December 2008

December 30, 2008

Microsoft Office Users are at Risk of Information Disclosure

By publishing Microsoft Office documents on the web or by sending them via e-mail, you are at risk of information disclosure.

Since Microsoft Office is so widely accepted, Microsoft Office documents are an extremely popular way of Business-To-Business information exchange. While it is important to provide your partners or customers with extensive and easily accessible information, every company always has private information that shouldn’t go outside and is intended for company employees eyes only.

Numerous case studies suggest that most of the companies that use Microsoft Documents, are not aware of the potential threats contained in the files they send outside or publish on the Internet. Let’s do a simple experiment: Start Microsoft Word, create a new document and type “Hello, World!”. Save it and take a look at the file size. I’ve got 20 kilobytes with my MS Word 2003. How is it that 13 characters of text require a 20 thousand character file to be saved on your disk? What are the other thousands of characters used for?

Every Microsoft Office document is a Structured Storage, a universal data format developed by Microsoft. Structured Storage may contain various pieces of textual and binary data. This is how they save images and text into the same file, for example. In addition to your text, its formatting, images and embedded objects, your Microsoft Word documents also contain technical info that is usually referred to as metadata.

You can get a very simple example of the information contained in your documents metadata by taking a look at the Document Properties Dialog (Main Menu: File/Properties). As you can see, some of the fields in this dialog are automatically filled in and automatically saved with your document: Title, Author, Company, Last Saved By, etc. Even these, the most basic metadata examples, may put your company into an embarrassing situation. You may not want to publish the names of your subcontractors, or unveil your information sources, etc. But, you should also know that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Most of the information contained in your documents is normally not shown. Yet, it can be easily extracted by your recipients with metadata extraction utilities or simply by turning on specific options in the Microsoft Office applications.

Metadata may also contain your company employees notes, corrections and even previous versions of the document that were for some reason rejected. Office documents incrementally collect info about the authors, correctors, editors and their contributions. Normally, your comments and the rejected versions of a document are not intended for the document recipient’s eyes. However, a person that is sending out your documents or publishing them on the web may not be aware of the additional info contained in the metadata. Typically, you do not create agreements, contracts, invoices, reports and more from scratch. You use another document as a template. This way you can easily unveil the details of the contract that were used as a template. In some cases, this may cause serious financial or legal problems to your company.

OK. Now, you are aware of the problem. But is there a standard workaround? Unfortunately, no. Microsoft does not provide a standard feature to clear the metadata. There are guides available on the net that teach you how to check and clear the most threatening pieces of metadata. I think this is not a good idea. Manual processing takes time and there are no guaranties that you haven’t missed something important.

Recently, I’ve came across a 30 dollar utility that can potentially save you millions by protecting your company from getting sued by your customers or beaten by your competitors who could use the metadata from your office documents against you. Smart PC Solutions offers for $30 their Document Trace Remover…the product that inspired this article. This utility is a great leap in securing your office documents. The program automatically analyzes your documents and allows you to either remove certain pieces of metadata or substitute them with the info that you would like to present to your recipients. Document Trace Remover can also operate in a batch mode. This allows you to easily check and secure multiple files at once.

I believe it is a good idea to start checking your documents immediately. Visit the Smart PC Solutions web site for more info about Document Trace Remover:
http://www.smartpctools.com/trace_remover
or use the following link to download the program directly:
http://www.smartpctools.com/files/dtrsetup.exe
It is a free download. They offer a 30 day trial.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_39475_11.html

Related posts

Filed under Microsoft by admin

Permalink Print Comment

December 28, 2008

Computer Software Engineers at Work

Author: Stephen Trigg

At the moment, software engineering is one of the fastest growing professions because an increasing number of people are pursuing careers within this engineering field. The primary reason for this rise in software engineering job applicants is because the industry has been experiencing unprecedented industrial growth and expansion. Another reason for this software engineering labor market boom is the fact that there are now many specialist recruitment firms which deal with software engineering jobs. Over the years, the most experienced recruitment agencies of this sort have streamlined the whole process for obtaining jobs within this sector. Quanta can be described as a specialist recruitment agency with has a wealth of experience in software engineering recruiting. This is because the company has over six years of experience in terms of providing effective recruitment solutions to this sector.

