paypal transaction by ameera jebrial

Paypal transaction                                                            

        Nowadays, Internet has become one of very important tools for trading activity. By using Internet we can browse and check any new items that just arriving to be sold. These items usually are not yet available at our nearest store but yet we can still buy as soon the items advertised on Internet. To buy / sell, we need certain medium that can be used to make the transaction to happen. One of the most popular medium is by using our own credit/debit card. But nowadays, there is some insecurity that we have to bear when using our credit card to buy something online. For those who are thinking other ways to pay their buying items instead on using credit card, now we have new method that is easier to how PayPal use and provided us with extra security. The answer is by using PayPal.

             Paypal is the latest invention created to help us making transaction on the internet safer instead of normal way of using credit card. It is a program that help user to view and manage their credit performance and using the account to buy stuff on the internet. By using Paypal we can make sure our transaction is much safer especially when we are dealing with public computer. We don't have to show our credit card no. to others while doing our buying on the Internet.   To enable us to use this program first we have to register with PayPal. All you have to do is just by going to PayPal website. Here what you need is just your e-mail as your ID and create your password. Second step is to wait for confirmation from the PayPal to check whether you are the right owner of the e-mail provided. Third step is to link your credit card no. to PayPal before you can start buying. Final step is to check your balance and to make sure that all your payment is true without any forge buying by the third party. Several features of Paypal make it very convenient to transfer money through it. Here are a few of them. It Is Immediate Transactions can be sent after very little in the way of registration, or amount of information given. In fact, it probably could not be much less than it is - requiring only a name and an email address. This allows for money to be received from any website - for any purpose (except for gambling or adult sites). Once you are registered, you can get a Paypal icon to put on your website that will allow your customers to click on, and have the money go to your account much - considering the convenience. For an additional amount, you can have the option of being able to take credit card payments over the phone, fax, or through the mail.. It Can Be Canceled Anytime With the sign-up comes the guarantee that you may cancel your account at any time. Plus there is no minimum amount of time that is required, and no fees for registration. PayPal currently offers three types of accounts: Personal: used for money transfer between individuals and online shopping Business: This is perfect for your online business. Premier: For buying and selling. Business:    One of the most important aspects of PayPal are that there are no setup fees. This means that it doesn't cost you any money until you have actually made the transaction.      

      PayPal is a safer, faster, more secure way to pay online – your financial details are never shared. So that   PayPal continues to be the most popular money transfer service for online transactions

References

1). A Review of PayPal Features   available from

http://www.build-your-website.co.uk/ecommerce/PayPal-review.htm

2)why PayPal ? Available from

   https://www.paypal-marketing.co.uk/whypaypal/index.htm   

3) How PayPal work   available from

https://personal.paypal.com/cgi-bin/marketingweb?cmd=_render-content&content_ID=marketing_us/Sign_Up_for_PayPal

PayPal Transaction By Abeer Zablah

In this article I will talk about one of the leading American on-line payment systems, it is  PayPal, that was founded in 1998.and In  2002 eBay, the leader in Internet auction business, acquired the company for 1.5 billion dollars.  From that time The number of the system users increases everyday.

PayPal is an online payment service that allows individuals and businesses to transfer funds electronically. You can use it to pay for online auctions , purchase goods and services, or to make donations. You can pay with money held in your PayPal account balance or use another payment method such as a credit card, debit card or your bank account. . You can even use it to send cash to someone with an e-mail address.( How stuff works 2005).

“With PayPal there's no need to find cash point or organize a bank transfer – which makes life a lot easier when you need to send some money. Simply use your PayPal account to send money, whatever the reason may be!”.(PayPal 2010).

PayPal account holders must be 18 or over with a debit/credit card or bank account and e-mail address. There are 3 levels of PayPal accounts: Personal, Premier, or Business Account.

