Jan 29, 2018 | General
So everybody in computer repair knows who Elon Musk is. He’s building driverless cars. He also wants to send people outer space to live there. These are just some of his many accolades. In fact, he won tech of the year back in 2015. But now he’s selling flamethrowers. The Elon Musk flamethrower: What does it say about society?
In a short time, Elon Musk sold over $4 million worth of flamethrowers. Keep in mind that flamethrowers cost $500 a piece, plus tax. So you do the math. Furthermore, Musk sold over 1,000 of these things in just a matter of hours between January 27 and 28th. These are according to Musk’s own reports and tweets. I’m writing this around noon Eastern time on January 29. And Musk already made millions off these weapons. Think about that.
And here are some more statistics. He sold another 2,000+ late Saturday and another 7,000+ Monday morning. As of this writing, Musk sold around 20,000 flamethrowers. I saw a graph chart in which liteally shot up in a matter of hours. Then, consumers tweeted ‘what do you use this for’. Musk replied by suggesting using it to roast peanuts and cook other foods. I must admit, that is a good, practical way to use an Elon Musk flamethrower.
I know IT support king Elon Musk means well. But this trend concerns me and here is why. Look at the world we’re living in today. Every time you look around, someone is coming with creative ways to destroy life. We read stories of terrorists running over people with cars. We also read horror stories of mass shootings and other crimes. So yes, it concerns me that people could use this flamethrower for evil intentions. I want to be wrong and hope I’m wrong. However, I’m hoping people do use it for the right reasons, like cooking. But looking at how fast this thing is selling, well, am I being paranoid?
Jan 26, 2018 | Computer technology
Yesterday, I talked about the disturbing trend of guys pretty much ditching human companionship for robots and AI fantasies. But now, I switch the AI/robot revolution back to job loss. Because it even worries world leaders. Robots verses human jobs: Should we be concerned?
This is a hot topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. So you know their concern when they title their lecture, “Putting jobs out of work”. They talk about how IT support and technology play a critical part in jobs, of lack of them. It also plays a part in the global populist revolution (Brexit, Trump, rise of nationalism). However, even people on the other side are concerned too.? People on both sides of the political isle are afraid of losing not only their jobs, but their entire livelihoods to technology.
One person on the panel is Yuval Harari, an Israeli professor. He says that since the early 1800s, workers worried about machines taking their jobs. However, this time, workers may be right. Then, another panelist added by 2028, one third of Americans and German wage earners would have to find other careers. I find it funny they didn’t mention China or India, but okay. Another panelist,?Arlie Hochschild, says we are facing a crisis neither political side is prepared for. Dartmouth College professor Mary Flanagan even hints that the 9-5 job as we know it could be on the endangered species list.
The most venerable jobs are cashiers, retail, and even delivery services. We see that play out. This week, Amazon opened a store with no cashiers. Also, remember the protesters demanding minimum wage increases? Well, they are are seeing robots and computers replace their jobs too. Look at how Apple and other tech companies are building driverless cars. Let’s not even talk about drones. In a few years, delivery drivers and couriers may be history. But is any occupation safe? I doubt it. Because even now, hospitals are replacing nurses with robots. In fact, not even the clergy are safe. Not only are less people going to church, but there is an app for that. With the Confession app, you can confess your sins to the computer.
I can go on and on with other examples. You probably can too. Even us in computer repair think about it. I’m jut glad the Worle Economic Forum discusses it. It gives validity to this. Where will we be by 2030? Robots verses human jobs: Who will win by 2030?
Jan 25, 2018 | Computer technology
The Sex Robot Craze: Enough Is Enough! Really! may contain inappropriate content for young and sensitive readers. I advise reader discretion.
So we worry about robots taking our jobs. However, there is an even greater social threat. It’s the sex robot craze: Enough is enough! Really!
So unfortunately, the sex robot craze is all many people are talking about. For instance, the jokes and talks are all over my Facebook page. Also, people are paying thousands of dollars for these things. Yes, I called them things, not people, because that’s what they are. But one adult website is taking it even a step further. CamSoda now has a VIRP system. This system allows you to fulfill a sexual fantasy using VR and, you guessed it, robots.
