Computer Forensics

The investigator waited until midnight, when the plant was empty, and thousands of computers had “slipped into screen-saver slumber.” Furtively, he sat in front of a colleague’s personal computer. In half an hour, the detective made an exact copy of the colleague’s hard drive. Then, using a program called Encase, he uncovered hundreds of pornographic images, which eventually cost the coworker his job.

Workplace computers are company property, so employers may inspect their contents. Only in Connecticut must employers inform workers of computer monitoring. According to the American Management Association, 45 percent of our nation’s large companies use “computer forensics” to electronically monitor workers’ computers.

The number of employees involved in Internet-related crimes or violations of company computer use policy is rising. Dow Chemical fired or disciplined 200 employees for trading dirty jokes and photos by e-mail. Then Xerox fired 40 workers, and the New York Times terminated 23 employees for similar violations.

Recently a small firm in Utah noticed that its servers were full. An employee remarked that several workers were regularly downloading music albums from Napster. The albums ended up on the servers, taking up megabytes of valuable space. An innocent (or intentional?) act had disrupted this company’s day-to-day operations.

Smaller businesses usually can’t afford the $200-450-per-hour fees charged by computer forensics consultants. But, by publishing company computer/internet policies and corresponding consequences for violations, requiring employees to sign compliance documents, regularly checking e-mail and hard drive contents, and asking employees to report infractions, small businesses can begin to police their own computer systems. Making employees aware that forensic software and personnel are available could deter some workers from wrongdoing. Call AmCheck for assistance in developing a computer use policy at 888-AMCHECK.

(Source: Miller, Greg “High-Tech Snooping All in Day’s Work; Security: Some Firms Are Now Using Computer Investigators to Uncover Employee Wrongdoing” Los Angeles Times HR News Wire.)

Computer Fits? You Need Registry Repair

Is your computer getting slower and slower? Is this occurring despite not using any more memory? Are you having frequent freezing or spontaneous shutdowns? You may have tried erasing all the programs that you don't use with no success. You may even have tried anti virus software thinking that you had been infected by a virus, and were disappointed to find that this didn't improve things.

Well I have good news for you and bad news. The good news is that your problem is common and repairable, and also that you were on the right track. The bad news is that you are probably suffering from the symptoms of a virus infection and that you probably need to get a tool that will clean your registry which is yet another cost incurred.

A computer registry is the part of your operating system that monitors and records the information for all the settings and preferences of the users for all hardware and software. Whenever a change is made it is recorded in the registry. As such it becomes cluttered and congested with time. The registry can also be manipulated with virus code to give up sensitive information and to cause malfunctions in the operating system. Just like any tool you use your computer needs regular maintenance and repair including a good thorough registry repair.

You need to be careful though when you select a registry repair tool as there are many out there with varying levels of effectiveness and related risk. You see it is possible to make changes in the registry that are irreversible and can forever affect negatively the proper performance of your computer. So how can you make a good informed decision?

Well there are several publications dealing with computer technology that will regularly review products such as registry repair software and give feedback on the pros and cons of each product. You need to pick one that is on the mainstream market for sure as they have had the most thorough testing and review and generally come from the most trusted sources. Also pay attention to the banter on the net. There are several forums that you can go to to ask questions and get feedback from actual users like you who have used the software themselves. This can be extremely helpful as long as you take all this advise with a grain of salt.

Be careful but also be excited because you will be amazed at the difference that a little maintenance registry clean will change the operating performance of your pc.

Computer Ergonomics And The Workplace: It’s Not A Matter Of Sitting Up Straight

Most people who are considering office furniture tend to look for a chair with a back that will allow them to sit up straight. In point of fact, sitting up straight is not really the best position to take when you are working at your computer. Indeed, there are many misconceptions when it comes to seeking ergonomically designed computer equipment, furniture and other products in the 21st century.

Turning for the moment to the matter of the best type of chair to use when using your computer, as has just been referenced, sitting up straight really is not the best course of action for you. Sitting at a ninety degree angle is not the healthiest way in which to work -- no matter what experts may have indicated for a significant period of time in the past.

In point of fact, sitting at a rigid and ninety degree angle is not comfortable for an extended period of time. Sitting in this manner can, in fact, be very uncomfortable.

