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?
Apr 12, 2018 | internet
So geeks, admit it, many of you are sports fanatics. I know I am. In fact, many in our Boston computer service shop are sports fans. I have good news. Introducing ESPN+: ESPN and Disney goes streaming.
So ESPN+ will be ESPN, and their father company Disney’s first streaming launch since they partially acquired BAMTech last year.? BAMTech also provides streaming services for HBO, Major League Baseball, and WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), among others. It will cost $5 a month. Okay, it’s officially $4.99. But I hate when they try to tease us with that ‘save a penny’ trick. Or you can get it for $50 a year ($49.99 is the official price). Also, you can even get a free month trial.
So what will you get? You’ll get MLB, NHL (hockey), and MLS (soccer). Then you’ll get college sports, and documentaries like ESPN’s award winning 30 For 30. The only adds you’ll get will be the commercials you watch as if you’re watching the game on regular TV. The ESPN+ app will be seen on Fire TV, iPads, iPhones, Apple TV, Droid devices, and Chromecast. This app will also include sports news and scores. But this new ESPN+ app will not have big annual games, like the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Finals.
So that’s pretty much introducing ESPN+. But do you know what I’m seeing in IT service? I see a big shift from cable to streaming services. One example of this is You Tube’s new streaming service. You can get much of what you can on cable for a far less price. Furthermore, I read an article where many of the most hated companies in America are cable companies. Ouch! So once again, our technology is changing the game. About this ESPN+. To me, it’s worth a trial for a couple of months. But they didn’t say anything about the NFL regular season. I hope they include that, because that’s perhaps the biggest money maker of the year, despite the NFL’s problems. Is the ESPN+ app worth getting?
Apr 11, 2018 | General, internet
So let me get the elephant out of the room. I know everybody is talking about Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s grilling on Capitol Hill. And if you can’t get enough of this story, then here’s another article. However, there’s also a bigger question here. How do we fix big tech? Can we even fix IT support?
In the 1990s, the Internet boom changed everything. But now, in the late 2010s, it seems to be at a crossroads. I say this because this technology gave us so much jobs, innovation, and ease. Now, it’s giving us fear, scandal, cyber crime, and if you ask some people, borderline apocalypse. Look at the AI/robot technology movement. At one time, people looked at the Internet as finally, a level playing field for prosperity. Anyone who wanted to get rich, or add income, could just start an online business. However now, it looks like all of online industry and computer manufacturing are dominated by a handful of mega corporations. There was a time when tech seemed like an escape from harsh realities. But now, big brother technology follows us everywhere, whether we want it to or not, adding more gray hair, ulcers and stress.
Don’t get me wrong. I love 21st century technology and modern IT service. It kept me employed for nearly 15 years. I love the fact that I…no…we can do things that we couldn’t do with it even 10 years ago. But just like a parent with a misbehaving child…who and what I love is also who and what I chastise. Many say, “Companies like Facebook and Amazon are too big to fail. So they’re too big to care.”. I understand that concern, but they better care. If Mark Zuckerberg didn’t care before, you can bet he’s caring now. Imagine your company’s dirty laundry being aired out for all America and rest of the world to see. That is what is happening to Facebook now. President Trump is already calling Amazon out. These two stories alone should be warnings to us all. How do we fix big tech? Can we?
Apr 10, 2018 | youtube
So a few days ago, me and a tech talked about You Tube in our Boston computer service shop. A father of two elementary school aged children, he got You Tube Kids. But soon, he found stuff on You Tube Kids so disturbing that he cancelled the app altogether. Then I read an article that backs up this father’s concern. You Tube age restriction: Do they work?
So according to one article, even the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) is taking note. In fact, they’re looking into practices surrounding You Tube Kids. Lately, they’re are a lot of complaints from family rights and privacy rights groups. Some say they’re collecting data from children under 13. Then, they use it to advertise to these kids. There is a law they call the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. It has strict rules to protect children from data collection. But some advocates say You Tube broke these rules, and try to do so subtly. However, You Tube came up with a ready answer. They say You Tube Kids is for teenagers, 13-17. However, statistics show You Tube Kids’ biggest age demographic is children between the age of 5 and 12. However, You Tube and the advocacy groups are working hard to come up with some kind of solution.
