Once or twice this past year when I went to view a PDF document on my computer I was advised that a new software update was available (and recommended)
I did follow the suggestion (since it appeared from a reputable source, Adobe itself) and updated the software. Often times - if you went a step farther and checked what was addressed in the update - one or more of the items said addresses security vulnerability... or something to that effect.
Now we learn a little more about why Adobe is diligent about these security updates, and why we should be perhaps a little more careful when opening PDF documents.
More than 200 kid-innovators, ages 12 and under, from North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, South Asia and Australia, submitted drawings of their imagined technologies.
For the most part - kids wanted their technology to be more interactive and human, better integrated with their physical lives and empowering to users (such as by assisting new knowledge or abilities).
The findings were recently published by Latitude Research from their 2010 Study where they asked the kids "What would you like your computer or the Internet to do that it can't do right now?"
It's hard for me to believe that I am older than the personal computer. Now, I don't think I will make this confession in too many places, but there I just did on the internet!
From the Win Info Daily Update from Paul Herlott - It was on this day, on August 12, 1981, tech industry powerhouse IBM launched its IBM PC in a bid to enter the then-nascent personal computing market. Dominated at the time by such companies as Commodore, Tandy, and Apple, this market didn't really respond to IBM in any measurable way at first, but businesses did, and the IBM PC soon set the standard for what was expected in a personal computer, or PC.
I am excited to announce the launch of a brand new learning opportunity - the Tech Tutor Classroom. The Tech Tutor Classroom is a series of technology lessons & presentations delivered live over the internet -- from my computer to yours. This 'webinar' technology allows me to teach a group of folks who are miles apart.
The participants will be able to see my computer screen as I teach from a variety of contemporary and interesting topics. You will also be able to hear my voice, and other program audio through your computer speaker or headset.
I will be presenting these Tech Tutor Classroom sessions every other Wednesday at 9:30AM Pacific Time (10:30AM Central/12:30PM Eastern).
Click to below playback a short video highlighting the new Tech Tutor Classroom online learning opportunity.
This brand new Tech Tutor series allows folks to learn from the comfort and convenience of their home or office -- and receive excellent instruction from a top-notch teacher.
I have spent more than 30 years working successfully with communication and productivity technologies -- and the only thing I enjoy more than relevant technology tools is teaching.
I spent 17 years as a professional educator -- since leaving the public school classroom, I have led workshops and seminars across North America.
For further details and specifics for the webinar technology click to visit the 'Tech Tutor Online Learning' page.
Apple Computer released their new Operating System today: Mac OS X Lion along with new models of the MacBook Air and Mac Mini. Both revamped computers come with the new Apple Thunderbolt technology and with newer processors with increased performance.
You are likely aware that Apple Computer made some new software announcements Monday at the WWDC (World Wide Developers Conference) in San Francisco, California.
Some critics are quick to point out that some of the features announced today already exist in other technologies or software (Blackberry, Android, and Windows). While those facts are noted it should also be observed what some technology analysts are saying, that Apple sometimes implements technology a little later than others -- but has been implementing them more wisely and more successfully than their previous incarnation.
Given these newly announced software enhancements & upgrades, I don't think it would really make someone who is totally in love with their Windows computer, their Android or Blackberry phone 'jump-ship' to the Apple product line. But these will certainly make Apple customers even more satisfied with their chosen platform, and may just continue to slowly pull new customers into the Apple universe.
The software products announced today are the Mac OS X Lion, the Apple iOS 5 and the iCloud service. I have provided a short summary of each below along with a short video that highlights the new and most notable improvements.
Mac OS X Lion Among the '250 new features' the most captivating are: Gestures, Mission Control, LaunchPad, Auto-Save with Versions, Air-Drop, ReVamped Mail (Mac Mail software) and Full-Screen Apps. You can view the Apple promotional video fro Mac OS X Lion below for a highlight of these.
