Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

Do you use Internet exchange sites like Craigslist, Facebook, or other online social media sites to buy and sell goods? Having a safe place to meet and exchange these goods is always a good idea. 

The Franklin Police Department encourages residents to use our Internet Exchange Spot located in the front lot of the Police Station. This area is well lighted, and monitored by a 24hr. high definition recording system.

"Often times scammers are less likely to want to meet at a police station. Buyers and sellers should be wary of anyone who wants to avoid a public meeting place and insists on coming to your home." said Chief of Police Thomas Lynch.

The Internet Exchange Spot is available 24hrs. a day, however it is always best to meet during daylight hours. If you need any assistance you can contact the Franklin Police at (508) 528-1212.

Franklin Police Internet Exchange Zone - 911 Panther Way

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/franklin-police-internet-exchange-zone

How do you connect? A Consumer Guide to Cable Service: 3 Part Series by MA Consumer Affairs

"Cable service is available in most Massachusetts communities through one or more providers, and may be offered as a stand-alone service or as part of a bundled package. The term “bundled package” refers to a specially-priced combination of services that may include telephone service (wireless or landline), television (cable or satellite television), internet or a home security system. Bundled packages often include a contract agreement that will require you to maintain your services for a fixed period of time, usually 12-24 months. 

The cost of cable service alone can be broken down into three main categories: (1) programming, promotions and pricing; (2) equipment and installation; and (3) taxes, fees and surcharges."

iamge from MA.gov series on cable service subscriptions

Continue reading Part 1

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-1/

Part 2

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-2/

Part 3

http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/how-do-you-connect-a-consumer-guide-to-cable-service-part-3/

In the News: Franklin school safety, internet purchase safe zones

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Two local schools are testing out a system that will allow officials more control over who is allowed in the buildings and to keep track of visitors once they're inside. 

The system - currently being tested at Franklin High School and Gerald E. Parmenter Elementary School - has been in place since October. 

Once visitors are buzzed into the school, they're greeted by a school employee who asks them about their reason for entering and scans their license. 

"We make sure the license matches, put where they're going into the computer and it prints out a badge," said Erica Demers, who mans the desk at Parmenter. "We put a sticker on the badge, and it fades after a while, so people can't reuse them."

Parmenter School sign announcing PCC meeting on Feb 5

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160130/schools-testing-visitor-id-system

Looking for a safe place to meet someone after arranging to buy an item online but you don't want to get ripped off, robbed or worse? Area police departments are now offering a safe location for those transactions. 

The locations are called Internet Purchase Exchange Locations (IPEL) or Safe Trade Stations and are an easy spot to meet after making a deal on local “yard sale” groups on Facebook, local buying and selling apps such as “Close5” and “OfferUp,” or the ever-popular “Craigslist.” 

Rather than meet up with a worst-case scenario such as Philip Markoff, “The Craigslist Killer” who, in 2009, was charged with robbing and killing Boston-area victims he met on Craigslist, buyers and sellers can meet in a well-lit, video-recorded spot.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160130/safe-exchange-zones-springing-up-at-metrowest-milford-area-police-departments


The Safe Trade Station website mentioned in the article needs to get updated for the MA locations also referenced in the article.  http://www.safetradestations.com/

Upcoming Distracted Driving Episode Features Folk Singer/Songwriter Ellis Paul

Distracted Driving, a locally-produced web series, is happy to announce a very special upcoming episode of the talk show-based program.  On Sunday April 12^th, the hosts of Distracted Driving, Ray Auger, Tim Rice and Jay Pillarella, filmed an episode with local folk music legend Ellis Paul.  The show is scheduled to be released this Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00pm on the show's YouTube channel and will air in the near future on Milford TV and Amherst Media where the show is featured weekly.

Ellis Paul with Distracted Driving

"I've been such a big fan of Ellis' work since the early 90s" says Co-Host Tim Rice.  "To have him the back seat of our mobile studio was an honor, not to mention just a fun time all around."

