Computer Software Monitoring - Is It Ethical?

Computer monitoring software is used to spy on a person's internet activities. There are software programs nowadays that can track everything a person does on the computer - record instant message conversations, log emails sent and received, record all visited websites, so on and so on. The programs can be hidden from the unsuspecting user, and they usually have no idea they are being monitored. Only the person who installed it, and is doing the monitoring, will know where it is, and how to access all the devious activity, if there is any.

There are three primary uses for computer monitoring. To monitor your child's internet activity, spy on your spouse or partner, or track your employees activities at the workplace (if you own a business).Is it ethical? In most cases I believe it is, in others there is a gray area.

In the case of monitoring our children, I do believe we as parents have every right to know what they are up to. The internet can be a very dangerous place for kids, and has become a haven for sexual predators. How do you think your teen would react if they found out you were watching them? They would probably go ballistic on you for betraying their trust.

I would suggest just telling them that you will be keeping an eye on their activities, and explain why. You do not have to tell them you are using spy software, just one warning to tell them you know what's going on, should suffice. It's our duty to protect our kids and ensure their safety in any way we can. Just give them a warning that you will be watching and set limits on their internet use. Make their working computer in the living room or den, a computer in their bedroom is asking for trouble. Even when your not at home, you can view their activities from a remote computer, if your working or on vacation.You can even see what they are doing remotely from another computer in the house you have access to.

Catching the cheating spouse. This is where it can get dangerous. I had once caught my exgirlfriend exchanging rather erotic emails with some guy over the web. Sure enough, she was having an affair. She had forgotten to log off her yahoo email account, and when I was checking my yahoo email, she was still logged on.

You can imagine I felt hurt and betrayed. This ultimately led to our break up, because she started dating the guy. I just think how would I feel if she was the one spying on me? I would feel very betrayed that she did not trust me. However, there is something inside all of us, that just has to know the truth. If you use computer monitoring on your spouse or partner, be careful your not caught. If your more computer savvy than them, most likely they will not know. If you are the faithful one, you certainly have a right to know.

Employees at the workplace. You want to make sure your employees are actually working and not goofing off at their workstations. With computer monitoring software, you can monitor multiple workstations at once. Is it ethical? Well, only the employees who have something to hide would say no.

You are trying to run a business, paying workers , you run the show. You have every right to know where your hard earned money is going. I would personally just let them know upon hiring, that all workstations are monitored for productivity.

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Article by Tim Chirillo

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Clear All History

With the advent of technology, the concept of paperless offices, online transactions have become an everyday event. Today, for most of our work we depend on the computer and the Internet. However, while using the Internet most of us are not aware about the security problems faced by our computer during both online transactions as well as idle surfing.

Idle surfing can inadvertently save onto our computer images and files that may harm the computer’s hard disk. This may also lead to personal problems especially if the computer is one at the office and it is monitored by others as some images or banners may be saved without our knowledge or intent. Secondly, while conducting online financial transactions, there is always a threat of our Bank ID, password, and account details being hacked and misused by others. People are often under the misconception that deleting the history in the explorer will solve the problem and will not leak such information. However, this is not true as this data is stored in a system file that is not deleted when one deletes the explorer history.

Internet Eraser Software is one tool which helps to delete the information stored in this system file thereby making the computer hacker-free. The internet eraser software has certain embedded programs that can search and find hidden files that are to be deleted. This software ensures that the privacy of an individual is protected and deletes all such files that are unwanted and are stored in such hidden folders. Along with deleting unwanted files, the internet eraser software deletes the information that we have saved on the URL regarding bank or credit card transactions. This ensures that hackers are not privy to important information that may be misused resulting in losses.

The internet eraser software also has a shredder feature which is similar to the paper shredder traditionally used in offices. This performs the same task of permanently deleting files that are unwanted or that may leak important and confidential information from the hard disk. The internet eraser software also acts like an anti virus software, protecting the PC from unwanted viruses invading it through such hidden files and thus makes the entire online experience a safe and secure one. Internet eraser software is mainly helpful in preventing theft of identity as it ensures that all personal information is deleted and not available to hackers.

The major advantage of the internet eraser software that it supports all major web browsers like FireFox, Internet Explorer, Netscape and can delete search history on the major websites like Google, MSN, and Yahoo.

