Internet Explorer users: Stop what you're doing...

News alert today: April 28, 2014

"The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advised computer users to consider using alternatives to Microsoft Corp's Internet Explorer browser until the company fixes a security flaw that hackers have used to launch attacks.

The bug is the first high-profile security flaw to emerge since Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows XP earlier this month. That means PCs running the 13-year old operating system could remain unprotected against hackers seeking to exploit the newly uncovered flaw, even after Microsoft figures out how to defend against it.

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, a part of Homeland Security known as US-CERT, said in an advisory released on Monday morning that the vulnerability in versions 6 to 11 of Internet Explorer could lead to "the complete compromise" of an affected system."

Read more at Chicago Tribune or CNN or your favorite news source.

Computer Clarity makes news

Thanks to Glenview Lantern journalist, Alan P. Henry, Computer Clarity has enjoyed a moment in the spotlight.
the article appeared in Glenview, Wilmette and Winnetka.

 

http://www.winnetkacurrent.com/Articles-News-c-2012-01-11-234710.114133-An-assertive-approach-to-technology.html

Why I Bing...

Sure, Google used to be cool, and has always been a better search tool than what came before. But its market share, and its features, haven't changed much in the past two years. That's why I switched to Bing as soon as Microsoft released it.

Bing is something new, fresh, and a product that delivers better results every time. I'm one of those people who always support a product for innovation over popularity. Google became a household word, and a habit... sometimes a useless habit, when the clutter it produces doesn't yield the best results.

A New York Times article on 7-31-11, in fact, the Page 1 feature in the Sunday Business section explained how Microsoft has worked hard to be better, and to redefine search with Bing, creating a decision tool to deliver the results you want.
Instead of a blank screen, Bing also surprises you by presenting a gorgeous photo each day, usually in the realm of nature or culture. 

Since Google hasn't done anything clever to improve the search experience in the last few years, why not switch to Bing. You'll find true logic when you search for topics in the travel and health area, as well as literature, quotes, computer problems, language translation, calculators, movie reviews, local listings and more.


Search tools are free, and so is our right to use the one we like, not the dominant player.

Since most web browsers offer a choice of search engines, you don't have to use the one that comes up when you search.

For Firefox, here's how to change the default search tool to Bing
http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Location%20bar%20search?s=default+search+engine&as=s

If you use a different web browser, search the Help for 'default search tool' and you'll find similar instructions.

Let me know how you like using Bing! -- email Helen@cclarity.com

Eye pattern movement in online reading

We formerly thought people scanned the computer screen, when reading web pages, with eye movements following the shape of the letter C or a backward Z.

Now, fast-forward to F patterns of screen viewing.

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html

The above link will take you to more info on these interesting images, and the project's author suggestion of what it means for you. If you want pepole who glance at your web page to find the critical content, put it where they will see it.

• Users won't read your text thoroughly in a word-by-word manner. Exhaustive reading is rare, especially when prospective customers are conducting their initial research to compile a shortlist of vendors. Yes, some people will read more, but most won't.

• The first two paragraphs must state the most important information. There's some hope that users will actually read this material, though they'll probably read more of the first paragraph than the second.

• Start subheads, paragraphs, and bullet points with information-carrying words that users will notice when scanning down the left side of your content in the final stem of their F-behavior. They'll read the third word on a line much less often than the first two words. 

Read full analysis here: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/reading_pattern.html

Special Education Week & Autism Awareness Month

From Kelly James-Enger "Kids with special needs aren't weird or odd. They only want what everyone wants... to be accepted. Can I make a request? Is anyone willing to post this & leave it on your status for at least 1 hour? It is Special Education week & Autism Awareness Month. This is in honor of all children made in a unique way. You never understand a situation until you are faced with them." Share!