BarTalk June 2003
Volume 15, Number 3

A wealth of information at your fingertips

by Patricia Jordan

Human Resources Online
Did you know the CBABC Web site has a Human Resources (HR) web page? If you have an employment opportunity, we’d like to hear from you. The HR web page features national and international employment opportunities. Employment opportunities advertised in BarTalk Classified Ads receive a complimentary one-month posting on the HR web page. The Counsel Network, a preferred supplier of the CBABC, is also featured on the HR web page.

The Volunteer Opportunities web page offers links to international organizations including CANADEM, Freedom House, United Nations Volunteers, World University Service of Canada, and World Volunteer Web. CBA National is currently seeking lawyers to assist colleagues in Zimbabwe through CBA’s International Network.

CBABC Web Facts

• More than 500 CBABC members down-loaded the National Standing Committees nomination form since it was posted in early 2003.
• Dial-A-Law topics were downloaded from the public area of www.bccba.org more than 9,500 times since January 1, 2003.

New Documents in the Library

• Process for Resolutions Pertaining to S.32 of the Bylaws, Memorandum, January 21, 2003 (under CBABC Bylaws)
• Resolutions Submission Form (under CBABC Bylaws)

Ask the Webmaster
What is Spyware? How can I protect my computer from Spyware?

Security companies report that the incidence of surreptitious software is increasing at an alarming rate. Spyware, also referred to as ‘Sneakware,’ is usually within free software that is downloaded over the Internet. Spyware may contain bugs, is often poorly written and can cause your computer to malfunction. One of the biggest issues with Spyware is its lack of disclosure, as it allows advertisers to update and target advertising on your computer and monitor your surfing habits to potentially sell that data for marketing purposes.

Adware, though often confused with Spyware, is not the same as Spyware. Companies offer Adware free and place advertising into the software to generate revenue. Adware contains disclaimers explaining what you give up in exchange for the free software and that your web browser habits, spending habits, etc may be monitored and sold for marketing or demographic research purposes.

Your best defence against Spyware is to use current anti-Spyware software. Anti-Spyware software scans your computer’s RAM, registry, hard drive and external storage devices for known data mining, advertising and tracking components, and removes those tracking components from your system.

There are numerous Web sites dedicated to protecting you from Spyware. C/NET www.download.com is an excellent resource for anti-spyware software. Lavasoft (Adaware) www.lavasoft.de, PepiMK Software (Spybot - Search & Destroy) www.spybot.safer-networking.de, and Antiy Labs (Antiy Ghostbusters Professional Edition 3.68) www.antiy.net are three popular anti-spyware programs.

Did You Know?
Spyware may be on your computer. Experts estimate that 40 to 50 per cent of computers may have some type of software monitoring their behaviour and sending data back to the software’s parent company, all without your knowledge or consent.

Dial-A-Law Downloads
As at April 30, 2003, the top downloaded Dial-A-Law topics related to:

• separation issues and dividing up assets;
• income tax;
• power of attorney & representation agreements;
• handling an estate in probate; and
• the disappointed beneficiary.

Patricia Jordan is the CBABC Manager, Interactive Media. She welcomes your comments, questions, and suggestions. If you’re having difficulty finding a document online, need an answer, or would like something added to the site, contact her at pjordan@bccba.org or call 604.646.7861.

This article was published in the June 2003 issue of BarTalk and is subject to the copyright by the British Columbia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, 2005, all rights reserved.