Jul 10, 2018 | networking, News
So a few day ago, the Iranian government arrested 18-year old Iran citizen Maedeh Hojabri. But what was her crime? Simply dancing on Instagram in casual clothes! But now, other Iranian women use social media to protest this arrest.
Because in Iran, the sharia law government has strict rules against women dancing on social media. However, Hojabri has over 300 Instagram videos of her dancing to Iranian and American pop music. Soon, the government arrested her and 3 others for this. She even confessed on their state TV.? Thankfully, she posted bail and is free. However, this started a social media movement among Iranian women.
There is a hashtag movement going on they call #dancing_isn’t_a_crime. Women are picking up their computers and smartphone cameras to dance in support of Maedeh Hojabri. One young lady not only dances in causal clothing, but has a message for Iran. She calls out their hypocrisy. Basically, she says young women could get arrested for dancing, but her government let rapists and child molesters go free. She speaks truth. Another dances on the street in public. On her Twitter page, she says she dances to support the girl they arrested. Also on Twitter, while dancing, one young lady says she dances to let them know they can’t take away their happiness. These are some ways Iranian women use social media to protest.
This isn’t the first time Iran’s sharia laws embarrassed them on the world stage. A few years ago, they locked up six people because they danced to the Pharrell William’s ‘Happy’ song. Iran’s people took to social media, IT support and IT service before. Back in 2009, Iranian people took to social media to protest a corrupt election. So here we are again. And they let the world know again. This is why social media is so powerful. It exposes injustice and brutality, even in super secret nations. If this happened 20 years ago, do you think we would even know? Do you think the outcry would be as strong?
Jul 9, 2018 | News
So now, we all know about the crisis in Thailand. Two weeks ago, 12 boys and their soccer coach got trapped in a cave, and a Thai Navy Seal was killed trying to save them. But there is good news. As of this blog, they rescued at least 5 boys. Now, IT support billionaire and Tesla CEO Elon Musk offers help to Thai victims.
Musk sent a mini-submarine to Thailand. In fact, it should arrive sometime tonight. Musk himself estimates the sub should be there by 11pm Thai time. However, and thankfully, the rescue mission is in full swing. I say thankfully not to diss Musk, but I am thankful some of those boys are already out. Musk hopes the sub is useful, but if it isn’t, then the Thailand can keep it for further use.
Musk started communicating with Thailand since this crisis started back on June 23. For example, he suggested sending tubes through the Tham Luang cave. Then, they can blow up these tubes. That way, they can use these tubes to travel and escape through the cave without risky scuba diving. Yesterday, he showed off tests of his people working with a mini-sub in Los Angeles waters. And now, one of those mini-subs are going to Thailand. Also, some of his engineers are going to Thailand to offer their help. The Thai government and people continue to give Musk an outpouring of love and gratitude for his help.
Despite a crisis like this, it’s refreshing to tell stories like this. I know I often talk about how IT service and modern technology can harm our society. But now, it could help society, even save lives. I join the Thai people in applauding Musk in his efforts. I’m happy Elon Musk offers help to Thai victims. If they get the rest of those boys and coach out, then great. If they use Musk’s tools and people to continue the rescue effort, then that would make him a bigger man and hero then ever. Do you think Musk will save the day for this rescue?
Jul 6, 2018 | Smartphone
So remember the iPhone X? Well, some call it a flop and others call it a success. But later this year, computer repair experts and tech insiders talks about Apple releases inexpensive and colorful iPhones.
So let me be clear. This is not a guarantee. If these releases don’t happen, then don’t call our computer service shop with your angry questions. However, Apple writers predict they’ll release iPhones in colors like orange, red and blue. These phones will also have facial recognition and edge to edge screens. This is just what Apple users expect. But keep in mind no Apple iPhone comes in orange or blue, at least not recent ones. And the only time Apple released a red phone is to promote worthy causes, like fighting AIDS/HIV in Africa.
