With Google search over SSL, you can have an end-to-end encrypted search solution between your computer and Google. This secured channel helps protect your search terms and your search results pages from being intercepted by a third party. This provides you with a more secure and private search experience.

To use search over SSL, visit https://www.google.com each time you perform a search. Note that only Google web search is available over SSL, so other search products like Google Images and Google Maps are not currently available over SSL. When you’re searching over SSL, these properties may not appear in the left panel.

What is SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol that helps provide secure Internet communications for services like web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, and other data transfers. When you search over SSL, your search queries and search traffic are encrypted so they can’t be read by any intermediary party such as employers and internet service providers (ISPs).

What can I expect from search over SSL?

Here’s how searching over SSL is different from regular Google search:

• SSL encrypts the communication channel between Google and a searcher’s computer. When search traffic is encrypted, it can’t be read by third parties trying to access the connection between a searcher’s computer and Google’s servers. Note that the SSL protocol does have some limitations — more details are below.
• As another layer of privacy, SSL search turns off a browser’s referrers . Web browsers typically turn off referrers when going from HTTPS to HTTP mode to provide extra privacy. By clicking on a search result that takes you to an HTTP site, you could disable any customizations that the website provides based on the referrer information.
• At this time, search over SSL is supported only on Google web search. We will continue to work to support other products like Images and Maps. All features that are not supported have been removed from the left panel and the row of links at the top. You’ll continue to see integrated results like images and maps, and clicking those results will take you out of encrypted search mode.
• Your Google experience using SSL search might be slightly slower than you’re used to because your computer needs to first establish a secure connection with Google.

Note that SSL search does not reduce the data that Google receives and logs when you search, or change the listing of these terms in your Web History .

Does SSL provide complete security?

While SSL helps prevent intermediary parties, such as ISPs, from knowing the exact search that you typed, they could still know which websites you visit once you click on the search results. For example, when you search over SSL for [ flowers ], Google encrypts the query “flowers” and the results that Google returns. But when you click on a search result, including results like images and maps, you could be exiting the encrypted mode if the destination link is not on https://.

If your computer is infected with malware or a keylogger, a third party might still be able to see the queries that you typed. We recommend that everyone learns how to prevent and remove malware.

Remember that only Google web search supports search over SSL, so searching Google Images, for example, will not be encrypted.

Technical discussion of SSL protocol-level limitations

How can I confirm whether I’m on a secure connection?

Check to see that the URL you’re on starts with https:// instead of http://. Most browsers provide a visual confirmation (such as an icon of a lock) in the address bar or in the status bar at the bottom of the page. On Google SSL search, you’ll also see a special Google SSL logo with a lock icon. In addition to this logo, be sure to also check the https:// text in the address bar and any browser lock icons.

When you perform a search on https://www.google.com , you might see a warning if a page has some non-secure components: depending on your browser settings, you might see the lock icon turn into a warning sign, a pop-up message, or some other form of alert. This issue is often referred to as a “mixed mode error.”

Since this is a beta feature, there might be some rare cases in search over SSL that generate a mixed mode error. We’re working to prevent such errors, and you can help if you report any errors through our Help Forum.

(full original text at http://www.google.com/support/websearch/bin/answer.py?answer=173733&hl=en )

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Now playing: UK Subs – C.I.D.
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Google Wave (Labs) available to Google Apps customers	May 2010
You asked to be notified when Google Wave would become available for your domain.  We’re happy to announce that Google Wave is now available for all Google Apps customers . Google Wave is a new web application designed to make it easier for groups of people to work together in real-time, using rich text, images, video, maps and more. See how organizations are using Google Wave. If you are a Google Apps domain administrator: Learn more about enabling Google Wave. If your domain does not yet use Google Apps: Sign up for a free trial. If your organization uses Google Apps but you are not the administrator: Let your administrator know that Google Wave is available! Google Wave is a part of Google Labs and there are a number of things we have planned before it will be ready for large-scale enterprise deployment, but this is an opportunity for you and your organization to try it out. Join our webinar To learn more, we invite you to join our webcast on Wednesday, May 26th at 9:00 am PDT. We will share real world use-cases from businesses and other organizations and answer your questions. Register for the webcast. For more information, visit our Help Center. Happy waving! The Google Wave team

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Now playing: The Knack – My Sharona
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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Android 2.2: Froyo Is a Major Update

Google announced today Android 2.2, a major update for Google’s mobile operating system. There are many changes and a lot of new features that are really useful.

