Common sense: sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts. Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary

Common Sense Tip #1 - Given the virtual epidemic of malware currently circulating on the Internet, don’t run, or install programs, of unknown origin.

Internet users’ continue to be bombarded with rogue security software which has reached epidemic proportions. There seems to be no end to the release of new rogue security software threats. Rogue software will often install and use a Trojan horse to download a trial version, or it will perform other actions on a machine that are detrimental such as slowing down the computer drastically.

Download applications, particularly free programs, only from verifiably safe sites (sites that guarantee malware free downloads), such as Download.com, MajorGeeks, Softpedia, and so on.

There are many more safe download sites available, but be sure you investigate the site thoroughly before you download anything. Googling the site, while not always entirely reliable, is a good place to start. A recommendation from friends as to a site’s safety is often a more appropriate choice.

Common Sense Tip #2 - Don’t open emails that come from untrusted sources. It’s been estimated that 96% of emails are spam. While not all spam is unsafe, common sense dictates that you treat it as if it is.

Much of the spam emails I’ve seen lately are crafted around spicy, scandalous, and salacious stories. This is generally a dead giveaway that you are dealing with a risky email.

Here’s an email from my inbox this morning - Who to blame in world crisis?‎ - Ivanka Trump sunbathing pics http://www.000000.com. Common sense tells me there is a major disconnect between the heading of this email (Who to blame in world crisis?) and sunbathing pics of Ivanka Trump. There is no doubt that this is a dodgy email. By the way her name is Ivana, not Ivanka.

Common Sense Tip #3 - Don’t run files that you receive via email without making sure of their origin. If the link has been sent to you in a forwarded email from a friend, be particularly cautious. Forwarded emails are notorious for containing dangerous elements, and links.

For more on unsafe email attachments checkout New Infected Attachment Scam, on TechPaul's site.

Common Sense Tip #4 - Don’t click links in emails. If they come from a known source, type them in the browser’s address bar. If they come from an untrusted source, simply ignore them, as they could take you to a web designed to download malware onto your computer.

Common Sense Tip #5 – If you do not use a web based email service then be sure your anti-virus software scans all incoming e-mail and attachments.

Common Sense Tip #6 - Be proactive when it comes to your computer’s security; make sure you have adequate software based protection to reduce the chances that your machine will become infected.

If you are unsure if your software based protection is up to the task then checkout the following recommended free downloads that will help you manage and protect your computer system.

These applications have been well tested over the years for reliability and functionality, and all have developed a strong, loyal following.

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0.1

AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 now incorporates protection against spyware through a new combined anti-virus and anti-spyware engine as well as a “safe-searching component” which has been incorporated into the new AVG Internet Security Toolbar. This program scans files on access, on demand, and on schedule and scans email incoming and outgoing. For those on Vista, you’re in luck, it’s Vista-ready

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition from PC Tools is an excellent choice, as a secondary line of defense. This free version of the award winning program, with its easy to use interface, is used by millions of people worldwide to protect their computers; it’s reported there are a million+ additional downloads every week. Be aware however, there is no real-time protection offered with this version and this is the reason I recommend this application as a secondary scanner only.

Spyware Terminator

Having tested virtually all of the major anti-spyware applications over the past year or more, I’ve settled, for now, on Spyware Terminator primarily due to its strong real-time protection against spyware, adware, Trojans, key-loggers, home page hijackers and other malware threats. Spyware Terminator excels in strong active protection against know and unknown threats. If anything, I find it perhaps a little overly aggressive. On the other hand, better this than the alternative.

Comodo Firewall Pro

Comodo Firewall protects your system by defeating hackers and restricting unauthorized programs from accessing the Internet. I have been using this application for 10 months and I continue to feel very secure. It resists being forcibly terminated and it works as well, or better, than any firewall I’ve paid for. This is one I highly recommend. Amazing that it’s free!

HiJackFree

If you are an experienced/advanced computer user and you’re looking for a program to strengthen your anti-malware resources, then HiJackFree is one that’s worth taking a look at. This free application, from EMSI Software, offers a potent layer of additional protection to add to your major anti-malware programs. The program operates as a detailed system analysis tool that can help you in the detection and removal of Hijackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans, Worms, and other malware. It doesn’t offer live protection but instead, it examines your system, determines if it’s been infected, and then allows you to eradicate the malware.

Ad-Aware 2008

In my view, Ad-Aware 2008 Free is the best free spyware and adware remover available. It does a good job of protecting against known data-mining, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers and tracking components. The only downside with the free version; real-time protection is not included.