Sam Roberts is CEO of clear all history and delete all history Tools

Article by Sam Roberts

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The Truth About Viruses

The Truth About Viruses Copyright(c) 2007 Kelly Staller Visit us on the web at 6StarReviews.com

We’ve all heard about computer-virus nightmare stories from friends and colleagues. What begins as an innocent-looking email can end up ravaging your PC, wiping out files and destroying your software programs. However, many websites and unassuming files can inflict damage as well, without us ever knowing until the damage is already done.

Even the best antivirus software cannot fully shield a user from the bugs and trojans running rampant on the Web. However, many software packages are designed to ward off new viruses as they are emerging. There are many aspects of viruses people don’t know about and before choosing an anti-virus software program, it’s necessary to separate fact from fiction.

Do these virus FAQs surprise or scare you?

• A virus can be spread when its host file is replicated. For instance, if you copy a file from a friend’s jump drive that contains a virus, your computer can get it.

• A virus does not need permission from a PC’s user in order to download and spread.

• Resident viruses do not need a host to spread. These viruses load themselves into memory of a PC’s files and transfer control to the host.

• Nonresident viruses look for hosts to infect and replicate themselves.

• Viruses can hide their file extensions from anti-virus programs, making it necessary to stay on top of your security updates in order to outwit the virus.

• Virus signature definitions only protect users from viruses pre-dating their last virus signature update: another reason to run automatic updates whenever possible.

• Heuristic software protection involves protection based on virus’ common behaviors, before there is an outbreak.

A virus’s capability to wreak havoc is truly extensive, but can be preventable. Every person will most likely come face-to-face with a virus at least once during their computer-usage. This makes it necessary to compare antivirus security and find one to begin protecting you.

6StarReviews is a great place to look for programs like The Shield Pro, which is designed to scan for viruses at high speeds and offers immediate security-breach alerts. Before you fall prey to the next Trojan, consider the benefits of purchasing yourself some security software.

Article by Kelly Kita

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Viruses and Spyware-Why Do I Keep Getting Infected?

If I have installed antivirus and antispyware software, have kept Windows updated and have a firewall, why do I still get computer infections?

This is a question that has riddled both antivirus companies and computer users since the beginning of high-speed Internet use. This article outlines the two main methods hackers use to infect a home user’s computer.

First, let’s discuss the two main aspects of this problem that typical security software has the most difficult time overcoming: reverse engineering and social engineering.

Hackers will often reverse engineer security software to figure out how it detects spyware threats. This means, they study the means of detection, so they can devise methods of getting around your antivirus software the next time. Reverse engineering has long been used by hackers and many reverse engineered threats can be eliminated by keeping your antivirus software updated and upgraded on a constant basis.

Hackers have figured out an even easier way to gain access to your computer, however. They use social engineering to exploit the human user.

The most common methods of social engineering are:

* Cleverly crafted fraudulent emails.

* Email attachments that pretend to be items of great importance.

* Free offers that have hidden programs in them.

* Web sites that silently try to sneak software onto your machine, when you click on a link.

Of all the computers on the Internet, a normal household computer attached to a high-speed connection is the most targeted. If you have “screen-agers” (tech-savvy teens) you are in a very high risk group for viruses and spyware. Screen-agers are not afraid of anything and will click on, download or visit any Web site, especially if they think they are getting something for nothing.

Teens are the primary users of file swapping software (Limewire, KaZaa, BitTorrent, etc.), frequent visitors to crack sites (to avoid paying for software) and live on social network sites, (i.e. Myspace.com, Facebook.com) which are all targeted by the bad guys.

Residential computers tend to have a much greater level of virus and spyware infections, primarily because of the way they are used.

Hackers understand their victims and always go after the weakest ones. In this case, it’s the average residential user.

If you are using all of the right software and updates to protect your computer, and still getting infected, it is highly likely it is do to a “liveware” problem, meaning someone using your computer is engaging in risky Internet surfing and/or loading or downloading software that has hidden code in it.

If you can stop this behavior, you can stop the infections. Any seasoned computer person can take a look at the programs you have installed and determine if you have a user abuse problem.

Author Profile:

Jason Dick is an Internet Security Specialist. Mr. Dick is a Tier-3 certified antivirus technician with extensive experience creating customized antivirus solutions for new and resistant spyware and virus infections. In addition, he has spent several years consulting with the average home computer user helping them get the most from their Internet Security Software. He is currently writing a series of articles entitled "Internet Security Tips for the Home User" to share his knowledge and expertise.To follow Jason's entire series and read a multitude of other exciting and up-to-date articles on Internet Security visit: home.stopsign.com

Article by Jason Dick

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25 Main Windows Vista Features

The whole world is waiting with expectancy for the arrival of Windows Vista and its promised delights. And, in the meantime, techies speculate and debate on what to expect, what the hurdles will be, and more.

