Computer and network security continues to be a subject of ongoing concern and I find, that I cannot write enough on this very important business subject and issue.
The overwhelming and continual problem, which compels me to revisit this subject, is that I am continuing to see business owners who just don't take seriously the importance in making sure critical information is well protected rather than the possibility of losing valuable and critical operational data as well as the network being compromised and data being stolen.
Not a week goes by that my company is not confronted with a call, from a business, identifying that their entire network and its data may have been breached and the data compromised.
So why are businesses continuing to experience problems in the area of network security breaches and what should companies do in order to combat network and computer security problems?
Most companies tend to put thousands of dollars into things like anti-virus/anti-malware protection, firewalls, password policies and security procedures. Yet, they fail to do the thing, that will first and foremost tell them what the source of their network security problems may really be, which is take a hard, in-depth look at exactly what the security problems are and where they are coming from.
When called upon, to deal with the issue of network security and a potential breach, the first thing we do is to freeze everything on the network and begin to do a systematic analysis of all activity that has taken place, on the network, over the period of the last month. Now, because the network freeze can and will create system down time, it is always smart to do this on the weekend verses normal business hours and once the process is done, without fail, at least 90 percent of the time, we find what the biggest network security issue is and the problems originate from the company.
- George Bardissi
Archives of the Tech Talk column found in The Reporter and at TheReporterOnline.com each week, taking on all topics related to Internet technology, communications, computer software, hardware operating systems and security. Created by the staff of Bardissi Enterprises in Hatfield PA.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Communications providers are hard to categorize
Throughout the course of looking into the government’s creation of new legislation that would allow for expanded and more intrusive wiretapping of all Internet communications, it is clear that the initiative is largely being spear headed by federal law enforcement and national security officials.
It is also quite interesting that these officials, along with Congress, that are working on the proposed legislation have not been able to agree on how to determine or define what makes an entity a communications service provider.
Even more interesting is that the White House tends to have a clearer profile of what a communications service provider is, or at present, it would appear that way.
The White House seems to feel that any entity involved in using encrypted e-mail transmitters and social networking sites along with peer-to-peer messaging software should be targeted.
Of course, when you look at the aforementioned profiles, it is immediately apparent that company’s like Skype, Facebook and BlackBerry will most likely come under the long arm of the new wirer tapping legislation if passed and enacted.
Companies who operate servers outside the United States, according to the White House definition, will also qualify as communications service providers, thus making them part of those companies that will need to comply with the new legislation.
When questioned about the new legislation, one of the FBI’s attorneys indicated that the security community is not necessarily attempting to expand its authority, but rather to preserve their existing capability to execute the current protocols, now in place, allowing a continuation of ongoing protection of the public and national security.
This all coincides with the fact that national security officials, for quite a while, have been actively pursuing the government to give them greater latitude and control in being able to wiretap the Internet, because of the intensified activity on the part of extremists and criminals who are inclined to do more of their conversing online and not on the telephone.
It goes without saying that the proposed legislation does raise worrisome privacy concerns relative to all who use the Internet.
In the Times article, James X Dempsey, vice president of the Center for Democracy and Technology, made it clear that it seems like the national security agencies and the White House are trying to send time spiraling backward, in that they appear to want the services provided on the Internet to function in the way that telephone systems once functioned.
The United States is not the only country grappling with the matter of Internet security concerns. Over the course of this year, it has been reported that India and Saudi Arabia both threatened to extinguish all BlackBerry services, because of their governments feeling that the device’s e-mail encryption was responsible for creating a potential national security risk in their respective countries.
In light of both countries’ firm stance on eliminating BlackBerry services, RIM did concede to their demands and the two countries’ security officials complete, lawful access to Internet and smartphone data. Of course, this kind of leverage is exactly what our national security agencies are hoping to gain with the advent of the proposed legislation.
The vast majority of citizens, in the United States are probably not aware of the fact that our Internet and phone networks have been under protocols that allow for various agencies to eavesdrop as a result of the 1994 law titled the Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act.
Although the wiretapping authority was amended to include digital networks and cell phones as well as the already covered copper-wire phone systems, the law falls short, according to the security agencies and the government as it still fails to cover communications service providers.
So what does this mean for you and me? Well, quite simply, nothing if we are honest, law-abiding citizens. You see, if you aren’t doing anything wrong or questionable, then ask yourself, “What do I have to fear?”
