cover a 30 mile area. You need new equipment to connect, but Sprint has set reasonable prices. For notebook computers, the device is $60 and for your home or office, a modem will cost you around $80. Once you are setup, the monthly fee is $25 a month for home use, and $30 a month for your notebook. The system is to compete with DSL and Cable connections and Chicago and Washington are next in their national rollout. For more information, visit
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October 2008
New Cell Phone Software Coming to Stop Calls When You Are Driving
In 2004 David Teater’s 12 year-old son was killed in a car crash that was caused by a driver who was distracted while using his cell phone. So David joined the company Aegis Mobility, a Canadian software company, and has developed software called DriveAssistT that will detect whether a cell phone is moving at car speeds. Using GPS technology, once the software detects that the phone is traveling fast enough to be in a car, it will inhibit incoming calls. It will not completely stop them, but callers will be told that the cell phone’s owner is driving and encouraged to call back later. However, they will also be given the opportunity to send an emergency voice message if they feel it is needed. The program will work with Windows Mobile devices and the company is working with cell phone companies to gain permission to use the program on their systems, since it will involve installing something on their servers. The software can be turned off, if you are wishing to receive calls because you are in a car and are a passenger. However, the software will link to a website, providing reports for parents and companies that want to check to see if it was turned off when the user was indeed driving the car. One auto insurance company has already discussed offering a discount for drivers that will use the program. For more information, visit
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October 2008
New Malware Comes from Fake YouTube Sites
There is a new scam that is starting to hit the Internet. We have probably all received an email from someone that has a link to a YouTube video. The new scam looks like one of these emails, only when you click on the link, you are taken to a site that LOOKS like YouTube with a message stating that you now need to download a small program to view YouTube videos. Of course, this is the virus. In some cases, after you download the virus, it will actually take you to the real YouTube site, with the video you wanted to watch. One way to tell things are not correct is if you check the website address, the URL. But more importantly remember you should never be asked to download anything in order to view a YouTube video. For more information, visit
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October 2008
Authorities Shut Down Spammers, Working From Many Countries
Authorities have seized the assets of a company that has sent out billions of spam messages over the years promoting discounted pharmacy drugs. The FCC had received over 3 million complaints about the spams in the past. It is difficult to stop such a large organization due to the fact that they operated jointly from around the world. The company that represented the drugs came from Canada, but the servers that hosted the website and sent out the spam were in China. The drugs were being shipped from India, and the credit cards for the purchases were being processed in Cyprus and the Soviet Republic of Georgia. It took a citizens group to actually help authorities to bring down the organization. They purchased some of the drugs, which arrived without dosage information or doctor instructions. For more information, visit
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September 2008
Google Launches Their Own Browser – Chrome
Google seems to again be following in Microsoft’s steps, releasing their own browser to compete with Internet Explorer. It seems that a couple of years ago, Google sought court action against Microsoft because they felt that their browser was not giving enough space for search engines, and felt that since Microsoft released their own site, they could work to cut out Google. However, now Google says the reason they feel there is a need for a new browser is because the present browsers are add-ons from the original browsers; yet, Google points out that the Internet has changed drastically from the days that these browsers were first created. The beta version of Chrome is missing a lot of things other browsers presently include, such as the ability to email a person a webpage. However, they offer other things missing from IE, Safari and Foxfire. For example, if you have ever searched Amazon, when you enter the letter A and press Tab, you will immediately be taken to Amazon’s site, eliminating one step. When you first startup Chrome, it displays nine pictures of the sites you visit the most, eliminating the old idea of a portal page, and allowing you quick access to nine different sites that can serve as your home page. Chrome also runs each site separately, so that if there is some malware on a site, it should not be able to travel out and into your computer. For more information, visit
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