Poll of the Week:  Have you ever been infected by one of the many Fake Security programs?

Tip of the Week: Facebook's custom URLs

Facebook Fan Kim asked how we were able to get Facebook.com/DataDoctors as our fan page URL instead of the usual string of random numbers and letters.

Back in June, Facebook introduced 'vanity' URLs to make it easier to tell others where you find you on Facebook.  As long as someone else hasn't taken your desired name, you can still register for your own vanity URL by signing into your Facebook account then going to Facebook.com/username!

For help on common questions surrounding the Facebook Username option, click here.

Headwhack of the Week: Security by Obscurity

The high-profile story on the Chinese hacking into Google's systems via Internet Explorer  has caused many to question which browser they should be using to surf the Net.

In some cases, financial institutions require their users to access their accounts via Internet Explorer, but for general surfing purposes, an alternate browser may provide you with a little extra protection.

The term 'Security by Obscurity' has been repurposed to refer to programs that are less popular are typically less hacked.  IE is the most widely used browser, therefore it is the most targeted.

Not only are alternate browsers less targeted, they are generally faster and have features not found in IE.  Installing an alternate browser is also a good way to diagnose Internet connection/performance issues.

We have always been fans of Firefox for its performance, although its popularity has made it more of a target than in the past. Google's Chrome is a worthy consideration as is Opera and even Apple's Safari (yes, it will run in Windows!)

Whatever you do, don't keep using IE for everything you do on the Internet, get to know some of the other kids on the block!

Geek Speak of the Week: IRL

Abbreviation for "In Real Life". Used in the online world to refer to the real world.

Security: Patch the hole in IE used by the Chinese hackers

Microsoft on Thursday issued a cumulative critical patch for Internet Explorer that fixes eight vulnerabilities, including a hole targeted in the China-based attacks on Google and other U.S. companies.

News: And the most popular password is...

What good can come out of the breach of 32 million passwords from a popular social networking advertising server?

How about the common patterns for weak passwords!  Learn from others pain by reviewing the key findings from the research into the insecure practices used by millions of Internet users.

News: Possible successor to the MP3 file set to launch

A multi-national technology company is set to launch a new digital music file format which will embed additional content for fans including lyrics, news updates and images in what could be a successor to the ubiquitous MP3 file.

Data Doctors Video: Sniffing out questionable websites

We all want to do whatever we can to help the victims of Haiti's earthquakes and many of us turn to a search engine to learn more about breaking news stories as they are occuring.

Unfortunately, hackers have figured out that if they can quickly put up fake websites when a news story is breaking, they can fool folks into clicking on search results that lead to infections and drive-by downloads.

Since search engines are a vital tool for all of us, watch this week's video to see what you can do to reduce your chances of getting fooled by fake search results.

Opinion:  Can the New York Times Lead Newspapers to Salvation?

PCWorld.com's Tech Inciter, David Coursey asks: "Why did the New York Times tell the world--a year in advance--it is planning to start charging for online news in early 2011? Won't that give competitors time to react? Yes, and that is precisely what some believe the paper is hoping for.

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Weekly Advice Column: Is in-flight wifi safe?

This Week's Show: It's Tech Recycle time again!

Throughout the year, Data Doctors in conjunction with its partners at the Az Technology Council & Westech Recyclers does its best to create awareness in the importance of properly disposing of old technology.

Anything with an electronic circuit board contains toxic materials and should not be thrown in the trash or it will end up in our landfills and in our ground water.

Many of you are retiring your old technology as a result of the holiday season, so now is the time to do something with the old tech.

The sooner older technology gets in the hands of needy charities, the more likely it will be useful & if it isn't of any use, then we'll help you dispose of it properly.

Listen in as we give you everything you need to know to responsibly dispose of your old technology (without exposing yourself to identity theft)!

Join us Saturdays from 12:00PM-2:00PM (Mountain) on News 92.3 KTAR or listen LIVE via the Internet at KTAR.com  as we discuss your computer questions at: 602.277.5827 or ask your questions during (or before) the broadcast using the ask a question page.

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