Computer and internet briefs

Dec 25, 2011, 3:06 GMT

Private photos in social networks never 100 per cent secure

Berlin (dpa) - Those who upload private photos should be aware of the risks involved, including content supposedly configured to be visible solely to certain friends and acquaintances.

'Programming and operating errors can always happen and make intimate content visible for the general public,' warns Professor Johannes Buchmann from the Centre for Advanced Security Research Darmstadt (CASED) in Germany.

Such a programming error recently made it possible to see photos protected from other users in Facebook.

Even some private photos of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg were viewable on the web because of a software problem. Facebook said only a limited number of photos were exposed and that the risk no longer exists. But it's not the first error of this kind that the social network has faced.

However, security expert Buchmann believes the privacy settings are fundamentally trustworthy.

'It's not in the interest of the network operators to deceive their own customers,' he said.

But since errors by the operators or users cannot be ruled out, every upload should be carefully considered beforehand. 'I cannot really see a use in uploading very private pictures,' says Buchmann.

Xbox voice control update ready to download

Berlin (dpa) - Microsoft has made available the voice control update for the Xbox 360 game console which was announced in the summer and users can load the new firmware onto their devices.

New are the voice functions which will make it easier to find games, music or films on the Xbox live marketplace. The update gives users access to new TV, video and film offers, including pay-TV channels such as sports channel Sky.

Virus scanner expired: Re-purchasing cheaper than extending

Berlin (dpa) - For PC users it could be worthwhile to re-purchase an expired virus scanner rather than extend the contract with the manufacturers.

An extension on the web is almost always more expensive, according to German computer magazine c't. Cheaper would be buying a new version of the program in retail shops and entering into the software the licensing code included.

Those who pay money for virus protection only purchase a license, which usually must be renewed after a year. But the magazine said the virus scanner often tries to sell two-year subscriptions or more expensive variations of the current software.

Virus scanners have varying effects on the speed of the computer, according to the magazine. Computer users should if possible test the program before purchasing it. Nearly all manufacturers offer a free test version which works for about one month.