tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67331222024-03-18T21:06:55.087-07:00Dr Dave's TECHBlogTaming Your Technology"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-22922835075031393692013-07-10T13:45:00.001-07:002013-07-10T13:45:40.666-07:00 Retro Cell-Phone Handset Deal of the Day | Groupon<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.grouponcdn.com/deal/2Cx1TWgZZK8oTE4z76yk/rP-960x582/v1/t954x610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://img.grouponcdn.com/deal/2Cx1TWgZZK8oTE4z76yk/rP-960x582/v1/t954x610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-trademark-games-retro-cell-phone-handset?utm_source=CA&utm_medium=PTN&utm_campaign=US_DT_PSA_SZA_TIM_TTT_PADS_CBP_CHP_NBR_g*gg-trademark-games-retro-cell-phone-handset&CA_6C15C=520010020000106087">Trademark Games Retro Cell-Phone Handset Deal of the Day | Groupon</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-39551822552090667782013-07-10T10:58:00.001-07:002013-07-10T10:58:49.032-07:00Birthday of a Great Unheralded AmericanNikola Tesla was involved in the invention of radio, x-rays, AC power, electric motors and the discovery of electrons. Somehow he always managed to find himself on the periphery while more sophisticated self promoters took the credit.<br />
<br />
Born 157 years ago today.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/nikola-tesla/4389991/Nikola-Tesla-is-born--July-10--1856?elq=8078d06cc6c141c5870e1e79d388c461&elqCampaignId=136">Nikola Tesla is born, July 10, 1856 | EDN</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-4314647320037682122013-06-13T10:55:00.001-07:002013-06-13T10:57:00.547-07:00Is the HP Slate a good value or just cheap?How does the 7" HP Slate stack up against it's competitors? Not well. Too slow, too little storage, no GPS, mediocre screen and speakers, lousy camera, older Android version and less than sleek design. It would be more competitive in the tablet market of 2010, not 2013. It's tempting at less than $170, but buy a Nexus 7 - you'll spend $30 more but be MUCH happier. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hp.com/">HP - United States | Laptop Computers, Desktops , Printers, Servers and more</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-81853046569551784222013-05-07T12:14:00.001-07:002013-05-07T12:14:15.181-07:00Told Ya So!I could not make sense of HOW Microsoft handled the Metro vs Desktop situation in Windows 8. it was obvious to me that Microsoft was going to get a lot of heat from struggling users. They disregarded the pre-release complaints from the tech journalists and beta testers for some reason.<br />
<br />
I understand WHY they did what they did. The pressure from Apple and Android to update the Windows interface to a more tablet/touchscreen friendly style has been huge. The way they chose to implement that response to that pressure seemed foolish. Force all users to interact with the Metro interface and remove the primary way desktop user interact with the "Desktop" of their machine.<br />
<br />
The proper response seemed obvious. Steve Ballmer and his minions didn't see it that way. Instead of allowing a simple facility for making your choice as to the primary interface, and allow changing back and forth should user preference change, they assumed Metro was going to be the preference and they made sure users had no choice.<br />
<br />
I salute their change of heart. I hope they don't make thing worse. Sometimes the fix is worse than the fault.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/330c8b8e-b66b-11e2-93ba-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2SdAuMJ89">Microsoft prepares rethink on Windows 8 flagship software - FT.com</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-90478132085724857942013-05-01T13:36:00.001-07:002013-05-01T13:36:15.247-07:00Make Your Own Emergency Cell Phone ChargerThis is a very easy and inexpensive way to make a backup charger for your cell phone or hotspot. It fits in your briefcase or even your pocket. <br />
<br />
It also includes some very useful information about AA battery types and their relative power.<br />
<br />
If you are a tinkerer, you're probably capable of following the instructions successfully. If you don't understand the table of comparisons of the batteries, then you probably shouldn't try the project. Good Luck!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://electronicdesign.com/power/adapters-charge-cell-phones-using-standard-aa-batteries?NL=ED-03&Issue=ED-03_20130501_ED-03_118&YM_RID=dave%40davemason.com&YM_MID=1390862&sfvc4enews=42">Adapters Charge Cell Phones Using Standard AA Batteries | Power content from Electronic Design</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-34634023017111151702013-04-29T15:25:00.000-07:002013-04-29T15:43:07.494-07:00Truly Addictive Technology?I am increasingly skeptical of the benefit of our immersive dependence on technology. It's an interesting development for me as I spent the first 2 decades in this profession aggressively evangelizing for the productive use of technology.<br />
<br />
Now I find myself evangelizing for the judicious use of technology, and the importance of limiting that use so that we can live as humans must live to be fulfilled.<br />
<br />
There are all kinds of cliched science fiction analogs that I am compelled to resist, along with the obvious and sometimes accurate comparison to substance abuse/dependancy.<br />
<br />
