Can cloud computers be easily hacked?

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Getting a new storage device to store our data – these days are gradually fading out. Thanks to Cloud services, people have discovered a new way to store their data and information at a much cheaper price. No additional expense, no extra physical space and best of all, no tension! That is the convenience of Cloud services. This technology has come out as a blessing in disguise for most of us and has indeed eliminated storage space concerns. But, have we ever thought of how safe actually cloud services are? Well, not most of us! We think, by just a simple drag-drop process our data are safe. But, are they really safe? 

No is the answer:

 

Well, we now have understood that cloud computers can be easily hacked. The recent security breaches of popular websites like Gmail and Sony PlayStation network clearly indicate that the clouds are truly vulnerable to attacks and threats. We are now at a point where cloud computing has become more of a fashionable statement used for product promotion than convenience. We have witnessed many tech giants and corporate integrating their products with cloud services. A new cloud service means a new platform to show off their hacking skills. It is believed that it is the hackers who get rejoiced first when a firm or a company announces a new cloud service followed by the users. 

What do hackers look for in a cloud?

 

1. Password:

 

It is claimed that most of the individual hacks occur due to poor password structuring. Hackers mostly use their password dictionary or use brute force attack techniques to decode the password and start their work. Thus, if your cloud service requires you to have a password, make sure that you generate a proper one with lots of symbols and codes. 

2. Mother cloud:

 

It is the general tendency of hackers to put in very little effort and retrieve the data. So, they usually avoid hacking individual spaces and preferably go for the heart of the cloud service. This gives them a better chance to invade on the ample number of individual spaces with minimal efforts. 

3. HTTPS or HTTP:

 

The ‘S’ stands for a Secured connection in HTTPS. This ensures that whenever a data is being sent to the website or the service, it is properly encrypted and is invulnerable to attacks. Though many services provide HTTPS connection, there are some that intentionally or unintentionally remove the secured connection, making your data less secured and creating a larger space for hacks. 

Can this be stopped?

 

Cloud services are a new concept in the IT industry. They have not yet been fully understood by many. Moreover there are no standard procedural rules or conventions for the operation. So, stopping it will indeed take some time. Few things that companies can do to minimize the attacks can be, appointing or consulting White Hat hackers to find the possible loopholes in hacking and come up with patches to resolve them. Moreover, biggies who offer cloud services should ensure their domain is safe and secure. Even the smallest bit of storage space is OK, but it should be a secured one, because there is no point in offering several GBs of storage space without any data security. And, it is also up to the users who use the cloud service to be safe from their perception. Frequent change of passwords, proper data encryption and use of security suites will be helpful. So, let’s hope the day comes when hackers tiresomely ask “God! Can the Cloud computers be hacked? 

This is a guest post by Travis Ramsy of Buycharter.com, a site that offers savings and current information on charter communications, as well as charter.com services

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IBM PC vs. iPhone 4

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The success of the IBM computer led other companies to develop IBM Compatibles, which in turn led to branding like diskettes being advertised as "IBM format". An IBM PC clone could be built with off-the-shelf parts, but the BIOS required some reverse-engineering. Companies like Phoenix Software Associates, American Megatrends, Award, and others achieved workable versions of the BIOS, allowing companies like DELL, Compaq, and HP to manufacture PCs that worked like IBM's product. The IBM PC became the industry standard.

While the iPhone 4 is a touchscreen slate 3G smartphone developed by Apple Inc. It is the fourth generation iPhone, and successor to the iPhone 3GS. It is particularly marketed for video calling (marketed by Apple as FaceTime), consumption of media such as books and periodicals, movies, music, and games, and for general web and e-mail access. It was announced on June 7, 2010, at the WWDC 2010 held at the Moscone Center, San Francisco, and was released on June 24, 2010, in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan. The iPhone 4 runs Apple's iOS operating system, the same operating system as used on prior iPhones, the iPad, and the iPod Touch. It is mainly controlled by a user's fingertips on the multi-touch display, which is sensitive to fingertip contact.

by davidfostergraphics.Browse more Computer infographics.

