Operating Systems | Technically Secure

Computer Safety – Has Role Of OS Been Over Exaggerated?

Windows 7, the latest client version in the Mi...

There was a time when people debated upon the choice of operating system on the basis of the number of security holes and flaws in the same. Numerous individuals have predicted a global collapse of computing systems because they run on a specific operating system.

Well, the much feared global collapse has not occurred till date and there is growing realization that such doomsday scenarios may never happen.

An average individual using a computer can easily overcome all flaws in the operating system by using a good quality antivirus and antimalware software application. Adding a firewall to the equation renders the computer completely free of risks.

The scenario is slightly different as far as global servers are concerned. However, bulk of these servers makes use of open source operating systems that have a much better track record as far as security is concerned. This is the reason why Windows has retained its popularity despite frequent criticism of its blotted and flawed security processes.

Focusing on the operating system to make your computer secure is like focusing on the foundation of your house to ensure it does not fall down. The foundation is important but there is very little that an average individual can do insofar as strengthening the foundation is concerned.

He or she should focus on keeping the doors and windows locked to ensure unauthorized intruders do not access the property. Adopting such a practical and pragmatic approach is going to simplify the task of keeping your private data safe on your computer. Group of common sense precautions are invariably sufficient to keep your data and computer safe no matter which OS you choose.

Running Computers On A Network – Have A Full Fledged Contingency Plan In Place

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A computer is a machine and installing the right operating system in the right manner should help you extract maximum performance out of your computing device without any difficulty. However, there are many persons who swear that computers are as moody and as difficult as human beings. Not all devices react in the same manner to specific set of instructions.

Installing a computer on a network is supposed to be a very simple task. Just use the right set of steps built in your operating system and your computer should interact with networks without any difficulty. However, any IT expert will tell you that maintaining a few dozen computers on a network can be a veritable nightmare.

Just ensuring that all the systems stay online at all times can end up as a full time job. In such a scenario, it is important to analyze the possible impact of operating system updates on your computer and local network. All it takes is improper installation of the updates on a single computer for the entire system to conk off.

If the computer in question happens to be the one linked to the printer, each and every computer on the network may lose access to the printing device. In such a scenario, you must understand the importance of constant vigilance. You cannot afford to resume that everything will work in an automated manner.

This may seem like overkill but many experts have learnt this through the hard way. If you don’t want your business to stagnate because of such technical difficulties, it is advisable to have back up and contingency plan in place well in advance.

The Latest Advances in Technology for Digital Cameras

Digital cameras have come a long way since the first one was invented back in the 1970s.At that time, it looked exactly like what it was—a camera that required no film, but had been built using spare parts from other cameras. It required hooking up to a “microcomputer” in order to display the pictures, and could definitely not be carried around in a pocket or small case.

So, what exactly has changed?

Now, we have digital cameras that are almost as small as a credit card, and this doesn’t include the ones found on cellular phones. For those people for whom photography is their career or a major hobby, there are larger digital cameras available. The majority of digital cameras now come with auto-focus features, making it easy for you to get a perfect picture every time. If you just happen to get one that isn’t just right, you can delete it, making room for another one that looks much better.

Even the viewing screens have evolved. Many of them now have high-definition technology, and may contain in excess of 16 megapixels. All of these features mean you get clearer, sharper pictures. In addition, digital cameras can adjust to differences in the amount of light. You don’t have to worry about your pictures coming out too dark or too light—like Goldilocks when she found the Little Bear’s bed, they will be “just right.”

If you are considering purchasing a digital camera, think about how you will use it. Do you want something to capture everyday moments and vacation memories, or do you want professional pictures? This will help you make a wise decision.

Where Are Operating Systems Working?

Understanding the basics of how operating systems work can help you to grasp the full power provided to you by a computer. An operating system is the brain power behind any type of technology. Operating systems run more than computers, however. Most types of technology-based devices have an underlying operating system that tells them how to work.

When you sit down and turn on a computer, for example, you are not in control. Though you may be able to move the mouse and change the wording on the screen, it is the operating system that is working behind the scenes that is actually making the system work. If you own a personal computer or a laptop, you likely have a Microsoft Windows operating system. For those who have a Macintosh-based system, your system comes loaded with a Mac OS X operating system. If you are using corporate-style computers, you may have a Linux or a UNIX operating system.