Android now uses a just-in-time compiler that improves the performance for some applications, especially for games. “The new Dalvik JIT compiler in Android 2.2 delivers between a 2-5X performance improvement in CPU-bound code vs. Android 2.1 according to various benchmarks,” says Xavier Ducrohet.

Android’s browser includes the V8 JavaScript engine created for Google Chrome, so web pages that use JavaScript heavily will load much faster (some benchmarks show a 2-3X improvement). Google claims that Android’s browser is the fastest mobile browser available today.

Developers have a new API for app data backup, which is really useful if you want to switch to a new Android device or you want to install a custom version of Android. There’s also an extremely useful messaging API for sending data to an Android phone from another device. For example, you’ll be able to send a link from your computer to your Android phone and the phone will automatically open the browser and navigate to the web address. You can also send files and install applications from your computer over the air.

Android Market will have a web interface, applications can auto-update and you can quickly install all the updates, instead of manually installing each update. Another change is that applications can be moved to the SD card. Google also announced that it has acquired SimplifyMedia, a company that developed some cool applications for streaming your music.

Android 2.2 has built-in support for tethering and it can transform a phone into a portable hotspot. Android Market includes some great applications for tethering, but it’s nice to see that’s now a built-in feature.

You can add multiple languages to the keyboard and switch between them by swiping across the space bar, there’s a new UI for the camera, there’s support for Exchange calendars and remote wipe, LED flash for the Camcorder, support for sharing contacts with other phones and much more.

Flash 10.1 is now available as a beta application in the Android Market, but it requires Android 2.2. Nexus One and Motorola Droid will be updated to Froyo next month. The other HTC phones launched this year will be updated in the second half of the year. “This includes popular models like the Desire and Droid Incredible as well as hotly anticipated phones like the Evo 4G, MyTouch slide and upcoming models.”

(yes, I’m hoping this capability comes to the HTC Hero (sprint version / cdma) soon ) – and for those wondering – relocation was typically painful, but is now complete

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Now playing: Rush – Rivendell
via FoxyTunes

Especially if you are not already running an antivirus solution, this may be a good time to help them test.  It’s a novel concept, at the least . . .

I have a feeling the price point on these AMD 6-core chips makes a LOT more sense for most of us : http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/phenom-ii/Pages/phenom-ii.aspx vs. the intel.

AMD 6-core pricing vs. Intel 6-core pricing

So you are thinking about upgrading your gaming rig or workstation to the latest AMD 6-core Phenom II X6 processor. While most of the components today will work with the new processor from AMD, not every case, power or cooler will provide the same level of performance to ensure optimal gaming or working experience. So here are some of today’s hottest products for you next upgrade! Case Armor A90< (P/N: VL90001W2Z) • Black Armor Design for Combat w/ Massive Protective Mesh Door & Drive Accesses. • 10 Drive Bays w/ Tool-Less Structural Mechanism. • Awesome Cooling Capability: Oversized Top 200mm Blue LED Fan, Rear 120mm TurboFan, Front 120mm Blue LED Fan (Supports 200mm Fan Upgrade) and Optional Side 120mm Fan Mount. Element V< • Full Tower w/ 12 Drive Bays & 7 Expansion Card Slots • 6 Color Shifting Modes & Speed Adjustable Cooling Fans for Optimal Gaming Experience. • Thermal Capability w/ 2 x 50mm, 3 x 120mm, 2x 200mm & 1 x 230mm Case Fans. V3 Black Edition< (P/N: VL80001W2Z) • Black Finishing Interior w/ 9 Drive Bays & 7 Expansion Card Slots • Omni Directional Thermal Solutions w/ Capability of Four 120mm Cooling Fans • Bottom-placed Power Supply Sign for Ease of Installation & Structure Gravitational Stability. Power Supply TR2 RX 750W < Cable Management (P/N:TRX-750M) • 80 PLUS Standard Certified: 80% or More Efficiency @ 20%, 50%, and 100% Load. • Ultra Quiet 140mm Cooling Fan delivers Excellent Airflow Thermal Solution. • Cable Management: Internal Airflow Improvement by Reducing Cable Clutter within PC to Promote accelerated Heat Removal. • 5 Years Outstanding Warranty Guarantee. Toughpower XT 775W < (P/N: TPX-775M) • 80 PLUS Bronze Certified: Provides up to 89% Effective Power Conversation to Cut-Down Electric Cost • NVIDIA SLI & ATi Cross Fire X Certified. • 24/7 @ 50 °C: Guaranteed to Deliver 775W Continuous Output Power • Fan Delay Cooling Technology: Dissipate Remaining System Shut-Off Heat – Prolonging System Lifetime. • Cable Management: Conveniently Save Space w/o Cluttering Un-Needed Cabling Spaces.. TR2 700W< (P/N: TR-700P) • 80 PLUS Standard Certified: 80% or More Efficiency @ 20%, 50%, and 100% Load. • Stable 700W Continuous Output 40 °C Operating Environment. • 99% Active Power Factor Correction provides Clean and Reliable Power CPU Cooler Frio< (P/N: CLP0564) • Ultimate Overclocking Thermal Structure Design • Dual 120mm Performance VR Fans • 5 X Ø8 mm U-Shaped Copper Heat Pipes for Accelerated Heat Conduction SpinQ VT< (P/N: CLP0554) • Optimized Spiral Aluminum Fins Structure & Smart 360° Airflow Design • Silent 80mm Blower VR Fan w/ Red LED • 3 X U-Shaped Heat Pipes ensures Ultra High Efficiency Contac 29< (P/N: CLP0568) • 3 X Ø8 mm Heat Pipes w/ Direct Contact processed Heat Sink for Rapid Heat Dissipation • Versatile Compatibility, No Cost for Future Processor Upgrades. • 2 Sets of Anti-Vibration Soft Mounts allow transforming compatibility of Second 120mm Fan. If you no longer wish to receive your newsletter from Thermaltake, please unsubscribe here