ThreatFire 3

ThreatFire 3 blocks mal-ware, including zero-day threats, by analyzing program behavior and it does a stellar job. Again, this is one of the security applications that forms part of my front line defenses. I have found it to have high success rate at blocking mal-ware based on analysis of behavior. Highly recommend this one!

Web of Trust (WOT)

WOT is a free Internet Browser add-on (my personal favorite), that has established an impressive 4.5/5.0 star user rating on CNET. WOT tests web sites you are visiting for spyware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, unreliable online shops, phishing, and online scams, helping you avoid unsafe web sites.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield

SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a powerful application that guards your keyboard, screen and open windows from all spy software. I have been using this application for quite some time, and I have been amazed at the number of programs that have requested access to my keyboard and screen. In particular, programs that I am in the process of installing. If you’re serious about privacy, this is a must have addition to your security toolbox.

Google Chrome出現在網路上也一段時間了，而對於他延續 Google簡潔的操作介面不久就有許多喜愛他的支持者，而對於Firefox的使用者若喜歡Google Chrome這般清爽的外觀，在Firefox的外觀主題也有Chromifox (Version 1.0)可以選擇來套用，但這個外觀主題和原來的Google Chrome的操作介面外觀還是有些距離，尤其是Firefox上的標籤列的位置更是有明顯的差別。若要更加把Google Chrome的外觀要點和特色展現出來，這幾天在lifehacker的網站上就有一篇文章Turn Firefox into a Google Chrome Clone，就是將Firefox 3套上Google Chrome這樣簡潔外觀的外掛套件，而這篇文章基本上還是以Chromifox這個外觀主題為基礎，但還加入其他的增強工具有下列這幾樣外掛套件

• ChromiGlass (Version 1.01b.1.0.16)
• DOM Inspector (Version 2.0.1)
• Download Statusbar (Version 0.9.6.3)
• Location Bar² (Version 1.0.3)
• New Tab Button On Tab Right (Version 0.5.6)
• Personal Menu (Version 4.1 pre)
• Prism (Version 0.2.1)
• Resizeable Text Area (Version 0.1d)
• Show Go (Version 1.0.3)
• Stealther (Version 1.0.6)

等十項加強套件來將Firefox 3裝扮的像Google Chrome，還真是維妙維肖。
在其中有幾個外掛程式在先前的貼文Google Chrome問Firefox你有什麼？—Google Chrome釋出的這幾天以來…也有介紹過。但若要更進一步的加強Firefox 3，無論是外觀上或是在功能上建議還是在加入幾個外掛程式來使用，這樣不只是要外觀簡潔漂亮，又能不失Firefox 3強大的功能。

• Stylish (0.5.7)：再先前的貼文多有介紹這個外掛程式，他可利用userstyles.org所提供的腳本程式讓在Firefox上所顯示的網頁有更特別的形象顯示出來，當然他也可以讓Firefox上的功能更加的突出和好用。在這次所利用的腳本程式有下列:
  • Firefox Chrome: Autohide Status Bar
  • Autohide Bookmark Toolbar
  • falconer (Chromifox) Location bar: Larger text
  • Combine Stop/Reload buttons
  • Awesome Bar Background Color Based on Type (WOW) *
• Hide Menubar (1.0.20080912)：用他可以來取代上面所提及的Personal Menu，這或許是個人習慣和喜好外，而且在網址列和標籤間的間距會較小一些，而且只要利用Alt鍵就可叫出工具列(Personal Menu預設也有這個功能，但自己試不出來)。
• Custom Buttons² (2.0.7.6)：這個套件和Custom Buttons (0.0.3.3)一樣主要是用來客製化Firefox的功能按鈕，是在外觀上摹擬出Google Chrome右邊的兩個按鈕，也就是Google Chrome的Omnibox後面的兩個功能鍵。 在這裡你可能需要Google Chrome主題的編輯工具去編輯處理這兩個圖示，自己是用Chromium Theme Creator V2 BETA這個工具提供你做參考。然後將Firefox的menubar的工作分配給這兩個功能鍵，至於裡面的code是利用Tiny Menu來使用。
• CyberSearch (1.0.3)：增強原本在Firefox上awesomebar的搜尋功能，若和Searchery配合起來更可以把原本其他的搜尋引擎整合起來，把搜尋的功能和火力更上一層樓。
• Searchery (0.3.0)：同上。
• Speed Dial (0.7.2.5)：當Google Chrome開啟新分頁時，Google Chrome會載入你常使用和登入的網站，他的外觀就像是Opera的Speed Dial，這裡就可用到Firefox的外掛Speed Dial這個外掛程式，若你喜歡Fast Dial也是不錯的選擇。但在Lifehacker的該篇文章的討論中有提及到New Tab JumpStart (0.5a2) 他更可以把原本Google Chrome的新分頁詮釋的更好，但在自己的測試時他會和Tab Mix Plus相衝導致他的功能無法顯現，希望過幾天新的版本出來會有改善，若有興趣的網友可以試試。

