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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

How To Spy On Your Spouse With Your Computer

Sent to you by jamalray via Google Reader:

via MakeUseOf.com by Ryan Dube on 3/19/09

A relationship is not always the easiest thing in the world to manage, and when you suspect your spouse of cheating, life can be very difficult. Are you being overly paranoid? Are you seeing signs of infidelity where none exists?
While it should always be a last resort, it is possible to spy on your spouse with your computer and set your mind at ease, or escape a troubled relationship with a clear conscience.

Is This Ethical?

This article will cover a few simple ways that you can spy on your spouse with your computer. While MakeUseOf authors have covered a number of very useful tools to prevent others from spying on you, such as Aibek's article on How to Cheat Keylogger Spyware or Varun's article on Public Computers Made Safe, the concept here is actually the monitoring and logging of how people are using your computer.
The ethics are certainly debatable, but in the end, you must ask yourself how ethical infidelity is. If you discover that you're being overly paranoid, then uninstall all of the applications and continue on in your marriage with confidence. However, if you discover that you're married to a liar and a cheat, isn't it best that you find out now rather than many years from now? Once you've worked through the techniques in this article, you will have the answer to your questions either way.

Use VNC to Monitor PC Use & Capture Evidence

VNC is a very popular, free remote computing application. While it's an excellent way to remotely control a computer, it is also one of the best applications for spying on unsuspecting users.
This approach requires a unique configuration.  First, install the full free version of VNC on the computer that you want to monitor. Install it in "service mode," which will automatically launch the application every time the computer starts up. Enable password protection by opening the configuration and clicking on the "Authentication" tab. Next to "VNC Password Authentication," click the configure button and create a secret password.
You'll also want to configure it so that when you connect with your PC or laptop, it doesn't affect the computer and signal to the user that something is up.  In the properties screen, click the "Inputs" tab and configure the VNC server to ignore all inputs from clients.
Make sure all boxes are unselected. The final step is to install the software on your laptop or PC at some other location. Once it's installed, open the application in "viewer" mode and view properties. Click on the "Inputs" tab and make sure that the boxes are unselected for the viewer to "send" anything to the server.
Once you have the server (the suspect computer) and your viewer configured, you can connect to the remote PC whenever you like and monitor how the person sitting at the computer is using it. This can be boring and tedious, or you might find your unsuspecting husband/wife visiting some questionable websites…

Accessing Cell Phone Records

One of the more common methods that cheaters use to secretly communicate with their "lovers" is through the cell phone. Many people feel that since their cell phone is so easy to use in secluded locations, that it is a safe way to facilitate an affair. Unfortunately for cheaters, the cell phone is the worst device for trying to have private conversations.
Few companies are as diligent at keeping such detailed records as cell phone companies. Not only can you view the date and time that certain numbers were called, or which numbers called the phone, but often you can also view the length of the phone call. How do you have a look at those records?
If you are listed as one of the owners on the cell phone account (most families have multiple cell phones under one account) then you have every right to view the bill.  The easiest way to do this is online. If your spouse hasn't set up an online account yet, that's even better. All you have to do is configure the account for online billing using your email address. However, if your spouse already has an account set up, getting access is simple.
First, visit the online login page (this example is from AT&T Wireless).
Click the "Forgot your password?" link, and you'll be taken to another page where you can have the password sent to the cell phone.
The trick to doing this is to submit this form late at night when you can "borrow" the cell phone. Submit the number on this page, click continue, and then view the password that gets sent to the phone via text message. After this, you'll have full access to the entire online log of cell phone calls. Be careful, if you are not listed on the account, you could potentially get into legal trouble - so tread carefully.

Use a Keylogger To Log All Computer Usage

While there are dozens of MakeUseOf articles outlining how you can remove keyloggers from your PC, in this case you are actually going to install one so that you can monitor all activity on the PC.  Running a keylogger can reveal some very fascinating information about your spouse.  One example of such a keylogger is the free version of the Revealer Keylogger.
When you launch this application, you can set it up to automatically launch at Windows startup. You can also define the special key combination that will open the invisible application.
This particular application doesn't allow stealth startup, so if you want to use this app, the best approach is to start it up secretly just before your spouse is about to use the computer. Then walk away into another room and allow the application to do its thing.
Many free keyloggers do a terrible job capturing keystrokes, especially if the user types fast. I tested four free keyloggers and found that Revealer was the only one that captured every keystroke.  It even logs application use as well. The results of such a log could turn out to be rather shocking - so be prepared!

Final Words

It's important to keep in mind that all of the techniques detailed above should be used as a last resort. Many people find themselves in some very difficult situations, and however hard they try, they just can't get to the truth. Technology can offer answers that a lying spouse refuses to provide. By capturing the evidence that proves infidelity or disloyalty, you can then free yourself from the burden of living a life full of doubt and worry.
What is your opinion on the ethics of using technology to spy on your spouse? Is it OK or is it an invasion of privacy?  Share your opinion in the comments section below.  Do you also know of any other software tools which can be used?   Tell us about them too.
Enjoyed the article? Please leave a comment and tell us what you think about it.
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8 Websites Every Microsoft .NET Developer Should Know About

Sent to you by jamalray via Google Reader:

via MakeUseOf.com by Sara Morgan Grand on 3/19/09

There are currently millions of developers worldwide that are using Microsoft.NET technologies. If you are one of them or want to become one, then each of the websites I am about to list should be in your list of favorites, your list of bookmarks, or just written down on a piece of paper (yeah right, as if a .NET developer would use a pen and paper).
For those of you not familiar with Microsoft.NET technologies, they represent a platform and set of tools that computer programmers can use to build very rich, interactive applications for the Windows desktop, the Internet, or even hand-held mobile devices. Chances are strong that one of your favorite websites was built using Microsoft ASP.NET.

