Cloaking YOUR Computer: Why and How

We often come across cloaked websites when we're surfing the Internet, often when we're doing a Google search for something. Cloaking is a technique in which the content that is presented to the surf engine spider is different to that presented to the user's browser. The whole point of clocking is to deceive search engines so they show the page when it wouldn't otherwise be displayed. Cloaking doesn't just appear in websites URL, now many people are cloaking their personal "profile information" by cloaking their computer's ISP number. A website called www.the-cloak.com will show anyone interested exactly how to accomplish this.
You may ask yourself, why cloak..whats the point?

Well, while cloaked websites can be super annoying and inconvenient, cloaking your computer's ISP number is not inconveniencing anyone, it's only protecting you from future annoyances. The leading Web advertising company (doubleclick.com) is planning to build a database of consumer profiles that will contain each user's name, address,retail, cataloger and online purchase histories and various demographic data. "This new database will rely on the help of cookies, which the company places on Net users' computers to record surfing habits and offer pertinent advertising." This could be very annoying.

Now you may be thinking hmm well what exactly does the cloak do?

The cloak sits in between your computer and any website that you go to. It will prevent these websites from finding out who you are. Using the standard SSL protocol it can encrypt all types of communication from your browser. This way no one knows where you are surfing. With the cloak you are directly connected to the machines of the sites you visit, and if they track you with cookies, which they probably will, they can assemble a total picture perfect idea of your surfing habits.

How do you do it? I'll tell you exactly how...(taken from the-cloak.com)

"1. Turn on Javascript. The Cloak will automatically filter out Javascript from any documents you download, unless you tell it otherwise. However, the-Cloak needs Javascript for its control panel.

* In Netscape Navigator, you can turn on Javascript using the menu sequence Edit -> Preferences... -> Advanced -> Enable Javascript. The Enable Javascript button should be activated.
* In Microsoft Internet Explorer, use View -> Internet Options -> Security -> Custom -> Active Scripting -> Enable
* NOTE: You already have Javascript enabled

2. You should turn on warnings when leaving an encrypted site, so that your browser warns you when you are no longer surfing using the-Cloak.

* In Netscape, use the menus Security -> Navigator and make sure that you are warned (1) when you leave an encrypted site and (2) when a page contains a mix of encrypted and unencrypted material.
* In Microsoft Internet Explorer, use View -> Internet Options -> Advanced -> Security -> "Warn if changing between secure and insecure mode"

3. You must enable cookies so that the-Cloak can give you a login cookie:

* In Netscape, use the menus Edit -> Preferences -> Advanced and choose any option that allows cookies.
* In Microsoft Internet Explorer, use View -> Internet Options -> Advanced -> Security -> Cookies and choose any option that allows cookies.
* NOTE: You already have cookies enabled

4. Also, if you are using Netscape, turn off What's Related in Edit -> Preferences... -> Navigator -> Smart Browsing. This feature connects directly to Netscape, and can tell them where you are surfing "

Cloaking your computer might not sound appealing to everyone, but rather like more of a hassle than anything else. I haven't done it, and if I wasn't so lazy maybe I would. Is it unnecessary? Maybe. For more information go to www.the-cloak.com

Game Addiction: A legit addiction

There are a variety of symptoms and problems that can evolve as an individual becomes more and more attached to playing video games. In my Clinical Neuroscience class we're currently studying addiction, and on-line gaming addiction has become a serious topic of discussion. What i have learned from both my media and neuroscience classes is that like any addiction, online gaming can be treated. And like other serious drug related addictions CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) a treatment in which the therapist teaches the patient all about their addiction and the best ways to cope with it, is often utilized as the best method to ease addiction symptoms. Medication is also an option. CBT treatment when combined with other medications, as opposed to one treatment isolated from the other, has proven an augmented success rate but not enough to be statistically significant. Therapy groups are also often thought to be helpful to the effected individuals.

