SoftWare Topics

Top 6 Cloud Computing Security Topics

By Chris L Wilson

As cloud computing grows, and even more businesses contemplate moving their operations in to the cloud, one of the greatest concerns that is raised many times is security. Is the cloud really secure?

The fact is that storing your information in your cloud is really just like, or even more, secure than keeping your information in traditional infrastructure. Like traditional infrastructure, however, as a good customer in addition to a professional you need to take into account a long list of security checkpoints. These checkpoints represent possible cracks in your own cloud infrastructure security, and you'll just want to shore these up to keep your information as secure as it can be.
Your Staff
Unfortunately, the leading threats to both cloud hosting and traditional security will often be the ones right under your nose. Hire staff who're trustworthy and depend on your own instincts. Don't be reluctant to evaluate your employees for proper usage of internet resources. Create pro-security polices, train your employees on these polices, and enforce them.
Passwords
Your employees must protect their passwords. Put together your IT system making sure that regular password changes are normal and encourage strong, complex passwords. Weak passwords provide straightforward accessibility for individuals that want to get hold of your confidential information.
Firewalls
Establish strong software and hardware firewalls to maintain your information secure and out of the hands of people which do not have business with it. This might require blocking popular websites from employee use. Don't be reluctant to do this. Surfing the Internet really should not be a choice during the clock.
Data Backup
Cloud hosting enables all your data to be backed up. If you want to leave some data off the cloud, however, it's going to be vital that you keep a tightly secured system for backup. Off-site backup is usually the safest option within this scenario.
Software Patches
No matter what which operating-system that you are running, every software package used in your corporation ought to be kept up-to-date by installing patches as they're released from your software provider. Software that is not properly patched will not likely protect against the most up-to-date virus and is practically a door for individuals that aspire to access your confidential information.
Access Control
Cloud hosting is often a fabulous way of storing data, but it is useless if care is not used to protect outlets and control access. Mobile devices allow it to become simple to work from practically any location, but when they're left unsecured, they provide for easy access to anybody who comes to take them. If you choose to allow staff to gain access to the cloud using their personal devices, create policies surrounding these devices. Require password access and train employees to respect security protocols.
Closing
You may want to review Wikipedia's section on cloud computing security. They have a wealth of information and resources for your education.
I wrote this article after reading the "Top 4 policies in Cloud Computing Security You Must Know" found at the Cloud Computing SEC blog. It's a great article but overall I thought they forgot about traditional security risks like the ones above.

Cloud computing security was listed as one of the top 7 Cloud Computing Must Haves by Cloud Provider USA.
The Cloud certainly is the future. Security is one of the best cloud computing service must haves. Security risks occur whether your data is stored on your cloud or on your server in your back room. Properly training employees and carefully choosing who may have admission to your data along with the cloud should go some distance toward keeping cloud computing secure and a great choice for your organisation.

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

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How to Speed Up Your Computer Without Extra RAM

  By Janelle Johnson

Everybody knows that the more RAM (Random Access Memories) you have on your computer, the faster your computer will be in performing tasks. However, adding RAM can be an expensive option at times, especially adding RAM to your PC notebook. There's also a limit to the amount of RAM you can add on to your computer.
Another issue associated with adding RAM is that it can be cumbersome. This is so because it usually requires you to open up the computer casing and you have to get your hands dirty with the cables and connectors.
Now, there is an alternative option and it's much more easier to implement. If you are running Windows Vista on your computer, you can make your computer run faster by adding Virtual Memory!
In Windows Vista system, there is a feature called "ReadyBoost". This feature allows your computer to use Flash Memory Devices (e.g. SD cards, USB Thumb Drive) as additional cache memory. In another word, your computer is virtually enhanced with extra memory it can use to store data it needs to access frequently. This is how you can speed up your computer and at the same time free up the RAM for other usage. The end result: you improve your PC performance without having to add more physical RAM.
Here are the steps to make your computer run faster with USB Flash Drive:

1. Plug in your USB Drive. Your computer should be able to detect the drive automatically and present you with a dialogue box. If this is the first time you are using the USB drive on your computer, click on "Speed up my computer" under the "General Option". A Properties dialogue box will appear. If the USB drive had been used on the computer before, it will be listed as "Removable Disk" under your Window Explorer. Rick click on the "Removable Disk" and select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.
2. Inside the "Properties" dialogue box, click on the "ReadyBoost" menu tab.
3. Select "Use this device" and use the Slider to indicate the amount of USB drive you wish to allocate for virtual memory cache. Click "OK" and you are done!

