Apr 19, 2018 | scam, Security
So you put an ad blocker in your Google account. But now you can’t find it. There is probably a good reason for that. It could be because of a fake ad blocker. Check your Google account now!
So this warning started with a story AdGuard’s blog released. In it, they exposed fake extensions that used extra code. They feed on the info of websites you visit, almost like some monster out of a swamp that yearns to get bigger. But Google already takes action. They took off five fake ad blockers out of their store. And these were top downloading ad blockers too. You can bet they will remove some more as well.
However, this hardly seems to be new. In fact, AdGaurd’s blog warned about this starting last year. That year alone, some 37,000 people got a AdBlock Plus for their device. It turned out to be a fake ad blocker. It clones and preys on popular keywords. Then, it took real extensions and added their own malicious content they hide in the images. Instead of blocking the ad, (they may do some blocking to save face), it eats up your info. There’s no telling what they will do when they get it.
So what can we do? AdGuard suggests check the extension author. Make sure it’s somebody you trust. Why do I talk about this? As I stated before, we in IT support need to warn people of such warnings. But as for me, I think I’ll deal with the ads. Yes, they can be annoying and pestering. However, at least they’re not infecting our systems, well, most of them aren’t. This is why I urge you, and all that depend on IT support to check your Google account now! See what’s real and what’s not. And if a fake ad blocker sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. What are some real ad blockers you can trust?
Apr 18, 2018 | General
So Amazon’s e-commerce app is only available in a few countries. We’re talking USA, most EU countries, Australia and Singapore. But that’s about to change. Because Amazon e-commerce globalizes.
So here’s what’s happening. A new feature lets 100 other countries buy from Amazon. They can now do so with mobile apps. They’re also showing off the app to nations that don’t feel Amazon’s presence as much. They can do this through an international shipping system. Let’s say you’re in one of these nations. Yes, Amazon will ship to your address, but it will also add up shipping, taxes, and global taxes for you.
But is it worth it? Depends on who you ask. I read an article from one person in Thailand. Thanks to shipping costs and taxes, products from Amazon will be 75% higher. Then add the extra time it will take. So that person will probably say no. But you know there are people who will embrace this change. Just because it’s Amazon, and just because it’s an American company, many around the world will flock to it. However, we can expect the silent treatment. And we got it. Amazon leaders aren’t telling us how many countries this service is in, or where it’s going to. The most we know is ‘100 different nations’ will get this new service.
But it doesn’t stop us in IT service from speculation. Look at their international streaming services. At the time of this link, the streaming services weren’t available in China. But that could change. They’re pushing hard to push Echo and prime. Across our Boston computer service shop, there is a Whole Foods. A whole segment of the store is dedicated to selling Amazon’s devices and software. Aha, now it’s making more sence. Amazon e-commerce globalizes as it attracts int’l customers. Is this why? So they can push there streaming services globally as well?
Apr 17, 2018 | Computer technology
So over the last several weeks, a debate raged on. The debates raged from online privacy rights to powerful tech leaders selling our information. In fact, these debates happen everywhere, from homes, bars, coffee shops, even our Boston computer service shop. Maybe we can help. Here is to deleting your Google history and checking your activity.
Yes, you can delete your browsing history. But even doing that doesn’t get rid of all the information Google has on you. However, by deleting your Google history, you can limit how much data they have on you. But that’s not the only way. In fact, Google isn’t the only candy store in town.
Ever hear of GoDuckGo? It’s a rival search engine that doesn’t track you online. Their CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, sees to it GoDuckGo doesn’t track you online. Another way to take out your Google history, or at least some of it, is to delete map activity. Google says it will delete your data…after you delete it first. Another thing you can do is adjust your Google settings and choose, ‘Stop Saving Activity’. It will do just that.
I don’t have all the answers, nor do I have all day to research and give you all the answers. But I can give you a pointer or two.
How to turn off your activity: 1. Go to Activity controls. 2. Turn off activity you don’t want to save. 3. To confirm, hit pause.