Health Problems
*Carpal tunnel syndrome
*Sleep disturbances
*Back, neck aches
*Headaches
*Dry eyes
*Failure to eat regularly or neglect personal hygiene

Psychological Problems
*Having a sense of well-being or euphoria while at the computer
*Inability to stop the activity
*Craving more and more time at the computer
*Neglect of family and friends
*Feeling empty, depressed, irritable when not at the computer
*Lying to employers and family about activities



On-Line Gamers Anonymous is a self-help organization for people who have started to believe their game playing has become excessive. Their Mission Statement: "On-Line Gamer's Anonymous is a fellowship of people sharing their experience, strengths and hope to help each other recover and heal from the problems caused by excessive game playing."
If anyone you know might seem to have accumulated an issue with excessive gaming or on-line use this is a site to recommend.

http://www.olganon.org/

The ipad...Is it revolutionary? Not really.



The ipad has caused quite a stire in the media community and others alike with it's debut...but is it really all its cracked up to be? In our generation if one opts to purchase an inclusive media gadget such as the ipad, we expect multitasking right? Well, with the release of the ipad people are beginning to complain there are not enough "multitasking capabilities". If a future version of the ipad (or even its current version) are being talked up as a replacement of netbooks...how can it possibly not have multitasking? Because of the poor multitasking options that are offered from the ipad, people are deciding against it's purchase. Some complaints include "Are you saying I can't listen to Pandora while writing a document? I can't have my Twitter app open at the same time as my browser? I can't have AIM open at the same time as my email? Are you kidding me? This alone guarantees that I will not buy this product."

These multitasking capabilities may have seemed like an extra perk a few years ago, but, now they are the standard. Without them, the ipad is not revolutionary...it's simply a giant iphone. Like the iphone, it has the same clumsy touchscreen (which apparently was going to be revolutionized by Apple...guess not). Added to that...it's huge! In our digitalized world we are constantly seeking for gadgets that are slim, sleek, and easy to carry around-this is usually apple's forte. Not with the ipad. No camera and no flash on websites add to the blandness of this product.

This video gives a pretty decent explanation of why the ipad is so sub-par

Video

Second Life is not all it is cracked up to be. Whether or not Second Life's issues are regularly brought up, the game (Yes GAME) has lead to many past controversies. An example being, an actual "real life" FBI investigation led to a shutdown of inworld casinos, due to their use as a terrorist training area. Now UK authorities are planning to physically and virtually enter second life, as part of their job. The reason? Virtual Pedophilia. Virtual detectives are now investigating a designated area in Second Life where users created to look like children offer virtual prostitution and very illegal 'real world' activities, this area is called "Wonderland". Second life without a doubt would be pulled off the shelves if it were a video game, but because it is essentially created by user generated content, a much larger question is being posed. How should authorities deal with this kind of activity? Should authorities get involved? Is it ACTUALLY illegal? So for all those people who think Second Life is the coolest thing since sliced bread, take a closer look at how "cool" some of the bizarre underground activities are.

The below Sky News video explains.

It make me think, what has humanity come to? Is this what happens when we are a lotted uncensored freedom? It also makes you realize how many people are just sick.

Rules of The Internet

Recently, I have begun thinking about the laws of the Internet. It's so strange how something that isn't anything physical or concrete has it's own laws. Except there is no set guideline or rule book on the laws of the Internet, and which of them can and cannot be rendered. The internet has no president, no governing force. Although there are laws such as The Communications Decency Act (CDA), The Child Online Protection Act (COPA), and The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), there are no laws concerning posting, content, searching etc. merely restrictions. Would a law even work regulating such content? It seems to me that most people tend to make up there own rules as they go along. Different countries, cultures, and nations have unique "rules" concerning internet usage practices, with varying levels of morality and responsibility.

Below I have linked The Rules of The Internet....( "rules"). The amount of different re-writes of internet rules and amount of sheer sarcasm reflected in them, makes me wonder who and if anyone actually takes the idea of internet rules seriously or even cares..

The Advent of the "rules of the internet"

The idea of making “rules of the internet” originated from Anonymous conversations that took place on IRC and later spread to communities such as 4chan and Encyclopedia Dramatica.

On November 25th 2006, an Encyclopedia Dramatica user Zen444 created a new entry titled The 17 Original Rules of the Internet. An idea concerning “rules” ignited several rounds of debates and discussions in the Encyclopedia Dramatica forum.