• Titlebar Tweaks (1.8.0)：這個外掛可以更改Firefox的titlebar上面的敘述(可惜無法隱藏Firefox的titlebar)，但他可能需要用到Nightly Tester Tools這個外掛程式。

還有幾乎就是Firefox必備的外掛程式：

• All-in-one Sidebar (0.7.6)：All-in-one Sidebar在他的名稱就可知道他所負責的工作，他將Firefox會出現視窗框的行為都將他管理在Firefox左側或是右側，像是下載管理、外掛程式或是其他外掛程式會出現在側邊欄的外掛程式All-in-one Sidebar都會納入來管理，還有就是許多外掛程式的啟動也都可以出現在他的側邊欄上。
• Tab Mix Plus (0.3.7)：目前最新給Firefox 3的版本已經釋出，他能夠管理和控制Firefox標籤的狀態和行為。而在這次最主要的用途之一是用在All-in-one Sidebar這個外掛程式會影響到標籤的寬度，因此用於控制Firefox摹擬Google Chrome的外觀時標籤的寬度。
• Mr Tech Toolkit (formerly local Install) (6.0.1)：這個外掛程式可說是Firefox add-ons外掛程式中的管理員，除了安裝管理和設定各個在Firefox中的外掛程式，像是Firefox中最重要的使用者資料管理和編輯也是他的業務範圍。
• Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer (2.1.0.12)：Foxmarks Bookmark Synchronizer這個外掛程式是第一個會想到要安裝的外掛程式，他管理你長時間以來收集的網站書籤，可說是你網上出門指引的重要工具，近來新的版本還可以讓你設定自己所需要的設定檔，讓你在不同的作業行為時有不同的書籤設定，而且他現在也有可以管理IE上的書籤版本。

附記：

• Google Chrome開發或下載網站。
• Chromium Theme Creator V2 BETA開發或下載網站。
• 相關貼文：把Firefox的外觀變得更簡潔更美美的---外觀篇---好強好用的Firefox外掛套件(add-ons)收集(一)
• 相關貼文：在Windows上體驗一下Firefox 3 Mac系統的預設主題外觀
• 相關貼文：Firefox 3延續在Vista上晶瑩通透美美的外觀—Vista Glass for Firefox

上一篇貼文：RockBox讓你舊有的iPod功能再升級！

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There’s a wealth of tried and tested free software out in the wild blue of the Internet that will meet virtually every need you’re likely to have. Take a look at the following recommended free downloads that will help you communicate, improve your photos, have some fun, and manage and protect your system.

All of these applications have been well tested over the years for reliability and functionality, and all have developed a strong, loyal following.

Process those words:

OpenOffice

OpenOffice 2 is the leading open-source office software suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. It is available in many languages and works on all common computers. It stores all your data in an international open standard format and can also read and write files from other common office software packages including Microsoft Word.

AbiWord

AbiWord is a free light weight word processing program similar to Microsoft Word. It is suitable for a wide variety of word processing tasks.

WordWeb

WordWeb is a one-click English thesaurus and dictionary for Windows that can look up words in almost any program. It works off-line, but can also look up words in web references such as the Wikipedia encyclopedia.

Manipulate and correct your pics – put them online:

FastStone Image Viewer

This is one of my favorite photo applications, with good reason. It’s not just a viewer, but an image browser, converter, and an editor as well. You’ll find the interface intuitive and very easy to use. This program is loaded with features including, renaming, cropping, color adjustments, lossless JPEG transformation, drop shadow effects, image frames, scanner support, histogram and much more.

IrfanView

IrfanView is a very fast, small, compact and innovative graphic viewer for Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista. Strange name – terrific application.

Google Picasa

Free software that helps you locate and organize all the photos on your computer, edit and add effects to your photos with a few simple clicks and share your photos with others through email, prints and on the web.

Play those tunes:

Audacity

Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. Definitely the best of breed.

iTunes

According to Apple this is the world’s best digital music jukebox. Download music, TV shows, movies, and more.

Winamp

A multimedia player that supports numerous audio and video formats. It also plays streamed video and audio content, live and recorded, authored worldwide.

Watch your fav videos:

Miro

Miro is a free application for channels of internet video (also known as ‘video podcasts and video rss). Miro is designed to be easy to use and to give you an elegant full screen viewing experience.

VLC

A highly portable multimedia player for various audio and video formats (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, mp3, ogg …) as well as DVDs, VCDs, and various streaming protocols.

