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Steal This Computer Book
by Joe Mizer - February 18, 2002 at 19:17:11:
Written by Wallace WangComputer Security , Hackers and viruses are a threat to all computer users. No matter how you protect your system, if it is on line it is vulnerable to attacks which can ruin your files or hoodwink you out of thousands of dollars. The author is a regular contributor to Boardwatch magazine and appears on radio and television programs to talk about hackers and computer viruses. Wallace Wang also performs stand-up comedy regularly in Las Vegas and has appeared on the nationally syndicated television show, "A&E's Evening at the Improv." As you can see from the chapter list below the subjects are very serious to each of us.
This book is divided into five parts
Part 1: Information Overload Chapter 1 Search Engines Chapter 2 Sources of information Chapter 3 Censorship online Chapter 4 Pledging Allegiance Chapter 5 Where are the hackers
Part 2: Games People Play Chapter 6 Computing on a shoestring Chapter 7 Stalking People Chapter 8 Con Games on the internet
Part 3: Games Hackers Play Chapter 9 Phreaking and other Phun Chapter 10 Harassing others online Chapter 11 Breaking and Entering
Part 4: Destructive Threats on the Internet Chapter 12 Internet Hacking Chapter 13 Viruses I History Chapter 14 Viruses II Writing a Virus Chapter 15 Viruses III Prevention Chapter 16 Trojan Horses
Part 5: Protecting Yourself Chapter 17 Waging War on Spam Chapter 18 Computer Forensics Chapter 19 Protecting your Computer
The first paragraphs of the Introduction gives an accurate description of the book. Introduction This book won't turn you into a hacker any more than reading a military manual will turn you into a soldier. But what this book will do is open your eyes to the darker side of the Internet.......Not surprisingly, some people will find the information in this book distasteful, disturbing, and downright dangerous, Yet others will see this same information as an excuse and a reason to cause havoc and make trouble for others. But neither side is correct. The purpose of this book is to challenge you to think about your preconceived notions about right and wrong and how you've been trained to think by your culture.................
Wallace Wang has packed so much information into this book I am surprised he didn't use twice as many pages. His writing style is clear and concise, and still avoids being dull and boring. Throughout the book reference is made to never believe a single source, and always seek out alternate opinions. This is stressed in chapter 2 where you are encouraged to not rely on just the local newspapers for your news, but go also to the international sources for comparison. The truth is probably someplace between the two.
Included with the book is a CD which includes freeware, shareware, free trials, and demos of defensive and other programs. The author only guarantees the programs and files are free of viruses, and from there you are on your own. Some of the topics are Anonymity, Anti-Spyware, Anti-Trojan Horse, Anti Virus, Bulk E-Mailers, Desktop Security, File Shredders, Honey Pot Traps ( programs to help you catch and counterattack hackers) and many others.
The Book is published by No Starch Press, at www.nostarch.com. The price is $24.95 and worth every penny. The ISBN # is 1-886411-42-5. Distributed by Publishers Group West. My copy is heavily marked up with yellow HI-LITER and sticky notes poking from the edges to sections I want to reread or visit the listed references. I was so caught up in the book I managed to finish all 400 + pages in less than a week. Since you know the kid around the corner will have his copy, can you afford to be on line without knowing how to limit your risk?
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