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The Privacy Panic: It’s a good thing

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I’m currently scouring the news and seeing lots of privacy concerns and security issues with pretty much every major operating system, mobile or otherwise. My initial reaction to the panic was that perhaps it was overblown. Then I realized something. This is kind of a milestone in technology and computers – in a good way.

It used to be that Internet concerns and computer security were limited to a special class of people, “nerds.” What’s happened in the past five years or so has been an explosion in personal devices. Laptops can handle the needs of many. With smartphones and tablets, people are using connected electronic devices much more than they used to.

Now the concerns of the “normal person” come in to play because it’s not just nerds who are connected all the time. So while it may appear that any time a phone sends data to a server that people are freaking out – it’s really the general public learning how these systems work. 

The days where a person would have to bring their device to their nerdy friend to figure something out – those days are ending. Knowing where your settings are on your phone or Facebook is slowly becoming the norm. Bring on the security concerns and privacy panic because it’s actually a mass education – and that’s a good thing.

Padfone: Lots of hype over nothing

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2ANnpHnUrc]

 

Asus announced the Padfone, which is a phone that when combined with a dock becomes a tablet. The device is to run Ice Cream Sandwich when it is released around December of this year. Considering that version of Android will be the one version for both tablets and phones, that makes plenty of sense.

Here’s the thing: Asus announced the device combo, but only showed mockup devices. So lots of people were going gaga over hunks of plastic that don’t actually work as anything other than a paperweight. I like the idea of device, but considering it doesn’t exist in a working form, there’s no reason to get so excited just yet. What’s my point? Curb your enthusiasm until you can get your hands on a working version. 

I like stuff

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Contrary to popular belief, I don’t hate everything. So here’s a list of stuff I like in no particular order (and in no way is this list exhaustive):

  • Beer – lots of kinds, but if I have a choice I’ll likely pick an IPA
  • Movies – comedies, dramas, documentaries, horror and lots of “so bad it’s good” flicks
  • Guitars – I’ve been playing on and off since I was 17. 
  • Basketball – I like playing it (although I haven’t in years) and watching
  • Animals – I’ve got two dogs
  • Home theater technology – I am pleasantly surprised by all the progress in this field
  • Mobile tech – ultraportables laptops, mobile internet devices (yep, I’m the guy who liked the Sony Mylo)
  • Podcasting – anybody can create and distribute a show
  • Modern design – clean lines, uncluttered appearances
  • Lots of failed technologies – I was intrigued by the UMPC, Smart Displays, SPOT and more. These things didn’t pan out, but I really appreciated the attempts to re-invent the computer. One of my dogs is named “Audrey” after the 3Com Audrey. 
  • Arguing – I don’t necessarily believe everything I say. Sometimes I try to make sense of things by arguing the other side.
  • Roller coasters – I’m an adreline junkie, so I try out coasters when I can. On a related note, I’ve been skydiving twice and it was blast.

There you go. Now you know and knowing is 1/2 the battle. Go Joe. 

 

29 Days in California

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400px-flag_of_california

29 days ago, we relocated to California so I could start work at TWiT.tv. A lot of people have asked how we’re adjusting to the coastal shift, so here’s a post.

The adjustment hasn’t been that strange. Petaluma is very similar to Randolph, Vermont (we had lived there while at Vermont Law School). It’s a small town with nice people. My mental picture of what California should look like doesn’t match with Petaluma. There aren’t palm trees everywhere and it isn’t always 72 degrees. 

On top of that, working at TWiT has been great. I already knew most of the people there before I started, so the awkward introductions were kept to a minimum. Getting used to working with people in real life instead of on Skype took some getting used to. The whole thing has been a bit surreal, but I’m becoming more comfortable.

So that’s where we are now.

Because lots of people have asked: Updated

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So here’s my current living situation:

  • Sold the house last week. December 22nd.
  • New place is not expected to close until February with no dates set in stone yet.
  • Update: New place in the city fell through. Thanks, Halstead Property.
  • The wife, kid, and dogs are in Poughkeepsie with the wife’s parents. 
  • I’m subletting in the city to avoid 4 hours of commute time daily.
  • I visit on the weekends.
  • After the new place closes, we’re all back under the same roof again.
  • Update: A new development has stalled the pursuit of a new place until Mid-March.
  • Update: We’re looking into hotels now.

So when I’m done with work, I’ve got very little to do. It turns out I need to work or problem solve or else I don’t know what to do (which I understand is a problem to solve as well).

Update: I have since packed my post-work schedule with things to keep me entertained or busy during the week.

Now you know.