The Road to Know Where: Know Where Know-How

Parent's Guide to MySpace (Updated)

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:44:15 GMT

MySpace recently updated their website adding new features, and changing how your MySpace account is configured. So much has changed, that it was time to update my original “Parent’s Guide to MySpace”.

The “Real” Dangers:

Because of the anonymity of the Internet, pedophiles scour MySpace looking for potential victims. These predators use the children’s personal MySpace information to begin conversations with their intended victim. Conversations take place over a period of time to gain their trust. As parents we do not allow our children to chat with strangers – this must be the same rule on the Internet.

Posting “innocent” information containing hints to: your child’s real name, phone numbers, home address, school name (which yields a location), places they regularly visit (i.e shopping malls, parks) also yielding a location, or their school schedule. This personal information can be used by predators to create a “portfolio” of information on their child victim.

Children post information about their friends without regard to its consequences. Comments left in anger, or even in jest can lead to a great deal of “real world” problems (especially with girls more prone to express their feelings in words).

MySpace is not the only social networking website for parents to be “worried about” (i.e. AOL's AIM-Pages, Bebo, FaceBook, Friendster, imeem!, LinkedIn, LiveJournal, MSN Spaces, MyYearBook, Google's Orkut & Xanga)



MySpace Background:

“Social Networking” a technical term for “a method for people to meet and socialize” – however if you use the term “Social Networking” with your children; you’ll sound dreadfully “out-of-touch”

MySpace is an easy to use social networking website that allows people to meet and socialize. People customize their personal “space” with information about their personal lives and interests. People join MySpace in the hopes of meeting and sharing their “space” with other people with the same interests.

MySpace allows people to “search” for others based upon various categories – the more categories you complete the easier it is for others to find you – completing fewer categories with more specific answers will limit the number of people that locate you.

Children under 13 may not join MySpace and your kids know this. When your 14 year old approaches you – be prepared!

Adults use MySpace for Dating, Serious Relationships, Networking & Friends – children under 18 should ONLY use MySpace for making FRIENDS!



A LITTLE PARENTAL PERSPECTIVE:

Becoming a parent quickly teaches us that we don’t know “everything” – so it’s OK if you don’t know about MySpace.

Today’s parents need to remember OUR parents or grandparents thought the “World was coming to an end” because of Rock-n-Roll. The music they originally feared is now played in elevators and grocery stores everywhere. MySpace is not going away, so setup your own MySpace account and learn to "love it"

Before the Internet, we had:

“School Annuals" to share our school portrait. (Today we have MySpace)

“School Annuals" to share pictures of school events. (Today we have MySpace)

“School Annuals” for our friends to sign autographs and leave messages. (Today we have MySpace)

“Slam Books” for our friends to write in and pass around. (Today we have MySpace)

Passed notes in class (Today we have MySpace & Text Messaging)

Handed out invitations to parties (Today we have evites)

Photocopied maps from the Thomas Brother’s Guide (Today we have online maps)

Really long telephone calls while watching the same TV show (Today we have Instant Messaging)

Speaking in “Pig Latin” thinking nobody else understood (Today we have L33T speak)

Polaroid Instant Cameras (Today we have Digital Cameras)

Going to the Video Arcade to play against friends (Today we have Online Gaming)

Read the World Book / Encyclopedia Britannica (Today we have Wikipedia)

Parties where your friend’s parents were not home (Today some parents don’t read their kids’ MySpace account)

Most parents feel their kids know MORE about computers than adults – but usually this is NOT the case. You're confusing your kid’s CONFIDENCE with knowledge. If you asked your child if they think they could drive a car – they’d quickly say “Yep!” Your children simply “click-around” on your computer faster than you – they usually don’t “understand” what they are doing.

When teaching our children to drive a car – we begin training in an open parking lot. But at some point, our children need to learn how to drive defensively, navigate traffic and avoid accidents. Apply this same philosophy to your children’s use of the Internet.

Simply saying “Don’t Use MySpace” will undoubtedly fail with many children. Children and especially teenagers need to socialize. The Internet is our new playground and meeting place. As parents we need to learn how to use MySpace safely – and teach our children how to build normal, healthy, online relationships.

When your child sets up their MySpace account – do it WITH them. Verify the proper safety restrictions (below) – and remember to visit their MySpace often to read what your child is doing! (Even better. Setup your own MySpace account and "subscribe" to your child's account. This provides automatic monitoring of changes & updates.)

