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Techvolution

It is hard to imagine the world without cell phones, social media websites, text messaging, Wiis and even the Internet. In fact, technology is responsible for some of the most amazing things in our lives. Here is a look at some of the technology inspired items that the world has found so captivating.

Smartphones. It almost seems as if the world could not do without their smartphone. Smartphones have developed so much over the years that they have turned into little mini computers. Smartphones are responsible for the instant connectivity of people as well as being able to do just anything from email, chat, find directions and order pizza right from the palm of your hand.

Online Degrees. Many people had to forego a college education because they had a family or choose to work. However, with the invention of online colleges that offer online degrees it has made it possible for very busy people to receive a college education regardless of how hectic their lives are.

Social Media. Social media is the hottest thing to hit the Internet. It has allowed people to stay connected with each other 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It allows people to share as much information about each other as possible and even pass photos back and forth.

Internet Memes. Internet memes are the Internet’s version of the hottest list or a rumor. Memes spread very quickly from one person to another and it becomes an internet phenomena. This is responsible for people sharing some of the silliest and pointless information about themselves as well as watching some of the most talked about videos online.

While technology is responsible for the internet meme, online degrees, social media websites and even smartphones, who knows what technology will bring us next? Will we be presented with smell-o-vision, teleportation, telecommunication devices or even out of the world travel? The world can only wait and watch what technology brings us next.

Filed Under: Communication, General, Technology Tagged With: Cirque du Soleil, Facebook, Internet meme, Las Vegas Nevada, Social media, Technology, Travel, Wii

Discounted Software Subscriptions Online

Finding software that is reliable and economical is not always easy. Searching the internet is an easy way to browse for what you are looking for but how do you know you are getting a good deal and that the software is safe to use?

You can purchase software from your local computer store, chances are they will not have the variety that the internet has and if you are looking for something specific they will not have it in store. You could spend time searching Google or Yahoo and hope you find the right thing at the right price. Then you could get smart and consider an a site like subscription.com.

This is where you can find all the best software and save with discounted prices. In one easy stop you can compare all the best software the industry has to offer and decide on the right one for you. Now you can get reliable and safe programs such as anti virus software, parental controls and anti-hacker software all at discounted prices. Quick and easy to download, you save on money and gas from running around town looking for these. You save in time and inconvenience from searching hundreds of online sites for the best deal which may not be safe for your computer.

These programs are also offered by the main manufacturers and may be in your local computer store. You may get them off craig’s list or ebay, but you will not find them as easily and with as low a pricing as you will in a one-stop-shop site like subscription.com

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Anti-Virus, Detection and Removal Tools, Google, Malicious Software, McAfee, Security, Viruses, Yahoo

Challenge Yourself!

Most of us are like robots. We are programmed to wake up at a certain time in the morning, eat some breakfast, go to work, come back, eat dinner and then go off to sleep. There are few people who challenge this routine and try to fill in each day with as much excitement as they can. While it may not be anything whacky, there needs to be a little zing in life to enjoy it to the fullest. You could take an impromptu leave and holiday in Hawaii or simply try a different cuisine for lunch someday! You can add a lot of variety in life if you try and open yourself to experimentation.

While most people hesitate to take on daring adventures, there are some people who embrace it with ease. Be it paragliding, skiing, parasailing or mountain climbing, there is a daredevil waiting in each of us to be unleashed. However, for those of us who like living the good life but with a little caution, there are other calmer forms of adventure that can give you the same adrenalin rush while keeping you safely cushioned on your seat.

Betting is one such option most people take up to fill their lives with a little excitement. There are various sports betting sites that help people understand the nuances of betting. There are forums where discussions take place and each individual is given the opportunity to speak and share his ideas. Though very addictive, betting can give people an immense rush that can hardly be captured elsewhere. It is no wonder that today, people bet on almost everything that seems like a challenge. Right from kids who bet for fun, to adults who bet big, there is a gambler nestled in each of us. He is only waiting to jump out when the right opportunity presents itself.

Filed Under: Communication, General Tagged With: Betting (poker), Gambling, Hawaii, Sports betting

Is it Time to Ditch the Bulky PC for a Laptop?

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Technology advances have resulted in computers for the majority of American homes. Many homes however are still sporting the bulky tower computers. Indeed, a big tower and separate monitor have long been the industry standard. But there are several reasons why it no longer makes sense to the monsters when a laptop serves the same functions with a list of conveniences attached.

Why go laptop?

