Google offers new tool

[vervilledeb1]

Google will be offering a new tool which will allow automatic transfer of information from one personal computer to another. Although this seems like it may be a good concept many are skeptical. The Bush administration is demanding to know what information people have been trying to search through the large search engines. What will this bring about? Are our rights slowing being taken away? Will we have to grant access to our personal computers at any whim? WDYT?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060209/ap_on_hi_te/google_desktop;_ylt=Alp_uDO3C3PjHOhTN7j3m5Gs0NUE;_ ylu=X3oDMTA3b2NibDltBHNlYwM3MTY-

[Franklin]

Hi Debby,

I'm thinking this tool is probably more trouble than it's worth. For most people, the only computers they would want to access from elsewhere are their home and office. If your employer would grant you the right to install this software on the office computer, then would just as soon allow you to VPN (Virtual Personal Network) to the computer.

I'm assuming there is software to be installed because you cannot get to a computer's file via a browser. If you could, we'd all be in big trouble. So this is not a cool website, but installed software.

If you need to access your spouse's computer, you can set up a home network, which would be much more secure. It would be nice to be able to access your home computer from work, but it's rarely essential. If it is, you can set up a 2-way network.

As for saving the data for 30 days - does that mean 30 days from the last access? So if you do a search every week, the clock starts again each time? And this would likely become a major target for pirates. How sure are they that it's secure? As sure as MicroSoft has been about all their security holes? Rhetorical questions. Granted, MS' software may not be less secure than other software, but the fact that they are such a big target means more people spending more time trying to defeat it. Same would happen with this Google deal, I reckon.

[mickst1]

I am very skeptical about any software that allows you to access other computers from your computer or visa versa. Some software creators install a hidden back door which allows them to go into your computer and look around. Would you give your mailman a key to your front door? Sure, he delivers imporant things to your house, but would you want him walking around inside looking around? I WOULDN'T!

Also, one must be vigilant when it comes to using computers. I sit and watch my kids when they are online. They like to access websites where they can go play games, etc. These websites feature popups and if you have ever seen a kid on a computer, they click the mouse faster than a speeding bullet! Before you know it, they have downloaded some program file to your computer and the next thing you know, you are hijacked.

I recently removed the Alexa virus from a laptap and it took me several hours to remove all of hidden files, programs, etc. I was cursing the company/person that created this nasty virus the entire time!

I want to believe that antivirus, anti-spam and anti-spyware scanner software will keep my computer safe. However, being the type that believes the glass is always half empty or totally empty, even with this software, I have my doubts. I think McAfee, Symantec, et al hire people to create viruses to sell more software. Not until I can go and read all the programing code and know that I am totally secure, would I feel secure. Ok, so I am not a programmer, so I have to put my faith in these companies that say they will protect my privacy and keep my identity safe. Still, it is a good idea to check all your personal information at least yearly. Criminals are now more computer savy than ever, and they don't need to walk up to you on the street with a knife or gun anymore to rob you, they can do it from the safety and privacy of their home.

Yes, tis a scary world out there! :sad11:

[vervilledeb1]

I am very skeptical about any software that allows you to access other computers from your computer or visa versa. Some software creators install a hidden back door which allows them to go into your computer and look around. Would you give your mailman a key to your front door? Sure, he delivers imporant things to your house, but would you want him walking around inside looking around? I WOULDN'T!

Also, one must be vigilant when it comes to using computers. I sit and watch my kids when they are online. They like to access websites where they can go play games, etc. These websites feature popups and if you have ever seen a kid on a computer, they click the mouse faster than a speeding bullet! Before you know it, they have downloaded some program file to your computer and the next thing you know, you are hijacked.

I recently removed the Alexa virus from a laptap and it took me several hours to remove all of hidden files, programs, etc. I was cursing the company/person that created this nasty virus the entire time!

I want to believe that antivirus, anti-spam and anti-spyware scanner software will keep my computer safe. However, being the type that believes the glass is always half empty or totally empty, even with this software, I have my doubts. I think McAfee, Symantec, et al hire people to create viruses to sell more software. Not until I can go and read all the programing code and know that I am totally secure, would I feel secure. Ok, so I am not a programmer, so I have to put my faith in these companies that say they will protect my privacy and keep my identity safe. Still, it is a good idea to check all your personal information at least yearly. Criminals are now more computer savy than ever, and they don't need to walk up to you on the street with a knife or gun anymore to rob you, they can do it from the safety and privacy of their home.

Yes, tis a scary world out there! :sad11:

I really don't want anyone in my computer. And you are right mickst1 there are thieves out there just waiting for this opportunity. Its bad enough people fall for the scam emails imagine the trouble software like this could cause...yikes!

With the identity theft going on the way it is I'm afraid it'll just compound the problem.

[Destiny]

Ah, no way would I want other people scoping around in my computer. Nothing is safe nowadays as it is. I was reading where more and more people are beginning to shred their everyday mail because of identity theft. I can't believe other people go through the trash to get personal information. So, if they do that then they would have no problem going into someones computer. Not for me thanks.