So there are many things to talk about,as usual. But I think this episode will resonate with all of us. Because we all fly, and fortunately, I only fly a couple of times a year. American Airlines glitch exposes fragile system.
Yesterday, American Airlines grounded all their flights. However, this wasn’t because of weather, terrorism or crime. It was due to a computer glitch and IT service failure. They felt the outage nationwide. This is especially true in their busy airports, like Chicago O’Hare and Minneapolis/St. Paul. You can bet, it didn’t take long before complaints flew and tempers flared.
But there is some good news. This IT support outage didn’t last very long. The operating system and dispatch went out around 2:05 yesterday EST. However, by 2:45 EST, they fixed the problems and all operations ran as normal. They also did a good job coordinating with the FAA to handle this ground stoppage. One more piece of good news. They didn’t have to cancel any flights because of this. In fact, they only delayed nine flights because of this stoppage. And from what I’m reading, there was no physical violence or incidents or uprisings in the wake of this glitch.
So what? Why do I write about this? To show you how the American Airlines glitch exposes a fragile system. Yes, it only lasted 40 minutes, thank goodness.? I do applaud American Airlines and the FAA for correcting the problem quickly before it got out of hand. But during the glitch, there was no way the passengers could have know that. For all they knew, this could have lasted for hours. I hate to say it, but American Airlines passengers got lucky yesterday. In recent years, a lot of airline glitches got a lot worse. Not only that, what if somebody hacks into the system and holds it for ransom? I’m not trying to scare anybody. But the airline industry and the government needs to do something prevent, or at least minimize, these glitches. But what though?
So yesterday, I talked about rising seas threatening the Internet. But I guess there’s no rest for the weary. Because the threat I talk to you about today could be apocalyptic. Could foreign hackers create an EMP?
For almost a year, cyber experts and government officials warn about hackers pulling off the ultimate attack. They would hit all IT support and electric grids. It would also hit other computer systems as well. But the worst thing about it? They could create an EMP attack behind their own desk and from their computer. What would an EMP do? We’ll get to that later.
If this concerns experts, then it should concern us. Listen to Drogos cyber security workers. In one interview, they talk about how hackers compromised Ukraine’s power grid. From their computer, hackers could turn lights on and off. This was between 2015-16. But sense then, they said the hackers got more aggressive. Then there is National Intelligence director Dan Coats. He testified to Congress that the US is under attack. He believes that it’s not just foreign nations like Russia, China and Iran that have cyber weapons and are willing to use them. But he testified terrorist, criminals, radical political extremist, and anybody with a grudge can do damage with cyber weapons.
What is an EMP? Back in 1859, the US had the Carrington Event. A solar flare came down and burned telegraph wires. That is what an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) would do to us…if we had 1850s technology. Today, if somebody created an EMP, it would shut down all computer systems, all electric grids, and all communications. Not only that, but all of our food, clean water, transportation, everything we take for granted would be gone. It would take months, maybe even a year to get all the systems back on track. Some say that if this were to happen, then most of the American population would be dead. I know this sounds like a horror movie plot, but this is a real threat we in computer repair need to address. Could foreign hackers create an EMP? What do we do?
So let’s suppose you buy a laptop for $2,800, maybe a little bit more. But you discover out of the box, it doesn’t work to your liking; you thought it would be a lot faster. How would you feel? I ask because a lot of Apple users return MacBook Pro laptops.
So speed is one of the biggest selling points of the new MacBook Pro. They said they can reach speeds of 2.9 GHz. However, there’s a problem. Speeds are not running that fast. That’s because you need a Core i9 processor to get to such lightning speeds. Do you know how hot a machine can get with a Core i9 processor? Well, the laptop’s cooling system appears to be no match for this processor’s heat. In fact, some computer repair experts suggest you put your new MacBook Pro in the freezer to get the 2.9 GHz speed.
That’s what computer repair You Tuber Dave Lee did. So according to him, the freezer treatment is the only to get it to 2.9 GHz. Without it, not only will it not capture this speed, but it will run worse than 2017’s MacBook Pro. That only had a Core i7 processor. Also, Dave Lee explains this Core i9 slows down to prevent itself to prevent thermal throttling.
But other Apple users return MacBook Pro. Some people aren’t waiting for the disappointment of this. One Apple user on Reddit says he’s cancelling his new MacBook rather than deal with it. I also have it by good authority that hundreds of others are either returning their laptops. Some others cancel orders and send theirs back before the shipping man even comes to their door. Now that’s bad. Keep in mind this isn’t Apple’s first setback this year. How much profit will Apple lose because of this snafu? Can the MacBook pro get back on track?
