Monday, February 02, 2015

For my Network students.
US Army's Cyber Defense Code Goes Open Source
Sometimes, it just makes sense to go open source. We've seen Microsoft do it, and we've seen Google do it. Now, we see none other than the US Department of Defense do it, with DShell, a network foresnics tool.
It's an impressive thing to see the DoD release a home-built tool to the wild, but like most moves to open source, the agency has reached a ceiling and now welcomes improvements from outside sources.
… If you want to test DShell out for yourself, be sure to review the prerequisites on the GitHub page.


Have you ever considered hacking your TV? This article illustrates some of the things you could do.
What Is Android TV, and Why Was Google TV Killed?
… It’s an operating system (OS). It’s a version of Android 5.0 Lollipop made just for TVs. But what that means for the average consumer is a much more cohesive relationship between all their smart devices.
This OS will come built-in to some TVs in 2015, and also in the form of set-top boxes to magically transform your normal TV into a smart TV. The set-top box arena is already pretty crowded, with options like the Roku (our review), Apple TV (our review), and Amazon Fire TV (our review) all offering compelling products. Some TVs by Hisense and TCL already ship with Roku TV built-in, just like what Google is trying to get manufacturers to do with Android TV.
… Assuming that Android TV gets the kinks worked out of it in the coming months, users can expect a few major features.
  1. Voice control. Using a microphone built in to your remote, gaming controller, or smartphone, you can ask Google anything you want and the intelligence behind Google Now will respond well.
  2. Gaming. Google is really working on improving the gaming experience here, so expect a larger push of Android TV-compatible games and controllers.
  3. Screen-mirroring and content sharing. Have a photo or video on your phone that you want on the TV? No big deal.
  4. Consistent interface. Google TV was hounded for its inconsistent, clunky interface, but Android TV is built on Material Design principles and should fit right in with your phone’s OS and all those Material Design-inspired apps.


For my Business Intelligence students. When should you “fire” a customer?
Mind Your Manners, Companies Are Rating You
People routinely use the Internet to review services from plumbers to hairdressers. Now the tables are turned. Companies are rating their customers, casting into darkness those who do not make the grade.
… People routinely use the Internet to review services from plumbers to hairdressers. Now the tables are turned. Companies are rating their customers, casting into darkness those who do not make the grade.
… In response, some consumers are becoming more polite and prompt. But the knowledge that they may be rated is also encouraging people to submit more upbeat reviews themselves, even if the experience was less than stellar. When services choose whom to serve, no one wants to be labeled difficult.
… Reviewing customers is also raising questions about who owns the data detailing good and bad behavior, what they can do with it — and whether people even know it is being collected.


Why not keep pushing until someone pushes back?
Mr. Putin Resumes His War in Ukraine
The fighting in eastern Ukraine has flared up again, putting an end to any myth about the cease-fire that was supposed to be in force since September.
Though the Russian economy is staggering under the twinned onslaught of low oil prices and sanctions — or, conceivably, as a result of that onslaught — President Vladimir Putin has sharply cranked up his direct support for the rebels in the provinces of Donetsk and Luhansk, while continuing to baldly deny it and to blame all the violence on the United States.


For my students considering Law School.
4 Ways Copyright Law Actually Controls Your Whole Digital Life
By Kate Cox in the Consumerist – January 22, 2015: “The tendrils of copyright law reach worldwide into almost everything we consume, do, and are in the digital era. The rules and regulations about how the internet works, what privacy rights you have, and how the entire digital economy functions all spring from copyright. It’s everything from why a bar can’t buy a really big-screen TV to why you don’t actually own any of the media you pay for. If you ever use a computer, or read, watch, look at, use, or listen to any piece of media or software created since printing or recording were invented, copyright law affects you. Writer Cory Doctorow, probably best known for his work with tech and culture site Boing Boing, is a copyright expert. He’s joined a special project with the EFF to advocate for easing the burdens of DRM on consumers and content creators. And late last year he published a book, Information Doesn’t Want to Be Free, explaining the impact of copyright law on pretty much everyone in clear, plain English. Doctorow’s book is a readable, concise look at the breadth and scope of copyright law in the modern age. Here are four key takeaways we should all keep in mind.”


For my students who want to try Windows 10.
Microsoft launches Software Recovery website for Windows 7, lets users download fresh ISOs
The recent Windows 10 Technical Preview saw a vast amount of Windows 7 users upgrade, just to see what's new and different. What they didn't realise however is there was no easy way of going back, and if said user didn't backup their previous install, they may have just lost out on their Windows 7-ness. Luckily, Microsoft has just launched a new website which allows you to go right back to Windows 7 with ease.
The new Software Recovery website allows users to create a Windows 7 install DVD or USB. All the user needs is their legitimate Windows 7 product key on hand, select their product language and that's it. Microsoft will cook you up a new ISO in seconds, being ready for download almost immediately. This ISO can be used much like any other ISO, for clean installing or upgrading from an older operating system like Windows Vista.

No comments: