Apr 23, 2015 | networking
There was a time when Facebook and video streaming wouldn’t even be in the same sentence. Now, Facebook takes in around four billion videos a day. Four billion. Let that sink in. The vast majority of those videos come through mobile devices.
This has Facebook investors and advertisers’ ears. While there’s been no public talk of launching Facebook video advertising, there has already been public meetings. Questions are being asked about making big money off Facebook videos. But CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other Facebook leader dodged those questions, giving no indications of such intentions. In fact, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg downplayed such intentions, claiming video ads may not be good for financial growth. According to one respected technology analyst, video ads will contribute 5% this year. That may not sound like much, but remember, Facebook is a multi-billion dollar entity. But I find it interesting just this morning, they announced an alliance with a media program called Anthology. Anthology pairs up businesses and media, determining which media is a good fit for which company…to promote of Facebook, of course. Facebook’s logo is on Anthology’s front page. They’re already bring in the big boys as partners. I’m talking big boys like Oh My Disney, The Onion, Vox Media, College Humor, among others.
Facebook is definitely planning something in the video advertising field. Why else would you spend unknown money, time and energy to form an alliance with a company like Anthology? I think this alliance was formed because Facebook knows it’s heading toward choppy waters, and they’re using Anthology as a great sail and navigational tool. If the social media conglomerate does get further in the video streaming game, especially advertising videos, what about competitors from You Tube and others? Facebook is being so hush-hush because they know what could happen if competitors know too much. That’s actually a smart move. Do you think Facebook is serious about video streaming and video advertising?
Apr 22, 2015 | Security
Last week, a security watchdog named Chris Roberts jokingly tweeted about lapse of cyber security on airplanes. Roberts’ tweet was enough for federal government agencies like the FBI and TSA to take notice and warn.
Both these agencies now alert airlines to be on guard against potential tampering of networks and communication systems. They’re even claims that a hacker could electronically take control of a plane right from a pilot. When this claim hasn’t been proven, and while there is no specific, credible threats, authorities are concerned. There’s an alert on the FBI’s InfraGard site advises flight attendants and other flight employees to look for passengers plugging in ports beneath the seats. This alert calls for airline employees to look for passengers removing network port covers, and posting social media messages threatening onboard network systems and air traffic controllers. Also last week, a government reported exposed unsecured connections between passenger Wi-Fi networks and aviation systems. Around this same time, Chris Roberts tweeted a joke about hacking into the system so he could make the oxygen mask could come down. A scathing government report and a scathing public tweet within days from each other…not a positive sign.
First off, don’t follow Roberts’ example! Chris Roberts is a computer security professional, and after his flight arrived in Syracuse, he was met and thoroughly interviewed by the FBI, and they seized his electronics. If you joke about airline security in this matter, you could get the same fate, and even worse. When reports talked about tampering with ports beneath the seats, many probably don’t even know such ports exist. We all know about the ports on the seats for in-flight entertainment. I‘m hoping they didn’t accidentally give hackers a clue by telling them where secret ports are. Lastly, don’t panic! We don’t even know if such threats are possible. In the 21st century, every potential threat should be investigated, so long as it doesn’t trample on our rights or liberties. Can we be hacked at 30,000 feet?
Apr 22, 2015 | Security
It is like catching the cold virus, it is spread by other people through bacteria, reproducing until the system is infected and sick. It is one of the most common computer repair issues that are out there. No one wants a virus, it does not feel good, and they restrict your activity as well as keep people at a distance from you. The computer virus acts much like the biological virus in that it has the same effects, only it infects files and spreads electronically. In this article I will define the virus, explain how it spreads, and how to tell the difference between a virus and other forms of attacks.
The basic definition of a virus is a series of written instructions in a computer program that is designed to reproduce and infect another computer. It is programming code that’s purpose is to destroy another program. Most of the time a user will not?realize?that they have a virus because they can take the form of a regular program, or hide deep in your system files?unbeknownst?to anyone it is there.
Anti-virus programs have been fighting a never-ending battle with hackers, people who want to rip off and spread chaos throughout people’s computers. How do they spread? A real computer virus can only be spread by a human who inserts it into the target computer himself via floppy or disc, or even sending it over the internet.