Because that’s what it really boils down to. Whether we like it, or not, the days of complete privacy, as a result of the world we live in, are over.
Thus, you and I have a choice to make. Either we accept the fact that with advanced technology there will continue to be an advancing loss of privacy, or we decide to walk away from technology and return to a time of greater simplicity where we had to physically and personally communicate with one another and not through a touch screen or keypad.
Are you living a righteous life or are you one who by virtue of your unlawful or questionable activities will become afraid of what may come to be a complete loss of privacy in the ever expanding realm of balancing information technology and national security?
Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate what you’re doing on the Internet.
- Andino Ward
It is also quite interesting that these officials, along with Congress, that are working on the proposed legislation have not been able to agree on how to determine or define what makes an entity a communications service provider.
Even more interesting is that the White House tends to have a clearer profile of what a communications service provider is, or at present, it would appear that way.
The White House seems to feel that any entity involved in using encrypted e-mail transmitters and social networking sites along with peer-to-peer messaging software should be targeted.
Of course, when you look at the aforementioned profiles, it is immediately apparent that company’s like Skype, Facebook and BlackBerry will most likely come under the long arm of the new wirer tapping legislation if passed and enacted.
Companies who operate servers outside the United States, according to the White House definition, will also qualify as communications service providers, thus making them part of those companies that will need to comply with the new legislation.
When questioned about the new legislation, one of the FBI’s attorneys indicated that the security community is not necessarily attempting to expand its authority, but rather to preserve their existing capability to execute the current protocols, now in place, allowing a continuation of ongoing protection of the public and national security.
This all coincides with the fact that national security officials, for quite a while, have been actively pursuing the government to give them greater latitude and control in being able to wiretap the Internet, because of the intensified activity on the part of extremists and criminals who are inclined to do more of their conversing online and not on the telephone.
It goes without saying that the proposed legislation does raise worrisome privacy concerns relative to all who use the Internet.
In the Times article, James X Dempsey, vice president of the Center for Democracy and Technology, made it clear that it seems like the national security agencies and the White House are trying to send time spiraling backward, in that they appear to want the services provided on the Internet to function in the way that telephone systems once functioned.
The United States is not the only country grappling with the matter of Internet security concerns. Over the course of this year, it has been reported that India and Saudi Arabia both threatened to extinguish all BlackBerry services, because of their governments feeling that the device’s e-mail encryption was responsible for creating a potential national security risk in their respective countries.
In light of both countries’ firm stance on eliminating BlackBerry services, RIM did concede to their demands and the two countries’ security officials complete, lawful access to Internet and smartphone data. Of course, this kind of leverage is exactly what our national security agencies are hoping to gain with the advent of the proposed legislation.
The vast majority of citizens, in the United States are probably not aware of the fact that our Internet and phone networks have been under protocols that allow for various agencies to eavesdrop as a result of the 1994 law titled the Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act.
Although the wiretapping authority was amended to include digital networks and cell phones as well as the already covered copper-wire phone systems, the law falls short, according to the security agencies and the government as it still fails to cover communications service providers.
So what does this mean for you and me? Well, quite simply, nothing if we are honest, law-abiding citizens. You see, if you aren’t doing anything wrong or questionable, then ask yourself, “What do I have to fear?”
Because that’s what it really boils down to. Whether we like it, or not, the days of complete privacy, as a result of the world we live in, are over.
Thus, you and I have a choice to make. Either we accept the fact that with advanced technology there will continue to be an advancing loss of privacy, or we decide to walk away from technology and return to a time of greater simplicity where we had to physically and personally communicate with one another and not through a touch screen or keypad.
Are you living a righteous life or are you one who by virtue of your unlawful or questionable activities will become afraid of what may come to be a complete loss of privacy in the ever expanding realm of balancing information technology and national security?
Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate what you’re doing on the Internet.
- Andino Ward
Monday, October 4, 2010
The White House wants to tap the Internet
Are you ready for the next round of possible government-inspired Internet security measures?
Well, get prepared, because there is big talk and even bigger plans under way regarding Internet security.
It was reported in the Sept. 27 edition of The New York Times that the White House is hard at work creating legislation that will broaden the scope of the current wiretap authority to infiltrate and intercept our Facebook, BlackBerry and Skype communications without prior knowledge or consent.
The proposed legislation would also include an agenda that will give law enforcement and security officials increased ease in being able to infiltrate and eavesdrop on your online chatter as well.