Free FLV Converter

This free software let you search YouTube and dailyMotion videos without opening your browser and you can even watch the videos using the built-in video player.

Free Video to iPhone Converter

Convert video files to Apple iPhone MP4 video format. Convert the whole movie or select a partition from the movie to convert (trim video).

iPod Video Converter

Free iPod Video Converter provides an easy and completed way to convert all popular video formats to iPod video.

Better browsing:

FireFox

FireFox includes tons of useful features such as tabbed browsing, built-in and customizable search bars, a built-in RSS reader and a huge library of extensions developed by thousand of developers.

Opera

Opera introduces Speed Dial which vastly improves navigation to your favorite sites. In addition, there’s Fraud protection, anti-phishing detection keeps browsing safe and secure.

Web of Trust (WOT)

WOT is a free Internet Browser add-on (my personal favorite), that has established an impressive 4.5/5.0 star user rating on CNET. WOT tests web sites you are visiting for spyware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, unreliable online shops, phishing, and online scams, helping you avoid unsafe web sites.

Protect your system:

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.0.1

AVG Anti-Virus Free 8.0 now incorporates protection against spyware through a new combined anti-virus and anti-spyware engine as well as a “safe-searching component” which has been incorporated into the new AVG Internet Security Toolbar. This program scans files on access, on demand, and on schedule and scans email incoming and outgoing. For those on Vista, you’re in luck, it’s Vista-ready

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition

Spyware Doctor Starter Edition from PC Tools is an excellent choice, as a secondary line of defense. This free version of the award winning program, with its easy to use interface, is used by millions of people worldwide to protect their computers; it’s reported there are a million+ additional downloads every week. Be aware however, there is no real-time protection offered with this version and this is the reason I recommend this application as a secondary scanner only.

Spyware Terminator

Having tested virtually all of the major anti-spyware applications over the past year or more, I’ve settled, for now, on Spyware Terminator primarily due to its strong real-time protection against spyware, adware, Trojans, key-loggers, home page hijackers and other malware threats. Spyware Terminator excels in strong active protection against know and unknown threats. If anything, I find it perhaps a little overly aggressive. On the other hand, better this than the alternative.

Comodo Firewall Pro

The definitive free firewall, Comodo Firewall protects your system by defeating hackers and restricting unauthorized programs from accessing the Internet. I have been using this application for 10 months and I continue to feel very secure. It resists being forcibly terminated and it works as well, or better, than any firewall I’ve paid for. This is one I highly recommend. Amazing that it’s free!

HiJackFree

If you are an experienced/advanced computer user and you’re looking for a program to strengthen your anti-malware resources, then HiJackFree is one that’s worth taking a look at. This free application, from EMSI Software, offers a potent layer of additional protection to add to your major anti-malware programs. The program operates as a detailed system analysis tool that can help you in the detection and removal of Hijackers, Spyware, Adware, Trojans, Worms, and other malware. It doesn’t offer live protection but instead, it examines your system, determines if it’s been infected, and then allows you to eradicate the malware.

Ad-Aware 2008

In my view, Ad-Aware 2008 Free is the best free spyware and adware remover available. It does a good job of protecting against known data-mining, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers and tracking components. The only downside with the free version; real-time protection is not included.

ThreatFire 3

ThreatFire 3 blocks mal-ware, including zero-day threats, by analyzing program behavior and it does a stellar job. Again, this is one of the security applications that forms part of my front line defenses. I have found it to have high success rate at blocking mal-ware based on analysis of behavior. Highly recommend this one!

Web of Trust (WOT)

WOT is a free Internet Browser add-on (my personal favorite), that has established an impressive 4.5/5.0 star user rating on CNET. WOT tests web sites you are visiting for spyware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, unreliable online shops, phishing, and online scams, helping you avoid unsafe web sites.

SnoopFree Privacy Shield

SnoopFree Privacy Shield is a powerful application that guards your keyboard, screen and open windows from all spy software. I have been using this application for quite some time, and I have been amazed at the number of programs that have requested access to my keyboard and screen. In particular, programs that I am in the process of installing. If you're serious about privacy, this is a must have addition to your security toolbox.

Staying in touch:

Windows Live messenger

The next generation MSN Messenger. It comes with everything that were already available in Messenger, and a new i’m Initiative that makes helping your favorite charity as easy as sending an instant message.

Pidgin

A multi-protocol Instant Messaging client that allows you to use all of your IM accounts at once. Pidgin can work with: AIM, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo!, MySpaceIM and many more.

Trillian

A fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC.

System Tools:

CCleaner

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it’s fast; normally taking less than a second to run.

Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities, a free all-in-one utility, is a terrific collection of system tools and utilities to fix, speed up, maintain and protect your PC. Personal experience with this application for the last 8 months has convinced me that a typical user can really benefit by having this application on their system. With this free program you can tweak, repair, optimize and improve your system’s performance; and its ease of operation makes it ideal for less experienced users.

WinPatrol

Do you want to get a better understanding of what programs are being added to your computer? Then WinPatrol is the program for you. With WinPatrol, in your system tray, you can monitor system areas that are often changed by malicious programs. You can monitor your startup programs and services, cookies and current tasks. Should you need to, WinPatrol allows you to terminate processes and enable, or disable, startup programs. There are additional features that make WinPatrol a very powerful addition to your security applications.

Revo Uninstaller

Revo Uninstaller is a superior program to uninstall programs from your computer. This free program with its advanced and fast algorithm scans before, and after you uninstall an application. After the program’s regular uninstaller runs, you can remove additional unnecessary files, folders and registry keys that are usually left over (those “orphaned” registry entries we talked about earlier), on your computer. This feature is a definite plus.

Autoruns

This free utility has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, in my view, and shows you what programs are configured to run during system boot up or login, and the order Windows processes them. These programs will include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show additional locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and more. Autoruns goes considerably beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows.

Regseeker

The longer you use Windows, the more cluttered your registry can become, especially if you regularly install and uninstall software. Many applications, on being uninstalled, leave behind "orphan" registry entries. They don't remove all traces of themselves; causing problems such as sluggish performance, system lockups, or a bloated registry that takes longer to load on startup. With the click of a button, Regseeker will scan your registry for these fragmented files, and safely remove them.

不論Firefox功能多麼強悍，但在浩浩網海裏，在網站內容和格式有時並不是都可以完全相容於Firefox。當然這在Firefox於add-ons的加持下也並不是什麼問題，除了目前所出線的瀏覽器也各自有各自的強項外，這種功能和狀況在其他的瀏覽器像是Opera和Safari(需要將開發人員的功能打開)也有所體悟他們也都有提供這樣的功能讓你不論在何種理由和狀況下直接跳轉到其他的瀏覽器去瀏覽。
但不知未來Firefox會不會將這類功能加到未來的版本裡，但在Firefox也已經有這類的外掛程式來應應這些狀況。

• IE View：不論你認為IE如何，Windows還是作業系統上的霸主，他所製作出的格式幾乎就是一種標準，在許多較大或著名的網站，往往都是Windows系統或是IE所支援的格式，因此Firefox也有IE View外掛來對應這樣的狀況。但對應這樣的情形還有一個外掛程式會是你更好的選擇，那就是IE Tab可以在不用直接開啟IE的情形下，在Firefox的視窗下直接套入IE來使用。
• Chrome View：雖然Google的瀏覽器Google Chrome才推出不久，但Google Chrome也帶來許多優點，像是開啟快速和對自家網路的應用程式可以利用開啟捷徑的方式來使用非常的直接也方便。尤其是建立網路應用程式捷徑這個功能很好用，當然在Firefox上利用Prime For Firefox也是不錯的選擇。
• Safari View：在MAC系統上知名的瀏覽器，現在也轉戰Windows系統，這個瀏覽器也是強調速度的瀏覽器，但他所強調的是較平均的方式而不是在某單項速度上(自己所測和感覺)。而Safari雖然不像IE那樣霸，但他還是擁有一大票的支持者，也有許多網站還是僅僅提供給Safari相關瀏覽器的產品來使用，像是先前所貼的文章Firefox上也可輕鬆看PENHOUSE、PLAYBOY等國際知名的雜誌，或許你也可以在Firefox修改useragent或是利用User Agent Switcher這個外掛程式來使用，但你也可以利用Safari View這個外掛程式來直接呼叫Safari來開啟相關的網頁。
• Opera View：Opera也是一個相當不錯的瀏覽器。但基本上還想不出為什麼當開啟Firefox該網頁後還要利用Opera View再開啟。想想或許可能是個人的習慣或是對網頁的開發上的需要，那麼這個外掛也會是你不錯的選擇。

附記：

• IE View(1.3.8)開發或下載網站。
• Chrome View(0.1.2)開發或下載網站。
• Safari View(win (0.5))開發或下載網站。
• Opera View(0.6.1)開發或下載網站。
• IE Tab(1.5.20080823)開發或下載網站。
• Prime For Firefox(0.2.1)開發或下載網站。
• User Agent Switcher(0.6.11)開發或下載網站。
• 參考的文章：Quickly Access All the Other Browsers from Firefox

上一篇貼文：Firefox 3.0.2速速更新3.0.3！還有其他瀏覽器也更新，一起速度來比拼！！

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#1) SEO for Firefox A+

#2) Firebug (html/css/java code inspector) A++

This tool helps me so so much time. every web designer should use this add-on.

