What is a VPN Connection?

by Marty on February 15, 2013

Fast, secure, and reliable computer connections are becoming increasingly more important as computer networks become a larger part of business. Mobile technology has also created a demand for security and reliable ways to access a computer network or server from anywhere. A Virtual Private Network (abbreviated as VPN) is a technology that allows computer users to do this. A VPN connection is a private network that uses the Internet (or another public network) to establish a connection. These are ‘virtual’ connections because they are routed through the public network rather than through a direct data link. How does a VPN protect the security of the data? The data is encrypted. That means that anyone intercepting it will not be able to make sense of it, an important advantage for any business or individual worrying about the privacy of their connection.

What is a VPN Connection?

Before VPN, businesses would lease a line to connect computers between different locations. One common type of leased line was ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). These are private networks that can be leased from different providers. However, they can be very expensive, especially if the distance between the locations is larger. With Internet Service Providers developing better Internet services for individual users, many businesses and computer users are replacing their leased lines with private networks that take advantage of this huge public network. In a business setting, internal private networks for each office can be extended by connecting them to one another through the use of a VPN connection.

Understanding how a VPN connection works

Each home or business has a local area network (LAN.) These can be connected to each other using the Internet. However, computer users have no control over all the wires, cables, and routers that make up the Internet. This means that security is an issue. Connecting two private LAN or computer systems through a resource that is shared with everyone else means that people can potentially know what you are doing or the data that you are sending through the connection. This could potentially be solved by taking a cable and connecting both networks or computer systems directly. This is essentially what a leased line is. However, this is impractical and can become prohibitively expensive as distances become larger. A leased line is separate from the Internet, meaning that the chance for intrusion is null. A VPN connection solves this problem differently. Basically, it creates a connection that is fast, reliable, and that cannot be eavesdropped on. Rather than creating its own direct connection, a VPN uses an existing public network to carry encrypted data through more efficient, direct channels. This gives a VPN a distinct advantage over leased lines: scalability.

The two most common kinds of VPN connections

There are basically two common kinds of VPN connections, remote-access VPN and site-to-site VPN. Remote-access VPN connections are used by individual computer users who use them to access another computer network. One common application for this kind of VPN connection is for businesses that have a need for individuals that telecommute or for field agents that need to gain access to the company network from different locations. Although this kind of service is great for individuals, offices comprised of many computer systems will usually require a different kind of VPN, a site-to-site VPN. These connections allow one private network to connect to another private network, allowing a company to connect several branches in a single network.

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The Importance of Online Privacy Protection

by Marty on January 17, 2013

Online privacy is very important and it is a right for every internet user. All browser and computers are required that they be configured in a way that they do not display a person’s personal information to others. The rising cases of fraud have even added to the need for online privacy protection because hackers have been finding ways to beat almost all firewalls that are set up.

Protecting your privacy online is necessary to ensure you do not fall prey to identity thieves. When your details can easily be found online, criminals are likely to use them and pose as you to perform criminal acts. Each criminal activity is unlawful and when authorities start picking up evidence they will most likely find incriminating evidence against you whereas you were never actually involved. This happens because the criminals leave a trail of your details behind.

Maintaining online privacy also protects you from cases of theft and fraud. If people get hold of your bank account, credit card or other financial details they will use them and drain all your resources. You might even be left in debt or worse bankrupt just because they used up all your money. There have been cases where people have had their bank accounts drained. You are also likely to note transactions that were carried out without your knowledge on your bank statement or credit card report. To avoid this never share your details or even save them and if you do save them online then you must ensure to have a custom made firewall set up on your computers and network.

Anonymity is also another good thing that comes with online privacy protection. You are able to visit websites without their servers detecting your IP address or geographical location. This has allowed people to have access to websites that are blocked by authorities without getting into trouble. Maintaining some form of privacy like not sharing contact details has helped people avoid spam marketing messages that emanate from all over once telemarketers get hold of your information. Protect yourself today by ensuring that you hold all your personal information to yourself or entrusted parties only.

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RIM Promises BlackBerry Will Perform Better Next Year

by Marty on December 3, 2012

RIM made a vow to earn itself around after it sluggish quarter performance last year. With promises being made to produce top notch handset models next year, RIM seeks to rebound. And prove others wrong. The maker of BlackBerry devices are said to be working closely with their developers in seeing the project through.