Deleting your Google history: 1. Go to My Activity. 2. At top right page, choose More -> Delete activity by. 3.? Below ‘Delete by Date’, select the Down Arrow-> All Time. 4. Select Delete. 4 1/2. You can control what you want to delete in ‘My Activity’.
So there are just some ways to keep your privacy private. But there are risk, like losing your saved passwords. If you are going to do this, then I hope you have a good memory. Also, I think Google realizes they’re not the monopoly they think they are. In fact, they know competitors like GoDuckGo are gaining on them. That’s why they’re taking such steps to help you delete your history. I applaud Google for doing it, but do you think they would if it were the only game in town? Now do you see why competition is so critical in IT support and online tech?
Apr 16, 2018 | Computer technology, Software
So I tire of reading about the Facebook scandal, and other IT service woes. Then I think, “What else is going on out there?”. I found a smartwatch that might interest some of you. Introducing the Android Skagen Faltser.
So we can thank our friends in Denmark for the Skagen Faltser. You read the time on an OLED round face. It can also serve as an alarm clock. You can wake up to a white on black color. If that’s too plain for you, then I see some cool blue color schemes as well. It has Android Fit for you workouts. It also has translations for your language needs. However, what it doesn’t have shocks me. It doesn’t have GPS, LTE Connectivity, or even a heart-rate monitor.
They say it’s because the watch is too small it can’t fit everything. According to many who wear this watch, it’s easier to use than many Apple or Samsung smartwatches. I like the display it has that tell you what time it is around the world. It can last about 24 hours without a recharge. It works with Android devices, and Apple ones too. The Skagen Faltser will cost you around $275. But you can upgrade with to a leather or metal band for an extra $20.
I’m not so sure about this smartwatch. To me, this really is a question about quality vs look. If you want a nice look, then the Android Skagen Faltser is for you. The fact that it’s from Denmark gives it a chic feel. I see the pictures, and it will give you props, especially is you were to wear it to our computer service shop. However, if you’re looking for tech efficiency, then this isn’t the watch for you. It doesn’t even have a heart-rate monitor. That should tell you something. As for me, I think I’ll pass. Sorry, but I like more efficiency and less look. Would you buy the Android Skagen Faltser?
Apr 13, 2018 | News
So IT support billionaire and Tesla CEO is under stress. In fact, on CBS This Morning, Elon Musk can’t go to sleep. But why?
First of all, Tesla is under a stressful period. In fact, it’s so bad Musk is sleeping on his car maker’s factory floor. Then, he says he can’t even go home to shower or sleep in his own bed. So why is Musk doing this? One reason is because he’s hard at work on his Model 3 car. On April 3, Tesla produced 2,020 Model 3 cars. However, their target is 2,500. In fact, he wants to make 5,000 Model 3 cars a week before too long. That’s a big jump in a short time. Here’s another reason Elon Musk can’t go to sleep. Because he’s a hands on CEO. He says he doesn’t believe in vacationing while his employees are working hard and suffering.
But between you and me, I think there are other reasons Elon Musk can’t go to sleep. He worries about other issues surroinding the IT service and computer tech industry. There’s this lingering Facebook scandal that won’t go away. A couple of weeks ago, he called out Facebook, and deleted them. In that interview, he called for regulation on Silicon Valley. Another concern of his is ‘fake news’ that seems to be plaguing the tech community. Between you and me, the most fake news you’ll find is on CNN and Fox News, but that’s just me. He touched on fake news in the CBS This Morning interview. Musk is weary as ever about AI/robot technology. In fact, he blames robots on the slowing down of his Model 3 car. Though Musk didn’t mention this, I think his dream of sending people to Mars is drawing heavy on his heart.
He didn’t say it, but he still believes the only way to save humanity is to send people to Mars. Is that the real reason Elon Musk can’t go to sleep? Speaking of sleeping, if you were Mark Zuckerberg right now, would you be able to go to sleep?