In order to participate in PayPal, you must sign up to be a member. It’s free. Fees charged are just on receiving money from selling goods or services online and when you receive money from your friends and family who have credit card or receiving money from other countries.

In order to sign up, you are asked all the basic questions, plus you choose the traditional login and password. Your email is proven active by the computer sending you your confirmation number. You get the number, return to the site, and finish the process.

 Websites that accept PayPal will show the PayPal logo in their checkout. You will be asked to log in to your account with your email address and password to confirm the payment. 

 Also If you receive a payment through PayPal, you will receive an email notification and the money will be credited to your PayPal account. You can then use your PayPal balance to make payments, or you can withdraw the funds to your bank account.

PayPal Infrastructure: “PayPal doesn't fundamentally change the way merchants interact with banks and credit card companies. It just acts as a middleman. Credit and debit card transactions travel on different networks. When a merchant accepts a charge from a card, the merchant pays an interchange, which is a small fee of about ten cents plus approximately 2 percent. The interchange is made up of a variety of small fees paid to all the different companies that have a part in the transaction -- the merchant's bank, the credit card association and the company that issued the card “.(Model Buffes 2011).

PayPal allows merchants to accept payments from websites or email without having a true merchant account. This can be a good solution for small online businesses

The basic concept is this; PayPal offers a secure service through which funds can be transferred from one PayPal account to another.

The simple idea behind PayPal -- using encryption software to allow people to make financial transfers between computers -- has turned into one of the world's primary methods of online payment.

“PayPal makes buying products and services or even sending money as easy as sending email. It's secure and you don't have to give out your sensitive financial information like credit card account details to each merchant you buy from”.

 “PayPal now boasts more than 100 million accounts worldwide”. And it going to sign up a another tons of new people worldwide.

How stuff works 2005, How PayPal Works .Available from: <http://money.howstuffworks.com/paypal.htm> .[13 April 2011].

PayPal 2010, sending money by PayPal. Available from: https://www.paypal-marketing.co.uk/sendmoney/index.htm.[19 Mar 2010].

Model Buffes 2011, how to order & PayPal .Available from:< http://www.modelbuffs.com/modelbuffs_payment.php>.[27 Jan 2011].

Global Positioning System by Aseel Issa

     In the past, humans had to go to pretty extreme measures to keep from getting lost. They erected monumental landmarks, laboriously drafted detailed maps and learned to read the stars in the night sky. All of these ways were difficult, but what if their guide was a collection of satellites that monitors the earth by receivers, this is known as a Global Positioning System (GPS).

       The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a "satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense" (what is GPS). It was intended for military applications, but after years it was developed for civilians’ usage. The technology behind the Global Positioning System is quite complex but can be summarized into simple terms, the system consists of three segments: Space segment including 24 operating satellites, Control segment including monitor and control stations that maintains the satellites, and user segment consists of GPS receiver. The GPS can be clarified simply in this example: you turn on your GPS receiver and ask for your location, the receiver sends signals to the satellites and it calculates your requested information then send it to your receiver by appearing on the screen. (GPS Overview 2011)

     I think by providing this technology, life became easier and safer. So let me talk about the uses and benefits of it. GPS technology has many applications on land, at sea, and in the air. For example many of new cars have a GPS service to help you in finding locations with the maps it provides; also cell phones and new cameras have this service. Different companies use it for distributing or delivering home appliances and also food products by different restaurants, also companies use it in their vehicle (tracking software) that helps in better planning and supervising vehicle movements and for timely delivery of the construction material and overall for better dispatching and advanced communication material. Also GPS technology is used in aircrafts, ships, agriculture, and environment. Of course firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel can respond faster and more accurately with GPS, and we don’t forget that the government and military is the primary beneficiary of this technology. You can use offline GPS by downloading the maps on your GPS device and tag the important locations for you. (Industries are using GPS 2008) 

     Although GPS provided amazing benefits, but it has disadvantages so here are some: Reception can be poor by not having clear access to the satellites, Turn-by-turn directions are not available on every type of GPS device, Maps on GPS receivers are not updated in real time for all models it means that your receiver maybe lead you onto a road that is closed or no longer exist and it could also miss new roads and businesses. So be careful when using GPS devices from these disadvantages. (Kirk. A)

    In the end, I want to say that GPS has made it easier and safer to travel and do businesses. By owning a GPS device, your life became easy and you can dispense the maps and asking people where you are or where to go.

