Aug 12, 2017 | internet
Nobody is immune to the hostile social-political climate that is 2017 America. No, nobody in computer repair, nobody in Silicon Valley. But Google is finding this out the hard way. Because one blog cost engineer James Damore his job. It also started a Silicon Valley war of ideas. Google political war: Silicon Valley in the crossfire.
So this is how it started. Damore wrote a blog they call the ‘anti-diversity manifesto’. He wrote why he is against Google’s programs to hire more women and minorities. He lost his job over this. However, this is the beginning of the story. Conservatives and Trump supports from everywhere are coming to Damore’s defense. Some are even declaring a cyber war on what they see as censorship against ?conservative ideas.
For example, Gab CEO Andrew Torba said this incident, and others, is a declaration of war. Then there’s Chuck Johnson. He worked on Trump’s transition team and runs conservative funding site WeSearchr. He plans to fight Silicon Valley until they, “change or go under”. There’s going to be a March on Google next Saturday. But?Mike Cernovich, an outspoken right wing conservative, plans to counter it. He and his followers even vowed to chain himself to offices if their views are censored.
But as for me, I disagree with Damore’s blog. We do need programs to increase diversity in Silicon Valley. The statistics are alarming. However, I understand why conservatives are concerned. I notice how they demonize ‘alternative media’ while praise mainstream media. There’s a reason people turn to alternative media. Because only six mega corporations own 90% of mainstream media sites. And when they have that much power, then of course they can push agendas rather than give facts. Many are sick and tired of it. That’s why they turn to alternative sites. Plus, the Constitution gives them free speech. If you don’t like it, turn it off. I don’t think they should fire Damore, either. I think this was an opportunity to talk about diversity. But they threw that away. Who will win this Google political war?
Aug 11, 2017 | Computer technology
There will be no Windows 11. I think most people in IT support know that by now. But that means Windows 10 needs to keep improving, if they want to keep existing. So this is where Microsoft Windows 10 Workstations comes in.
Maybe I should say Microsoft Windows 10 for Workstations. Because they’re revealing this OS today, specifically for Workstations. Also, they’re aiming it for server grade PC hardware and true power users. Furthermore, this Windows 10 will help machines with high amounts of RAM and logical processors. Microsoft is also making other to support business PC software. Because imagine running a business on mediocre software. Just don’t do it.
First of all, the ReFS (Resilient File System) can better fight data corruption and other ills. Then, they’ll support more memory modules. This means faster read and write speeds and files will still be in place. Speaking of files, there will be faster support for Microsoft Windows 10 Workstations. And last, but certainly not least, they will expand hardware support for this new system. I will try to say this without getting too technical. But this Windows 10 can support more CPU’s, processors, and ram terabytes. Keep in mind they’re just revealing Microsoft Windows 10 Workstations. They plan on releasing it sometime in fall 2017. So far, we don’t know the date.
Obviously, businesses use Microsoft as well as more personal systems. But does Microsoft cater to the business as well as they should? Ask some people in our Boston computer service shop. Many will tell you no. And some others will tell you that’s why they use Apple software. So this is a huge step in Microsoft’s direction. They realize they’re not the only candy store in town. So now they’re doing something about it? But is it enough? Will businesses use it? How will Microsoft Windows 10 Workstations play out in the future?
Aug 10, 2017 | Smartphone
It is amazing how accessible the smartphone is now. Because just five years ago, or over, the smartphone was only for the rich or middle class. But now, you can get a smartphone for as little as $20. T-Mobile knows this. It’s the T-Mobile cheap phone and on demand program.
Today, T-Mobile releases the T-Mobile Android Revvy. So you have a choice. You could buy it up front for $125. Or you could lease it for as little as $5 a month. However, as one spokesperson joked, this phone helps you keep up with the Jones’, not the Kardashians. But look at the price? What do you expect?
