Sunday, October 26, 2003
Treo for Life
The Treo 600 replaces your mobile phone, Palm OS organizer, web browser, and digital camera. At 4.4 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches and 6.2 ounces, it is for the all-time, super-busy person, making it's applications a no-fuss. It even has an easy-to-use QUERTY keyboard. All of Treo 600's applications are fully integrated, allowing the user to multi-task, talk on the phone while checking the day's plans, writing an e-mail, and/or checking the contact lists. The Palm OS allows the user to download other applications, like MP3 players, saving yet another space in your bag/suitcase/pocket. The camera is a VGA digital camera and allows you to e-mail photos or use MMS/photo messaging to send to others. Blazer is the web browser used, allowing you to view almost all websites, not just ones for mobile devices. Checking e-mails can even be made easier using the built-in Microsoft Outlook. Other features include infrared communication, touch-screen, speakerphone, and external volume controls.
Sunday, October 12, 2003
Skype
Skype is a software that allows users to make free phone calls via the Internet. All that is required is a broadband connection and a headset. It is written by the people who made Kazaa, focusing on peer-to-peer sharing without a central server. It is based on a voice-over protocol, VoIP, it's free, and so far, very legal. Sounds get broken into pieces of information and are sent to the other user, similar to that of e-mails. Once the pieces, or information packets, reach the receiver, they are reassembled into sounds that the receiver can understand. Calls can be made worldwide, there is nothing to configure, all calls are encrypted, a Friends List will show you people who are online (similar to a how a buddy list works), and there are no annoying ads!
This is great for companies to talk online with real voices and not just text like Instant Messages. The most enticing part is that it's free and easy to use. Many companies are using VoIP, such as AT&T and Bell. They are offering VoIPs for businesses, which arre not free, but they are still cheaper than regular calling plans. New additions that are in development include the ability to call real phone lines and voicemail. Those will come at a price, but still cheaper than regular phone bills.
Monday, October 06, 2003
Messaging Worms?
The craze, worry and fear of receiving a worm or virus via online is catching and growing. A research conducted by researchers of Symantec, an anti-virus company, has determined how fast an instant messaging worm could spread=500,000 machines can be infected in 30 seconds! But worries can be set aside for now, as a messaging worm has yet to be introduced to the IM using-community. But that is not to say that one will not arrive soon. It is only a matter of time. There are, however, several ways that IM networks are designed to defend themselves against worms. For example, sending worms through chat rooms, networkers with a central server, will create traffic and cause the sent information to crash and stop the worms from spreading. The central systems are also created to patch vulnerabilities. Another assurance is that a software bug that can allow worms to spread at the 500,000 affected in 30 seconds rate has not been developed. The only way for users to receive the worms is by accepting file downloads.
Even though worms and virus override patches and firewalls, there will always be new improvements and upgraded systems in the future of Instant Messaging. Newer versions of IMs can protect against older attacks, and the cycle will continue as it does for current computers, e-mails, software, etc. The trick is to continuously update computers, programs and anti-virus software and to be aware of the risks and dangers out there on the world wide web. Companies and businesses that use IM systems will have to find ways to protect themselves from future attacks. On the brighter side of things, at least now, people are aware of online-based attacks and take precautions. They set up firewalls, use anti-virus software, and if worse comes to worse, have all their files backed up if they do become infected.