This new Apple desktop & laptop OS named Lion will only be available in the Mac App Store and will be 4GB in size. It installs from the App Store and once you purchase it, you can use it on all your authorized Macs. Mac OS X Lion will be available in July 2011 with a retail price of $29.99 Details here: Apple OS X Lion 9
Apple iOS5 iOS5 is the forthcoming new Operating System for Apple Mobile Devices includes more than 200 new features for the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch.
Among the major new features & functions in iOS5 are the Notification Center, iMessage, Newsstand, Reminders, Twitter, Camera enhancements, Photo & Safari improvements, PC Free (you will no longer need to connect to a PC to start your iPhone). You can view the Apple promotional video below for highlights.
This new OS for Apple mobile devices is scheduled for a Fall 2011 release and the current indications are that it is a free software upgrade. Apple indicates the iOS5 will be compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod (both 3rd and 4th generation), iPad, and iPad2. Details here: Apple iOS5
Apple iCloud iCloud is the new service Apple is touting to sync the important content and information on your desktop, laptop, notepad and other mobile devices. iCloud is integrated into the apps on your computer and mobile devices, so you can access your content on all your devices. And iCloud is free with iOS5 - further details here: Apple iCloud
Here is a video from the Apple WWDC 2011 of Apple CEO Steve Jobs sharing how the iCloud service works (compliments of CNET News)
If you use a Mac computer - you should be aware there are is some newer malware targeting Apple computers - the latest is a fake AV (AntiVirus) software that installs with little help from the administrator of a Mac.
click image for larger version
If you use Safari as your web browser, you are advised to disable the 'Open safe files after downloading' option.
To do this, open Safari, and click on the 'Safari' at the top menu. Scroll down and select 'Preferences'. In the General Tab - at the bottom you will see a check box by 'Open "safe" files after downloading. If there is a check - click to remove it!
CNET has an online article indicating some information on these recent malware attaches aimed at Apple computers: How bad is this Apple Malware Scare?
Earlier this month Apple Computer released it's latest incarnation of the Mac computer for the 'every person', the iMac. As I shared in a previous article, they may look the same as last month's model but these new iMacs have some substantive new changes 'under the hood'
Today I came across a thorough, solid review of these new computers on the TechLand Blog (Time Magazine's Technology Blog). Here is their 'Overall' summary:
"The 2011 iMacs deliver a whole lot of computer for their asking price. With Intel's quad-core i5s or i7s on board, it's almost more than a middle-of-the-road user would need and handles basic usage smoothly. That said, would-be purchasers should note that the rock bottom configuration at $1,199 isn't terribly configurable. If you want more oomph, you're going to have spend more. The most intriguing aspect of the new all-in-one is how it could be used as a perfectly competent A/V rig for all those Final Cut, Aperture and GarageBand jockeys out there."
At the end of the article they even post links to three other reviews on these new Apple computers - Macworld | CNET | Engadget
Have you recently upgraded your home or office technology... and are you looking for a way to dispose of the older model printer? Epson is one manufacturer who makes this easy on you, and easy on our planet.
Here's how it works -- You go to the Epson website: Epson Recycling Program and complete the on-line form to recycle your 'old' Epson technology.
Within a few days you will receive a pre-paid FedEx shipping label in the mail.
Pack your product for return (the website also provides packing Instructions) and affix the FedEx label to the box.
Take the box to a FedEx drop-off facility or contact FedEx for a home pick up.
Apple Computer today announced a new range of iMac computers - most notable enhancements or improvements in these new models is that the hardware provides improvements in graphics and processing speed anywhere from 1.7 times to 3 times faster, according to Apple.
These new iMac models look very similar to the previous line of iMac computers, but contain a new HD camera (for FaceTime video conferencing) and are also the first to employ the 'Thunderbolt' capability -- this new port provides 10-Gbps data channelthat means "data transfer up to 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0".
The Thunderbolt port is also standard on the new Mac Book Pro laptop computers - and there are a pair of Thunderbolt ports on the new 27" iMac models.
You can read more about these new computers on the Apple iMac website here - these new units are ready for order in the Apple online store and are apparently available for you to test drive at your local Apple Store.