Well, one can expect a 5.5 inch screen, 13 megapixel camera, and Media Tek MT6738 processor. The Revy runs on Android Nougat. Smartphone critics boast the 3,000mAh battery. Because it may not keep you going and going, but it’s sufficient enough. There is also 32 GB of storage. So you may not have $130 to pay right away? You’re in luck, thanks to the the T-Mobile cheap phone’s On Demand Program. This program also includes other T-Mobile cheap phones. But those will run you seven or eight dollars a month. So the Android Revvy ?is about the cheapest you can get, well, from T-Mobile.
First of all, I applaud T-Mobile for making this move. I say this because in our Boston computer service shop, we see quite a few cheaper smart phones. In fact, I have one myself. You see, not everybody wants to wait in line for hours and pay $700 for the next big thing. Some of us don’t get our kicks that way. So for some, this phone would be fine. I’m not the only one. Many people, from all economy levels, would rather have a basic smartphone than the next big thing. Phone companies like T-Mobile and AT&T realize this and they’re taking advantage of this market. As well they should. Would you purchase a T-Mobile cheap phone?
Aug 9, 2017 | Entertainment
It finally happened. Because you knew Disney couldn’t share the goods for that long. This has to be one of the craziest moves in ? But now, Disney and Netflix part ways.
So the deal began in 2012, but it really didn’t take off until last year. However, by 2019, Netflix will lose all rights to show all Disney movies and TV shows. This includes all ABC shows, because Disney now owns ABC. Also, Disney announced it’s own streaming service, which should be ready by 2019. Yes, this includes all Star Wars movies, because Disney owns Star Wars now. If you’re an ESPN fan, this will affect you too, because Disney owns ESPN. Next year, Disney will create a streaming network for ESPN. So I guess that means no more ’30 for 30′ shows on Netflix.
Disney’s upcoming streaming service will use BAMTech, a digital media company Disney already owns shares in. ?But I almost forgot…today, Disney intends to own 75% of BAMTech. Talk about perfect timing. Disney is already the hardest company to stream movies from. For example, you have to purchase a movie, not rent it. And you know Disney’s streaming will be successful. Because they own Disney, ESPN, Star Wars, Marvel, ABC Productions, and…well, you get my drift. Now where does this leave Netflix?
It leaves them in quite a hole. That means Netflix are going to miss out on a lot of entertainment. However, Netflix executives assure the public that Disney and Netflix will work together. For example, they have an ongoing deal with Marvel. Forgive my cynicism, but I don’t see this happening. Look at Disney’s track record. A few years ago, when Disney’s first cartoon, Steamboat Willie, ?was about to go to public domain. But it never will. Because Disney moved Heaven and Earth to make sure that never happens. Disney is never going to lose any money, or share in any profits, if they can help. They don’t mind buying companies out, but they won’t dare share the spoils. Look at how many companies Disney owns. Disney and Netflix part ways. How will Neflix bounce back?
Aug 8, 2017 | Computer technology, Smartphone
They social media population reaches three million people. So you may ask, “What’s the big deal”? Well, the global population stands at 7.52 billion. So when you break it down, around 40% of the world’s population regularly connects to social media.
But that’s not all. Over half the world’s population use the Internet daily. Then, take into account over 2/3 of the global population has smartphones. However, if you take the US alone, 83% of us has smartphones. In fact, I know people who swore they would never get one. But today, even they have a smartphone, and social media apps to go with it. There’s no escape anymore. I don’t think too many people want to escape.
Who are the social media winners? Facebook is the biggest one, because they lead the social media lead by a fairly big margin. Facebook alone has over 2 billion accounts. So more than a quarter of the global population uses Facebook. A good second winner is You Tube. Some people in our Boston computer service shop watch You Tube more than network TV. ?Coming in third is What’sApp. They have 1.2 billion accounts. Instagram is holding it’s own with 700 million.
But who are the social media population losers? One loser is Twitter. Of all the major social media companies in this poll, Twitter came in ninth place. They have 328 million accounts. That many sound good to some people, but remember when Twitter was supposed to be the next big thing? Then add the scandals, the layoffs, the bullying, and a certain US President who can’t put Twitter down. More people are turning Twitter off. Not even the NFL can help their matters. Some social platforms, like Uber and Airbnb, are not on the list, yet. But the way they keep growing, they will be. What do you think of this list? I hear people say smartphones and social media are destroying this generation. Are they right?
Aug 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
I talk about cyber crimes a lot. That’s because they go on a lot. There’s hacking, ID theft, stealing, sextortion. But what about kidnapping. That also goes on, as it did in this deep web kidnapping case.
But first, let’s talk about what deep web is. It’s a website network search engines can’t find. They use encryption to hide their true nature. Most of their true nature isn’t good: drugs, human trafficking, selling IDs, trading weapons, even terrorism. So let’s go to the crime. Some guys lured 20-year-old British model Chloe Ayling to Milan, Italy. They acted like professional photographers and promised her the big break.
But instead, they drugged her. Then they beat her, threw her in a suitcase like luggage, and locked her in a car trunk. Furthermore, they drove her to a rural small home in near Turin, Italy. They held the woman hostage for six days. Then, they extorted Ayling’s authentic model agency to give them $300,000. If they didn’t, then the kidnappers would sell her into sexual slavery. However, one of the kidnappers must have had a change of heart. Because on day 6, July 17, he released Ayling and took her to the British embassy. This kidnapper is?Lukasz Herba, a fellow Brit. He got arrested for kidnapping and extortion. They still look for Herba’s accomplishes.
Yes, there is good on the Internet. But there is also unspeakable evil. I don’t know what prompted Herba to end Ayling’s ordeal. I’m glad he took the high road and did. Oh, he should still do time for this crime, but at least he freed Ayling. Apparently, Herba and his guys belonged to a deep web group called Black Death. They named this dark web group after the 14th century plague that nearly wiped out Europe. That’s telling. But please, be careful of who you associate with over the web, and other places. I’m definitely not blaming the victim here. But the rest of us need to learn a lesson from Chloe Ayling’s near tragedy. What can those of us in computer repair do keep ourselves and loved ones safe?
Aug 5, 2017 | Uncategorized
Apple plans to release their next batch of smartwatches. So what? This may be different because this smartphone could depend less on the iPhone. This could very well be the iWatch breakthrough.
That’s because this upcoming brand of Apple watches will connect straight to cellular networks. Or so they say. Now, the iWatch needs an iPhone to do just about anything except tell time. But this new batch has LTE chips. The chips will let you do things like play music and send messages without your iPhone. That’s the iWatch breakthrough. Intel Corp. will sponsor the LTE chips. They’ve been trying to hook up with Apple for a long time. And this could be that break Intel Corp. is looking for.
Apple is in negations with cell phone carriers, well, the major ones. They’re talking to US and European leaders. Rumors have it the major US carriers, like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile are on board. So Apple wants these watches out to the public sometime in 2017. But because of ongoing talks with cell phone carriers, and other tech issues, we may be waiting until 2018. For example, some Apple leaders worry about battery life in this new device. But Apple leaders are excited about this iWatch breakthrough, saying this could change the game again.
Because the competition is sure changing the game. Fitbit and Xiaomi are the leaders in the smartwatch race because they always sell innovative watches. But the iWatch isn’t exactly slipping, either. Apple’s watches’ profits rose 50% last year. However, you know they yearn to be number one. This iWatch breakthrough can make it happen. Imagine not needing your smartphone to do just about everything. But they’re right about the battery life. Don’t release this thing until you can give us more battery life. How would you like it if you didn’t need it, but had to recharge every hour?
Aug 4, 2017 | News
Yesterday, I talked about the WannaCry virus being a huge threat to 2107 technology. But thanks to Marcus Hutchins, the threat slowed. That’s because he found a ‘kill switch’ that stopped the malware. However, he’s now in trouble with the the law. They arrested this WannaCry hero.
They arrested him on…you guessed it…cyber crimes. The FBI claims he helped in malicious software that targets bank accounts. The US Justice Dept. indicted him on accusations that he created and spread Kronos, banking malware, from 2014-15. This malware spreads through emails; it also gets online banking passwords, giving criminals access to your money. The arrest took place in Las Vegas.
