Computers And Tech | Swampy's Weblog

9Aug/100

Blackberry Security – Too Good For National Security?

: Image via CrunchBase

My wife and I have been packing Blackberries for about three years now. We've learned to love them. They've taken the internet out of the office and put it on our hips. Being able to check email or google some obscure point any time instead of waiting until we can find a computer has definitely wired us in. Always being able to access the net has a downside, but overall we like it. The only complaints we have about the Blackberry are:

It sucks when used as an actual phone.
The keys on the keyboard are a bit small, especially for my thumbs.

Remember when Barack Obama had just been elected? One of the news stories at the time was that he was a Blackberry addict and that he was going to have to give it up because it wasn't secure. Now, there seems to be a movement coming out of the Middle East trying to ban Blackberries because they are too secure. It'll be interesting to see how this one unfolds.

If a person uses the RIM network for all their messaging, data is stored on Blackberry servers here in Canada. Its stored encrypted and when messages are transmitted they are encrypted with a two-key system. Of course, this only applies to actual Blackberry messages. If you use something like gmail in the browser application the traffic isn't encrypted at all. Apparently, the governments in question don't like the 'berry because it doesn't have a backdoor for them to use for snooping, and because the actual servers are located in Canada.

This all sounds a bit fishy to me. Other types of smart-phones have their own encryption methods that are close to being as secure as the RIM system, so why is all the focus on the Blackberry? Could this whole uproar be part of a corporate war between Apple and RIM? The countries in which it all started are notoriously corrupt and its easy to imagine somebody's palm being greased in return for bringing a security concern to the attention of the spooks in the countries involved. Who knows what's really going on?

Thankfully, this whole story seems to be losing traction already. It started with Saudi Arabia and RIM has apparently agreed to put a server in that country. Several other countries in the area have publicly disagreed with the Saudis' stance, so its doubtful that things will progress much further. In fact, the Bahrain government, in the person of Shaikh Khalid has said that the whole movement to ban the Blackberry was 'ignorant, short sighted and unenforceable.'

BlackBerry secure for company but not employee (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Blackberry Back in Good Graces in Saudi Arabia (spectrum.ieee.org)

Tagged as: Apple, Barack Obama, Blackberry, Canada, Middle East, network security, Research In Motion, RIM, Saudi Arabia, Smartphone No Comments

9Aug/100

Christmas PS3 Bundle Deals For Your Teen

: Image via Wikipedia

Sometimes it's hard to figure out what is the perfect Christmas gift for someone you love. You think about all of their interests and hobbies, and still, you somehow keep drawing a blank. But if you have a teenage boy, I can tell you just what to get him: A brand new shiny PS3, complete with the games and accessories that he's just dying to get his hands on.

Now you might think that that's a sort of generic gift, but trust me, he will be a heck of a lot happier with that than with a cozy sweater that has his name embroidered across the chest. Teenage guys don't always need personalized presents you know, especially if the present is going to provide some major entertainment value and cool factor as well.

Finding the right PS3 bundle deals is simply a matter of going online and seeing what the different stores are offering. There are lot's of PS3 console deals going on this time of year, and you can find some really great package deals.

You will of course need to think about how much you are willing to spend, but don't stop at just getting the console unless you know he's getting some Christmas money from Grandma, or that Aunt Jenny wants to pitch in and share in the cost of the games. He has to get some new games to go with it, as old PS2 games won't work with the PS3- they're simply not compatible.

And then there are some really cool accessories that he might like to go with it. Figure out just what you want to get, and then start surfing. With so many stores offering special Holiday deals, you should be able to find exactly what you are looking for, and with free shipping to boot!

Tagged as: best deals on ps3 bundles, buy ps3 bundles, PS3 bundle sale, ps3 game bundle, PS3 Package deals No Comments

13Jun/100

How To Switch To Mobile Internet

The truth of the matter is the fact that since the advent of mobile internet broadband services, most people have began a mad rush to switch to this new technology, owing to the fact that it is faster, easier to use due to it's wide geographical area coverage and most important the fact that it allows them to continue with their work even when caught up in huge traffic snarl ups. When it comes to value and money, you can rest assured that mobile broadband is way too much efficient. The fact that there are also no wires associated with this process makes it a plus for those who would want to have internet all through.

The first step towards a smooth transition from any other type of internet connectivity to mobile internet broadband is to first research about the various mobile broadband providers in your area, and determine whether or not they offer their services in your area. Through this, you will even get to k now more about the charges and also speed of their connections. The most important thing to consider at this stage is making sure that you find out whether there happens to be any network coverage from the various mobile telephony services provider since in areas where there is no network coverage then there will definitely be no access to the internet as well. This will help you gauge the places where you will get to enjoy these services.

After settling for a service provider of your choice, you will then be required to choose a bundle that you feel will best suit you, and then communicate with your mobile broadband internet provider to ensure that you make the switch without any hitches at all. Note that there are different bundles which will come in different prices and features, and which will also need more specifications. It is therefore important to make some inquiries before making any shift.

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