There is a simple principle that is applied when considering ergonomics generally and computer ergonomics specifically: if it is not comfortable, it probably is not an ergonomically designed piece of furniture or equipment. In point of fact and generally speaking, when it comes to ergonomically designed products, comfort really does normally equate with propriety and proper design.

The human body is a remarkable machine. It can send your brain warning signals whenever it is not properly positioned; hence, the discomfort you feel when you are not seated properly or using appropriately designed equipment and products.

In this day and age, there are a number of useful resources available to a person who is interested in finding out more about ergonomics generally and computer ergonomics specifically. Much of this material readily is available on the Internet and World Wide Web. By accessing this information you will be in a far better position to make appropriate decisions about furniture, equipment and related products that will best meet your needs -- in a healthy manner to boot.

Additionally, there are consultants in business today that can assist you in selecting furniture and equipment, including computers and related products, that meet ergonomic standards. Thus, you will know that the products you select and utilize will be best for you now and into the future.

Computer Ergonomics: When A Rose Isn’t A Rose

Shakespeare wrote something about a rose smelling as sweet no matter what the lovely bloom was called. Such is not the case when it comes to computer ergonomics. In fact, in the 21st century, merely because a computer, computer workstation, chair or other product is said to be ergonomically designed does not, in fact, mean that such a designation is in fact true.

At the present time in most countries around the world there simply are no laws or regulations determining how the term “ergonomic” can be applied. As a consequence, the term “ergonomic” is now used on innumerable products -- whether or not these products have been designed with ergonomic concepts in mind.

Most industry experts believe that the term ergonomic has been so overused and misused in recent years that it really is of no consequence when it comes to its application to the label on a particular product. In other words, merely because a product is labeled that it has been designed with ergonomic considerations and practices in mind does not mean that has in fact occurred.

In point of fact, in order for a product to truly be ergonomically designed, it is absolutely necessary that the product be submitted to extensive testing before it ever is introduced onto the market. Minute adjustments to a particular product can render it ergonomically appropriate -- or, conversely, a slight adjust can render an otherwise proper product to be ergonomically inappropriate.

In the final analysis, you must take the selection of computers, workstation, chairs and related equipment and products very seriously. The bottom line is that your future and your health absolutely depend upon the choices and decisions that you make in regard to these types of products and equipment items. You cannot make decisions regarding these types of products and equipment pieces lightly or easily. You must approach these types of purchases with absolutely seriousness.

As an aside, when you go about considering equipment and products that you hope are ergonomically designed, you would be well served obtaining independent evaluations of a particular product. There are a number of different organizations that provide unbiased information about a particular product or piece of equipment. Armed with this independent, unbiased information you will be in a far better position to determine how a particular product or piece of equipment will best meet your needs in a healthy fashion both now and well into the future

Computer Ergonomics And Repetitive Stress Injuries

More than anything else, the main goal of computer ergonomics to work to reduce repetitive stress injuries that can result through the regular use of a computer and related equipment. Through this article, a brief overview of repetitive stress injuries is provided, particularly as these injuries relate to computer use and computer ergonomics.

Generally speaking, repetitive stress injuries are referred to by many experts in the field of computer ergonomics as Cumulative Trauma Disorders. As the moniker suggests, the key to understanding and appreciating Cumulative Trauma Disorders is appreciating that they are, in fact, cumulative. In other words, these injuries develop overtime from repetitive movements, strained exertions, working in awkward positions as well as from compression and vibration.

Most people assume that when it comes to Cumulative Trauma Disorders, exposure to the source of a trauma needs to be for a lengthy period of time. In many instances, this assumption does prove correct. However, in reality, it is impossible to develop Cumulative Trauma Disorders after exposure to a source for a matter of weeks. As a result, it truly is important for a person to follow the suggestions of computer ergonomics specialists.

The symptoms of repetitive stress injuries or Cumulative Trauma Disorders include severe pain, tissue swelling, numbness, unusual tingling, restriction of natural joint movement and, ultimately, decreased dexterity.

If you are in fact experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it is absolutely necessary for you to seek prompt and immediate medical attention. By seeking medical attention in the first instance, you have a far better chance of alleviating the symptoms and the underlying traumatic condition. In addition, by seeking prompt medical attention, you are far more likely to avoid a more invasive medical procedure such as surgery to resolve an injury or disorder.

