Happy Holidays...

I hope the holidays are treating everyone well?

I'm sure that everyone received nice gifts for Christmas.  And I'm betting that they are of the electronic persuasion that allow Internet access.  e.g., laptops, PCs, mobile phones, wifi-enabled LCD TVs, etc.  One of the most important and crucial things you should do when you power on these devices for the first time is get them connected to the Internet (or mobile network) and do all the necessary (security/firmware) updates & patches.  A lot of these devices have probably been sitting on the store shelves for weeks, even months before they were purchased.  So there's no doubt in my mind that between the time of manufacturing and shipping, there have been several security updates and/or patches that have been made available.  You just need to be proactive and check to make sure they're up-to-date.  Some devices will automatically update themselves once they achieve Internet connectivity, but it's always good to check to make sure.  CYOA (Cover Your Own Ass) as the say!!

It's also a good idea to ensure that for laptops/PCs/mobile phones, they have a good, working anti-virus software application installed.  The days of getting viruses only through email are long gone.  Nowadays, you can just surf to some benign or trusted website and still get infected.  Yep, it's that easy!!

Well, I have only a few more days left before I start my new job.  I'm desperately hoping to squeeze in at least two more posts before I start.  I'm not sure what the future will bring in terms of allowing time for me to post, but I will do my best.

Stay safe and Happy New Year 2012....

--ma
Michael

Cutting down on blogging...

Well, I just recently snagged a new job.  Therefore, posting to my blog won't be happening as much as I'd like in the foreseeable future.  However, I don't start until January 3rd.  So perhaps I'll make a few blog entries before then.

Also, my next (online) class starts in late January (this class should be an easy "A" though).  Not to mention I'll be going away on business sometime in January.  So it'll be very busy time for me and most likely I won't be making many blog entries.  We shall see though!  I'll keep you informed.


Stay safe...

--ma
Michael