Then Hutchins and a co-defendant appeared in court. His defender made it clear Hutchins has a clean criminal record. He used his fifth amendment rights and will remain behind bars until a hearing on Friday. But immediately, others are coming to his aid. Hutchins’ mother is obviously upset. She says her son spends so much time fighting this evil. So how can he take part in it at the same time? A friend expressed his worry and swears Hutchins is innocent. However, his co-defendant advertised some malware to an underground website back in July. That underground website no longer functions.
Hutchins was in Vegas for a Def Con hacking conference. It was the last day. So he was on his way to the airport to fly back to England when they got him. The case is ongoing. I don’t think Hutchins himself did anything. At best, he chose some bad friends. The choices of those friends got him in serious trouble. But is something else happening to this WannaCry hero? I mean, he did pretty much stop the threat. The WannaCry hero stopped the threat no government or major corporation could stop. I know this sounds like conspiracy theory, but is that’s what’s going on here? Is this a case of, “No good deed goes unpunished”?
Aug 3, 2017 | Security
So I read this interesting chart. What are your greatest fears? ISIS and other terrorist groups came in at number one. Then came climate change. But the third has to do with a huge tech threat: cyberattacks. Cyber crimes are a major fear.
And this is a global fear, not just a US one. In fact, 51% of people surveyed said cyber crimes are a major threat to humanity. In some countries, it’s higher. For example, in Japan, it’s the biggest fear. And in Germany, United Kingdom, it’s the second biggest fear. But what about here in the USA? Cyber attacks are the second biggest fear in this country as well.
Well, look at the number of major global attacks in just 2017 alone. The most infamous was WannaCry. Here, hackers hold entire systems hostage until they got hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of Bitcoin. I’ll never forget how it messed up the UK’s hospital system, to the point people couldn’t even get life-saving surgery. Then came Petya, a month later. This cyber attack hit world wide, from US big pharma to Russian oil. They hit Ukraine so hard it almost brought that country to it’s knees. Other major hacks include Wikileaks CIA Vault 7, Cloudbleed, and France’s Macron campaign.
But I notice a couple of things. Russia and China did not take part in the survey. I find this interesting because many believe Russia and China play a huge part in these cyber crimes. North Korea plays a major, major part in cyber crimes, but they’re not in the survey for obvious reasons. So yes, cyber attacks are a huge concern in the US. We hear that concern in our Boston computer service shop. Silicon Valley and Washington need to hear us. But it seems like they’re too busy fighting each other. We have a real enemy and concern to fight here. Are they listening? Does either side even care?
Aug 2, 2017 | Computer technology
Today, Microsoft introduces their Microsoft Surface Plus program. It’s a new payment plan for Microsoft Surface customers for Surface customers, personal and business. So let’s look at Microsoft Surface PC: New payment line and luring tool.
So the program begins at 9am Pacific time. They present it as a flexible finance program for anybody using Surface. But you can only get it at Microsoft stores, physical and online. In fact, when you buy a Surface desktop and/or laptop, you can get a 2-year-payment plan at 0% interest. Also, every 18 months, you can trade in your old Surface for the newest one. Hopefully, you don’t have to wait in those long line for hours.
This goes for all things Surface. Furthermore, you get a 30-day return guarantee and a year’s worth of free tech support. Obviously, so long as that tech support comes from Microsoft. Yes, this program includes businesses and schools. In fact, they can get the 55-inch Surface Hub for $8.25 a month. The Surface Hub is very popular in business conferences and classrooms. But so are Apple Mac products and Droid facilities. So in addition to this generous offer, they get the Office 365 suite.
The timing is very interesting, and good. It’s back-to-school season (I know many kids, and many teachers, don’t want to hear that). This is the second busiest retail time of the year, next to the Christmas shopping season. Here in our Boston computer service shop neighborhood, moving trucks are here daily. That’s the sign of the upcoming academic year. Microsoft wants a piece of those profits. That’s a smart move on Microsoft’s part. Because Microsoft makes up less than 5% of the smartphone market. And between you and me, their smartphones haven’t been that good. When I give gifts, people even say to me, “Not a Microsoft phone or tablet.” Will Microsoft Surface Plus turn that around?
