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Facebook, Finland and Broadband – Where Does it All Lead?

John — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 02:55:40 +0000

Back in the day when an Apple was something to be eaten and Captain Kirk boldly traveled the universe instead of trying to sell it to us at the best price, television was the undisputed king of mass media. A handful of channels swept us into entertaining worlds of adventure and escape while introducing us to new products that we somehow couldn’t be without. Gathering around the TV for a football game after Thanksgiving dinner had found its way into our collective psyche.

While television still commands our attention (who doesn’t enjoy the hyperreal sensation of a big flat screen?), these days we live in a world where mass media greets us at every turn and the information flows in two directions. This new “interactive media” (IM ) is becoming more subtle and sophisticated, weaving through our lives in creative and sometimes daring ways.

Currently, the undisputed leader in IM technology is Facebook. Stories abound of crushed relationships, terminated employment and rekindled childhood friendships all through seemingly private postings to one’s Facebook “neighborhood”. Yet, the Facebook neighborhood is massive . In fact, if Facebook were a country it would be the 3rd most populated in the world.

It seems our love affair, or perhaps our addiction with IM in all its forms is showing no signs of slowing down. Perhaps the question we might consider asking ourselves at this point in time is how discerning do we choose to be with the information we share? As the boundary between our public and private lives is getting real blurry, who will decide where all this information flows?

The citizens of Finland may have a handle on the growing demand for IM technology. Last October, the Finnish government declared that internet access (broadband, no less) will become a legal right to all its citizens by July of this year. A government spokesman was quoted, “We think it’s something you cannot live without in modern society. Like banking services or water or electricity, you need Internet connection.” Other European countries are studying the feasibility of this model and the implications of this legislation could be significant.

Closer to home, the demand for improved IM technology is also gaining momentum. In March the FCC submitted an ambitious 10 year plan to congress that would revolutionize our country’s telecommunications infrastructure, essentially replacing over-the-air broadcast television and radio with broadband internet. Proponents of the bill suggest this move will bring us up to speed with other countries (like the cutting-edge Finns), while delivering IM content and ultimately keeping us competitive in a global economy.

IM technology is tricky business. We chuckle ( or quietly cheer) when hearing about someone getting sacked from his job after ranting about his boss on Facebook. Yet last January, within hours of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, this same IM technology quickly delivered millions of dollars in relief aid from individuals texting in donations from their mobile phones.

Make no mistake. Our demand for access to interactive media is growing. The population of Facebook might even catch up with India’s someday. And as the landscape of the IM neighborhood changes, use care when airing your dirty laundry. A Finn might catch wind.

The Secret Life of Google

John — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:09:04 +0000

How do they do that? Google’s rise to the top of internet search has always been shrouded in secrecy. Worth billions, the methods and algorithms that Google employs for helping you find that perfect peach pie recipe are always changing and adapting to consumer demands and corporate profitability. Wired magazine takes a peek at the evolution and history of Google’s ever-morphing secret code. Read the article here.

Internet Explorer 6 – on the ropes?

John — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:36:27 +0000

Google recently announced its plan to begin phasing out support for the web browser, Internet Explorer 6. Many of the current, and planned future features for the popular Google Docs will not function with IE6. Around since 2001, IE6 has fallen behind the times in terms of security, functionality and features. The moral of the story? Upgrade your browser to IE8. Or better yet, switch browsers.

Happy Data Privacy Day!

John — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:50:15 +0000

Google once again is reassuring each of us that our privacy is paramount when using its services. Happy data privacy day!

Chrome – a Google flavored operating system

John — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:26:12 +0000

Today Google unveiled its plans for bringing to life a new operating system called Chrome. Based on its popular web browser of the same name, Chrome OS is Google’s attempt to reach an an even wider audience with its host of online services (and revenue generating advertising).

Chrome OS is built on a web browser platform. Essentially all applications, content and data will managed online, or in “the cloud”. Initially, Chrome will be developed as a linux-based, netbook operating system. Many details aren’t crystal clear at this point, which is consistent with Google’s track record for keeping things under wraps on developing projects. Look for Google to release Chrome sometime in 2010. Have a peek at Chrome. (courtesy of Engadget).

How well does your laptop measure up?

John — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:33:24 +0000

Squaretrade, a company that provides extended warranty service for a variety of electronic products, conducted a research study that reveals the failure rates of popular name brand laptop computers. Based on a three year service history, the study compared netbooks, entry-level laptops, and premium laptops. And as one might expect, the netbooks didn’t stand the test of time as well as the better hardware equipped laptops. The brand with the highest failure rate? HP. And the most solid? Asus.

Download the study here

(data courtesy of Squaretrade laptop failure study)

Cloud Computing: Is it safe?

John — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:43:12 +0000

The ability to access, retrieve and store content online is becoming more popular as various “cloud computing” services both paid and free become more available. What are the benefits and pitfalls of cloud computing? CNN examines important considerations when choosing to keep your data in the cloud. Check out the article and video here.

Are viruses hiding in your fonts?

John — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:46:08 +0000

A vulnerability found in several versions of the Microsoft operating system have researchers concerned that a new round of malware will soon find its way onto computers running these systems. Essentially, the exploit allows hackers to embed malicious code into a website’s font viewed in Internet Explorer, or into a font contained within a Microsoft Word document that might be sent as an email attachment.

The good news is that a patch for this vulnerability exists and was released earlier this week as part of a windows security update. Now turn on those updates and stay away from seedy websites and email attachments. For a technical read on this vulnerability, take a look at the ZDnet.com article. Microsoft has also posted an article on its support site here.

Holiday Cheers from Google

John — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:29:29 +0000

Will this behemoth ever cease from finding ways to draw us all into its web of information? Google has announced that it will offer free wifi access from now until January 15, 2010 at 47 major airports. Chances are good that if you’re flying this holiday season, you might be enjoying some Google love and festive cheer. Stay away from the Google Ads though, they can be very fattening.

Don’t drink the COFEE

John — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:21:37 +0000

Since 2008, Microsoft has provided to law enforcement and forensic teams a software application know as COFEE (Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor). This powerhouse of an application allows law enforcement personnel to collect encrypted and password-protected evidence in real time from a crime scene.

Somehow this software has found its way onto the internet and is being downloaded and “checked out” all over cyberspace. Word of caution- downloading and using pirated software is illegal……..using this pirated software for illegal purposes could land you in a heap of trouble. Ars Technica has the full story.

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