Happy 2008 to everyone!

Make it a good one!

Merry Christmas

2007 was a fine year I’d say. We had a lot of downs the past years, and this year it went up. 2008 should be even better when we enter our new home.

The Challenges of HTML Email

• The Challenges of HTML Email
  if you’re into HTML email (probably for sending newsletters) this may be of interest to you. Very old post, very relevant.
  (tags: email html development webdev design web webdesign emails)

fun with images: vector magic and google chart api

• VectorMagic | Precision Bitmap to Vector Conversion Online
  convert bitmaps to vectors. If you have Flash or Corel you can do this already. But now it’s online and for free.
  (tags: vector graphics tools converter design software free algorithm)
• Developer’s Guide – Google Chart API – Google Code
  Generating charts on the fly! This is what I’ve been looking for. Of course there are hundreds of lame attempts at this, but now it’s Google. And it’s looking good.
  (tags: google api chart graph charts visualization tools)

how to download all flickr photos and metadata

• semantic weltbild 2.0: flickr::backup and RDF
  how to download all flickr photos and metadata. Flickr doesn’t want you to go, but now you finally can!
  (tags: flickr RDF backup perl semweb semanticweb tools)

27 ways to keep your PC absolutely safe and secure

Today I learned about SANS, a very good security resource. The following list, which can be seen as full articles on SANS, all of them insightful pearls. Most are probably completely known to you if you are a techie.

• Watch out for shoulder surfers
• Read error messages and checkboxes
• Letting Family or Friends Use Your Employer’s Computers Can Be Bad for You
• Use a password protected screen saver
• Use caution when opening email attachments
• Don’t use unauthorized software
• Think twice before posting pictures of yourself or your family and friends
• Backup important files on a regular basis
• Make your password complex.
• Effectively delete files
• Passwords: Be creative
• Do not write your password down and leave it near your computer
• When selecting a screen name…make sure it doesn’t say too much about you
• Don’t Accept Offers of “Free PC Scans” That Pop up When You Use the Internet
• Lock your workstation before you leave your desk
• Be Skeptical When You Read Your Email
• Use a password in only one place.
• E-mail is insecure by default because it is more like a postcard, not a sealed envelope
• A password should be used by only one person.
• Don’t tell anybody your password
• Save your files to a network server
• Always log off your own computer. Do not let anyone else offer to do it for you
• Don’t click the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of unsolicited emails
• Don’t download files from unknown sources
• Turn off your wireless AP when it’s not in use
• Protect Your Social Security Number
• Don’t be an unintentional spammer

source: SANS security awareness tips