1.) Portability- Not only are laptops much smaller than a standard PC, but that space savings results in a much more light weight computer that can be transferred anywhere. In addition, there is no worry about lugging around multiple cords and looking for a power outlet. A charged battery is all you need to use your laptop.

2.) They are cheaper- Cost if not everything, is of course very important. More and more people want a laptop these days and that has resulted in great industry competition. Competition of course is better for the consumer resulting in an equation where we all come out winners.

3.) Energy efficiency- Standard computers are generally energy sappers. We leave them plugged into the outlet even when they are not being used an there is constantly energy being fed to the system. With laptops, people are more inclined to shut them down when they are not using them in order to preserve the life of the battery. Plus, there is no need to ever plug the computer in directly, so your energy bill will never rise for owning a laptop computer.

There are many other reasons to own a laptop computer. If you have students in your family, you will save money on pads of paper and pencils as your child can simply bring their computer to class. laptops are also great for burning cd’s, storing photos, or watching movies.

Filed Under: General, Technology Tagged With: AC power plugs and sockets, Hardware, IPad, Laptop, Notebooks and Laptops, Personal computer, Technology, United States

The Development And Future Of Technology

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No matter what computer you use, we all use a computer processor that makes our computer run. Computer processing was a technology that was started by John von Neumann, who is a mathematician. Computer processors are much more advanced than when they first began.

Some advancements in process include increasing the word length in various extensions. It also includes the ability to multi-task more than one single task or set of instructions. Can you imagine just being able to do one thing on the computer. It’s unimaginable when one can open multiple windows at any one time. This is the result of advancements and developments made.

In order to handle more and more sets of instructions or processes it was found necessary to develop more processors and come out with the dual core processors. This allows a computer to do much more than ever.

Not only has the introduction of multiple processors and the dual core technology happened, but technological advances have decreased the time it takes a processor to cycle through and run different applications. Not only that but the strength of the chip becomes stronger over time. This is an ongoing thing.

So with so many computer processing advancements, what’s next? The next thing is to make computer processing mimic natural processes. Not only that but research is being done to make computer processing parts out of biological and organic components that mimics some of the most natural processes. This technology will not be seen by the general public for a long time, but when it does it can be one step further to creating a more organic, environmentally friendly world. In the meantime, computer processors have come a very long way from where they once started and we have and will continue to benefit greatly from it.

Filed Under: General, Internet, Technology Tagged With: Central processing unit, John von Neumann, Multi-core processor

Are We Getting Closer To Artificial Intelligence In Robots?:

Scientists all over the world are feeling like it’s just a matter of time before Artificial Intelligence(AI) equals or surpasses what a human can do, in fact robots are already able to do so much to help us as it is. They are also already able to think on their own. Whether that’s good or bad remains to be seen.

Current advancements in AI in the near future as early as 2012 include having robots that are able to help teachers in countries like Korea. Other places are looking into robots for the elderly, while they are not as smart as the ones that are expected to come in the future, it’s still an advancement.

There are high expectations of AI in the distant future. Some scientists feel that between 2030-2050 robots will be able to do three major milestones, the first one is passing the Turing test. The Turing test is a test that tests a human’s ability to be able to tell a computer apart from a human. The next big test is being able to solve problems at a third grade level. The last one is being able to do noble prize level science work. While these seem so far away and like they will never happen, many scientists are complete sure of the time frame.

So what does this mean for us? It means that there is a need for education to emphasize technology. Many years in the future, we will all have to deal with and maybe protect ourselves from Artificial intelligence. If we don’t have this education and knowledge we could put ourselves in a very bad spot. As scientists get closer to this technology, the need for knowledge will need to be emphasized more. In the meantime, we can learn all we can and watch robot type movies to prepare.

Filed Under: General, Technology Tagged With: Artificial intelligence, Korea, Robot, Turing test

Best Links of August

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Filed Under: General, Internet

New Computer Worm Targets Power Plants

: Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Computer viruses and worms have been big concerns for home users and businesses for years. The vast majority of worms do little more than implement harmless pranks. Others, however, can cause serious damage.

Recently, power plants around the world have discovered worms designed to take over their systems. The latest, and perhaps most dangerous, worm is named Stuxnet. It has the ability to take over the physical operations of power plants. This gives it control of doors, machinery, and other systems.

