This article is from the December 2002 Issue of Update.
I read a lot about the lack of security on the internet. Is there a quick way I can check my machine to see if it's vulnerable?
It's unlikely that anyone will try and hack into your computer, but then it's unlikely that your house is going to burn down, but you still take out insurance! There's a simple way that you can test to make sure that your computer isn't open to any kind of attack, and that is to visit the Gibson Research Corporation site (https://grc.com/intro.htm). When you visit, you'll see a graphic link to something called 'Shields Up'. If you follow the link you'll be taken to part of the site which (with your permission) will check to see what, if any, vulnerabilities your computer has. Try the two tests, and the results will tell you if your computer is in any danger. It's very quick and easy to try it, and quite painless. If you do find that you are open to attack, you should install a firewall. If you have Windows XP there is already one that you can use, but if you haven't, I'd suggest ZoneAlarm (www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp) - I've used it (there is a free version as well as a priced option) and have always been happy with it.
I manage the website of a small non-profit organisation. We want the site to be interactive, but so far the discussion boards have failed to take off. Any suggestions?
I took a look at your site, and it's very nice Ð clear, quick to load, really good! However, I'm not sure that 'Latest forum topics' is the best header to use. You may want to explore different terminology, such as 'Participate in our bulletin board system' for example. I'd highlight the 'Forum' link, and make a feature of it for a few weeks to see if it draws people's attention.You might also want to stimulate discussion by choosing a particularly controversial subject, or an item that's been in the news recently, and get people to discuss it. You could also create a few dummy accounts and start posting as well Ð it's a bit daunting for a new user to see that nothing has been discussed recently. You might consider removing the requirement to register Ð this often puts people off. You might need to keep a close eye in case someone posts something obscene, but if you get more postings it may be worth the extra work.
I've got an ADSL connection for my computer and it's a lot faster than my old dial-up connection. How can I find out just how much faster it is?
I've gone through the same process myself, and have been surprised at the speed. Have a look at the Bandwidth Place (www.bandwidthplace.com/ speedtest/index.html [broken link removed on 14 April 2005]) - if you get it to run the test it will tell you how fast your connection is.
Site of the month
Ever wondered how much a certain amount of money from the past would be worth now? If you have, visit Economic History Resources at www.eh.net/ ehresources/howmuch/poundq.php and type in the amount and the date you're interested in. You'll then be able to discover that the 6d pocket money you were given when you were a child in 1966 had the same purchasing power at 28p today. Something to use if your children complain that you don't give them enough money! (The full citation as requested by the site is: John J. McCusker, 'Comparing the Purchasing Power of Money in Great Britain from 1264 to Any Other Year Including the Present' Economic History Services, 2001 - www.eh.net/hm it/ppowerbp/).
'With all best wishes for a happy Christmas and a good New Year...'
Phil Bradley is an internet consultant, trainer, web designer and author. Visit www.philb.com for free information on internet introductions, search engine articles, web design tips and a host of other free information. Recently published: Getting and Staying Noticed on the Web. If you have any questions about the internet send an email to philb@philb.com with the subject header 'column query'.