technology
Thankful for Technology BY KLAUS FUECHSEL
It’s almost time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday tech sales. There are so many things to be thankful for with new devices and technology, but one must also be aware of the downsides.
23andme
You may have heard about DNA collecting and interpreting software. One interesting thing I read is that sometimes the database can find relatives you didn’t know about or even murderers in a crime. A few years ago, I bought a package which told me where my ancestors probably came from and some things about myself that are probably true, since people with similar DNA have some similar characteristics.
Digital Marvels
In a recent episode of “America’s Got Talent” it was fun to see Simon Cowell singing live on stage, but it wasn’t really him. It was a synchronous “Deep Fake” rendering. A computer company and the contestant produced a live performance of what looked 100% like Simon Cowell singing on the big screen.
Downside: Any kind of recording or photo of a person or event could be just a fake, practically impossible to distinguish from the real thing.
Downside: I still get annoying emails providing updates found years later.
Google Drive
Apropos Solid State Drive
I loved the switch from analog to digital photography, but now-adays I have a hard time keeping track of my old content. There are many good ways to digitize your old VHS recordings or audio cassettes. So far, I have copied gigabytes of material onto a shared Google drive. A bit time consuming, but worth it.
Downside: If your storage starts getting full, Google will try to sell you more storage.
New Printer
There are so many great models to choose from. But when shopping, you might notice some printers only support wireless connections (no USB cable anymore). Some of these models have no display, and you need to use a phone app to install and connect it to your wireless network.
Downside: Some providers, such as HP, will try to get you to buy an automatic subscription to send you new ink cartridges when they determine your ink is getting low. If you are not careful during the install process, you can also allow them to keep track of your printing habits. A clever hacker might be able to get a copy of what you are printing.
Medical Devices and Apps
This is an amazing technology that has revolutionized computer systems. They provide much better speed, and in case you drop a laptop, the SSD and your data are more likely to survive.
New medical devices and Apps are flooding the market. It is very convenient to monitor things like blood pressure or sugar with your phone. I saw an ad for a little chip on which you can place two fingers and it will measure your heart beat and rhythm. The results can be transmitted to a lab or virtual doctor who will analyze them for you. Doctors in person still do a better job, but these tools can help.
Downside: An SSD, like “normal” mechanical hard drives, doesn’t run forever and when an SSD is getting full, it starts to deteriorate quickly.
Downside: Keep in mind, anything that runs through your phone can possibly be hacked, so sensitive information about your health and habits might be available to hackers or agencies profiting from your information.
On a personal note, if I could have been given a choice of where and when I wanted to live my life, I would have chosen this time of technological evolution and medical progress. Thanks to a great tech team, Dok Klaus Computer Care is still operating just fine. I am grateful for the thousands of clients we have had over the last 20 years. And I’m moved greatly by the many well wishes and prayers. One client cheers me up by bringing fresh eggs from his farm. We hope that you will keep us in mind for your computer needs. Have a great Thanksgiving, enjoy holiday tech shopping, but be cautious and stay safe! w
48 Warrenton Lifestyle N O V E M B E R
2022