Rogue Valley Computing » News

Stuxnet – A Potentially Deadly Computer Virus

John — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:09:40 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYdJPniiz1U

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5 Reasons Why the iPad Will Change Mobile Computing

John — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 03:49:41 +0000

It’s been almost a year since Apple released the “innovative” iPad. The months leading up to its release were shrouded in mystery and intrigue as only Apple can do. While techies and gadget freaks pondered the form and features of the mystery device, industry analysts raised eyebrows and questioned whether such a device would even sell. Many doubted the wisdom of Steve Jobs and Company on this crapshoot. In the 9 months since its release, Apple has sold 15 million iPads and garnered an estimated 95% of the tablet market worldwide. The likes of HP, Blackberry, Motorola, and other manufacturers are now racing to catch up. Wise, indeed.

The iPad’s “wow” factor has quieted and now people are beginning to see this device as more than a toy, or the newest high-tech gadget. Apple essentially changed the playing field in the creation of the iPad and in one bold move, ushered in the era of tablet computing. The iPad and similar lightweight, internet-ready tablet devices offer long battery life, quick performance and access to literally thousands of applications that do everything from checking email to watching full-length movies. Tablets are the new kids on the block, but they’re here to stay and will change the way we use computer technology.

The suggestions that a tablet is merely an over-sized smartphone or under-powered laptop overlook its capabilities. While it may not have all of the features of these other devices (you can’t put it in your pocket or store your entire video collection on it), the tablet in many ways is redefining and reshaping the use of technology in our day-to-day world.

My top 5 reasons why tablets will become our everyday “go to” computers.

Speed. Push the power button, the device goes on instantly, every time. For most people, composing and sending a short email on a tablet will take less time than turning on a computer and waiting for it to boot to the desktop screen.

Stability. Unlike the “once size fits all” model of the Microsoft Windows operating system, a tablet’s operating system is designed and coded from the ground up for the tablet itself. System and hardware failures are virtually nonexistent with tablet devices. Performance doesn’t degrade over time. No antivirus scans to run. No disk to defragment. Simple. ( A caveat and humble prediction – Several tablet manufacturers have attempted to “squeeze” the Windows 7 operating system onto their devices. Not a good call……these will likely disappear)

Portability. Whether you’re traveling from the kitchen to the bedroom, down to the local coffee shop, or jetting off to some foreign land, a tablet is easy on the shoulders (as in backpack, book bag or purse), requires no additional hardware and will stay charged for days in between uses.

Versatility. There are thousands of “apps” designed specifically for tablets and that number is increasing rapidly. These programs are priced at a fraction of their computer counterparts and often include features unavailable on the computer version. Managing information, playing games, sharing photos and music, tracking finances and business inventory…….the list is quite literally, huge.

Simplicity. Put an iPad in front of a 5 year old and in minutes she’ll have figured out much of what is needed to operated the device. Now, I’m not suggesting running out and getting your kid an iPad. But what is missing here is the intimidation and fear factor that often accompanies trying out new technology.

A number of well-known manufacturers have stepped up to the plate in bringing their tablets to market – the Apple iPad, HP’s Touchpad, the Motorola Xoom, Blackberry’s Playbook and the Samsung Galaxy are leading the pack. Each brings its own flavor of operating system, features and style, yet all (except the iPad and Galaxy) are currently still in production. Expect to see each of these other devices by summer’s end, all likely to be in the same price range.

By the way, the notes, web clippings and thoughts for this article were created, stored and accessed over several days within the Evernote application on a tablet and a computer. The article itself was written in a word-processing application (again, tablet and computer) and the file was saved in the Dropbox application on these same two devices. All of this work was done from the comfort of my living room, my office and one favorite coffee shop. All content was synced seamlessly, nothing needed to be emailed, transferred or copied. Oh, and no children were forced to use an iPad at anytime during the writing of this article.

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An Old Worm Still Lurks on Millions of Computers

John — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:55:26 +0000

The International Business Times reports on the 3 year old Conficker worm and its prevelance on the internet. Still infecting millions of computers worldwide, this virus continues to pose a threat to users. The Conficker Working Group has recently stepped up efforts to track down and “quarantine” this nasty pest. Check out the article here.

7 million infected computers and growing….

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.

Is Your Facebook Information Safe?

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.