Operating systems are becoming more popular in a variety of devices. You will find these systems in your cell phones, especially in smartphones. You will find operating systems present in your iPod, your tablet computer, and even in the wireless access points available. One interesting fact is the amount of power and know-how found in these systems. The average cell phone operating system today has more power than the more advanced desktop computers from 20 years ago. And that’s just phones. Imagine how powerful an operating system must be on a new laptop!

Are operating systems important? Yes! They are vital to your computers and other devices. In the coming years, more operating system options are likely to be introduced. New technology may even make new systems much more powerful than the ones you are using today for the tasks you need to complete.

Open Source Router Operating Systems

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These days there are a variety of operating systems or firmware available for people who want more from their router or finer control over how the Internet is distributed inside their home or office.

#1: PfSense – This is a complete router operating system designed to work on commodity hardware. That is just about any old computer with two network cards can become a router. Once the operating system is installed it can be left to run without a keyboard, monitor or mouse. All settings and controls are handled by logging into the router via your web browser, just like any router you would purchase from a retail store. PfSense is one of the most popular, offering a very simple live CD setup, the ability to install to flash media or a traditional hard disk.

#2: Tomato – This is actually a firmware designed for small home routers. The firmware will totally replace the existing factory firmware and will open up a variety of settings that were previously unavailable. While the user interface is bare, the things it provides include the ability to monitor bandwidth, options to control Quality of Service and the capability of adjusting the power of the wireless radio on the router.

#3: SmoothWall – This is another complete operating system similar to PfSense. SmoothWall although has full router capabilities tends to focus on their implementation of an advanced firewall. It has a very nice user interface that is easy to use and navigate. SmoothWall also has a corporate product that is not part of their free offerings and should not be confused.

Regardless of the Operating System or firmware that you end up deciding to choose, all of these are free and Open Source meaning you can download the code they are built upon and are free to make any changes you want provided you have the ability.

Increasing Your Operating System Security

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Have you ever noticed that updates are almost constantly available for your operating system? This is because operating systems are frequently being improved, and new flaws or security threats in operating systems are found practically on a daily basis.

Without the proper security measures in place, your operating system could be vulnerable to system attacks through viruses. These tips will help you increase your operating system’s security:

Keep your software updated. It might be tempting to merely postpone the installation when you’re prompted for software and hardware updates, but regular updates are important in keeping your operating system safe. Updates are often the result of holes or vulnerabilities in the system that need to be covered. Set your system to install updates automatically.
Protect your accounts. Use the Accounts Management feature to control who has access to your computer. Even if you do trust the people around you, leaving your computer wide open means anyone can hop on and download something harmful, however unintentionally.
Use a firewall. Don’t assume that just because you have an anti-virus program in place that it does the same thing as a firewall. A firewall is crucial for operating system security and ensures that unwanted internet traffic doesn’t reach your computer and operating system. Most operating systems have built-in firewalls already (including both Mac and Windows) and you just need to take the time to install and set them up.
Always use an antivirus program. A trusted antivirus not only blocks viruses, but isolates potentially harmful files so they don’t infect your operating system. Make sure you run antivirus updates as well and stay on top of your subscription so it doesn’t expire. You can also download a number of antivirus programs for free online.

You can protect your operating system with these easy security measures.

Why the Mac Hasn’t Caught On

A lot of people have taken to the Macintosh over the nearly 30 years since it first entered the market. However, with its market saturation of only about five to six percent, obviously that number is still not an unbelievably large amount. Far more people have taken to the iPod and the iPhone than have ever really gotten into the Mac. This is especially peculiar when you realize that a lot of the most desirable features of Windows (such as the integration of the mouse, the point and click interface and the use of different fonts) all came out of the early association between Microsoft and Apple, and what many Apple representatives have declared to be stealing on Microsoft’s part.

So why have people not taken more of a shine to the Mac? It is not because it is less secure than the PC. After all, with a Mac, if a virus attempts to infiltrate your computer, it will actually ask you if you want to run the program. In most cases, a reasonably bright person will not recognize it, and click the button which most closely resembles “heck no!” And Windows is notorious for essentially having a massive set of security openings, which were intended to allow remote control for convenience of service and communication. Unfortunately, they more often serve as little more than an easy inroad into hacking these PCs.

It is probably also not a matter of hardware, either. Every Mac which rolls off of the assembly line has a certain set of specifications, and they are far more uniform than PCs (which are made by numerous manufacturers). While this does not allow for very much customization, it does make life simpler. It is quite possible that the Apple method of creating things which are very “hip” (even though that term is anything but) may be what chases away a lot of their potential customers. People may actually feel intimidated by it.