HOW TO SETUP YOUR CHILD’S MySpace ACCOUNT

Go to MySpace (Click on SignUp to begin)

Do not enter your child’s real name – use a nickname [Choose a name that is not gender specific (i.e. princess) hints at their age (i.e. Baseball1992) or hints at their location (i.e. NewYork2006)]

Enter either your own or your child’s email address. [In the future I’ll address how to safely setup your child’s email address]

If you do not wish your child’s zip code listed – enter a nearby (bogus) zip code. (To avoid confusing MySpace postings, bogus zip codes should be within your own time zone.)

Do not use your child’s true birthday, but ensure that it still reflects their true year age. Click to NOT share your child’s birthday.

NOTE: Be careful when entering the verification code – if you enter it incorrectly it will reset the “share your birthday” field!

Edit the profile to select a permanent MySpace name [Choose a name that is not gender specific (i.e. princess) hints at their age (i.e. Baseball1992) or hints at their location (i.e. NewYork2006)]

Select DO NOT allow searching on your real name.

HOW TO VERIFY YOUR CHILD’S MySpace SETTINGS

Go to your child’s MySpace account (created above)

Click on Edit Profile and verify these settings:

Interests & Personality - Review and approve their writings. You don’t want to allow your children to reveal too much.

Name - Ensure it’s an approved nickname

Basic Info - Ensure their birthday is “incorrect” but still reflects their true year age, Occupation = “blank”, Select “No Answer” for Ethnicity, Body Type, and Height (these are not appropriate for children simply wanting to meet other children, and predators can use this information), Select I am here for Friends only.

Background & Lifestyle - Ensure that Marital Status = "Single", Sexual Orientation = "No Answer", Hometown = “blank”, Religion = "No Answer", Children = "No Answer", Education = "No Answer", Income = "No Answer"

Schools - Should be "blank"

Companies - Should be "blank"

Networking - Should be "blank"

Song & Video - It’s up to you if you wish to allow your kids to share their music and/or video tastes. Pedophiles can indeed use this information, but the group most interested in your child’s musical preferences; adults in marketing departments. Please allow your child to select their own Music Play Skin.

Click on Account Settings and verify:

Account - Verify you know this email address. Pretending you live in a different country or time zone probably doesn’t protect your child, and makes their MySpace confusing – so I think it’s OK to use your legitimate language and time zone for the Account Settings.

Password - I personally think you should know your child's password.

Privacy Settings - Online Now = "Unselected", Birthday = "Unselected", Profile Viewable By = "My friends only", Photos = "Unselected", Block Users By Age = "Unselected", Block Users = Periodically review this list of users that your child has banned/blocked (if any)

Spam - Overall Level = Move Slider to “High” (this will preset all the values shown)

Notifications - Unselect both Newsletter & Email Notifications

Applications – Allow applications to send me messages and comments = "Unselected", Friend Application Privacy = "Don’t share any data", Applications You Are Using = Remove any applications to avoid potential unknown problems

Linked Sites - Review, approve, and remove any 3rd-party websites linked to your child’s MySpace account

Mobile - About Alerts = "Disabled", Mobile Content = Should not be configured

Calendar - Default View = "Doesn’t matter", Share Calendar With = "No one" or "Friends" (setup working hours to reflect school if you wish), Reminders = If you do setup reminders, add your own email address.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Profile - Groups = "Unselected", HTML Comments = "Unselect" all three, Comments Stretching = "Unselected", (Don’t reset your child’s counter – they’ll be rightfully upset)

Music Players - "Unselect" both My Profile & Other Profiles from Auto-start

Away Message - If used, ensure that you approve of the message being sent. If vacationing, do NOT mention “where” you are going, or that your home is unoccupied.

Click on Upload / Change Photos (approve pictures ,if any)

Click on Upload / Change Videos (approve videos, if any)



Additional “Road to Know Where” Resources

Parents Guide to Internet & Family Safety

Parent’s Guide to Microsoft’s Windows Vista Parental Controls

Parent’s Guide to Xbox Live & Online Gaming

Remember to continually read your child's MySpace account!

Help your child learn how to approve their new MySpace friends.

If you really want your kids to stop using MySpace and think it’s uncool – use MySpace yourself!

Microsoft Updates Roadmap for Windows XP, Windows Vista & Windows 7

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:31:17 GMT

Microsoft's Senior Vice President, Bill Veghte has published "An Update on the Windows Roadmap" for the more than 1 billion Windows users.