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Now playing: Creedence Clearwater Revival – Up Around The Bend
via FoxyTunes

Hey, I was making the same arguments, but I had no idea thousands of others cared enough to say so as well on Amazon.

To quote :

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15,508 of 16,094 people found the following review helpful: 1.0 out of 5 stars “We won’t get fooled again…”

August 17, 2009    By     C. BURNS “The Dude”
This review is from: The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Theatrical Editions + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray)

Some confusion among other reviewers that somehow we’re obligated to post a five star recommendation for the movie. This is an incorrect understanding of the review process. If I were reviewing the movie itself it would get a five. This review is for the product, as listed–in other words, I DO NOT RECOMMEND BUYING THIS PRODUCT/DVD. This product is being created FOR NO OTHER REASON than to dupe people into buying this movie twice…again. Those of us who were huge fans bought the original DVDs of the theatrical releases. THEN the studio FINALLY released the extended editions, even though they could have released both at the same time. Now that Blu Ray has won the High Def battle, the studios are salivating at screwing us all again the same way!

Please do not let them get away with pretending that Blu Ray can’t hold both versions on one disc–it certainly can! A simple menu option would let you watch the Extended Edition when you have time, or Theatrical Edition when you don’t.

Their other argument, that “Peter Jackson is busy working on The Hobbit and will work on Extended Editions later” is 100% total BS. He’s ALREADY DONE THE WORK–just copy what he did for the regular DVDs onto a new Blu Ray master!

BOTTOM-LINE: The studios will make whatever argument they think will fly to convince us they can’t put both versions on one disc, because they want to double their income on this movie. Which has ALREADY MADE THEM A BILLION DOLLARS. Don’t play along–let friends know not to buy ANY LOTR Blu Ray that doesn’t have BOTH versions on one disc.

Please do not let them get away with holding the extended edition hostage until everyone buys the theatrical versions.”

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Couldn’t have said it better myself, so there’s his quote.  BD technology is fine, but trying to truly double (I’m not talking a nominal fee, but doubling!) your sales, by running the same tired gag again is just sad. Of course, I was one of the many thousands who agreed with him, and so I hit the “Yes – Helpful Review” sort of button.

Great Trilogy, but disappointing release.  As much as I loved the films. I’ll pass until they can manage to fix this blatant fleecing policy.
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Now playing: AC/DC – Shot Down In Flames
via FoxyTunes

20 Smart Android Phone Tips and Tricks

For starters: customize your Android phone’s background. Some devices will even let you add a moving, interactive image. Just hit the menu button and select the Wallpaper option. Follow the directions to select images from your phone’s camera, images loaded onto your phone, or a default wallpaper. But images are just the beginning of what you can put on your desktop. Clever programmers have created dozens of widgets that can also be moved to your home screen. Press down on an empty spot of real estate on your home screen, and that will pull up a menu to let you add everything from widgets, to program shortcuts and folders. If you can bear to part with a little over $1, Beautiful Widgets from the Marketplace is a great place to start for finding home screen add-ons.

view the full tip list at http://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/160-Android-Smartphone-Tips-Tricks.html

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Now playing: Nirvana – Lithium
via FoxyTunes

As much as I admire how well my Garmin 1490T works, I think even devices like the new Garmin below are due for near-extinction in a few years.

