Understanding Your Web Browser Part I
This is a two-part article, Understanding Your Web Browser. Part two will appear in my next post.
Zoom, zoom
When we want to go somewhere in our car, we open the door, climb in, sit down, strap in, then turn on the engine. Next, we take off the brake, put the car in gear, then push the pedal and off we go. We're mobile - and our windshield is our portal to the world.
Hitting the open road of the web
When it comes to our computer we go through a not dissimilar sequence of sitting, powering on, and engaging (the CPU's power) to get someplace. Usually this entails opening a web browser and hitting the open road of the Internet. The browser is our windshield as we cruise the wild wild web, a.k.a. the world wide web.
Because the browser is our virtual portal it's important to know some essentials about it. This is especially relevant because the web is an increasingly hazardous place to journey. So here are some key points:
Browsers a plenty
Common browsers include Internet Explorer, Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari (mainly for Mac), Brave, Vivaldi, etc. No, dear readers, Facebook is not a browser, nor is Google. Google is a company (or an internet empire) that developed the Chrome browser. Microsoft built Internet Explorer and Edge, Mozilla created Firefox, etc. If you want to experiment with a different browser than you're used to I suggest you check out Vivaldi: https://vivaldi.com. I like their philosophy, explained here: https://vivaldi.com/company
Constant translation
A browser's main job is to render computer code, primarily html (hypertext markup language), into a human-intelligible format. If you ever want to view the true code your browser is interpreting, you can view the source of any page. It's all listed in English words but contains lots of characters that direct the browser how to "build the page" layout. That's oversimplifying, but it's the gist. To view the page source code in Firefox click the three horizontal bars at upper right, then Web Developer, then Page Source.
Destination IP address
When you type in a website address into your browser's address bar at top (not the search field if you’re on search site like www.google.com) it immediately gets sent to a name server (a DNS server). This name server translates the typed address into a numeric address which all webservers use to uniquely identify themselves. For example Google's IP is 172.217.15.78. You can type either that IP or www.google.com into your browser to access that site. You can explore more about IP addressees here: https://www.whatismyip.com/
The browser does it all
So, in your browser you access websites and all the resources on the sites such as static text and pictures, video, music, animation, fillable forms, games, etc. If you have a stable internet connection and your computer's hardware and operating system are running properly, the browser is the translator of all experiences you have on the web. This goes for any site you access, from the ultra-common like Facebook.com to obscure sites providing scientific articles.
Hats off to web browsers!
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Monday, April 15, 2019
Keeping Track of Files in the Era of the Cloud
Keeping Track of Files in the Era of the Cloud
One of the main challenges of living in this fast-paced, tech-infused world is keeping track of where you are storing your data.
By data I mean the files you consciously make use of on any of your tech devices. This includes word processing documents, PDFs, pictures, music, videos, etc.
The usual places
In the "old days" it was obvious where you stuff was stored. You would turn on your computer, look in your Documents folder or on the Desktop or on a server drive and there were the icons for the documents; pictures were stored in the Pictures folder; music in the Music folder; server files in a shared folder, etc. This type of data storage is still commonplace.
Beamed to the cloud
But increasingly people are also putting their data on mobile devices and in the cloud, using such products as iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, etc. This cloud storage can be done from any device, including the slimmest of smartphones. A giant spreadsheet for instance can be stored on your phone and synced with the cloud.
Cloud or device?
What does that mean when a file (word processing document, photo, etc.) is in the cloud? Is it only in the cloud, or also on the device? It depends, but usually the file is both on the device and sync'ed to the cloud. The cloud just means a provider's server in some building, hopefully in the U.S.A. (I mean, if we're going to be spied on, better the NSA and our corporations than Russia or China, right?)
The power of syncing
One benefit of storing files in the cloud is making them accessible on multiple devices. So, for example, one photo could be synce'd to your phone, your tablet, and your computer. Another bonus of the cloud comes into play if a device the file is stored on is damaged, because then you can recover the file from the cloud backup.
Treasure hunt
So now that you have a little background on cloud storage, play a game with yourself or a friend. Make a list of five random files. They could be music files, spreadsheets, whatever. Try find where they are located, including on which devices, and whether they are also in the cloud. To check the cloud, you can login to iCloud or Google or Dropbox or wherever you think the file is stored online. Then if you're feeling gutsy, take a file of low importance and delete it from the device. Then try to restore it from the cloud.
