OCLC Acquires EZProxy

EZProxy has been used by libraries for years, primarily because it is a relatively simple piece of software to install and maintain.  In January, OCLC acquired EZProxy.  Chris Zagar, the developer of EZProxy, will be hired by OCLC as a full-time consultant.
[Disclaimer:  I work for Amigos Library Services, which works with OCLC.]
[from OCLC News Release]

RFID in US Libraries

NISO has published a best practices document surrounding the implementation and maintenance of RFID use in US libraries (RP-6-2008). The recommendations include:

RFID tags should comply with the ALA/BISG Resolution on RFID Technology and Privacy Principles
Use 13.56 MHz High Frequency tags
Use passive tags, not active
Read range should not be substantially increased
Tags should use standardized AFI feature
AFI [...]

A Real Weasley Clock?

Well, not quite, but Microsoft Research Cambridge has created a prototype clock that will tell you generally where each of your family is using cell phone signals, e.g., home, work, school, and elsewhere. Called the “Whereabouts Clock,” it requires software to be downloaded on each of the phones.
The first time a family member arrives [...]

Using Graphics as Passwords

Instead of remembering letters, number, and symbols, the brain has an easier time remembering pictures. Researchers at Newcastle University have created a way to use graphics as passwords. The user first chooses a background and then draws, freehand, and picture on top of the background. This becomes the password. The background [...]

Wireless Policy Checklist

MaintainIT posted a checklist for wireless policies, courtesy of Louise Alcorn. In an earlier post, she states:
Policy is a good issue, though I think some libraries over-policy the wireless. If you have a good library computer/internet use policy and a good library conduct policy, you are largely covered. You need some wording changes for [...]

Tracking Changes on Digital Graphics & Videos

A computer security analyst, Neal Krawetz, can analyze digital graphics and videos to determine if it is an original or if it has been manipulated. He can identify the last tool to touch the file, e.g., Adobe PhotoShop or the make/model of the original camera. Using the metadata of the image, he can [...]

Logins & Passwords

This video says it all!
[from Library Stuff]

Ten Most Common Passwords

These are the ten most common passwords, courtesy of PC Magazine.  If your password is on this list, change it!

password
123456
qwerty
abc123
letmein
monkey
myspace1
password1
link182
(your first name)

[from ResourceShelf]

System Administrators Day

The last Friday in July is always System Administrators Day.  Take a few minutes to say thanks!

Morris Worm Creator Indicted

In 1986, a Robert Morris, a student at MIT, created a program to determine how large the Internet was. Later called the Morris Worm, it had an error in it which cause itself to replicate and infect computers until they crashed.
Just this month, Morris was indicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a [...]