Do you really need a Full Internet Security Suite?

There is a lot of discussion on internet security and the requirement for additional security software.  I am a believer that there are some very good free tools that can address all of your security needs.  Attached is an excellent article on if you need a Full Internet Security Suite.   Please let me know you comments.

HTG Explains: Why You Don’t Need a Full Internet Security Suite

Have you read your EULA?

I am a big proponent of knowing what you agree to, and even then I do not read all the End User Licence Agreements (EULA) that I agree to (What is a EULA?).   Recently I stumbled across an article in Wired with excerpts / examples  from some current EULA's .  

Dear parents or legal guardians of ___________

As you may be aware, your daughter is one of ______ children in your neighborhood who recently applied for a jointly operated StreetApp® of the category “Lemonade Stand.”

As the owner / operator of the street on which you live, and on which this proposed app would operate, StreetBook is required by law to obtain parental consent. By clicking on the “yes” box at the bottom of this window, you acknowledge you are __________’s parent or legal guardian, and also agree to the following conditions:

1. A percentage of up to 30% of revenues will be kept by StreetBook.

[This clause reflects the revenue model established in app stores.]

2. You will submit lemonade recipes, your stand design, signage, and the clothing you will wear to StreetBook for approval. StreetBook can remove your stand at any time for noncompliance with our approval process.

[This provision is also inspired by the practices of app stores.]

3. All commerce, not limited to lemonade purchases, will be conducted through StreetBook. Customers must have StreetBook accounts even if they live on a street owned and operated by a StreetBook competitor. StreetBook will place a hold on all moneys in order to collect interest, and might place a longer hold if any party makes claims of fraud or activities that violate this agreement or any other residential use agreement.

[This provision is inspired by the business models of online payment services.]

4. A $100 annual fee must be paid to be a lemonade stand developer.

[This is again an example of following in the successful footsteps of app stores.]

Here is more detail, 

This EULA Will Make You Rethink Every App and Online Service You Use

Next time you sign up for a service, take a look at the End User Licence Agreement.

Part 2 of 3 Do you really need Microsoft Office? The desktop installation alternatives.

Today we will take a look at the desktop installation alternatives to Microsoft Office, first we start with Open Office / Libre Office. 

Libre Office / Open Office  

Score 9/10

Pros: Low Cost, Excellent Office Compatibly, Easy Install

Cons: Missing some Office Features, Some file compatibly issues

For the best choice in Office replacement software you probably want Libre Office / Open Office.   Even though some high end features missing, these programs are by far the best.

Kingsoft and SoftMaker Office

Score 8/10

Pros: Low Cost, Good Office Compatibly, Easy Install, Multiple Device Support

Cons: Some cost, Missing some Office Features, Some file compatibility issue

Similar to the challenges with Libre Office and OpenOffice, Kingsoft and Softmaker Office both have detailed comparisons to Microsoft Office, Kingsoft comparison and SoftMaker Office comparison.

Next installment we will look at web based Office compatible suites.  If as always if you have any questions or comments, please leave them. 

How much would you be willing to pay for your data?

I came across this posting on Reddit the other day.   I could go on about the value of a good back up, and laptop encryption, but I think that this letter says it all, 

Microsoft Office 365 Online vs. Google Apps for Business, Fight!

Vs.

For most small / medium businesses one of the biggest challenges with email hosting is deciding between Microsoft Hosted Exchange/Office 365 and Google Apps for business. Lets take a closer look at the two systems and who wins which battle, 

Calendar integration and Email Client, Tie

Google Apps for Business (GAB), a more mature interface and tighter calendar integration, Office 365 is a more recognizable interface and common functions.  Check this out here.

Cost, Winner Google Apps for Business

Google Apps for Business (GAB), is about $70 per user cheaper per year.

Uptime, Winner Google Apps for Business

Take this sample of uptime for both services,  the winner is obvious, GAB. 

Apps integration, Winner Google Apps for Business

Google Apps for Business (GAB) has a much more diverse ecosystem and is more open to integration and development.

Migration, Microsoft Office 365 

Microsoft Office 365 is easier by far, even for Google Apps for Business from a current Gmail account.

Each battle has a winner, but what you need to keep in mind are the features and functions that are most important you and your user base.