Monthly Archives: March 2012

Importance Of Secure PDF Documents.

  By gardenofcleta | March 30, 2012 - 11:00 am | , ,
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Importance Of Secure PDF Documents

Source Wikipedia

There are lots of reasons to make your PDF (Portable Document Format) documents secure.  A PDF document is an open standard for document exchange.  According to Wikipedia, PDF was created by Adobe Systems in 1993 and is used for representing documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems.  PDF is a standard for encoding documents in an “as printed” form that is portable between systems and is widely used for distribution and archival of documents.  It has become an essential document format.  A PDF file is readable on multiple operating systems, in a variety of programs, and is able to keep document formatting regardless of the device, operating system, or program it is viewed on.  Users can also easily organise PDFs, bookmark pages for reading later, or even convert a PDF to eBook format.  So many people rely on PDFs for personal and business use it is very important to make sure they are very secure. Here are some tips:  They be can be secured using public keys and/or passwords (but you should, be aware that it is possible to allow print-only access to a file even without the password.)  Many believe that by simply creating a PDF, a document has been secured, therefore making it no longer possible to extract text or images or any other information from the created PDF document. This is not true.  It is not that simple and, in fact, not all PDFs are created equally.  Just because a document is created as a PDF does not mean it is secure.  In order to have a truly secure document that is protected, it is necessary to specially encrypt the PDF when it is created. This article has some great advice, Blogger Sharon D. Nelson, Esq. and I quote from the article.

In order to properly secure an Adobe document, John [Simek, Vice President of Sensei Enterprises Inc.] advises a ‘two-step’ test.

The first step is to apply a password to the Adobe document that restricts any changes to the document (a “Change Permissions Password”). The second step is to apply an “Open Document” password. When both of these are, applied, the PDF password cracker programs cannot get ‘at’ the flag that controls the editing of the document.

You provide your client with the “Open Document” password but not the “Change Permissions Password”. This way they can view the contents of the document, but they have no ability to edit the document.

Using this dual password method, the software that is used to ‘crack’ the Adobe document password cannot get at the ‘flag’ and therefore cannot be used to break the security of the document (at least at this time).

The next time you are creating an important PDF document, please take the extra steps to make them secure.

Will the Future of Next Generation Consoles Be Regulated by the Companies That Make the Consoles Themselves

  By gardenofcleta | March 28, 2012 - 10:45 pm | , ,
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Will the Future of Next Generation Consoles Be Regulated by the Companies That Make the Consoles Themselves

What does the future hold for consumers of next generation consoles… According to this post today from cnet.com
A tipster has told Kotaku that the PlayStation 4 is, named “Orbis,” and that it will feature an anti-used game system, offer no backwards-compatibility with PlayStation 3 titles.
And also there are rumors that the Xbox 720 May Not Play Used Games but will play Blu-Ray and (And Will Introduce Kinect 2) according to kotaku.com. What will happen to stores like gamestop.com will this eliminate the ability to rent games? Will it end the ability to try games before you pay the full price for them. I personally wonder will the next generation console try to integrate online purchasing of games only. In ways this could be good news and it could be bad for people who do not have internet connection and want to buy the games which may still be possible. Some people choose to not buy Xbox live and PSN network just to basically play the games without an internet connection.

Source Wikipedia


Myself personally I would like to still have, the ability to play used games and for the console to have backwards-compatibility options because you spend a lot of money on these games then … a new console comes out you are very excited you want to buy it and you want to also be able to play the library of games you already have on it. For example if you paid $60 dollars for a new game you really want and you bring it home you play it for hours and hours until you have beaten the game and you would like to trade it for a new game if what they are saying about the rumors of not being able to play a used game you will be not be able to trade so you better really, really like it when you pay 60 dollars for it or what if you buy the game get home play it 10 mins and say I don’t like this game at all then basically you are, stuck with it if this happens with “no used games console”. Will the companies regulate our future in gaming as we know it now? I guess we will have to wait and see what Microsoft and Sony has in store for the new consoles.

