| Security should be a serious issue to anyone who | | | | acknowledge that in theory it is perfectly feasible to |
| uses a computer. Whether at work or home, most | | | | infect memory cards in this way, they insist that the |
| people are well aware of the risks associated with | | | | risk is minimal. They are keen to point out that the |
| the internet. Trojans, spyware, viruses and other | | | | perpetrators will gain nothing financially from such an |
| download traps are the equivalent of Armageddon to | | | | action making it extremely unlikely to occur. In fact |
| your precious computer's hard drive and can have a | | | | most commentators put the chances of your |
| serious impact on your life if your computer is | | | | memory disc being infected in this way at around 1 in |
| infected. But, although most people are quite savvy | | | | 10,000. |
| about the security threats from the internet, the | | | | But even if that miniscule risk is too much for you to |
| majority still don't consider the risks associated with | | | | contemplate there are alternatives to printing off |
| imported storage material such as CDs, DVDs, | | | | photos at public booths. You can print at home, |
| memory sticks and memory cards - especially those | | | | either on your regular printer or by using a dedicated |
| from digital cameras. | | | | machine that produces standard 6 x 4 prints. |
| Experts will tell you that inserting any foreign data | | | | Currently, this is probably the most expensive way |
| storage or transfer medium into your computer | | | | of printing digital photos. It is undoubtedly convenient, |
| without checking for viruses first is not a wise move. | | | | but the unit cost with a home printer can be as much |
| Yet, most of us are quite happy to take a memory | | | | as 50 pence per print. Compare that to the cost of |
| card out of our digital camera and insert it straight | | | | printing photos at do-it-yourself booths, and it can be |
| into our computer, or a do-it-yourself print machine in | | | | up to ten times more expensive! Uploading photos via |
| a supermarket, chemist or photo shop, in order to | | | | the web to secure storage sites is also a way to get |
| print off our pictures. | | | | cheaper photo prints. Plus an added benefit of using |
| But a memory card is a medium upon which | | | | that method is that it is also a convenient way to |
| instructions can be written to by a computer. A digital | | | | share your photos with others. By choosing to place |
| camera is merely a sophisticated, modified computer | | | | your prints in public folders, you simply send the link |
| and the cards used in it can also be inserted directly | | | | to the pictures to your friends, rather than cluttering |
| into some computers. Therefore, it is theoretically | | | | up yours and their inbox with space-hogging |
| possible for someone to infect a photo memory card | | | | photographs. Adam Singleton is an online, freelance |
| in their computer then insert it into a printing machine | | | | journalist and keen amateur photographer. His |
| passing on the virus to all subsequent memory cards | | | | portfolio, called Capquest Photography is available to |
| that use that machine. | | | | view online. |
| Thankfully, however, even through most experts | | | | |