That was Then... This is Now

Recently I've gotten a lot of questions about what a "Blockchain" is and how it works. If you are already familiar with databases and encryption, there is a great deal of highly technical information available on this topic. The following post is intended for those who are just starting out.  Who hasn't heard of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin? Or NFT's? Maybe you have even invested in them? One thing they all have in common is a database technology called "Blockchain." Data security and integrity are of  the highest importance in financial transactions and blockchain is one way we can guarantee this. To understand the way it works, it helps to think of a single Block like a spreadsheet containing data. A collection of these blocks is a called a “Blockchain.” Similar in structure to a ledger, the blockchain is distributed in nodes across a computer network. Each node on the network contains a copy of the entire blockchain. The first...

Like pretty much everyone I used to find the “autocorrect” feature on my iPhone frustrating. I spent more time "correcting the corrections" in my texts than I did typing. Solution? Turn it off. That’s at least what I have done. But not everyone wants to go this route.  The whole idea was to make it easier to text quick replies to those you know. But occasionally an unintended and often embarrassing “substitution” goes through. Between friends that’s no big deal but when you are texting someone you don’t know well (such as a client) or someone in your company (like a boss), you never get a second chance to make a good impression. Worse, the “unintended” result can be insulting to the message recipient. Awkward at best. Loss of business? Maybe…  My own belief is that it’s better to be careful and make sure your message says exactly what it was supposed to say, before you send it, especially if it is business-related. A little extra time to reply is worth it to me. USA Today has...

Kaspersky’s “Secure List” outlines what its digital forensics and incident response teams are predicting for this year as the main threats to corporations and government agencies. The most recent dangers are media blackmail, fake leaks, and cloud attacks.  Learn more here: https://securelist.com/corporate-threat-predictions-2023/108456/

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, electric vehicles are here to stay. My own take is that the automotive industry has reached the “point of no return” and sooner or later we will all be driving one. Difficult to estimate precisely but at least in the United States, I’m guessing it will be much longer than most people think until we reach that point. I’ve seen different figures on when but if you plan on buying another “gas powered” vehicle over the next few years you’ll be fine. According to CNN, electric vehicle sales should overtake gas and diesel by 2040. Still a long way off but the trend is clear: Problems such as short battery life, a lack of recharging stations, training of knowledgeable service personnel, and sometimes ugly styling are all being addressed. EV's aren't the novelty they once were even 10 years ago. For most of us it will just be “how cars work.” Taking it all for granted just as we have done for over 100 years with "ordinary" fuel powered cars. Motorsports ...

I never go shopping on "Black Friday" or "Cyber Monday." Why? I just don't. Too much hassle and too busy most of the time... Also, whenever I decide that I need or want something, I want it NOW! That's what Amazon is for. However, many of my friends live for these days. If you feel like you missed out this year, no worries, there are going to be great deals around all through the holidays. According to PCMag some things are still on sale. There's a few items on this list I'd be interested in. And I'm sure there's many more out there! HP Victus Intel i5 GTX 1650 15.6" 144Hz Gaming Laptop $589.99 (Reg $830) Beats Studio Buds Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds $99.99 (Reg $150) 65" Vizio V-Series Class 4K Smart TV $449.99 (Reg $630)  Meta Quest 2 + Resident Evil 4 Bundle $349.99 (Reg $400) iRobot Roomba 675 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum $174.99 (Reg $280) Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Generation) $14.99 (Reg $40) Amazon Fire TV Stick $19.99 (Reg ...

Writing in the October 25 issue of PCMag, Security Analyst Kim Key has created a comprehensive checklist for beginners and advanced users alike. Often, in the interest of time or the belief that "it won't happen to me..." we take shortcuts or skip important steps altogether. The "bad guys" know this and are waiting. Looking over the items, I have to "call myself out" for not using a Password Manager consistently and for almost never using passwords of 20 characters in length. Other than that, I did pretty good!  How did you do? PCMag's Online Safety Checklist Download and install a password manager on your computers and internet-connected devices. Create new, unique passwords with at least 20 characters using the password manager. Install antivirus software on all your internet-connected devices. Check to make sure your antivirus software is running. Update your antivirus software. Update your web browser. Install any patches or updates for your mo...