Time For Seasonal Allergies

  By gardenofcleta | March 23, 2012 - 8:09 pm | , ,
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Time For Seasonal Allergies

According to AchooAllergy.com Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and approximately 55 percent of all U.S. citizens test positive to one or more allergens, so its time to stock up on lots
of tissues, nasal spray,allergy medicine, and lots of vitamin C to help deal with the onset of Spring seasonal allergies that are upon us now and Springtime brings the pollen that is one of the biggest triggers of allergies and these things are:

  1. Flowers blooming
  2. Tree pollen
  3. Grass cutting
  4. Weed Pollen

They bring out the horrible sneezing, watery eyes,difficulty breathing, all associated with seasonal allergies.Common symptons not limited to include sneezing, itchy watery eyes,itchy nose and/or throat,nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath,and general tiredness.The pollen that is a big trigger of seasonal allergies are tiny, egg-shaped powdery grains released from flowering plants, which are carried by the wind or insects and serve to cross-pollinate other plants of the same type for reproductive purposes. When pollen is present in the air, it can land in a person’s eyes, nose, lungs and skin to set up an allergic reaction. According to Allergies.about.com the best ways to avoid pollen exposure is:

  • Keep windows closed prevent pollen from drifting into your home.
  • Minimize early morning activity when pollen is usually emitted — between 5-10 a.m.
  • Keep your car windows closed when traveling.
  • Stay indoors when the pollen count is reported to be high, and on windy days when pollen may be present in higher amounts in the air.
  • Take a vacation during the height of the pollen season to a more pollen-free area, such as the beach or sea.
  • Avoid mowing the lawn and freshly cut grass.
  • Machine-dry bedding and clothing. Pollen may collect in laundry if it is hung outside to dry.

If your allergies are very severe you should always see a doctor about them and if possible on the days that the pollen counts are extremely high try to stay indoors. Some more advice to help prevent the onset of symptoms is:

  • Cover your eyes up. If you are going outside, cover your eyes up.Wear sunshades or glasses at all times. Protect your eyes from pollen, dust, and other debris that blows around during the springtime.
  • Wash your hands. Another safeguard from seasonal allergy symptoms is hand washing
  • When you come inside change your clothes and shower to get rid of the pollen

I hope maybe some of these tips will help you with battling with your seasonal allergies.

Souce Wikipedia

Insomnia

  By gardenofcleta | March 19, 2012 - 11:14 am | , ,
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Dealing With Insomnia

Approximately 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia each year.  Some people have worse forms than others, and some have very extreme insomnia and some only suffer a mild, occasional insomnia. Insomnia can be grouped into primary and secondary, or comorbid insomnia.  Primary insomnia is sleeplessness that cannot be attributed to a medical, psychiatric, or environmental cause (such as drug abuse or medications).  It is characterized by the following:

  • A 1-month or longer history of at least one of the following:
    1. difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
    2. nonrestorative sleep.
  • Sleep disturbance (or associated daytime fatigue) causing significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Secondary Insomnia:

  • Disorders characterized by impairment of the ability to start or keep up sleep.  This may occur as a primary disorder or in association with another medical or psychiatric condition.

Comorbid insomnia:

  • Usually someone that has other health problems

More than 8 out of 10 people who have insomnia are believed to have secondary insomnia.
Insomnia can, be classified as transient, acute, or chronic.

  • Transient insomnia lasts for less than a week.  It can, be caused by another disorder, by changes in the sleep environment, by the timing of sleep, severe depression, or by stress.  Its consequences – sleepiness and impaired psychomotor performance – are similar to those of sleep deprivation.
  • Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for less than a month.  Insomnia is present when there is difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or when the sleep that is, obtained is non-refreshing or of poor quality.  These problems occur despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep and they must result in problems with daytime function.
  • Chronic insomnia lasts for longer than a month.  It can be caused by another disorder, or it can be a primary disorder.  People with high levels of stress hormones or shifts in the levels of cytokines are more likely to have chronic insomnia.Its effects can vary according to its causes.  They might include muscular fatigue, hallucinations, and/or mental fatigue.  Some people who live with this disorder see things as if they are happening in slow motion, wherein moving objects seem to blend together.[citation needed] Chronic insomnia can cause double vision.