Don't be alarmed, as the proposed legislation is not expected to be presented to Congress before next year and we all know just how long it can take, before a decision is made on anything in Congress.
You can bet there will be hearing after hearing, filibusters and a host of other objections during the process.
This proposed legislation is being seen as an Obama administration-sponsored bill, which for all intents and purposes would appear to be true since it is coming out of the White House.
One of the unsettling and most prominent aspects of the pending legislation, if passed and enacted, will demand that every Internet-based communication service reset its internal protocols to be technically capable of adhering to the federal wiretap order to include the ability to intercept and unscramble encrypted messages.
The overall scope of this legislation has incredible implications, as it may seem to be a means of releasing the proverbial hounds of hell on an unsuspecting population, in that it will equip our government with the power to listen in on every communication that is made online.
Of course, given the times that we live in and the relentless pursuers of anarchy, terrorism and the destruction of anything and anyone that does not have a shared belief, in their opinion, philosophy, political persuasion or religion, this new legislation may not be such a bad thing.
Yet, there is always that overwhelming, sinking feeling that Big Brother is waiting, watching and listening, as well as the distinct possibility that those in the administration, intelligence community or any other entity with access to and permission to use this legislation having ill intentions could use it for all the wrong reasons and exact untold invasions of privacy.
What of the government officials working on this new legislation? Who are they and how are they attempting to define who the Internet communications providers are and what the criterion is that the government will use to move forward in exacting the new legislation on their choice of who constitutes a qualified, in their opinion, provider?
And what about the providers of Internet communications services, what are their thoughts on this new legislation?
How will the new legislation affect the realm of wireless technology, specifically the smartphone?
Make sure you're on board, next week, as we will look at these questions and attempt to provide answers accordingly.
- Andino Ward
Well, get prepared, because there is big talk and even bigger plans under way regarding Internet security.
It was reported in the Sept. 27 edition of The New York Times that the White House is hard at work creating legislation that will broaden the scope of the current wiretap authority to infiltrate and intercept our Facebook, BlackBerry and Skype communications without prior knowledge or consent.
The proposed legislation would also include an agenda that will give law enforcement and security officials increased ease in being able to infiltrate and eavesdrop on your online chatter as well.
Don't be alarmed, as the proposed legislation is not expected to be presented to Congress before next year and we all know just how long it can take, before a decision is made on anything in Congress.
You can bet there will be hearing after hearing, filibusters and a host of other objections during the process.
This proposed legislation is being seen as an Obama administration-sponsored bill, which for all intents and purposes would appear to be true since it is coming out of the White House.
One of the unsettling and most prominent aspects of the pending legislation, if passed and enacted, will demand that every Internet-based communication service reset its internal protocols to be technically capable of adhering to the federal wiretap order to include the ability to intercept and unscramble encrypted messages.
The overall scope of this legislation has incredible implications, as it may seem to be a means of releasing the proverbial hounds of hell on an unsuspecting population, in that it will equip our government with the power to listen in on every communication that is made online.
Of course, given the times that we live in and the relentless pursuers of anarchy, terrorism and the destruction of anything and anyone that does not have a shared belief, in their opinion, philosophy, political persuasion or religion, this new legislation may not be such a bad thing.
Yet, there is always that overwhelming, sinking feeling that Big Brother is waiting, watching and listening, as well as the distinct possibility that those in the administration, intelligence community or any other entity with access to and permission to use this legislation having ill intentions could use it for all the wrong reasons and exact untold invasions of privacy.
What of the government officials working on this new legislation? Who are they and how are they attempting to define who the Internet communications providers are and what the criterion is that the government will use to move forward in exacting the new legislation on their choice of who constitutes a qualified, in their opinion, provider?
And what about the providers of Internet communications services, what are their thoughts on this new legislation?
How will the new legislation affect the realm of wireless technology, specifically the smartphone?
Make sure you're on board, next week, as we will look at these questions and attempt to provide answers accordingly.
- Andino Ward
Monday, September 27, 2010
Microsoft's Cyber Security EBook and Google TV
In an effort to keep up with the ongoing need for safety and security on the Web, especially for teens, Microsoft has developed and released a free Ebook that imparts and defines an incredible amount of diverse security topics.
Even though Microsoft created this specifically for teenagers, it became clear that the book's contents does offer such an indepth view into using the Internet safely that it can be used by anyone looking to gain advise and insight on Internet security.
