Also Reports of Google's Chinese Search Engine Being Intermittently Blocked as Censorship Row Continues
Yahoo e-mail accounts belonging to foreign journalists appeared to have been hacked and Google's Chinese Search Engine was intermittently blocked Tuesday, the latest troubles in China's heavily censored Internet market.
The Yahoo Inc. accounts of at least three journalists and an analyst became inaccessible over the last few weeks. They were greeted with messages saying, "We've detected an issue with your account'' and were told to contact Yahoo, they said Tuesday. Yahoo techs told one of the four that his account had been hacked and restored his access, but it was not clear if the other instances were related.
Sensitivity about Internet security has run high since Google Inc. announced in January it might leave China after a series of cyber attacks and complaints about censorship. Last week, Google made a partial retreat, shutting down its mainland-based search engine and redirecting those queries offshore, to the freer Chinese territory of Hong Kong.
Analysts have been watching closely to see if China retaliates for Google's high-profile departure from the mainland search engine market.
Many redirected queries appeared blocked Tuesday on the Hong Kong-based search engine. Searches for benign terms were met with results on Chinese competitors such as Baidu.com and Soso.com, however, an error page would pop up when typed into Google.com.hk.
Dozens of China-based Twitter users posted updates saying they were having the same problem. But it wasn't immediately clear what was causing the glitch.
Zhou Shuguang, a Beijing-based writer who blogs under the name "Zuola,'' said he tried to search the word "pest'' using several search engines. Only Google.com.hk returned an error message.
"The connection was reset,' it says. It's the same for all the terms I put in,'' said Zhou. He thought it might be a technical problem but if it isn't fixed in a day or so, "then maybe it means China has blocked it.''
Beijing-based Google spokeswoman Marsha Wang said she would look into the reports but didn't immediately respond.
It was not clear where problems with the Yahoo e-mail accounts originated from. All four people affected are professionally focused on China and related issues. They said they had heard of other colleagues having similar problems, including one journalist who lost his Yahoo account entirely in January.
Clifford Coonan, China correspondent for The Independent and the Irish Times newspapers, said he received the "issue with your account'' notice when he logged in Tuesday. Another reporter said she received repeated error messages from Yahoo last month.
The Western analyst said he was locked out of his account for four or five days, until he spoke with a Yahoo representative Monday who went through the security questions and restarted it.
"He said somebody had hacked into my registration details,'' said the analyst, who would not give his name citing the sensitivity of the issue. The analyst said he was concerned hackers may have also accessed his inbox.
Yahoo officials in Asia and London declined to comment, referring queries to headquarters in Sunnyvale, California.
"I'd just be interested to see if anyone in the business community or outside of journalism and academia has had the same problem, then it might be less sinister,'' Coonan said. "It's obviously annoying but if it's just journalists and academics, that's scary.''
Source:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/30/tech/main6347092.shtml
Professional Web Design Chicago
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Twitterers Go Offline for Charity
Thousands of Twitterers worldwide put their fingers to rest and gathered offline on Thursday in the name of charity.
People in over 200 cities worldwide participated in the second annual "Twestival" which this year aims to raise funds for education.
"It's a pretty viral phenomenon that happened," said Sarah Prevette, lead organiser for Twestival Toronto.
The event is organised by thousands of volunteers globally, and local businesses fund the parties, where social media enthusiasts dance, mingle and network.
Funds raised for Twestival, via corporate sponsorship, ticket sales or celebrity eBay auctions, will benefit Concern Worldwide, which offers basic education programmes in impoverished nations.
"Education is that one tool that we can give someone, and knowledge really does empower and that was something that really struck a chord with volunteers globally," said Prevette. "It only costs $74 to send a primary school child to school for a year in these nations."
The first Twestival event raised over $250 000 for clean water projects in Uganda, Ethiopia and India.
According to Twestival's Web site, over 4 000 people purchased tickets to Thursday's events.
Source:
http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31625:twitterers-go-offline-for-charity&catid=147:internet&Itemid=68
Chicago Website Design
People in over 200 cities worldwide participated in the second annual "Twestival" which this year aims to raise funds for education.
"It's a pretty viral phenomenon that happened," said Sarah Prevette, lead organiser for Twestival Toronto.
The event is organised by thousands of volunteers globally, and local businesses fund the parties, where social media enthusiasts dance, mingle and network.
Funds raised for Twestival, via corporate sponsorship, ticket sales or celebrity eBay auctions, will benefit Concern Worldwide, which offers basic education programmes in impoverished nations.
"Education is that one tool that we can give someone, and knowledge really does empower and that was something that really struck a chord with volunteers globally," said Prevette. "It only costs $74 to send a primary school child to school for a year in these nations."
The first Twestival event raised over $250 000 for clean water projects in Uganda, Ethiopia and India.
