Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Science and Technology => Topic started by: dwsi on December 17, 2011, 06:51:43 pm

Title: Computing and change
Post by: dwsi on December 17, 2011, 06:51:43 pm
type in "let it snow" into google and see what happens  ;D
Title: Re: Google
Post by: martin on December 17, 2011, 07:14:04 pm
 :D ;D :D ;D :D ;D
Title: Re: Google
Post by: Yorkie on December 17, 2011, 07:24:03 pm
type in "let it snow" into google and see what happens  ;D

First go to goole.com - NOT google.co.uk


Title: Re: Google
Post by: dwsi on December 17, 2011, 10:16:41 pm
type in "let it snow" into google and see what happens  ;D

First go to goole.com - NOT google.co.uk

goole.com? did you mean google.com?  _))*   :rage:
Title: Re: Google
Post by: Yorkie on December 18, 2011, 04:22:50 pm
type in "let it snow" into google and see what happens  ;D

First go to goole.com - NOT google.co.uk

goole.com? did you mean google.com?  _))*   :rage:

Are we not allowed to make typos?   One sees enough of them on  this forum but for some obscure reason I don't see you normally being so critical!    Only an idiot would not understand what I meant.  That's life !

And I did get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning! ;D
Title: Re: Google
Post by: Merddin Emrys on December 18, 2011, 05:06:51 pm
type in "let it snow" into google and see what happens  ;D

First go to goole.com - NOT google.co.uk

goole.com? did you mean google.com?  _))*   :rage:

Are we not allowed to make typos?   One sees enough of them on  this forum but for some obscure reason I don't see you normally being so critical!    Only an idiot would not understand what I meant.  That's life !

And I did get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning! ;D

sounds like it  ;D  I think dwsi was referring to the word GOOLE  :o  L0L
Title: Re: Google
Post by: DaveR on February 29, 2012, 10:48:14 am
You can now 'walk' along the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare, using Google StreetView:

http://g.co/maps/7ra8t (http://g.co/maps/7ra8t)
Title: Re: Google
Post by: SDQ on June 13, 2012, 06:35:40 am
GOOGLE is facing further investigation into claims
that it covered up the fact its Street View cars
‘trampled on’ people’s privacy. The internet giant
is accused of collecting millions of users’ emails,
passwords, browsing histories and other sensitive
information using software deliberately written by
an engineer. Despite Google deleting all the data
collected from unsecured wi-fi networks in Britain
in 2010, the Information Commissioner’s Office
has decided to reopen its investigation after a US
watchdog revealed the engineer’s work. Nick
Pickles, director of civil liberties campaigners Big
Brother Watch, said: ‘The ICO is absolutely right to
re-open the investigation and must now take
every step to get to the bottom of just how many
British people’s privacy was trampled on by
Google. Breaching the Data Protection Act is a
criminal offence and the law should be applied to
Google in the same way as any other company or
individual.’ A Google spokesman said the
company was happy to answer the ICO’s questions
and that project users had ‘never even looked at’
the payload data which had been gathered.
Title: Re: Google
Post by: DaveR on June 13, 2012, 09:53:50 am
Google certainly made a big mistake there. Google Maps/Streetview, though, is a tremendous achievement - the idea that you could virtually travel down practically any street in the world would have been dismissed as madness even 10 years ago.
Title: Computer Developments
Post by: Fester on February 21, 2013, 11:48:10 pm
I want one of these.... but I suspect it will be wasted on me.

Google have launched a 'touch screen' laptop, article below.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21534382 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21534382)
Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: DaveR on February 22, 2013, 08:34:04 am
The drawback with the Chromebooks is their dependence on Cloud storage:

"Chrome OS computers run their applications through the firm's web browser and store their files in the cloud."

If you're somewhere without Wi-Fi, then it will not be of much use.

The iPad I have is great because it has 3G as well, enabling it to be used most places. The 3 Network seems very good, I cant recall an instance of 3G not being available when I've been using it.
Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: Yorkie on April 15, 2013, 09:57:15 pm
A sort of Belt and Braces situation.  Getting the best of both worlds, very sensible, just wish I had got 3G with mine.  But I am finding that it is possible to get WiFi in lots of places now.  Can now even get it at Cafe Dewi. 
 $drink$
Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: Yorkie on September 22, 2013, 06:54:41 pm
Just updated with the iOS7 for the iPad.  Not very impressed with how they have messed things about.  The update took an eternity and the end result not worth the time.
What does everyone else think?     :rage:
Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: Michael on September 22, 2013, 09:04:56 pm
Hello Yorkie, I'm a bit confused. You mention Google.
   Well even I know an iPad is Apples baby, and the operating system---I dont knoe anything about this but the fact that it has "i" in the front again suggests Apple.   










Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: SDQ on September 23, 2013, 12:24:26 am
Just updated with the iOS7 for the iPad.  Not very impressed with how they have messed things about.  The update took an eternity and the end result not worth the time.
What does everyone else think?     :rage:


I updated both my phone & iPad on Thursday, took about 90 minutes each after the initial problems which have been widely publicised. I wasn't too impressed with the results but I put it down to being so used to the old OS and I'm slowly getting used to the changes. Time will tell if the update was worth it I guess.
Title: Re: Computing and Google
Post by: Yorkie on September 23, 2013, 07:20:15 am
Hello Yorkie, I'm a bit confused. You mention Google.
   Well even I know an iPad is Apples baby, and the operating system---I dont knoe anything about this but the fact that it has "i" in the front again suggests Apple.   

