Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Govt. Violates Privacy; Motorola Lies; Microsoft Just Dumb

So, who do I get mad at first? Our lead story is about billions of dollars wasted on counterterrorism centers that produce useless information while invading our privacy. That gets me mad.

Then we have Motorola (owned by Google) promising Android upgrades to millions of cell phone users, then reneging on their promise. Now, that really gets me mad since I currently own a Motorola Android phone (not for much longer).

Then of course, we have the continued stupidity of Microsoft as they come out with an operating system few want. I should laugh about this one, except over the next couple of years, they will do everything they can to obsolete my current Windows 7. Now that really makes me mad.

Now for a good laugh…Microsoft has sent out 5 million take down notices to Google saying some Web sites are illegally distributing their software…sites like the BBC, CNN, and many other reputable sites. It appears their algorithm for finding pirate sites needs a little work. I wonder if I am on that list? PS: One of the sites they requested Google to take down was Bing, Microsoft’s own search engine. Google complied.

Dear Microsoft: Don’t you think its time for a whole new management team? The current batch seem oblivious to valid criticism and common sense.

Still, there are plenty of other good stories here that should be helpful and maybe even make you smile.  Onwards and upwards! -JRC

New Senate Report: Counterterrorism 'Fusion' Centers Invade Innocent Americans' Privacy and Don't Stop Terrorism

The Department of Homeland Security's 70 counterterrorism "fusion" centers produce "predominantly useless information," "a bunch of crap," while "running afoul of departmental guidelines meant to guard against civil liberties" and are "possibly in violation of the Privacy Act."

Android users outraged over Motorola's broken promise

Motorola had promised owners an upgrade to to Android 4.0, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, which would bring a host of new features and security updates. They lied. Instead they are stuck on 2.3 Gingerbread, an older operating system. Note: This kind of garbage is why I will never buy another Android product again.

Windows 8: An exceptional OS undone by dreadful marketing

In pure analytical terms, one has to wonder what went through the (fill-in-the-blank) (fill-in-the-blank) misguided brains of Microsoft's managers, analysts, and strategists when they decided to ditch the Start menu. Given that Microsoft has left so much other traditional functionality in Windows 8, the removal of the Start menu is a marketing decision only.

Windows 8 pirates: No noose is good noose

Are the BBC, CNN, and Wikipedia distributing illegal copies of Windows 8? Nope, it's just another example of the Copyright Cartel gone wild. Microsoft has sent nearly 5 million takedown requests to Google claiming that hundreds of sites are illegally distributing its software.

10 reasons why the desktop PC will live forever

While mobile gear is certainly convenient when you're trying to conduct business on the go, it's nowhere near as convenient as a desktop when you're trying to complete serious work. No, friends, the so-called post-PC world is not yet upon us.

Google, book publishers settle long-running copyright case

The Association of American Publishers and Google settle 7-year-old litigation. Google Library Project gets access to publishers' copyrighted books.

10 Amazing Google Earth and Maps Discoveries

Even though the average person can use these services to explore the planet, researchers and other scientific professionals use Google Earth and Google Maps as preliminary tools to analyze areas around the globe, uncovering some pretty amazing things we’ve never seen before.

Angry Birds Star Wars to reach our galaxy on November 8

Star Wars teams up with Angry Birds in a new edition in which the birds assume the traits of Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest of our beloved heroes.

Use This Nifty Utility to Find Out What is Accessing Your Hard Drive

Have you ever noticed your hard drive churning away and wondered what it was doing? Try the free utility called “What’s My Computer Doing?” and find out.

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