Five Reasons To Buy Inexpensive Computers

Already have a computer or it is your fist time getting a computer but do not have enough money to get the latest computer. Well there is always an alternative for both situation and that is to get a cheap computer that fit's your need. A computer has evolved from becoming a luxury to a necessity nowadays. Students, experts, and your common Joe and Jane, are making use of computers to make files and documents, listen to music or watch films, and play games, amongst a number of other people. And with the Online, one can send and get emails, have videoconferencing, shop via the internet, and numerous even more. All these features make it very difficult to live with out computer systems along with the Online.

But just since lots of many people unearth it vital to have a personal computer does not necessarily mean I have to spend so a lot for it. Today, one can acquire an up and operating personal laptop system at a low cost. You just need to do a more thorough research by going from one dealer to another and compiling which computer store or dealer has the best option for you.You will discover quite a bit of options for those who wish to invest in cheap computers. There are refurbished computers, used computer systems, and re-certified ones.

I have complied five reasons why you ought to order low-priced computers.

It is low-cost!

Computer may be in the need today but still some other people do feel that it is on there A-List or priority so  above all other reasons, getting cheap computers is low cost! Let’s face it – not all consumers are willing to shed bucks over a brand new computer system set, or simply not every person has the economic resources to do so. The perfect choice would then be to buy low-cost computers. By shopping for Cheap Computer Chairs, we can save a whole lot of income which can be applied for other a lot more required expenses for instance food, shelter, and clothing. The cost is always the number one issue when i was asked by someone how do they get to buy or have a new computer set.

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Low-cost doesn’t mean low quality

But wait low cost computer doesn't mean it is a quality computer. That why you need to get more information about the things you would like to buy specially computer. Since a lot of newly opened and some old computer store is offering cheap computer we as the consumer must be always inquisitive of the them. Some this dealer has always something to hide in their merchandize. While most consumers are turned off by the thought of buying affordable computer systems mainly because it connotes low top quality, there are essentially cheap computers that function and perform also as new ones. You will find inexpensive refurbished pc systems offered inside the marketplace these days, and this is just one of your a number of possibilities in trying to find a affordable yet high-performance computer system program. Refurbished laptop systems are these computers returned by the customer. They’re then inspected, certified, and packaged once more to be sold at a lower cost to new users.

It’s ideal for a second PC or Laptop

But i already have a computer and it is a high end computer. Well getting an extra hand is always better specially if it is a cheap but quality computer. It always pays to hunt down cheap and quality items among the mountain of items being presented for sale. There is an old sating that There is always gold among the trash or something like it. Having a low-cost laptop or desktop is ideal in case you already have an highly-priced one but you or your family finds an urgent need to have one more pc. When you don’t want to invest so substantially on the second computer system, because obviously, you already have the most important one, then acquiring inexpensive computer systems is one solution.

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It’s basic

Most computers are sold high priced for the reason that they let you to complete quite a bit of things. In the event you only need to use your pc for standard activities like surfing the net, sending mails, and do spreadsheets and word processing, then buying cheap computer set is the greatest alternative for you personally. It always come down to what do you do generally when you are using your computer may it be a laptop or a desktop. If you are just the basic user then you do not need a high end one, you just need a low cost computer to do all the basic things that you do on your computer.

It is best for newbies

If you are a very first time personal pc user, and you happen to be not but so acquainted with high power systems, then obtaining low-priced computers is the method to commence. The key thing here for newbie is to do a lot of research before you buy a cheap laptop or computer. Also because most refurbished computer systems are upgradeable, you are able to expand your memory, add bigger challenging drives, and more quickly modems, anytime within the future, if you feel you are comfortable with it already. One way of getting the best information is to ask some one who knows about computer in depth and where to find the best sale of low cost or cheap laptop, desktop or gadgets for sale.

I hope that these five factors can help you to obtain cheap computer systems. Computers, regardless of how valuable they may well be to some individuals, do not necessarily must come at a high price or value.