Google is in the title of the thread, I didn't refer to it!   My first PC was an Apple Euro Plus with two floppy drives and a massive 16k of memory.  :D   They were exciting times writing your own programs in Basic!    ;D  After all it was only 1980. . . .
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2013, 08:16:56 am
I've changed the topic title to allow for a little more meandering.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on September 23, 2013, 08:18:25 am
I'm resisting updating the iOS for the moment. One thing does concern me and that's whether the readability of the upgrade is as good as the old version.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on September 23, 2013, 09:09:44 am
I updated to IO7 on the iPhone5 and...its ok. I find some of the icon colours a little garish; hopefully there will be alternative options available at some point.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on September 23, 2013, 10:44:55 am
One thing I am finding annoying is when Inscroll up from the bottom of the screen the hidden controls all appear and has to be closed.  I suppose one will get used to it in time. ;D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 13, 2013, 09:04:53 pm
Although I now have an iPad, I still require my old PC for lots of other uses.  I want to get rid of the tower, monitor and additional HDD and am now considering getting a decent laptop.  I am thinking of an HP Pavilion with Core i5, 4Gb, and 750 Gb  (or 1T) HDD AND 15.6 screen.  Has anyone any experience or can suggest something at a similar spec and price.  Not Apple, thanks.   $thanx$
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: TheMedz on November 13, 2013, 10:11:00 pm
I was looking for a replacement laptop for my son's old tosh and came across this one.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360784837705 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360784837705)

From quick viewing I can't  verify how good or how good value it is without looking into it further but the price looks ok. Anyone any views?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 14, 2013, 08:23:16 am
Good spec but processor speed could do with improving.    $thanx$ For suggestion.   :D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 14, 2013, 08:26:02 am
Although I now have an iPad, I still require my old PC for lots of other uses.  I want to get rid of the tower, monitor and additional HDD and am now considering getting a decent laptop.  I am thinking of an HP Pavilion with Core i5, 4Gb, and 750 Gb  (or 1T) HDD AND 15.6 screen.  Has anyone any experience or can suggest something at a similar spec and price.  Not Apple, thanks.   $thanx$
Bear in mind if you get rid of your additional HDD, you will have no way of backing up your files externally. If the Laptop HDD fails, then you will have lost everything.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 14, 2013, 08:37:13 am
Thanks for that Dave.  I also have another external drive that I used with my notebook, or could maybe manage with a decent memory stick for back up.  The contents of my big external drive is mainly music and a load of old files as well as system info.  I don't know why I keep half the stuff.   :D

I certainly agree with regular backing up and routine housekeeping.  I have just upgraded my System Mechanic utility and it is certainly becoming a great tool, or actually set of tools. www.iol.com (http://www.iol.com) are the firm.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 14, 2013, 08:42:33 am
Online backup is another option, Google offer 15gb of free storage.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-online-backup-sites.htm (http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-online-backup-sites.htm)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 14, 2013, 11:12:04 am
Online backup is another option, Google offer 15gb of free storage.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-online-backup-sites.htm (http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/best-free-online-backup-sites.htm)

Ah! Another good suggestion.  In fact there seems to be a few options available, so they are worth thinking about.   $thanx$
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on November 14, 2013, 11:55:06 pm
But if Google go bust..... you are up a gum tree!   :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 15, 2013, 08:12:00 am
But if Google go bust..... you are up a gum tree!   :laugh: :laugh:

That was my initial thought, in fact, I was going to compare it with an ATM or a Bank closure, but diplomacy got the better of me!   :D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 15, 2013, 08:27:18 am
I think Google will outlive us all. It made profits of £1.84bn in just the last three months.   :laugh: :roll:
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 27, 2013, 05:51:10 pm
Argos launch new concept store.

WhatS new in retail technology!    ZXZ
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Bri Roberts on November 27, 2013, 06:23:20 pm
I think Google will outlive us all. It made profits of £1.84bn in just the last three months.   :laugh: :roll:

How much tax on that?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 08:30:12 am
I think Google will outlive us all. It made profits of £1.84bn in just the last three months.   :laugh: :roll:

How much tax on that?
http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2013/10/06/google-uk-ltds-tax-rate-was-actually-83-8-of-profits-so-what-were-the-guardian-talking-about/ (http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2013/10/06/google-uk-ltds-tax-rate-was-actually-83-8-of-profits-so-what-were-the-guardian-talking-about/)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 10:15:07 am
Trouble is, the Forbes article is as badly researched as the writer is suggesting the Guardian article was.  The problems stem from the creativity of accountants. I don't for one minute accept the Forbes piece but then the Guardian's left too much out to be useful.  The truth - as ever - is almost certainly somewhere in between, but good luck getting to it.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 10:22:18 am
Trouble is, the Forbes article is as badly researched as the writer is suggesting the Guardian article was. 
What is incorrect in that article?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 10:36:57 am
Everything the writer leaves out. For instance, he says nothing about the details within the accounts, nothing about how offsets were employed to make the bottom line change, nothing about exactly how the final figure was arrived at or much of anything else. When I get the end of year accounts from the companies in which I have shares they're a good inch thick, with tiny fonts and so many exceptions, allocations, dispensations and so on that I'd need a good year just to read them and a team of accountants to decipher them. If Google are giving away nearly all their profits to HMRC (as he's trying to insinuate) then why doesn't he go into  detail?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 10:50:03 am
Google UK Ltd is a privately held company, so in-depth financials are not available. However, the Summary Accounts are available and I've attached them for you to analyse...  :twoface:
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 10:59:19 am
Quote
Google UK Ltd is a privately held company, so in-depth financials are not available

And why am I not surprised?

