Inquiry to Armatix Regarding Security of "Smart Gun"

In response to this article from Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/02/20/first-smart-pistol-shelves-in-california/), I have sent an inquiry to Armatix, the manufacturer of the "Smart System iP1" which was recently offered for sale in California.

I will keep you updated if a response is received. You can read the full inquiry below. Also, for those interested, the user manuals can be obtained by performing a Google search for the FCC IDs in the letter below.

Adventures in Desktop Linux Computing - Chapter Two

This is the second article in my series on Desktop Linux Computing. You can read the original article here.

It's been well over a month since I install CentOS 6 on my mother-in-law's PC - and so far I've only had to make one service call - to install Skype.

Many people have asked me why I didn't install Fedora or Ubuntu. The answer is that I trust the stability of CentOS better, since it's an open source clone of Red Hat Enterprise.

When I was asked to install Skype on her laptop - apparently she had first researched and tried to do it herself - but because she was downloading the wrong package, CentOS wouldn't allow the install to continue.

One of the biggest problems normally present with family members' PCs is trying to find a balance between preventing the install of "crapware" and making sure the family member can still do everything they need to. I believe that by using CentOS 6, I've managed to find that balance.

I suspect that the next service call I receive will probably be to install OpenOffice - but I haven't received that call yet.

Stay Tuned! I will continue to post updates as they occur.

Guest Post: Steps to Take to Ensure Your Bank Accounts Can't Be Hacked

NOTE: The following is a guest post by Courtney Gordner. The blog maintainer is not responsible for its contents.

Allowing a bank to store all of your financial information is supposed to keep it safe, but that is not always the case. Although banks generally have the best anti-hacking software available and take extra precautions to keep this information secure, things do happens that can allow these documents to fall into the wrong hands. In many cases, it is not the bank's fault, as there are things that you should be doing to protect your bank account.

Adventures in Desktop Linux Computing - Chapter One

Today I took a very brave step. I installed Linux on my mother-in-law's laptop.

The reason I installed Linux on her laptop is because despite my continued attempts to keep her system from getting infected with malware, she continues to be the victim of drive-by downloads.

So, to help mitigate this recurring issue, I completely wiped her PC and installed Linux.

Why Linux? Because most malware which targets home users attacks Windows or Mac systems.

Now, something to keep in mind is that this solution is not for everyone. Before I wiped her PC, I confirmed with her multiple times that there was nothing on it she needed, and that all she uses it for is web browsing. It's important to note that while most people only use their PCs for Internet and word processing, some do use specialized software, so consult with your family member before trying to replace their operating system.

Before wiping a PC, it's important to make sure that all of the drivers will work with that PC. The best option is to boot the PC using a LiveCD before actually committing the install. I personally used CentOS 6 but there are many options, including Fedora or Ubuntu.

Once you have the PC up and running with the LiveCD, make sure the person can still use the PC for everything they need. Ask them to visit the Internet sites they regularly visit, and make sure they still work. Note any dependencies they might need, such as Java or Flash.

After you are comfortable that the person will be able to still use their computer, go ahead and install Linux from the LiveCD to the hard disk, so that any favorites/bookmarks the person creates will stay, as well as any dependencies you install.

Hopefully by replacing the PC's operating system with Linux, you'll have fewer visits to fix malware infections. However, don't be surprised if you have to answer a few calls on how to do something with their new OS.

I'll let you know what issues are encountered in Chapter Two!

Guest Post: Preparation: Why should I and how to start.

The following is a guest blog to kick off a new series of articles about personal security and disaster preparedness. Many thanks to Kim Walsh for providing the first article!

My journey to the preparedness world has been long and winding. Like many of my generation there was no reason to learn survival skills or think about disaster prep. We had stores aplenty right? We had easy access to everything we could ever want or need.

Then I got married. I married a man raised on hunting, survival, preparedness. Not out of any sort of paranoia like so many survival shows these days seem to imply but because it was just how his father had been raised and his father before him. I was reluctant to even open the doors at first. Who cared about edible plant or food storage or water filtration? We lived in a pretty populated place, we have never been rich but we had enough to go to the store when needed. And guns? Not needed. Violence and disaster happened to other people.

Then I got a wakeup call. An active shooter decided to shoot up our apartment complex. Our complex was situated more like a hotel. You had a secure door to buzz through and all the front doors were interior. The shooter’s apartment was not even 3 yards from my own. First I heard the pops. I brushed those off. Then I heard someone banging on my door. I was about to answer and ask them to stop as my husband was sleeping in prep for a late shift but some instinct stopped me. An hour later my husband got up for work and went onto the porch to be greeted by SWAT with guns drawn. We were asked if they could use our apartment to gain entry as the front door was glass and being watched by the shooter. Then we were evacuated. The officer who led us out said that ignoring that door probably saved my life

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That is when I realized bad things can happen any time and any place and often do to wonderful people. So I decided to learn to shoot and to prepare for worst case. We have lived in multiple state but all were earthquake zones. One was also a volcano zone. So then my question was: How do I start?

The four real issues are: food, water, shelter, protection. So I have set about learning all I can about each in different situations. I now live in the desert on the edge of BLM land. I know where the water sources are for wildlife. I know where to find game. I also know several escape routes off the interstate if needed.

Examine where you live. What type of natural disasters can happen? If needed can you lock yourself down at home while still gaining access to food and water? If you need to get out of the area do you know the less traveled paths? Honestly it’s not about the apocalypse or aliens, it is about knowing that sometimes bad things happen. Job loss, illness, accident, fire, tornado, earthquake, hurricane, etc. Knowing that bad things are a possibility is what being prepared means. It is seeing those possibilities and doing what you can to make sure you and your family are able to weather any eventuality.  

Kim Walsh is a writer, designer, rights advocate, fribromyalgia awareness activist, wife, mother, and friend. You can check out her blog, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.