#3) Cooliris - Picture Viewer (built-in browser - image browser)

#4)Rank Checker (seobook.com) Another tool for SEO.

#5) No Script (noscript.net)

Lets you explore new pages online and prevents dangerous scripts from running in your web browser.

#6) Foxy Proxy - Surf the web Anonymously

#7) Who is this Person? (looks up information about people)

I will update when i use more.

FYI - I stay way from bookmarking and social sharing addons

]]> http://8centsaday.wordpress.com/?p=15 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:48:49 +0000 eightcentsaday http://8centsaday.it.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/indispensable-firefox-applications/ I'm setting up a new web development machine today and will take the opportunity to share my must-have Firefox add-ons while I have them handy. Yes, I'm using the same tools as every other jerk. They work:

• Firebug: unbelievably great in-browser HTML/Javascript/CSS investigation, editing and execution
• FireFTP: simple, effective in-browser FTP client
• Colorzilla: like Firebug but for colours. Let's you find the color of anything on a page, even within images
• Ambient News: Automagically displays RSS news headlines from your most-visited sites in otherwise blank browser tabs. Zero configuration. Experimental but very forward-looking. A little piece of the future of the which has arrived early.

Most of the scam emails I’ve seen, so far, are crafted around spicy, scandalous, and salacious stories.

So, for those of us who aren’t particularly enamored with salacious stories, or the web sites that seem to specialize in them, cyber-criminals have developed a different approach (still social engineering of course), to convince you to click on spam email containing enclosed links.

According to Trend Micro, a new email currently circulating, asks the recipient to participate in a survey with the sweetener being a chance to win a $500 gas card. We all love contests, and with the chance to win $500 in gas, who wouldn’t click on the link. Good old social engineering – it really works doesn’t it?

But here’s the downside; click on the link and you arrive on the Smileycentral.com, web site. Despite the view held by many, that this is a safe site, the fact is, this site is a distributor of malware under the best of circumstances.

The prominent "Always Free" button on this site, if clicked, will lead to a request that you download an ActiveX control which, when downloaded, will begin the process of installing the ADW_MYWEBSEARCH Trojan on your system.

In addition to this new email scam, there are a number of other Barack Obama related email scams currently making the rounds on the Internet, most of which purport to offer access to sex tapes “starring” Obama.

I know, you’re asking yourself – who could possibly believe this kind of nonsense?

The simple answer is this – cyber-criminals know that by sending out countless billions of this type of email, enough people will respond, by clicking on the embedded link, that it will produce millions of dollars in easy pickings.

Incredible as it may seem, billions (that’s right billions), of spam email messages are generated every hour through so called botnets; zombie computers controlled by cyber-criminals.

Until the U.S. election is over – 6 weeks from now –emails referring to Barack Obama should be automatically treated as a threat to your computer.

If you missed previous articles on Obama email scams checkout “Scam Email Trojan Alert – Another Obama Sex Tape” and “Barack Obama - His Transsexual Affairs”, on this site.

Follow the tips below to protect yourself against these and other threats.

Install an Internet Browser add-on such as WOT (my personal favorite), which provides detailed test results on a site’s safety; protecting you from security threats including spyware, adware, spam, viruses, browser exploits, and online scams.

As an addition to your existing malware applications, download and install ThreatFire 3 (free from PC Tools), which blocks mal-ware, including zero-day threats, by analyzing program behavior and it does a stellar job. This is one of the security applications that forms part of my front line defenses. I have found it to have high success rate at blocking mal-ware based on analysis of behavior.

Don’t open emails that come from untrusted sources.

Don’t run files that you receive via email without making sure of their origin.

Don’t click links in emails. If they come from a known source, type them on the browser’s address bar. If they come from an untrusted source, simply ignore them, as they could take you to a web designed to download malware onto your computer.

Keep your computer protected. Install a security solution and keep it up-to-date.

Ensure your anti-virus software scans all e-mail attachments

Be proactive when it comes to your computer’s security; make sure you have adequate software based protection to reduce the chances that your machine will become infected.

If you are unsure if your software based protection is up to the task then checkout, “Free Windows Software You Can’t Afford Not to Have”, on this site.

