ssissaba

Above is my GLOGSTER, i created reflecting on ICT semester 1. We were to use glogster or video to present our reflection on what we learned during ICT 8, and i chose to use gloster.

This year in ICT 8, we experienced aspects to computer that we had never heard of. I personally learned about many new websites that help with everyday life and that are fun to use.

We did so many activities this year, and its hard to keep track of the order. I remember we were introduced to Edublogs where we kept track of all our doings through out the semester. To start the semester, we made a video about Olympia, Washington in Adobe Premier elements. This video taught us about Adobe and we used those skills again when we made a personal video. The personal video was constructed of pictures and voice over that we made using audacity.

After experimenting with video, we moved on to a program called Scratch. Scratch creates computer games. We used scratch to create a ping pong ball game. This was a particularly hard part of ICT, because grasping the concept of “controls” confused me. We had to place individual controls for what we wanted scratch to do. If we weren’t precise, scratch would do something completely different and cause us to start all over again.

After we used scratch for a while, Mr. Bertoia interested us in a science/ICT project. Our job was to form groups of three and research a list of elements. Next, we had to pick an element in Science class and research it in ICT. After the research we used google maps to post a video and text about our element. My element was argon, and for my video i decided to recite a poem i wrote, about argon.

We used another site called Glogster, which is what i am using to present my reflection to you.Finally, we did a project about computer safety, which wasn’t that interesting. I really enjoyed this semester in ICT, because we always did something new, and something that i could gain knowledge from. I’m sure that next semester there will be even more that i can learn from, and even more that i can enjoy.

Below, i have posted a picture of the brochure i created. This brochure informs people about the dangers of Trojan horses, worm, viruses and phishing. It also tells people some safety precautions.

brochure-viruses

Phishing

Phishing is a crime, a cyber crime, in which hackers try to get user to give out important information by fake or spoof emails, software, programs and websites.( Phishing – Bella online.)
“Fraud artists” (hackers with experience in cyber crimes) might send millions of fraud emails appearing to be from websites that you know. Some advanced ‘phishing’ emails even have links to real websites or fake websites which look exactly like the real one. (recognize phishing scams..)
You can be a victim of Phishing by fraudulent emails. (What is phishing)

To avoid getting hooked (being a victim of a phishing):

*  Don’t reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don’t click on links in the message. Don’t cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.

* Some scanners send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a “refund.” Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scanners really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.

* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.

* Don’t email personal or financial information.

* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.

* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.

* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.

* If you’ve been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. (Phishing – onguard online)

Work Cited

“Phishing – OnGuard Online.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx>.

“Phishing – Virus and Spam.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/7483.asp>.

“Recognize phishing scams and fraudulent e-mails.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/email/phishing.mspx?ifs=0>.

“What is phishing? – a definition from Whatis.com – see also: phish, carding, phisher, fishing, brand spoof, brand spoofing.” 8 Dec 2008 <http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid14_gci916037,00.html>.

A worm is a self-reproducing computer  program. It makes copies of itself and sends them to various areas of your computer. (Computer worm – Wikipedia)A computer worm is also considered to be a subset of a virus even though it is not really a virus. (The difference between a Worm…)

Not all worms are bad. There have been attempts to create ‘good’ worms. for example a family of worms called “Nachi” have been created to help fix weak links in Microsofts host system. Another group of worms call XSS worms have been created to try and figure out how worms spread and work. (Computer worm – Wikipedia)

A computer worm is different from a normal virus because a worm can run itself whaeras a virus needs a host program to run it. Though some modern worms are hidden in files. The best way, that i know, to protect yourself from aquirring a worm is to have up-to-date anti-virus softwares. Worms spread similarly to Trojan Horses, so to prevent them be careful of email attachments and what you download. (What is a computer worm?)

Ways that a worm can affect you:
“   1. Email worms can “spoof” your email address (put your address as the sender of infected emails), making it look like you are sending spam and viruses even though you are not.
2. They can infiltrate your systems, sending out infected emails from your computer.
3. The more malicious viruses can erase your hard drive or completely disable your computer systems.
4. Some may install software on your system (remote access trojans – RATs) that allows others to access, steal, and/or change your computer files.” (Worm and Virus Artice)

An example of a worm :
“Be on the lookout for spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm
malicious software (malware) which mention “F.B.I. vs. facebook”. The e-mail directs
the recipient to click on a link to view an article about the
FBI and Facebook. Once the user clicks on the link, malware is downloaded
to the Internet connected device and causes it to become infected and become part
of the Storm Worm botnet. A botnet is a network of compromised
machines under the control of a single user. Botnets are typically set up to facilitate
criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks,
and spreading malware to other machines on the Internet.” (Internet Crime Complaint)

Work Cited:

“Computer worm – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm>.

“Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) | Alert: Storm Worm virus.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.ic3.gov/media/2008/080730.aspx>.

“The Difference Between a Virus, Worm and Trojan Horse?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2004/virus.asp>.

“What is a computer worm?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.tech-faq.com/computer-worm-virus.shtml>.

“Worm and Virus Article. How to Protect Against..” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.websitemarketingplan.com/marketing_management/worm_virus.htm>.

Trojan Horse

A Trojan Horse is a very common virus, but difficult to remove from machine. A trojan horse appears as an offer that makes the user believe it is a beneficial offer. (What is a Trojan Horse virus). The virus effects all folder in your hard drive, searching for personal or financial information. When the virus has found the needed information, its reports it back to the hackers database.

You receive a Trojan Horse via email, through an email attachment. The Trojan horse also is received through update offers. Once its installed it starts to effect all folders or files. The Trojan horse can enter your machine through any download. (what is a Trojan horse virus #2).