On the show, which clocks in at just under an hour, Ray, Tim and Jay talk with Ellis about his roots, the current folk scene, the traveling life of working folk artist and more.  

Ellis even performs two songs from his latest album release.  Plus Distracted Driving got a special improvised theme song written for them on the spot.

Tune in on the Distracted Driving YouTube page starting Wednesday at 7:00pm for the fun!

Twitter – DDTheShow

Facebook – DistractedDrivingTheShow

YouTube – DistractedDrivingWS

www.distracteddrivingtheshow.com

About Distracted Driving

Distracting Driving is a web series hosted by Ray Auger, Jay Pillarella and Tim Rice.  It combines the late night talk show format and aimless driving.  Each week Ray, Jay and Tim chat about movies, TV, comics and life in general. The show features special guests, music, audience mail and fun surprises. Buckle up and take a ride with Distracted Driving, you never know where we'll be going!  Distracted Driving can be seen on YouTube, Milford TV and Amherst Media.

About Ellis Paul

Ellis Paul is an American singer-songwriter and folk musician. Born in Aroostook County, Maine, Paul is a key figure in what has become known as the Boston school of songwriting, a literate, provocative and urbanely romantic folk-pop style that helped ignite the folk revival of the 1990s. His pop music songs have appeared in movies and on television, bridging the gap between the modern folk sound and the populist traditions of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.

Ellis Paul has frequently appeared at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin

PC Handyman: Encryption malware —"Ransomware"— Is your data protected?

Recently, The Boston Globe and other news media reported that a file server at the Tewksbury Police Department was infected with a strain of malware, which had encrypted all of the files stored on this server. These files were arrest and incident records. When someone tried to access these records, they found that the files could not be opened because they were corrupted. Then they found a document that explained that the files had been encrypted and gave instructions on how they could pay $500 to get the encryption key to recover their files. 

PC  Handyman

After several days of trying to recover the files, with the aid of federal and state computer experts and 2 outside IT firms, they finally paid the $500, using an electronic form of payment called Bitcoin, and got the data back.   

This sort of thing has been happening for a while now to all sorts of businesses and individuals—this got media attention because public money was used to pay the ransom, so it became public information. Payment forms like Bitcoin and MoneyPak are used because the payment is not traceable to the recipient.
 Can it happen to you? Yes! 

This malware is usually installed through an email attachment, often in an email supposedly from FedEx or UPS about a package being delivered. There is also evidence that it can be installed by a hacker getting into a server through a remote connection. Sometimes the encrypted data is recoverable through Windows, and sometimes with a 3rd party application. Usually, the malware turns off features like System Restore and Volume Shadow Copy so that these recovery methods are no longer available.  I'm sure that the Tewksbury people tried everything.

Another scary thing—if the infected PC is connected to mapped network drives, such as on a file server, those files can be encrypted too. And if a backup drive is connected to the PC, doing automatic or periodic backups, the files on the backup drive will be overwritten with the encrypted versions, since the files have been changed to newer versions. Cloud-based backup services may save previous versions of backed up files—you should ask your backup service. 

The best strategy against this issue seems to be keeping a periodic manual backup to a drive that is disconnected after the backup is completed. Frequency of the backups determines how much data is at risk. I can set this up for you, including providing the drive. I can come in to your business on a regular basis and run the backups too.  Let me know if you need help. 

Is your data protected? 

The PC Handyman, 508 346-3502 info@pchman.com

"online security can be a complicated task"

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The MA.GOV blog has a good posting with good tips like:

The internet enables people to conduct everyday transactions from anywhere, at any time, including the convenience of online commerce. As we become more dependent on this technology, we also become more exposed to the threat of cybercrime. By taking some simple cybersecurity steps, you can better safeguard yourself against it.

• Prioritize laptop and wireless security. Stay away from unsecure internet connections.