Microsoft has been promoting Windows Vista as having features that provide a unique experience. The system is aimed to be user friendly and dynamic. Microsoft has worked on Vista at two levels; they have updated existing windows features and introduced new features. Among the many features of Windows Vista are the following gleaned from published documentation, blogs, and releases by Microsoft.

1. The interface is said to be state of art and has been called Aero, authentic, energetic, reflective, and open. User friendly, the interface is touted to be cleaner, streamlined, and aesthetic.

2. The windows shell for Vista is expected to reach for new standards in operating systems. The organization, navigation, and search capabilities are all user friendly and fast. The tool bar and one click access are devised to speed up operations.

3. Instant search is expected to revolutionize the system. Search boxes are integral to many applications.

4. Desk top gadgets positioned on the right hand side of the screen will enable users to view sports scores, weather, and other interesting things while continuing to work on the main screen.

5. The Media Player is expected to have great new features like graphic interface, photo display, systematic organization, and compatibility with Xbox360 and other media players.

6. The internet explorer, aimed to be genx, is expected to have a new user interface, tabled browsing, search box, easy printing, tabs, zoom, and other on tab functions. The system hopes to have advanced security protection and improved web standards support.

7. State of art back up and restore functions will enable users to schedule back ups of files. The system is designed such that back ups are incremental and only new material is backed up saving space as well as making the system easy to use. The “complete PC backup” will create an image on the entire system onto the hard disk or a DVD. In case there is a break down the “complete pc backup” will recreate the entire system.

8. Outlook express has a new avatar, Windows Mail. And, according to those in the know the system is reliable and can actually filter junk mail.

9. Updates of software and security systems in the new system will be through a control panel. There will be no need for any web applications.

10. In Windows Vista parents can have greater say in what the children can use and access. This system is designed to protect kids from exposure to violence and porn.

11. Windows vista has features that will enable computer access through handhelds and mobiles even if the computer if off.

12. Vista has multiple language speech recognition which will allow dictation and activation of commands.

13. Gaming with Vista has raised expectations of avid gamers. New graphics, better display features, and ease of use means faster gaming and more thrills.”

14. The photo gallery in vista has great new applications. It will function as a photo and movie library and be compatible with all kinds of devices. In windows vista this will tag and rate photos, make adjustments in color and exposure, create effects and burn slideshows to DVDs.

15. The Vista DVD maker will create DVDs from existing content.

16. The system permits sharing of files and applications. Vista’s Windows Meeting space promoted P2P applications.

17. Vista is designed to think. Super Fetch a memory management strategy studies user usage and retains pages in accordance to popularity. High priority content is retained in memory by detection of troublesome memory usage patterns.

18. Windows Vista is expected to have a ready boost, a flash device that extends disk caching capabilities. This will enable use of USB 2.0 flash drives, SD cards, or compact flash cards. This innovation is expected to lend a performance level that is 8-10 times higher than at present.

19. A touch screen is expected to be a part of Vista.

20. Disk partitions in Vista are designed to prevent data loss.

21. The task manager as well as task scheduler in Vista is being revamped to provide better computing.

22. Extensive focus is on security which has been a problem with Microsoft operating systems. In Vista the aim is to provide security at all levels of operation and the system includes an advance security firewall, a defender, as well as a phishing filter among other security measures. The innovations are all set to give a new definition to windows security.

23. Vista’s premier interface, Windows Aero will lend 3D graphics, great animation, visual effects, and translucence to videos, games, and other applications that have graphics.

24. The Vista developer technologies are many and are expected to include .Net framework version 3.0, a new user interface system among others.

25. Vista based on a new interface will support many features like WIM image format, group policy settings, and network file systems, that will ease the working of businesses

While techies and others are waiting to see how Vista functions, in actuality there are several concerns surfacing regarding costs, user account control, hardware requirements, digital rights management, security, and the similarities to the Mac OS X.

Aaron Brooks is a freelance writer for http://www.1888softwaredownloads.com , the premier website to find Free Software Downloads including free anti-virus software, free spyware detection software, free toolbars, free chat software and more. He also freelances for Free Online Games site http://www.1888freeonlinegames.com/profile-miniclip-games-10.html

Article by Aaron Brooks


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