When all is said and done, repetitive stress injuries or Cumulative Trauma Disorders simply are not matters which should be taken lightly. Rather, as has been noted, if you feel that you are suffering from one or another of the symptoms outlined in this article, you should waste no time in obtaining medical attention and assistance. Further, as has been noted, you can avoid or lessen the harmful side effects of computer use by following the guidelines established by experts in the field of computer ergonomics. Truly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in the case of Cumulative Trauma Disorders.

Computer Ergonomics: Keeping Your Mouse … Safe

When it comes to the matter of computer ergonomics -- making certain that you computer work environment is safe and healthy -- many people focus their attention on such items as their chair, the desk of worktable utilized and the positioning of the keyboard. Of course, these are all important items when it comes to the matter of computer ergonomics. In this regard, many people pay little of no attention to their computer mouse when it comes to the matter of computer ergonomics and the safe use of a computer and related equipment. When all is said and done, making sure that you are using your mouse in a safe and healthy manner is vital and cannot be understated.

The basic, primary directional device used by most computer operators is the mouse. Many computer users find themselves using a mouse continually throughout the day. In the long run, if a person does not utilize a mouse in a proper, healthy manner, a person can end up seriously impairing his or her shoulder, forearm and wrist.

With these risks in mind, there are some important pointers that you should keep in mind when it comes to properly utilizing your mouse.

When using a mouse, you should rest your entire arm on either the side of your chair, on the table or some other available and level support. In addition, the mouse itself should be located conveniently at the side of the keyboard, on the same level as the keyboard. You should not have to reach for the mouse each time you need to use the device.

When using the mouse, make certain that you do not apply a great deal of pressure to your wrist. Again, it is important that your wrist and arm basically be in a comfortable and resting-like position when using a mouse.

Generally speaking, you should keep your wrist straight when using the mouse. Further, do not grip the device tightly. No matter how stressed you might feel on the job, do not use a stranglehold on your mouse.

Mouse devices come in a wide array of different shapes, styles and sizes. Take the time to select a mouse that fits well into your hand.

Finally, set your mouse speed in the middle range. In a similar vein, reduce the time that you actually use the click and drag feature of the mouse unit. There is now some software on the market that eliminates the need for this particular function all together.

By following these steps, you will avoid causing yourself harm or damage over the long term through the use of your mouse.

Computer Ergonomics: Don’t Hammer Away At That Keyboard

Many people frequently say that they spend a great deal of time pounding on their computer keyboards. They indicate that they hammer away when working at their computers. In point of fact, pounding on a computer keyboard -- striking the keys too hard -- can have negative consequences not only for the computer itself but such action can result in serious health consequences for the computer user.

Pounding away at the computer keyboard can have long term health consequences for a regular computer user. Perhaps the most common disability or condition that can arise from striking the keys on a computer too stridently is carpal tunnel syndrome. This debilitating condition is painful and more often than not requires a person to have invasive surgery on the hands, wrists and lower part of the arms.

Another health condition that can arise when a computer user is too hard on the keys is a deadening of the nerves at a person’s fingertips. While this may not seem like that significant of a problem on the surface, in point of fact deadening the nerves at the ends of a person’s fingers can be very serious. On a day to day basis, a typical person avoids a good deal of harm to his person because he can feel what is in front, near or around him. For example, if you are working in the kitchen, you can avoid serious damage to yourself by instantly detecting the heat from a stove by lightly passing your fingers over and above a particular burner.

In addition to the other ailments and conditions set forth in this article, using too much pressure when striking a keyboard, hitting the keys too hard, can result in a deterioration of joints in a person’s fingers. In time a person may even end up afflicted with arthritis as a result of the heavy pounding on a computer keyboard.

When all is said and done, it simply is not necessary for a person using a computer to use a great deal of force or pressure on the keys. More often than not, a keyboard will function properly with only a light touch on the keys themselves. In other words, you simply do not need to bang away on the keyboard to be effective in your typing and utilization of a computer unit. By lightly touching your keyboard you will avoid a host of health problems both now and into the future.