Google Inc. would be more interesting, but my accountant tells me summary accounts always hide more than they reveal.

If Google UK Ltd has no shareholders and is privately held, how can it be limited?  It must, presumably, have directors - of which three resigned last year, I see.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 11:33:52 am
Ian, all Limited Companies have shareholders. The Directors change so often because they are just employees of Google, rather than the actual owners as with most Ltds. Google UK Ltd is just a holding company for Google's operations in the UK; the ultimate parent company will be Google Inc. Google Inc is a public company, so full accounts are available to study.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 05:31:49 pm
Quote
all Limited Companies have shareholders. The Directors change so often because they are just employees of Google, rather than the actual owners as with most Ltds. Google UK Ltd is just a holding company for Google's operations in the UK; the ultimate parent company will be Google Inc.

Indeed.  So it's a handy device for obscuring tax details...
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on November 28, 2013, 06:07:40 pm
  Hey, come on. Don,t let our two moderators start falling out over big, big business which is beyond most of us.
  Just look after the forum for us as you always do so well
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on November 28, 2013, 06:28:40 pm
Without highlighting any of Ian's or DaveR's comments, groups who present consolidated accounts can play with the figures, in and between individual companies, to cover any particular outcome they wish.
 ZXZ
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 07:04:13 pm
Quote
all Limited Companies have shareholders. The Directors change so often because they are just employees of Google, rather than the actual owners as with most Ltds. Google UK Ltd is just a holding company for Google's operations in the UK; the ultimate parent company will be Google Inc.

Indeed.  So it's a handy device for obscuring tax details...
Not at all, taxation figures are clearly presented in the accounts.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 07:50:37 pm
Quote
   
Quote
Indeed.  So it's a handy device for obscuring tax details...

Not at all, taxation figures are clearly presented in the accounts.

"Clearly" presented? There's very little about corporation accounts that justify the epithet 'Clear" in any shape or form, which is precisely why they get away with so much fiddling....
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on November 28, 2013, 07:51:28 pm
Quote
Don,t let our two moderators start falling out

No chance of that, Mike :-)))
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2013, 09:05:26 pm
Quote
   
Quote
Indeed.  So it's a handy device for obscuring tax details...

Not at all, taxation figures are clearly presented in the accounts.

"Clearly" presented? There's very little about corporation accounts that justify the epithet 'Clear" in any shape or form, which is precisely why they get away with so much fiddling....
I have to disagree.  :twoface:  I've read probably hundreds of company accounts over the years, and have even prepared/submitted a few simple ones to Companies House. Accurate analysis requires a knowledge of the subject, of course, but that's the same for most things in life.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on November 28, 2013, 10:35:21 pm
In this day and age, there are some fantastic and ever more sophisticated computer games for consoles and PC's.

The game mentioned in this article here is NOT one of them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25137093 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-25137093)

Ashes Cricket 2013 was launched, and subsequently abandoned, because it has been found to be 'embarrassing' and rubbish.
Part way through the article, there is a link which takes you to Youtube, where you can see some of the actual game play.
It has been withdrawn from sale now, not for improving, but to be completely abandoned and refunded.

I actually went on Youtube and watched other clips of the game play, I found it hilarious.  :laugh: :laugh:
There were better quality games on the market 20 years ago!   I can't believe they actually tried to get away with it.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Merddin Emrys on November 29, 2013, 07:01:57 am
It is at least more interesting than the real thing, but then so is watching paint dry!  :twoface:
Title: Getting a post 2 go "VIRAL" by accident
Post by: Michael on March 15, 2014, 07:07:15 pm
   In case any members don't know what going viral is, its like a cold. You post something---in my case it was either Facebook or Twitter, I'm not sure which. Then it spreads around like wildfire.

  Now the following remains a complete mystery to me. I would love it if someone could tell me why it happened.

   Just on a year ago I put in a simple post, something like   "The Great Orme Family Golf will be reopening on April 1st. Looking forward to seeing you all."

   Next thing I knew I had a message from Facebook or Twitter --- "Your post has gone viral."

   So I looked. It had received over 1,900 hits in the space of a day or two.