According to Twestival's Web site, over 4 000 people purchased tickets to Thursday's events.
Source:
http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31625:twitterers-go-offline-for-charity&catid=147:internet&Itemid=68
Chicago Website Design
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Google Sheds New Light on Broadband Plans
Company moves forwards with Fibre Network.
Google has posted an update for its planned high speed Fibre Broadband Network in the United States.
The company said that it would be announcing the targeted market for the first tests of the network by the end of the year. The initial test will cover a total group ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people.
The project was first announced by Google in February. The company is planning to issue the 1Gbit/s fibre networks in target markets as a way of testing out open broadband networks. In addition to the experimental service, the company is also going to make its broadband cables open to other service providers.
Since the announcement, interest in the project has been high. Google said that some 600 community groups had expressed interest in participating in the project, while more than 190,000 individuals have looked into participating.
Some cities, such as Topeka, Kansas and Rancho Cucamonga, California have jokingly pledged to change their names to "Google, Kansas" and "Rancho Googlemonga" should the company choose their cities for the project.
Going forward, the company said that it will begin visiting perspective sites and speaking with local leaders and community groups before making its final decision later this year.
"This enthusiasm is much bigger than Google and our experimental network," wrote Google product manager James Kelly in a blog posting.
"If one message has come through loud and clear, it's this: people across the country are hungry for better and faster internet access."
Share:
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/170709,google-sheds-new-light-on-broadband-plans.aspx
Chicago Web Design
Google has posted an update for its planned high speed Fibre Broadband Network in the United States.
The company said that it would be announcing the targeted market for the first tests of the network by the end of the year. The initial test will cover a total group ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 people.
The project was first announced by Google in February. The company is planning to issue the 1Gbit/s fibre networks in target markets as a way of testing out open broadband networks. In addition to the experimental service, the company is also going to make its broadband cables open to other service providers.
Since the announcement, interest in the project has been high. Google said that some 600 community groups had expressed interest in participating in the project, while more than 190,000 individuals have looked into participating.
Some cities, such as Topeka, Kansas and Rancho Cucamonga, California have jokingly pledged to change their names to "Google, Kansas" and "Rancho Googlemonga" should the company choose their cities for the project.
Going forward, the company said that it will begin visiting perspective sites and speaking with local leaders and community groups before making its final decision later this year.
"This enthusiasm is much bigger than Google and our experimental network," wrote Google product manager James Kelly in a blog posting.
"If one message has come through loud and clear, it's this: people across the country are hungry for better and faster internet access."
Share:
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/170709,google-sheds-new-light-on-broadband-plans.aspx
Chicago Web Design
Friday, March 26, 2010
Web Design Firms' Role in Designing
Have you ever thought about the pace at which the modern day web world has evolved and has attained its present status? If yes, it's good for you to be a part of the current trend, and if not, it's beneficial for you to have some detailed ideas about the entire online processes.
Whether it's for professional or personal requirements, it's essential now to have one's own site. It's through the medium of a website, now businesses are done at speed of mind across the globe. The advantage of web business making can't just be limited to this only. It's beyond our imagination to be more precise.
Websites help in ecommerce services eating, making use of customer redressal cells, make payments for their purchased stuffs and what not! If you are also planning to jump into the thriving world of online business, then it's wise on your part to have a complete study about your business strength and capabilities before making any commitment. As the competition in the field is very high and there are no limits of competitors, you should be able to target the right customers with the right inventory of products or services. Here, the assistance of a Web Design Firms needs special mention for sure.
A Professional Web Design is a place where you can have a one-stop-solution for all your web based requirements. Right from the conceiving of a website to its design and development, from web page integration to SEO Services offerings, in every segment value deals can be availed from such a company.
As more and more people are now heading for web based businesses, the role and responsibilities of a web design studio or firm have also been perceived in a more value-based manner. In order to satisfy every client in an individualistic manner, such a firm now used the most trusted web design software programs and tools, no matter for what you opt for their services.
Ready made design packages are also available these days. They come comparatively cheaper than the customized or bespoke design packages. It all depends on you and your business what you will seek as per your budget and requirements.
Whether it's for professional or personal requirements, it's essential now to have one's own site. It's through the medium of a website, now businesses are done at speed of mind across the globe. The advantage of web business making can't just be limited to this only. It's beyond our imagination to be more precise.
Websites help in ecommerce services eating, making use of customer redressal cells, make payments for their purchased stuffs and what not! If you are also planning to jump into the thriving world of online business, then it's wise on your part to have a complete study about your business strength and capabilities before making any commitment. As the competition in the field is very high and there are no limits of competitors, you should be able to target the right customers with the right inventory of products or services. Here, the assistance of a Web Design Firms needs special mention for sure.
