Behind the Scenes of Satellite Radio

Posted by on April 21, 2011 No comments

Satellite radio is one of the biggest improvements in broadcasting since the introduction of FM. Satellite radio signal can be broadcasted for more than 35,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) with complete clarity and high quality sound. You will never get static interferences while listening to over 100 radio channels. The idea behind satellite radio has appeared in 1992, when the United States Federal Communications Commission granted a spectrum of the S band (the 2.3 GHz frequency) for Digital Audio Radio Service. The license to broadcast in that band was allocated to Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio in 1997. Now there are three companies that provide satellite radio in the world: Sirius and XM in Northern America and WorldSpace in Asia, Europe and Africa.  

Each of these companies offer different broadcasting systems, since the radio signal of each is proprietary. This means that you will have to buy different hardware depending on your subscription to one of these companies. However, there are three components common to all satellite radio services: the satellites, the ground repeaters and the radio receivers. Different satellite radio companies broadcast the radio signal in different ways. For instance, XM satellite radio uses geostationary satellites which have orbits that are synchronized with the movement of Earth. These satellites are located above the equator. In order to allow subscribers to receive crystal-clear signal despite obstacles such as buildings, hills or bridges, XM satellite radio service has installed a network of repeaters antennas that receive the radio signal from the satellites and retransmit it to the subscriber’s receiver Sirius, on the other hand, uses satellites that have unique elliptical orbits around Earth. These kinds of orbits allow satellites to get higher in the sky than geostationary satellites and this prevents loss of signal. This is the reason why Sirius has fewer terrestrial repeaters than XM.  

Satellite radio services have digital broadcast centers where a huge amount of music in digital format as well as CD format is stored. Radio programmers have the task of selecting which song has to be played at which time. There are also a lot of studios managed by digital radio companies where artists perform live. All songs and material are transmitted to the satellites in digital format so that the signal contains very high quality sound. The signal is encoded by the satellite and then retransmitted to the repeaters antennas, which then transmit it to the radio receiver which decodes it and plays the sound. The entire process is very quick and reliable. Satellite radio would not be possible without digital compression. Digital compression is a technique that uses sophisticated algorithms to compress as much material as possible on the available bandwidth. Once you make a subscription to a satellite radio provider you will need the appropriate radio equipment. Traditional radios cannot decode the signal received from satellites so you will need special equipment.

The popularity of satellite radio has exploded due to many technological advancements that enabled manufacturers to offer the receivers at very attractive prices. The fact that satellite radio is commercial free for many of its channels is also a major selling point.

Digital Forensics for Private Investigators

Posted by on April 21, 2011 No comments

What is Digital Forensics?

Digital Forensics is the terminology used when digital artifacts are collected from a computer system in a forensically sound manner. In other words, digital artifacts such as documents, spreadsheet, pictures and email can be retrieved from a computer, PDA or any other type of digital device with storage capability. The material is then analyzed and preserved. This operation can often be done even if the data has been intentionally erased. Digital Forensics procedures will allow the forensic examiner to reveal digital evidence, and display the exact time and date the information was created, installed, or downloaded, as well as when it was last accessed. Although the first computer crimes occurred in the 1970’s, computer forensics is still a relatively new field. While we now have more PC and mobile device users then ever, the demand for Digital Forensics is quickly increasing. Laptop computers, PDA’s and mobile phones with the capability of storing pictures, connecting to the Internet and e-mails, more and more often require the need of Digital Forensics to determine the action to be taken in criminal litigation cases, corporate espionage, and accusations of child pornography, Likewise, acts of terrorism as well as the practices of disgruntled employees and the behavior of cheating spouses, all have one thing in common: they frequently utilize computer systems and mobile devices to assist them in their unethical actions and crimes. The evidence that these activities leave behind is readily detected through the procedures of digital forensics.


Digital Forensics or Computer Forensics?

In the past, computer forensic investigations have had PC and Laptop systems as their primary target for examination. Within the past years, the computer forensic field has been forced to broaden its scope, tools and investigative techniques in order to keep abreast of the personal technology being used by common citizens. Equipment such as Cell phones, PDA’s, Blackberrys and GPS systems are used on a daily basis, and can contain vital information from sms test messages, emails, phone logs and previous GPS destination coordinates. Therefore the term Digital Forensics is becoming very popular as the computer forensic field expands and incorporates the digital analysis of new technological devices.

What can a skilled Digital Forensic Examiner do?

A skilled digital forensic examiner can recover deleted files from a computer. He or she can view which websites have been visited from a specific computer even after the browser history and cache have been cleared and deleted. A digital forensic examiner is able to review previous communications sent and received via an instant messaging and chat application such as yahoo instant messenger and msn messenger. The forensic process will also restore deleted or hidden pictures and email messages. In addition the forensic examiner is trained to analyze and re-create deleted text messages and call logs from cell phones, PDA’s and Blackberry devices. How the Private investigator can benefit from Digital Forensics Digital Forensics can assist the private investigator in many ways principally by identifying vital information and saving cost and time. Often 2-3 hours of digital forensic examination techniques are able to expose more evidence then several days of surveillance and dumpster diving. Deleted data from digital devices such as cell phone text messages and other acts are often recoverable; for example, did your client’s spouse have an instant messaging conversation? Are those deleted emails recoverable? What websites did the suspect visit?