Freeze frame: find that file
Businesses and professionals ideally should be able to do a freeze frame at any point in time and ask, "Where is file X stored?" And know ALL the locations of that file.
Security and privacy
The next important questions to pose include inquiring who has access to a certain file, and if that access is limited to only those who should see it, including third parties (like cloud providers). Translation, is file X is stored securely and privately? If not, then move it somewhere safe at once.
We have a right and responsibility to keep track of our files and decide how to control access and protection. But this is just referring to the data you are aware of - files you consciously interact with like the PDF of your tax return.
The hidden data flow
There's a whole other world of files/data you may never see, i.e. those which flow from your computer and browser to an internet-based server whenever you are online, even when your devices seems idle. Keeping tabs on that data takes even more complex surveillance on your part, and is the subject for another article, or two or three!
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
One of the main challenges of living in this fast-paced, tech-infused world is keeping track of where you are storing your data.
By data I mean the files you consciously make use of on any of your tech devices. This includes word processing documents, PDFs, pictures, music, videos, etc.
The usual places
In the "old days" it was obvious where you stuff was stored. You would turn on your computer, look in your Documents folder or on the Desktop or on a server drive and there were the icons for the documents; pictures were stored in the Pictures folder; music in the Music folder; server files in a shared folder, etc. This type of data storage is still commonplace.
Beamed to the cloud
But increasingly people are also putting their data on mobile devices and in the cloud, using such products as iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, etc. This cloud storage can be done from any device, including the slimmest of smartphones. A giant spreadsheet for instance can be stored on your phone and synced with the cloud.
Cloud or device?
What does that mean when a file (word processing document, photo, etc.) is in the cloud? Is it only in the cloud, or also on the device? It depends, but usually the file is both on the device and sync'ed to the cloud. The cloud just means a provider's server in some building, hopefully in the U.S.A. (I mean, if we're going to be spied on, better the NSA and our corporations than Russia or China, right?)
The power of syncing
One benefit of storing files in the cloud is making them accessible on multiple devices. So, for example, one photo could be synce'd to your phone, your tablet, and your computer. Another bonus of the cloud comes into play if a device the file is stored on is damaged, because then you can recover the file from the cloud backup.
Treasure hunt
So now that you have a little background on cloud storage, play a game with yourself or a friend. Make a list of five random files. They could be music files, spreadsheets, whatever. Try find where they are located, including on which devices, and whether they are also in the cloud. To check the cloud, you can login to iCloud or Google or Dropbox or wherever you think the file is stored online. Then if you're feeling gutsy, take a file of low importance and delete it from the device. Then try to restore it from the cloud.
Freeze frame: find that file
Businesses and professionals ideally should be able to do a freeze frame at any point in time and ask, "Where is file X stored?" And know ALL the locations of that file.
Security and privacy
The next important questions to pose include inquiring who has access to a certain file, and if that access is limited to only those who should see it, including third parties (like cloud providers). Translation, is file X is stored securely and privately? If not, then move it somewhere safe at once.
We have a right and responsibility to keep track of our files and decide how to control access and protection. But this is just referring to the data you are aware of - files you consciously interact with like the PDF of your tax return.
The hidden data flow
There's a whole other world of files/data you may never see, i.e. those which flow from your computer and browser to an internet-based server whenever you are online, even when your devices seems idle. Keeping tabs on that data takes even more complex surveillance on your part, and is the subject for another article, or two or three!
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Friday, March 15, 2019
The Right to Access the Internet
The Right to Access the Internet
In this article I want to address the concept of "digital rights", a term which describes those human rights that allow individuals to access, use, create, and publish digital media, or to access and use computers, other electronic devices, or communications networks.
Per Wikipedia, the term is particularly related to the protection and realization of existing rights, such as the right to privacy or freedom of expression, in the context of new digital technologies, especially the Internet.
It's the law (elsewhere)
Especially of note: The right to internet access is recognized as a right by the laws of several countries. I go further than this right to propose that affordable broadband internet should be a right in the United States.
Local issues
Here are some related questions for my readers in Hamakua Hawaii to ponder and ask their elected officials about - at the county, state, and federal level. I know these types of issues are relevant in rural communities elsewhere in our country too.