   I suppose there are a few golfers waiting around the corner for me to make an appearance. But 1,900.  Traffic jams up Llwynon Road?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: snowcap on March 16, 2014, 09:51:21 pm
better start cutting the grass mike, will you want some more golf balls soon. ?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 17, 2014, 08:01:22 pm
 Snowcap, do I need golf balls? Like an alcoholic needs beer.  I go through a lot of lost balls. Several reasons but mainly because my customers are often very inexperienced golfers, the site is very windy and a lot of the course is alongside a very steep, rough drop into the scrubland above Haulfre  Gardens.
 Also my nature prevents me from charging for lost balls, which, I might add, my predecessors up here used to try to charge 80 pence a time. Well, best of luck, I wouldn't even think of doing that. It's just one of those things, and so long as no one is being stupid and loosing ball after ball after ball I am perfectly happy to give them a spare or two.  Mike
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 17, 2014, 08:03:24 pm
  Just looked at the heading. Computing and change. Bit off topic. Sorry moderators, I never noticed
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on March 17, 2014, 09:22:46 pm
  Just looked at the heading. Computing and change. Bit off topic. Sorry moderators, I never noticed

Must keep you eye on the ball, Mike!    ZXZ
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on April 05, 2014, 11:02:12 am
All those still using Windows XP

Don't forget that support from Microsoft for Windows XP ends on 8 April 2014.

There are ways to keep the system protected and functioning correctly.

I use IOLO Industries System Mechanic, but other options are available.    :D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: SteveH on October 06, 2014, 06:33:37 pm
Attack code for 'unpatchable' USB flaw released

Computer code that can turn any almost any device that connects via USB into a cyber-attack platform has been shared online.
Computer security researchers wrote the code following the discovery of the USB flaw earlier this year.
The pair made the code public in an attempt to force electronics firms to improve defences against attack by USB.
One of the experts who found the flaw said the release was a "stark reminder" of its seriousness.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29475566 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29475566)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on October 06, 2014, 06:39:36 pm
Load of Gobbledegook!   :rage:
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: SteveH on October 06, 2014, 07:57:01 pm
Load of Gobbledegook!   
It may be to a lot of us, but I want our forum computer experts up to date, when I come calling..HELP ME  :rage:
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on October 06, 2014, 09:53:49 pm
I wonder if we have anyone who could deal with this.

The security problems with USB devices run deeper than you think: Their risk isn’t just in what they carry, it’s built into the core of how they work. That’s the takeaway from findings of security researchers Karsten Nohl and Jakob Lell.

The malware they created, called BadUSB, can be installed on a USB device to completely take over a PC, invisibly alter files installed from the memory stick, or even redirect the user’s internet traffic. ... And the two researchers say there’s no easy fix. ... They spent months reverse engineering the firmware that runs the basic communication functions of USB devices.

University of Pennsylvania computer science professor Matt Blaze...speculates that the USB attack may in fact already be common practice for the NSA. He points to a spying device known as Cottonmouth, revealed earlier this year in the leaks of Edward Snowden.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on October 07, 2014, 07:46:13 am
Indeed, but you simply have to be careful about what you plug in.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Yorkie on October 07, 2014, 08:48:43 am
As a matter of interest would wlireless communication between peripherals be an answer?   ZXZ
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on October 07, 2014, 11:46:21 am
To an extent, and it's one reason cloud computing has taken off. But there are source code bugs in everything. You just have to be cautious.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: SteveH on October 16, 2014, 10:19:46 am
Superfast broadband 'to reach 96%' in Wales by 2016

Work upgrading every telephone exchange in Wales for superfast broadband will begin by September 2015.
Dozens more towns and villages are due to be connected by 2016, as many firms say they are still missing out.
The Welsh government says it is on target to see fast internet available for 96% of premises under its £425m Superfast Cymru venture with BT.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-29636319 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-29636319)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on October 16, 2014, 11:00:03 am
BT are currently installing fibre broadband in Llandudno, think its going live in a couple of months.  $good$
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: SteveH on October 20, 2014, 09:02:00 am
Don’t be a victim of cybercrime
October 20th 2014
Today marks the start of Get Safe Online Week - an annual event which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of online criminals – and the simple steps you can take to defeat them and be safe online.
Online crime - or 'cybercrime' - is a growing threat and anyone can be a victim. Online criminals can be someone you know, anonymous individuals or an organised criminal network. During this week, we will be publishing new research about attitudes and experiences of cybercrime, as well as alarming statistics about the level of various types of crime in financial terms. We'll be publishing examples of people who have fallen victims to cybercrime, and profiling some of the perpetrators themselves.
By following a few simple and easy steps, the public can avoid falling victim whilst at the same time making life as hard as possible for cyber criminals:
http://www.getsafeonline.org/news/dont-be-a-victim-of-cybercrime/ (http://www.getsafeonline.org/news/dont-be-a-victim-of-cybercrime/)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: TheMedz on August 01, 2015, 03:18:57 pm
An interesting article for people using Twitter on their smart phones or ipads.

http://mse.me/qqPwI (http://mse.me/qqPwI)

I checked the settings on my wife's Twitter account and as stated in the article it was set to "autostart" while previously it had been set to "do not start  videos without being requested to do so".
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on August 01, 2015, 04:26:31 pm
Indeed;  good idea to set all devices not to auto-run anything.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 21, 2016, 11:53:14 pm
  I am sure we all know that a large number of this forums members are pretty good with technology. Especially our moderators, but lots of others also.
   Anyway whilst I have been kicking my heels with nothing special to do all winter I started reading up on Googles addwords. I soon found out that EVERYONE advised you must have experienced help to show you the way. There are many firms that will assist you, at a price of course. There are also large organisations approved or sponsored by Google to try and show you the way.
   But me, clever dick, thought I knew better. I had got all day to read up on it.
   Now I am back in the U.K. and Ive actually got a computer and internet access. So, off I go.
   I have never ever found anything so complicated in my life. I would be interested if any of you have had any experience with it. I will not even hint at the complexity, it would take me all night. Anyway, Ive had an initial bash at it and lets hope Ive not just thrown the money it is costing away.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on March 22, 2016, 01:13:34 am
Mike, I wasted a few hundred quid on it last year, it's become a waste of time and money.
Before everyone and his dog got in on it, it 'might' have been lucrative.. but not anymore.
Abandon it before it drains your bank account.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on March 22, 2016, 11:58:03 am
I've used Google Adwords in the past. To be honest, Mike, I doubt it'll make much difference to your business for the money it costs.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 22, 2016, 03:44:54 pm
Just trying to ponder the thread heading.

