| High-tech tinkerers on the rise
For years, hackers and garage hobbyists have pried the covers off their gadgets, cobbled together computers out of components, or built other electronics from scratch. But today, even people who can't tell a resistor from a capacitor are finding new opportunities to tinker as the do-it-yourself spirit of the Web branches into the physical world. Not long ago, people who wanted to set up a Web page, blog, or upload video needed to know a little about programming; today, just about anyone can be up and running in an hour. Now, start-up companies and electronics kit makers are trying to bring the same kind of easy tinkering to the physical world amid calls for more openness. Last summer, when the Apple iPhone was unlocked so that it would work on networks other than AT&T's, a spotlight shined on the hacker who did it.
Small, wearable cameras could help keep an eye on cops
As leaders in Seattle and elsewhere call for stronger police accountability, three former Seattle officers hope to cash in on that movement with an action cam for police. The officers' fledgling company, VIEVU, has developed a small, wireless digital camera that could be a tool to record officers' interactions during an arrest or traffic stop. The camera is lightweight, about the size of a pager, and waterproof -- the latter feature being something that officers on Seattle's rainy beat know is paramount, said Chris Myers, who ended his 18-year police career in January to join VIEVU. The PVR-LE easily clips onto an officer's lapel or belt. Four gigabytes of flash memory record up to four hours of video. If someone accuses an officer of wrongdoing, the camera should reveal the truth.
Identity theft a 'very real' problem
Even though information can be difficult to safeguard in some instances, there are many other situations where a thief can take advantage of someone's trust or carelessness. Thieves can find personal information through mail theft and dumpster diving, he said.
Others simply look over shoulders, or use camera phones to photograph financial information at the bank or ATM.
Many people fall victim to phishing, Hamp said, where a thief will create an e-mail that looks like correspondence with a person's bank, asking to verify personal information.
Secured sites have lock icons at the bottom of the screen," Hamp said. "If you are on a secure site, the (icon) will be locked."
Hamp said any financial site that asks current customers about their financial information is a scam.
Nominate Unsung Hero For Jefferson Awards
KPRC Local 2 and the Jefferson Awards call on you to nominate individuals for their achievements and contributions to public and community service. Do you have a relative, friend or co-worker who makes an impact in your community? In every neighborhood, there are "unsung heroes" -- volunteers who are not paid as well as many professionals but go well beyond their expected duties. The nomination process is simple. Fill out the form below and include a compelling story about your nominee. Make sure to highlight how the nominee's actions benefit the lives of others and the local community. One winner will be picked each month. There is no deadline to send in nominations. Any nomination should address the following. Outstanding personal acts: Here is an ordinary individual performing outstanding personal acts.
Nokia Shows Off New Line of Pricey Handsets
Nokia has followed up its N95 smartphone with the N96, which offers a bigger screen and more features. At about $800, though, it may have a hard time gaining traction without significant subsidies provied by carriers. In addition to the N96, the company unveiled the N78, 6220 Classic and 6210 Navigator, as well as a new version of its Nokia Maps application. Whats Linux with a Lineage?Verio Linux VPS delivers root access, advanced FairShare technology for better performance, and support that's actually supportive. It's all from Verio, the Virtual Private Server technology pioneer with over 500,000 customers. Test-drive Linux VPS here. .
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