However, the neuro-chemical similarities of technological over-use and dependence and drug abuse are stunning. In many people it is nearly identical. The serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels while using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. are similar to those when using Ecstacy. The problem is when you come down from Facebook, Twitter and Youtube or Ecstasy. Restlessness, irritability, depression and even suicidal thoughts can occur.<br />
<br />
The appropriate and balanced use of technology and drugs have much in common too. Drugs used properly and in a controlled fashion can be miraculous life saving medicine. Used recklessly without thought and reason, drugs destroy personalities, relationships and lives.<br />
<br />
I have become quite a skeptic when it comes to the relentless pressure to over-use technology. Many of us feel intimidated and pressured by ads, peers, clients and family to adopt and interact with various forms of technology with little thought about potential negative effects or actual productivity or quality of life improvement.<br />
<br />
I have no doubt that Google Glass is a VERY compelling technology. I don't even doubt the potential productivity gains in certain situations. But I am concerned that the possibility for unwitting unhealthy dependence is VERY high.<br />
<br />
Social networking doesn't replace real relationships. Electronic games are no substitute for real sports and physical activity, and virtual worlds or enhanced reality isn't a substitute for a real life and real accomplishment. That doesn't begin to address what I believe may be most important; the spiritual factors that are a fundamental part of being human.<br />
<br />
Even if you have a perfect handle on living a balanced fulfilled life that includes all the wonders of new technology, there's the potential risks of the completely public, data-mined life. We have not even begun to deal with the realities of that. <br />
<br />
Read Roberts article and tell me what you think...<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/+Scobleizer/posts/ZLV9GdmkRzS">Robert Scoble - Google+ - My two-week review of Google Glass: it all depends on the… </a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-74612673273597667902013-04-24T11:56:00.001-07:002013-04-24T11:56:46.412-07:00Laptops, Jumbojets and Catastophic Battery FailureThis is a very good analysis of the Boeing Dreamlkiner battery fire problem. Turns out the lesson was taught years ago in the analysis of laptop battery failures. Of course the ramifications of such failure are a little more compelling in a Dreamliner.<br />
<br />
The thought process of designers and engineers in deciding to use the latest technology reminds me how seductive a trap it can be.<br />
<br />
The newest is not always better, whether it's Twitter or Lithium Ion; here's why... <br />
<br />
<a href="http://electronicdesign.com/blog/dreamliner-battery-fire-solutions-and-concerns?NL=ED-03&Issue=ED-03_20130424_ED-03_457&YM_RID=dave%40davemason.com&YM_MID=1389241&sfvc4enews=42">The NTSB Report is Out, Boeing Has Solutions. What's Your Comfort Level? | Secondary Emissions</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-22274628608408264462013-04-23T12:03:00.001-07:002013-04-23T12:03:26.558-07:00Twitter Tweets Tank the MarketsThis is why I think we are foolish to put our lives, data, finances and everything else in the hands of these shepherding outfits. We're the sheep and they're the wolves.<br />
<br />
Do social networking services have legitimate uses? Yes. Are we blindly, willingly being led around by the nose by them? Yes.<br />
<br />
Time to grow up and get things under control. This is crazy - and it's all our fault.<br />
<br />
The "lame-stream" media is untrustworthy, alternative news sources are untrustworthy, the Internet is untrustworthy, email is untrustworthy, social media is untrustworthy, Governments are untrustworthy, Political parties are untrustworthy. EVERYTHING must be checked and corroborated. It's real life in the 21st century, get used to it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/23/hackers-take-over-associated-press-twitter-feed-reports-explosions-at-the-white-house/">Associated Press’ Twitter Feed Hacked: Reported Obama Injured in White House ‘Explosions’ | TheBlaze.com</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-3591834557663415462013-04-14T10:25:00.001-07:002013-04-14T10:25:41.699-07:00Check your Security - Nearly 100,000 Computers are Attacking your Blog.<a href="http://www.melbourne.co.uk/">Melbourne Server Hosting</a> is <a href="http://www.melbourne.co.uk/blog/2013/04/12/brute-force-attack-on-wordpress-and-joomla-powered-sites/">reporting</a> that it has seen signs over the past 48 hours of increased attempts, while <a href="http://www.inmotionhosting.com/">Immotion Hosting</a> has <a href="http://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/news/general/wp-login-brute-force-attack">noted</a> they are coming from a large amount of IP addresses spread across the world. This would suggest the attackers are using a botnet to break in; <a href="http://www.hostgator.com/">HostGator</a> has <a href="http://blog.hostgator.com/2013/04/11/global-wordpress-brute-force-flood/">said</a> at least 90,000 computers are involved while CloudFlare has <a href="http://blog.cloudflare.com/patching-the-internet-fixing-the-wordpress-br">noted</a> it “more than tens of thousands of unique IP addresses” are being used. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/04/12/wordpress-and-joomla-sites-see-massive-increase-in-brute-force-attacks/">Check your security settings: Brute force attacks against WordPress and Joomla sites have tripled - The Next Web</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-46720369291453002262013-04-11T13:23:00.001-07:002013-04-11T13:23:41.908-07:00Hackers Attacks Against Banks More Effective Than EverJust as I recommended getting as much of your personal info off the cloud as you can to protect from warrantless perusing of your personal data, you must figure out how to minimize your exposure to the ugly ramifications of your bank being successfully attacked by hackers.<br />