        

References

1. What is GPS? , Garmin Ltd. 2011. Available from:

 >http://www8.garmin.com/aboutGPS/<

2. GPS Overview, GPS.GOV 2011. Available from:

> [15 March, 2011] http://www.gps.gov/systems/gps/<

3. Kirk. A, Disadvantages of a GPS System, eHow. Available from:

> http://www.ehow.com/facts_4811055_disadvantages-gps-system.html<

4. What industries are using GPS vehicle tracking software, RoseIndia 2008. Available from:

<http://www.roseindia.net/technology/gps/industries-using-gps-tracking-system.shtml>

    

Hacking By Sally Bannoura

Hacking

     Today more and  more softwares are developing and people are getting more and  more options in their present softwares. But  many are not aware that they are being hacked without their knowledge.

Computer hacking is the most popular form of hacking nowadays, especially in the field of computer security, but hacking exists in many other forms, such as phone hacking, wireless hacking and etc.

Computer hacking is the practice of modifying computer hardware and software to accomplish a goal outside of the creator’s original purpose. People who engage in computer hacking activities are often called hackers. Since the word “hack” has long been used to describe someone who is incompetent at his/her profession, some hackers claim this term is offensive and fails to give appropriate recognition to their skills.

Computer hacking is most common among teenagers and young adults, although there are many older hackers as well. Many hackers are true technology buffs who enjoy learning more about how computers work and consider computer hacking an “art” form. They often enjoy programming and have expert-level skills in one particular program. For these individuals, computer hacking is a real life application of their problem-solving skills. It’s a chance to demonstrate their abilities, not an opportunity to harm others.(wiseGEEK 2011)

There are three types of hackers:

● Black-Hat Hackers: or crackers are individuals with extraordinary computing skills, resorting to malicious or destructive activities. They use their knowledge and skill for their own personal gains probably by hurting others.

● White-Hat Hackers: Are those individuals professing hacker skills and using them for defensive purposes. This means that the white hat hackers use their knowledge and skill for the good of others and for the common good.

● Grey-Hat Hackers: These are individuals who work both offensively and defensively at various times. We cannot predict their behavior. Sometimes they use their skills for the common good while in some other times they use them for their personal gains.(Seminar Report, Ethical hacking, 2009)

Damage that a Hacker can do depend upon what backdoor programs are hiding on your PC. Different programs can do different amounts of damage. However, most allow a hacker to smuggle another program onto your PC. This means that if a hacker can't do something using the backdoor program, he can easily put something else onto your computer that can. Hackers can see everything you are doing, and can access any file on your disk. Hackers can write new files, delete files, edit files, and do practically anything to a file that could be done to a file. A hacker could install several programs to your system without your knowledge. Such programs could also be used to steal personal information such as passwords and credit card information.(Boloji 2011)

From my study search of hacking I noticed that the first advantage of hacking is that it can be used to recover lost information when the computer password has been lost, while on the other hand it teaches us that no technology is 100% secure. On the contrary, I found two important disadvantages of hacking; the first one is that criminals can use it to their advantage to steal information and passwords. The second one is that it can harm someone's privacy. (Mr. Majd Bannoura confirmed this by e-mail on 15 March 2011)

There are some steps that each person must follow in order to avoid others from hacking them. First of all, never post your IP address in a public place. Second, always run your  Firewall and Antivirus programs first. Third, when you are not using your computer, disconnect it from the Internet.