One of Microsoft's main concerns in developing the Ebook was to not insult teens by appearing to be trying too hard to look cool. In checking out the Ebook, I must say that Microsoft did a fantastic job at, as the teen set says, "keeping it real."
Microsoft should be given high praise in that they really did create a comprehensive guide for teens as well as new computer users, which does cover everything relative to cyber security.
Some of the topics include catching phishing tactics, how to set up your browser so that you're protected against browser-based intrusions and crimes, how to handle cyber-stalking and bullying. The Ebook also offers up an interesting history and real world examples of the danger and harm that can and has come from cyber security vulnerabilities.
The great part is that you and your teenager can download the 253-page book for free. Microsoft has added an aspect of convenience in that you have the option to either download the entire book or you can download only those chapters that you feel are relevant to the specific concerns that you and your teenager may have.
In reviewing the Ebook, it was also obvious to me that it would be a great teaching tool for students and organizations.
I urge every parent, teacher, caregiver and youth organization to get a copy of this Ebook and to use it to help "tweens," teens and everyone find ways to be safe on the Web. If you would like to download the Ebook, all you need to do is visit "Own Your Space: Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online."
So, what's hot at Google? Well, Google has made a strong move into the Internet TV arena and is calling its new venture, appropriately so, Google TV. This new technology is planned to hit the scene within the next few months in the U.S. and will create a seamless connection between your TV and the Web.
Google TV will also connect to the Android app store as well as the Android-powered smartphones and the iPhone, with both having the capability to be used as remote controls for Google TV.
There will be three specific devices that will have the ability to initiate the Google TV platform and they will be Sony HDTV, Blu-ray players and a Logitech set-top box, both of which should connect to your TV, provided that your TV is in the recent high-definition realm.
This new endeavor is incredible as it will completely change the way we use and view our TVs and our computers, in that it will, in effect, merge the two. You will be able to get the Web at the push of a button and channeled TV with a smooth cross platform search tool ability and your TV will become an enormous digital photo frame with a slideshow mode that will allow you to have all your photos uploaded to sites like Flickr or Facebook.
Make sure you say thank you to the required Google TV hardware specs like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as they will give you the ability to load a Web page on your Android phone and beam it to your Google TV.
Also, in case you forgot, remember that whole Android and smartphone voice recognition thing I told you about in the first part of this series? Well, you can also use your Android phone's voice recognition, making it possible to change channels or search for shows just by talking into the phone and this application will become available for other smartphones in time.
As you can see, Microsoft and Google are charting a course, in their respective arenas, that is both exciting and definitely expanding our capabilities in the vast, open space we call the information highway.
So make sure you're on that fast-moving ride and strap in tight, because it's going to be a wild, fast-paced and exciting ride. I hope we can all keep up!
- Andino Ward
Even though Microsoft created this specifically for teenagers, it became clear that the book's contents does offer such an indepth view into using the Internet safely that it can be used by anyone looking to gain advise and insight on Internet security.
One of Microsoft's main concerns in developing the Ebook was to not insult teens by appearing to be trying too hard to look cool. In checking out the Ebook, I must say that Microsoft did a fantastic job at, as the teen set says, "keeping it real."
Microsoft should be given high praise in that they really did create a comprehensive guide for teens as well as new computer users, which does cover everything relative to cyber security.
Some of the topics include catching phishing tactics, how to set up your browser so that you're protected against browser-based intrusions and crimes, how to handle cyber-stalking and bullying. The Ebook also offers up an interesting history and real world examples of the danger and harm that can and has come from cyber security vulnerabilities.
The great part is that you and your teenager can download the 253-page book for free. Microsoft has added an aspect of convenience in that you have the option to either download the entire book or you can download only those chapters that you feel are relevant to the specific concerns that you and your teenager may have.
In reviewing the Ebook, it was also obvious to me that it would be a great teaching tool for students and organizations.
I urge every parent, teacher, caregiver and youth organization to get a copy of this Ebook and to use it to help "tweens," teens and everyone find ways to be safe on the Web. If you would like to download the Ebook, all you need to do is visit "Own Your Space: Keep Yourself and Your Stuff Safe Online."
So, what's hot at Google? Well, Google has made a strong move into the Internet TV arena and is calling its new venture, appropriately so, Google TV. This new technology is planned to hit the scene within the next few months in the U.S. and will create a seamless connection between your TV and the Web.
Google TV will also connect to the Android app store as well as the Android-powered smartphones and the iPhone, with both having the capability to be used as remote controls for Google TV.
There will be three specific devices that will have the ability to initiate the Google TV platform and they will be Sony HDTV, Blu-ray players and a Logitech set-top box, both of which should connect to your TV, provided that your TV is in the recent high-definition realm.
This new endeavor is incredible as it will completely change the way we use and view our TVs and our computers, in that it will, in effect, merge the two. You will be able to get the Web at the push of a button and channeled TV with a smooth cross platform search tool ability and your TV will become an enormous digital photo frame with a slideshow mode that will allow you to have all your photos uploaded to sites like Flickr or Facebook.
Make sure you say thank you to the required Google TV hardware specs like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as they will give you the ability to load a Web page on your Android phone and beam it to your Google TV.
Also, in case you forgot, remember that whole Android and smartphone voice recognition thing I told you about in the first part of this series? Well, you can also use your Android phone's voice recognition, making it possible to change channels or search for shows just by talking into the phone and this application will become available for other smartphones in time.
As you can see, Microsoft and Google are charting a course, in their respective arenas, that is both exciting and definitely expanding our capabilities in the vast, open space we call the information highway.
So make sure you're on that fast-moving ride and strap in tight, because it's going to be a wild, fast-paced and exciting ride. I hope we can all keep up!
- Andino Ward
Monday, September 13, 2010
Google and Microsoft on the cutting edge
Google was a big standout at this year's IFA convention that was held in Europe and is said to be the world's largest consumer electronics and home appliances trade show on the planet.
Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, was on hand and gave a very revealing talk on the realm of the smartphone, cloud computing and Google TV.
Let's start with the Android platform as well as the exciting new tool for voice search recognition and mobile speech translation called conversation mode.
Because of the unprecedented development of the many variations of smartphones, it is anticipated that there will be a staggering upswing in the growth of the smartphone handset market.
The numbers are incredible and estimated to go from the current 1 billion mark to 3 billion or 4 billion in the next four years and all this movement in smartphone technology and the consumer will be tied directly to the cloud, which will provide an increased impressive array of functions to smartphones.
It goes without saying that smartphone technology is seriously becoming the driving force in the world of information technology.
When you take all of this into consideration, it really isn't a surprise that the hottest smartphone on the market, the Android, is said to be shipping 200,000 activations per day.
Now here's the really exciting part. Google has made a significant push into the area of what is referred to as the "augmented humanity" model.
This is something that seeks to make the aspect of cloud computing and smartphone apps become aligned with you and me, the human being, and what we want in the way of services from our mobile technology.
One part of the model is designed to improve the search capability by building a more defined bridge between what you search for and what you mean with a solid degree of search efficiency that will determine and find exactly what you want to the most minute detail.
But the most exciting part of the new model is the upgraded voice recognition technology app that is expected to be released in the next few months.
Google introduced voice search recognition two years ago and it is calculated that Android search in the U.S. is now being done by way of voice at a rate of 25 percent.
The move into this area by Google is doing quite well and has very fast voice search capability and voice actions to include impressive speech to text tools.
I have personally had the opportunity to play around with this new technology and I must say that it has made a believer out of me, to the extent that I can truly tell you that it will change the way we all use our smartphones in that it will end the days of pushing buttons.
There is also the new app that Google will be releasing in the next few months called Conversations Mode and let me tell you, it is awesome.
So this is how it goes: Let's say you're in Turkey on vacation or business and you are shopping at an outdoor market place or eating at a local Turkish restaurant.
Of course you don't speak the language, but fear not, because you have your trusty smartphone.
You whip it out, go to the conversation mode app and begin to say what it is you want the merchant or waiter to know, all in English.
As you speak into the handset, within seconds your smartphone will send out a spoken translation to the merchant or waiter in their language and it will do so with perfect translation, to which the merchant or waiter will, in their own language, respond into your handset and you will then receive the spoken translation in perfect English.
Just think about how easy this will make travel to a foreign country and the fact that you won't have to make the mistake of ordering sautéeed goats eye's, when you really wanted fried calamari.
Doesn't that take a load off your mind, since you're planning on going to Thailand where there is some really exotic cuisine?
Join me next week as we take a look at Google television and Microsoft's new Cyber Security EBook.
- Andino Ward
Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google, was on hand and gave a very revealing talk on the realm of the smartphone, cloud computing and Google TV.
Let's start with the Android platform as well as the exciting new tool for voice search recognition and mobile speech translation called conversation mode.