The capability of the new Android phones, as well as the newer iPhones, is sure going to put a damper on single purpose devices. (why bluetooth link to your phone when you can dash-mount your phone, charge it there, and read it as a high-speed, fully featured GPS ???)

Tomtom even has that neat kit for the iPhone – wish the Androids had a mount like that, although I don’t need the receiver gain (I can typically get 8 satellites at middlin’ strength inside the center of the house!)

Anyway, here’s a new bit o’ Tech for ya

To view this email as a web page, go here.

Introducing the new nüvi - uniquely personal navigation. Sleek and stylish, yet loaded with new and enhanced Garmin navigation features. Just look at it. The new nüvi is so elegant, so refined, less than 9 mm thick. Such a beautiful design, it’s award winning . It features a bright, clear, multi-touch full-glass display that offers you the convenience of both landscape and portrait views. But don’t allow its good looks to deceive you. It’s a powerful piece of technology. What makes the new nüvi uniquely personal is the introduction of Garmin nüRoute™ technology with trafficTrends™ and myTrends™. As your new nüvi becomes better acquainted with your driving routines, it starts to recognize your routes by start location, end location, day of week, and time of day. It actually seems to learn your preferences, observe traffic flow and it may even start suggesting quicker ways to your destination. Just to be nice. Or is it because it hates to be late, too? There are three new nüvi models and all include everything previously mentioned and the convenience of lane assist with junction view to help you navigate complex highway interchanges. So whether you’re exploring the city or the world, on foot or by car, this new nüvi is your uniquely personal navigator. nüvi 3750 - Includes all the features mentioned above and more. nüvi 3760T - Offers everything available on the nüvi 3750 and adds subscription-free traffic alerts and hands-free calling compatibility. nüvi 3790T - Offers everything available with the nüvi 3760T and adds voice-activated navigation and 3-D building and terrain view. Did you know? Multi-touch Sure the new nüvi features the one finger drag to pan just like all touchscreen nüvis. But the new nüvi also responds to other simple finger taps and drags. There are 10 quick and convenient multi-touch commands in all. One finger drag: Pan like a nüvi always has. One finger tap: A map bubble gives location where you tapped. Double tap: Zoom in and center on tapped location. Two finger drag down: Changes perspective view to be more 3D. Two finger drag up: Changes perspective view to be more 2D. Two finger drag right: Rotates map to right. Two finger drag left: Rotates map to left. Two finger diagonal drag: Changes the perspective view and rotates at the same time. Pinch: Zooms in. Stretch: Zooms out. Cool Accessories . Portable Friction Mount Pliable, non-skid base molds to fit any dash. Easily moves from vehicle to vehicle. Order today! Lifetime Map Update nüMaps Lifetime™ subscription lets you download the newest map up to 4 times per year. Replacement suction cup Someone used your suction cup mount to hand a wreath on your glass storm door? Order a new one! It’s easy. This email is an advertisement. You have received this email because you are a registered member of myGarmin. To unsubscribe from future myGarmin advertising emails, please click here. Garmin, 1200 E. 151st Street, Olathe, Kansas 66062 | (913) 397-8200 Garmin.com | Privacy Policy

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Now playing: Jimi Hendrix – The Wind Cries Mary
via FoxyTunes

Accessing Ext3 and Ext2 partitions from Windows can be accomplished using a few different methods, as previously noted in (How to access a Linux partition from Windows). However, one of the easiest methods is by using a tool called Ext2Fsd. This tool ships with the drivers necessary for windows to detect and mount an Ext2 or Ext3 filesystem as read only or read/write. Additionally, Ext2Fsd comes with a Volume Manager and many other useful tools like mke2fs.exe (allowing you to actually create an ext2 formatted partition from windows). Installation is simple and straight forward.

Ext2Fsd – Ext2 Ex3 Volume Manager Screenshot

More at http://www.pendrivelinux.com/access-ext2-and-ext3-from-windows/

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Now playing: Rush – Tom Sawyer
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