• Create strong passwords for your wireless internet network, restricting unwanted users.

• Update antivirus software to protect your laptop or desktop from viruses, spyware, and malware.

• Monitor your child’s internet use and social interaction online.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

There are security measures I take with the postings I male here and on Facebook to hopefully help all of us stay secure. I vet all links before I post them. I generally will layout the link in detail so you'll know where you are going before you click. 

Be safe. Be secure. Share good info!

 

Net neutrality emergency

Hey, 

Evan here from Fight for the Future. We've got another web emergency on our hands. 

Corporate monopolies are trying to break the Internet. Will you stand up for net neutrality? 

Last Wednesday, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced a proposal for new rules that would allow for a " fast lane" of Internet traffic for content providers who are willing (and able) to pay a fee. [1] The proposal reverses the FCC's previous commitment to net neutrality and open internet and allows ISP's like Comcast or Verizon to slow down and censor services that don't pay the toll. 

We have to be totally honest, this situation is seriously grim. But there is still hope. The FCC already knows that the Internet community wants net neutrality, but they think they can put their spin on these new rules and sneak them through. If we can prove them wrong right now with a massive public outcry, we can literally save the Internet once again. 

We need you on this one. Click here to demand net neutrality! 

We need to stop the FCC now. Big business groups are already ramping up lobbying efforts with the FCC in swarms since Wednesday's announcement in support of censoring the open Internet and to ensure this dangerous proposal moves forward. [2] 

This is a critical moment. In the last few weeks more than 85,000 people have taken action with us. Can you help us get to 100,000 by the end of the day today? 

Click here to take action to keep the Internet free. 

More people than ever are fighting back to restore net neutrality. With your support, we have the power to stop the FCC from censoring the Internet. 

Sincerely,
Evan and Kevin
Fight For The Future 

P.S. We're going to fight tooth and nail on net neutrality, and we're going to win just like we did with SOPA. Want to support our work? Donate $15 today. 

--- 

[1] Gautham Nagesh. "FCC to Propose New 'Net Neutrality' Rules".
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304518704579519963416350296 

[2] Edward Wyatt. Edward Wyatt. "Lobbying Efforts Intensify After F.C.C. Tries 3rd Time on Net Neutrality" http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/25/business/lobbying-efforts-intensify-after-fcc-tries-3rd-time-on-net-neutrality.html?hpw&rref=politics&t=dXNlcmlkPTUzMDk1NzExLGVtYWlsaWQ9NzA0MQ==

Better Business Bureau warns of 'Amazon' scam

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Better Business Bureau warns of 'Amazon' scam

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Staff reports on 5/15/12

The Better Business Bureau has issued a warning about a new email phishing scam that looks like an order cancellation notice from Amazon.com.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to The Milford Daily News News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

There are several worthy resources to help with your online safety.

• The Better Business Bureau can be found online:  http://boston.bbb.org/
• The US Government has this site:  http://onguardonline.gov/
• Wired Safety has their site: http://www.wiredsafety.org/

If you have found a site worthy of sharing, please send me an email or leave a comment.

STOP SOPA

To support the STOP SOPA Blackout being conducted today, this will be the only post created here:




I have included the link to wikipedia but they are one of the sites reported to be going offline so you may not view this link today.

If you like what I do here, sharing information about what matters in Franklin, MA - then please find out more about SOPA and PIPA.

What would happen if this site got shut down?

Google has a page with information and petition to sign here
https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/



Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.

5 tips for staying safe on the web

A 2 minute video with good reminders to stay safe while using the Internet.





Thanks to Richard Byrne for pointing to this video

Video Friday - Maslow's Hammer

Yes, it is snowing today April 1. It's no April's fool joke, just Mother Nature doing what she does best in New England, changing regularly.

Why this video today?
To raise the other side of the technology coin. Technology is a tool and can be used or abused. There is Maslow's Hammer: "If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail."