Furthermore, during this period of time, Quanta has gained a good reputation and track record within the engineering recruitment sector. In fact, they can be regarded as one of the leading recruitment agencies for software engineering jobs. Quanta has helped numerous new software engineering job applicants with finding suitable positions. They have also helped seasoned software engineering professionals with securing their next roles. The success which Quanta has achieved in this area of recruitment is largely due to the fact that they are a recruitment company, which fully understands the organizational and cultural requirements of both their candidate and corporate clients. They are able to do this because they build and maintain close relationships with top software engineering management. These network of relationships and communication links which Quanta maintains, also allows them to obtain immediate visibility on the latest software engineering positions.

At this junction, it is worth mentioning that Quanta has some of the most sophisticated and advanced back office tools in the recruitment industry. This gives them a distinct edge over other competing recruitment agencies. Their team of experienced recruitment consultants have a good track record in terms of providing high quality customer service to all Quanta’s clients. As such, they are fully capable of providing expert recruitment advice and guidance. Through their candidate care program, Quanta show that they have a genuine interest in seeing that all their candidates succeed in their new roles. The candidate care program was designed to provide their candidates with extensive career help and support even after a suitable job placement has been secured.

About the Author:

Stephen Trigg is the CEO of Quanta Consultancy Services, the leader provider of Staffing company.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/computer-software-engineers-at-work-132683.html

Related posts

Filed under Useful & Latest Computer Software by admin

Permalink Print Comment

December 26, 2008

Microsoft Word Tips

Author: EssayEdge

Whether you are using a Mac or a PC, MS Word is the most popular word processing software on the market today for a multitude of items, including essay writing. And for good reason. Not only is it user friendly, but there is a wealth of tricks, tips, and tools that make word processing and document creation easier and more enjoyable.

 

Depending on your operating system and version of Word, there may be slight differences in the functionality. But overall, here are a few of the many functions of MS Word:

  • Word Count: Users of MS Word for Vista can see the word count automatically at the bottom left of the page. It updates with each word you type. Users of older versions of Word should utilize the Tools menu and click on Word Count. When counting the words on a page, MS Word automatically counts the entire page. If you want to simply count words in a paragraph or a sentence, then highlight that section and choose Word Count from the Tools menu.
  • Spelling and Grammar Check: By default, MS Word tracks the mistakes in your document automatically and underlines them either in red or green. Red is for misspelled words and green is for grammar mistakes. To turn these functions on or off, go to Review in the tool bar and click on Spelling and Grammar. Then select Options. You can now choose to have words automatically corrected or have them underlined for correction later.
  • Table of Contents: One of the most intimidating features of MS Word is the Table of Contents option. This allows users to create and update a Table of Contents, utilizing the Headings feature.

 

To make a Table of Contents, you must first write your essay. While writing the essay, however, be sure to designate headings, utilizing the Headings feature. That is, highlight the text you want to use as a heading and then click on Styles. You will have the option of Heading 1, Heading 2 and so forth. Choose Heading 1 for your main topics and Heading 2 for your subtopics.

 

Once your essay is complete, go to your cover page. Click on References. Then, click on Table of Contents. You will then be prompted with several different styles. Choose one and it will automatically populate your document with the correct headings and page numbers.

 

Now, should you decide to create additional pages or headings, you can update your Table of Contents automatically. Simply right-click anywhere within the Table of Contents. You will be prompted by a pop-up window to Update All or Update Page Numbers Only.

 

  • Inserting Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks can be somewhat frustrating. Older versions of MS Word have a function that automatically inserts hyperlinks when you type a Web address beginning with www and ending in .com. To delete the link, simply right-click on the link and choose Remove Hyperlink. Newer versions of Word do not have this function. To insert a link, you need to highlight the text which will act as the link, and then select Insert and choose Hyperlink. You then type in the link, and it will be imbedded in the text.

 

These are just a few of the many functions of MS Word. To learn all of the features, it is best to utilize the old form of trial and error. Create a dummy document and play around with it a bit. Don’t be afraid. The only thing that will happen is you just might learn something new.

 

About the Author:

EssayEdge is a leader in essay editing services for college essays, graduate school application essays, and more. Visit EssayEdge.com for more information.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/resumes-articles/microsoft-word-tips-586016.html

Related posts

Filed under Microsoft by admin

Permalink Print Comment

December 24, 2008

New Era in Website Publishing Software - Publish Your Own Website

If you don’t update your website regularly, then it is not achieving its full potential. Search engines, and people, look for new content, and if your website is ’stale’ it is obvious to all. By building your own website you have control over content, and can update it whenever you like.