Users were quick to strike out certain rules, but there were people who fancied the idea and began crafting the official “unofficial rules of the Internet”. In December 2006, a wiki project dedicated to the topic was posted at rulesoftheinternet.com.

The result of massive collaboration was a list of 47 rules on the Internet that are widely excepted to be true, with the word “Internet” used in a highly subjective sense.

“This will set a Guideline how the Internet can be structured. Politicians can not set these rules, the internet is for the people by the people. It needs to be the people that set the rules.”
-rulesoftheinternet.com

Extreme Sharing Networks: Everyone is An Expert at Something

The quote, "Everybody is an expert at something, and can contribute in meaningful ways", for me, defines the pull towards extreme sharing networks. Extreme sharing networks exist as a community, where the main focus is helping other members out. Message boards for sharing sites like Torrentpond and eMule act as a vector where all members can "meet" and share information with one another.
While investigating these extremes sharing networks it got me thinking about a sort of sub-group of sharing networks. One which I have come across in recent months is called Tinker. Tinker is a network created by Glam Media, a vertical content network, which offers an extreme sharing and combining of social networking sites. Their motto is "Stay on top of the buzz and create your own." With Tinker you can easily create or follow an event stream by typing a keyword into an event stream. An event stream could be anything from the Oscars to the ipad release. Tinker will pull up facebook status' as well as tweets that have anything to do with your specific event stream keyword. When you post a comment, tweet or status it will also update all of your other social networks that you have linked to your Tinker account.
The revolution of these extreme social sharing networks seem to be relentless in their growth and popularity. Networks such as Tinker seem to be as extreme as I can imagine, but it makes me think... what could possibly be next? Picture status'? Video status'? I think those may be a tad bit intrusive for my taste, but I wouldn't doubt their appearance once the community of extreme social networking sites becomes bored of regular old 'text' updates...

MULTI-TASKING: A NICKNAME FOR DISTRACTION

The PBS video Digital Nation really made me think about my generation and our "multi-tasking" abilities...or lack there of. Digital Nation, more or less, bashed our thoughts surrounding the idea that we are great multi-taskers. In all honesty, I think there is no such thing as a good multi-tasker. When we say, "Oh yeah, I'm a great multi-tasker. I go on facebook, check my flight info, write a paper, listen to music, and talk on the phone all at the same time". What we're really saying is "Hey, I get distracted". To me, it is not multi-tasking if your spreading your mind so thin over a bunch of different tasks and not focusing all your energy on one at a time.

Even now as I write this, I'm distracted. I'm talking to my friend, eating a bagel, sitting in a frat house where people are drinking and shouting, the hockey game is on, music is on downstairs, I'm texting on my phone, and amid all of this I'm tempted to go onto gilt.com and see what the sales are for the day. I know my blog post would be different, perhaps more in depth, if I locked myself in the bathroom-but this is my point. Maybe I get distracted more easily than the average person, so I'm not a good example. As random people are walking by me I'm asking them "Are you a good multi-tasker or do you get distracted easily?"

Here is my tally....

Good Multi-Tasker Easily Distracted
7 33

The questions I asked are as follows....

Me: "Hi, Can I ask you a question? Are you a good multi-tasker?'
Random College Students: Yes I am
Me: "So when your writing a paper, listening to music, going on facebook, and reading other things online you think your sufficiently multi-tasking or doing other things because you're distracted from your initial task?"
Random College Student: "If you put it that way, I guess, yeah, I'm distracted"



In all, 33 out of 40 students said the reason for their "attempted multi-tasking" is distraction.

A friend named...CABIN FEVER

Wow. Snow. Originally from New York, a snow storm like our recent 'Snowpocalypse' doesn't really phase me, but the city of Washington, D.C. really didn't know what hit them. Coming from a boarding school in upstate CT, I have never had ONE snow day in my life because everyone lived at school, even the teachers. So having a week off really excited me.

Until I met a friend named Cabin Fever.