The first “wild” virus, that is, a virus that appeared out of the computer lab back in the 70’s, actually attacked the Apple DOS system. Back then, the only way to really create a virus and have it spread was through hands-on work like inserting a floppy disk into a computer.
Viruses spread when they are attached to the .exe or executable file. Say you want to open a program that has been on your computer for a while, you trust it to work properly and it does. But a hacker hooks a virus to the .exe file that the next time you open the program the virus takes effect, damaging the files and ruining the program.
That is the main idea of a computer virus, to attach to a file (cell) and jumping to other files like it, until the computer is no longer usable. At Geek Choice calls come in about viruses?or recovering a computer from an attack. So what can you do about it to prevent your computer even further than the anti-virus protection is.
When in doubt, and when your computer is definitely infected, choose the System Restore that was explained earlier in the November blogs. This will turn back the clock to a time when ?your computer was not infected. But hackers are getting smarter, making their viruses disable the Control Panel, or messing with the System Restore so that the computer gets restored to the same day the virus started.
The difference between the virus and other programs like adware, spyware, and malware, is that the virus spreads and reproduces. It is a catch-all phrase for all the bad stuff that happens on a computer. When something starts to go wrong, people think virus because it makes sense. But knowing exactly what is wrong with your computer can allow whoever you ask to fix it to do it faster and perhaps recover the files. And if you need help you can always call us at Geek Choice
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Apr 21, 2015 | Computer technology
Have you ever been to a department store and greeted by an elderly lady and gentlemen? It made you feel welcomed, right??Mitsukoshi, a popular department store in Tokyo, gets that concept…sort of.
At this Tokyo store, you’ll be welcomed by a robot greeter. It…I meant her name is Chihira. She’s a humanoid robot and a brainchild of Toshiba. She made her historic debut on April 20. She speaks Japanese, Chinese, Korean and does Japanese sign language. She can blink, talk, and move in many other human forms; she’s controlled by 43 motors. Chihira can even lip sync. She joined a famous Japanese opera singer in a duet, then asked for applause at the end. The robot, not the singer, but the robot said, ” I would like you to listen to the song I’ve put a lot of effort into.” Yep, Chihira can even plagiarize. But what she can’t do is handle customer complaints…yet. Food giant Nestle also has a humanoid robot working in the world.
When I was in junior high, a science teacher told us one day robots could take our jobs. I didn’t believe him then, but I believe him now! Don’t get me wrong. This is a wonderful and huge technological step. Part of me is fascinated that a computer can speak more languages than most Americans can and can attempt to sing opera. I give credit to Toshiba and Mitsukoshi. Chihira is going to be a huge draw and get many feet, pocketbooks and wallets in the store. I find it funny they didn’t program Chihira to deal with customer complaints. How convenient they still let humans be the punching bag for complaints but let the robot do all the good stuff. I may be old school, but I prefer an actual human being greeting me in the store. I prefer a person with real feelings, emotion, and empathy. I prefer a person that has real pay check to earn, real bills to pay, and real families to feed (get my drift?). Are these robots great public draws or great risk to human jobs?
Apr 20, 2015 | News
Windows 10 maybe one of the most anticipated Windows operating systems of our time. Most will still say that Window XP is the best operating system in the last 15 years and now that it is no longer supported, we need a real champion to take that mantle over. Windows 10 looks as if it could handle that task.
But the biggest question is when will we be able to use this new OS? Well Microsoft has been vague with the actual date. Going with sometime in the summer. Which is nice and knowing Microsoft they are going to wait as long as possible to give out a date because they will want to release it when they think it is ready and would not want to push back the date so giving us a window of June-August or even early September gives them some nice wiggle room.
However it looks like there has been a little slip up but not by Microsoft but from AMD. AMD is a microchip manufacture that works closely with Microsoft to make sure the chips will function with the Windows systems. But you must then ask yourself it must be an unknown source or something like that.?? Well no it is actually the CEO Lisa Su. In a conference call on Friday Su was asked about the second quarter and she commented by mentioning Windows 10. Here is the transcript from Seeking Alpha:
?What we also are factoring in is, you know, with the Windows 10 launch at the end of July, we are watching sort of the impact of that on the back-to-school season inventory and build-up.?
