Important- Do you let your Web browser save passwords for you? Read This.

Both Internet Explorer and Firefox offer to save a password every time you type one in. If you think about it, you probably realize it isn't a great idea, but it's SO convenient.

Remember this: For the browser to type the password, it needs to be readable, so anyone with access to your computer can see the passwords under certain conditions.

1. Firefox: All your remembered passwords can be viewed unless you set a master password. Go to Tools->Options-> Security and set a master password. This will encrypt the passwords. It isn't perfect, but it's a start.

2. Internet Explorer. Don't let it remember passwords. It's too easy for another person on your machine or a piece of malware to get them. If you don't believe me, go to nirsoft and see IE Passview

Fairpoint: A good idea?

Fairpoint, a small North Carolina telecommunications company, wants to buy Verizon's business in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont. By almost all accounts, they have nowhere near enough money to do it. Here's are some interesting articles from Fosters.com (Fosters Daily Democrat) and The Phoenix, a Maine newspaper. Exclusive: No raises for seven years - News - The Phoenix

Update: May 2008 - Fairpoint is in. Verizon is out - now we're just watching to see what happens.

What is WiMax?

WiMax is the successor to WiMax, and follows the IEEE 802.16 standard as opposed to 802.11 we know and love. It allows much longer distances, up to 30 miles or so, vs WiFi's 300ft.

It uses completely different electronics, and different frequencies, but equipment can be produced that does both.

This technology is being used by cell phone companies like Sprint to supply high speed wireless internet to their customers as infrastructure as opposed to WiMax which is so short range it tends to be privately owned directly by the customers ( like homes or businesses ).

A good description can be found here:
PC Today Article - WiMax & Pre-WiMAX