<br />
Most of us think because the banks are big sophisticated institutions, they must have a handle on security. They don't.<br />
<br />
Make sure you have enough cash in hand to be able to pay your bills for a week or so. Have multiple accounts in different banks with your money spread between them, so that you aren't likely to be completely separated from your money if one of the banks you do business goes down for a few days.<br />
<br />
With the fiscal machinations many governemnts are involved in that allow them to potentially confiscate your property, it's a very unsettling time. We have to think about protecting ourselves from the "bad guys" as always, but now from well intentioned but extra-legal "good guys" too.<br />
<br />
We live in VERY complicated times.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/100630382">Cyber Threats Escalate as Banks Go Paperless</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-57323661374936228342013-04-11T12:31:00.001-07:002013-04-11T12:31:47.124-07:00Vizio 55-inch LCD WiFi TV Only $649.99Great specs, impressive size, crazy price... <br />
<br />
<a href="http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6797324&dgc=SS&cid=259584&lid=4660910&acd=12309173244274934">Vizio 55-inch LCD TV - E552VLE 1080p 120Hz HDTV : TVs - LED, LCD, Internet TVs & Accessories | Dell</a>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-81383231906277562642013-03-27T17:59:00.001-07:002013-03-27T17:59:54.508-07:00Smokin' Sennheiser CX 280 Earbuds<a href="http://www.rakuten.com/prod/sennheiser-cx-280-high-performance-earbuds-w-dynamic-sound/217036470.html#.UVOVR8LGOyM.blogger">Rakuten.com - Sennheiser CX 280 High Performance Earbuds w/ Dynamic Sound</a><br />
<br />
Less than $20 for earbuds that produce 120db of sound from 19hz to 20,500hz. Hard to go wrong. Gotta get 'em! "Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-2425796545762145822013-03-23T10:48:00.001-07:002013-03-23T10:48:01.398-07:003 Free Mac - 'til Sunday only<a href="http://appyfridays.com/#.UU3qXwJzHpE.blogger">Home - AppyFridays</a><br />
<br />
Diagrammix, Marko and Singlemizer, normally 32 bucks of decent Mac software absolutley free. No strings attached. "Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-24397429950940959252013-03-23T10:19:00.001-07:002013-03-23T10:19:00.397-07:00Lost Woz videos circa 1984<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PDXtvVince?feature=watch#.UU3jJeZBnL4.blogger">Vince Patton - YouTube</a><br />
<br />
You have got to check out these Woz videos from 1984. Funny, cheeky stuff. "Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-53567723656110713292011-07-18T17:59:00.000-07:002011-07-18T17:59:21.113-07:00Quirky but Fun Aviation History Site<a href="http://www.airfields-freeman.com/AZ/Airfields_AZ_Tuscon_SE.html">Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Arizona, Southeastern Tucson area</a><br /><br />Fun time killer for aviation buffs. Boy if these places could talk..."Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-53491633047401829142011-07-18T17:34:00.000-07:002011-07-18T17:34:56.463-07:00Amazon Options for the Starving Student<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/?docId=1000702481&tag=gmgamzn-20">Amazon.com: Kindle Textbook Rental</a><br /><br />While it's not always the most cost effective option (used is often nearly as inexpensive), renting your textbook from Amazon may be just the thing for students on a tight budget. Only requirement is a Kindle or Kindle software on your computer. I've been a bit of a Kindle crank, but this really makes sense."Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-55229111457045538512011-07-16T11:16:00.000-07:002011-07-16T11:16:30.250-07:00Unique Tech Products on Sale - as Heard on My Show...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/zoom/8928_bluetooth_retro_handset_black_red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/zoom/8928_bluetooth_retro_handset_black_red.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>Compelling combination of old tech and new tech. Bluetooth handsets at ThinkGeek.com. Wouldn't you love to Skype on one of these? On sale for less than $40!"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-17752508238397128612011-07-12T20:43:00.001-07:002011-07-12T20:45:32.275-07:00Dropbox Puts Foot in Mouth - Rearranges Foot Several Times<a href="http://www.crn.com/news/cloud/231001213/dropbox-moves-to-clear-up-cloud-data-ownership-terms-of-service-confusion.htm;jsessionid=AHBMIML7C36EhG+cv0zOug**.ecappj03?cid=nl_cloud">Dropbox Moves To Clear Up Cloud Data Ownership, Terms Of Service Confusion</a><br />
<br />