Several examples below elaborate how Digital forensics can assist the privateinvestigator in specific cases and tasks:

Adultery cases:
Online chats or sms text messages are often used to arrange meetings and providecovert communication to avoid suspicions by the spouse.

Fraud Cases:
It is often possible to determine when and if a document was altered. Unless the document was produced by a typewriter, there always is or at least has existed an electronic copy somewhere. In addition the most common word processor, “Microsoft Word” which is part of the Microsoft office suite embeds Meta data into each document. This Meta data can provide vital information such as the identity of the author and the computer on which the document was composed. The same applies to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet applications.

Tailing a suspect:
When tailing a suspect, imagine how informative it could be to know his/her previous destinations, prior to starting the assignment. Impossible you say! This is not necessarily so especially if the individual had traveled by automobile and used a GPS (Global Positioning System). Some of the most recent advancements in Digital Forensics allow for the retrieval of information from the most common GPS systems.

Harassment cases:
There are many different types of harassment. It is often the case that your client may not only be receiving harassment in person, but also via phone, and/or email. A Forensic Examiner can preserve logs of phone calls received from cell phones and present them as evidence by strictly maintaining a chain of custody. Every email sent from a given source to a specific destination leaves information embedded in that email. This information is referred to as the email header. The forensic examiner can analyze the email header and trace it back to the origins of the IP address from which it has been sent.

Surveillance:
When considering surveillance, most think of traditional techniques such as: tailing, stakeouts and video surveillance. However, modern computer techniques can also be a valuable asset to the private investigator. There are such devices as spy ware programs and keystroke loggers that will provide real time information about what, where and when things have occurred on a suspected computer.

Who has the right to search a computer or Digital device?

The Fourth Amendment protection against unlawful search and seizure only applies to government entities such as law enforcement. The Fourth Amendment does not apply to private searches. A private search can be conducted or authorized by anyone who has a legal right to the data stored on the computer, such as employers or spouses. Since computers are common property, spouses can give consent to a private search of the computer

Conclusion:

In the dynamic world of Private Investigation, it is vital to adapt to new technologies and be able to provide your clients with competitive services of the highest degree. Most importantly it is essential to keep your clients in your domain for all of their investigative needs. Therefore training private investigators in the art of Digital Forensics or partnering with a Digital Forensic expert is a necessary step in securing not only the stability and longevity of your business but assuring that it is prepared to meet the requirements of the technological exigencies of the future.

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Gadgets for Golf

Posted by on April 21, 2011 No comments

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about Golf Gadgets to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from Golf Gadgets experts.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Golf Gadgets is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Golf Gadgets.

There are tons of golf gadgets out there, mainly because of the incredible increase in popularity of the sport. The more people who are ready to play the game, the more they’re all looking for ways to improve their game. The result is that an industry that was doing fairly well before has boomed. There are entire companies built around a single golf gadget, and the results range from incredible golf aids to the ridiculous contraptions. Take a look at some of your options.

If you’re having trouble finding time to hit the driving range and your backyard is too limited for driving practice, you have some options. You can play virtual golf, but this lacks the satisfying feel of the club striking the ball. You might find that a limited flight ball is the answer you’ve been looking for. These are just what the name implies. You have a ball that you place on the tee, then hit just like any other ball. But the ball won’t travel outside a particular area. Or you can work with a regular ball and a net. The catch here is that you have to hit the net – every time.

Of course, putting pads and practice aids for your putting game have been around for ages. Give yourself the advantage of practice time in your office or living room. Choose from kits that are as simple as a pad with a cup, or those that offer features such as ball return.

If you’re into technology, you might find good use for a digital scorekeeper. Not only do you have an immediate way of tracking your score on the course, you have a digital record that you can save. Instantly recall scores from past games to help improve your current game.

Every dedicated golfer has probably been at the receiving end of some silly golf gifts. Think covers for your golf clubs – from handmade crochet covers to cutesy cartoon characters and everything in between. There are probably few ideas for golf club covers that haven’t been tried on the market and these seem to be universal golf gifts. Covers do serve a purpose and many golfers are even secure enough to walk the course with tigers and mouse heads proudly protruding from the golf bag.

Are you having trouble lining up the exact spot you should be aiming for on the golf ball? You can find a stencil to help. Simply use the stencil to mark the ball, place it on the tee as directed, and you’ve got a clear target.

How about a metronome? No, you’re not going to be taking your guitar onto the golf course, but a golf metronome can help you work on the rhythm of your swing.

There’s no doubt that the golfers have tons of gadgets to choose from. Many offer real help to the golfer, while others are simply ways to collect money for a useless product. Some of these gadgets and gizmos will be completely wasted on one golfer but will be just what another needs to improve their golf game.

Is there really any information about Golf Gadgets that is nonessential? We all see things from different angles, so something relatively insignificant to one may be crucial to another.