Computers weren't commonplace when I was in school (I mean there were things like computer science degrees but no computers in my school and I think home computing was mostly an area for electronics hobbyists with things like the Sinclair ZX 81 available in kit form and just about anything else needing a fair amount of wealth).

My first personal encounter with a computer came in the early 80s when I bought a second hand Commadore Vic 20.  At the time, I sort of envisaged a new world where everyone would be (programming wise) computer literate and I feared that even in my early 20s, I would be left behind.  I didn't really do much with the Vic but at least learned to string a few lines of BASIC together.

The change I envisaged didn't really happen. This was the era when the BBC had a program presented by Ian McNaugh-Davis, the BBC computer came out, there was the Sincliar Spectrum and the Commadore 64…

When I've read on this subject elsewhere, it is clear to me that there were people who were able to turn these humble type beginnings all the way to being very successful programmers. But  suspect that for the majority they were just “toys”.  I think we probably have to wait until the 2000s and the introduction of cheap single board computers (eg the Raspberry PI) and microcontroller boards (eg. the Arduino) but I'm not sure how these are working out in terms of bringing many to the computer industry.

I had some experience using a CP/M system writing up some stuff for our sites BS5750 using something like Wordstar 2.0 but I suppose for most, the next leap was the PC clone (others may be able to tell me where the Apple Mac, etc. fits in – I'm not dismissing it, just haven't come into contact with one…). All of a sudden, people were able to get “business machines” in the home – my first was an Amstrad PC1512 – mine had twin 5 ¼ floppies and a whopping 512K of RAM) and later along that line, Windows came in (I think with this Apple already had a GUI…) making things more accessible to more people.

I guess for me, although say '98 is late, the next big change for me was The Internet.  It was less of a market place and more focused on knowledge, I think, back in those days.

Next, for me was getting fed up with proprietary software, what seemed to me like the control of a couple of software companies, etc. so since say about 2002 (SUSE 9.2) have used Linux as my/our (my 80+ year old parents use it too) primary O/S.

I suppose the last one for me to date is another move/additional gadget one that affected the masses. That is the presence of the mobile devices. On the personal level, while we do have and use a couple, I'm not sure I particularly took to them.  I can write a simple Android app but I don't get being connected all the while with say Facebook messages, Twitter or (even though I do play tenor banjo, manolin, guitar and still a bit of melodeon) being permanently plugged in to music…

I probably (although some would say I am anyway…) turned out a bit of an oddball. Through it all in various degrees of (in)ability, I can make use of Java, python, php, C, etc for simpler projects. although I'm very much “if I have a need” rather than a dedicated waning to learn more coder.  I don't fit the pure users categories either.

One thing is for sure though, there have been changes but not reaally in the way I'd imagined would be when I bought the Vic 20.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 22, 2016, 05:02:21 pm
DaveR and Fester weighing in --- two forum heavyweights (not physically ).  I don't know what Dave was, presumably, trying to sell. I imagine add words is only for selling either some product or some idea.
   But Fester, did you get into the vast field of the keywords, the search terms that potential customers put into google etc. And the bidding. That is the part where i find it complicated.
   Another reason I am looking at is because I am well and truly fed up with the scatter gun targeting with flyers No one has any way of telling how many are actually read and acting on by a potential customer. What I do know for sure the vast majority go straight into bins, often I suspect by the people who are paid to display them. Thousands are thrown out at the end of the season even though in my case at any rate they are good year after year. Adwords are at least targeted at people who are interested in what you have to offer
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 22, 2016, 05:26:50 pm
I've no idea or (except as user) experience add words but I wonder how many users are going the same way as I do (where I allow ads in the first place - I will on a site I've grown to like and trust - this site is a candidate - but my general policy is to run ad blockers).

I loath adds that seem to track my own interests and find the thing (adsense?) that wiil say place an ad for a drill I've viewed on screwfix on another site I visit positively creepy. I opt out of all the options the google page offfers and download and install their opt out plugin for something.  I also have some things like doubleclick point to localhost...
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on March 22, 2016, 05:46:35 pm
squiggle, did you ever use a QL? I used to write programs in Assembly language for that machine.

You asked where Macs (Apple) fitted in. They were actually the PC leader in the late '70s with the Apple II. However, the IBM PC  came with PC DOS, an operating system based upon Gary Kildall's CP/M-80 operating system. In 1980, IBM approached Digital Research, Kildall's company, for a version of CP/M for its upcoming IBM PC. Kildall's wife and business partner, Dorothy McEwen, met with the IBM representatives who were unable to negotiate a standard non-disclosure agreement with her. IBM turned to Bill Gates, who was already providing the ROM BASIC] interpreter for the PC. Gates offered to provide 86-DOS, developed by Tim Paterson of Seattle Computer Products. IBM rebranded it as PC DOS, while Microsoft sold variations and upgrades as MS-DOS.

