When I was a child, my mom used to repeat over and over and over again that ‘nothing is free in this world’. Boy was she right! I started out ‘trying’ to understand how to review and explain steps we can use to ‘protect’ our data from the ‘free’ apps we are all using. In an article which appeared in the New York times about Uber and Unroll me, it appears that data was being collected unbeknownst to its users.
It seems to me that every time a Ransomware attack occurs, it usually appears that we are once again incredulous that it happened, and we believe the AV (Anti-virus) companies should have figured this out by now. Right? In reality, these cyberattacks appear to be something we will have to learn to live with.
I often go to PCWorld for advice when I want guidelines for dealing with a computer related problem. Over the years I have found PCWorld to be succinct in their description of problems, and how to solve them. In addition PCWorld provides suggestions for computer software, PC equipment etc.
How is BIG DATA described in your experience with ‘searching’ for answers on how to protect ourselves from the ‘Big Brother‘ invasion into our lives? Below are two definitions of big data, which I found on the Internet. As you may notice, the spelling is not the same.
Whom do you talk to about the best mobile phone plan to buy? Are you secure in your current choice, or do you sometimes think that there might be a better plan out there for you? I imagine we all feel this way, and many of us could use a source to help us with determining how to select one. In a recent Personal Tech article in the New York Times (NYT), it was said that plans, which were recommended a year ago, are now possibly obsolete because carriers change their offerings!
The terminology alone is confusing. For example,’Unlimited Data’, do you know if it really is unlimited, what does it mean, and more to the point do you need it? Are you aware of The Wirecutter, a site owned by The New York Times, which gives recommendations for the best gadgets, services, smartphones? It’s probably worth your visiting it.
I started writing this post innocently enough just to report on the newest tech gadgets that are available and have become ‘useful’ in assisting us with our ‘day-to-day’ chores. Those of you who follow tech4boomers know that I pretty much give you the pros and cons of the ‘experts’ advice about new devices.
As I think about these newest, ‘cute’, robotic gadgets, I am reminded about 2001: A Space Odyssey and the famous HAL 9000, the spaceship’s computer, which is capable of speech, speech recognition, automated reasoning, and a host of other capabilities. For those of you who don’t already know, HAL 9000 malfunctions and decides inappropriately to kill the astronauts! Yes! It’s a pretty scary film, much more so than vampires, zombies, etc. At least you may be able to handle vampires when the daylight comes.
Have you thought about how much we humans rely more and more on artificial intelligence devices to ‘help’ us out? I don’t know the last time I even looked at a map to get me somewhere, and the truth be told, in most cases if Siri takes me in the wrong direction, I am pretty much lost – LOL. I started wondering: what are humans doing about paying attention to their increasingly all-purpose uses of Artificial Intelligence? Continue reading
Recently the phenomenon of ‘FAKE NEWS‘ has generated an upset among social media users and the press. However, we can admit that ‘fake news’ has been around for many years. Tabloids represent the first iteration of ‘fake news’. Stories about celebrities, with their faces prominently placed on the front page of the papers available at the supermarket cashier line have been noticed and read by many of us lined up to pay for our groceries. These ‘news’ stories are notorious among celebrities who have been known to sue these Tabloids for their ‘fake’ stories.
♦ Supermarket tabloids are particularly notorious for the over-the-top sensationalizing of stories, the facts of which can often be called into question. Source: Tabloid journalism – Wikipedia
I searched the www for information on how to identify ‘fake news’. Use the sources below for guidance. And, for more perspective, some of you may want to look at the information on so-called “Satirical News” as well. Continue reading
♦ You don’t have to spend a fortune on a cool tech gift. We have some real deals for less than $50.
Source: 13 Must-Have Tech Gifts Under $50 – Slideshow from PCMag.com
♦ Shopping for a gadget-obsessed friend or family member? Tech gifts are some of the most popular and sought-after gifts out there, yet many electronic gifts come along with a big price tag. But if you’ve written off any and all devices this year because of the fear of sticker shock, you might think twice after seeing our editors’ creative picks.
Source: Cool Gifts for Tech-Lovers | Real Simple
♦ With holiday approaching, everyone is getting into the holiday spirit. While you are busy getting everything ready for the holiday, here are 8 free Christmas apps for kids. Most apps are good for all ages to enjoy, hope they bring joys to your home in this busy holiday season. Source: 8 Christmas Apps for Kids That Cost Nothing | iGameMom
Happy Holidays !
Developing technology skills can be challenging for many of us. However, these everyday skills are necessary tools to assist us.
Texting has been around since the 1990s, nevertheless, it may still be difficult for some of us to comprehend how to use it.
GCF Learn is a free computer training website, which I urge you to visit for help. Click the links below for guides on how to text.
If you are, or have ever been, one of the millions of email users or credit systems users, and your password was compromised, then you already know this is a worthwhile cause for concern. That is to say, we can not have too many suggestions for protecting our passwords and personal information when using technology to apply and store them.
As always I am looking for articles on the www or other places, which I think are important enough to focus on at tech4boomers. Here we are again with yet another consideration regarding Passwords. Such is the case with some of these apps (below), which claim to be our newest answers for helping us with the on-going dilemma of password infiltration.
How can you create strong passwords: strong, and “remember-able” the same time? An article by Kit Eaton discusses extensively the following apps:
You can read the details at Source: After You Strengthen Your Passwords, Here’s How to Store Them – The New York Times
I admit that it sounds like an oxymoron to some of you that the use of technology may help you to de-stress.
However, recently I read an article with some great suggestions about how to de-stress when you’re commuting to your daily job, or to other activities. For example, listen to podcasts, audiobooks, meditations. Check out these really super suggestions and use them to create less stress during your day.
♦ Click the picture below to read the article at LifeHacker.com by Alan Henry.
tech4boomers 