Jun 26, 2017 | Computer technology, General
The battle between Amazon and Walmart continues. Several years back, they had an online savings war. But now, there’s another war brewing. Amazon vs Walmart: The Cloud Wars.
So here is the deal. Walmart warns some tech companies not to run Amazon’s cloud service. Because if they do, Walmart will cut them off business wise. But Amazon leads the cloud computing market. In fact, they control nearly half of it. Furthermore, some of Walmart’s top suppliers and vendors use the Amazon cloud service. Furthermore, other companies follow suit. But Walmart is perhaps the most powerful corporation in the USA today.
One marketer says companies jump through hoops for Walmart. Then again, people jump through hoops for Amazon. However, this will open the door for more cloud services, like Microsoft. Believe it or not, Microsoft controls only 11% of cloud computing. One Microsoft spokesperson says companies are already leaving Amazon cloud for their services. But you know Amazon doesn’t like this one bit. An Amazon spokesperson calls Walmart’s move ‘bully tactics’. She also says this kind of business is bad for everyone: suppliers, retailers and customers. But the Amazon vs Walmart wars intensify.
So I wonder how much of this has to do with Amazon’s take over of Whole Foods. Let’s not forget. Walmart is big in the grocer business. Amazon wants a piece of it, if not the whole pie. I’m convinced that’s what drove Walmart’s move. I don’t like either Amazon or Walmart. I convict them both for bullying small businesses out of town and creating huge monopolies. But that Amazon spokesperson has a point. Is this move for the good of Walmart’s business? Or is this a political move to mess up Amazon? If it’s a political move, it’s a petty one that can mess a lot of businesses up. All because of the beefing between these two giants. The IT support industry should know better. All businesses should. Who will win the Amazon vs Walmart wars? Or will we all lose?
Jun 24, 2017 | email, Software
There is a Google ad campaign that concerns a lot of people. So there are ads inside Gmail that can read other emails, no matter how personal or intimate. But thanks to Google Cloud, that stops. Google stops controversial ad promotion.
So Google Cloud comes up with software they call G Suite. They sell it to Gmail users. So if you get this software, you don’t get email scanning and invading ads. Sounds great, right? But some customers are still unclear of the privacy consequences. Google cloud assures Gmail users protection of their privacy. However, don’t expect the pesky ads to stop.
But this time, they won’t scan or dig into your emails. Instead, they will use information Google has of you, like your maps, searches, and You Tube videos. For example, you search travel sites a lot. You also watch a lot of travel videos on You Tube. Then you can expect a whole lot of travel sponsors to bombard you with advertising. Google Cloud VP Diane Greene announced the change yesterday, Friday, June 23. She says G Suite already has 3 million customers. These are mostly business customers. The number of G Suite users doubled just in the past year. And yes, you do have to pay for this service.
But to me, it seems like a great investment. I can see why so many businesses get this software. No company, whether it’s computer repair, restaurant, or construction, wants their business matters spread out for the whole world to see. They have just as much a right to privacy as individuals and families do. And scanning emails can easily threaten that right to privacy. In fact, this new is better because it reads what the business is into. Therefore, an ad can actually provide the services the business need. And the ad makes sale. Now, both companies are happy. I don’t think too many people were happy with the old way. So Google stops controversial ad promotion. Is this a good move?
Jun 23, 2017 | internet
Last month, on his late night talk show, host/comedian John Oliver praised the Internet. He also called out the Trump administration. This is because of their lack of protection for net neutrality. But he wants you to do something about it. He wants you to Go FCC yourself: John Oliver for net neutrality.
So here is what Oliver wants you to do. Type go FCC yourself in any search engine. This will take you straight to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) website. In fact, it will take you to their proceedings page. Then, you will see a box ‘restoring Internet freedoms. If you want to comment about net neutrality, click on either +new filing or +express. It’s pretty simple from there. If you want to read other comments, click on 17-108 in the box. I must say, comments are many, and they are passionate.
So what is net neutrality? It guarantees ISP’s (Internet search providers) can’t slow down popular websites to help promote the big ones. Therefore, they have to treat everyone equally. For example, a local sports blogger has just as much Internet equality as ESPN. The Obama administration put this in play. But the Trump administration wants to curb net neutrality. In fact, Trump’s new FCC chair is?Ajit Pai. Pai leads the charge to limit net neutrality. In fact, Pai is a former Verizon lawyer.
