Computer

by Kim Wilhelm (WICHITA, Kan.) If you tried logging onto the Kansas Unemployment website Monday and had problems, you weren't alone.  The Department of Labor says a technical difficulty caused problems for some users.  The problem was fixed Monday afternoon and people are encouraged to revisit the site.  Officials say other state agencies were affected also - not just the Department of Labor.  State officials say it's a constant challenge keeping up with the number of people applying for benefits and continued benefits.

How likely is it that you could fall victim to a cyber crime? Well, in the last two years Consumer Reports National Research Center says one in five people had their identity stolen, got caught by phishing scams, or ended up with computers infected with spyware or viruses. Consumer Reports cautions you to only shop at sites you trust. And it's essential to protect your computer from spyware, viruses, and spam by installing security software. Consumer Reports tested security suites costing $50 to $90. But Consumer Reports found security software that's free of charge that is on par with the best.

(HARVEY COUNTY, Kan.) It will help recruit and retain volunteers who look out for victims of child abuse, all while speeding up the court process. Today a Hutchinson computer networking company awarded C.A.S.A., an area non-profit, thousands of dollars to upgrade its technology. "Our priority is to serve the best interest of the kids we represent," Melanie Watkins said. Watkins heads up the McPherson - Harvey County chapter of C.A.S.A. Court Appointed Special Advocates match volunteers with victims of child abuse.

By Kim Wilhelm A Kingman High School class gets an eyeful of inappropriate material.  Last week, students in a psychology class were learning about the Rorschach Inkblot test.  The teacher was using an online website which showed different inkblots and asked students questions.  But on one of the questions, instead of educational material, a pornographic video started playing.  As soon as that happened, the teacher shut down the computer which had been projecting the image on the classroom wall.

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.) A half million pounds of computers, cell phones and televisions.  That's what Sedgwick County is expecting to collect in e-waste Saturday.  It's holding a free e-waste recycle event at the Kansas Coliseum. The event is open to Sedgwick County residents only.  Workers will be checking license plates before letting people through.  You will stay in your car and others will remove the e-waste from your vehicle. Most e-waste items just need to be dropped off.  But if you're recycling computers, experts recommend you wipe the hard drive.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - The inauguration of President Barack Obama was shown live on the Internet, which caused a glitch at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. The Kansas City Star reported Tuesday that employees were told not to watch the ceremonies on the Internet after an "extreme high volume of traffic" caused problems on the hospital's computer network. The high traffic volume caused difficulty accessing some patient records. --- Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.

By John Boyd (WICHITA, Kan.) Many people have haphazardly stepped into a realm of technology that they weren't really prepared for.  This realm...wireless networking.  Wireless networking allows us to "wire" our homes without the hassle of running cables everywhere.  But, with that convenience - comes a great big gaping hole in security - if you don't take steps to protect yourself.  I've combed over several sites to come up with a list of "simple" things you can do to protect your wireless network.

(WICHITA, Kan.) Wichita State student Amy Coffman spends the day with coffee and her computer. She uses it to keep up with her classes and keep in touch with family by e-mail. "If I don't know who the e-mail is from, I don't open it, I just delete it," she said.  But some people might think twice before deleting one that appears to be news headlines from CNN. Bill Ramsey, President of the The Bill Guy Technological Solutions company saw right through it. "The CNN one has fake e-mail headers.

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) - Governors in Kansas and Minnesota have committed their state governments to having more energy-efficient computer systems. They have made their states the first to join a computer industry initiative designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve electricity. Minnesota Republican Tim Pawlenty and Kansas Democrat Kathleen Sebelius pledged to have their states purchase more efficient computers and servers. They also promised systemwide controls causing desktop computers to sleep each evening.

by Kim Setty One computer and a family of kids means taking turns---and getting off when Mom and Dad ask.  Oh really? "I have to ask them nearly five times to get them off the internet," complains Richard, a local father.  "The volume gets higher and patience is gone until it's finally 'Get off the internet now!' " Parents take note:  This Does It Work product could give you back the power in that struggle.  Introducing the $40 Best Netguard.  It says you can push its remote anywhere in the house and it will instantly cut off the internet.