So late July? It seems reasonable given what Microsoft has stated with AMD being a close partner they would have a strong idea of launch.
So why be excited about Windows 10? How about that the startup menu is back! Windows got rid of the traditional start menu with a full screen menu. Well now it is just your normal start up menu but shows apps on the side as well.
There has been no word from Microsoft on the comment made by the AMD CEO which could mean that her statement may not be so far off.?? Do you think Windows 10 will come by late July? Or do you think it is doomed to a late August early September release? Let us know in the comments below!
Apr 20, 2015 | General, internet
Since the 1930s, ?AM/FM radio has connected our world. It has given us music, sports, news, entertainment, and memories to last a lifetime. One European nation now vows to shut off this historic medium.
Norway’s Minister of Culture announced all FM radio will cease in 2017, and will be replaced by digital radio. A system called Digital Audio Broadcasting will take FM’s place and is expected to provide more diversity and quality. And the numbers seem to back that promise up. Over half of Norwegians already listen to digital radio. Digital radio provides Norway with 22 channels. Their FM system provides only five. Norway is the first nation in the world to outright abandon FM for DAB, other nations are in Europe and Asia are switching to DAB. Keep in mind FM radio was patented in 1933, so we’re saying goodbye to an 80+ year tradition.
I remember stories of my grandparents listening to Brooklyn Dodger games on radio. I remember my parents telling me stories of AM radio. When I was a kid, I listened to FM radio, had favorite stations and favorite DJ personalities. I know I’m giving away my age, but sometimes I’d record FM radio shows and songs onto blank cassettes (don’t judge me!). That was then, this is now. Here in the USA, while 90% of still listen to traditional radio weekly, it’s obvious more people are tuning into Internet radio and streaming services. I think the only thing that’s keeping FM radio in business is the car. Even radio talk show personalities are switching to the Internet. Instead of waking up and turning on the radio, I turn on my iPod touch, or my desktop. I’m not the only one. In fact, most people I know turn on their device instead of the radio. How long will it be before the US switches from FM to digital radio?
Apr 19, 2015 | Security
You’ve probably been told if you see a crime or suspicious activity going on, call your local authorities. Think of the see something, say something campaign. But you can always be assured you and your information will be confidential, right? Well…
Maybe confidentiality isn’t so protected, especially if it’s done online. An investigation by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) revealed any information reporting crime, corruption, or cyber misbehavior can easily be intercepted by hackers. Even the whistle blower’s personal information is at risked of being intercepted. The problem is such sites don’t use the kind of encryption technology now used for privacy protection online. There is a push by privacy rights advocates and federal government officials, like federal chief information officer Tony Scott, to have better encryption on all government websites. This concern is shared by IG’s (Inspector Generals). Inspector Generals are internal watchdogs watching federal agencies. An ACLU tech named Christopher?Soghoian says, “Whistle blowers put their careers and live on the line when they report to IGs. That process needs to be secure as possible.”
Perhaps even scarier is that it’s not just hackers and cyber crooks and bullies intercepting confidential information. Sometimes it’s the federal agencies themselves. This is why we needed better encryption and better protection…yesterday! It’s a shame when a whistle blower, or a concerned citizen can’t even stop the bad guys because poor security could lead to possible retaliation. We must do better, even if it’s for no other reason than protect IGs. Is it going to take an unfortunate incident by a cyber sociopath for this to change? I hope not. And the ACLU being just as concerned about inside interceptions opens up another can of concerns. If private businesses, charities and other organizations can get this critical protection, then why can’t anti-crime agencies? If such agencies are doing the interceptions, then the cynic in me asks, do they even want to fix to fix this issue?
Apr 18, 2015 | General
Comcast and Time Warner want desperately to merge. But not everyone is so thrilled. In fact, lawyers representing the US Dept. of Justice’s antitrust division is trying to block the merger from ever seeing the light of day.