Surely President Trump didn’t think people would just be okay with cutting down net neutrality. It’s been a fairly big topic in our Boston computer service shop. And from what I’m seeing on that page, the response is fast and furious. For one, I’m for net neutrality. It gives people equal competition. It can help the small guy become the next Amazon, or Walmart, or Verizon, as long as they’re willing to work at it. But I guess the Jeff Bezos’s or Ajit Pai’s don’t like that. And the fact that Pai is in the Trump administration is suspect to me. But I question Oliver’s motives, too. He’s been a staunch Trump critic from day one. Does John Oliver really care about saving net neutrality? Or is he using this issue just to hate on Trump?
Jun 21, 2017 | News
Uber is one of the biggest success stories in business and IT service history. Ten years ago, Uber didn’t exist. But now, everyone uses Uber. Then this should be happy days for Uber, right? However, not so much. In fact, Uber investors want Travis Kalanick to resign. Kalanick agreed. Uber CEO resigns: What lies ahead?
I highly doubt Travis Kalanick chose to resign. But an investigation, led by former US Attourney Eric Holder, shows disturbing things going in the Uber office. They include bullying, sexual harassment, and ruthless aggressive leadership. For example, one woman accused Uber of constant sexual harassment.
Then they called for deeper looks into Uber’s work culture. Kalanick agreed. During that time, he agreed to step down for a lengthy period of time. Then, a boating accident killed his mother and severely injured his father. So obviously, Kalanick needed more time. This time, to grieve the death of his mother and care for his father. In addition to that, he wanted to continue to work on his leadership talents. Then the Uber CEO resigns. Despite the controversy Kalanick faces, many praise his leadership. For example, one man tweeted very few people will have the impact Kalanick already has.
He’s right. Within a few years, Kalanick’s Uber went from being unknown to being worth over $68 billion. But it goes to show if your work culture is bad, it will come back to haunt the CEO. However, before I go any further, I give my sympathy and condolences to Travis and the rest of the Kalanick family. A death and severe injury in the family takes an emotional toll on anybody. How can I not have a heart for that? Despite any investigation, you can’t argue with the bottom line. Uber is one of the greatest tech stories of our generation. I’m not excusing any misconduct that allegedly happened in the Uber office. If it’s true, than it’s something that they need to work on. So does the Uber CEO resigns story teach us anything about how we should maintain a positive work culture?
Jun 20, 2017 | Computer technology, News
Yesterday, President Trump met with top tech leaders again. This includes Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Microsoft’s?Satya Nadella. Then there was the clear message. Trump to Silicon Valley execs: Fix government tech.
So President Trump wants to improve government technology. Trump also told them federal technology lags way behind the private sector. Furthermore, he wants federal agencies to have better tech facilites to better serve Americans. However, he wants to technology to be cheaper to buy, on their end. But there’s other concerns. One is fighting cyber attacks. Another is turning paper forms into websites any worker can use.
But Silicon Valley leaders had requests of their own. For example, Bezos wants the government to use commercial tech tools. Then there is Alex Karp. He’s the CEO of Palentir, a major software company. He urges the fed to use big data to fight fraud, especially on the federal level. You also have Apple CEO Tim Cook. One of Cook’s passions is to teach computer technology in schools. So he used this trip to promote that cause. Cook urged Washington to make coding not only accessible in schools, but a requirement as well. Even Peter Theil, the only Silicon Valley leader who supported Trump during his campaign, attended.
It seems that relations between Washington and Silicon Valley are getting better. I hope so. They need each other. Now here in our little Boston computer service shop, we try to avoid political talk like the plague. Look at how volatile our ?political climate is. But Silicon Valley leaders aren’t so lucky. It seems like there’s a lot of favors being exchanged. I don’t knock it. In fact, I admire it. We need to better fight cyber criminals, and we needs the feds to do better. Tim Cook is right, too. Our children need to be better educated in computer technology. Trump to Silicon Valley Execs: Fix government tech. But one question: Could this be about tightening government excitement?