These new phones will probably cost $650-$750. That’s considerably less than what the iPhone X costed upon it’s release: $1,000. There will be at least two versions of this potential new phone. One is an OLED 6.5 inch. The other will be 6.1 LCD phone. These phones should have many of the other SIM capabilities. But we can tell you the LCD phone won’t come with dual camera system. From what I gathered so far, this is the only setback. But these will be higher end iPhones.
Let’s just say Apple releases inexpensive and colorful iPhones. If they pull this off, then we can expect them to come out in fall 2018. It just might happen. Because I saw pictures of leaked photos of a gold version. For years, Apple customers called on their brand to sell cheaper versions of high end smartphones. They also called on them to sell more colorful ones. Now, they might get their with. If these phones are a go, then experts say we can expect a banner Q4 2018 for Apple. Some even say they can sell 70 million of them before the clock strikes 2019. How do you feel about these less expensive and colorful iPhones?
Jul 5, 2018 | Uncategorized
So recently, cyber criminals found a new way to threaten your computer system. It starts off as spam. But it turns into something far worse. Let’s see how the Smoke loader steals passwords and messes up security.
This malware issues Trojan, ransomware, and other viruses quickly. Smoke loader started it’s computer reign of terror back in 2011. However, in 2018, this threat got worse. It can also start as a bad Microsoft Word attachment. It tricks users into enabling Smoke Loader. Then, they install it on a compromising system. This allows this stuff to add even malware.
Some researchers track Smoke Loader and sees what this computer repair nightmare is up to.? So now, it’s using Trickbot to steal passwords, credit cards, and other information. They may tell you that a bill is overdue through a phishing email. Then you may find a number, probably a foreign one, to call. Obviously, don’t call it. Then there is the PROPagate method. It pretends to install a subclass running windows. Yet what they’re really doing is injecting a bad file. No browser or system is immune. They can do it to IE, Crome, Firefox, and all the other browser systems. Yes, they can even take over your whole system.
So what do we do? Most security experts will tell you, and most of our pc repair techs will tell you, step up your cyber security game. Because the cyber hackers and crooks are stepping up theirs. Install the latest security systems and patches. Around here, we always suggest Avast. Watch out for spam and other phishing schemes. If you get an attachment from somebody you don’t know, then don’t click on it. In fact, just throw it in the trash. These things may not solve all our computer problems, but I bet it will combat smoke loader steals passwords. What can we do to be safe?
Jul 3, 2018 | Security
So let’s say someone is in an abusive relationship. Let’s also say the abused person wants out and gets out. Then the abuser can use the latest IT service technology to create havoc on his/her ex. This is smart home abuse: The latest technology threat.
But this is just one example. Abusers can use smart home technology to change locks and lock the victim out of their own home. They can also, behind their smartphone, plunge the thermostat to either baking heat or bone chilling cold. They can turn lights on and off, and other electronics as well. The abuser can play music or shows he/she knows the victim hates. An abuser can even manipulate a stove or other appliance to start a fire and walk away scott free. Sounds like something out of Fatal Attraction doesn’t it? Well, it’s a real situation.
But what can we do about it? Cyber security experts say be aware of every smart gadget in your home, so you won’t be caught by surprise. Find out how they work. Perhaps most importantly, get a different password for each user and each device. Therefore, if an abuser tries to mess with you, you have your own password to combat his/her menacing tactics. It may not be the ultimate fix, but at least it’s a start. Some experts even say it’s better to limit smart home technology use that can give way to smart home abuse.
That definitely sounds like common sense to me. And no, I don’t want to give abusers or bullies new ideas. I just write this to warn that these dangers are out there. I also write this to encourage others to do something about this. And I’m not the only ones. The New York Times, one of the most trusted news sources in US history, broke this story. I just wish manor smart home technology makers address this. Smart home abuse is real and what do we do about it?
We at Geek Choice, America’s favorite computer repair firm, like to wish everyone a happy Independence Day. Stay safe and careful out there!