A picture is better than a thousand words. Click here to see a pictorial illustration: How To Speed Up Your Computer

Janelle Johnson specializes in SEO & Internet Marketing. You can find lots of free tips and free tools at her site: http://www.value4sure.com

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How to make your computer run like NEW;

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How to Remove a Trojan Virus From Your Computer - A Step By Step Support Guide

By Kumar Gandharva Jha

Trojan virus, as the name suggests is a malicious computer program designed to infect a PC by changing its desktop or removing the important data files. The malware initially looks like a legitimate Windows application, software, or file etc. from a genuine source and prompts a user to click open or download it. A Trojan virus is usually hidden in screen savers, tray clocks, weather forecast applications, messenger applications, malicious programs, keygens, and cracks among other software applications. Commonly, Trojan viruses are embedded in free antivirus software versions that are circulated via peer-to-peer (P2P) networks such as torrents etc.
Common Symptoms of a Trojan Virus Infection:

• The PC suddenly slows down
• The PC does not shut down or takes longer than usual to shutdown
• The PC restarts itself and continues the same in a loop
• The PC crashes
• The desktop settings change automatically
• Missing data files or programs
• Inaccessible hard disk or disk drives
• Unexpected error messages etc.

Does Not Antivirus Help? Antivirus software can not identify a Trojan virus until it is completely installed on the computer with all the updates fully downloaded. Therefore, when you have accidentally clicked on a Trojan virus program, there is no escape until it fully enters your computer.
Manual Procedures:
For Microsoft Windows Users -

• Disable the 'System Restore' feature by clicking on the 'Start' button
• Right click on 'My Computer'; go to 'Properties', and then click on 'System Restore' tab
• Put a checkmark in the 'Turn Off System Restore' box
• Click on 'Apply', click on 'Yes' and then click on 'OK'
• Update your antivirus program with latest security definitions or download them manually from its website
• Run a scan to detect and remove the malicious Trojan virus files
• You can also write down Trojan virus files' linked path as well as names. They are usually found in the PC's 'C:\' drive, which is the hard drive to store important data sets.
• Edit the PC's backup registry entry by going into 'Start' menu, clicking on 'Run'
• In the 'Run' window, key in 'regedit' and then click on 'OK'
• From the list, find out the registry entry that is linked to the Trojan virus files. Such files may have prefix as 'HKEY' with the file path. Select the registry entry and remove it in order to ensure that the Trojan virus file is fully removed.
• Close the registry entry list and restart the PC in order to make the changes effective

For Macintosh Users-

• Reboot your PC, press and hold the 'Shift' Key on the keyboard while it is restarting
• Open your antivirus program, which is installed on your PC
• When the window appears, go to the 'Disk View' and select your PC
• Select 'Scan/Repair' to let the antivirus detect and remove the Trojan virus
• Restart the PC to make sure that the particular malware has been removed. When the PC is up and running again, clean the trash can that holds the Trojan virus
• Keep your antivirus updated with latest security definitions; you can also manually download latest definitions from your antivirus' website.

For additional security, you can clean cookies, internet cache, internet history, download history, and session etc. The above mentioned procedures are successfully tested methods and hence should resolve the problem. However, the procedure may seem lengthy and cumbersome to you. In this case, you can always approach a certified technical support for help

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

How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware for FREE by Britec

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Business Benefits From Software Test Automation