Because of the unprecedented development of the many variations of smartphones, it is anticipated that there will be a staggering upswing in the growth of the smartphone handset market.
The numbers are incredible and estimated to go from the current 1 billion mark to 3 billion or 4 billion in the next four years and all this movement in smartphone technology and the consumer will be tied directly to the cloud, which will provide an increased impressive array of functions to smartphones.
It goes without saying that smartphone technology is seriously becoming the driving force in the world of information technology.
When you take all of this into consideration, it really isn't a surprise that the hottest smartphone on the market, the Android, is said to be shipping 200,000 activations per day.
Now here's the really exciting part. Google has made a significant push into the area of what is referred to as the "augmented humanity" model.
This is something that seeks to make the aspect of cloud computing and smartphone apps become aligned with you and me, the human being, and what we want in the way of services from our mobile technology.
One part of the model is designed to improve the search capability by building a more defined bridge between what you search for and what you mean with a solid degree of search efficiency that will determine and find exactly what you want to the most minute detail.
But the most exciting part of the new model is the upgraded voice recognition technology app that is expected to be released in the next few months.
Google introduced voice search recognition two years ago and it is calculated that Android search in the U.S. is now being done by way of voice at a rate of 25 percent.
The move into this area by Google is doing quite well and has very fast voice search capability and voice actions to include impressive speech to text tools.
I have personally had the opportunity to play around with this new technology and I must say that it has made a believer out of me, to the extent that I can truly tell you that it will change the way we all use our smartphones in that it will end the days of pushing buttons.
There is also the new app that Google will be releasing in the next few months called Conversations Mode and let me tell you, it is awesome.
So this is how it goes: Let's say you're in Turkey on vacation or business and you are shopping at an outdoor market place or eating at a local Turkish restaurant.
Of course you don't speak the language, but fear not, because you have your trusty smartphone.
You whip it out, go to the conversation mode app and begin to say what it is you want the merchant or waiter to know, all in English.
As you speak into the handset, within seconds your smartphone will send out a spoken translation to the merchant or waiter in their language and it will do so with perfect translation, to which the merchant or waiter will, in their own language, respond into your handset and you will then receive the spoken translation in perfect English.
Just think about how easy this will make travel to a foreign country and the fact that you won't have to make the mistake of ordering sautéeed goats eye's, when you really wanted fried calamari.
Doesn't that take a load off your mind, since you're planning on going to Thailand where there is some really exotic cuisine?
Join me next week as we take a look at Google television and Microsoft's new Cyber Security EBook.
- Andino Ward
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Groupon: The next level in online shopping
Here's the thing: I was shopping around the other day for some percussion instruments, as I have started playing again with a jazz band and a blues band as well.
Without thinking, I went directly to the Internet and started looking for the various pieces of equipment I needed.
All of a sudden, I just stopped surfing the Net and started reflecting on what I was doing and it became very clear to me that over the last 10 years, at least 95 percent of my shopping is done online. The remaining 5 percent is done at the grocery store and gas station.
No matter what I am looking to buy, the ease of sitting at my desk and surfing is relaxing, economical and, I must say, fun.
There is such a plethora of online stores to choose from and the deals that I find are incredible, with a 10 to 30 percent savings every time.
Every major store chain has a site that you can go to and shop and then there are all the online stores to choose from as well. One can almost never say that they cannot find the particular item or service they are looking for when shopping on the Internet.
Well, hold on to your heavily weighted down with money fanny pack, because there's a new online shopping site that has hit the ground running and is changing the way online shopping is done.
This is all coming from one Andrew Mason, a 29-year-old music major from Northwestern who in 2008, with lightning speed, created and launched the fastest growing Web-based business in the history of the Web.
The young entrepreneur has brought to life an online company called Groupon, which is a combination of the words group and coupon. Groupon's purpose is to invoke huge sales and easy profits along with creating a solid connection between retailers and online consumers.
Of greater interest is the fact that the Groupon philosophy is a direct throwback to the dot.com era and what it was supposed to have been about.
The company provides an online audience with deep discounts on a product or service and uses the "act now" slogan as its main pitch, followed by, "you have only so many hours before this offer expires." All of which can be considered familiar come-ons, yet they are still very effective, as seen in Groupon's incredible online success.
Groupon lists with vendors in every city and they list the deals of the day on the site for consumers to partake of in their own area or any part of the country they choose.