Meanwhile, Steve Jobs and Wozniak saw the Xerox Alto and the Xerox Star and produced the Apple II with the world's first graphical interface, pinched from the Xerox machines. However, it was still a brave new world, no company buyers knew anything at all about computers, so when the buyers were told 'We're going to get computers; go and place orders" they turned to the only company they knew through business: IBM. As a result, sales rocketed for machines based around PC DOS and the rest is history. 

Apple, interestingly, nearly went to the wall in the mid'90s before Jobs was reappointed as chair and led them to world domination.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 22, 2016, 06:15:04 pm
squiggle, did you ever use a QL? I used to write programs in Assembly language for that machine.

No I've not seen a QL.

I've never got into assembly languages either.  I think I did consider a cartridge to plug into one of the Vic 20 or the C64 to try assembly with but couldn't afford it at the time.  My own path was a bit of a lull until I got Turbo Pascal on the PC - then I could write the little things I wanted to play with to run "quickly".

I think my tendency to hack things out by trial and error would be to great for me to consider assembly now but I always sort of think "hat's off to those who can really make use of it".
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 22, 2016, 07:10:02 pm
  I TOLD YOU there were members of this forum who were good on technology. The last few posts ---- I haven't got a clue what you are writing about. Probably because it was maybe before my time HaHa
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 22, 2016, 07:33:42 pm
  I TOLD YOU there were members of this forum who were good on technology. The last few posts ---- I haven't got a clue what you are writing about. Probably because it was maybe before my time HaHa

I don't know how old (or young...) you are ormegolf (I'm 55 btw) but I'd guess it's more of a case of there being parallell universes rather than one of age?

The Rasperry PI I mentioned for example doesn't come into being until 2012 and I doubt you are that young!

It is however the type of device that could bring back memories perhaps to the likes of Ian and myself, I could say exploring a computer.  If that's what you want to do with one.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Michael on March 22, 2016, 07:41:40 pm
 eeerrrr the bit about before my time. That was just sarcasm I am 84.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 22, 2016, 07:51:16 pm
eeerrrr the bit about before my time. That was just sarcasm I am 84.

Ah, that makes me think of the Pointless quiz on tv.  I sort of mostly lost touch with chart music in the early 80s - some bits I know from there but names like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, etc.. are just names to me - I've no clue as to most of their output (although I did try to suss out the fuss about Adele recently and decided upon a terrible case of "distorted vowel syndrome").

It's a bit of a twist but rather than the standard "before my time" answer they frown on, there are times I'd like to be up there and say "that was after my time".
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on March 23, 2016, 09:11:28 am
My first computer was a Sinclair ZX81 back in 1981. It only had a 1k memory, but I learned BASIC on it.

Other computers since then have been:

Sinclair ZX Spectrum
Acorn Electron
Atari ST
IBM PC
Various other PCs
Apple Mac

Once you go Mac...you never go back!  ;D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on March 23, 2016, 10:29:19 am
So true...
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 23, 2016, 11:10:23 am
Once you go Mac...you never go back!  ;D

While there had been a couple of prior false starts, I could say once I really switched to Linux, I've never wanted to go back.

Apple actually seems further away from what I want than MS as I believe one becomes tied to hardware as well as software but that's just one view...

It's pretty easy to "evangelise" over ones own computer choices and if one's not careful (are you listening, you sheeple :P) to bash users of other platforms.

In more open mode, my opinion is that there simple isn't a one size fits all platform.  There may however be pretty good matches for inividuals.

In my case, it is a particular Linux distribution (openSUSE) with a particular desktop (KDE).  Hardware wise, I usually go (complete or partial - I may opt for motherboard with RAM and CPU installed) self build.  Last on was my parents that wound up as a 6 core AMD with 8GB RAM and SSD. Off the top of my head I think it worked out around a £300-£350 build for them.  Actually more than they needed but it should should see them good for a few years and they love it.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Neil on March 23, 2016, 01:04:07 pm
I worked in a graphics studio for fifteen years, at the end of my career in the printing industry, only the Apple computers were consistently reliable, we had to employ a chap to look after the others, I realised then that apple equipment is well worth the higher price, in years of using apple equipment I have only needed to contact them twice, both problems were fixed quickly for no cost.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 23, 2016, 01:18:08 pm
Sinclair ZX Spectrum

Change of direction but my youngest brother had one of them and a few games.

Did you every come accross "Jet Set  Willy" or my favourite when I was allowed a go, Dragontorc?

I seem to (outside the odd game of card and mahjong patience and doing an online jigsaw puzzle every day) seem to have left computer games a long while ago but those old games could be fun,

I never really solved either of the ones I mentioned btw.  There was a poke cheat for JSW but infinite lives didn't save me from always falling off the Banyan tree - each new life would then start by falling off.  I missed something early on in Dragontorc which let me getting so far but prevented completion - I found the answer in a magazine in the end.