By Sam Miller

Several advantages have been cited in using software test automation. If you were a businessman, then you would understand the saying that time is money. The explanation here is that every time a specific task, which is best done when being automated, is done manually, time is actually waster. Correspondingly, your business will lose money. The same is true with software development. There are tests that can be automated that will likely fast track the whole process of developing the application. In effect, you get to save in terms of time and cost.
But you might ask why new software application undergoes testing. The answer here is to assure quality. It must be noted that many test approaches can be done for a single program. This is because there are also many aspects of a program that needs to be tested. And one approach may not be suited to all areas to be evaluated. Some of these aspects include the functionality of the application, its navigation, and even being a user-friendly program. Likewise, it must be understood that all software firms wish to offer their clients an efficient application that is convenient to use. The acceptance of the public on the new software is very vital. It should be remembered that customer satisfaction would dictate the profit of the company.
There are four major characteristics of the software automation, which made it beneficial to companies - reliable, repeatable, programmable, and reusable. Experts consider test automation as a reliable system. This is because tests conducted here have minimal human involvement. It has been said that less manual intervention reduces human error. Furthermore, the system in this approach executes the same process in the same exact behavior every time they are performed.
Automated tests are repeatable. This is another advantage of software automation. Here, developers do have an opportunity to see how a certain program reacts when the same processes are being done repeatedly. These tests are also programmable. Hence, developers can configure some complicated tests that can possibly reveal hidden data from the application itself. Another thing about automated tests is that they are reusable. This means that they can be utilized in different approaches that a certain application may have. In addition, the tests are still reusable, even when modifications are being done to it.
Meanwhile, there are things to remember in coming up with automated tests for software development. One is that simple tests work better than complex. If possible, opt for a self-checking automated test. This means that the testing method should be capable of releasing results. It is a plus if human interpretation of the test is no longer needed. Other than being simple, automated test must be concise. What is being meant here is that the test must be able to determine a particular broken functionality. With this, developer can specifically address the problem in running the application.
If there were a common thing to all businesses, then it would be that they continually look for ways to minimize cost yet aims to deliver quality product or service. Good strategy is at all times reflected to positive results and increased revenues. Thus, it is but understandable that software companies nowadays use software test automation, considering the benefits it offers.

If you are interested in software test automation, check this web-site to learn more about utility test automation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Miller
  
The business benefits of software test automation 

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College Basketball Picks

College Basketball Picks - Ten Top Tips of Winning Selections

By Drew C

With 347 teams in NCAA Division I to choose your basketball picks from, it is obvious you need some filters, as well as some strategies. Let's look at ten ways to improve your winning ratio for college basketball picks.

1. You might begin by concentrating your basketball picks on just a few of the 32 conferences available. Rivalries are well documented and can give you some historical insight into what to expect of your basketball picks. For all college sports picks, in fact, you should always include at least a few teams looking to avenge last year's defeat to a rival.
2. Early in the season, teams play outside their conferences. This can make handicapping your NCAA picks difficult, but not impossible. Look for teams with a lot of returning players. Experience counts, especially during the first few weeks when teams are finding their legs and shooting range.
3. In college, team rosters are much more volatile than they are in the pros, and this can greatly affect your NCAA sports picks. Pay close attention to injury reports, coaching changes, ineligibilities and scandals at the schools-anything that might throw a team off its stride.
4. The home court advantage cannot be over emphasized in college basketball picks. It is so strong, in fact, that an unranked team playing at home against a ranked team will often cover the spread, no matter how few points are given.
5. Coaches get teams fired up for important games. Your picks should include games that are "must wins" to retain in contention for tournament berths, and also home teams recently blown out on a road trip, who are looking for redemption in front of fans.
6. Many teams start the season strong, looking invincible and going undefeated for their first 8 to 10 games. Then the heartbreaking loss arrives. When you see this situation, some great college basketball picks are those teams playing their first game after a loss. The ability to rebound applies to more than working the boards.
7. Betting the underdog, especially at home, is a good strategy most of the time. But when you see top-ranked teams hit the road, don't dismiss their chances to cover the spread, especially later in the season when more is on the line, such as conference titles. Make your basketball picks based on momentum as well as stats.
8. You should be extra careful whenever you see a point spread posted that seems impossibly large. The favorites are quite capable of winning over lesser teams by wide margins. If a spread looks too good to be true, it probably is. Take you college basketball picks elsewhere.
9. When conference play reaches its cruising altitude in mid-season, all the numbers associated with point spreads and over/under totals become more predictable, for bookmakers as well as you. This is the time to consider putting your NCAA basketball picks on a teaser parlay card. You get more points for underdogs, or give up fewer for favorites, and the totals can be adjust up or down, too. You can create a teaser parlay with as few as two or three basketball picks.
10. March Madness is tournament time, when it is do or die for all of your picks. Give special attention to little know underdogs. The top seeds are under more pressure and have more to lose, so the lesser know that are playing their hearts out for fun and the upset, often come through on the spread, if not winning outright.

Making college basketball picks can be a lot of fun and bring you excellent profits if you keep these ten tips in mind. Good luck with all of your NCAA sports picks this season!

For more information about college basketball picks, sports picks and basketball picks please visit http://www.primesportspicks.com

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

College Basketball Spread with Zcode System [College Basketball Free Pick]

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What is the Definition of Computer Software

What is the Definition of Computer Software?
By Amy Nutt

The term "software" is not a recently conceived of word. In his 1935 essay, 'Computable Numbers with an Application to the Entscheidungs Problem,' Alan Turing first proposed and provided the foundation for most modern software. In 1958, the first use of the term software was used by John W. Tukey in an article in American Mathematical Monthly.