State-sponsored WiFi
Why is government-provided WiFi not available in every town in Hawaii, such as in downtown Honokaa? This would benefit locals and especially tourists who seek information on local attractions but who may get poor cell data service, like in downtown Honokaa. I would extend this request for service to the Waipio Valley lookout and other tourist attractions where visitors could learn in their own language about an attraction and appreciate it more deeply - and get safety advisories about access, including off-limits areas.
Neighbor out of luck
Why does Hawaiian Telcom have limited DSL internet service in Hamakua? I know of properties where the residents have Hawaiian Tel phone service but cannot get broadband internet. Case in point: my next-door neighbor. We both have Hawaiian Tel phone service, and I have DSL internet, but Hawaiian Tel won't provide DSL to my neighbor. What is this, cold war-era communist Europe? It's a 21st century disgrace. I'm embarrassed for Hawaiian Tel.
Powerline broadband anyone?
Here's another related question: Why - if Hawaiian Telcom refuses to provide broadband internet in areas where they ARE providing phone service - can't Helco provide internet service? There is a technology called broadband over powerline (BPL). It is a service where customers get high-speed internet connections through their standard electrical outlets. Users simply plug a power line modem into any socket; there is no need for additional special wiring.
Tablets for the library
On another note, why do our public libraries not provide tablets for patrons to check out in the library for reading e-books, browsing the web, watching movies on, etc.? There are also some useful learning apps for tablets that children could make use of while mom/dad read the paper. It seems a grant could be applied to make this happen, perhaps from ultra-rich Apple Inc. High school kids seeking community service hours could even volunteer time tutoring seniors and younger children on such devices.
If we, through our elected representatives, don't push for investments in widely available and affordable internet service and device access we certainly don't merit a reputation as a modern and technologically advanced nation, no matter what marvels Silicon Valley produces.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
In this article I want to address the concept of "digital rights", a term which describes those human rights that allow individuals to access, use, create, and publish digital media, or to access and use computers, other electronic devices, or communications networks.
Per Wikipedia, the term is particularly related to the protection and realization of existing rights, such as the right to privacy or freedom of expression, in the context of new digital technologies, especially the Internet.
It's the law (elsewhere)
Especially of note: The right to internet access is recognized as a right by the laws of several countries. I go further than this right to propose that affordable broadband internet should be a right in the United States.
Local issues
Here are some related questions for my readers in Hamakua Hawaii to ponder and ask their elected officials about - at the county, state, and federal level. I know these types of issues are relevant in rural communities elsewhere in our country too.
State-sponsored WiFi
Why is government-provided WiFi not available in every town in Hawaii, such as in downtown Honokaa? This would benefit locals and especially tourists who seek information on local attractions but who may get poor cell data service, like in downtown Honokaa. I would extend this request for service to the Waipio Valley lookout and other tourist attractions where visitors could learn in their own language about an attraction and appreciate it more deeply - and get safety advisories about access, including off-limits areas.
Neighbor out of luck
Why does Hawaiian Telcom have limited DSL internet service in Hamakua? I know of properties where the residents have Hawaiian Tel phone service but cannot get broadband internet. Case in point: my next-door neighbor. We both have Hawaiian Tel phone service, and I have DSL internet, but Hawaiian Tel won't provide DSL to my neighbor. What is this, cold war-era communist Europe? It's a 21st century disgrace. I'm embarrassed for Hawaiian Tel.
Powerline broadband anyone?
Here's another related question: Why - if Hawaiian Telcom refuses to provide broadband internet in areas where they ARE providing phone service - can't Helco provide internet service? There is a technology called broadband over powerline (BPL). It is a service where customers get high-speed internet connections through their standard electrical outlets. Users simply plug a power line modem into any socket; there is no need for additional special wiring.
Tablets for the library
On another note, why do our public libraries not provide tablets for patrons to check out in the library for reading e-books, browsing the web, watching movies on, etc.? There are also some useful learning apps for tablets that children could make use of while mom/dad read the paper. It seems a grant could be applied to make this happen, perhaps from ultra-rich Apple Inc. High school kids seeking community service hours could even volunteer time tutoring seniors and younger children on such devices.
If we, through our elected representatives, don't push for investments in widely available and affordable internet service and device access we certainly don't merit a reputation as a modern and technologically advanced nation, no matter what marvels Silicon Valley produces.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Friday, February 15, 2019
No Power = No Internet = Desperate Times!
No Power = No Internet = Desperate Times!
For those of my readers in Hamakua Hawaii who experienced the Honokaa-area power outage the week of February 10, 2019 you felt the pain of losing access to electricity-dependent devices, appliances, and machines. In our case, we had no power for a week!
