OpenDNS - Free, Fast, Secure DNS with Phishing Protection and Adult Site Blocking

Switching to broadband (high-speed) Internet access such as DSL or Cable Internet brings a whole new level of Internet experience. Unfortunately with all that wonder also comes additional security issues. OpenDNS steps in to help home users, small business owners, and even larger organizations increase their Internet efficiency and security by providing DNS service that can filter out phishing domains, typographical errors, and even adult-oriented websites (optional).

DNS, or Domain Name System, tells your computer where to go when you tell it to go to a specific website such as http://www.google.com. DNS is provided by all ISP's, but not all ISP's optimize their DNS service to include additional features and protections like OpenDNS. Setting up OpenDNS is a one time setup and is provided free to all users. The settings should be applied to your home router so that all the computers on your home network automatically benefit from OpenDNS. Filtering out adult-oriented websites with OpenDNS will require you to setup an account (free).

Link to OpenDNS

Configure Windows XP to Automatically Login

Configure Windows XP to Automatically Login

Windows XP has a feature which automatically logs you on when your computer starts if you only have one account and no password on your system. Occasionally you'll find that Windows XP no longer logs you in automatically. Follow the above link to turn that feature back on.

This Is Your Brain....This Is Your Brain on Social Networking...Any Questions?

It seems that by the time parents get around to hearing about youth trends, especially Internet-based trends, it is too late. Social networking websites are indeed the latest trend which allows users to post their personal profile to the public so that all can see what's going on in your life including pictures, videos, and personal information. Microsoft has put together an article called, "How to Help Your Kids Use Social Networking Websites More Safely" which details what social networking websites are, how they work, and bits of wisdom on how to set boundaries for your family.

Perhaps the Ad Council should put together a commercial with the tagline: "Talk to your kids about MySpace."

See Wikipedia's list of Social Networking Websites

A Photography Tip for Your Precious Holiday Snapshots

Lifehacker.com posted a simple, but often overlooked tip to help you take better pictures: get in close.

10 Tips to Refine Your Google Searching

Sometimes finding what you want from Google's search engine can be a chore. Informit.com has posted an article with ten useful tips to help you refine your search query to get you the results you are looking for.

http://www.informit.com/articles/article.asp?p=675274&rl=1

How Many Megapixels is Enough?

This holiday shopping season don't be fooled by those greedy, commission-driven salespeople trying to sell you that 10+ megapixel camera for hundreds of dollars if all you're wanting to do is take pictures of the family. According to David Pogue, you won't be able to tell the difference between a 5, an 8, or a 13 megapixel camera even when blown up to a 16x24 picture. In addition, buying a higher megapixel camera will require a larger storage card costing you more money for the camera and the card. Stick with a camera in your budget that will take the pictures you need to take. If you're looking for cameras that will take some great pictures, head over to Flickr's most-used cameras page compiled from their online photo sharing website.