I’m sure advertising was one of his concerns, but it’s not the only one. Because he mentioned inappropriate content that shouldn’t be on You Tube Kids. He’s not the only concerned parent. In fact, recently, they admitted they need to do better job. They’re also using human moderates, not just AI ones, like some other IT service companies do. That alone is disturbing. But I suggest a solution: Create two You Tube Kids apps. Make one for teenagers. Make the other one for kids under 12. That way, parents know which app is proper for which age group. It’s Google/You Tube. They’re one of the richest corporations in the world. They can afford to make two separate, age appropriate You Tube Kids’ networks. If this keeps up, they may not be able to afford not to create two You Tube Kids’ networks. You Tube age restriction: Do They Work?
Apr 9, 2018 | Security
So unfortunately, there is another cyber attack to tell you about. Someone compromised over 200,000 Cisco switches. But wait…it gets better. Because Iran was the one that found the attack and alerted the world. Cisco global cyberattack:? What you need to know.
So according to Iran’s tech leaders, hackers hit around 3,500 systems. But guess which nation got the worst of it? You guessed it. Because here in the USA, this Cisco global cyberattack affected over 55,000 systems. Also, over 14,000 computers in China got hit. Other victims range throughout India, Europe and Asia. The hacker left a calling card. That card is a US flag and a quote saying, “don’t mess with our elections”.
Iran said they fixed the flaw and hours, and hackers did little damage. I don’t hear much from the US or other nations about this latest attack. But I do come across some interesting news. The news came from the attackers themselves: They say it’s against Russia. You see, the attackers still think Russia interfered with the US 2016 elections. Yes, they did attack Russia, but we don’t know how many systems they got. But this latest attacks expose a huge problem in the IT service community. There are many mediocre security practices in IT support.
Hackers know it, and they’re taking advantage of it. In fact, look at what happened to the city of Atlanta several weeks back. It seems like the bad guys are getting smarter while the rest of us are slipping. Some of the bad guys reasons’ are financial, while some are political, like what we’re seeing here. Some motives are even more sinister. This is why we need to do a better job protecting ourselves. This is also why we need to do a better job finding and bring these guys to justice. What do you think needs to be done?
Apr 6, 2018 | Computer technology
So earlier this week, I talked about China’s growing influence and takeover of all things IT support. Then I hear a disturbing IT service trend. They call it China’s social credit score. Is America next?
But here’ is what makes it even worse. American tech companies give China’s communist government the tools to make this happen. So what is a social credit score? It works like a financial credit score, but it’s way more invading. Because your financial credit score judges you simply on bad financial situations or choices, like credit card payments or overdue bills. But China’s social credit score judges you on way more; the impacts are also far deeper.
China’s mobile device business tops $9 trillion a year. So the Chinese government uses citizens’ mobile devices and other computers to track what you’re saying or doing. That’s how they get the info to determine your social score. They use things like your social media accounts, text messages, emails, phone calls, etc. But what if you get a bad social credit score? Like a bad financial credit score, it can keep you from getting? your dream house or car. But that’s the beginning. A bad China social credit score can keep you from getting a job, an apartment, a passport, a drivers’ licence, or even health care or education for your children!
In China, anything can get you bad social credit. Simply criticizing Jingping can do it. How ironic: This happens right when they give Jingping the Chinese presidency for life! Or an innocent joke or conversation can do it. Even talking bout your religion or spirituality can knock your credit score down. Do you see how stifling this is to free speech? But this can’t happen in America, can it? Not so fast. For years, people have gotten fired over what they put on social media. This intense political climate and political correct culture isn’t helping matters either. What about this Real ID Americans are supposed to have by 2020? They hook up this ID to a national database to track you better. Also, American tech companies gave China the tools to do this. Whose to say they won’t do it to us? China’s social credit score: Is America next?