這幾天看到一個新的Firefox的外掛程式Foxtab，這個外掛程式又將原本在系統上呈獻出的桌面特效直接帶入Firefox標籤選擇，像是這樣的特效外掛程式原先在Firefox上add-ons外掛上也有不少優秀且漂亮又好玩的工具。

• Foxtab(0.9.9)：先前在Vista上所強調的桌面特效Flip 3D，或是在itunes上的Cover Flow、Wall和呼拉圈等等的桌面特效，也都巧妙的在Firefox的標籤上精彩漂亮的轉換著。

• Tag Effect(1.1)：這個是於Firefox上可以讓標籤轉換時呈獻如立體方塊桌面特效一般，只是這裡是出現在Firefox的視窗內。但這個外掛程式已經許久沒有更新，或許作者也停止開發，因此他並不相容於目前的Firefox 3，所以你需要安裝Nightly Tester Tools這個外掛程式好讓Tag Effect能夠順利的在Firefox 3上執行。

• Ctrl-Tab(0.19.3)：Ctrl-Tab讓你在Firefox執行時按下"ctrl+tab"鍵時出現如在Windows Vista上按下"alt+tab"時的選擇程式視窗的桌面效果，若你按下右上角的箭頭指示按鍵時會出現一面如標籤網站頁面牆一般，讓你選擇你標籤內想要選擇的網站頁面瀏覽。

• Bookmark Previews(0.7.4)：在Firefox的書籤方面的強力外掛程式也不少，例如那個超五星的Foxmarks書籤同步套件就是這類最好的工具，但將類似桌面效果的外掛程式利用到書籤管理程式還是少見，而Bookmark Previews就將Cover Flow這個效果直接裝入書籤管理程式內也很有趣。

附記：

• Foxab(0.9.9)開發或下載網站。
• Tag Effec(1.1)t開發或下載網站。
• Ctrl-Tab(0.19.3)開發或下載網站。
• Bookmark Previews(0.7.4)開發或下載網站。
• Foxmarks書籤同步套件(2.1.0.12)開發或下載網站。
• Nightly Tester Tool(2.0.2)s開發或下載網站。
• 相關貼文：意外出現的Firefox 3 RC3 !?
• 相關貼文：Firefox 3 Beta 1這幾天正式的釋出，他強大的外掛(add-ons)程式，也陸續支援Firefox 3！！
• 相關貼文：Firefox 3 beta 1嚐鮮和他的標籤預覽外掛Ctrl-Tab試用！
• 相關貼文：WOW!原來Firefox的標籤頁面視窗也可以很3D!!–我的隨身儲存工具及使用—軟體

上一篇貼文：Google Chrome問Firefox你有什麼？---Google Chrome釋出的這幾天以來...

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Google Chrome上市也十來天了，雖說是初出茅廬但也帶上許多新的設計和功能，像是標籤網頁和外掛功能等都各自啟動和資源利用，因此在其中有出錯或損毀並不會讓整個Google Chrome瀏覽器整個掛點，而且在大部份的情形下只要按下重新整理後，這部份出錯的功能或網頁大都能夠修護回來。
而這個整體的操作介面也像似IE7或8，尤其他那程式開啟和處理javascript的速度也是目前其他正規的瀏覽器中最快的，連先前號稱最速的Firefox 3也要在寄望未來的處理引擎或許才能再奪回最速的寶座。
Google Chrome挾著許多優勢於是問Firefox你還有什麼?當然Firefox也謹慎的回答Google Chrome。

• 無痕模式，目前正在發展的新一代瀏覽器像是IE8也有這一類的功能，讓你可以在不想在瀏覽的網頁資料留在使用的電腦時可以啟動這樣的功能。而在Firefox上在他精彩的add-ons的加持下如Stealther和Distrust這兩個外掛功能也能讓Firefox也有類似這樣的功能。而比較不同的是自己用到的Stealther，基本上他的功能太強，而且限制的非常全面，當你啟動時不論是cache或是cookie甚至是連檔案下載都會被他阻斷，因此在設定時要注意設定或是加裝其他的管理程式來輔助，例如CS Lite這個cookie管理工具等等。

• 同樣的在網址列上Google Chrome會幫你強調你目前所處網域和所在主機位置，當然Firefox的外掛Locationbar²也能夠讓你得到這樣的效果，而且更能幫你強調你所在的網域，若你需要他也可以幫你將子父目錄分的清清楚楚的。

• 利用網址列啟動搜尋的功能。你可以看到Google Chrome的操作介面上並沒有搜尋的工具列，因為他已經整合到網址列上了。這種型態也是瀏覽器設計的新方向，在Google Chrome的網址列omnibox也有這樣的功能，而在Firefox的awesomebar也有這樣的功能，但在Firefox的使用者還是覺得不夠，因此再搜尋的功能和整合網址列上的強力外掛也紛紛出現。像是Searchery、CyberSearch也就能夠有這樣的功能，而且也能夠整合其他目前你的Firefox搜索引擎加入搜尋的工作，若再加上 Surf Canyon - Search Engine Assistant、WOT等這類的外掛功能，讓你在搜尋資料時有更多的建議和安全性。