Trojan Horses are a very malicious infection. They let internet thief’s hack into personal information. The most dangerous thing about Trojan horses is that they are very hard to detect. Sometimes even anti-virus programs cannot detect them. Trojan Horses are becoming more common for people who have “always on” internet connection such as DSL; although you can also be infected by them with a normal dial-up connection. One way to avoid a Trojan horse is to never accept or download files from unknown sources. (computer security program: Trojan horses)

Machines that a Trojan Horse mostly effects:

Windows 98
Windows 95
Windows XP
Windows Me
Windows Vista
Windows NT
Windows Server 2003
Windows 2000

To help protect yourself from a Trojan Horse, here are some softwares that you can download:

Initial Rapid Release version pending
Latest Rapid Release version December 3, 2008 revision 055
Initial Daily Certified version pending
Latest Daily Certified version December 3, 2008 revision 051
Initial Weekly Certified release date February 19, 2004
(Trojan Horse – Symantec.com)

Work Cited:

“Computer security program: Trojans horse virus.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.essortment.com/all/computersecurit_rqbt.htm>.

“Trojan Horse – Symantec.com.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2004-021914-2822-99>.

“What is a Trojan Horse Virus?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://www.tech-faq.com/trojan-horse-virus.shtml>.

“What’s a Trojan Horse virus?.” 4 Dec 2008 <http://antivirus.about.com/b/2006/05/31/whats-a-trojan-horse-virus.htm>.

Virus

a computer virus is a small software program that are designed to interfere with the way a computer operates. A virus is also designed to spread from one machine to another. The virus can come in to your computer without the user knowing it. (Computer virus – Wikipedia)A virus can only spread when its host is taken to the computer without the virus. The user can send the virus over the internet or it can be carried on a removable disk such as an USB drive, floppy disc or CD. (Computer virus FAQ for New Users)

a virus can affect any type of file, not just ‘program file’. There is one virus called ‘macro”. This virus occurs on word processors or spreadsheets. To reduce your chances of obtaining viruses from and email, you should save the file first and then have a recent virus scanner check the file before you open it. (Computer Viruses: What is a computer virus?)(Different types of Computer Viruses)

Tips on avoiding viruses:

1. Install anti-virus software. USE and UPDATE it regularly.
2. Scan for viruses, and install an “on access” scanner.
3. Anti-virus programs are not very good for finding the Trojan horse, so be careful about opening documents from unknown sources. This includes filed you receive from emails or online chat. Also downloads from unknown or rare sites.
4. Have regular backups incase all your data gets erased.
(Computer virus FAQ for New Users)

Work Cited:

“Computer virus – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” 1 Dec 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_virus>.

“Computer Virus FAQ for New Users.” 1 Dec 2008 <http://www.faqs.org/faqs/computer-virus/new-users/>.

“Computer Viruses: What is a Computer Virus? | Microsoft Security;.” 1 Dec 2008 <http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/basics/virus.mspx>.

Script for Argon Video: (my poem)

I help in many ways you never even knew

I protect other elements

My gas is also used.

I’m a non-metal gas

And proud of it too

Sir William Ramsey of Scotland

Is why I am known to you.

I am know as number 18

I will never be seen

For I am way, way too small

.93% is all.

I live in the Atmosphere

Above your head all day

You never guessed my gas could be

Your source of light today.

At the end, in my credits, I will post all the written information I have about Argon.

Below, i have posted a symbol representing the element Argon. We have been assigned a project where we had to create a symbol on Adobe Photo shop, and then show it on a public Google map.

http://ssissaba.edublogs.org/files/2008/11/argon-sign.png

Last week, a few volunteers from an organization called crossroads came into our lives and changed our perspectives. Thursday, 6th November was a day filled with sympathy for the people living in poverty and a day filled with activities which helped us understand how these poor people have to live. We had a guest talker called DJ who really spoke to our hearts and explained what crossroads is and does. Crossroads is a group that collects donated items from prominent and wealthy companies and donates it to charities that help people in need. DJ told us the story of how crossroads came and how it was an accident. All the things people donated happened to be exactly what other people needed.

To help us learn how people in poverty lived, for 30 minutes, we experienced a life changing simulation. Our objective was to make paper bags, literally, and to sell them. We had 10 minute increments to make and sell. If we failed to earn a certain amount of money, we had to live under a bridge and pay our debts. I learned so much by this simulation, I’m having a hard time putting it into words. By raw experience we understood what poor people had to face everyday! Challenges such as pleasing the shopkeepers, or making the bags perfect were thrown in our faces every minute. We all know that poor people live on the streets. Actually, people in poverty live in Slums; which, if you think about it, are much worse that streets. There is a higher chance our getting infected and you put your body at more risk. A plastic 2×2 mat was supposedly our house. Paper and a bucket of makeshift glue (flour and water combined) were our only possessions besides the clothes on our backs. After the simulation ended i reflected on what my family and me had to do to earn money. I am ashamed to admit it now;for money, we had to sell one oh our family members. I learned that we have to do as much as we can for those who are less fortunate.

I thank my teachers an incredible amount for deciding to ask crossroads to let us experience this simulation. Without it, i would have had know idea how mindless poverty is. You become a slave to whomever may be buying your products. Its sad how poor people have no freedom. DJ explained to us how a woman told him about poverty. There is a continuous poverty cycle and if you are born poor, you will marry poor and you will end up staying poor. Same goes for your children. There is almost no hope that someday your family will break free from this unjust life cycle except for the fact that our generation, today, can help. I find it hard to believe that 40% percent of our world population live on under a dollar while we sit at home reading about people who have much more money than they could EVER need.

To be taken to my original glog post, click on the poster link above.

We studied about Christopher Columbus and we all wrote an ad that we posted while we were pretending to be Columbus. Then we made a poster, above is mine.