That, of course, raises an issue. What can you do to enable a constant stream of updates to your website that will show that it is fresh and up to date? Well, on of the ways is to use an automated scheduler.

Be Prepared

Sometimes when you’re creating content for your website, you work in quick spurts. It’s possible to add a lot of content at one time. Its best though that you don’t publish all of that content at one time. First of all, regular visitors to your site may get lost in the deluge, and second, if you space out your updates, your website will always have new content.

So, how do you make sure that all of your content is spaced out at proper intervals? That automated scheduler we talked about earlier. Using a scheduler, you can set up exact publishing times for content, whether it be every day, every week, even every hour. Also, scheduled publishing can incorporate seasonal changes.

Maybe you want to have certain color schemes or graphics for one part of the year, then maybe a few snow-related graphics for winter, well you can do it with the scheduler. Or maybe you’re running an arts and crafts website and you want to have different articles and how-to instructions for different holidays. Well you can set the scheduler to add the relevant content at the exact time that you want it.

Easy Up

Getting your website updated, or even published for the first time, is very easy with a web design program that is designed to work with FTPs (File Transfer Protocol). Once you have a domain name, you can simply enter your username and password into the web design program and it will take care of everything for you. No tedious transfer of individual files, no getting your site up and then realizing that you forgot an image file that makes your site look horrible.

If you have the top website design program on your side, all you need to do is click your mouse to load all of the files needed to automatically upload your web pages.


The fastest way to build a website is to use templates. Go to http://www.xsiteproseo.com to find the professional templates that come free with Xsitepro2.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Schramko

Related posts

Filed under Blog by admin

Permalink Print Comment

Watch TV On Computer Software Reviews

Watch TV on computer software review is necessary since watching satellite Television online is the fad nowadays. Reviews will help you if you are looking for a way to turn your pc into a super television streaming screen. The best software available in the market is known as the PC 2007 elite and is a sure way for streaming broadcasts on your computer.

PC software reviews can be found in most websites that provide information web television. A good review should be able to recommend the best packages. While recommending these packages, the review should at the least give you afew features and why it is better than the competition. It is very possible to get scammed with fake packages especially if you have not read any review.

A good package should be able to broadcast 3000 free online channels. While most lack local satellite TV channels others have a vast majority of them combined with as many foreign satellite channels like Arabic satellite, Spanish online, Russian and others are from Denmark, New Zealand, Australia. The best softwares have channels from over 70 countries and in over 50 different countries. It is therefore worth your while to get satellite television software that has many television station and also has highest quality at affordable prices.

They should generally involve a one time life membership. This means that you only get to pay once and can access it for free thereafter. Avoid those softwares that require you to pay monthly subscription fees. Again, the softwares should not be so expensive; the prices should not exceed a one time set up cost of $50. There are those online packages that retail at hundreds of dollars; these should be avoided at all costs. There are many examples of good packages once you know where to look for these.

Reading a review should also explain the easy installation procedures. Most packages can be installed in 2 minutes flat upon completion of the check out process. Just like any other software that you have downloaded online, the the program is saved on your desktop and you can proceed to install it on your .exec files. This works like any other operating software. Once the TV on computer software download is complete, a shortcut will be left at the desktop with which you will later only have to click on to watch free satellite channels online.

Inorder to get TV channels online, your pc or laptop has to meet some requirements. These requirements are in most cases already available in any computer. Your computer will need atleast the basic minimum of 520mb, speed of 300Mhz, A Pentium III processor and above, Windows Operating software 2000, ME, XP, HE, Vista, a free download windows media player and finally the best package.

There are several other things that a review should be able to tell you. For example it should be able to advice you on the American and other free world channels available. Most also tell you the exact country channels they offer. Some software offer added value products which enhance your range of choice. Some softwares packages for online television are affordable and are backed with excellent after sales service.


Get more details on watch TV on computer online softwares in my blogs Free Online Television Reviews and Online Computer Television Download

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Kamau

Related posts

Filed under Useful & Latest Computer Software by admin

Permalink Print Comment

Why Download Audio Books Instead of Reading?

Because you can, that’s why! When you download audio books you’re taking advantage of today’s latest technology. People of all ages are jumping on board this latest trend that’s both fun and educational. Will you be next?