We are located right on that strip of highway between Honokaa and Paauilo where several of the power poles were destroyed by high winds and tree branches. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Helco, Isemoto and others for working 24/7 to restore power asap, even in the pouring rain. Would have baked them cookies, but alas, no stove!
Home camping
A week without power was "interesting". It was like camping at our house. No hot showers, no appliances, no lights at night, etc. We made do with a "navy showers" and showering at a friend's house, using our camping stove, ice for the fridge, and plenty of flashlights. Compared to the lives of millions of refugees around the world our experience was trivial of course.
Internet Withdrawals
The real problem for me as a home-based IT tech was no power or Internet. I had to make use of WiFi at Starbucks, McDonald's, client offices, my cell phone's hotspot, and the public library. The Honokaa public library has a charging station for laptops and devices, which is a much-appreciated service. The librarian even served coffee to patrons who used the library during the power outage. Now that's aloha!
I was feeling the withdrawals of not having easy access to TV news and weather, and to Netflix - it was interesting to see in me that mental twitch of addiction. One night my wife and I watched a DVD on her laptop. Then her battery died so we switched to mine, which has no speakers, so we used subtitles. Desperate measures for desperate times.
Community counts
The beauty of not having power is to see what we take for granted, to witness community support, and to be resourceful in getting work done - as in my case hopscotching between WiFi services. I caught up on some reading on my Kindle at night (it had a charge because I rarely use it), and went to be earlier, which is always a good thing. We also enjoyed a meal with our neighbors, prepared on a propane camping stove.
Routine upended
I played catch-up with all kinds of computer-related stuff the day after power was restored, streamed a Netflix movie, had a hot shower, and we made meals on the kitchen stove again. The access to Internet and my computers was missed during the outage. But what I found the most unsettling was the change to my daily routine. It wasn't just one thing - it was the overall disruption and uncertainty.
Resiliency training
The power outage was a good opportunity for resiliency training. Goodness knows what's coming down the pike for humanity in the years to come. I'm certain of this at least: we'll all need to be more flexible, resourceful, and community-oriented. In essence, that's what civilization is all about.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
For those of my readers in Hamakua Hawaii who experienced the Honokaa-area power outage the week of February 10, 2019 you felt the pain of losing access to electricity-dependent devices, appliances, and machines. In our case, we had no power for a week!
We are located right on that strip of highway between Honokaa and Paauilo where several of the power poles were destroyed by high winds and tree branches. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Helco, Isemoto and others for working 24/7 to restore power asap, even in the pouring rain. Would have baked them cookies, but alas, no stove!
Home camping
A week without power was "interesting". It was like camping at our house. No hot showers, no appliances, no lights at night, etc. We made do with a "navy showers" and showering at a friend's house, using our camping stove, ice for the fridge, and plenty of flashlights. Compared to the lives of millions of refugees around the world our experience was trivial of course.
Internet Withdrawals
The real problem for me as a home-based IT tech was no power or Internet. I had to make use of WiFi at Starbucks, McDonald's, client offices, my cell phone's hotspot, and the public library. The Honokaa public library has a charging station for laptops and devices, which is a much-appreciated service. The librarian even served coffee to patrons who used the library during the power outage. Now that's aloha!
I was feeling the withdrawals of not having easy access to TV news and weather, and to Netflix - it was interesting to see in me that mental twitch of addiction. One night my wife and I watched a DVD on her laptop. Then her battery died so we switched to mine, which has no speakers, so we used subtitles. Desperate measures for desperate times.
Community counts
The beauty of not having power is to see what we take for granted, to witness community support, and to be resourceful in getting work done - as in my case hopscotching between WiFi services. I caught up on some reading on my Kindle at night (it had a charge because I rarely use it), and went to be earlier, which is always a good thing. We also enjoyed a meal with our neighbors, prepared on a propane camping stove.
Routine upended
I played catch-up with all kinds of computer-related stuff the day after power was restored, streamed a Netflix movie, had a hot shower, and we made meals on the kitchen stove again. The access to Internet and my computers was missed during the outage. But what I found the most unsettling was the change to my daily routine. It wasn't just one thing - it was the overall disruption and uncertainty.
