What is SSL Certificate for websites?

What is SSL certificate and why do we need it for websites?

SSL stands for "Secure Sockets Layer", which is the standard security technology for creating an encrypted link between a Web server and a Web browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the server and browser remains private and secure. 

SSL Certificates serve two purposes:

• They assure customers that a website is legitimate and that the online business running the site is a real licensed business.
• They encrypt data transferred between a customer's Web browser and the online business to help prevent theft of sensitive information such as credit-card numbers, account numbers, and passwords.

The certificates are issued and validation assured by third-party companies called Certificate Authorities (CA). When a properly issued SSL Certificate is present on a website, the visitor's Web browser shows an image of a closed padlock and an "https" in front of the Web address.

There are 3 main types of SSL Certificates. The diagram below explains:

For a basic introduction to internet security, please also take a look at these short videos on SSL Certificates and Public Key Cryptography.

SSL Certificate Explained

Public Key Cryptography

How to Get Windows 10 for Free After July 29th

Windows 10 Free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be coming to an end soon.

Windows 10 Free Upgrade ending 29 July 2016

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10’s free upgrade offer will expire on July 29, 2016. After that, you’ll have to pay USD119 to upgrade on any computer that hasn’t already made the leap. But with a few simple steps, you can “reserve” that free copy now, so you can upgrade after July 29 without paying.

We know not everyone wants to upgrade to Windows 10 right now, and that’s fine. But one day, you’ll probably have to. And you don’t want to have to pay $119 for it. By upgrading a computer now and then rolling back to Windows 7 or 8, you’ll get to keep your original version of Windows, but “reserve” that free Windows 10 license for all your PCs.

This article from How-To Geek explains how to "reserve" your free Windows 10 even after July 29, 2016 deadline.

When you upgrade to Windows 10 from a PC running a genuine and activated Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 operating system, your PC receives a “digital entitlement.” Basically, Microsoft notes on its servers that your particular PC’s hardware is eligible for Windows 10 going forward.

Once your PC is eligible, it’s always eligible–you can reinstall Windows 10 from scratch and it’ll automatically activate, without you even entering a product key. 

Note that this is tied to your computer’s specific hardware, not your Microsoft account. The free Windows 10 license you receive will only work on that PC–if you upgrade the motherboard or try to install Windows 10 on another PC that doesn’t have the digital entitlement, it won’t work.  

Get Windows 10 for Free After July 29th, with a Little Prep Now

Google blocking Flash contents

HTML5 taking over Flash

Google aims to make HTML5 the primary experience in Chrome and will take steps to further block Flash content. Why is Google doing this, and what does it mean for Flash elearning contents? 

Read this brief report from Elucidat to learn more.

Meanwhile, here's a video on a brief introduction to HTML5: