Q:
What exactly is keystroke logging? I've heard it mentioned in your tips before, but I'm not quite sure what it is. Please explain!
A:
Oh, sure, I can do that! You're right, we have mentioned keystroke logging in many of our security tips before, but we've never really gone over what it is by itself. It's very important for all computer users to understand what all is involved with keystroke logging, so I'm glad you asked. I'm sure you're not the only one who has been wondering about it either. So, without further ado, let's have a discussion about keystroke logging!
Basically, keystroke logging (also known as keylogging) is a method used to capture and record user keystrokes. It's often thought of in a negative sense, but it can be used for good as well. For example, keylogging can be used to track down certain computer system errors, to research how users interact with certain systems and it can even be used to check on employee productivity for certain tasks. Keylogging is also useful in law enforcement, as it provides a way to unlock passwords and encryption keys.
Of course, keystroke logging is also a method used by hackers to get into another user's computer and steal information. That's the type we talk about the most in our computer tips, because we want to keep you safe at all times. There's really not that much to it though. If you have an antivirus program, a good firewall and some type of anti-spyware software on your computer, you will be safe from keystroke loggers. Those types of applications can stop keystroke loggers in their tracks so that your information stays protected.
Back on the other side, there are two types of keystroke logging: hardware and software based. Hardware loggers come in three different types. First, there are the devices that are attached to the keyboard cable. They are inline devices and they are very easy to install, but they're also easily detected. Secondly, there are the devices that can be installed inside an actual keyboard. They are rather difficult to install, but once they're in, they are almost impossible to detect. Thirdly, there are replacement keyboards that already have the key logger built in. Those are obviously the easiest to work with and the logger is very hard to detect.
The software loggers are basically set up to see how users interact with different software programs on a computer. Like I said before, they can be used to keep track of how an employee is performing and so on. There are several different types of software keylogging, including local machine software keyloggers, remote access software keyloggers, wireless keylogger sniffers and acoustic keyloggers. They are all used for different tasks and they all provide different results.
As you can see, keystroke logging is used in a variety of ways and while it's used for both positive and negative aspects, it is a useful procedure. There's probably a lot more technical jargon I could bog you down with in terms of keystroke logging, but I think you get the gist. Everything you really need to know about keystroke logging is discussed above. I hope you now have a better understanding of what keystroke logging is and you can go out and tell your friends all about it. It's a great dinner table topic, don't you think?!
~ Erin
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Paste an Exact Match
Do you often use the same formula in multiple places in your MS Excel worksheets? I'm talking about the exact same formula. You know, no cell reference changes on the paste.
If so, have you ever tried to copy that formula from one cell to another?
Yeah, I know, all the cell references change in the pasted version relative to its new location. Not what you were hoping to accomplish, huh?
Looking for a method you can use to copy and paste the formula, without the cell references changing?
While I'm positive most people have different solutions to this dilemma, I have one to suggest that may not be on your list of tricks.
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First, instead of simply selecting the cell, you need to actually select the contents of the cell. You can do that by either using the F2 key to put the cursor into the cell and then highlight the formula or you can go directly to the formula bar and highlight it there.
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Once you have the formula highlighted, you can copy it as usual.
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Now, hit the Enter or Esc key. (This step is important, because it tells Excel you're done with the contents of the cell. Simply clicking elsewhere will make Excel think you're still editing the contents of the original cell).
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To finish, move to the new location and complete the paste.
Voila! The formula is pasted without any changes.
Don't you just love it when things go your way?!
~ April
Google Apps
Do you have your own Web site? If so, why don't you Googlefy it?! Even if you only have a domain name and not a real Web site set up yet, you can still get a free e-mail address tailored to your domain (for example, me@example.com) in the Gmail interface, Google Calendar, Google Docs and so on, all for free. You can even get your own e-mail address (such as name@yourname.com) if you want. Let's check out Google Apps!
To get started, head on over to http://www.google.com/a/. All you need is a domain name and a Web host (if you don't have a host, try this Web site: http://www.nfshost.com. It has a lot of options for "pay-what-you-use" Web hosting).
1.) Once you're on the site, click on the Sign Up button.
2.) The average personal user will probably need the Standard Edition (the free one). Select that by clicking on Sign Up.
3.) If you already have a domain name, simply enter it in (without the www). If you don't, you'll have to get one before you can continue on with this tip. When you're all set, click Get Started.
4.) Next, enter in your details and then just follow the prompts.
5.) Now, you're going to have to prove to Google that you're the legitimate owner of the domain name, but don't worry, it's easy!
6.) Upload a Web page with the text Google specifies for your site. You might have to wait a bit for it, but you'll be ready to go after you receive it.
Once you've confirmed your account, the possibilities are endless! You can even have a start page so that your Web site visitors can begin their own Google Apps session as well. Enjoy!
~ Brandon Zubek