Although this could be a make-or-break case this year, RIM gives no assurance it’ll reverse completely the billions of dollars lost for the past few years. Shareholders will have to hold their breath amidst their disappointment since the BB 10 is the only hopeful option they have left. RIM’s current stock slumped further after its lacklustre previous quarter performance was revealed in a recent financial call.

A lot of speculation has been made as to whether or not RIM will finally sell out or the company seeks to break up. While RIM is busy shooting down false claims and reassuring its investors of a bright future ahead of them, analysts are left scratching their heads. How will the BB 10 fare next year? And what will RIM do if their next project ends up not meeting their expectations?

A year after RIM’s stock value plummeted to over 80%, some developers decided to jump ship while investors vented out their frustration and disappointment, despite the success of a few devices like the Bold 9900 and Torch 9810. RIM had to make it to a point the delay of its devices is crucial. This would give plenty of time for their developers to perfect the platform and ensure the devices meet their standards. The thought of holding back a release of its new line of devices for the upcoming holiday season may be frowned by many, but it’s a tactical move.

RIM Promises BlackBerry Will Perform Better Next Year

Plenty of flagship handsets are expected to make their introductions at the end of this year. As a result, RIM made a sensible move to release their handsets next year. They hope that users can get a clear view of what the BB 10 will bring to the table and part themselves from the distractions caused by Google and Apple powered handsets.

The CEO of RIM admits his disappointment with last year’s sales. But he is optimistic of the company moving into the right direction. RIM is reported to be in the middle of its transitional process where they are reducing manpower, costs and making internal changes to facilitate an efficient company they once were. Despite criticism from analysts and users alike, BlackBerry will, once again, try to make a mark in history as the brand that started it all.

RIM has made it to a point to cut down on this year’s BlackBerry model so they can intensify their focus on producing high end devices for next year. The company is doing its best to retain its physical keyboard, an important aspect that made their devices recognizable. At the same time, touch screen based handsets are also in the works.

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RIM’s Mobile Solutions

by Marty on November 27, 2012

Things are not looking good for Research in Motion. The Waterloo based company that started it all recently posted its worst sales figure during its financial call early this year. This is the lowest point of RIM and it looks like Blackberry is losing a lot of ground fast.

RIM is dealing with a huge number of losses. With over 3,000 job cuts it made from all over the world, the company has plans on removing more employees. While this may seem grim, RIM is making it even worse as its projected release date of its new BlackBerry 10 platform and next line of devices to be made this year has been delayed again. This time, the company promises it will definitely release its line of devices at the end of this year (at its earliest).

The CEO of RIM is laser focused on taking the company off its heavy burden ever since taking the position this January. The first few moves made was to save the company from losing billions more. And that starts by cutting off its employees and hiring bank consultants for financial brainstorming.

RIM’s newfound saviour in a third world country, India, is doing its best to attract more users of despite BlackBerry’s limited line of new handsets this year. The strategy reassures its Indian consumers how RIM’s business will slowly grow for the next several years.

While sales of BlackBerry devices are dwindling in major locations across North America, the trend in the Asian Pacific areas are not. In fact, India is rapidly selling BlackBerry handsets more than any other country around the world. This could be a glimmer of hope for RIM as over 50% of its users are located overseas. The overall earnings of RIM is strengthened by its overseas sales, mainly outside North America, where 70% of its profits came from.

Enterprise networks are rising in India and while RIM is struggling to make ends meet, it’s taking advantage of the country with a good reason: to regain back its power as a mobile maker in today’s tough, competitive market.

India may not have been making a lot of noise in terms of BlackBerry usage but it’s rapidly improving economy and sudden surge of BlackBerry devices have caught the attention of RIM. India’s growing companies are the main reasons why the country is in need of high security handsets, only seen in BlackBerry phones.

Strategies have already been laid out by RIM. But the strategy of making BlackBerry a formidable brand is clearly seen in India. The company aims to cut down costs to make BlackBerry widespread within the region. One of these costs involves the BlackBerry Enterprise Server Express solutions for small to large scale companies.

For more details, visit BlackBerryRocks.com

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