As if Facebook hadn’t caught enough flack yet Timeline just arrived. This time FB is changing the WHOLE interface, for those of chose, in order to add a chronicle of the  users life, hence Timeline.  Here is how FB defines the new interface:

“The feature replaces current user profiles and dramatically overhauls how information is shared on the service.”

The Chrome browser may be the new kid on the block but it is fast becoming one of the most popular and now the safest.  According to a study by Accuvant, Google’s upstart browser is the safest one on the block.

The 500 Lbs. canary of the social networks just decided to preen itself a bit by simplifying its portable app so that it is more friendly to new users.  Twitter will use icons to help users find new posts, add something or follow someone.

A company name Carrier IQ has installed a rootkit on millions of Android, Symbian, Blackberry and webOS phones.  The stealth software lies at the bottom of the phones system and copies information which is then capable of being sent back to another location.  Here’s the full story which is still unfolding. (Update: rootkit is on iPhone 4!)

The video is a bit long and technical but it is also REALLY scary to see the information that this Carrier IQ rootkit or hidden software is recording every keystroke that you make INCLUDING Https (secure) transmissions.  It is fascinating to watch the software actually recording the information; however it must be noted the researcher was not able to demonstrate how the software transmitted the data.  Still it is unsettling to think that their is software running in your Android or Blackberry phone that is capable of recording everything that you enter into the phone!

Here is the anti-dote for the Carrier IQ poison in your phone!

Emily Hay is a social media expert who graced us with her presence the other day to help teach a group of old men (OK most of them were middle aged) how to use Twitter, the communication tool for individuals and businesses that doesn’t use up your data minutes. Emily has been kind enough to put down her ideas  in Emily’s Guide to Twitter.  Enjoy; and hey there, Emily, thanks!

On our Nov. 26 program we talked about helping a listener to recycle their old computers.

• Cal Carson suggest using Best Buy where they will recycle any computer component EXCEPT hard drives.
• Foster recommended that you check your contract when you bought the computer for recycling instructions to see whether you bought the green recycle option which would allow you to turn in your old unit when you are through with it.
• Check and see if the company or store from which you are buying your new computer takes trade ins and get some value for the old horse!
• Ed Rudel suggested that you check with your municipality or country recycling or public works departement to see if they have specific programs for recycling all sorts of electronics including computers (In South Oakland County Michigan check with SOCRRA)
• Finally if you live in Southeast Michigan Cal also recommended checking with Great Lakes Recycling

PLEASE DO NOT JUST DUMP YOUR USED ELECTRONICS IN THE TRASH OR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN WILL LIVE TO CURSE YOU FOR POLLUTING THEIR FUTURE!

After a week of disgusting pop ups on innocent accounts, Facebook lowers the boom on hackers. The social media giant says it knows who is behind the coordinated spam attack resulting in a huge flood of links, videos, and images depicting pornography, acts of violence, self-mutilation, and bestiality on the site.

Android IceCream Sandwich

Android Phones are far and away the most popular smartphones on the market, as a group.  Good news for phone makers, bad news for phone users because it paints a big “Hack Me” sign on their backs!  Full Story

iCloud

Steve’s Job’s mantra when referring to his devices was “it all just works” which is very good but he forgot to add, “and when you do, don’t forget that it will eat up lots of data on your monthly phone plan.”  Read this article or prepare for sticker shock on your next wireless bill.  The telco’s must LOVE iCloud!

Redmond isn’t waiting for Patch Tuesday to plug the latest hole in its operating system.  The Duqu hack is using a font parsing engine to do its damage. Fortunately Microsoft has issued a one click FixIt solution to the problem in this knowledge base article.