As a computer scientist, you're constantly faced with English expressions. That's why I didn't waste much time thinking about how to communicate during my vacation in England. My girlfriend even suggested that we help the elderly among our tour party with any translations, if need be. Sure, you've got to help where you can... It was on the ferry to Dover that my deep confidence was rattled.
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Picture this, a politician is giving a speech in front of a large audience. Immediately afterwards, he receives applause and encouraging words but also boos, backtalk and mockery. You look around to see who's causing the fuss - and see abunch of robots. What sounds like eerie science fiction has already become reality on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and many other sites. Software created for political manipulation and to sell goods or spy on you? Yes, it's already on the market!
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The final days have come! At least that is the feeling users of older Windows version get when they see the Windows 10 countdown. With a little flair for the dramatic, Microsoft uses it to signal that the free Windows 10 upgrade will soon be history. But the question is: Who's really running out of time here since many users (including many of you!) vehemently refuse to upgrade - often with good reason? Maybe the "anniversary update" is reason enough to upgrade at the last minute?
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Whenever the media are raving about a particular topic it's enough to spawn reluctance. I am no exception which is why I quickly decided to deem the overhyped Pokémon Go as rubbish and not bother looking into it. There's already an add-on for Chrome available that will filter out anything Pokémon-related and I was on the verge of installing it. But isn't it a bit premature to judge something you never tried out? After all, "Too much media coverage" is not a valid argument, it doesn't make or break a game. Maybe I was missing out on loads of fun?
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Those affected may find it quite spooky, either parts of or their entire system is no longer accessible. Instead, they are presented with notifications that can give you goosebumps: A police department is supposed to have found illegal material on their machines. Their copy of Windows is illegal and they need to purchase a license or they have violated copyright laws. Other messages may be more "honest" and will tell mortified users their PCs have been taken over and that their files have been encrypted. They are now required to pay a ransom because they fell victim to ransomware.
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