This is much more concerning than previous malware attempts, which have focused solely on exploiting software. If Stuxnet were to take control of a power plant’s physical systems, then there is no limit to what kind of damage it could cause. Plants are concerned that the worm would not only cause property damage, but could even bring physical harm to employees and customers.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other agencies from governments around the world have taken notice of this threat. Power plants do much more than supply energy to customers who use it to run refrigerators, computers, and other electric gadgets. The electricity is also an important aspect of state and federal defense.

So far, Stuxnet has been caught trying to infect about 6,000 computers across the globe. It was first discovered in Germany. Several instances have since been discovered in the U.S., Iran, Indonesia, and India. Computer security specialists are currently working on a patch that would make it impossible for Stuxnet to infect systems. Until the patch is ready, though, power plants will have to pay close attention to their computer systems.

Why would someone create a worm like Stuxnet? There are several potential reasons, some of which make more sense than others. Some hackers create viruses and worms as intellectual challenges. They want to see whether they can breach the most secure systems in the world. For them, it’s kind of like solving a puzzle. Others have ideological aspirations leaning towards anarchy. By creating harmful viruses, they hope to disrupt society. Some hackers are looking for financial gain by stealing information from computers.

Filed Under: General, Internet Tagged With: Computer security, Computer virus, India, Iran, Malware, Power station, United States, United States Department of Homeland Security

HIV days numbered?

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Is HIV going to become a disease of the past? Scientists working at the National Institute of Health have recently announced the discovery of Antibody VRC01 which has the ability to combat 91% of all known HIV strains. The term discovery is used because of the unique and clever way this antibody was discovered. Scientists have suspected that a large quantity of people are infected with HIV but never show symptoms or have issues because their bodies are able to handle the virus. After new blood testing methods were developed scientists were then able to begin searching for individuals who had the virus but were not aware.

After testing the scientists were right and have been able to find almost a dozen different antibodies that different people’s bodies have developed to combat HIV. Unfortunately most of the antibodies were only able to fight a few strains of the virus and could be defeated. Then along came Donor 45. Donor 45 is unique because this individual has lived with HIV for 20 years. The antibodies their body has developed are extremely effective at neutralizing HIV and after testing the antibodies were found to neutralize 91% of strains. The NIH has stated nothing is unique about this individual that would cause them to develop these unique antibodies but rather they just happened but they are confident they can get others to do the same.

So what’s next? One method is finding ways to mix the antibodies to create an ultimate HIV killing cocktail. Another method is continuing to hunt for the ultimate HIV antibody. Still another method is finding a way to make HIV positive individuals create their own antibodies. All the methods are viable and are being pursued. With the help of some clever science and a random person named Donor 45 the virus which has killed more than 25 million people may be on its last days. It is interesting that a virus that naturally evolved may be wiped out by the human bodies natural evolution against it.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Health, HIV, National Institute of Health

Infantry Survivability continues with development of Artificial Blood

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In the quest to develop the Übersoldiers the Pentagon has traveled down some interesting paths. However the most recent string of research by DARPA has yielded some potentially impressive and controversial technology. For those outside the loop DARPA or the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is the research arm of the Pentagon and United States Military specializing in weapons and military applicable technology. Recently DARPA scientists revealed they have figured out how to create artificial blood which is identical to the old fashioned stuff. Why is this important? Because blood is is sometimes hard to get when you need it and relies on donors and in an active battlefield blood can be even harder to get and after large operations blood reserves can be emptied before all casualties have been treated.

Using a type of Stem cells harvested from freshly available umbilical cords scientists at a company called Arteriocyte in Ohio are essentially able to create bone marrow. The bone marrow is then placed into artificial bone stand ins and allowed to produce all of the important components of blood. Impressively scientists have even figured out how to make the blood created in this process Type O- allowing it to be used for any individual. It is easy to see that this process although developed for the military has an application on the home front for supplying hospitals with much needed blood in times of shortages.

This new technology adds to the impressive string of other recent infantry survival developments DARPA has spearheaded with the goal of practically cheating death. Bandages made using Chitosan which is derived from shrimp shells have been shown to stop bleeding in grevious arterial wounds in less than thirty seconds and will be able to save soldiers that easily would have had lethal wounds before hand. For more serious casualties DARPA research is also continuing into a Hydrogen sulfide based system that induces suspended animation causing the heart to stop beating, and bleeding, and preserving organs giving soldiers several more hours to be transferred off the battlefield to advanced care. With the goal of military medicine DARPA is creating technology that could improve survivability for the rest of us as well.

Filed Under: Communication, General, Technology Tagged With: DARPA, Technology