Why Use a Flash Drive to Install Windows 7?

For class on Monday we were assigned to burn and bring a Windows 7 DVD. I noticed that one of my fellow class mates instead brought a USB flash memory drive. He had formatted it to make it bootable and had copied his entire Windows 7 installer to the thumb drive. So why would he do such thing? I asked myself the same question and I've got some answers.

First of all, CD and DVD ROM drive read speeds are slow! The time it takes to copy the same files from the average USB jump drive is significantly faster, which means faster install times. That's nice for anyone installing Windows, but especially for those us having to upgrade multiple machines at once.

Another good reason to do this has to do with the portability of flash memory drives. CD's and DVD's are pretty big in comparison. On top of that they require CD/DVD cases to keep from scratching and breaking. Thumb drives are generally very durable and always small. Also, if you buy a large capacity drive, you can even tout around your most essential post Windows installation software all on the same device.

Lastly, you'll be able to pat yourself on the back for being green next time a new version of software comes out, because you can just replace the old version with the new one. No more throwing away old CD's/DVD's and burning new ones.

Greased Lightbox

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The Debate Over Biometrics

What is biometrics?

It is a technology that uses the unique human characteristics of a person as a means of authentication.

What are the different types? (SOURCE: PC WORLD)

1. Fingerprint Scan
   
2. Hand Measurements
   
3. Retinal Scan
   
4. Iris Scan
   
5. Facial Scan
   
6. Voice Recognition
   

Advantages of biometrics? (SOURCE: Quest Biometrics)

• Increase security - Provide a convenient and low-cost additional tier of security.
  
• Reduce fraud by employing hard-to-forge technologies and materials. For e.g., minimize the opportunity for ID fraud, buddy punching.
  
• Eliminate problems caused by lost IDs or forgotten passwords by using physiological attributes. For e.g., prevent unauthorized use of lost, stolen or "borrowed" ID cards.
  
• Reduce password administration costs.
  
• Replace hard-to-remember passwords which may be shared or observed.
  
• Make it possible, automatically, to know WHO did WHAT, WHERE and WHEN!
  
  • Unequivocally link an individual to a transaction or event.
    

Disadvantages of Biometrics? (SOURCE: PC MAG)

• Biometrics is still expensive
  
• It can often produce false positives or block out those with clearance
  
• It doesn't account for the changes in people from day to day or over time.
  

What type of biometrics is the most accurate? (SOURCE: International Biometric Group)

Iris and retinal scans. The eye changes very little with age. The only problem is that for people affected with diabetes, the eyes get affected resulting in differences.

Least accurate?

Face and voice recognition are the least accurate for basically the same reason. They are both affected by day to day and gradual changes caused by age, sickness and fatigue.

What concerns do privacy advocates have about airports using biometric facial scanners to attempt to identify known terrorists? How accurate have these tests been? (SOURCE: Federal Computer Week)

The US Government has been using biometric face scanners in airports against a database of known terrorists. It is said that this method is 80-90% accurate, but only when scanning individuals (accuracy drop significantly when scanning a crowd of people). Privacy advocates say "NO!" to this use of biometrics, because facial scanning is the only commonly used biometric that does not require the subject's cooperation.

Day Zero Attacks and Layered Security

The term "day zero attack" (also known as a "zero-day attack") refers to exploits of computer security vulnerabilities that either (1) have not yet been patched or (2) have not been discovered by those in charge of creating a patch. Simply put, they are vulnerabilities with no ready solution. The number of zero-day attacks is rising steadily from year to year, making it harder and harder to protect victim networks. It is believed that in the near future day zero attacks will account for more than 50% of all reported attacks! And this brings me to the topic of "layered security".

With so many unknown and unpredictable exploits looming on the horizon, having strategically aligned layers of security has never been so essential. You must have organizational rules that are followed to the "t". Software tools are needed that not only patch and stop known attacks, but also recognize and analyze patterns of activity to flag a possible day zero attack before it brings down an entire network. Physical protection is very important as well to protect from theft and natural disasters which can be more devastating than day zero attacks.

On the level of personal computing, you can make sure to update our software regularly. You can encrypt your wireless home network. Also install antivirus software, and just be smart.

The Learning Model

The learning model for LDS Business College is based on basic gospel principals. Its philosophy is, therefore, found all throughout the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The fundamental parts to the learning model are (1) the Spirit and its role in the learning process between teacher and student; (2) Understanding core concepts and developing lifelong skills; and (3) Preparing, Teaching one another then pondering and proving. The model reminds me of a scripture from the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 3:7. It says, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that he giveth no commands to his children, except he shall prepare a way that they may accomplish the thing which he hath commanded them." In this scripture we learn that in anything the Lord commands us to do we are promised the needed help to make our weaknesses strengths. First though we must prepare so that we can be worthy of his spirit in the learning process. Also we must share the light and knowledge we receive or "it will be taken even that which [we] have." (D&C 60: 3). Then we must ponder and prove so as to continue to be worthy of and prepared for his continued guidance.

My First Blog

My teacher made me do this!