Resiliency training
The power outage was a good opportunity for resiliency training. Goodness knows what's coming down the pike for humanity in the years to come. I'm certain of this at least: we'll all need to be more flexible, resourceful, and community-oriented. In essence, that's what civilization is all about.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Maintenance is Security Too
Maintenance is Security Too
The triad of computer security are Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA).
For now, I'll skip Confidentiality and focus on Integrity, which means integrity of data. One part of attending to Integrity is keeping devices that store data maintained. And as for Availability, if a device storing data isn't well maintained, the data won't be available for as long as hoped, if at all!
So here are some maintenance tips that are key to observing the Integrity and Availability aspects of the CIA triad.
Keep the uptime rolling
Be sure to have your desktop computers connected to a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), which includes a strong surge suppressor and battery. This helps condition the power from the wall outlet and allows the computer to keep running during a power sag or outage. Also, a sudden power outage can cause data loss and/or corruption on a hard drive.
Keep them cool
Check portable devices for excessive heat. If a device is very warm or hot to the touch, turn it off for at least 5 minutes so it can cool down. If after cooling and restarting it the device is still running too warm have a professional check it out. Or you can investigate replacing it, hopefully under warranty. In some cases the problem can be isolated to a defective battery. An overheated device can damage data.
Also, keep all devices and equipment out of the sun. Don't leave phones and tablets in the car sun-exposed. And protect equipment that is sun-exposed via windows at home or offices. This can cause overheating and damage functions, and possibly lead to data damage.
Refresh is best
This tip is more for performance than security: Shut down your devices once each week. This means turn off, not just restart. Turn off your computers, phones, tablets, modems, routers, Blu-ray players, etc. This clears out all memory buffers and enables the devices to start up fresh. Before doing this on phones, tablets, and computers, I recommend closing all open programs and apps. And be sure to not just put your device to sleep - shut it all the way off.
Keep it clean
This one is not security related either but can ease your stress about not getting quality output from your printer. Run the maintenance program on your printers monthly. This can usually be found on the printer screen; otherwise, check the printer software installed on your computer for a maintenance routine. You can improve print quality by doing this, which usually includes nozzle cleaning and alignment.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
The triad of computer security are Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA).
For now, I'll skip Confidentiality and focus on Integrity, which means integrity of data. One part of attending to Integrity is keeping devices that store data maintained. And as for Availability, if a device storing data isn't well maintained, the data won't be available for as long as hoped, if at all!
So here are some maintenance tips that are key to observing the Integrity and Availability aspects of the CIA triad.
Keep the uptime rolling
Be sure to have your desktop computers connected to a UPS (uninterrupted power supply), which includes a strong surge suppressor and battery. This helps condition the power from the wall outlet and allows the computer to keep running during a power sag or outage. Also, a sudden power outage can cause data loss and/or corruption on a hard drive.
Keep them cool
Check portable devices for excessive heat. If a device is very warm or hot to the touch, turn it off for at least 5 minutes so it can cool down. If after cooling and restarting it the device is still running too warm have a professional check it out. Or you can investigate replacing it, hopefully under warranty. In some cases the problem can be isolated to a defective battery. An overheated device can damage data.
Also, keep all devices and equipment out of the sun. Don't leave phones and tablets in the car sun-exposed. And protect equipment that is sun-exposed via windows at home or offices. This can cause overheating and damage functions, and possibly lead to data damage.
Refresh is best
This tip is more for performance than security: Shut down your devices once each week. This means turn off, not just restart. Turn off your computers, phones, tablets, modems, routers, Blu-ray players, etc. This clears out all memory buffers and enables the devices to start up fresh. Before doing this on phones, tablets, and computers, I recommend closing all open programs and apps. And be sure to not just put your device to sleep - shut it all the way off.
Keep it clean
This one is not security related either but can ease your stress about not getting quality output from your printer. Run the maintenance program on your printers monthly. This can usually be found on the printer screen; otherwise, check the printer software installed on your computer for a maintenance routine. You can improve print quality by doing this, which usually includes nozzle cleaning and alignment.
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Best and Worst of Times
Best and Worst of Times
Working with my clients on tech issues day in and day out, I usually take for granted all the various ways IT has wormed its way into every nook and cranny of our lives, regardless of one's age or occupation or lifestyle.
The way we were
However, this ever-present IT condition is quite noticeable in contrast to the way things were at the end of the 20th century. When you watch movies from the 80s and 90s you can't help but notice how "antiquated" the IT stuff seems. We are also reminded that cell phones were used primarily by business executives, government VIPs, or spies!