However, this will cost you over $1,500. One spokesperson of CamSoda believes this will give guys the ultimate real-life fantasy. The Real Doll robots will mimic real models. With the VR put on, this will make the guy think he really is making love with a real model. Perhaps it’s a woman so pretty that he has no chance of dating or marrying in the real world. So he turns to this fantasy world. These bots even have the movements to make such fantasies even more real.
And this is why I say to the sex robot craze: Enough is enough! Really! I always brag about how computer servicing and IT support helps people. And it does. But this is going too far. If we can use technology to promote this perversion, then we can use it to help people look for real, meaningful relationships with real human beings. Thank goodness some websites are doing that. Isn’t the human race fractured and cynical enough? Aren’t men and women cynical and mistrusting of each other enough in these late 2010s? Maybe that’s the problem. With all the news and scandals and divisions now, maybe men and women mistrust each other so much they’re turning to these things. And maybe CamSoda is just supplying a sick demand. Is the sex robot craze really about technology? Or is something deeper going on?
Jan 24, 2018 | Computer technology
So I took a bus ride a few weeks ago. I had to show ID. The driver scanned the ticket to make sure it was real. He also scanned my ID for authenticity. We can thank IT support start-up Confirm.io for that. But now, Facebook Acquires Confirm.io.
Confirm.io has their headquarters in Boston, MA. It’s just a few miles from our computer service shop. It offers API (application performance interference) technology to companies checking to see if people’s IDs are real. For example, a bars use Confirm.io to check if the ID is real, weeding out the fake IDs. Or if you have an e-ticket, and need your ID, they can check to see if you’re really you. But why does Facebook need it?
First of all, it will help Facebook users locked out of their accounts get back in. A Facebook spokesperson also said Confrim.io will keep their site safe. Some experts say it could confirm your ID if you’re locked out of your own account. This can prevent hackers from coming on your page. I don’t know how much this merge cost. But we Confirm.io is a rising player in the tech world. In fact, they raised millions in venture capital. And with the rise of ID technology, well…
However, Facebook acquires Confirm.io could be a mistake on Confirm.io’s part. Here is why. Because they can contribute so much more to so many more companies on their own. Facial ID technology is so huge right now. In fact, iPhone X will only work with facial ID recognition. Then you have others who either depend or will depend on face ID in the near future. If I were Confirm.io, I would stretch myself out. I would not tie myself to just one company. And they weren’t exactly struggling. Because in one recent year alone, they raised over $4 million in venture capital alone. Then there were the other opportunities. What would you do if you ran Confirm.io?
Jan 18, 2018 | General
So everyone is talking about Amazon’s second headquarters. Also, every city in America wants to host this place. However, only one can. And it’s down to twenty cities now. Amazon’s top twenty: Is your city in?
If you frequent our Boston computer service shop, then I have good news. Boston is one of the top twenty cities. Of course, our rivals in the NYC/Tri-State area boast of two: New York City and Newark. Meanwhile, down the northeast corridor, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Montgomery County, Maryland and Washington, DC make the list. So did Northern Virginia, though we don’t know what city or county.
Other cities that shouldn’t surprise us made the list. Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami and Toronto are still in the running. And so is tech savvy Raleigh, NC. But there are a few surprises, at least in my opinion. Maybe I should take back what I said about Indiana in yesterday’s blog. Because Indianapolis, their capital and largest city, made the top twenty. And we know Austin, TX for the UT Longhorns and live music, and one of America’s fastest growing cities. They are in Amazon’s top twenty. Could they host their second headquarters?
But I’m also surprised by whose not on this list. I think Las Vegas should be on here, but they’re not. I mean, they host tech conventions all the time. They should at least consider Las Vegas. It would be nice to see Houston on this list too. There is tons of IT service potential there. Who do I think should host Amazon’s second headquarters? Well, you know I’m going to be biased. I gotta go with Boston. If not Boston, then my home state of North Carolina. I see the potential in Raleigh, and they have the space and manpower to host this. But you can probably say that about your city too, right. Who do you think should host Amazon’s second headquarters?