1. CodeProject


I cannot count the number of times I have downloaded code from this site over the years. The quick and helpful articles always include a code download and are written by real world developers who give you straight to the point help for a particular coding problem.
Developers who submit articles to the website are not paid, but instead submit the article and code to a group of moderators for approval. The site covers more than just .NET and the Windows platform, so it is a good resource for developers that need to go outside of their normal skill sets.

2. DotNetNuke


DotNetNuke is an open source framework that developers can download and use to build their own web applications using Microsoft ASP.NET. If you are a .NET developer and you have not at least downloaded the code to look at it, then you really need to immediately.
The software has been through several iterations over the years and demonstrates some of the most efficient coding practices around. Even though the site includes a professional edition for purchase, there is a community edition which is free to download and very much worth registering free with the site to access.

3. 4GuysFromRolla


If you are a web developer, which let's face it, most .NET developers are, then this is a must visit site. It includes articles that cover everything you need to know about ASP.NET and even includes a lot of information for ASP developers (because, believe it or not, there are still developers out there using ASP).
Over the years, I have had numerous problems resolved by looking at posts on their forum or learned how to incorporate some slick new feature using one of the frequently posted articles.

4. DevSource


As you can see from the image, this online development magazine is sponsored by Microsoft, but don't hold that against them.  I strongly suggest subscribing to their free weekly newsletter, since it will keep you up to date on all the latest rumblings coming out of Microsoft.
You also should check out the DevLife column, which includes regular posts by the experienced and very down to earth, Julia Lerman.

5. DevX

Another online development magazine, this one is not solely focused on Microsoft technologies and tends to profile some really interesting and niche technologies.
I have personally written several articles for them since they are one of the only web sites that wants articles about robotics and speech technologies. Their near daily stream of articles cover everything from traditional .NET development to VB classic (yeah, because there are still some people doing that still).

6. MSDN Magazine


MSDN Magazine is for the development world what the Nature Journal is for scientists. It includes standards that every developer should be following. They are VERY strict on what content gets into this journal. An article in MSDN magazine is typically much longer and more in depth than articles in any of the online resources I have previously mentioned. But you can feel assured that the articles were scoured and well picked though before making it to print.

7. Channel9


This Microsoft resource is a must see for anyone that loves to watch videos about really cool technologies. The Channel 9 team goes around the Microsoft campus interviewing various teams and often offers a sneak peek of up and coming software and technology.
In addition to interviewing the folks at Microsoft, Channel 9 also talks to industry gurus outside of Microsoft.

8. ScottGu's Blog


Scott Guthrie is the Corporate Vice President for the Developer Division at Microsoft and his regularly updated blog often features announcements not seen any where else.
Scott covers everything from .NET base class libraries to Silverlight. If you want to impress your developer friends with your seemingly inside track to Microsoft, this is the site to visit.
If you are a .NET developer and you know of some really helpful sites, drop us a note and let us know about them. There are tons of resources out there for .NET developers. These are just a few of my all time favorites, so we would love to hear of others that you like.
Enjoyed the article? Please leave a comment and tell us what you think about it.
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Bizarre Surreal and Dark Art Pictures

Sent to you by jamalray via Google Reader:

via Smashing Magazine Feed by Aquil Akhter on 3/23/09

Art is a thing that attracts almost every individual. Today we would like to share with you two different but very interesting mediums of art which are called as Surreal and Dark Art. These types of art are quite different from other conventional mediums of art. In these medium, artist conveys his thought and imagination in a very mysterious but somewhat fantastic or I should say in a bizarre style.
I personally like these types of arts as they express the most beautiful and positive aspects of life. Artist has much room in these types of art to motivate your life, to inspire you and to bring happiness and positivity in your life. So, here's the collection of most momentous and conceptually imaginative surreal and dark art works.
Do have a look at these photos and do not forget to share your comments with us.

Creative Surreal and Dark Art Pieces

Truth

You grow inside me

A new life

Darkness

Fear of Light

Brainwash

C O R E

Flying Brain

Femme Arbre

Hope

Lost Fairy

Under The Last Moon

Not the Right Way
25
Souls

When the darkness fades away

I will survive

Mothman
5
Undecided

Watching Dreams

We are in this together
26
Me and the silence

Hope

We are still in this together

Hollow Hills

Escapar

The edge of faith

i've lost my mind

Slave

Beyond Reach

Tangled angels

Desperation

The Dream


© Aquil Akhter for Smashing Magazine, 2009. | Permalink | 115 comments | Add to del.icio.us | Digg this | Stumble on StumbleUpon! | Tweet it! | Submit to Reddit | Forum Smashing Magazine
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