From this week’s review and comment on the news.  Here’s some free software that can make a big difference on the security for your computer:

- http://www.slimwareutilities.com/

• SlimComputer – to turn off the unneeded programs, toolbars and promotions that come pre-installed on a new PC
• SlimClearner -  is the world’s first software that lets you clean and optimize Windows systems using a crowd-sourced approach. SlimCleaner uses aggregated-cloud feedback to recommend optimal settings for programs, start-ups and services.
• SlimDrivers – uses crowd-sourcing to spider and aggregate millions of devices to keep the device drivers up-to-date. Using a cloud-based system, SlimDrivers not only detects when a driver needs updating, but also identifies the proper executable for your system and initiates the driver install automatically.

- https://browsercheck.qualys.com/

• Checks and identifies security issues in your browser.  Very nice software.  It detected some plugins on my machine that were out-of-rev.

- http://www.cloudmarkdesktop.com/

• Protects your inbox from spam, phishing and viruses.
• Filtering for IMAP, POP, Exchange and Web mail accounts

You’ve probably got enough information already, but if you’d like to read more:

Free software tools can add to your anti-virus protection

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We’ve been watching the popular iPhone 4′s technical problems over the past few weeks with its antenna design.  The iPhone 4′s DeathGrip is so common that anyone who owns and uses an iPhone on the road has experienced its propensity to dropping calls.

As a radio technician (Advanced-Class HAM license), I have to say that it’s impossible that competent design engineers missed this potential problem.  I truly doubt that Apple’s being hiring idiots to do its hardware designs, so it only left me with one possible answer: they knew about the problem in advance and that the problem was a design trade-off.  Turns out I was right again.

Steve Jobs admitted today that there is a real problem with the design, but gave the “but everybody else has a similar problem” excuse.  Sheesh!

It looks like we’ve got the evidence we need: Apple has finally become too arrogant to be responsive to even its greatest fans.  The fall is on the way…

Apple, I knew thee when.

Apple knew about iPhone 4 antenna problems long before its release.

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Apple, long known for having a near perfect security record gets nailed by its partner’s AT&T security problems.  Turns out that if you own an iPad with AT&T service (which has only been on sale for about a month) your email address and AT&T cellular data has been stolen — at least by researchers.

The list of those whose personal iPad information has been stolen goes all the way from the average user through military officials and all the way to the white house.  Bad news, but not horrific…

However, it further damages an already strained relationship between Apple and AT&T.  Expect a bit of a shakeout in the future.

Apple’s Worst Security Breach: 114,000 iPad Owners Exposed.

Related articles:

• E-mail Addresses Of Early iPad Buyers Exposed By AT&T (paidcontent.org)
• iPad security breach: Who’s at fault? (blogs.chron.com)
• AT&T Responds To The iPad Privacy Breach (AAPL, T) (businessinsider.com)

I’ll have to do a show on this.  Might make a great information product, too

I’ve been using these online tools for years now.  Many of them are free, they’re all inexpensive compared to trying to provide this type of software for your own company.

If you’re starting out, or you’re working with a small company that just can’t afford first-rate tools, this may be the way for you to go.  You can get everything from ERP and CRM systems to manage your company’s processes and customers through word processors online, for cheap or less.

Software-as-a-service gives small business powerful tools – USATODAY.com.

Move all of your software out of the typical hardware/operating system/application stack onto the web…

For more, visit the Popular Science website:

Video: Moaning Rubber Robot Mouth Simulates Human Voices, Fuels Our Human Nightmares | Popular Science.

We’re going to be covering the FIRST competition live in Manchester, NH on Saturday the 6th of March. For more visit BAE System’s FIRST Regional Web Site We’ll also be carrying our live play-by-play online at WGIR AM

We’re scheduled to talk with the Presidents of BAE Systems, the host of the event, both national and regional. Lots of engineers, teams and of course politicians.  Even the Governor has asked to be on the show.

Fun for the whole family, free to attend and it’s even educational. Join us on Saturday from Noon to 4 or 5pm as we cover the event at the Verizon Wireless arena in Manchester, NH.

FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology – designs accessible and innovative programs for young people to help build their self-confidence, knowledge and life skills. The programs motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering.

The Granite State Regional, sponsored by BAE Systems, brings more than 1,500 students and their mentors together in a competition that emphasizes teamwork, innovation and strategy. In early January, teams received a challenge to design, develop and build a robot in six weeks using a common parts list. The robots compete in randomly selected alliances, performing a variety of tasks for scoring points.

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• Radio Broadcast of the FIRST Regional Competition in Manchester (CraigPeterson.com)
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Wow.  What a lifechanger — something I’ve never said before, at least when it comes to a computer accessory.  Kids are another matter entirely   Definitely a lifechanger.

This external battery fits quite nicely into my briefcase and powers my MacBook Pro 15″ for more than 13 hours!  That means I can go a whole day of using my Laptop without ever having to plug it in.  I never have to worry about going to a meeting, working at Panera or watching the kids play sports.  I always have all the power I need.

I even have it powering my iPod, my cell phone (which I use for Internet access) and my Laptop at the same time.

As I said, a lifechanger.

From their website: “HyperMac is the ONLY external battery and car charger solution that works with ALL MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (supports dual voltage) [models]. Available in 4 different sizes (60~222Wh), the HyperMac battery also powers the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and all other USB devices.”

HyperMac even sells a very well-designed car adapter, which lets you run your Laptop off any standard 12V power source.  That means that you don’t have to use the external battery in your car, RV, boat, on some airplanes and even via Solar Cells!  I had bought the DC adapter that Apple sells, and this HyperMac adapter is the one Apple should be selling.

- Safer than power inverters as you aren’t running the voltage up to 110VAC, which can present a real health hazard
- Almost twice as efficient as inverters, it’s 92% efficient, saving you $$ in the long-run.
- Cleaner power signal important for high fidelity performance means fewer problems with your Laptop, iPhone/iPod or other accessories
- Half the size of any inverter and power adapter combinations

This small and highly-functional adapter is a true winner.

Congratulations to Bob G. of Chester, NH who was the first to correctly identify the reasons why everyone should own the CarMD diagnostic kit. Our thanks go out to CarMD for providing this great diagnostic tool to one of our listeners.

Congratulations to Brian S. of Manchester and Todd E. of Nashua, our winners of the Klipsch S4 in-ear speakers. These high-end in-ear speakers will allow them to have a private concert experience anytime they listen. Thank you to Klipsch for providing these give-aways to our listeners.