Bookstore News - June 2007   

Welcome to this issue of the Computer Books Online Bookstore News. This month’s topic is security. You will find tips, advice, and information about the World Wide Web and how you can keep your computer safe while you enjoy all that the Internet has to offer. The Internet becomes bigger everyday and security issues are on the rise. Nevertheless, there is plenty that you can do to become proactive, simply in the act of learning how to protect your computer and your identity.

Hackers Offer Subscription, Support for Malware.

There is little doubt that the Internet can be a frightening place. Headlines like this abound indicating the dramatic rise in security risks and identity theft. A simple search on a major search engine like Google reveals several serious headlines: Stolen Identities Sold Cheap on the Black Market, Hackers Selling Vista Zero-Day Exploit, and Hackers selling IDs for $14 are among the search results.

Thankfully, there is some hope to offer to web users everywhere. Today, authorities are working extremely hard at eliminating these hackers-selling-malware sites. Take a look at the following case, found in the Google search engine, and see the small present day successes at eliminating these threats:

Hacker's Site Shut Down

Do you rely on innovative software applications like PowerPoint or Microsoft Word in your business or just for personal use? Do you download documents often? You may find yourself surprised and shocked by this video offered by Symantec. The video clearly indicates how easy it is to infiltrate a computer via a Zero-Day exploit.

Symantec's Zero-Day Exploit

Learn how to keep your computer protected by fending off exposure to viruses, Trojans, malware, and more, by visiting:

Microsoft on Security at Home
 

 
Wallace Wang and Steal This Computer Book

The world of cyberspace can indeed be dangerous, especially to those individuals that are fairly new to the Internet or to those individuals that lack the knowledge to keep their identity and computers safe from harm. There are myriad books on the subject of security, but not all books are created equal. Wallace Wang offers a new way to look at security via his latest book.

Wallace Wang, a stand up comedian, has authored Steal This File Sharing Book, The Book of Nero 6, and Visual Basic 2005 Express: Now Playing, all of which are published by No Starch Press. His most recent book, Steal This Computer Book 4.0, is part of a series, and it provides to readers a unique perspective on computer security. The book is a tremendous success, having sold more than 175,000 copies and focuses on protecting oneself from phishing scams, Trojans, viruses and the like.  

About Wallace Wang

Wallace Wang has an affection for the art of writing and began his writing career using the most basic of computers and printers. It wasn’t long before Wang discovered just how complicated, and sometimes irritating, the use of a computer can be—a lack of user information and poor quality programs can drive the most sane individual crazy. Wang found himself longing for software applications that were user friendly and simplistic, while at the same time offering him the features that were most useful. Turning a negative situation into a positive one, Wang decided to share his computer experiences with others so that he could help minimize the frustration that one experiences when they start using computers.

After writing several books Wang wrote Steal this Computer Book 4.0. Well advanced in his learning of computer technology, Wang wanted to illustrate how the world of hackers operates and what hackers are capable of. Wang also wanted to illustrate how hackers have taken on a role in the world of advertising by working for different agencies and/or spyware companies. While Steal this Computer Book 4.0 is still about the dangers of hacking, it does not focus solely on hacking of personal computers. Instead, the book focuses on how a hacker’s mind really works—by studying and exploring vulnerabilities.

About Steal This Computer Book 4.0

In Steal This Computer Book, Wang argues that the text is philosophical—a book that explores the myriad implications of computer hacking. Wang further argues that the text does not advocate the practice of hacking, but it does advocate the principles behind the practice of hacking. In other words, Wang suggests that one should not be a hacker, but should think like one. Hackers, according to Wang, are people that seek possibilities, they think broadly, and they look for innovative solutions. The hacker is a person that thinks outside of the box and considers all the angles for getting around an obstacle.

Citing the past success of hackers, Wang then explores the mindset of hackers. In exploring the subject area, Wang also explains how hacking works. The process of explaining hacking procedures is avoidable if the subject area is to be sufficiently treated and addressed and Wang neatly omits any programming information. Yet, Wang asserts throughout the text that the book is not a teaching guide for hackers, it is an awareness guide for all computer users. 

Steal This Computer Book 4.0 is filled with informative illustrations which makes the text easy to understand. A thorough history of hacking is provided and Wang makes some insightful predictions about hacking practices in the future. A highly readable and informative text, Steal This Computer Book 4.0 is an excellent addition to any library.

ONLINE VERSION NOTE: codes are available only to subscribers. Use the form on the left to subscribe. If you are a subscriber, and could not see the pictures in your newsletter, please contact customer service with your name and email address, and let us know which codes you want.