These attorneys are investigating the 45.2 billion dollar merger and are concerned this will harm customers as well as the entire cable industry. If the deal is blocked, it would hurt Comcast more. They could kiss the New York and Los Angeles market goodbye. Merging with Time Warner would help Comcast ‘compete’ with satellite and Web companies as well as rival cable companies. The decision will be made by Renita Hesse, an assistant attorney general for the antitrust division. Her and her colleges in the justice department are going to outside parties in to build evidence against this merger. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is also weighing in on the merger, but they haven’t revealed if they are for or against the merger.
I agree with the antitrust division on this one. And I’m glad someone in government is fighting this merger. If this merger goes on, a lot of businesses can go belly up and many innocent workers could lose their jobs. Your monthly cable bill will skyrocket. The only people this merger will help are the executives of Comcast and Time Warner. Comcast believes if the merger fails, it would harm their chance to take over the two biggest markets in America. But Comcast has a lot to fall back on, so it’s hard for me to have too much sympathy for them. Renita Hesse and others in the antitrust division should convince the FCC that this is a bad idea and should be blocked. There’s an old saying: When a company is too big to fail, they’re too big to care. Wouldn’t that apply to this potential merger?
Apr 17, 2015 | internet
The e-commerce website Etsy was founded in 2005. Here, merchants and consumers can buy and sell local, handmade, vintage, arts, crafts, as well as items that are deemed just plain weird. How is that working for them?
It’s working very well! Earlier this week, Etsy went public on NASDAQ. Sales started at $16 a share. By that day’s end, shares ended at $30 a pop, nearly doubling in just one business day. They raised over $287 million dollars. The next day, their shares went up to $35 a pop. Etsy is now worth over 3.5 billion dollars. This only adds to their rapid growth over the last several years. In 2012, Etsy made $74.6 million in revenue. In 2014, Etsy made $195.59 million in revenue. By the end of 2014, Etsy had 19.8 million buyers and 1.4 million merchants. Now the Etsy is becoming a major player on the e-commerce stage, more challenges await. It needs to maintain balance between keeping it’s artsy, homey image while competing against major competitors like Amazon.
So what’s the secret to their swift and successful rise? One is they found a niche and audience that is popular, but few businesses are catering to. Yes, there are many people out there on the prowl for the next big electronic device. But they’re lots of people who like to keep it old school. By selling vintage products and homemade arts and crafts, they allow older generation to live memories and the newer generation to watch history come alive. People are responding to this in droves. But so far, the 2015 stock market has been rocky. Today as I‘m writing this, the NYSE is losing 300 points. The fact Etsy can skyrocket in the midst of this roller coaster is amazing. But can they keep this up, and if so, how long? And can Etsy keep rising to the top, competing against the Ebay‘s and Alibaba’s of the world, without ‘selling out’ it’s original audience?
Apr 16, 2015 | General
Two years ago, the Los Angeles, CA school system conducted an experiment. They wanted to to provide every student, teacher and administrator with an iPad educational purposes. The experiment failed.
Now, the LA school district seeks a refund for this failure. They may even seek legal action against Apple and Pearson. Pearson is the subcontractor that developed the iPad based curriculum. The plan intended to close the technological and socioeconomic gap failed from the word go. Now Apple and Pearson’s role in the bidding process is being scrutinized. Even the FBI is getting involved. LA School Superintendent John Deasey has resigned because of this. Keep in mind this experiment was $1.3 billion. The contract between LA schools and Apple/Pearson required Apple to bring the iPads and Pearson to provide the English and math curriculum. ?But Pearson could only provide curriculum for the first year due to licensing issues, and teachers never embraced Pearson’s product. Of the 69 schools under this new system, only two use it often enough. Teachers, students and administrators also complain of Pearson’s lack of language proficiency and lack of data, among other things. A spokesperson from Pearson stood by her company. She said she stands by the quality of her performance and is proud to be partaking in this groundbreaking initiative. Apple has yet to comment on this fiasco.
I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking until it’s actually working. But it sounds more like Pearson’s problem than Apple’s. I hope Pearson can fix it’s language proficiency problems and other issues. But if few schools are accepting this system, would the others accept a new and improved system? Before they sue and go through years of ugly litigation, maybe they should get another subcontractor. I think providing iPads to kids as a learning technique is a wonderful idea that shouldn’t be totally abandoned. And look at the crisis of education in this country. Wouldn’t a successful school iPad experiment help remedy the situation?