References:

·         whatishacking.org,  Computer software n.d. Available from:<http://whatishacking.org/>

·         wiseGEEK 2011, Computer hacking. Available from:< http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-computer-hacking.htm>

·         Seminar Report, Ethical hacking, 2009. Available from:<http://www.scribd.com/doc/19124698/Seminar-Report>

·         Boloji.com 2011, Computing Internet Security. Available from:<http://www.boloji.com/computing/security/020.htm>  {3 April 2011}

·         Mr. Majd Bannoura, 2008,  Pers.comm., 15 March.

·         InfoHQ  2008, Avoiding Hackers. Available from:<http://www.infohq.com/Computer/Spam/avoid-spam-hackers.htm>. {7 November 2008}

Digital Signature By Farah Abu Sahliya

A signature states that the signee accepts and agrees with what is written in the document. But how would you do that for an electronic document? The answer is that you should use digital signature technology. There are many questions to answer regarding digital signature, including what is a Digital Signature? What is needed to create one? How does it work? What is it used for? What are its advantages? And what are its disadvantages? I hope to answer these questions in this report.

A Digital Signature is a type of electronic signature that uses Public Key Cryptography (asymmetric cryptography) so that a receiver of an electronic document (e-mail, Spreadsheet, text, etc…) can know who created it and that it hasn’t been altered since its creation.

To create a Digital Signature you need to possess a verification program and a private key while the receiver must possess your public key. The verification program’s job is to calculate a certain value for the file; this value is called a hash value, or message digest. The sender must have a private key that encrypts the hash value. While the receiver has the sender’s private key, which decrypts the hash value.

The following example simplifies how digital signature systems work: Bob wants to send an important document securely by e-mail to Mr. Smith, so he uses digital signature. After writing the e-mail he uses the verification program that calculates a hash value for the e-mail. He then uses his private key to encrypt the hash value; this encryption of the hash value is the digital signature and is then attached to the e-mail and sent to Mr. Smith. When the e-mail reaches Mr. Smith he uses the verification program and calculates the hash value for the e-mail. After that he uses Bob’s public key to decrypt the hash value that was sent to him by Bob and gets the value that Bob got. Then he compares the two values, if they are equal he knows that the e-mail is authentic. As shown in the following figure from ghacks.net: 

Digital Signature is used for authentication, integrity and non-repudiation ¹(Olzak 2006). Authentication means that the receiver knows who sent the document. As for integrity, it means that the receiver knows that the document hasn’t been altered while in traffic. Non-repudiation is a legal term that basically means in this case that the sender can’t successfully deny that he/she sent the document and at the same time state that his/her private key is secure.

There are 3 advantages for digital signature. First, Digital signatures can prevent imposters from stealing or changing the document, as any slight change to the document will change the hash value. Second, the receiver can know that the document is the real document sent by the sender, this is called message integrity. And finally, every legal or financial document must be signed by whoever the document concerns, digital signatures fulfill these legal requirements for electronic documents.

The disadvantage of digital signatures lies in that it is more expensive than regular signatures as you must buy the verification programs and the private & public keys, which are issued from the Certificate Authority ²(Methods of Solutions 2010).

I believe that even though digital signature is more expensive it still is a great way to securely transfer information. Public key cryptography makes it difficult for a hacker to steal the information, while keeping message integrity for the document at the same time. And I really hope that this technology is implemented here in Palestine.

References:

1: Olzak, T 2006, Electronic Signatures and the Law. 1 April 2006. Adventures in Security. Available from:

 >http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/adventuresinsecurity/electronic-signatures-and-the-law-8561<  

2: Method~of~Solutions 2010, Definition, Advantages And Disadvantages Of Digital Signatures. Available from: >http://dulawat.com/2010/07/18/definition-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-digital-signatures<

Figure Available from: <http://www.ghacks.net/2007/04/26/encrypt-and-sign-all-your-email-traffic/>