Simple Guide on How to Have The Best Laptops

Christmas day is almost upon us, somehow a lot of people out there has already gotten his/her gifts for Christmas and some of those gifts are gadgets such latest smartphone, desktop computer, tablet or laptop. For those who have not yet gotten there gifts especially if they want a laptop or the gift giver has not chosen any laptop yet for gifts because of  still confuse on what to based the choices to get that laptop, i have created a list of things to consider when buying a laptop this Christmas season as gift or for personal enjoyment.

The first part of the list for some has one of the most weigh in deciding on getting a laptop, you do not need to be a technical person to understand the first part. while the second part needs a little understanding of the technicalities of laptop and computers. Enough about these here they are and i hope you find the list very helpful.

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1. Price. You have to have a fixed budget when planning to buy a laptop because in case you don’t know, laptops are more expensive compared to their counterparts. Once you identify your budget, then you need to stick to it.You need to be strict when it comes to your budget.

2. Size Laptops come in different screen size and thickness. So, if you require portability, then you can buy a smaller one around 10 inches wide. But, if you will be working in a fixed place and only requires lesser portability, then you can choose the 15-19 inch laptops. What is the most comfortable  screen size for you since laptop is smaller than desktop you need to set the size of the screen that you want when considering the size of the laptop.

3. Brand The proven laptop brands include DELL, HP, LENOVO and ASUS which does not have much computer breakdowns. However, there are other brands that are also dependable but still under review. this part needs a little research or get some information from your friends ask them what kind of laptop they have and what are the key feature for each then based on that set your mind to the brand of laptop that yo would like to buy. This will make it easy for you to choose among the different brands of laptop available today.

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After discussing the aesthetic parts and company guarantee of laptops, here are other important things that you should know to help you decide what to buy:

1.Central Processor Unit (CPU): The CPU refers to the speed of your laptop and is measured in GHZ. Now, if you are going to use your laptop doing some basic stuff only, then there’s no problem with a lower GHZ but if you will be using it in gaming or graphics or videos, then you should opt for a faster CPU.

2.Memory Cards: Most laptops today only have 2GB memory but it’s not a problem for an average user. Nevertheless, when you want to open many programs at once and still require your laptop to run fast, a higher memory is what suits you.

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3.Hard Drive: If you plan on saving or downloading movies and audio files apart from the data files that you have, then you should opt for a bigger storage like a 400GB hard drive.

4.Operating System (OS): Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X which only runs on Apple computers, and Linux are just the few of the Operating Software in the market. The OS is the base software that is running on your computer.

5.Wireless network card: To be able to connect to the internet, your laptop computer needs to have a network card so that wherever you go, you can surf the internet once your laptop detects a wireless network.

6.Optical Disk Drive: If you want to watch DVD movies or have files saved on cds then you should buy a laptop which has an optical disk drive and shun away from net-books and notebooks though you can still buy an external optical disk drive.

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These are the basic features of a laptop and this Best Rated Laptops Guide is to help you decide what to look for in a laptop. With these tips, you will now be able to buy the laptop that really suits your needs.

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Netbooks, Notebooks: What's the difference?

Inside Houston real estate is a realty company serving central Houston. His site covers Houston real estate and has profiles on Houston neighborhoods like the Woodlands

Net-books are little computers that are receiving big attention these days. Net-books are actually mini-notebook computers with limited applications. They are designed to be extremely portable, allowing internet use while out and about (hence the "net" in net-book). A net-book has a screen size of twelve inches or smaller and is very light-weight, generally less than three pounds. These energy-efficient mini-computers are perfect for email, chat, Web surfing or even movie watching. Most designs out now run Windows XP or Linux operating systems and are not intended for extensive data storage or complicated programs like Photoshop or 3D games. However, at less than $400 they may offer the perfect solution for consumers who want the newest gadget at a reasonable price.