Jan 17, 2018 | Computer technology
So let me ask you something. When you think on The Last Mile, do you think of executions? In fact, IT support rarely comes to mind. Maybe it should because this last mile is an inspiring one.
This The Last Mile teaches prison inmates to code. It started at California’s infamous San Quentin. It started in 2012. But soon afterwards, it took off to five other prisons. Two of them are women’s prisons. This programs teaches prisoners tech skills, like coding and web design. It also teaches them other entrepreneur skills. So when they get out, they can either get good jobs, or even start their own business.? This program is so successful it’s going elsewhere.
I say this because Indiana Women’s Prison wants to use it. The request came from their governor, Eric J. Holcomb.? Governor Holcomb believes it will transform lives in his state. He also believes it will help out Indiana’s tech and IT service sector. I don’t know about you, but when I think of tech savvy states, Indiana doesn’t come to mind right now. I mean no disrespect by that. It will start in Indiana in April 2018 and with 24 inmates. Hopefully, the interest will expand. It might already be, because be 2023, The Last Mile should expect to 50 prisons.
Not only do I hope,but I hope they expand to more. I say this because tech skills are more important than ever. Furthermore, stats say the majority of prisoners often end up back there before too long. Let’s stop that statistic. Let’s teach more inmates about all things computer repair, whether it’s coding, web design, and business owning.? This way, they can create jobs and open the economy up for other Americans. I hope this takes off like wildfire. Whoever thought in 2018 America that a blue state and red state could agree on anything?
Jan 16, 2018 | Security
So we all know people use IT support and Internet services for good. But we also know people use if for bad, depending on that person. However, there is another disturbing trend out there. They call it SWATting. So don’t SWAT! They will find and arrest you!
SWATTing is faking a hostage situation to the police. Sometimes, they call a fake hostage situation on somebody’s house. And they’re innocent people.? Then, when the police get there, mainly the SWAT team, they find nothing. It’s becoming very popular with the online gaming community. But now, SWATter Tyler R Barriss learns the hard way: Don’t SWAT.
Because this 25-year-old is now facing manslaughter and over 10 years in prison. This time, Barriss decided to do this prank on a neighbor in Kansas. But this time, when the SWAT team arrived, they opened fire on innocent people. I regret to report that Andrew Finch, a father of two, was killed. It rarely ends in this tragedy. But one time is all it takes. I will give Barriss credit. He does show remorse for this tragedy, well, kinda sorta. Yes, he says he never intended for anyone to die. However, he said bomb threats are more fun and should stick to that.
In jail, and through the trial, Barriss will have a lot of time to think about it. If the jury finds him guilty, he will really have a lot of time to think. But you don’t have to. I’m telling you now: Don’t SWAT! It may sound like a harmless prank, but it’s not. Not only could it get people killed, but it could tie up police forces who really are fighting real hostage situations. You don’t want to be that troll. Many of us in computer servicing like online games. But SWATting isn’t a game. This is life or death. Your actions have consequences, whether they’re in the real world or virtual world. What else should you not do online?
Jan 10, 2018 | General
So what is rich in 2018 America? Is it $10 million? Or maybe it’s one billion? But what about $105 billion. Let’s look at technology’s new king of wealth.
So if it’s not Bill Gates, then who is it? It’s Amazon king Jeff Bezos. Yesterday, his net worth surpassed the $105 billion mark. So far, in January 2018 alone, Amazon’s shares increased over 6 1/2 percent. And it’s just the tenth of January. In fact, Amazon’s revenue more than doubled just in the decade of 2010s alone. Bezos is now the first person in world history to have wealth in the twelve digit range. That is a number that Bill Gates, or any other IT service magnate, never approached.