The internet does provide an easy (read 'free') entry to providing information. The RSA Animate video provides the other side of the coin.  Food for thought today!





Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the 11 minute video.


Franklin, MA

Sample Census Data for Franklin, MA

The NY Times has a pretty slick interactive map tool based upon sample Census data. Input the Franklin zip code (02038) and see the results:

http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?hp




Franklin, MA

Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Community Health Council

Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet Education

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium

Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.

Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.

For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821

"Technology has a lot to offer"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted May 15, 2009 @ 11:31 PM

---

FRANKLIN —

This September, Franklin High School is going hi-tech.

No more playing catch-up to students toting iPhones and other electronic gadgets in their pockets; instead, school leaders are bringing wireless technology into the classroom.

The Technology Department has installed two wireless networks, with 21 access points around the high school, to make the entire building completely wireless, said Technology Director Tim Rapoza.

"It's a very big initiative. I don't know any other district that does it. They're all watching us to see how it goes," said Rapoza, smiling.

"I don't mind pioneering it a little bit. I think it's the right way to go. I don't look at it as a leap - I look at it as us moving in the right direction faster than everybody else, because it is inevitable," Rapoza said.

Read more about the wireless internet at FHS in the Milford Daily News here

Internet Safety - 5/19/09 - 7:00 PM

The Franklin Community Health Council

Presents Worldwide leader in the area of online safety and parent and child Internet Education

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

7:00 PM

Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium

Parry Aftab is a security, privacy and cyberspace lawyer, as well as an author and child advocate. Ms. Aftab is Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, the largest online safety and educational program in cyberspace that provides important information and programs for children and teens, educators, law enforcement, parents and librarians for all matters related to children online, including online safety and privacy.

Parry Aftab is frequently called as an on‐air expert by all major news services, including CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC News, The O'Riley Factor and CBS News. She has been used as a resource for 20/20, Dateline, Oprah, Inside Edition and 48 Hours. She has also appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the CBS Morning Show.

For more information please a contact: Lisa Keohane at lkeohane@dean.edu or call 508‐553‐4821

History of the internet

Thanks to the folks at Common Craft for pointing out this cool video history of the interent by PICOL. The foks at PICOL are developing a common picture library to help make communications easier and simpler to understand.

Watch this history video and see if they are successful:


History of the Internet from PICOL on Vimeo.

Did this make sense to you?

Did you like this?

Streaming Video - Historic event

There was a significant historical event this week. The first Town Council meeting was streamed live over the web on Wednesday evening.

What does that mean?
Instead of being in your home with a cable subscription, you can now view a town meeting via your computer. This means that anyone with interest to find the meeting can view it anywhere in the world via the internet and their computer.

Since only 90+% of the town has access to cable, how much this will enable those who don't have cable access is open for discussion.

What will this streaming live change?
I think it will be interesting to see how this will change the meetings, if anything changes at all.

• Will the various board and committee members improve their personal behavior and conduct now that they can be viewed around the world?
• Will the nature and presentations of the meetings themselves be modified now that there is a worldwide audience?
• Will there be an increase in viewing amongst the people in the town?
  

The one drawback I see is that the availability of the meeting via the internet may reduce the actual physical attendance in the room. Only those who actually need to be there to participate in the meeting will continue to be present. On the other hand, the worldwide audience may actually increase the participation due to the exposure.

How do you view the meeting?

1. On your computer, open your favorite browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.)
2. Navigate to the Franklin website home page
3. Follow the link on the notice for the live streaming (I have not yet found another way to get to this live streaming or archive. I assume there will be an additional path put on the site at some time.)
4. The first time you view a meeting, Microsoft Silverlight will require to be installed. Once installed, you'll need to close your browser and restart the browser. After this installation, you should be able to go direct to view either the live or an archived program.
5. You can view the meeting from beginning to end or skip to sections according to the published agenda.

Have you viewed a meeting yet?

What do you think of this?