Nowadays anywhere you go you see smartphones in use by kids from one to 92. Handling a smartphone typically means using Internet apps or texting, and not so much talking. I expect these devices won't be called phones much longer.
Tail wags the dog
So, it's a sign of the times that smartphones are ubiquitous. It's also a sign that nearly every home I visit has Internet and Wi-Fi, however rural. And it's the case that we can't stand to not know some little obscure factoid anymore - we have to Google it right away! The tail is indeed wagging the dog, meaning tech is running our lives.
Hooked on the vids
Sure, tech keeps me in business and has many valuable uses. That's obvious. And as much as we complain about the times our tech doesn't work, we truly revel in it when it does. Some of my clients in their 70s and 80s are hooked on watching Netflix and other streaming video services nightly. When their streaming device goes down, they are not happy campers. They miss their video fix!
Speaking of which, one of my clients recently suffered an outage on his steaming device and remarked that he and his wife had an actual conversation the night it was down. That's funny, and head shaking, and startling. What kind of creatures are we turning into?
No one is safe
The other sign-of-the times issue is the escalating cybersecurity concerns. Company's large and small are being hacked, which for us means our data is exploited. This translates to our financial accounts, emails, passwords, personal and private information, lifestyle habits, etc. being used for nefarious purposes. And when we get hacked on our home systems the perpetrators can even erase our precious files, such as family photos.
Human-ish?
It's the best of times and the worst of times, truly. And now AI (artificial intelligence) is looming as a promising problem-solving partner and a creepy concept. How will we know we're thinking for ourselves anymore while we're streaming so much information to our brains from various computer resources?
Love thy planet!
As it's the new year, I'll propose a toast to all the counter-culture movements out there that may just keep humans alert to being fully duped by our tech overlords. Let's be mindful that information technology is only a tool. We still need the human mind and heart to be appreciative of our special planet in order to guide all things tech, including AI, to work on more noble pursuits than addicting our vulnerable brains to technologically abstracted reality. Though that is fun...
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Working with my clients on tech issues day in and day out, I usually take for granted all the various ways IT has wormed its way into every nook and cranny of our lives, regardless of one's age or occupation or lifestyle.
The way we were
However, this ever-present IT condition is quite noticeable in contrast to the way things were at the end of the 20th century. When you watch movies from the 80s and 90s you can't help but notice how "antiquated" the IT stuff seems. We are also reminded that cell phones were used primarily by business executives, government VIPs, or spies!
Nowadays anywhere you go you see smartphones in use by kids from one to 92. Handling a smartphone typically means using Internet apps or texting, and not so much talking. I expect these devices won't be called phones much longer.
Tail wags the dog
So, it's a sign of the times that smartphones are ubiquitous. It's also a sign that nearly every home I visit has Internet and Wi-Fi, however rural. And it's the case that we can't stand to not know some little obscure factoid anymore - we have to Google it right away! The tail is indeed wagging the dog, meaning tech is running our lives.
Hooked on the vids
Sure, tech keeps me in business and has many valuable uses. That's obvious. And as much as we complain about the times our tech doesn't work, we truly revel in it when it does. Some of my clients in their 70s and 80s are hooked on watching Netflix and other streaming video services nightly. When their streaming device goes down, they are not happy campers. They miss their video fix!
Speaking of which, one of my clients recently suffered an outage on his steaming device and remarked that he and his wife had an actual conversation the night it was down. That's funny, and head shaking, and startling. What kind of creatures are we turning into?
No one is safe
The other sign-of-the times issue is the escalating cybersecurity concerns. Company's large and small are being hacked, which for us means our data is exploited. This translates to our financial accounts, emails, passwords, personal and private information, lifestyle habits, etc. being used for nefarious purposes. And when we get hacked on our home systems the perpetrators can even erase our precious files, such as family photos.
Human-ish?
It's the best of times and the worst of times, truly. And now AI (artificial intelligence) is looming as a promising problem-solving partner and a creepy concept. How will we know we're thinking for ourselves anymore while we're streaming so much information to our brains from various computer resources?
Love thy planet!
As it's the new year, I'll propose a toast to all the counter-culture movements out there that may just keep humans alert to being fully duped by our tech overlords. Let's be mindful that information technology is only a tool. We still need the human mind and heart to be appreciative of our special planet in order to guide all things tech, including AI, to work on more noble pursuits than addicting our vulnerable brains to technologically abstracted reality. Though that is fun...
