James Clark

With much regret I have been extremely busy and have had to put this blog on the backburner. I can say now, however, that I am once again free to discuss, give caution, find the flaws and extol the virtues of new technologies.

To start, over the next little while I will be working on a series of posts regarding privacy in our modern world — from keeping our personal lives safe from would be identity thieves to protecting children from “predators” to ensuring that great aunt Millie doesn’t accidentally find that you got her a brand new kitchen set for her birthday and spoil the surprise.

Oftentimes a new piece of technology comes out and society is quick to embrace it without stopping to think about future implications. Governments tout new techologies as the next step in a series of revolutions to protect our freedom, when in reality these technologies have the potential to stamp out personal privacy. Anyone who sees the potential problems and points them out is seen as trying to rock the boat, stir up trouble, and as potential aides to those who would do us harm.

Computing has become second nature to children. They are taught from an early age how to use computers to their advantage and how to apply that knowledge to other tasks involving technology. They are not always, however, taught the dangers of technology and the Internet, specifically. A great number of parents do not have the knowledge or experience to step in and stop their children from accessing the information and people that they shouldn’t.

I use Aunt Millie’s new kitchen set as an example, but anyone with access to your computer or passwords can potentially have access to all sorts of personal information, including but not limited to email, Internet browsing history, previous purchases, social security numbers, medical history, etc.

While this is not meant to strike fear into the hearts of every person who uses any piece of technology it is important to be aware of the dangers and risks associated with living in a world of constant technological change.

Don’t miss my next post on keeping children safe on the Internet. While this is a problem that has been widely discussed in the mainstream media, I have yet to see a decent set of solutions.

A question I frequently get asked is, “What do I do with my old computer, printer, monitor, copier, fax machine, etc.?” Because we seem to be turning our planet into one giant landfill and technology is often prohibitively expensive the answer is almost always “Do you have a family member/friend/neighbor that doesn’t have a computer but perhaps could use one?” If not, they are told to take it to the computer swap at the transfer station.

But what do we do when a device is beyond repairable…especially when images like this are increasingly common. (Click to enlarge.)

According to EPA estimates, more than four million tons of e-waste, some of it with toxic ingredients, hit landfills each year.

A congressional caucus has met twice in the last month to flesh out the idea that the e-waste problem could be solved with legislation. This legislation would make it mandatory for manufacturers to take back old pieces of technology and recycle them.

This is good in the sense that it makes it easier for consumers to properly dispose of their e-waste. Because components would be recycled hardware costs would be reduced and manufacturers would be able to pass the savings on to consumers. Wishful thinking perhaps.

The other issue at hand is whether we want the federal government to continue to dip its legislative pen into the free market.

The Problem: You’re sitting at a public computer (work, school, library, etc.) and suddenly become aware that you are not the sole user of the machine. Not only are you not the sole user but you have no idea who used the machine before you and who will use it after you. You suddenly recall a University of Arizona study’s findings that the average desk harbors 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. Your mind’s eye very quickly becomes a high powered microscope and you zoom in on the germs on the mouse. You drop the mouse as you stumble backwards and realize that no one is safe…or are they?

The Solution: IOGEAR has release a germ free wireless mouse. From their site…”IOGEAR’s Germ Free Laser Mouse is coated with a Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Silver (Ag) nano-particle compound. The coating uses two mechanisms to deactivate enzymes and proteins to prevent a wide spectrum of bacteria, virus, fungi, and algae from surviving on the surface of the mouse.” And just in case you get hungry and decide your mouse looks rather tasty this portion of the disclaimer should discourage you, “…Do not ingest the surface material of the device under any circumstances.”

So, without the worry of bacteria on our computer mice we can finally sleep at night. The world is safe once again from the evil bacteria. Though, this does beg another question. Do we really have any idea what the eradication of certain bacterias will do to our ecosystem? Perhaps the topic of another post…

How many times have you been out to eat and after having finished your meal you are forced to sit and wait before the waiter/waitress finally decides it’s time to bring out your check? How convenient would it be to be able to swipe your debit card at the table and leave without that added wait?

Potomac Pizza in Gaithersburg is debuting that very piece of technology with dozens of restaurants to follow suit. Before too much longer we’ll be able to place our orders electronically from our tables.

The push towards convenience, speed and greater quality of experience is reassuring. Now if only they would develop a piece of technology so I wouldn’t have to wait in line at the gas station.

With Microsoft’s latest version of Windows, Vista, on the horizon there is hesitation in purchasing both a new computer and a new copy of Windows XP.

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For those curious, Microsoft’s Zune player will debut at $299 for their 30 gigabyte model. It is supposed to come in 3 colors and have a screen that is larger than the iPod’s.

The real test will be ease of use.

I’m sure almost every single person at one point or another has longed to become invisible. I will not get into the amount of mischief that one could partake in while invisible.

It does not take a sane person to realize that invisibility is impossible. It just can’t happen. Right? Wrong.

Typically we think that to obtain invisibility we must alter our physical selves. Rather than alter our selves, what if we were able to alter the perception of others? One would not have to become literally invisible but invisible to others. If we stop thinking of invisibility as a physical trait and start thinking of it as an optical illusion then the idea is easier to digest.

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Those of you with an iPod can recognize Apple’s brilliance in design and simplicity. Not only do they give you a media player that is sleek and low profile, they give you a device that works.

Microsoft has announced what some are calling the “iPod killer”. Zune, the brand for the device, the software accompanying it, and the service for aquiring, sharing and discovery of multimedia, will focus on connected entertainment. The devices will have WiFi capabilities and, like the iPod, is drive based.

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I’m James Clark and am in charge of Production at The Lakeville Journal. This blog will be used to discuss technology - from gadgets and gizmos to issues arising from new technologies and the use of. Occasionally I’ll delve into some fun uses for the technology you use everyday.

Onward and upward…

*All images in this blog are clickable and will bring up a viewer to give you a closer look.