Number 239 - April 2003

UPDATE
Beginner Repeats    In the Beginner section are a couple of articles giving beginner advice that has been given before. Even if you are an old timer, review of these tips from time to time is probably worth your time. If you are a beginner, perhaps there is a gem or two of wisdom for you to follow. How To Thwart Breakins    We usually limit the articles in the newsletter to a page or two. However, a longer than usual Communications article is included on page 5 of this issue on hacker methods and what you can do to be aware and protect your machine and your personal data. Password and screen saver defeating techniques, which you should be aware of, are discussed. Several websites covering the subject are also given LCD Screen Discussion - Pros & Cons    The lead article in the Hardware section touts the features of this technology including, of course, the much less bulk of the monitor. However, some of the downsides of this evolving technology are pointed out in two following short items. Skeptical Review of DVD Recorders    A review of this new technology suggests that it may not be ready for prime time. Hints for what to look for are given. If you are in the market for such a device or have the pioneer spirit, jump in. No Help Line?    TOG elves are busy revising the "boilerplate" Helpline and Membership Application on page 11, so in a grab for power the editorial staff have taken the whole page for more articles in this issue. We can hardly wait to see what the elves will come up with. In the meantime, if you need help it is available online at www.toggle.org.	Old Philosophy?    Some of our older members may recognize, that the item on page 11, has an eerie resemblance to a soliloquy attributed to Max Ehrmann, circa 1927. The page 11 item was found and contributed by Sandee Gimblett a couple of month's back. For those of you who are not old philosophers you can check it out Ehrman's work on the Internet under "Desiderata". Meanwhile enjoy Desperate for Data. Is WiFi In Your Future?    The desktop PC market has leveled out in the last year or so but the laptop market is growing. Aiming to capture a large portion of this market, Intel has introduced the Centrino laptop chipset which, among other things, will allow laptops to connect to wireless "hot spots" or Access Points. Separate WiFi plug-in boards have been available for some time for both laptops and desktop machines, and many other new laptops are being produced with WiFi capability built-in. But the Intel chip set is a more comprehensive approach.    In related news, in Bellevue, Washington a WiFi startup, RovingIP.net is led by two former McCaw Cellular executives. It is reported in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (PI) "to have landed an undisclosed amount of funding from Intel, Ignition and billionaire Craig McCaw." The PI continues "RovingIP.net is working on technology that allows consumers to move between various WiFi networks without losing service, much like cell phone users who roam between service areas."    If you use a laptop and are on the road a lot these developments certainly bear watching over the next year or two.
Number 239 - April 2003