Thinking magazines.  I didn't get them regularly and can't remember titles but did anyone else ever type up BASIC program listings from them?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: squiggle on March 23, 2016, 01:33:06 pm
I worked in a graphics studio for fifteen years, at the end of my career in the printing industry, only the Apple computers were consistently reliable, we had to employ a chap to look after the others, I realised then that apple equipment is well worth the higher price, in years of using apple equipment I have only needed to contact them twice, both problems were fixed quickly for no cost.

Sure, there are lots of  reasons why one may make a particular choice and as far as I understand things, Apple have long had an outstanding reputation in your field. 

For someone else maybe there is some business class software that really needs Windows.  For me, apart from liking the open source principle, I like free, don't mind the occasional problem solving and wouldn't have done anywhere near as much if I'd had to buy software.

There again, perhaps someone really just finds say the Win 7 interface just perfect, etc.

I just hope my (actually intended to refelect something I'm aware Apple users can be accused of being rather than accusing them of being such) did not cause offence.

In my humble opinion, while I can be reluctant at times to admit it... , informed choices can lead to Apple, Linux or Windows.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on March 23, 2016, 01:45:37 pm
I think one myth is that Apple machines are much more expensive. Which? has just tested a windows laptop which it considered almost as good as a Mac and which cost £1500...
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on April 01, 2016, 01:41:31 pm
It seems like Google have embarrassed themselves with their April Fool trick today.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35941806 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-35941806)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: SteveH on March 30, 2017, 07:01:34 pm
Changes to Twitter

Twitter users will now have all 140 characters available to them when replying to tweets on the social media site. The social networking giant has confirmed the change, which will see the names of those a user is replying to appear above the text rather than in the tweet itself, which Twitter says leaves “more characters to have conversations”.

The site has already removed character limits from Direct Messages sent privately between users, as well as no longer counting images and other media attached to tweets as part of the character limit in an attempt to improve the service.

“It’s now easier to follow a conversation, so you can focus on what a discussion is about, and who is having it,” Twitter’s Sasank Reddy wrote in a blog post announcing the change. “Also, with all 140 characters for your replies, you have more room to participate in group conversations.

“The updates we’re making today are based on feedback from all of you as well as research and experimentation. In our tests of this new experience, we found that people engage more with conversations on Twitter.”

The social media site has struggled to attract new users to its service, which founder and chief executive Jack Dorsey has previously admitted remains “confusing” to some people.

Twitter currently has around 313 million monthly active users, compared to rival Facebook’s more than 1.86 billion.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on March 30, 2017, 07:41:41 pm
313m active users?  .....of which about 20% of those are actually REAL people.

Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Bosun on July 12, 2017, 08:52:46 am
After worrying about the imminent failure of our PC, and the slowing down and continual crashes of the laptop, last weekend having agonised over the research we took the plunge and brought a AppleMac.

I can honestly say that it's brilliant, a different planet to to a PC. The software is simple, intuitive and light years ahead of Windows 10 which I loathed, and the transfer of all our documents, pictures and data was stunningly simple.

Try one. After a PC, you won't be disappointed, you'll be amazed.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Fester on July 12, 2017, 10:08:16 am
After worrying about the imminent failure of our PC, and the slowing down and continual crashes of the laptop, last weekend having agonised over the research we took the plunge and brought a AppleMac.

I can honestly say that it's brilliant, a different planet to to a PC. The software is simple, intuitive and light years ahead of Windows 10 which I loathed, and the transfer of all our documents, pictures and data was stunningly simple.

Try one. After a PC, you won't be disappointed, you'll be amazed.

Hi Bosun, I've wrestled with the same issue for years, Ian and Dave have urged me to get a Mac.
However, I'm still hesitant due to one point that I'm unsure about.
That being, all of my accounts and work docs are in Excel.  I'm not sure if, or how, they can be transferred and continue to be edited under the different operating system.
You make reference to your files being simple to transfer.  Does that include any Microsoft office docs? If so, can you tell me more?
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on July 12, 2017, 11:36:55 am
Excel runs on Macs through the Mac version of Office, F. But options include Google Docs or Numbers, which ships free with Macs.

Bosun - welcome to the gang :-)
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Bosun on July 12, 2017, 11:39:04 am
Fester, I'm no boffin and the work I do in Word or Excel is pretty simple stuff, but I was, like you, concerned but having had the machine since the weekend and done a small amount of work in both formats in Apple, I can assure you that Apple software converts it to it's own format with ease and without any loss of data or formatting.  Apple software is simpler and far more intuitive than Microsoft, although I've not delved into the difficult stuff (formulas etc) that an accountant or publisher might use, but so far, it's superb. I've sent  AppleMac 'Excel' files (Apple call it 'Numbers') to people without them even knowing that I'm in Apple. You can transfer data in numerous ways, but a cable link appears to be the easiest, or get the supplier (PC World) to do it for you.

PC World were actually very good and most helpful, I was quite impressed with them. I prefer to deal with people over a purchase like this, rather than an internet purchase, because unlike the internet, you can go back and poke them in the chest in the event of it going wrong. The manager at Currys PC World was very good and I'd recommend that you speak to him direct as a couple of his 'salesmen' are not cut out for retail.

As for transfer, I've had no problem whatsoever with data transfer, no loss of data or loss of format. And the photography filing software is stunning.

