Recycle - Recycle - Recycle

I have always been a big fan of selling used computer and electronic equipment on eBay, but I never thought of it as a method of recycling. The PCWorld.com article - Easy Ways to Recycle Old PCs and Cell Phones--Really! goes into detail on what else we can to do recycle that old equipment we no longer use.

Protecting your kids online

I've been saving a Microsoft Security Newsletter for Home Users that I received from Microsoft in December 2004, because it has some excellent information about protecting children against online evils. Below is the section including pertinent links:

Protecting your kids online

10 things to teach kids about Internet safety
Just like the real world, the Internet can be dangerous for kids. Before you let your kids go online without your supervision, make you sure that you discuss how they can use the Internet safely and establish some rules. These 10 ideas will get you started.

Kids and the Internet: Your questions answered
All parents have questions about how to supervise their children's Internet use. We compiled a list of some of the most common questions and answered them here.

Online predators: Help minimize the risk
Online predators are one of many parents' worst fears. By knowing the risks of online communication and being involved, you can help prevent your child from becoming a target.

Internet safety guidelines for kids of all ages
Some Web content is clearly not appropriate for every age group. Learn how to help your kids distinguish good information from bad and avoid violent or hateful content. Plus, get tips on how to guide kids' Internet use as they grow through different ages and stages in their lives:

Ages 2-4
Ages 5-6
Ages 7-8
Ages 9-12
Ages 13-17

You can subscribe to the newsletter here.

Microsoft Community Chat

I am a newbie when it comes to alot of GPO customization, but this question posted over at the Microsoft Community Chat helps out alot:

"GPO Question: How can I secure some training lab PC's to prevent the users from installing software? I'd like to be able to lock down the PC's to secure them and prevent the users from changing settings, installing software & generally poking around.

A: I think the easiest way to accomplish a loickdown like that is to start with one of the scenarios in Microsoft's 'Implementing Common Desktop Management Scenarios' (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/serverwhitepapers/0ede57ad-7796-4b47-99fe-3d38702558a9.mspx).
Pick the parts of a scenario that you like then test and modify from there."

Download details: Group Policy ADM Files

I'm attending a Top 10 GPOs for Desktop Management chat hosted by Ed Roth from Windows IT Pro Magazine, and he just pointed this page out. Important ADM files by version of OS:Download details: Group Policy ADM Files

Google Local

I've seen a dozen postings about the new Google Local services that is for mobile devices since yesterday, so today I am adding one too. I can't say enough good things about how well this works. I'm using it via the Pocket IE in my SX66, but it should work with most new phones that have web browsers built-in.

To test it, open your phone's web browser and type in www.google.com (if you get an error type http://www.google.com/xhtml). This gives you the ability to search for web sites, images, or local places. For a local search example, type in cigar 33131 in the text box and choose Local, then click the Google Search button. This will return all the cigar shops near the Downtown Miami area.

Give it a whirl!

Microsoft Partner Pack for Windows

I just found this on the Microsoft Downloads RSS feed. Looks pretty cool. I actually use the PayPal Payment Wizard, and played with Microsoft Time Zone for a while, but was unaware of much of the rest of the stuff available. Have a go at it yourself: Microsoft Partner Pack for Windows Web Site