Now, it’s somewhat inconceivable to think an individual can go without using the internet at all. Some people do, and like it, but for the majority of us we need the internet in our daily lives whether for our jobs, businesses, or simply entertainment. It seems we are don’t have the ability to unplug. Imagine you own an online business, or are simply addicted to facebook and don’t have the ability to live without internet for a week. What would you do?

Well, if you’re lucky you have a laptop to take with you and can find free, or even paid, public wireless. However, some of us must resort to using an internet cafe. Unfortunately, these may not be the safest, most secure places to access sensitive data. For sure, if you need to save something to a USB flash drive to transport it back home it can be perilous. A single infected file on a flash drive can bring your entire system to a halt when plugged into your own pc. What then? Hopefully you have a solid virus protection software or you will have a massive bill from a computer professional to clean up the mess.

So what do you use? Avast? AVG? Let’s be honest here. Free virus scans are free for a reason. They simply don’t work very well. Every company that has a free version also has a pay version. Why? Because they don’t want to give you something for free that will do the job. So my advice, first, would be to stop using free products.

So what should you use? Well, from my personal experience I’ve found that a layered protection works best. The first one in particular is important. Malwarebytes Anti-malware currently has, in my opinion, the best remediation process on the market today. With one of the fastest, most effective quick scans and malware removal capabilities available, this is a tool you simply should not be without.

The second layer is a top quality security suite. Now, not everyone likes a full security suite as they come with all the bells and whistles that may not be needed. If you do choose a full security suite, I cannot recommend Trend Micro Internet Security highly enough. I have used this product and recommended it to others many times. It comes with not only a virus scan and firewall, but antispyware, antispam, network intrusion detection and even parental controls.

If you don’t feel you need a full security suite, a personal firewall is a necessity. The ONLY product I would feel comfortable using on my computer is Sunbelt Personal Firewall. In addition to being a standard firewall that monitors all incoming and outgoing traffic, this product can prevent infections from posing as legitimate, trusted applications and can monitor to prohibit installation of potentially dangerous fake operating system drivers that may bypass firewall inspection.

Don’t live without these products. I know I can’t. You’ll thank me if your USB flash drive gets compromised and inserted into your computer before you can remedy the situation.

Malwarebytes Anti-malware
Sunbelt Personal Firewall
Trend Micro Internet Security 2010

According to the Oklahoma County DA’s office, the pharmacist was justified in shooting the minor, albeit in the head. Naturally, he fell to the floor and was unconscious though not yet deceased. At that time, pharmacist Jerome Ersland left the injured, unarmed victim and gave chase to a second armed robber who took off after the initial shooting.

I’m unsure of whether he was able to catch them or not. Unfortunately for both Ersland and the minor, the pharmacist returned, picked up a second firearm and shot 5 more rounds into the abdomen of the minor. This, says DA David Prater, is where Ersland went too far. Of course, the pharmacist’s attorney, Irven Box, plays it all off to self defense–protecting himself and the two female customers.

“I think he did something in his eyes that protected both himself and two ladies in there,” Box said. “He put an end to the threat.”

It seems as though the victim being incapacitated sheds some doubt on this argument. Though Ersland’s account of the event doesn’t mesh with the footage, security tapes show him walking past the victim–even turning his back to him–with no concern for his own safety. This would make sense with the minor being incapacitated. That wouldn’t equate to him being an immediate threat.

Further complicating matters is the autopsy. Results show the shot to the head wasn’t fatal. In fact, he was still alive during the 5 shots fired into the abdomen and died from those injuries instead.

So, the question remains…was this self defense or murder?

Now, I’m no anti-gun agenda disarmament advocate. I even have a handgun carry permit issued by my state (which, thankfully, I’ve never had to use). However, with the deceased being incapacitated that seems to make the immediate threat to life and limb disappear especially considering he was unarmed. Not that I would want to test the question, but I would imagine the laws of my state wouldn’t look kindly upon the single shot to the head as my rights only go so far as to neutralize the threat which can be interpreted many ways. In fact, here an individual even has to render aid if using your weapon is justified.

I feel for both families in this case. One is crushed at the loss of a loved one and another is crushed at the prospect of someone serving prison time for attempting to protect themselves. My thoughts and prayers go out to both.

So how far do you go? Personally, I think Ersland went too far but it’s a very gray area. What do you think? I’d like to hear thoughts on this issue.

http://www.travislturner.com

‘Nuff said.

http://www.travislturner.com

Sporting such features as basic protection from viruses and trojans to higher end features like disabling links to known malware/phishing sites to prevent infection before it occurs, Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 is a step above most all security software. Some of Kaspersky’s highlights include:

• Hourly updates and fastest response times ensure you benefit from the industry’s most up-to-date protection.
• Advanced anti-virus engine delivers the industry’s fastest scan times (Passmark Security, June 2008). Saves time and improves performance.
• Configuration and privacy tools are designed to help you protect yourself.
• Intrusion Protection System and 2-way firewall protect you from hackers; protect your privacy.
• Protects you from the phishing and malware sites that you wouldn’t otherwise know were attempting to steal from you.
• Parental controls filter, block, or report inappropriate content. Limit Internet time to hours and amounts that you set.
• Kaspersky Security Network allows your computer to report when it discovers a threat that hasn’t been seen before. All 250 million Kaspersky users benefit from combined knowledge!

Best of all, if you own more than one PC (as most people do these days), it’s exceptionally cost effective. You see, Kaspersky Labs doesn’t sell their Internet Security product with only a single computer in mind. While you can still purchase basic antivirus protection for a single pc, Kaspersky Internet Security comes in a minimum 3 PC license. Naturally, it’s slightly more expensive due to this. However, for my money it would be worth it for a single pc. In fact, even if you have only 2 computers, it would still be cheaper than buying 2 single license products from another company.

I have used Kaspersky personally and recommended it to many people. For the cost effectiveness and quality of product, there is simply no beating this product. Don’t worry about the cost if you have only one computer—after one infection you’ll certainly be glad you have it.

P.S. They’re even running a sale right now for $20 off.

http://www.travislturner.com

What really strikes me about this is why anyone thinks it’s “deceptive.” I mean, anyone over the age of 4 knows about tobacco. We know about the health effects it can have. And unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 30 years, you know how corporations won’t be completely truthful with you no matter the product. Their job is to entice you to buy it.

I recently quit smoking myself. Did I need the government or Philip Morris to tell me smoking was bad for me? No. Did I need either of them to tell me I needed to quit? No. I smoked for as long as I did mainly because I liked it and didn’t care. Regardless of how much I despise the “big brother” structure our government has come to employ, I do have to credit them with helping me quit. It seems I like my wallet to be fat more than I like my cigarettes.

What’s completely laughable though, is that the companies supposedly made a handshake agreement to not market their products on the basis of whose was least harmful. It’s tobacco. It causes lung cancer. It doesn’t matter if you smoke Winstons or Pall Malls. If you smoke long enough it will happen to you. Government officials argued this agreement was due, at least in part, to keep from having to address the dangers of smoking.

According to the appeals court ruling, “The government presented evidence from the 1950s and continuing through the following decades demonstrating that the defendant manufacturers were aware — increasingly so as they conducted more research — that smoking causes disease, including lung cancer. Evidence at trial revealed that at the same time defendants were disseminating advertisements, publications, and public statements denying any adverse health effects of smoking and promoting their ‘open question’ strategy of sowing doubt, they internally acknowledged as fact that smoking causes disease and other health hazards.”

So there you go. Corporations are evil (and always have been). Smoking is dangerous (and always has been). If you didn’t know this already, you’re rock needs straightening up–it’s messy.

http://www.travislturner.com

Is this the kind of change we voted for? I realize it’s not what President Obama had in mind when he wanted to bring change to our country. It’s not even his fault. Not really. Politics and the spirit of debate on The Hill have been getting more partisan as each day passes. It’s been a slow process. Not one you would really notice through a microscope; but when you step back and look at the big picture you can see the obvious trend. Ever since our new president was inaugurated it seems that trend has accelerated.

