2009 December 03 — HighTechDad HighTechDad

Taking a quick break during lunch to get this out. Had to skim the hot news quickly.

Google promises faster Web with launch of Public DNS
“Google is taking control of the Internet’s equivalent of the telephone switchboard, called the Domain Name System, or DNS. In a blog post this morning, Google announced the release of a public DNS resolver called Google Public DNS, one of the things that the company is doing as part of its ongoing effort to make the web faster.” (source: ZDNet)
- HTD: Google seems to be getting their hands in just about everything. Their Public DNS offering is just another one of their ever expanding services. Personally, I have used OpenDNS for several years now and love what it has done for me especially with things like Web Content Filtering, anti-phishing and other protections. But, now with Google in the mix, they will be able to really track usage of users (I would think) through their service. I’m not sure if this is a good or bad thing yet, but it definitely is an interesting move.
H1N1 malware epidemic is more contagious than real deal
“Malware authors are impersonating the CDC in a new scheme to propagate a trojan horse. Fraudulent e-mails sent by a botnet claim that the recipient must register for a fake state vaccination program but really link to a malware-infested phishing website. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a statement this week to warn citizens about a recent wave of phishing e-mails that deceptively claim to be from the government organization. The e-mails refer to a state vaccination program and tell recipients that they have to create a personal H1N1 vaccination profile.” (source: ars technica)
- HTD: I hate phishing emails. I have written about them many times before. The problem is, these hackers or scammers are getting even more creative and subversive as time progresses, especially as they prey on things that everyone is worrying about (e.g., money & health). So, to reiterate things that I have said over and over, don’t click through on links that you don’t know. If you have questions, do a quick search about it. Be sure that you have the latest browsers installed as many of them have anti-phishing tools. (And read about OpenDNS which I just talked about.)
Mac sales projected to grow 26% in 2010, outpacing PC market
“Apple is predicted to continue its gains on the rest of the PC market in 2010, with Mac sales projected to grow by 26 percent while the industry is forecast to see a 16 percent year-over-year increase.” (source: AppleInsider) [click to continue…]

For Day 4 of the HighTechDad Gift-A-Day Giveaway, we are back to video games. But this one is a bit different than Bakugan (the Day 1 gift). Think raising a family and those wonderful first 3 years. I have gone through that 3 times so I know it well. Each child is different in real life…in this game, you get to make the choice yourself or have the game do it for you. The game is called My Baby: First Steps. Here is a bit more info:

My Baby First Steps follows last year’s blockbuster Nintendo DS hits My Baby Girl and My Baby Boy. It gives aspiring parents the exciting task of teaching and nurturing their baby as it grows to become a walking, talking toddler. Players will teach their baby how to recognize and name shapes and body parts, feed themselves, climb stairs and more. Just like the first game, the baby will need lots of interaction and affection and will need to be fed, changed, bathed and gently put to sleep at night.
My Baby First Steps features all new customization options. Players can determine their baby’s appearance and sex, or let the game surprise them. Taking trips to the mall allows players to buy new clothing and accessories for their baby and for their home!
My Baby First Steps is available now for Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ for a suggested retail price of $29.99. It is rated E for everyone; for more information visit www.mybabyvillage.com.