Today, the the term 'computer software' means written programs, rules, or codes, along with related documentation regarding the operation of a computer system that is stored in read/write memory. The "soft" part of software refers to the many products and technologies developed using different methods such as programming languages and scripting languages. The term 'software' is broader and can include different types of devices such as the operation systems of modern consumer devices such as automobiles, televisions, toasters, etc.

Computer software is the job descriptions of what a computer can perform. It cannot be physically touched. For instance, most computers come with software already installed. Software is also available on CD where the user inserts the disk into the hard drive and follows the installation instructions.  As well, downloadable software is available on internet sites such as Microsoft. Computer software is basically a series of instructions that tells a computer how to do a particular job. For example, Microsoft Word is an example of computer software. As well, web page technologies such as HTML, PHP, ASP.NET, and XML are examples of computer software.

Computer software can be divided into two main categories: operating system software and application software.

Operating System (0/S): This system consists of the basic functions that computers perform. An example would be showing movement on a screen such as a mouse cursor was the user moves the mouse. Examples of operating systems include: windows vista, windows xp, Mac, Linux and Unix.

Application Software: These are applications that allow the computer to perform the job. Application software is used to accomplish precise tasks other than just running the computer system.  This can include voice, play or record music, view videos, play video games--etc. Other examples of application software include permitting access to the internet and printing documents. Application software is the software that indirectly interacts with the computer.

System Software is the software that can directly interact with computer hardware. Examples include motherboard, CPU, keyboard, Mouse, printer--etc. System software is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual hardware components of a computer system.

Computer software is composed of machine language which is essentially groups of binary code giving processor instructions that are specific to an individual processor. It is normally written in high-level programming languages and then interpreted into machine language code. Software can also be written in assembly language which is a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet.

The term computer software evolved from computational theories and formulas from pioneers in mathematics. It is easy to see how quickly technology evolved to the amazing and complex computations we see today.

Featuring the most popular discount computer software programs such as discount Adobe software, Microsoft, Corel and more. We provide cheap computer software at the lowest prices.

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Analytics:

 

Analytics: The Ally Law Firm Leaders Need

By Norm Lacroix

Do you know what (and who) drives the profitability of your firm? Can you distinguish among the clients that truly make a difference to the bottom line and those that merely add "noise" to the top line? While you may know who the biggest revenue producers in your firm are, do you know which among them make the most meaningful contributions to the bottom line? Can you measure the impact of changes to multiple key performance indicators, your drivers of success? Can you provide real and timely insight for decision making based on those performance indicators? Are you able to access a full range of data and information when you want it, totally independent of an already burdened IT organization? Can you or your team respond in minutes to the myriad of ad hoc requests for information from all sides of the organization?
If you can't answer yes to these questions, there is almost certainly a serious information gap that exists between actual business performance and timely actionable measures needed to drive strategic solutions, which needs to be bridged.
The professional services industry, and legal in particular, has undergone dramatic change, and market dynamics everywhere have been altered in a lasting way. Competitive pressures, more cost-sensitive and better informed clients, rising expenses and static fees have challenged law firms as never before. These changes have driven the need for integration of analytics and business intelligence management tools into the business process of professional service firms in order to be able to access truly relevant data, discover real knowledge, make informed decisions and take the actions necessary to provide a meaningful competitive advantage, improve service to clients and potentially enhance profitability.
The embrace of business intelligence and analytics as an embedded management tool, however, requires a mindset that not all law firm leaders, practitioners or managers embrace, or even understand. It requires a re-set at all levels of the organization and needs to be an investment priority in much the same way it has become in the corporate world. Given the proliferation of user-focused BI tools in the marketplace today, that investment is modest, however, compared with the historical "IT-centric BI platforms for large-scale systems" according to the Gartner Group, which "have tended to be highly governed and centralized, where IT production reports were pushed out to managers and knowledge workers." While ad-hoc querying and other analytic tools have been available, "they were never really fully embraced by the business analyst masses, primarily because they are perceived by most as being too difficult to use," the Gartner report adds.
In recent years, as a result, demand for user-friendly BI tools has shifted the focus of platform emphasis from "IT-authored production reporting, to governed, business-user-driven data discovery and analysis," the report adds. So today, there is little reason for law firm management not to join their corporate client colleagues in the use of the most sophisticated business analytical tools to better manage the business of law.

For more information on this topic, please visit decisionanalyticsgroup.com

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