When you shop on the site, you will find everything from tickets to sports events, museum exhibits, classes at yoga studios or spas, ice cream shops, clothing stores and so much more. I found that the savings are typically around 50 percent on must items or services, while putting you, the customer, in touch with vendors you who might never have thought of patronizing since you weren't aware of their existence.
One of the main things that has made Groupon a big and fast-moving success is its use of Google and Facebook. By connecting with them, Groupon is able to gets its offers in front of a tremendous consumer base that is estimated to be around 13 million subscribers.
I have personally been shopping online using Groupon for the past year and have consistently been amazed at the ease of use and the deals that I have come across in the process.
The young Mason has definitely created a winner and you will most definitely find Groupon a fun-filled, bargain-rich site.
Have a great time shopping and try not to spend all that money in your fanny pack. Isn't it kind of geeky to still be wearing a fanny pack?
- Andino Ward
Without thinking, I went directly to the Internet and started looking for the various pieces of equipment I needed.
All of a sudden, I just stopped surfing the Net and started reflecting on what I was doing and it became very clear to me that over the last 10 years, at least 95 percent of my shopping is done online. The remaining 5 percent is done at the grocery store and gas station.
No matter what I am looking to buy, the ease of sitting at my desk and surfing is relaxing, economical and, I must say, fun.
There is such a plethora of online stores to choose from and the deals that I find are incredible, with a 10 to 30 percent savings every time.
Every major store chain has a site that you can go to and shop and then there are all the online stores to choose from as well. One can almost never say that they cannot find the particular item or service they are looking for when shopping on the Internet.
Well, hold on to your heavily weighted down with money fanny pack, because there's a new online shopping site that has hit the ground running and is changing the way online shopping is done.
This is all coming from one Andrew Mason, a 29-year-old music major from Northwestern who in 2008, with lightning speed, created and launched the fastest growing Web-based business in the history of the Web.
The young entrepreneur has brought to life an online company called Groupon, which is a combination of the words group and coupon. Groupon's purpose is to invoke huge sales and easy profits along with creating a solid connection between retailers and online consumers.
Of greater interest is the fact that the Groupon philosophy is a direct throwback to the dot.com era and what it was supposed to have been about.
The company provides an online audience with deep discounts on a product or service and uses the "act now" slogan as its main pitch, followed by, "you have only so many hours before this offer expires." All of which can be considered familiar come-ons, yet they are still very effective, as seen in Groupon's incredible online success.
Groupon lists with vendors in every city and they list the deals of the day on the site for consumers to partake of in their own area or any part of the country they choose.
When you shop on the site, you will find everything from tickets to sports events, museum exhibits, classes at yoga studios or spas, ice cream shops, clothing stores and so much more. I found that the savings are typically around 50 percent on must items or services, while putting you, the customer, in touch with vendors you who might never have thought of patronizing since you weren't aware of their existence.
One of the main things that has made Groupon a big and fast-moving success is its use of Google and Facebook. By connecting with them, Groupon is able to gets its offers in front of a tremendous consumer base that is estimated to be around 13 million subscribers.
I have personally been shopping online using Groupon for the past year and have consistently been amazed at the ease of use and the deals that I have come across in the process.
The young Mason has definitely created a winner and you will most definitely find Groupon a fun-filled, bargain-rich site.
Have a great time shopping and try not to spend all that money in your fanny pack. Isn't it kind of geeky to still be wearing a fanny pack?
- Andino Ward
Monday, August 2, 2010
How smart is your underwear?
So, how are those new underwear that you just purchased fitting you right now? Since you started wearing them, are you getting a tingly feeling in your lower region? Is there a sudden pep in your step, dip in your hip, glide in your stride? Are you feeling a sense of free and wild abandonment, all because of your new underwear?
Or, do you think your losing your mind, because of the newfound exhilaration and excitement that you're experiencing below your waist?
Well fear not! It is not your imagination and you're not going crazy. What's really happening is that you are the proud owner of "SMART UNDERWEAR"! That's right the underwear that you have on are intelligent. This groundbreaking technology was created at the University of California San Diego by Professor Joseph Wang and a team of scientists who specialize in nano technology. Dr. Wang and his team have designed high-tech underwear that may one day save lives.
Now, of course, I was joking in the opening lines of this piece, about your undies giving you a new lease on life, but that perspective is not really far off. You see, the smart underwear that Dr. Wang and his team are responsible for have sensors in the waistband that can monitor a person's blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. It is also anticipated that the underwear will one day have the ability to release drugs into the body that will help relieve pain and treat wounds.