I don’t agree with Mr. Obama on every issue, but I do appreciate his candor and desire to have both major parties work together. I feel he truly wants this. However, he’s having a difficult go of it because of his own party. After 8 years of being ignored and having their views pushed aside due to policies of our previous president, congressional Democrats, with their vast majority, are saying and doing anything they want. Essentially, they’re doing the exact same thing they complained about when the roles were reversed.

I may disagree with him for some things he wants to accomplish, but I applaud President Obama for attempting to work with Republicans in a bipartisan manner. It seems he realizes this is the only true way to help this country get back to where it needs to be. Full disclosure needs to be made. Not only in regards to the abuse, torture and interrogation tactics used at places such as Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, but also with how members of Congress were told and what they were told. It’s time. Senator Pelosi, Representative Goss, Representative Boehner, and Senator Bond: tell us the truth! Stop lying and trying to garner political points. Now is not the time when this country needs politicism. We need straight talk and the truth.

http://www.travislturner.com

Many people get frustrated with their computer and in better economic times simply go buy another one. They’re not too terribly expensive anymore. And while you get a warm, fuzzy feeling the first time you use that nice new computer wouldn’t you rather have the extra money in your pocket? I know I certainly would. The problem lies in the fact that most people don’t know how to properly care for and maintain a computer. At $600-800 for a new one, the right knowledge could save you thousands in the long run. And you don’t even need a technology degree–or even a large amount of technical knowlege base–to do this. How?

As a technician, I’ve serviced many computers that were about to be thrown out in favor of a fancy new one. It always baffled me because sometimes they were barely a year old. Without arming yourself with the proper knowledge and tools, you’ll be in the same boat next year. More to the point, one of the most important choices one can make concerning the long-term health and virility of a computer is its security software.

I’ve tested and personally used many in my time. Some are excellent, others not so much. It seems which products are good and which ones aren’t changes on a yearly basis with each new edition. One thing that will never change though, is the free security products. If you currently use a free version of an antivirus product, have you ever wondered why they also have a paid version? I haven’t. The reason is simple, and common sense. It’s not just to get money out of you, though that’s part of why corporations exist. Simply, it’s because the paid versions are better. Not only do they have more features, but they actually work. Have you ever heard the phrase “There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” Well, it’s true. Free antivirus software simply doesn’t work well–sometimes they don’t work at all.

So what is a person to do? Well, for starters consult your local I.T. guru and ask. It’s a simple as that. Personally, I have recommended products to many people and not always the same product. There is basic antivirus software, internet security suites, antispyware, etc. Each individual has specific needs and wants and trying to decipher what is the right purchase can be daunting. For a list of products I recommend, and an explanation of the differences in each, visit my website. You can even purchase directly through the pages of the specific class of product you feel suits your needs best.

Travis L. Turner – Recommended software

Soon, I will be previewing products I feel very strongly about and have helped some individuals better protect their computers. When possible, I will include reviews from reputable companies such as CNET.com for source.

Am I the only one who thinks it seems like it was yesterday that he was incarcerated? Twenty-one months may be a long time, but it doesn’t feel like it. I try to keep an even keel about most everything. I’m an animal lover–particular dogs; however, I am no animal rights activist. And to me, this is just egregious.

Let me get this straight. He goes from a relatively modest upbringing, to extravagantly wealthy. In the meantime, he blows his wealth while engaging in a vicious, disgusting criminal activity. Now, he wants to return to the NFL and make even more millions. What???

I don’t know. If it were up to me (and it’s not), he’d stay in prison for at least another 5 years. I know some will disagree and say that would be excessive, but how? He was killing defenseless animals. Same as murdering someone in cold blood. How is an animal’s life less valuable than a human’s?

Now that he’s out of prison, I know I’m rooting for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to ban him from the league permanently. That may not be legal, but it would make me smile. In fact, Mr. Goodell doesn’t do everything in his power to do this, I may stop watching the NFL altogether. Vick shouldn’t be allowed to just resume his life as normal amassing more wealth to promote another dog-fighting operation. What say you? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on this matter.

http://www.travislturner.com