QUICK RECAP:

The Future of Windows XP:

End of RETAIL Sales = June 30, 2008
End of Support = Until April 2014
Windows XP will still be available as "downgrade rights"
Windows XP Home and Windows XP Starter (low-end PCs) available until January 31, 2009

About Windows Vista:

Window Vista is more secure than Windows XP (duh!)
60% less likely of being infected with malware compared with Windows XP SP2
Internet Explorer 7 stops ~ 1 million phishing attempts every week
Service Pack 1 includes no new features, but hundreds of small quality and performance improvements
Many updated applications, drivers and tools improve user experience

About Windows 7:

Working name for the next release of Microsoft Windows
Available approximately 3 years after the launch of Windows Vista on January 2007
Built on the core infrastructure of Windows Vista, so there will be less compatibility issues when upgrading (as Windows XP to Windows Vista)

Google Fixes Gmail IMAP Problem on Windows Mobile

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:38:47 GMT

Gmail & Windows Mobile 6 - To configure IMAP for your Windows Mobile 6 device, just follow these steps:

Enable IMAP in your Gmail account settings.
Open the Start menu and select Programs > Messaging > New E-mail Account.
Enter your Gmail username (including '@gmail.com') in the E-mail Address field.
Uncheck the box to get settings automatically from the Internet and select Next.
Select Internet e-mail as your email provider in the drop-down menu.
Enter your name as you want it to appear in sent emails.
Enter a descriptive name for the email account and select Next.
Enter 'imap.gmail.com' in the Incoming Mail Server field.
Select IMAP4 as the Account type from the drop-down menu and select Next.
Enter your Gmail username (including '@gmail.com') and password.
Select Next.
Enter 'smtp.gmail.com' in the Outgoing (SMTP) Mail Server field.
Make sure that the Outgoing server requires authentication box is checked.
Select the Advanced Server Settings link.
Make sure that the Require SSL box is checked for both incoming and outgoing emails.
Select The Internet as the network connection from the drop-down menu.
Select Done and then Next.
Select how often you want your phone to send/receive emails from the drop-down menu.
For more download options, select the Review all download settings link.
Select Finish.

Thanks PC World

Microsoft Updates Windows Vista Step-by-Step Guides for IT Professionals

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 06:22:07 GMT

Windows Vista Step-by-Step Guides for IT Professionals will assist IT Professionals in deploying or migrating to Windows Vista.

Deploying Vista Step by Step Guide (195 KB) introduces new and updated deployment features and technologies, bringing changes to the way you deploy to your client computers. This document covers a basic end-to-end deployment scenario to demonstrate how to create, capture, and deploy an installation to new hardware in a network environment.

HTTP.sys Manageability in Windows Vista and Longhorn Server (287 KB) With Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, IT professionals will find improved manageability functionality for the HTTP Server API component, in addition to the HTTP logging support introduced in Windows Server 2003. To diagnose and configure the HTTP Server API component, IT professionals can use three tools:

New ETW tracing functionality
Performance Counters
Netsh configuration commands

Managing Group Policy ADMX Files Step by Step Guide (150 KB) demonstrates centrally administering ADMX files and incorporating ADMX files when editing the administrative template policy settings inside a local or domain-based Group Policy object.

Managing Roaming User Data Deployment Guide (414 KB) shows IT administrators ways to implement Folder Redirection and roaming user profiles for Windows Vista, using their existing infrastructure. The guide includes a technical overview of the improvements to Folder Redirection and user profiles in Windows Vista. Provided scenarios show how to create new and manage existing Folder Redirection policies; prepare an existing infrastructure to use Windows Vista roaming, mandatory, and super mandatory user profiles; and allow users to share their roaming data between Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Netsh Commands for Wired Local Area Network (LAN) (185 KB) documents the complete set of netsh commands associated with 802.3 "wired" Ethernet connections in Windows Vista. Netsh lan commands are listed alphabetically, and present command syntax, optional and required parameters, remarks, and usage examples.

Netsh Commands for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (274 KB) documents the complete set of netsh commands associated with 802.11 wireless connections in Windows Vista. Netsh wlan commands are listed alphabetically, and present command syntax, optional and required parameters, remarks, and usage examples.

Performance Monitoring and Tuning Step by Step Guide (209 KB) Windows Performance Diagnostic Console is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in the Windows Vista operating system that combines the functionality of previous stand-alone tools including Performance Logs and Alerts, Server Performance Advisor, Performance Monitor, and System Monitor. It provides a graphical interface for customizing Data Collector Sets and Event Trace Sessions. This guide introduces the new interface, consolidated features, and expanded functionality.