A Professional Web Design is a place where you can have a one-stop-solution for all your web based requirements. Right from the conceiving of a website to its design and development, from web page integration to SEO Services offerings, in every segment value deals can be availed from such a company.
As more and more people are now heading for web based businesses, the role and responsibilities of a web design studio or firm have also been perceived in a more value-based manner. In order to satisfy every client in an individualistic manner, such a firm now used the most trusted web design software programs and tools, no matter for what you opt for their services.
Ready made design packages are also available these days. They come comparatively cheaper than the customized or bespoke design packages. It all depends on you and your business what you will seek as per your budget and requirements.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Google Alerts Users of Suspicious Gmail Log-In Activity
Google Introduced a New Security Feature for Gmail today. It notifies the user when a suspicious log-in activity is detected on their account. This notification will come in the form of a message saying ""Warning: We believe your account was last accessed from…" along with the geographic region that Google can best associate with the access. Engineering Director Pavni Diwanji explains on the Gmail Blog:
To determine when to display this message, our automated system matches the relevant IP address, logged per the Gmail privacy policy, to a broad geographical location. While we don't have the capability to determine the specific location from which an account is accessed, a login appearing to come from one country and occurring a few hours after a login from another country may trigger an alert.
By clicking on the "Details" link next to the message, you'll see the last account activity window that you're used to, along with the most recent access points.
Gmail will allow users to change their passwords from the same window if they choose, or they can click "dismiss" if they are sure the log-in activity was legitimate.
Google intends to extend the feature into Google Apps after enough feedback is gathered.
Source:
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2010/03/24/google-alerts-users-of-suspicious-gmail-log-in-activity
Web Design Firms
To determine when to display this message, our automated system matches the relevant IP address, logged per the Gmail privacy policy, to a broad geographical location. While we don't have the capability to determine the specific location from which an account is accessed, a login appearing to come from one country and occurring a few hours after a login from another country may trigger an alert.
By clicking on the "Details" link next to the message, you'll see the last account activity window that you're used to, along with the most recent access points.
Gmail will allow users to change their passwords from the same window if they choose, or they can click "dismiss" if they are sure the log-in activity was legitimate.
Google intends to extend the feature into Google Apps after enough feedback is gathered.
Source:
http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2010/03/24/google-alerts-users-of-suspicious-gmail-log-in-activity
Web Design Firms
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Amazon Takes on Apple, Barnes & Noble with Kindle App for iPad
Amazon announces that more than 450,000 Kindle books will be available for the iPad when Apple's tablet arrives on April 3
Amazon.com introduced its e-book shop and reader app for the iPad Monday, entering the battle for e-books dominance against Apple's own iBooks store and Barnes & Noble's e-reader iPad app.
Amazon.com announced that more than 450,000 Kindle books would be available through its Kindle app for the iPad, when Apple's tablet arrives on April 3. The app will use Amazon's Whispersync technology to automatically synchronize the last page you read on other compatible devices, such as iPhones or Kindle e-readers.
The Kindle app for the iPad has been tailored to the size, look, and feel of the tablet, according to Amazon.com, and it lets you customize the background color and font size for the book's text. You can also adjust screen brightness from within the app.
Like the PC and Mac counterparts, the Kindle app for iPad will remember the last page you read and sync it with Amazon.com's servers, so if you continue reading on an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Kindle e-reader, you can pick up where you left off. Bookmarks, notes, highlights and annotations are also synced.
Amazon.com has also integrated the Kindle bookstore into the iPad app, which includes most of the New York Times bestsellers, alongside Amazon.com's own book collection of nearly a half million titles. Amazon.com says availability for some of these titles might vary for non-U.S. customers.
Similarly to Apple's own iBook store and app for the iPad, the Amazon.com Kindle app also uses page turn animations to replicate the look of turning a page in a book, and offers free book samples (the first chapter) before you decide to buy. If you purchase a book from the Kindle iPad app, you will be able to read it also on Kindle-compatible devices.
Alongside stiff competition from Apple's own iBooks store and software on its own tablet, the Kindle app will also have to battle Barnes & Noble's eReader app for the iPad, also expected to be available around April 3.
Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble have their own hardware e-book readers as well, the Kindle and the Nook, on which they sell e-books. Also, both have iPhone apps for reading books purchased from their respective stores.
An interesting tidbit from Amazon.com's announcement of its iPad app is that the company said that the app would be available "for tablet computers, including the iPad."
It's unclear which other tablets will get dedicated Kindle apps, considering the upcoming Hewlett-Packard slate was showed running the Kindle PC app. A possibility would be Dell's Streak tablet, running on Google Android, which is expected to incorporate many of Amazon.com's services.
Source:
http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/amazon-takes-apple-barnes-noble-kindle-app-ipad-395
Professional Web Design Chicago
Amazon.com introduced its e-book shop and reader app for the iPad Monday, entering the battle for e-books dominance against Apple's own iBooks store and Barnes & Noble's e-reader iPad app.