As with many technical EULA's, Dropbox's recent version was shockingly worded and some of the edits they provided after getting copious flack fron horrified users only served to confuse even more. They need to fire their attorneys and attempt to get their money back for those fees associated with the production of their legal monstrosity. Flummery!"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-13478595649909160972011-07-10T21:55:00.000-07:002011-07-10T21:55:23.865-07:00Facebook vs Google+<a href="http://www.technobombs.com/infographic-facebook-vs-google/">InfoGraphic – Facebook vs Google+ (UPDATED)</a><div><br /><div>Interesting comparison of features in the battle of the Internet giants. Can Google really compete with Facebook? Facebook has a 750 million member headstart. Of course Myspace had a huge advantage over Facebook in 04, and Myspace just got given away.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Google can create the sort of "must have" energy that they did originally with Gmail, Facebook could have a heck of a fight on their hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've always thought that Facebook, as much better than Myspace as it is, leaves a lot to be desired on the usability front. That is Google's playing field. We'll see if they can create the frenzy...</div></div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-53379100023872978292011-07-10T16:49:00.000-07:002011-07-10T16:49:58.649-07:00Comin' to America<a href="http://www.spotify.com/int/coming-to-the-us/">Spotify is coming to the U.S. Sign up to get your invite now - Spotify</a><br /><br />Spotify may be the best music service on Earth and is on the way to the States. Sign up for the pre-release waiting list now. You'll love it!"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-17812464041598155132011-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:002011-07-08T11:41:41.706-07:0040 Legal Free Movie Downloads<a href="http://tech.blorge.com/Structure:%20/2010/08/11/top-40-best-free-legal-movies-you-can-download-right-now/">Top 40 best free legal movies you can download right now - TECH.BLORGE.com</a><div><br /></div><div>Mostly old B or C movies from the 30's and 40's free for the download. They happen to be the type of movies that I particularly enjoy. No looking over your shoulder for RIAA and MPAA surveillance and subpoenas in your mailbox. Guilt free freeness of cheesy entertainment. It doesn't get any better!</div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-86325919222233609642011-07-08T10:50:00.000-07:002011-07-08T10:50:33.366-07:00500GB USB drive $70 at Office Depot<a href="http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/788004/Seagate-FreeAgent-GoFlex-Ultra-Portable-External/">Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra Portable External Hard Drive 500GB Black by Office Depot</a><div><br /></div><div>Check out this deal for a Seagate 500GB external USB drive for less than $70.00. Includes backup and encryption software on the drive. Deal is good 'til 7/9/11.</div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-1368391298694051362011-07-07T19:29:00.002-07:002011-07-07T19:32:29.922-07:00Gmails New Ultra Clean Design<a href="http://mail.google.com/mail/help/about_whatsnew.html#utm_source=en-et-na-us&utm_medium=new-features-link&utm_campaign=en">Gmail - What's been keeping the Gmail team busy</a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Check out the new look of Gmail. Taking simplicity to the next level. I really like it. This quality is what differentiates Google from the rest of the Internet powerhouses. This ruthless devotion to stark simplicity will continue to serve them, and their users, well.</div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-80917775375101227772011-07-06T21:12:00.000-07:002011-07-06T21:12:17.299-07:00Radio's History - Is TV history, too?<a href="http://www.businessbrief.com/internet-social-media-usage-catching-tv/">Internet, social media usage catching TV | BusinessBrief.com</a><div><br /></div><div>More numbers that tell us what we already knew. The Internet is taking over. It took a while. Many jumped the gun, but what experts have been predicting since Al Gore created the Internet is finally actually happening. </div><div><br /></div><div>Radio networks and stations have been struggling for years, TV stations and networks are circling the drain with them now.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not a friendly neighborhood, though. No one knows what the success formulas are. Not CBS, not Fox, not Microsoft. We are all equally ignorant. The opportunities are astronomic, but the carnage will be ugly.</div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6733122.post-36428692918458926152011-07-06T09:49:00.000-07:002011-07-06T09:49:01.456-07:00Internet as Media Hub for the Majority<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/43641280">Half of TVs to Have Internet Connectivity by 2015 - CNBC</a><div><br /></div><div>Nearly 18 years after the temporary millionaire busboy told the CBS News reporter he was going to put them out of business, seems it's beginning to come to fruition. More and more media are moving to the Internet. As the flood of media choices on the Internet continues, it will become harder for smaller media entities to get a toehold, just as starting a TV or Radio network traditionally has been. Doesn't bode well for the majority of the small fry, but some of the small fry will hit it big. If we can just keep the traditional lame stream media from taking over the Internet all will be well.</div>"Dr" Dave Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698689867807157448noreply@blogger.com