SUPERAntiSpyware Offering from Chris Pirillo

It is astounding how lax people are about their computer security - until disaster strikes. Some people rationalize not focusing on the security of their computer by saying that there is nothing valuable on their machine. That misses the point completely. We are all connected. An unsecured machine for some user who thinks that there is nothing valuable to steal makes it a bit less secure for others online.

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Intelligence - Human or Computer

Alan Turing was a mathematician. It is his name on the test of artificial intelligence: the “Turing Test”. The basic question is whether machine can simulate human intelligence:

“…In the ‘Turing test’ a machine seeks to fool judges into believing that it could be human. The test is performed by conducting a text-based conversation on any subject. If the computer’s responses are indistinguishable from those of a human, it has passed the Turing test and can be said to be ‘thinking’.”

link: ‘Intelligent’ computers put to the test’

There are many philosophical and ethical questions associated with the issue of human intelligence versus artificial intelligence. The first step remains that the machines have to do is fool some humans.

Catherine Forsythe

Dell Sells Computers With Movies

Dell seems to think that the computer purchasers wants to buy movies installed on their new machine:

“In a move that could start a new wave in PC sales, Dell and Paramount Pictures today announced that they have signed a joint venture that will see “Iron Man” come pre-loaded on Dell computers for anyone who wishes to order the unit.”

link: Now You Can Buy Computers Pre-Loaded With Movies

Dell plans to expand the choice of movies that can be loaded onto a machine. Of course, there is an added costs to have this movie. Perhaps people will consider adding on movies like they would upgrade hardware features. - Personally, it would be the furthest thing from my mind while purchasing a new computer.

Catherine Forsythe

Protecting the Computer “From Frying”

I have been doing a series of articles about suggestions for students returning to campus. A small group of tech professionals at two schools were wagering on whether or not I would mentioned one item. To those who thought I would, my apologies… I didn’t think of it.

Here is an excerpt from a note I received:

“…A surge protector should be basic equipment. Some of the older campus buildings have electrical issues. You don’t want to know what the damage from an electrical surge can do…”

Further on in the note, it mentions “computers” and “frying” in the same sentence. So if you are leaving soon for university / college, buy a surge protector, a good one with a stated guarantee. Thanks to Brent, Ed, Charles, Kate and the other for the reminder - and for following along in this DogReader space.

Catherine

Turning Computer Technicians into Pseudo Police

There is possible legislation in Michigan to require computer technicians to report images of child pornography found on a computer. The argument raised with this type of legislation is considerations of privacy versus security:

“…”The most important thing is, right now we are not required to report any cases of child pornography,” Tomaszewski said. He noted current laws do offer a computer technician legal protection should he or she tell authorities about suspicious child pornography found on a client’s computer.”

link: Computer techs may be made to report child porn

Although the technicians are not allowed to search for images on a computer, should they be compelled legally to report questionable pictures? It opens a whole legal quagmire about what technicians should or should not be doing. The legislation, with all its positive intentions, may leave the computer technicians legally vulnerable, no matter what they do.

Catherine Forsythe
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