So remember checking out books at the library right (I still do)? You had to return them by a certain date. However, Google has a same system with Chromebooks. They’re also expanding it.? Let’s look at Google’s Grab and Go Chromebook system.
This ‘Grab and Go’ lets employees borrow Chromebooks. Then they use self serving stations to return them. They simply grab a Chromebook laptop, sign in, and return it the laptop when they’re finished. Without this, they would have to endure a tiring IT support and approval process. Imagine waiting just to return a library book; it’d be kind of like that. It must be working good for Google. Because now, they want to offer this system to other businesses.
Chromebooks are particularly popular in education and in business executive suites. Don’t expect Google to sale racks, laptops and other supplies to make this a physical transaction. So don’t even go to Google looking for things like Chromebook laptop racks. But Google will give any company or education system an open source code to build it themselves. Furthermore, a Google employee will be right there to help them build it, remotely of course. They will help you build this Grab and Go system and teach you how to run it and maintain it.
So I’m guessing many of you think, “Would it be better to to just build the equipment and sell it to these institutions?”. Eventually, that might happen, especially if this gets too popular. But let’s take this one day at a time. This isn’t as simple as a library book, or video that we used to return. This computer servicing equipment cost thousands and thousands of dollars. So if people don’t return that, then they’re really out of luck. I don’t even think Google is ready to handle that. Would you use Google’s Grab and Go Chromebook system?
So back in 2005, Congress looked for a way to strengthen ID credibility. They did it because the 9/11/2001 hijackers used fake ID’s. They came up with? The Real ID Act. Now, it will soon take effect. The Real ID: Technology in driver’s licences.
So all?Americans will need this ID by October 2020. This Real ID is a federal compliant state ID or drivers licence. To get it, you will need the following: social security card, birth certificate, and two proofs of your state residence. The RMV/DMV places across America are taking this seriously. In fact, the RMV near our computer service shop closed down for three business days just to set up the technology they need for this.
But what does this have to do with IT support or computer technology? With this Real ID, they will put your information in a federal database. This help the federal government can track you wherever you go. Does that sound like science fiction? Then why are RMV’s all across America getting new computer systems just for this ID transition? They’re switching from the ALARS to ATLAS systems. Some say they will even scan your face and put your facial features in this database. I don’t have proof if they will or won’t. But look at how popular facial recognition technology is today. It’s possible.
However, here are some facts. If you don’t get a Real ID by October 1, 2020, then you won’t be able to do a lot things you take for granted. You won’t be able to board a flight, international or domestic. Also, you won’t be able to enter any government building. This includes city halls and courtrooms. If you work at a nuclear power facility, then you won’t be able to go there either. It seems like they’re really going to make us get the real ID, whether we want to or not. What do you think of the real ID?
So this week, Apple talks about their new MacBook Pro line. Because for some reason, they failed to elaborate at June 2018’s WWDC conference. Apple’s new MacBook Pro: Help for creative community.
So first, the outside will look about the same. They’ll have the same sizes, Touch Bars, etc. But that’s where the similarities end. It sounds like they really upped their game with software. These machines will have Intel Core I7 or I9. They will also have 4TB hard drives, 32GB of memory and DDR4 memory.? Though they slightly improved the battery, you should expect the same battery life as previous MacBook Pro’s.
But Apple’s New MacBook Pro is trying to reach the creative arts community. In fact, Apple turns to video producers for their critique. Then there is this new chip they call the T2. This chips makes your software even more secure. Also, ‘hey Siri’ will be on these MacBook Pro model. It’s optional, but if you do put Siri on, she’ll give you the same services she does on an iPhone. They’re putting another Iphone X feature on these new Pro’s: True Tone. But you don’t have to wait until Christmas, nor September, for this new generation of Apple’s new MacBook Pro.
Because these new models are already on sale. However, they’re not for bargain hunters. The 13-inch will cost you around $1,800. The 15-inch will cost around $2,400. However, one of our customers and neighbors near our Boston computer service shop just got one. She raves about it. And she’s trying to get her name out there as a singer and video music producer. So it sounds like this caters to her needs. I’m not a MacBook Pro guy, but if you’re thinking about getting one, just know our computer repair experts can help you install it. I know, cheap plug. But would you get a new new McBook pro? Why or why not?