To me, the whole operating system is light years ahead of Microsoft, others may disagree, but that's what we feel. If there was one small thing that was wary of at first, but I'm now used to, and that is the keyboard is quite small, especially for someone as hamfisted as me, but now, after three days I actually prefer it as it's faster to use, as your hands and fingers don't have to move so far! It's not like playing a church organ keyboard like a PC.

In all, I'm a very happy convert. Don't hesitate to contact me for anything further I can help with, but remember, I am an Apple beginner! 
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Bosun on July 12, 2017, 11:41:28 am
Thanks Ian. It's a nice feeling, we are much happier and confident of our computing future than we were! 

Also Fester, AppleMac updates of the operating system and software are free for life. That's another big plus point in my book.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on July 12, 2017, 02:33:37 pm
Don't hesitate to ask if you need help, Bosun. I've been using Macs since the late '80s and I know Dave R is very fluent, especially  with photographic software.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: DaveR on July 12, 2017, 04:00:11 pm
Hi Bosun, I've wrestled with the same issue for years, Ian and Dave have urged me to get a Mac.
However, I'm still hesitant due to one point that I'm unsure about.
That being, all of my accounts and work docs are in Excel.  I'm not sure if, or how, they can be transferred and continue to be edited under the different operating system.
You make reference to your files being simple to transfer.  Does that include any Microsoft office docs? If so, can you tell me more?
I refer the right honourable gentleman to the answer I have given several times previously...  ;D
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: rhuddlan on July 13, 2017, 06:34:40 am
A question for you Apple enthusiasts please.Whilst I persist with an Android smartphone and Windows 10 laptop fairly successfully, my wife has an Appel I phone and I pad mini.  She tells me the mini is "going slower and slower" and wants to know how to speed it up!
With Windows, I use a combination of things like avast, c cleaner, cleanmgr, malwarebytes on a fairly regular basis. However I have no idea what to suggest with Apple. Could you give me an idea of how you keep your apple machines running "fast". Thank you.
PS  I am thinking of going back to Apple at some time in the future! I went to the dark side some years ago.


Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on July 13, 2017, 07:50:51 am
What model and year is the mini? As more apps are released which use the newer and faster processors, it can tend to seem as though a iPad slows down. Also, depending on the free RAM if that becomes loaded to the top the iPad will have less room to manoeuvre easily and will slow down.

In terms of maintaining speeds, the desktops and laptops require almost nothing. However, as with any system, the more programs and apps loaded the slightly slower the start up times will become, as the OS takes longer to get them all lined up and standing quietly. However, I use Cocktail to do essential maintenance and a little app called Memory Clean can help laptops to stay quick. But the basic needs can be met by the Apple on-board Disc Utility  (users/applications/Utilities/ ) and it's worth using the 'repair permissions' option every so often to keep the Hard drives happy.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: rhuddlan on July 13, 2017, 08:23:07 am
Thank you for the advice. I have "cut and pasted" your helpful reply and sent it to her in an email!
It's an i pad mini 2 which she likes as it is very portable but may need to be renewed. she regularly updates the IOS
to ensure that the phone and pad are "synched" (or whatever the apple term is). It is used primarily for emails, whats app. photos
which go to the cloud and browsing. It's not used for streaming or gaming or spreadsheets etc.
Thanks again.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on July 13, 2017, 08:46:37 am
The iPad 2 will be very slow, these days, as modern apps and the iOS upgrades are all optimised for the faster processors. One problem with Apple machines is they seem to last for ever, so you become reluctant to change.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: born2run on July 13, 2017, 12:31:21 pm
I've still got the very first I pad! I like the bigger screen - I don't notice it being much slower than my I phone 7 phone to be honest.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Ian on March 19, 2022, 10:52:09 am
If you're not a Dabbs follower you should be.  This contribution of his (https://www.theregister.com/2022/03/18/something_for_the_weekend/?td=rt-3a) is perfect for starting the day on a semi-hysterical point.
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Hugo on January 02, 2024, 03:25:59 pm
Over the Christmas  holiday period my Dell laptop finally gave up the ghost.   A blank screen with vertical lines was all I could get on it and the screen was  falling apart.
I'm only able to post this as I have one hand holding the frame together and the other typing and doing the rest so we'll see how it goes for the next few days.
One good thing is that I've backed up the laptop this time and following my visit to Currys this morning a new laptop will on its way here soon       
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Hammy on January 02, 2024, 04:05:31 pm
Hugo, Do you have another laptop or screen that you can temporarily hook up to a USB port on your current machine. That would save your frame holding contortions!
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Hugo on January 02, 2024, 08:07:36 pm
Thanks very much for your advice Hammy, it is appreciated.     I am using the laptop at the moment without any problems and it must have been the smack I gave it when I became frustrated using it
I bought another one from Currys this morning and it's going to be delivered to my house in a few days.  I should have bought another one a couple of years ago when bits were falling off it and I couldn't close it so it has been on borrowed time anyway.
If it plays up again I'll have to give it a smack again but in the meantime I'm back on line again and making the most of what's left in the machine
Thanks again Hammy
Title: Re: Computing and change
Post by: Hugo on January 14, 2024, 11:57:57 am
My old laptop is still working and must have had a loose wire because when I gave it a smack it seemed to solve the problem.  It's not recommended for anyone to do that but it worked for me! 
I've now got two working laptops so I should be ok for a while