Say Goodbye to Your Computer’s RAM

From TechChee:

Memristor is a new elusive fourth element in electronic circuitry, different from the existing Random Access Memories used in gadgets and computer. It consumes extremely low or zero power. Meaning it’ll drastically change the way our computers use power on storage of data.

Using memristor in computers or gadgets, data can be stored even when power is turned off or with very low power supplied to it. Since memristor is claimed to be able to replace RAM, it also means memristor will give the kind of high speed data access that RAM provides. And most probably memristor can be used both as the permanent storage and also works as RAM, which means there isn’t a need for a separate memory module. (HP is the researcher).

 

USB Lost

Lost, forgotten, I’d have it for ten seconds? Nope, it’d never make it to work.  Link

Biometric Document Box

We’ve experimented with biometrics since the early days.  This is a cool device to help guard important documents.

From their site-It’s a small security box that will hold your documents and goodies just like any other security box, except the BioBox uses a biometric security system that only allows access if the correct fingerprint is provided. The system will allow up to six users to add their prints to the access list and the information is stored in flash memory so you can still gain access even if you let the batteries run-out. The box is made of steel and has a locking cable that can be used to attach the BioBox to another object to prevent it from being carried-away.

Toshiba Secured Biometrics

The new hard disk drive comes with an array of sophisticated protection and security features: besides the spill-proof enclosure, SecuRed has an integrated Free Fall Sensor. It detects free falls, shocks or vibrations in all directions. On sensing this, it rapidly moves the HDD head from between the platters and prepares for impact, protecting valuable data. After the incident the user is able to log back on and access all the data without any problems.

Besides protection against outside influences Toshiba attached great importance on securing stored data against unauthorised usage. The integrated fingerprint sensor allows only the authorised person to access the stored data and files. Password authentication based on a powerful AES-256 algorithm and an embedded software engine which supports hard disk encryption enables very strong data security.  Source

Also found on Gadgets Blog

Thumbdrive - Ironkey

Ironkey makes one of the most incredible usb drives on the market.  The strong encryption helps to keep your data safe.  For more information, click on their picture above.

From Ironkey:

The encryption keys used to protect your data are generated in hardware by a FIPS 140-2 compliant True Random Number Generator on the IronKey Cryptochip. This ensures maximum protection via the encryption ciphers. The keys are generated in the Cryptochip when you initialize your IronKey, and they never leave the secure hardware to be placed in flash memory or on your computer.

 

Microsoft’s Live Mesh - Connect All of Your Devices - Companies Be Cautious

You have to look at humans today.  We are always on the go and if we don’t have our PDA’s or thumbdrives with us, we often forget files.  With Live Mesh, we can synchronize files on multiple computers through live desktop.  To learn more, visit www.mesh.com

Great, very functional idea.  Excellent, Excellent, Excellent.  Downside, security…we have to look at who gets access and who doesn’t (from work).   Files could walk away from your company if misused (IT Managers need to manage this).

 In the near future, other devices that will be supported include the MAC.  Great idea Microsoft.

Slipstream SP3 with Your Windows XP CD

Because you survived this long with Windows XP, the likelihood that you will reinstall is good.  Use Nlite to slipstream SP3 into your Windows XP installation CD and make a new installation disc.  It’ll save you a ton of time.  99% of your updates will be there along with your service packs.

What You Will Need:

Windows XP Disc
.NET 2.0
SP3
Blank CD

Install Nlite on your computer.  Follow the step-by-step instructions to slip stream Microsoft SP3 into your installation files.  Step-by-Step Guide.  The next time you install Windows, SP3 will be installed automatically.

Multiple Monitors

9xmedia has some of the best multiple monitor stands available. Check them out at www.9xmedia.com

Cybercrime

Somedays, it’s hard to enjoy the Internet.  Tonight my wife got another phishing email.  This one ironically ‘comes’ from the FBI.  The irony behind it all is I look into these type of crimes and report them if I have greater detail than the FBI.

Remember, if you get anything from a bank, financial institution, government agency or anywhere that wants critical data, don’t give your personal information to the individual, website or email.  Report the information to the websites below.

www.cybercrime.gov   Great information and documents.

The FBI’s site is http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm

Remember, threats are a crime, report them for your safety (local law enforcement) and so this information can be investigated.

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) was established as a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) to serve as a means to receive Internet related criminal complaints and to further research, develop, and refer the criminal complaints to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement and/or regulatory agencies for any investigation they deem to be appropriate.   http://www.ic3.gov/

Report the Scams you receive.

 

AVG 8.0 Freeware Antivirus-Why McAfee and Norton?

Finally 8.0 has been released. I really think it finds more viruses than Norton or McAfee.

Funny thing is I have seen the aforesaid antivirus suites up-to-date on a sluggish machine-after installing AVG and uninstalling Norton or McAfee, AVG found several dozen viruses and spyware and the machine ran great.

Another thing is why do you have to have removal tools for McAfee and Norton if it is such great software? AND why do these programs slow your computer down soooo much?

Free 3D Software

From the website-3DPlus is the amazing 3D design software that enables you to create stunning 3D graphics for your home, school or business - no experience required!

With 3DPlus you can create outstanding 3D designs in just a few minutes - with no need for any complicated VRML or other programming! And best of all, you can download our amazing 3D software, 3DPlus 2, completely free!  LINK

Online Storage - 5GB+

Microsoft’s Windows Live Skydrive Link

XDrive’s online Storage   Link

Computer Information - Belarc

Belarc Advisor is an excellent tool that I always forget about… It not only gives you system information, it tells you what patches and updates you are missing.

Wireless PCLock

The CIT Program uses many forms of biometrics and locking techniques for computers.  One of the items used is a wireless pclock.  The item is an excellent way for you to walk away from your computer and have it automatically lock.  The software is junk.  Here is a link for better software a user developed.