Mel’s Computer Care News Bulletin – June 2017
Welcome to my JUNE NEWS BULLETIN which I do hope you find of interest.
Click here for a downloadable copy of my news bulletin (black text on a white background)
THE STORY OF ONE OF THE BIGGEST HACKING SCANDALS EVER
No doubt you have seen the news last month of one of the biggest hacking scandals ever with forty countries affected & thousands of individuals finding a message on their computer that only a payment will decrypt your data.
The latest hacking involved the use of a type of virus called Ransomware which basically encrypts your computer system or scrambles all your files such as photos documents music & your personal details. It then displays a message on your screen holding you to ransom asking you to pay a specific amount to reassemble your data.
This type of virus has been in existence for some time but this attack is believed to be one of the biggest worldwide hacking episodes ever. You can read more about it here
There are a number of steps you can take to avoid your computer system being affected by these problems including antivirus software & multiple backup systems which will not cost you a fortune.
Do contact me for more details, I provide peace of mind support packages & additional security from as little as £9 per month.
AMAZON SELLS A GADGET THAT CAN BE USED FOR BREAKING INTO YOUR CAR
It has been reported that AMAZON is selling an electronic device which is able to intercept and transmit a car keys wireless signal. Reported by The Times the device is effective up to 30ft away and can be used with an ordinary laptop or even on its own. Some car manufactures have now encrypted their key signals but this device apparently features technology that can even bypass this.
Earlier this year AMAZON was again criticised for selling a key which will open Ford Transit vans. The key known as a ‘skeleton key’ is normally reserved for locksmiths but found its way onto Amazon for anyone to buy.
FACEBOOK WANT TO READ YOUR MIND
If you’re on Facebook, they already know your relationship history your political leanings & probably how much you are worth now according to a recent report in The Times. They plan to use telepathic technology to own your thoughts.
The idea according to Mark Zuckerberg is to enable people to share their thoughts & feelings by tech enabled telepathy. One day he said I believe we will be able to send full rich thoughts to each other using this ground breaking technology.
ROBOT PAL WILL KEEP OLDER PEOPLE ACTIVE
A designer robot that nags you to take your pills or go on a walk or phone your children could be a companion in old age.
The Elli Q resembles a small speaker with an attached computer tablet which is similar to the Amazon Echo smart speaker which can switch on music or TV programmes, make Skype calls or turn up your heating in response to voice commands.
The ElliQ will however suggest activities based on your previous behaviour & recommendations by your family & friends as well as other functions such as reminding its owner of appointments together with links to social media.
A SMART NEW APP FOR EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY
A British technology company has now developed a new smart phone app that allows teachers to replace the marking pen with a video or audio recording giving them the facility to give a running commentary as they mark pupils work.
The advantages are that it is much quicker than writing down comments & it’s a more effective way for the student to absorb what the teacher says.
The App is being marketed by a company called Firefly Learning, an online platform which allows teachers, students & parents to send & receive work & course material & feedback using smartphones, laptops & tablets.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE
Artificial intelligence is the new name on the block together with virtual reality which dominated the January Las Vegas technology show. Samsung was showing the future of audio with new ultra high quality (UHQ) technology that can boost 8-24 bit sound to 32 bit. LG launched a new smartphone speaker to take on the Amazon Echo.
The Chinese manufacturer Huawei introduced a new smartphone alternative to Blackberry & on the car front Faraday released a new design for a self-driving car that they say will be cheaper than Tesla.
That’s all for this month’s news bulletin.
I hope you found my Newsletter of interest
I will be back with a new one next month
Meanwhile if you have any queries with your computer do remember I am always at the end of my phone to give you any advice or help on any computer or tech problem.
Melvin Harris
Mel’s Computer Care
Tel. 0161 977 0107