Computers & Technology

This program offers a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of Web site design. Applicable to online retail outlets, electronic newspapers, blogs, search engines, and other types of sites, it explains how to identify the target audience, determine the site's core purpose, apply Ben Schneiderman's eight golden rules of GUI design, address technological issues and matters of visual appeal, and carry out an ongoing test/evaluation/update cycle. Interviews with two successful Web site designers are also included, to illustrate how it all comes together in the real world. Viewable/printable educational resources are available online. (25 minutes)

Digital technology plays an increasingly significant-and, many believe, unethical and intrusive-role in the lives of Americans. This CNBC program examines the rapidly growing data-mining and surveillance industries and brings examples of dubious and hurtful information-sharing to light. Case studies include a man whose cell phone records were acquired by his former employer, a woman whose personal information was stolen from a company she had never heard of, and a man whose rental car company tracked his every move. The documentary also looks at how law enforcement agencies and even schools are using biometric technologies, and at an AOL division that provides members' personal data to law enforcement. Not available in French-speaking Canada. Original CNBC broadcast title: Big Brother, Big Business. (78 minutes)

Technology is taking the field of biometrics to new levels of accuracy and efficiency. But is the price of such security, achieved by turning over unique bodily information to governments and private companies, too high? And is biometric data really as foolproof as its proponents say? This program travels the globe to showcase examples of high-tech biometrics in action, including electronic recognition of iris patterns, fingerprints, faces, hand vein patterns, handwriting, and gait. In addition, Alex Turk, chairman of France's national commission on data protection and civil liberties, voices his concern over people's passive acceptance of biometric technologies, and a hacker demonstrates just how easy it is to fake out a fingerprint scanner. Contains brief nudity depicting humans in motion as it relates to behavioral biometrics. (Portions in other languages with English subtitles, 51 minutes)

Should human cloning be allowed? Will computers ever be able to think? Has technology already gone too far? If questions like these are food for thought, then this accessible five-part series hosted by ABC News anchor Ted Koppel and correspondent Robert Krulwich is a banquet. Interviews with renowned scholars, specialists of all kinds, and an engaging cast of everyday people shed light on some of the fundamental changes going on in the world today-changes involving dynamic fields such as computer technology, neurobiology, and genetic engineering. 5-part series, 42-45 minutes each.

Never short of eager programmers and willing testers, the computer game industry has long been both a hothouse and a proving ground for cutting-edge computer applications. Focusing on efforts to integrate artificial intelligence and the laws of physics into character response and movement, this program takes an inside look at how Britain's sophisticated computer game industry is pushing the envelope of creativity. Bullfrog Productions founder Peter Molyneux, designer of mega-hit computer role-playing games including Populous and Theme Park, is featured. (30 minutes)

In segment one of this program, NewsHour correspondent Paul Solman, Cisco Systems' John Chambers, and other top Cisco executives discuss how the computer network infrastructure giant, whose routers are the brains of the Internet, uses Internet technology to enhance its own operations and growth. In segment two, correspondent Ray Suarez talks with Jay Whitehead, CEO of EmployeeService.com; labor economist Robert Reich; and other experts about the implications of the eyebrow-raising increase in employment in the Internet economy-before the bubble burst. (28 minutes)

The town of Sunnyville is thrilled with the jobs and development promised by a new factory, which will make efficient, inexpensive solar cells. However, nanomaterials used in the manufacturing process pose an unknown level of risk to city residents and the environment. In this Fred Friendly Seminar, Peabody award-winning correspondent John Hockenberry leads expert panelists through a series of hypothetical dilemmas, putting their knowledge and principles to the test. Should plant construction go forward? Who determines the risks-the company, the government, or the university that holds the solar cell patent? Do we need new regulations to govern production and use of nanomaterials, or are current laws adequate? Seminar panelists include Dr. Richard Denison, Senior Scientist at Environmental Defense in Washington, D.C.; Christine Daniel, Deputy City Manager of Fremont, California; Jennifer Scott Fonstad, Managing Director of the venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson; Dr. Daniel M. Kammen of UCal Berkeley's Department of Nuclear Engineering; and Maureen Gorsen, Director of the California Department of Toxic Substances. A discussion guide and other resources are available online. (57 minutes)

