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Fake AntiVirus For Macs

May 20, 2011 by admin | Comments Off | Filed in Tech

I’m not a Mac user (but I don’t understand the hatred towards Mac computers by people who use Windows and Linux either), but it’s interesting to hear that a fake security program has started to cause problems for people who do use it. One of the main advantages to Macs is that they are more secure, but it seems that this software takes the appearance of a regular security software then once it’s installed started to cause all the problems.

Apparently the main reason it’s been successful is because the software has managed to get high up in search results. The software creators managed to get images ranking for high traffic terms like “mothers day”, then when the user clicks the image the software is automatically installed on both Windows and Mac OS X. Once its installed it starts telling the user that it needs to buy something in order to protect the machine.

It’s interesting that this has been targeted at Mac users as well as Windows. Could this be the start of a lot more Mac viruses and security threats? There are so many more people using Windows that there are always going to be more viruses for it, but maybe Mac is now seen is an easier target.

Ad Supported Kindle

April 13, 2011 by admin | Comments Off | Filed in Tech

I’m a big fan of the Kindle (as many of you will know if you regularly read this blog) so I was interested to hear that Amazon are going to be offering cheaper, ad supported versions. This is an interesting move, as the price is going to be less (although not by that much) than the current models and could be a good way for Amazon to start its own advertising network.

One of the things I love about the Kindle is how simple it is to use. Whenever I want to read a book or newspaper, all I have to do is pick it up, flick a switch and I’m back on the page where I left off. I know that I’d find it very annoying to be interrupted with ads – even if it’s just on start up – just to save £15-30.

If there was a major saving then I’d be more interested, but the saving on the lowest model is said to be around £15. Not really worth the extra hassle of adverts is it? Especially if you’re going to use the device a lot. There don’t seem to be details on exactly when the ads will show though.

It’s a similar to move to certain app makers, who instead of charging for their premium apps give them away for free but with advertising. It’s an interesting business model, as it must mean advertising is more valuable than selling the product itself (at least in some cases). I’m sure the companies like the idea of a constant income rather than a one off sale.

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My Thoughts: Champions League Quarter Final

April 13, 2011 by admin | Comments Off | Filed in Sport

There’s nothing quite like a Champions League game in the middle of the week to look forward to, and the second leg between Manchester United and Chelsea last night didn’t disappoint. I’m a United fan so I’m probably very biased, but I thought Chelsea were poor throughout the game and didn’t deserve to get anything out of the tie. It could have been so different though if a few things had changed.

Firstly, I definitely wouldn’t have started with Torres up front. I think this is an obvious comment – most people would agree that Torres hasn’t done anything recently that warrants him starting an important game. I think that the manager was going by the theory that “he has to score at some point, so why not tonight?” The reality is that Torres, on current form, was extremely unlikely to score against such a good defence.

Even if the manager had to start with Torres I still would have played Drogba. Anelka is a good player, but he doesn’t provide the same strength as Drogba. This was proved in the second half where Drogba seemed to be the only Chelsea player who still believed they could get anything out of the game.

Chelsea did have a couple of good chances though. The Lampard shot that was side footed to the keeper should have been a lot more dangerous. All in all though, United had the better chances and deserved the win over the two legs. I don’t think they will win the treble though – Barcelona will be too strong in the final for whoever gets there.

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