It's All Right 2.0

This free software is popping up frequently, and I pass on this cautionary note circulated at my employment:

Submitted for: UCF Computer Services Network Operations Center Security Team
Subject: Google Desktop Search-Do Not Use

Google, maker of the popular search engine, has developed a search tool for use on personal computers. The latest version of this tool–Google Desktop version 3-contains a feature that allows individual users to store a virtual copy of files from their hard drives on Googles servers so they can search the data from a second computer. While useful, the feature can compromise the security of individual users or the university.

Many national security firms, as well as UCFs Network Security Team, are warning users of the significant security risks this creates. Because there is no limit to the files that might be copied to Googles servers by this tool, such files could include sensitive personal data, data protected by FERPA or other laws, or confidential research data. Further, once on Googles servers, users files would be subject to disclosure
through subpoena.

Because of these risks, the UCF Network Security Team is advising that The Google Desktop Search application should not be downloaded or installed on any university personal computer. Thank you for your cooperation.

Network Security Team
University of Central Florida
www.security.noc.ucf.edu

Student Marina (mah-REEN-ah) Hayashi from Nagoya College, Honshu, Japan is here. She’s a charming young woman and arrived bearing gifts for us all. She likes Cocoa Krispies, and she’ll be here for 4 weeks.

:-)

click for larger.

Currently my favorite show, and Gina doesn’t miss an episode with me. Linda won’t be in the same room when its on.

I was a fan of the BBC original — and it was far more painful to watch. The NBC version retains the no-laugh-track situation-awkward comedy (sitawk?), but has developed the characters and made them more accessible to our american tastes.

BTW, character Dwight S. writes his own blog. Its hilarious.

Entertainment Weekly article.

2/18/06 This is a travel weekend for the Solash Reeds; Gina left early friday morning for a 4 day trip to a ski resort in Maggie Valley, NC with a friend’s family, and Linda and I are at a church retreat in Silver Springs, FL just outside Ocala. This retreat is at a somewhat primitive conference center, very much like a summer camp. There’s about 100 of our fellow congregants here with us. We’ll be back sunday to join Max and Bob for Bob Sr.’s birthday dinner at Park Plaza Gardens.

Its the first time skiing for Gina; I hope to get some ski picture from her trip and share them here!

2/22 Update: Gina returned with a memory card full of pictures, unfortunately, almost all are goofing around pictures of girls in the bathroom mirror, girls in car, and the inevitable up the nostril shots.
But there were a couple of snow shots, one of Tracy, Gina and Alexa included here. (800 pixel version here)

Here’s a nifty photo I found on nephew Austen’s flickr site. Must be at LL Bean, highly recommended by sister Deri. Austen is the author of netsua.com, and the co-creator and co-host of the teentechbuzz.com podcast.