This technical program provides a step-by-step explanation of the infrastructure of computers and how they actually work. An overview of the processor includes discussions about how its interconnections make memory possible. Other topics include the bus and binary works and memory storage locations. Using excellent computer graphics, we see how the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) adds two binary numbers, and how the information is stored. A discussion of the ALU and flags concludes the program. (17 minutes)

Australia's largest independent digital media and entertainment company, destra, relies on a robust network for its day-to-day business. Using destra as a case study, this program begins with an overview of computer networks and then introduces issues involving architecture and infrastructure, processes and procedures, maintenance, security, and disaster recovery. An informative illustration of the technological requirements of an e-business leader. Original title: Networks. (27 minutes)

Some data thieves break into PCs electronically from remote locations, while others walk right in the front door during business hours. This program addresses the vulnerability of data stored on hard drives, on file servers, on removable media, and in computer memory, as well as of data passed over the Internet. Case studies of both large and small companies provide an opportunity for computer security experts to explain measures that every company should take in order to protect its information assets. Fire walls, virus containment, encryption, authentication, access controls, and the development of a corporate culture of security are stressed. (30 minutes)

Computer bugs are no mere prank. A disruption of global communications networks by today's sophisticated worms and viruses is costing companies billions and can do lasting damage to the world's economic health. This NewsHour program begins by defining these binary invaders and then examines the escalating security challenges of keeping networks free of infection. Members of the Computer Emergency Response Team at Carnegie Mellon University and other white hats discuss proactive ways to detect and then block electronic intruders through single-user protocols and enterprise-wide defenses. (10 minutes)

With such widespread access to the Internet, how vulnerable to online sabotage are banks, government agencies, nuclear plants, utilities, and hospitals? This program examines the Internet's exponential growth and evaluates risks posed by groups and individuals bent on crime or terrorism. Experts from the FBI, the Pentagon, and private companies, and even a self-confessed hacker comment on the danger of online fraud and denial of service" attacks as well as on anti-hacking and biometric identification as ways of protecting the World Wide Web-and perhaps the world itself. (53 minutes)"

What harm could come from sitting leisurely at the computer, chatting with online pals? Unfortunately, many young people who spend hours in chat rooms or post sensitive information on the Internet have little or no idea of the risks involved. This program warns students about how vulnerable they are whenever they venture into the cyber realm-even when they think they're among friends." Explaining how to take precautions in chat rooms, on social networking sites, and anywhere that predators lurk, the program strongly advises against physically meeting any online acquaintance and emphasizes that parents or guardians must be involved in such meetings. Commentary from experts and questions from peers reinforce the notion of an irreversible virtual footprint-a trail that all Internet users leave which can be used against them. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National ISTE Technology Foundation Standards for Students. A Cambridge Educational Production. (19 minutes)"

The Internet offers vast possibilities for learning, making a living, and having fun-but it can also destroy reputations, empty bank accounts, and ruin lives. This program cautions students about potential hazards to their computers-not to mention their careers, finances, and futures-that exist online. Highlighting the importance of setting up a firewall and keeping one's operating system up-to-date, the program provides straightforward advice about protecting against hackers, viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, adware, phishing emails, and other high-tech threats. Each concept is defined in user-friendly terms. More basic but equally vital steps like maintaining multiple passwords and not sharing personal information are also discussed. Commentary from experts, as well as questions from peers about the details of computer safeguards, will help students increase their online security. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National ISTE Technology Foundation Standards for Students. A Cambridge Educational Production. (21 minutes)

Taking a no-nonsense, peer-based approach, this three-part series raises teen awareness of the threats that Internet users face. Personal, financial, and career-related risks become clear through conversations with young people and interviews with computer experts-including Ron Teixeira, Executive Director of the National Cyber Safety Association; Dean Daley, an experienced computer systems analyst; and Marsali Hancock of the Internet Keep Safe Coalition. Students will gain a solid understanding of best practices and rules of online conduct, so that they can navigate potential Internet perils before trouble occurs. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. Correlates to National ISTE Technology Foundation Standards for Students. A Cambridge Educational Production. 3-part series, 14-21 minutes each.