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Computers

Google Plus

Most people that wanted them have had invitations already but yesterday Google Plus became available for everyone. It’s apparently Google’s attempt at taking market share from Facebook in the world of social media.

I have a Google Plus account which lies quietly in the corner feeling neglected. I interact with most friends on my Facebook account but thought I should grab a Plus account when I got an invitation a couple of months ago.

I’m not even really sure how it all works but I’ve added few friends to my circles. That’s the interesting thing with Google Plus. With Facebook you simply add friends, with Plus, you categorise everyone in circles that you create. I’ve got a circle for friends, one for family, one for blogging and social media contacts, but what happens when someone turns up and you’re not quite sure where to put them? Will someone feel offended if I put them in my acquaintances circle rather than my friends circle. It’s all too hard.

What about you? Have you jumped on the Google Plus bandwagon or will you stick with Facebook? Will you have both or maybe neither. Let me know which way you’re going with social media.

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Catching iPad Fever

While the rest of the world is going crazy over the release of the iPad2, I’ve now caught up and become the owner of one of the original iPads.

My wife, Pauline, recently won an online competition through the good folks at Pilot Australia and part of the prize was a 16GB iPad. Pauline was kind enough to give me the iPad and so now I’m getting used to the wonderful world of apps and tablet computing.

So far I’m absolutely loving the experience. It’s fun and practical. It’s the 3G version so I can stay connected wherever I am.

So, do you own an iPad? What apps would you recommend?

The iPad is handy as an eBook reader so I’m wondering if you have any great suggestions for places to find free, good quality eBooks.

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Fixing Facebook

We seem to be hearing more and more about online privacy concerns recently. I’m glad that many people are starting to take the matter seriously. In general, we’ve been far too laid back in our attitudes to what is posted online and what we make availabel for the world to see. I recently asked Are You Exposing Yourself Online? and ran a poll to see if you would take part in Quit Facebook Day.

As I’ve said before, I’m not throwing the baby out with the bathwater but I am looking at ways to tighten up security where required. If you’re concerned about Facebook security, and you really should be, you don’t need to delete your account. You can now use a simple scan to review your Facebook security. It’s a simple matter of moving an icon onto your toolbar and then letting the application scan your Facebook settings.

If you think that all the talk about privacy online is a bit over the top and that no one will be checking out your private posts, think again. News.com.au is reporting on a new website which is specifically aimed at gathering details from Facebook pages.

Have you tightened up your online security? Does all the talk of security and privacy concern you? I’d be very interested in your thoughts on the issue. Please leave your comments in the comments section of this post.

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Why do you ride?

While this is a US campaign by peopleforbikes.org I still love the video.

If you’re in the US you make like to find out more about their campaign to promote cycling and to get noticed by the US government. If you’ve ever been captivated by the thrill of cycling you may like to just watch the video then add a few reasons that you love cycling in the comments of this post.

Why do you ride?

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Can I throw away my keyboard yet?

KeyboardWhen will I be able to buy a computer which reacts to my thoughts? How much longer will we be using devices such as the keyboard and mouse to interact with our computers?

Professor Andy Cockburn, from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury reckons that we can forget about throwing out our keyboard and mouse anytime soon.

We keep hearing about advances in technology but Andy says while scientists are working on the next generation of interactive devices the keyboard isn’t going anywhere soon. At a conference in Brisbane he said he thinks the keyboard will continue to have a very, very, long life. He says it’s an extremely efficient way of getting information into a machine and it’s also really difficult to beat the mouse in terms of high fidelity precision of interaction.

The professor’s research interests are in human-computer interaction, so he certainly knows what he’s talking about, but I’m still reminded of a couple of famous quotes about computers from those “in the know”.

I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. – Thomas Watson – IBM Chairman (1943)

There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home. – Ken Olson – President, Chairman and Founder of DEC.

You can’t always tell what might be around the corner so I guess I’ll just keep on using my keyboard and mouse until something better comes along.

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