Cabin Fever and I went a little crazy this past week, having absolutely nothing to do. Of course nothing was ever on TV, but that is where my computer and I became besties. I thought we were close before, but now I know we've taken our relationship to another level. For a week straight I actually visited the websites on my homepage and READ the articles, instead of just checking my facebook, e-mail, and gilt.com. I really delved into what the internet offers, and yes read many blog posts, to the point where my roommates kept stumbling upon me in my bed, for hours, while on blogger and asked "Ew why are you on myspace?" I realized that being stuck inside of my apt for more than 48 hrs straight really bites the big one, but if I didn't have my computer (not so much my computer, but the Internet) I really don't know what I would have done. It made me think what did the generations before us to when they were hangin' with Cabin Fever? And was whatever they were doing more beneficial than my week playdate with the internet? I really don't know, but it makes me think...

DIGITAL IMAGES. DIGITAL DIVIDE.

What is the Digital Divide?
Defined in words, it is a gap between societies that have access to information technologies, and those societies who do not.

Easy right? One sentence. One meaning. Very straightforward.
What is more interesting though, is how many abstract meanings we can give it though images and art. What we really think when reading between the lines. We offer our assumptions and even stereotypes by the way we internalize it's definition, and hence relay it as a physical image. Are these forms of art helping bridge the divide by offering awareness? Or is it just the opposite, by potentially morphing people's views?

What does this image say to you? To me, it offers a stereotype of sorts. The communities that haven't reached the point of complete technological transgression are not still living in prehistoric times, and they're most developed tool isn't a log and a stick. I understand it connotes a sense of humor, but if this is our outlook, when will we see equality in the picture? And if other communities don't see us holding them in equal esteem, chances are they probably won't want our help.



This picture shows we are in the progress of bridging this divide. All forms of cultures, societies and communities are coming together to help close the gap. This gap is separating people and helping them hold assumptions, like the previous picture above. The gap, or divide, has been making progress but bridging the divide is a feat that is yet to be accomplished. This is a great image to exemplify if everyone puts in effort, we can unite all people.

This is one of the more abstract representations of the digital divide that I found. I believe it is showing how money is actually the motivating force helping other communities and societies that have yet to maintain stable technological progress. I think this image shows how we are using bit of manipulation in the process, that potentially is unnecessary. The ladder represents how the people will be able to make the jump in their own time, the more advanced communities (represented by the puppeteer) leave me wondering how much force we truly need to exert.

You know the saying an image is worth a thousand words, so are we too afraid to verbalize the thousands of ideas we put into these pieces of art? Only time will tell.

THE GLASS BEDROOM.

One might ask themselves, what could possibly be appealing about a glass bedroom?
The light?

The darkness?

The intrigue?

Simply: It looks cool?

Honestly..there isn't an overwhelming appeal that's jolting architects out there to go and design giant glass bedrooms with no option of utter privacy. This is because most of us would prefer a room with spacious windows that could be closed and shut off from those peeping toms whenever we felt necessary. This desire, or imperative choice, to mandate our version of what the world can see of our personal space, is deeply embedded in our human nature. Physically speaking, our control over this aspect is absolutely mandatory. If this is so, then how do we explain the augmenting number of us that continue to form digitalized glass bedrooms?

Within "bedrooms" conversations take place with varying awareness of who the audience is, or could be. They are separate spaces, yet they are not entirely closed off. This can easily blur the line between what is private and what is public space. When we decide to make the step of digitalizing our bedrooms by making social networking accounts and profiles with our pictures and interests plastered on them, we're also inviting strangers into our private space. Sometimes this is intentional, sometimes it's not. Either way, most of the time, we are offering more information to more people then we initially intended. When we craft our various pages, we don't know who the exact audience will be, but we know we'll have one. We're allowing some sort of "privatelic" to exist as a medium between the two poles. This digitalization of personal knowledge is forever changing the fundamental rules of what parts of our personal lives should stay private, and what can be cast into the mix as public knowledge. With these digitalized glass bedrooms a change of etiquette, social interaction, and sense of community can be seen dancing on the horizon, and these changes are ready to penetrate each and every glass fortress. So glass bedrooms beware!