• 快速撥號連結功能，自從Opera出現這樣的功能後，在各家瀏覽器與他的外掛贊助者也多有提供這類功能來使用，當然 Google Chrome也有這種功能而且更進一步結合自己上網的常上網站經驗累積來成為快速撥號的內容。當然在Firefox這類的外掛也有許多的選擇，像是Fast Dial、Speed Dial這些將功能更青出於藍的能力，讓Speed Dial的功能更加有趣和好用。

• 下載指示功能，在 Google Chrome瀏覽器在檔案下載時他會於狀態列上出現明顯的動態環狀指示非常的清楚目前的下載狀態。但在Firefox上面也有Download Statusbar這個五顆星的下載管理工具，他能夠在Firefox的狀態列上方顯示當前的下載工作。

• 建立應用程式捷徑，在Google Chrome有一個非常不錯的功能，就是能夠讓擁有強大網路應用程式服務的Google，能夠利用這個功能直接建立各個Google的應用服務直接來開啟該服務的功能，真的非常的方便和非常的好用。而Firefox上面有一個Prism for Firefox這個外掛工具，這個工具就和Google Chrome建立應用捷徑一模一樣的功能，都能直接開啟你所直接想連上的網站或是網路應用服務的功能，這樣不僅直接且以較快又簡潔的方式來達到我們想要處理的工作。

附記：

• Stealther(1.0.6)開發或下載網站。
• Distrust(0.8.1)開發或下載網站。
• Locationbar²(1.0.3)開發或下載網站。
• Searchery(0.3.0)開發或下載網站。
• CyberSearch(1.0.3)開發或下載網站。
• Surf Canyon - Search Engine Assistant(1.1.3)開發或下載網站。
• WOT(20080917)開發或下載網站。
• Fast Dial(2.11)開發或下載網站。
• Speed Dia(0.7.2.5)l開發或下載網站。
• Download Statusbar(0.9.6.3)開發或下載網站。
• Prism for Firefox(0.2.1)開發或下載網站。

上一篇貼文：Google Chrome釋出的這幾天以來

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Despite the best efforts of AntiSpyware, AntiVirus, and other Internet security products, you still face substantial risks while surfing the Internet. One type of risk/danger that is rarely considered, or discussed, is the Keylogger.

A Keylogger is a form of spyware which, once installed on a computer, can record every keystroke that is made on that computer, and transmit those keystrokes back to a cyber-criminal. The function of a Keylogger is to steal passwords, bank account numbers, and other personal information.

A Keylogger in action: The to_my_love.scr (to my love screensaver), is currently circulating on the Internet by way of a personal invitation email. Clicking “yes” when your computer asks whether you want to install this screensaver, installs a Worm/Keylogger on the machine.

This Keylogger is capable of stealing IM passwords, email passwords, bank account numbers, and confidential/financial information. Using IM, email, and other contact information from the now infected computer, the Worm/Keylogger goes on to infect other machines. That’s right, the computers of friends, family, and perhaps even co-workers.

Protect yourself with KeyScrambler Personal: KeyScrambler Personal is a free plug-in for FireFox, Internet Explorer, and Flock web browsers which protects all input you type into the browser from Keyloggers. This free version of KeyScrambler encrypts your keystrokes at the kernel driver level.

When you type on your keyboard, the input travels along a path within the operating system before it arrives at your browser. Keyloggers plant themselves along this path and observe and record your keystrokes. The compromised information is then sent to the cyber criminal who will exploit your passwords, bank account numbers, and other personal information.

By encrypting your keystrokes at the keyboard driver level, deep within the operating system, a Keylogger is beaten since it can only record the encrypted keys, which are indecipherable.

Unlike AntiVirus and AntiSpyware programs that depend on recognition to remove Keyloggers that they know about, KeyScrambler will protect you from both known and unknown Keyloggers.

I’ve been using this great little plug-in for a few months now and feel more secure logging in than I did. Despite this, I change all of my passwords frequently since doing so, is just common sense.

Quick facts:

Protects user input in all parts of the browser against key-loggers.

Protects login credentials, credit card numbers, passwords, search terms and more

Works with IE, FireFox, and Flock: Java, Flash, PDF Forms

Email protection including Yahoo, Hotmail, and Gmail.

No learning curve.

Protects against Keyloggers even on security compromised computers<