I recently received an SMS. Since that rarely happens ever since my parents entered the "messenger age" it was either my phone carrier who was trying to foist off entirely useless services on me (Buy smileys? Why don't you have a look at your database to find out how old I am!) or - the last Internet refusenik. There's one in my circle of friends who decided not to go online, who doesn't own a smartphone and whose computer (an old Amiga) has been collecting dust in the attic for the past 30 years. We met over dinner at his place and, as always, that evening gave me a lot to think about.
Would you use a computer that received its last security update in 2014? Most of us would probably refer to to the need for regular Windows Updates and an antivirus solution in the face of this question and feel moderately secure (and rightfully so). But what about Android devices? Android is runs on over one billion cellphones, tablets and other devices and is fairly secure, if those devices are running a somewhat current version which is not always the case.
We're more or less all familiar with rechargeable batteries (because we use them) yet there are still many mysteries surrounding them. Add to that reports of houses that burned down because of smartphones or e-bikes that spontaneously burst into flames and you may start to feel a little uneasy about this technology. What kind of witchcraft is it that powers so many of our devices? Why do some of these batteries suddenly burst into flames and how can we prolong their lifespans?
Are you among the 1% that are still using Windows Vista? If so, you've got to be strong now because on 11 April 2017, Vista will see its final batch of security updates. After that, Vista (like XP) will continue to work but errors a will no longer be fixed. Does this mean Vista will unceremoniously fade into oblivion? Hardly, because many of the features we've come to appreciate in Windows 7, 8, or 10 were inspired by Vista - including many old annoyances. Reason enough to remember a system that provided both technical innovation and ample cause for frustration and hyperventilating users!
We're all familiar with the Internet (otherwise, you wouldn't be reading this blog) yet some of its users are no longer human but robot vacuum cleaners, refrigerators or window blinds. And there's even more devices connected via Bluetooth! What sounded rather futuristic 5 years ago, has become more and more of a standard among current products. The idea is that intelligent devices can better assist their human owners. As with all new developments, products range from useful to ludicrous. Here's a brief outline.