Amazon.com announced that more than 450,000 Kindle books would be available through its Kindle app for the iPad, when Apple's tablet arrives on April 3. The app will use Amazon's Whispersync technology to automatically synchronize the last page you read on other compatible devices, such as iPhones or Kindle e-readers.
The Kindle app for the iPad has been tailored to the size, look, and feel of the tablet, according to Amazon.com, and it lets you customize the background color and font size for the book's text. You can also adjust screen brightness from within the app.
Like the PC and Mac counterparts, the Kindle app for iPad will remember the last page you read and sync it with Amazon.com's servers, so if you continue reading on an iPhone, BlackBerry, or Kindle e-reader, you can pick up where you left off. Bookmarks, notes, highlights and annotations are also synced.
Amazon.com has also integrated the Kindle bookstore into the iPad app, which includes most of the New York Times bestsellers, alongside Amazon.com's own book collection of nearly a half million titles. Amazon.com says availability for some of these titles might vary for non-U.S. customers.
Similarly to Apple's own iBook store and app for the iPad, the Amazon.com Kindle app also uses page turn animations to replicate the look of turning a page in a book, and offers free book samples (the first chapter) before you decide to buy. If you purchase a book from the Kindle iPad app, you will be able to read it also on Kindle-compatible devices.
Alongside stiff competition from Apple's own iBooks store and software on its own tablet, the Kindle app will also have to battle Barnes & Noble's eReader app for the iPad, also expected to be available around April 3.
Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble have their own hardware e-book readers as well, the Kindle and the Nook, on which they sell e-books. Also, both have iPhone apps for reading books purchased from their respective stores.
An interesting tidbit from Amazon.com's announcement of its iPad app is that the company said that the app would be available "for tablet computers, including the iPad."
It's unclear which other tablets will get dedicated Kindle apps, considering the upcoming Hewlett-Packard slate was showed running the Kindle PC app. A possibility would be Dell's Streak tablet, running on Google Android, which is expected to incorporate many of Amazon.com's services.
Source:
http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobilize/amazon-takes-apple-barnes-noble-kindle-app-ipad-395
Professional Web Design Chicago
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Unity Pacific Ocean Cable Close to Completion
Connect Google's Japanese and US data Centers.
Google is reported to be almost ready to start using a new high-speed internet cable under the Pacific Ocean to increase lit cable capacity by around 20 percent.
The new cable, dubbed Unity, will give Google a direct connection to the Asian market from the US to potentially handle 7.68 Terabits/s and offer Asian internet users faster browsing speeds.
The project was funded to the tune of US$300m ($327m) by Google and a consortium of six Asian telecommunication firms known as The Unity Consortium.
The six firms are Singapore Telecommunications, Bharti Airtel, Global Transit, Google, KDDI Corporation and Pacnet.
Google said in a statement today that the growing demand for access to information had made investment in the new pipeline a necessity.
"As the economies of Asian countries continue to grow, data traffic and the use of the internet expands. Google is a global company and is committed to providing the best quality of user experience, regardless of geography," it said.
The new underwater cable will offer connections between Google's Japanese and US data centres, enabling it to offer improved services to Asian customers and guarantee it access to a large amount of new bandwidth to help it meet growing user demands.
The pipe's completion comes at a time when Google looks set to pull out of Asia's biggest market, China, something it probably didn't envisage doing when it first announced the Unity project two years ago.
Source:
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/170060,unity-pacific-ocean-cable-close-to-completion.aspx
Chicago Website Design
Google is reported to be almost ready to start using a new high-speed internet cable under the Pacific Ocean to increase lit cable capacity by around 20 percent.
The new cable, dubbed Unity, will give Google a direct connection to the Asian market from the US to potentially handle 7.68 Terabits/s and offer Asian internet users faster browsing speeds.
The project was funded to the tune of US$300m ($327m) by Google and a consortium of six Asian telecommunication firms known as The Unity Consortium.
The six firms are Singapore Telecommunications, Bharti Airtel, Global Transit, Google, KDDI Corporation and Pacnet.
Google said in a statement today that the growing demand for access to information had made investment in the new pipeline a necessity.
"As the economies of Asian countries continue to grow, data traffic and the use of the internet expands. Google is a global company and is committed to providing the best quality of user experience, regardless of geography," it said.
The new underwater cable will offer connections between Google's Japanese and US data centres, enabling it to offer improved services to Asian customers and guarantee it access to a large amount of new bandwidth to help it meet growing user demands.
The pipe's completion comes at a time when Google looks set to pull out of Asia's biggest market, China, something it probably didn't envisage doing when it first announced the Unity project two years ago.
Source:
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/170060,unity-pacific-ocean-cable-close-to-completion.aspx
Chicago Website Design
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