Computer Security Awareness in the UK

Computer Security is field that has opportunities for many as a career. A nonprofit group in the United Kingdom called the Cyber Security Challenge was formed with the purpose of raising awareness of just that fact. The CSC has now initiated a program to conduct three specific exercises later this year to cultivate interest in the field of Computer Security.

The first challenge is called Qinetiq Network Defense Competition. This challenge is split into two categories- 17 & 18 year olds and Graduate & Post Graduate students. In each category teams consisting of 3-5 persons can enter. The teams will be provided material which describes a problem that a business could face and they have up to six weeks to provide a solution. The two top teams from each group will go on to Qinetiq’s headquarters and participate in a face-to-face network defense challenge.

The second challenge is called the SANS Institute and Sophos treasure hunt. This challenge focuses on website vulnerabilities. The best six participants will go on to participate in face-to-face challenge created by Sophos.

The third challenge is focused on computer forensics and is called the DC3 Forensics Challenge. Twenty two teams will be allowed to take part in this and each will have to get through 25 challenges.

The best teams/individuals of each challenge will be invited to the Cyber Security U.K. Masterclass which is scheduled to be held in January 2011. There, one person will be crowned the U.K.’s Cyber Security Champion.

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The Nikon COOLPIX makes it easy for anyone to get professional-quality photos. It combines the highest level of technology typically found in expensive and complicated cameras with affordability and ease of use. Features such as VR Image Stabilization and the Smart Portrait System can turn anyone into an expert photographer.

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LG Targets Increase in Shipments of 3D Laptops by 30%

LG Electronics from South Korea announced earlier this week that it is targeting an increase in shipments of 3D notebook PCs by 30% next year. This projection has been finalized because of an increase in sales of 3D gadgets and products led by 3DTV/s. LG Electronics is the second largest manufacturer of Televisions and they have projected that their worldwide sales of 3D notebook PCs would increase by five times in 2011 to1.1 million pieces and then to 13.8 million pieces in 2015.

The computer business head of LG Electronics’ mobile communications division, Harrison Park states “With the availability of more 3D content, consumers are enjoying a new experience, and we think that’ll drive growth of the 3D computer market”. It is undeniable that a huge percentage of people have developed an interest in devices and products which are equipped with 3D features, and has been sky-rocketed partially with the release of one of the biggest blockbuster movies of last year Avatar.

The showing of Avatar in theaters towards the end of the year 2009 has solely raised the awareness of people to 3D from 40% to 60% among American consumers. LG announced earlier this week that three of their latest 3D notebook PC models will be sold at approximaetly $1300,which is roughly marked up by 20% when compared to the price of their traditional 2D units.

EcoFactor to the Rescue

Smart technology has invaded the once innocuous thermostat. Now thanks to EcoFactor, you don’t have to set the thermostat constantly. They have come up with a thermostat that analyzes the conditions in your home and acts accordingly.

The thermostat can do fairly standard tasks like switch on & off at specified times and temperatures. But it can also monitor the outdoor temperature, the thermal behavior of your home and even the weather forecast. Of course, the unit needs an internet connection to function properly. But the advertised advantage is that it can make your home heating, ventilating, and air conditioning efficient. How efficient? By as much as 30 percent, according to EcoFactor.

For one of the test trials, the thermostat was set to cool a house down to a specific temperature throughout the day. It was then set to bring down the temperature even more, one hour before the occupants returned. The thermostat then determined that that it was more efficient to not run at all until the point where the extra cooling was required. It based this decision on the thermal characteristics of the house.

The thermostat is now available in its test market of Dallas – Fort Worth. The price has been set at $19.95 with six months subscription free. Thereafter, consumers will be charged $8.99 per month for its usage. If that seems like a fair bit of money, think of it this way – by spending a little bit you are reducing a lot of impact on the environment