All of this new technology, as wonderful as it seems, is not yet available to the public, but is actively being used by the military. Exactly what the military is using smart underwear for is still a mystery and I would guess top secret. Although the military is actively using the smart underwear, the technological range of applications does and will go far beyond the military.
Dr. Wang is very clear in indicating that one of his visions for smart underwear is rooted in personalized medicine that will move into the area of remote monitoring of the elderly at home, as well as monitoring a wide range of biomedical markers like cardiac markers that will send an alert out for a potential stroke, diabetic changes, and other changes related to a number of other biomedical situations and scenarios.
Wearable smart underwear will also have biosensors, which will be able to provide incredibly valuable information to athletes regarding their physical conditioning, and injuries. Another application of the smart underwear will be to measure blood alcohol levels, without the need for an actual sobriety testing.
Now, if you think that the new technology is only happening in your underwear, don't bet on it. If you're an avid movie goer, but hate it when you're sitting in the theater, intensely watching a movie and then someone's cellphone goes off, fret no more. There is now a cell phone-detecting shirt that is worn by the theater ushers and will detect mobile communications devices that haven't been switched off during the movie. The smart shirt is the brain child of Richard Etter and is part of a new clothing line called, "Aware Fashion."
The shirt looks much like a standard fashionable shirt. However, if a mobile phone gets near the shirt and are on, the shirt will glow unobtrusively at the end of its sleeves, alerting the usher to the fact that there is a cell phone active in the theater.
Don't think that what I just talked about is it in smart wear. There is so much more. What about the question of privacy and whether you will even know that you are buying a piece of smart clothing? Think about that. You could be walking around, right now, wearing smart wear and not even know it. The worst part is that someone, somewhere, could be monitoring your every move, or what's happening in your underwear.
- Andino Ward
Or, do you think your losing your mind, because of the newfound exhilaration and excitement that you're experiencing below your waist?
Well fear not! It is not your imagination and you're not going crazy. What's really happening is that you are the proud owner of "SMART UNDERWEAR"! That's right the underwear that you have on are intelligent. This groundbreaking technology was created at the University of California San Diego by Professor Joseph Wang and a team of scientists who specialize in nano technology. Dr. Wang and his team have designed high-tech underwear that may one day save lives.
Now, of course, I was joking in the opening lines of this piece, about your undies giving you a new lease on life, but that perspective is not really far off. You see, the smart underwear that Dr. Wang and his team are responsible for have sensors in the waistband that can monitor a person's blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. It is also anticipated that the underwear will one day have the ability to release drugs into the body that will help relieve pain and treat wounds.
All of this new technology, as wonderful as it seems, is not yet available to the public, but is actively being used by the military. Exactly what the military is using smart underwear for is still a mystery and I would guess top secret. Although the military is actively using the smart underwear, the technological range of applications does and will go far beyond the military.
Dr. Wang is very clear in indicating that one of his visions for smart underwear is rooted in personalized medicine that will move into the area of remote monitoring of the elderly at home, as well as monitoring a wide range of biomedical markers like cardiac markers that will send an alert out for a potential stroke, diabetic changes, and other changes related to a number of other biomedical situations and scenarios.
Wearable smart underwear will also have biosensors, which will be able to provide incredibly valuable information to athletes regarding their physical conditioning, and injuries. Another application of the smart underwear will be to measure blood alcohol levels, without the need for an actual sobriety testing.
Now, if you think that the new technology is only happening in your underwear, don't bet on it. If you're an avid movie goer, but hate it when you're sitting in the theater, intensely watching a movie and then someone's cellphone goes off, fret no more. There is now a cell phone-detecting shirt that is worn by the theater ushers and will detect mobile communications devices that haven't been switched off during the movie. The smart shirt is the brain child of Richard Etter and is part of a new clothing line called, "Aware Fashion."
The shirt looks much like a standard fashionable shirt. However, if a mobile phone gets near the shirt and are on, the shirt will glow unobtrusively at the end of its sleeves, alerting the usher to the fact that there is a cell phone active in the theater.
Don't think that what I just talked about is it in smart wear. There is so much more. What about the question of privacy and whether you will even know that you are buying a piece of smart clothing? Think about that. You could be walking around, right now, wearing smart wear and not even know it. The worst part is that someone, somewhere, could be monitoring your every move, or what's happening in your underwear.
- Andino Ward
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