Jun 19, 2017 | General
Okay, let me start off by saying I am very thankful for 21st century computer technology. Let most of you, I depend on it daily. But I read an article that made me think. Is computer technology killing the American Dream?
I say this because things aren’t what they used to be. Did you know that Millenialls are the first generation in US history to do worse than their parents? It’s not their fault. But it’s the world they were given. Also, though more are getting college degrees, they graduate with massive debt. And unlike years past, there is no guarantee they’re going to get a job. What does computer technology have to do with this, if anything?
Well, let’s look at robot technology. In the 21st century, the biggest threat to US jobs isn’t China, India or Mexico. But it’s the robot. I even hear employers say, “I’d rather deal with robots because they don’t make mistakes or give you attitude!” Even workers say that. That is scary. Then look at manufacturing. That was the 20th century. Now, we’re a service economy. We at Geek Choice are a computer repair AND service company. I’m proud of that. However, that means a place that used to employ 200 people can get away with employing 20. Now, you have dozens, maybe scores, competing for the same jobs.
But there is globalization, and technology really contributed to that one. For example, how many smartphones are made in the USA? Exactly! However, I shouldn’t be too hard on computer technology. Because our industry is what’s keeping Americans working. In fact, technology is what’s keeping Americans from totally falling off the economic cliff. Can you imagine if the computer tech and IT service jobs went away? That’s scary, isn’t it? Nonetheless, with robot and VR technology, it concerns me the impact they could have on the American dream. So I ask you: Is computer technology killing the American dream?
Jun 18, 2017 | News, Security
Remember the Wannacry malware virus last month? If you don’t, then let me refresh you. It caused the health industry in Great Britain mass chaos. In fact, it hit dozens of other nations. Did North Korea start Wannacry?
Britian’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says yes. They say North Korean group Lazarus was behind the hold thing. But does this hacking group sound familiar? It should. Because this group hacked Sony back in late 2014. This was their was of ahem…protesting The Interview. That was a Seth Rogan and James Franco movie that openly mocked NK dictator Kim Jong Un. In May 2017, according to British authorities, they made a comeback.
Because in May 2017, they came out with WannaCry ransomware. This virus locked computer systems all around the world. However, this was especially true in Great Britain. They wouldn’t unlock them until the businesses they hacked pay a certain ransom. It was usually to be in Bitcoin. Government and private cyber security persons worked around the clock to break their code. They saw many patterns that look like the Lazarus group. The US’s NSA also blames North Korea for this attack, though they WannaCry didn’t hit them as bad. Back in 2016, North Korean hackers ripped off the nation of Bangladesh of over $81 million.
So did North Korea start Wannacry? If the authorities are right, then why? How far up the North Korean dictatorship does this go? Let’s call the North Korean government what it really is…a dictatorship, not a leadership! But was this about money? I think that was a part of it. However, this is a lot more to this. Look at the nuclear war talk North Korea spews. Furthermore, look at how they’re testing missiles. In our Boston computer service shop, none of our clients have come down with WannaCry. Thank goodness. But my concern is this virus isn’t just about holding computer systems hostages. Could North Korea be using Wannacry to see how far they can go? Is this is a prelude to more sinister actions from them?
Jun 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
Amazon already dominates much of the IT service and support field. They got the Internet retail on lock. They also got delivery services. But now, Jeff Bezos wants the food/grocery industry, too. And he’ll probably get it. Because Amazon acquires Whole Foods: Is this too much?
That’s right. Amazon buys Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. That’s about $42 a share. Also, they expect to finish the deal by the end of 2017. Whole Foods is a nationwide grocery chain, specializing in selling local and organic foods. Furthermore, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey will keep his position. He also praises the deal. Mackey said this will help shareholders as well as bring high quality to customers. We’ll see.
However, despite their above average prices and customer support, stockholders urged Whole Foods to merge. Also, Whole Foods lags behind in online sales. Look at Wal-Mart’s online shopping record. Meanwhile, Amazon wants to push and add to it’s online food delivery service, like Amazon Fresh. So in their eyes, this match makes logical sense. Amazon shares went up because of the news. But it’s clear competitors don’t like this one bit. For example, Kroger stocks are falling over 10%. Costco drops over 5%. Even Walmart stock prices fall almost 5%. Maybe that’s what Amazon and Whole Foods want.