It is the price that is posing a problem for manufacturers. It was likely that the net-book was created to complement the notebook computer; a consumer would want both to serve different purposes. But as the economy has gotten tougher, people are buying the cheaper net-books at a faster rate. "... the low price tag that makes them such a hit these days means less revenue and profit for PC makers than what their full-size counterparts produce," said tech columnist Dan Zehr. Last fall, of the top-selling laptops on Amazon over half of them were net-books. An analysis on Barron.com noted net-books "could dent Mac-book sales." This was particularly true during the back-to-school and holiday shopping periods. Of course, sales of iPhone and Blackberries are not being impacted in the same way as notebook computer sales, as they hold a different niche in the market.

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So are net-books worth the hype? That depends. If a consumer is looking for a powerful machine to be able to perform typing-heavy applications on-the-go, he would be better served sticking with a laptop computer. John New, senior manager for global product marketing at Dell Inc., said the net-books work nicely for portable entertainment, but they are not intended for creating content or long periods of use. That may be the net-books biggest problem. While they offer a longer, more in depth Web experience than a smart phone, it is considerably shorter than a laptop computer with a larger battery capacity. The net-book allows use between 30 and 45 minutes, which is significantly less than most plane rides. 

If the little computer with the little price tag does prove too irresistible to pass up, there are a few things to consider when purchasing a net-book. First, the price is budget friendly, but the consumer should make sure the net-book is user friendly for his individual computer needs. It's not a great price if it sits unused. There are choices on operating systems, so the consumer should make sure they understand how to use what they are getting. Finally, try several out to make sure screen and keyboard size make for comfortable use. Also, as PC manufacturers and retailers are adjusting for the net-books popularity they are offering deals with notebooks and net-books packaged together. They are not exactly on par with two for one deal, but it may be the best deal in the long run.

About the Author

Inside Houston real estate is a realty company serving central Houston. His site covers Houston real estate and has profiles on Houston neighborhoods like the Woodlands

Computer 101

One may ask a question What is a computer? and the answer to that depends on how do you look at things, the computer, basically it has screen which display the information, it has a keyboard and mouse to access and manipulate this information and a main system unit where all the information is store and process. All this component are link together via cables, all this cable is connect to the main system unit most of the time it is located at the back of the computer.

The computer is one of the most used machine today. It can be found in almost all places in all country of the world today. The reason for this is it been design to carry-out all sort of task man would like it to do. Do task are but not limited to are typing,programming, playing games. mathematical computations, simulations, watching movie or video, listening to music, communicating with other people, and a whole lot more. Because of this versatility, it has spread all over the planet in just a few decade ever since its humble beginning.

As i explain earlier the computer is made up of several main keys parts, i say key parts because without them it will not function properly. They are the monitor, system unit, keyboard, pointing devices and printer. Still the other add on parts that has been dim necessary and very useful is the web-cam, microphone and speaker or headset. The function of the the main key part is always been the basic, to input and process the information and create an output of that information.

A computer can do multiple things at once of course this would this would depend on the hardware configuration that the computer has. If the computer will be used for ordinary task such as typing report, watching movies, personal stereo system and playing minor games such as solitaire, then a ready made computer from the shelf is right. But is if the computer will be used for gaming then a higher memory, a faster processor, a bigger hard drive and a separate graphics card will be needed. Please consult and do some planning if your going to buy a new set of computer.

Another function of the computer is to do specific task, one major example of this is a computer is used as an ATM Machine. To function like this a software is used to configure that computer to function as required and an added hardware is added to the exiting computer setup to complete the task. So the computer can be programmed to do also specific task.

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Now here comes the internet, and everybody is suddenly connected to everybody. The function and usefulness of the web-cam, mic and speaker suddenly get a very big boost. It has become a must add-in accessories for the all type of computer, today if you want to talk to your friend or family who is in another far away place, face to face, then all the three items mentioned is a must for you. Such is  the winder of the internet the its changes the status of these three times from luxury to necessity or needs, whenever one decide to acquire a computer. Of course one also needs a stable and reliable internet connectivity.

Now using them all together as one simple machine doing a variety of task then one would have a pretty good idea of what we can expect from this machine called the computer.