Bit-Shift.Net

California law makers have recently passed an act requiring all electronics manufacturers to list how much energy the device consumes while in stand by mode. Thinks like laptop chargers, cell phone chargers or your cable box that displays the time all consume energy when they are "off". In a time when energy is at a premium and people are trying their best to cut down on consumption, these devices are like vampires, constantly sucking down eletricity for no benefit.

An interesting name for a real albeit not widely know problem. Read about it here.

You can't help but notice these days all the reports of companies or government agencies suffering security breaches and information on thousands if not millions of people being stolen and used for who knows what. I know one individual who has had personal information about him stolen from various place three times in the past six months.

But what can you do if you think you've been a victim of identity theft or worse yet KNOW you've been a victim of identity theft. Wired is running on article on steps you can take to protect yourself from others using your good name to do naughty things. One of the easiest steps and from my experience one of the least pursued is checking your credit report regularly. Each individual is entitled to one free copy of their credit report from each credit reporting agency each year.

One of the interesting options available to some US citizens, depending on which state you're in, is freezing your credit report. This prevents anyone from viewing your credit report without your authorization. If someone applied for a credit card in your name and the credit company tries to check your credit score, DENIED. Please call Bob Smith to unlock this credit report. Some states offer this service for free if you have been a victim of identity theft while they may charge a small fee to perform this action if you are suspicious but not sure you have been victimized. Unfortunately, Oregon does not offer this service yet.