So here are some more mind boggling statistics. Bezos’ Amazon online market took in almost 90% of all Internet sales during the holiday shopping season. This left Ebay, Walmart, and other major online retailers in the dust. In the last 12 months, their market value went up 57%. This is a higher feat than when Bill Gates reached his peak back in 1999. This was when Gates became the richest man of all-time. He enjoyed that position for 18 years. But in October 2017, Bozos surpassed him by approaching the $94 billion mark. And that was $11 billion ago.
But I got to show Bill Gates respect on this. Gates lost his richest man in the world position because he donated much of his wealth to worthy causes. The most worthy of these causes is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, named after he and his wife. This foundation is now worth over $36 billion. So this means Bill Gates know what to do with his money. There is an age old saying, “To much is given, much is expected”. Bill Gates understands that. I don’t think he’s crying because he’s no longer the wealthiest man in the world. Because this IT support magnate invest his money in greatest investment all: his fellow human beings and the human spirit. But Jeff Bezos is now technology’s new king of wealth.? Are you taking notes, Mr. Bezos?
Jan 9, 2018 | Computer technology
Well, the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is in Las Vegas this year. So they will showcase all things IT service and technology. There are also more showcases? this year. CES 2018: Could this one be the best CES ever?
Robot technology and AI are common themes. I like The Root. It’s a robot that teaches kids to code. Furthermore, it teaches them through Spiro drawings. It’s kind of reminds me of this 1960s commercial. But this machine includes a white board eraser and USB-C port. It moves kinda like a Roomba. It should be available later this year and will cost around $200. However, let’s say you like your robots big, heavy and running. Then Furrion has what you’re looking for. Because they’re displaying their?Prosthesis. This machine requires a driver inside the thing to run it. It can also go around 20 MPH. Did I mention it weighs over 8,000 pounds? Try to imagine what dinosaurs were like some 70 million years ago.
Obviously, there is a lot more to CES 2018 than just robot technology. I say this because there is some drama unfolding. Google CES failed to open today. We can blame it on the Las Vegas rain, literally. Google’s booth was outdoor and two levels big (we’re talking about Google, here). But they couldn’t handle the rain. Google people say they also shut it down because of customer safety, especially around parking lots. This monstrous display should be ready tomorrow. You know Google hopes so.
What I like about CES 2018, and all of these shows, that it gives the little guys a chance. They can shine here just as much as Google, Apple or Amazon. That’s what is beautiful about computer repair and technology. I’m especially rooting for The Root. In order for Americans to thrive in the next generation, then we need these kids to be tech savvy. Maybe The Root helps do that.? What is your favorite CES 2018 display so far?
Jan 6, 2018 | Security, Software
Yesterday, at our computer service shop, a tech alerted me to something. Intel wrestles with two severe bugs: Meltdown and Spectre. So consider this a consumer alert: Intel fights CPU bugs.
But how bad is the problem? These bugs are capable of appearing on every CPU ever made in the last 20 years! So to put it in layman’s terms: Nobody is safe from this one! Then, these bugs let hackers use JavaScript to access memory during this cyber attack. This memory could contain anything, including passwords, usernames, addresses, places, codes, you name it. This is what makes Meltdown and Spectre so dangerous.
However, maybe we shouldn’t panic. Because Intel and other IT support companies say they made significant progress in giving out security patches and firmware protection. They believe these will guard against these two super bugs. Furthermore, Intel is issuing updates to all of it’s machines. According to Google Project Zero, they will help make these machine immune to these bugs. In fact, one spokesperson said that in the last week, Intel gave more updates this week then they have in the past five years. That just shows you how serious this is. It also shows you how dedicated Intel is to fighting Meltdown and Spectre.
Microsoft and Apple also address this potential crisis. They’re both offering either patches and fixes to fight this. Another thing that strikes me about the consumer alert: Intel Fights CPU bugs. Why is mainstream media so silent about this? Yes, some tech news does report it. But it had to hear it from a colleague. This sort of threat to this many systems should be breaking news. But for some reason, it’s not. This is the reason I’m reporting it. Not only so that you can be informed, but also so you can be safe. How can we be safe if we don’t know?