If you’ve got a computer, you’ve got everything you need to download audio books. Depending on the source, you might need to download special software to transfer the audio book to a hand held device. Or you may have to pay in advance for the download. But that’s okay. The convenience is well worth it.

In fact, convenience is the real reason why so many people have turned to downloading books instead of reading them. When you want to read a book, you have to make time to do it. Reading isn’t something you can do while driving or while working or while trying to plan and prepare dinner (unless you’re reading a cookbook!). People today are busy and they don’t have time to read anymore. And that’s unfortunate.

But once you download an audio book and transfer the file onto an MP3 player or iPod, you can listen to the book while doing any number of other tasks. That’s right. With an audio book, you listen while someone else does the reading. Your eyes and your hands are free to do whatever it is they need to be doing. Listening to rather than reading a book means you can still commute, exercise, mow the lawn or do whatever else you need to be doing.

If you don’t have a hand-held device capable of storing and reading audio files, you really should consider getting one. But if it’s not yet on your “must-have” list, you can still download audio books to your computer or laptop. Once there, turn up your speakers, sit back and relax as someone else reads you a story. You’ll feel young all over again!


Brian Fong

http://www.AudioBooks-Superstore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Fong

Related posts

Filed under Computer News & Reviews by admin

Permalink Print Comment

December 23, 2008

How Do I Write An EBook?

The internet truly is a wonderful way to earn a living, especially with information products such as writing how to guides, or writing E-books. you can literally become very wealthy by producing either of the two previously mentioned information products. The main thing is learning how to write ebooks. Now the question is or should be how do I write an ebook. I wish to convey to the reader that “Anyone Can Do This”, Even if you are a newbie, I am completely confident this is not out of your reach. People who have never written a thing in their lives do this everyday. You Just have to have confidence in yourself! and just do it.

Technology of today has come a very long way in providing programs, software and computers that make writing an e-book a breeze with their ease in the use of and the implementing and executing of all that is available. A newbie can literally write an E-book with only basic computer skills such as knowing how to use a text editor, a basic feature that comes with every computer, and knowing a little bit about implementing programs and computer software which are in themselves not hard to do because there usually are instructions and some type of support in place to help you to carry out the instructions to successfully get started on the right foot. I can remember when I was faced with that same decision. I asked myself how do I write an ebook, where do I get started, then it dawned on me that that was the first important thing, to get started. Do something! Research writing ebooks. And after you get started things become easier. You’ll find everything that you are looking for because it’s out there, you just have to get started looking for it.

So even if you’ve never done this sort of thing before, and don’t really know where to start I can assure you that most can do this. Now that you’re past the stage of asking yourself, or should be at a certain point of development, how do I write an ebook, there are several things that you will need to take into consideration before actually writing an ebook. For example, it’s important that you guard your e-book from theft or illegal reproduction. This can be easily accomplished by purchasing a protection program, issuing passwords to unlock the book only after payment is received, or by using Digital Rights Management. These steps will ensure that the e-book can’t be copied or traded very easily. Just go online and search for the term “Digital Rights Management” or perhaps “E-book Seller Protection Program” and you should be able to come up with a pretty good selection of these type of software programs in which to choose from.

Although there is a formula for writing an E-book the topic can be about anything, preferably a topic of interest that you know a little something about. There are ideal lengths for ebooks, the margins should be a certain width, and there should be plenty of white space on each page so the reader doesn’t get intimidated at the prospect of taking in too much information. There are even pricing guidelines out there to help you decide how much to sell your finished product for. There is also a formula for structuring your your E-book from the very first page right on through to the end and there is free information all over the world wide web available just for the asking. There is also an abundance of research material on just about anything that you can possibly think of including your topic or subject, you just have to do a little bit of digging then bring it all together for a finished product.

There have been such strategies, that some people use such as taking articles, such as this one, and breaking down the paragraphs and successfully making the chapters of their e-books out of these paragraphs either in part or in whole. Now there is an Idea in case you are still having trouble getting started or are still asking yourself that dreaded question, how do I write an ebook.


Article by: Donald Whitehead:
Donald writes various articles on alternating subjects
It’s No Secret. Have You ever Wanted To Know How Do I Write An Ebook. Not only is it fun but it can also be very profitable. Learn just how easy it really is! FREE HANDBOOK!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Whitehead

Related posts

Filed under Blog by admin

Permalink Print Comment