Print Management Step by Step Guide (260 KB) Print Management provides up-to-the-minute details about the status of printers and print servers on the network. You can use Print Management to install printer connections to a group of client computers simultaneously. Print Management can help you find printers that have an error condition by using filters. It can also send e-mail notifications or run scripts when a printer or print server needs attention. On printer models that provide a Web page, Print Management can help you manage data such as toner and paper levels from remote locations, if needed.

Step by Step Guide to Controlling Device Installation and Usage with Group Policy (640 KB) By using Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista operating systems, administrators can determine which devices can be installed on computers they manage. The guide summarizes the device installation process and demonstrates several techniques for controlling the installation and usage of devices on managed computers.

Step by Step Guide to Device Driver Signing and Staging (748 KB) By using device driver signing and staging in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista you can increase the security of your computers by allowing users to install only those device drivers that you approve. This guide describes how to sign and securely stage driver packages on a computer in a manner that allows a user to install the package without requiring administrative privileges.

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Multiple Local Group Policy (274 KB) introduces IT administrators to the fundamental concepts needed to successfully configure Multiple Local Group Policy objects on stand-alone computers running Windows Vista. This document includes a technical overview and several task-based scenarios that show you how to use this new feature. Each scenario builds on the previous scenario to help you understand how Windows applies each Local Group Policy object and how it resolves conflicts with policy settings. Each scenario closes with a review, explaining the intent and outcome of each scenario.

User Account Control Step by Step Guide (146 KB) User Account Control (UAC) is a set of new infrastructure technologies in Windows Vista that helps organizations deploy a better-managed desktop and mitigate the impact of malware.

Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption Step-by-Step Guide (September 2006) (169 KB) BitLocker Drive Encryption is a new hardware-enhanced feature in the Windows Vista operating system that provides better off-line data protection for your computer.

Windows Vista Beta 2 Trusted Platform Module Services Step by Step Guide (May 2006) (157 KB) Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Services is a new feature set in Windows Vista used to administer the TPM Security Hardware in your computer. TPM Services architecture provides the infrastructure for hardware-based security by providing access to and assuring application-level sharing of the TPM.

Windows Vista Migration Step by Step Guide (150 KB) Windows Vista introduces new setup methods and processes, based on the new image-based setup feature of Windows Vista. This document describes how to upgrade a computer and how to migrate existing files and settings from Windows XP to Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Multilingual User Interface Step by Step Guide (158 KB) Windows Vista includes Multilingual User Interface (MUI) features and technologies designed to meet the needs of organizations and corporations operating in a global business environment. This document provides hands-on instructions for building a custom multilingual installation of the operating system in a test lab environment.

Windows Vista Speech Recognition Step by Step (118 KB) Using speech recognition in the Windows Vista operating system, you can dictate emails and documents, and use your voice to control your favorite programs and websites. World-class accuracy, and adaptation to your accent/vocabulary enables you to create documents quickly. The Windows Vista speech experience also has innovative design to enable you to become proficient with using speech input faster than ever before. This brief guide includes system requirements, installation instructions, and step-by-step instructions for using speech recognition in Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Windows Meeting Space Step by Step Guide (388 KB) Windows Meeting Space in the Windows Vista operating system provides the ability for individuals to collaborate anytime, anywhere through laptop to laptop screen streaming, file sharing, and note passing. This guide includes system requirements, installation instructions, and step-by-step instructions for creating a session, joining a session, inviting someone to a session, starting a presentation of a desktop or single application, sharing a file, and passing a note.

Winlogon Notification Packages Removed Impact on Windows Vista Planning and Deployment (139 KB) In Windows Vista and later, Winlogon notification packages are no longer supported. Winlogon notification packages are discussed in detail in the next section. After upgrading systems to Windows Vista, Winlogon will not load Winlogon notification packages. Organizations that are using Winlogon notification packages must either remove the functionality or create a new solution when deploying Windows Vista and later.

Microsoft Releases "32 Step" Internet Explorer 7 Desktop Security Guide

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 03:56:22 GMT

Internet Explorer 7 Desktop Security Guide examines some of the new features and settings that can be modified to provide a more "locked down" security configuration.