Source wikimedia

Insomnia Treatment

In general, keeping your bedroom temperature moderate (not too cold or hot), making sure it is dark (close the windows and blinds), and trying to cut anxiety and relieve stress before bedtime are effective ways to get a good night’s sleep.
It may help to read a relaxing book before bedtime, practice light Yoga, stretching, or meditation before bedtime, or drinking non-caffeinated tea such as chamomile tea.

Some people find that listening to relaxing music, can help lure them to sleep, while others find that a completely quiet room—you can even try ear plugs —can help them sleep.

Avoid substances such as:

  • Caffeine, tobacco, and other stimulants taken too close to bedtime (effects of caffeine can take as long as 8 hours to wear off).
  • Certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines that can disrupt sleep (such as, some cold and allergy medicines).
  • Alcohol. An alcoholic drink before bedtime may make it easier for you to fall asleep. But alcohol triggers sleep that tends to, be lighter than normal and makes it more likely that you will wake up during the night reducing stress is a big help for insomnia.

 

Good and Bad Bedtime Habits

Follow a routine that helps you wind down and relax before bed, such as reading a book, or listening to soothing music.  Try to exercise, eat regular meals, and avoid drinking a lot shortly before bedtime. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly.  Avoid bright lighting and reduce possible sleep distractions, such as a TV, computer, or pet(s).  Try to stay on a sleep schedule; going to sleep around the same time each night and waking up around the same time each morning, even on weekends.  If possible, avoid night shifts or alternating schedules at work and other causes of irregular sleep schedules.  And if you have suffered from insomnia for a long time you should defiantly speak with your family physician about how severe your insomnia is.  There are lots of over the counter remedies then there are tea’s relaxation music it is just what works best for you.  I have suffered from insomnia for almost 3 years now sometimes it’s worse than others I have went days with only one or two hours of sleep each day if I was lucky enough to sleep that much, then have a night of crashing. It is very tiring and frustrating when you cannot sleep.  Your body is tired and is craving rest and your mind is racing and you are wide awake.  Sometimes, I can play a movie and get really relaxed watching the movie (not that it’s a bad movie).  My mind just calms down and I am concentrating on the movie and my mind and body are so relaxed, then I fall asleep.  Sometimes, soft music or I love listening to the sound of rain at night. It is so relaxing.  I hope you can find some sort of help dealing with insomnia. It’s not healthy for your body and mind.

Sources for this article may include, but are not limited to: Wikipedia

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!!

  By gardenofcleta | March 17, 2012 - 12:09 pm | , ,
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Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!!

Lets begin with some Irish music from Dropkick Murphys-I’m Shipping Up To Boston [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-64CaD8GXw]The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. Each year, thousands of Irish Americans gather with their loved ones on St. Patrick’s Day to share a “traditional” meal of corned beef and cabbage. Though cabbage has long been an Irish food, corned beef only began to be associated with St. Patrick’s Day at the turn of the century. We can’t forget about the Leprechaun which is a folk tradition that has been told for many years. But, who knows? You might just see one. Anything is possible. ;) Source Wikipedia Be on the look out today for the lucky 4 leaf clover. According to legend, each leaf represents something: the first is for faith, the second is for hope, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. And I hope you are wearing something Green today to avoid being pinched, another Saint Patrick’s tradition. It’s an entirely American tradition that probably started in the early 1700s. St. Patrick revelers thought wearing green made one invisible to leprechauns; fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green). People began pinching those who didn’t wear green as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch green-abstain. According to some accounts, blue was the first color associated with St. Patrick’s Day. But that started to change in the 17th century. Green is one of the colors in Ireland’s tri-color flag, and it has been used in the flags of several Irish revolutionary groups throughout history. Ireland is the “Emerald Isle,” so named for its lush green landscape. Green is also the color of spring, the shamrock, and with that, I wish you a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. :)

Protecting Your Privacy Online.

