Ask Leo!: General Computing

How can I sign a digital document without needing to print it?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

I am often asked to return a signed and dated copy of a pdf contract. The only way I know to do this is to print it on paper, sign and date it and then re-scan it. Is there some way do this (to create a replica of my signature, the current date, and sometimes a printed version of my name) that doesn't require a scanner and printer and avoids the use of paper?

]]> It's possible, though sometimes it's not as easy as we might like.

But aside from the technical aspects of what you're attempting, the more practical aspect is simply this: it might not be valid to do so.

And honestly, when it is valid, it kinda scares me.

Is changing my password enough?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

I regularly hear from people who've had their email or other online account compromised, who somehow are able to recover access to it and change their password, only to have the account stolen almost immediately again.

The problem is actually quite simple, though the solution is a bit of work.

First, you have to realize that while someone else has access to your account they have access to everything related to that account.

Second, you have to realize that because of that, changing your password just isn't enough.

How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:01:07 -08:00

I have a computer in my place of business where I allowed many people to access and use my computer to send and receive emails, allowing some of them to apply for their own emails with Yahoo.

One day about nine months ago, I was visited by the two FBI Agents. When they came in my business one of them asked me if I was the owner; I replied yes, I owned the business. Then he asked if I had a computer, I said yes at the back of the building.

I know that what I am about to tell you, I had been wrong for letting others use my computer, however being new to computers, I had no idea of the dangers of that.

...

]]> There's much more to this question ... or rather this story.

I'm presenting it as a cautionary tale.

Is it safe to buy software on EBay?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 -08:00

I'd like to purchase another legal copy of Windows XP at a discount. Looking at EBay seems a good idea but how do I know if they are actual Genuine ones? Do I just have to take their word for it?

My question is...is it safe to purchase via Ebay and would you recommend it or not?

]]> It is possible to safely purchase software on EBay. I've done it.

It's also possible to end up with unusable or illegal software, or simply get scammed out of your money.

In exchange for the money you're saving, you need to invest a little time.

What is cloud computing?

leo@pugetsoundsoftware (Leo A. Notenboom) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:57:27 -08:00

So what on earth is cloud computing? Is it beneficial? We all know virtual machines can be useful, but cloud computing?

]]> If you search for "cloud computing" you're likely to find a number of definitions, mostly from vendors trying to sell you services somehow related to what they think it is.

Rather than parrot those definitions verbatim, I'll give a shorter definition, and my spin on it.

I'll start by saying that while the term might seem new, what it represents is nothing new at all.