Internet Explorer 7 Settings "32 Step" Checklist

Zone Security

Enable Zone Elevation Protection
Do not allow users to add or delete sites from Security Zones
Do not allow users to change policies for Security Zones

Certificate Security

Enable Prevent Ignoring Certificate Errors

Active Content Security

Restrict ActiveX Install
Add ActiveX controls and plug-ins to pre-approved list
Disable Allow active scripting in response to specific threats
Enable Scripted Window Security Restrictions

Reduce Application Privilege

Use Protected Mode on Windows Vista
Use DropMyRights on Windows XP

Privacy Settings

Set the Privacy Slider at least to Medium
Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when the browser is closed
Set Form Autocomplete options to Disabled
Disable Password Caching
Configure Logon options for Each Security Zone
Enable the Phishing Filter

Other Security Settings

Disable Automatic Install of Internet Explorer Components
Disable Periodic Check for Internet Explorer Software Updates
Disable Software Update Shell Notifications on Program Launch
Make proxy settings per machine (rather than per user)
Turn off Crash Protection
Disable page transitions
Restrict File Downloads
Disable Allow File Downloads for Restricted Zone
Enable Data Execution Prevention
Do not allow users to enable or disable add-ons
Ensure Consistent MIME Handling
Enable MIME Sniffing Safety Features
Display Information Bar
Enable MK Protocol Security Restriction
Enable Object Caching Protection
Block attachments that could contain a virus in Outlook Express

Listen to the "Road to Know Where" on KNX 1070 AM in Los Angeles

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:15:13 GMT

The listener's on Los Angeles' KNX 1070 are a bit older than my average "Road to Know Where" readers -- but I was proud to talk about consumer Microsoft technologies to the Southern California area.

NOTE: Yes, I know I called RIAs, IRAs . . . ooops! ha ha

--> Listen to the "Road to Know Where" (and cut me "some" slack! ha ha)

Microsoft Updates Hardware Drivers for Windows Vista

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 23:51:30 GMT

Microsoft has released updated hardware drivers to include support for Windows Vista (including some 64 bit support).

FINGERPRINT READER: Fingerprint Logon for Windows XP & Vista (64 bit version coming soon)

KB899626 - How to add, change, or remove a Fingerprint Logon by using the Fingerprint Logon Manager for use with the Fingerprint Reader.

--> DigitalPersona Password Manager 2.0 <–-

GAMING HARDWARE:

Xbox 360 Controller for Windows (Readme File) &
Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

--> Xbox 360 Accessories Software 1.1 for Windows XP & Windows Vista <--

--> Xbox 360 Accessories Software 1.1 Windows XP 64 & Windows Vista 64 <--

KEYBOARDS:

"IntelliType Pro software enables you to customize the unique features of your Microsoft keyboard. You can reassign keys to open a program, file, or Web page, or to perform commands and application-specific functions. You can also disable keys and modify scrolling and zoom slider performance."

--> IntelliType Pro 6.1 for Windows XP & Windows Vista <--

--> IntelliType Pro for Windows XP 64 & Windows Vista 64 <--

MICE & TRACKBALLS:

"IntelliPoint software enables you to customize the unique features of your Microsoft mouse. You can reassign mouse buttons to perform commands, shortcuts, and application-specific functions. You can also modify mouse settings, such as pointer speed and updated horizontal scrolling." (Support KB258785 - How to install a Microsoft pointing device and the IntelliPoint software)

--> Habu Mice <--

--> IntelliPoint 6.1 for Windows XP & Windows Vista <--

--> IntelliPoint 6.1 for Windows XP 64 & Windows Vista 64 <--

WEBCAMS: NX-6000, VX-1000, VX-3000, VX-6000

Optimized for Windows Live Messenger for Windows XP & Windows Vista. 64 bit version coming soon. (Support: Solutions Center)

--> LifeCam 1.21 for Windows XP & Windows Vista <--

Click here for: All FREE Microsoft Windows Software

Create Your Own Search Macro with Microsoft Windows Live

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 04:14:37 GMT

Have you ever wanted to use a search engine that was designed for your specific area of interest? You can create search engines that are tailored to any topic area. A home page is automatically created for your macro, making it easy to use, bookmark, and share with friends. For example, you could create a search engine for your favorite hobby, area of research, or one that searches your website or blog.

Create your own macro. Use the side-by-side test page to see your macro’s results. When you’re satisfied, with your macro, save it, customize its home page and start searching.

Share your macro with others You can e-mail or instant message the web address of any macro home page to a friend. You can also share your macro with other Windows Live users on the Windows Live Gallery.

ONLY FIVE EASY STEPS!

Go to Microsoft's Windows Live Search Macros -- Click <Get Started>
Use the Basic creation mode -- Click <Next>
Enter up to 30 sites for your Search Macro -- Try a test search before clicking <Save Macro>
Choose a Macro Name - and select Customize the page (followed by any personal touches)
Click on <Finish>

--> Here's my Road to Know Where Search Macro <--