Security Certificates

when your browser scares you with the infamous “this site is not trusted”

When you go to some sites, your browser puts a big scary security warning in your face, or pops up a "Content Blocked" balloon. But really, what does it mean?

Well, two things: (1) it has switched to Secure Sockets Layer (SSL, with https: in the address), and is now encrypting all communications, but (2) it’s SSL certificate has a problem, or it is loading something from an “insecure” (http:) source—usually an ad, image, or other remote content.

Now let’s put this into perspective.

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Contributions

nothing’s really free…

When I see one of those “Contribute” buttons on a web site I think, “yeah, like I’m really gonna just send some money to a total stranger…” But this case is different.

Being disabled, I can’t do much, but I can poke at a keyboard, so I’ve spent thousands of hours attempting to write free articles for people to read and enjoy. And my writing is always based on the idea that good content should be both useful and appreciated, so I tend to cover my subjects in such a way as to take them from beginner to intermediate levels, along with the enthusiasm of new accomplishments.

If you find the articles on this site interesting and useful, please consider a small contribution to help cover expenses. There’s a PayPal button at the bottom of the page (you don’t need a PayPal account) and you can rest assured that it’s secure.

If you’ve already contributed, I’d like to say a big Thanks! It’s very much appreciated!

You can also help by using our Amazon ads and links before making your purchases. Clicking in to Amazon from an Amazon Affiliate site (like this one) costs you nothing extra, but gives us a small commission to help defray the costs of web operation.

—KV5R