Project 3 - WI-FI Security

The articles, 10 Tips for Wireless Home Security and Exploiting and Protecting 802.11b Wireless Networks are very similar. Both articles demonstrate how one should configure the security settings on home access points to prevent or at least deter would be hackers. The most common theme in both of the articles is that wireless routers straight out of the box are vulnerable and that WEP is not secure. They both go on to list how to secure a network however they use different approaches.

The Exploiting and Protecting 802.11b Wireless Networks article started out with an in-depth summary of how a team of investigators went around various cities to find open networks. They found that an average of 39% had WEP enabled. What was most interesting to me is that this article basically taught people not only how to secure their networks, but also how to hack into networks. Detailed instructions, pictures and pricing regarding equipment and applications needed to break into a WI-FI network were also outlined. For example, they mention AirSnort a program recently developed that can “snort” a WEP key after monitoring a network for a short time. This information is useful knowledge for those who need to think like hackers in order to find weak spots on their own networks.

In contrast, the 10 Tips for Wireless Home Security, article provided straight-forward strategies on how to protect a wireless network. The tips listed were very helpful. I immediately checked my own network following the instructions provided. I was very anxious to see how my own network security settings compared. I did not set up the network in my own home; my son actually installed and configured it. I was pleasantly surprised and glad to know that he changed the default SSID (as both articles recommend) and he enabled WPA2 with AES encryption. According to the article, this is a newer version of WEP and much more secure.

Both of the articles stressed the need to change the SSID from the manufacturers default. Additionally the default password should always be changed to a non-word alphanumeric value. Also, WEP should be enabled if there is no other option.  As the authors of the Exploiting and Protecting 802.11b Wireless Networks pointed out, “WEP isn’t secure…but at least it’s a first barrier. However this article made no mention of WPA or WPA2. They both also recommend disabling the SSID Broadcast and placing the router towards the center of the building away from windows.

After reading and researching the terms and jargon of these two articles, I feel much more confident with my knowledge of wireless networks. Some of the terms that were new to me were “802.11b network” and WEP. I have since learned that 802.11b-n describes a set of standards/protocols for wireless transmission. WEP on the other hand, is Wired Equivalent Privacy.  Using my new knowledge, I have noticed that there are quite a few open networks in my neighborhood. Perhaps people need to take the time to learn about these technologies before they begin to use it.

Project 2 - The Internet

The Wired magazine article, “The Web is Dead, Long Live the Internet” is a side-by-side co-written article by Chris Anderson, editor in chief of Wired and Michael Wolff a contributing editor to Wired. They both agree that the internet and web are evolving. The article focuses on what caused and is currently causing the evolution. Chris Anderson’s angle is that the web is being replaced by apps because they provide a better user experience than the web. He makes the point that the web is just a part of the internet and that it is following the usual cycle of capitalism to maturity as all markets in the past have gone thru: invention, adolescence, then control. World Wide Web, users are increasingly opting for closed sites on the internet like Facebook, World of Warcraft, Netflix and apps for mobile phones.

Michael Wolff’s portion of the article focuses on the power players involved in the web and internet’s evolution. He highlights how the web was never very lucrative except for Google. He outlines how Facebook and Apple have combined technology with media savvy to make an internet that is both enjoyable for the users and lucrative for the companies involved.

I agree with the article in general. I found Chris Anderson’s part of the article more intriguing. I could identify with it more and was drawn in. I found his use of history very relevant and I liked his analogies to other industries like the evolution of the railroad.  In my perspective, everything he pointed out was true. However, I don’t agree with the phrase “the web is dead”. I believe the web will always be out there and searchable with a browser, and the html website will always exist. For example, I can not imagine not “Googling” for something. I do this about twenty times a day. I enjoy the massive amounts of results. If it is a subject I know nothing about, searching the web is great. For example, I recently was looking for mid-century coffee tables for sale. I searched the web for “Broyhill Brasilia coffee table” and found one for sale in Florida. It was on a “mom-and-pop” website. What would happen to “mom and pop” plain html websites with interesting content if the web was dead? We’d be back where we started.

It’s true, the web is not as enjoyable, sleek, and interactive, but it does serve a purpose. It’s great for reading and gathering information. The web will never be as valuable a part of enriching people’s lives like the new app driven internet. The fact that Michael Wolff points out, which is that moguls have figured out how to make the internet profitable is a good thing. The old adage is true; you get what you pay for. I don’t mind paying a small amount like a dollar for iTunes song if it makes my quality of life better. If an app improves my productivity or just provides some amusement, great, I’ll take it. But I’m still keeping my browser ready to search for outdated stuff on the web too.

Project 1 - Buying a Computer?

Deciding what computer to buy is a daunting task no matter who you ask. The more technically savvy a person is the more complicated it becomes. Because with the knowledge comes a multitude of choices. After much research into this hypothetical purchase, I decided to use my real-life budget and needs as a practical guide. I do a lot of graphic design and photo work in my current job. I usually have a minimum of two Adobe programs and the internet running at the same time, so I need at least 1 TB of hard-drive space, a good amount of RAM and a fast processor. I don’t do any online gaming and rarely watch movies on the computer. With these needs in mind, and much research, I decided upon the HP Pavillion Elite HPE-250f. This computer was ranked as the “Best All-Around Desktop” and the “Best Graphics Desktop” by Mark Kyrnin, of About.com PC Guide.

Some of the key features that helped me to choose this system are its Intel Core i7-860 quad core processor and it’s 8GB of DDR3 memory. The processor and RAM are a large component to how fast a computer works and saves files. Since I toggle back and forth among programs and save large files frequently, I decided that this top of the line processor and 8GB of DDR3 memory would be a good investment. Also, it has 1TB hard-drive and 64-bit Windows 7 OS. It has plenty of ports too, which I like. The system has a keyboard and mouse included and retails for approximately $1100. It does not include a floppy drive. I don’t have any important data on old floppy disks so I have no use for a floppy drive. I don’t know anyone other than my father, who still has floppys around. They are almost obsolete. In fact, Sony, the main producer of floppy disks, will soon stop selling them in Japan.

As for the monitor, I have selected a 22 inch NEC Multisync P221W-BX-SV. What attracted me to this monitor was the fact that it includes the SpectraView II color calibration unit to ensure that the screen has the closest to actual print colors possible. In my current job, small color discrepancies have caused long delays with approving proofs and many headaches. The price of the monitor is expensive at $750 but considering the time it will save me with color matching and preventing printing problems, the investment will pay off. I can also use the monitor with my laptop to double-check the colors before sending any job to the printers.

In terms of desktop computers, there are many choices out there ranging from desktop style and price to details like what type of processor, motherboard, and even cooling fan to use. The best approach is to do a lot of research and access your needs and most importantly your budget. I chose an HP prebuilt system because I trust the brand and I liked the reviews that I read online. This configuration and monitor should last me at least four years…hopefully even longer.

Kyrnin, Mark. "Best Mainstream Desktop PC’s."
      About.com. 20 April 2010. 
<http://compreviews.about.com/od/maindesk/tp/MainDesktop.htm>.

Musil, Steven. "Sony delivers floppy disks last rites."
      CNETNews.com. 25 April 2010. 
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-20003360-92.html>.