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Downsizing Your Online Identity
Downsizing Your Online Identity
We all have the physical identity we present with our bodies and attire when we interact with others. There's another kind of identity we in 21st century possess as well: the one we create online. It's a composite of our social networking accounts, our email accounts, our memberships with various online services, etc. The more accounts we have, the more data and detailed "personality" we create for ourselves, and hence a unique online identity.
Carnival junkies
We have only ourselves to blame as we fall victim to the dizzy carnival-like playground we call the Internet. We get dazzled by the bright lights, the colors, the clamor, the intense energy, and so what do we naturally do? We buzz like moths near the flame. It's instructive to get our wings singed a few times to help wake us up - in this case to the risk of being hyper-exposed online, to growing an overinflated online persona. The more exposed you are, the easier it is for hackers to target you.
Zap the unwanted accounts
The good news is the online identity that we have wittingly or semi-consciously created for ourselves can also be dismantled by us, the owner of the identity. We have the power to close our accounts at any time. Goodbye Facebook! Sayonara AOL! Adios newsletter subscriptions! There are consequences and trade-offs, but we can do it.
Withdrawal pains
The real challenge in downsizing one's online identity is the same any type of addict goes through when breaking free of that which usurps willpower: withdrawal pains. Physical pains are bad enough for drug addicts. But it's the emotional ones that linger, that haunt and torment, because the ego has to redefine its identity, which to any ego is an existential threat.
Google yourself
If you're up to the challenge of downsizing your online ego then besides scrapping any obvious and unwanted aspects of your persona try Googling yourself to learn what else the Internet knows about you. Then start unplugging from places you don't want to be.
It may take time to reduce your imprint, but for the average Joe and Jane, not too long. After all, a carnival doesn't want bystanders, it wants big spenders. Save your ticket money for the attractions you like best, not what others want you to see and do.
Get off the hackers' radar
As mentioned earlier if you head towards the down low you'll also reduce your visibility to hackers, which will lessen your anxiety and make life more fun, whether online or off. In the long run, that's a better high than any carnival can provide.
Here's a related article with step-by-step guidance on removing yourself from high profile sites:
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/remove-delete-yourself-from-the-internet
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
We all have the physical identity we present with our bodies and attire when we interact with others. There's another kind of identity we in 21st century possess as well: the one we create online. It's a composite of our social networking accounts, our email accounts, our memberships with various online services, etc. The more accounts we have, the more data and detailed "personality" we create for ourselves, and hence a unique online identity.
Carnival junkies
We have only ourselves to blame as we fall victim to the dizzy carnival-like playground we call the Internet. We get dazzled by the bright lights, the colors, the clamor, the intense energy, and so what do we naturally do? We buzz like moths near the flame. It's instructive to get our wings singed a few times to help wake us up - in this case to the risk of being hyper-exposed online, to growing an overinflated online persona. The more exposed you are, the easier it is for hackers to target you.
Zap the unwanted accounts
The good news is the online identity that we have wittingly or semi-consciously created for ourselves can also be dismantled by us, the owner of the identity. We have the power to close our accounts at any time. Goodbye Facebook! Sayonara AOL! Adios newsletter subscriptions! There are consequences and trade-offs, but we can do it.
Withdrawal pains
The real challenge in downsizing one's online identity is the same any type of addict goes through when breaking free of that which usurps willpower: withdrawal pains. Physical pains are bad enough for drug addicts. But it's the emotional ones that linger, that haunt and torment, because the ego has to redefine its identity, which to any ego is an existential threat.
Google yourself
If you're up to the challenge of downsizing your online ego then besides scrapping any obvious and unwanted aspects of your persona try Googling yourself to learn what else the Internet knows about you. Then start unplugging from places you don't want to be.
It may take time to reduce your imprint, but for the average Joe and Jane, not too long. After all, a carnival doesn't want bystanders, it wants big spenders. Save your ticket money for the attractions you like best, not what others want you to see and do.
Get off the hackers' radar
As mentioned earlier if you head towards the down low you'll also reduce your visibility to hackers, which will lessen your anxiety and make life more fun, whether online or off. In the long run, that's a better high than any carnival can provide.
Here's a related article with step-by-step guidance on removing yourself from high profile sites:
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/remove-delete-yourself-from-the-internet
Thanks for reading!
-Sam
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)