Okay, Amazon acquires Whole Foods makes a lot of sense for the rich owners, investors, and shareholders. But what about the rest of us? There is an age old saying. “Those who control the food control the power”. I’m afraid of where this is heading. Doesn’t Jeff Bezos and Amazon have enough control of our lives already? Do we really want to give him control of the food, too? And don’t Amazon and Walmart have enough of the online grocery market? It’s not a good sign that competitors stock prices drop because of this. Well, I’m thankful we still have competitors at all, with the way all these mergers are happening. Because if these mega conglomerate mergers keep up, I’m afraid our free enterprise system could be in danger. So Amazon acquires Whole Foods: Is this too much?
Jun 15, 2017 | internet, networking, Software
Yesterday was a horrible day. We had shootings in Alexandria, VA and San Francisco. Then we had an inferno in London. There was also a deadly mudslide in Bangladesh. But I’m here to talk happy news. As in happy birthday GIF.
So GIF means Graphics Interchange Format. On June 15, 1987, Steve Wilhite created the GIF. In 1987, he worked at CompuSave. The company asked him to make color images for files people can download. So in 1987, he came up with GIF. But it didn’t really take off until 1995, when the Internet started to take off. It got the loop ability, making it popular. It also helps that at this time, CompuSave was the first major ISP.
So for 15 years, GIF’s popularity went up and down. But it really skyrocked since 2010, thanks to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. They’re fun to send in text messages too. Let’s look at how popular GIF’s are in today’s society. People send 25,000 GIFs every minute. In fact, the number of these photos tripled in the past year. Facebook is getting into the Happy Birthday GIF spirit. They’re rounding up twenty Internet stars, people You Tubers Logan Paul and musicians DNCE. They’ll be others. You can even cast a vote about how you pronounce GIF. Happy birthday GIF!
But about this debate though. It even goes on in our Boston computer service shop. I pronounce it Jif (like the peanut butter). But other collegues and customers insists it’s pronounced with a hard G. The world may never know. However, we can thank Steve Wilhite for changing the computer landscape forever. Everyone in computer repair uses the GIF. Come to think of it, most people outside of computer service use the GIF. They’re fun, easy to communicate with, and at times, can be powerful. So Happy Birthday GIF. What’s your favorite GIF moment?
Jun 14, 2017 | internet
As most of you know, Verizon purchased Yahoo for around 4 1/2 billion dollars. But when mergers happen, it’s often low-end workers that leave. However, with this merger, even the Yahoo CEO has to go. Marissa Mayer resigns: Is Yahoo Dead?
So Verizon gave a statement. The statement announced Meyer’s choice to resign, rather than continue with the movie. Furthermore, Meyer penned a letter to her employers. She called it an honor to work and lead the company for five years (she took the role in July 2012). She also brags about how under her leadership, Yahoo grew and strengthened. But to her credit, Yahoo users did increase up to a billion per month.
But don’t feel too bad for Meyer. She will receive a $23 million parachute. Come to think of it, a lot happened during Meyer’s reign, good and bad. Yes, Yahoo did save face and get somewhat a good reputation. But during Meyer’s reign, they were also a victim of a mass hacking. Over 500 million emails were compromised. Maybe that’s why I have to jump through hoops to get to my Yahoo email. Also, every time you looked around, Yahoo leaders jumped shipped like Titanic passengers running to lifeboats. But this time, Yahoo itself got a lifeboat. That lifeboat was Verizon. So as Marissa Mayer resigns: Is Yahoo dead?
Maybe not. Yahoo apparently saved AOL. They also have Tech Crunch and Huffington Post. This is becoming more common in the IT support and computer service industry. For the last several years, it’s been one merger after another. Some celebrate this merger. I don’t. I think it’s a tragedy. Yahoo lead the Internet revolution in the 1990s. In fact, they came along even before Google. Yahoo is the first website I ever logged onto. But now, Yahoo is no longer their own. Because it’s now Verizon’s. So Marissa Mayer resigns: Is Yahoo dead?