  By gardenofcleta | March 15, 2012 - 3:05 pm | , ,
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Protecting Your Privacy Online.

How safe is your Privacy online? Use a Firewall:

Source wikipedia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A firewall is meant to allow or deny network transmissions based upon a set of rules and is used for network protection to prevent unauthorized access. While it permits legitimate communication to pass, it blocks suspicious or unauthorized sources from accessing your network, hence your personal information. Normally, offices use hardware firewalls such as Pixs and/or a software firewall such as ISA (Internet Service Acceleration Server). Home users can easily benefit from the built-in Windows firewall or get one from a repository of their operating system provider (e.g. Ubuntu users can use the Ubuntu Software Center to find and install a firewall). A firewall is important in the Internet world because it serves to prevent one computer from compromising another computer. Currently there are 2 types of firewalls used:

  1. Software Firewall: A software firewall is a computer program running on a computer which performs it’s duties on that computer. They are just bits of code on a computer.
  2. Hardware Firewall: It is a physical piece of equipment designed to do firewall duties. A hardware firewall may actually be another computer or a dedicated piece of equipment which only serve as a firewall.

Firewalls keep out malevolent hackers and people who intend to do damage to and take over other peoples’ servers. Firewalls really serve no other purpose. Firewalls seek to limit the access to a server or computer and let in only the people who need to be there.

Whenever a packet of information triggers one of the filters, the firewall prevents it from passing through in the attempt to prevent damage. Of course, firewalls sometimes block wanted traffic, and through a continual process of refinement, the filters can be customized to improve their efficiency.

Always remember to keep your private information to yourself. It is easy to give away too much personal information online without really meaning to. Sometimes this can help online criminals and identity thieves but, on a more everyday level, you wouldn’t give personal information to strangers in the street, so why do it online? Here are some tips for protecting your anonymity online:

  • Think twice about disclosing any personal information.
  • Avoid using your real name online.
  • Set clear guidelines for children about when and how they can show information (see Talk to your kids about online safety).
  • Be especially cautious of ‘fast friends’ who you have just met online but who ask you to show personal information or want to meet you offline.
  • Be wary of disclosing personal information on a work or personal web, site.
  • Use a disposable, anonymous email account for websites that demand an email address to register. There are lots of sites that offer free email addresses. If you need to enter an email address but won’t get any email from the website (sometimes sites need you to check incoming email for login details), you can use “someuser@example.com” as an address. This is a protected email address that will never reach a real company or user.
  • Switch off Java, JavaScript and ActiveX in your browser and only enable it on a site-by-site basis.
  • Always read Privacy policies when it applies to you.

Please protect yourself be safe online.

Spring is in the Air

  By gardenofcleta | March 14, 2012 - 9:38 pm |
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Spring is in the Air

The air is just filled with the smell of spring warmer days, lots of sun, thunderstorms, it’s upon us now the frogs singing in the pond happy to feel the warm water all around them as they slowly grow. The flowers stretching from the earth bringing their beautiful blossoms and wonderful smell with their beauty the birds singing sweet melodies as you awake in the morning almost like they are singing good morning to you, just being out side feeling the sun on your face as a gentle breeze blows as you watch everything just coming to life. The trees struggling to bring forth new younglings tender leaves on their branches as they stretch out getting relief from the long winter. Time for slow walks in the warm rain splashing in the water with your feet as you walk…Please take time to soak it all in and enjoy Spring only last a short time and then we go into the long summer this is such and amazing time of year to watch everything just come to life the trees the grass growing the strong smell of freshly cut grass the sweet beautiful smell of the flowers as their beauty shines in the sunlight the little birds dancing singing playing ever so happy..