Monday, February 1, 2010

Forever Geek

Forever Geek

Is social networking less safe, or are users more stupid?

Posted: 01 Feb 2010 03:59 AM PST

The summary of a new report into online security, the full version of which will be available tomorrow, suggest that social networks are less safe than a year ago.

However, I am wondering if the fact is that the collection of its users are just more careless / stupid.

Security firm Sophos reckons there has been a 70% rise in attacks on social network sites, while nearly three out of four companies think workers’ behaviour online puts their business at risk.

Three out of five users say they have been spammed via social networking sites, while one in three says they’ve been sent malware: both up around 70% on last year.

Worrying statistics, or proof that the increasing popularity of social networks with the less computer-literate is the reason they seem less secure?

Given that many novice computer users don’t know what firewalls and anti-virus software are, far less actually use them or practice personal safety online, it’s hardly surprising that threats seem to have increased.

It’s true that social network spam is particularly insipid, because it purports to come from someone you know. Perhaps that’s a good reason to only befriend people you trust — I know the Facebook spam I receive would never have genuinely come from those whose accounts have been compromised because it’s not in their character to try to sell me Viagra. Really.

Should social networks be doing more to educate users on what are real threats and what are fake? The recent “unnamed app” scare, for example, has in fact been hijacked by criminals, preying on those worried about their online security.

Maybe people shouldn’t be allowed to go online without knowing at least the basics of Internet safety. Yeah, OK, that’s never going to happen, but it’s a thought.

What do you think?

Are You an Anime Fan, Otaku, or Weeaboo?

Posted: 01 Feb 2010 03:00 AM PST

I'm sure almost everyone has heard of an anime fan, but if you spend some time on anime sites, you may have come across the terms "otaku" and "weaboo" as well. So what do these words mean and what do they have to do with anime, you ask? Well, luckily for you I'm going to teach you the general meaning of each term and who they apply to in the rest of this article.

 

First off, lets start with an anime fan. Like I said before, most people already know what an anime fan is so I won't get into much detail. Anyone who watches and likes an anime can be considered an anime fan. This can be any type of anime from simple children's anime like Pokemon to more complex ones like Evangelion. Anime fans may also buy a few anime-related trinkets like key chains and cell phone straps, but simply said, if you've watched an anime and liked it, then you're a fan.

An otaku is a step up from an anime fan. The term otaku actually has a negative connotation in Japan, usually being applied to people who are so obsessed with anime/manga/video games that they barely have any real social interaction. Outside of Japan, however, otaku is usually used to describe people who like more than just 1 or 2 anime. They are usually also interested in manga, Japanese video games, and Japan in general. Otaku may buy or collect items related to their favourite anime, attend anime conventions, and try drawing their favourite characters, but if you spoke to an otaku, you would not know they were one unless you asked about their interests.

Weeaboos are basically otakus taken to the extreme; they are what the Japanese are usually referring to when they call someone an otaku. While an otaku (not the Japanese kind) would probably not stand out on the street, weeaboos can easily be identified. While many otaku may have cosplayed before at anime conventions, weeaboos will dress up as their favourite characters in public or wear something that can only be related to anime. They also try to learn Japanese and use it every chance they get. While I applaud the courage and commitment it takes to wearing an anime costume in public and learning a new language, sometimes people go a bit too far. I've seen a guy wearing a maid outfit and others ordering coffee in Japanese when it's obvious no one else knows the language.

So there you have it, the three main classifications of anime watchers. I know that these terms overlap with each other, but generally speaking, obsession increases as you go from anime fan to otaku to weeaboo. If you feel I've left something important out or disagree with my classification, then you're welcome to leave comments with your thoughts.

His and Hers WoW Henna Tattoo!

Posted: 31 Jan 2010 10:01 PM PST

This is a post long overdue! The photo above was taken last December when we went to Boracay for our friend’s beach wedding.

Of course, being the geeky couple and avid WoW player that we both were (though if you ask us again, we’ll probably deny it and pretend to be ‘cool’, haha!) we decided to get matching Horde Insignia henna tattoos at the beach!

This is probably the closest thing I would get to a tattoo. I’ve been actually thinking of getting a tiny one, but the thought of needles and pain is giving me the heebeejeebies.

Getting His and Hers WoW henna tattoos is probably one of the geekiest things we’ve done as a couple, haha! My fiance’s henna tattoo turned into one big allergic reaction and turned into a big red Horde Insignia blister.

I actually find it cool, but for my fiance, it was a very itchy experience, hehe.
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