Thursday, March 1, 2012, Google will implement a far reaching change to its privacy policy. Google will now default its gmail and search engine users into a policy that allows Google to track your moves on the Internet and sell that information to Google advertisers. This new single point information will let advertisers target their ads and pitch to your patterns online.
So what can one do to protect your privacy? Several items are available to help out. What we do is use the Firefox Browser (not Google Chrome) as our main browser. We have the Privacy settings in Firfox set for "Tell Websites I don't want to be Tracked". If you have a gmail account do the following today!
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2012/02/how-remove-your-google-search-history-googles-new-privacy-policy-takes-effect
If you do use Chrome there is a plug in that can stop all the Google data gathering: https://www.google.com/ads/preferences/plugin/
Also always remember that if you login to Gmail, then Sign out when you are done. That also minimizes what can be tracked. Here is an article on more ideas including the above: http://www.kplu.org/post/protecting-your-privacy-amid-google-policy-changes
It really doesn't matter which search engine you are using, they all track your searches. So be careful out there and remember big brother is watching.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
#206 The Graying of Technology
As we all get older, how and what technology we use is important to those making technology products. The "boomer" still outnumber most generations. Now I'm not talking about those big number phones and remote controls you see advertised (death to the first person that gets me one!). I'm talking about how being older influences what technology you buy.
Tablet PCs are incredibly popular by the elders. I would say 1/2 of my tablet sales have gone to the over 50 population. Why? Hmm, Well they are very easy to use. They are essentially simple Internet devices and for many people that is all they need. No mouse, no cords, no reboots. Surprising Microsoft has NO CLUE when it comes to tablets.
Large screen monitors also are big sales items. The eyes go first is the saying. Surprisingly we haven't see an uptick in big speaker sales. The other reason for this is the price is still dropping on large (22"+) displays. Why not buy the bigger monitor.
Boomers love their laptops. They like them lightweight, but with bright large displays. Many who have laptops also have a desktop at home. The younger generations just live with a laptop, no desktop necessary.
For some reason EVERYONE hates cords. So wireless mice and keyboards are also popular.
Webcams to Skype with the Grandkids are also popular. What could be better to just add a webcam to your PC and for FREE you can talk 3,000 miles away and SEE your progeny. My wife found an iPad app that will let her make FREE phone calls. Another big winner combining tablets and FREE calls!
I'm not sure how we older Americans feel about cell phones. I like the latest and best, but many friends just want a simple phone. They aren't much into texting and that is a huge difference with the young. I don't mind turning mine off for hours at a time, and that would threaten the lives of most 20 somethings.
Technology companies are heeding the call of the older American market. The latest Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas had enhanced products for each of the categories I mentioned above. Larger, thinner displays, lighter laptops and better tablets. I'm not sure Tech companies will ever say in public that a particular product is focused on the elderly, but behind the corporate doors, I'm sure they do.
Tablet PCs are incredibly popular by the elders. I would say 1/2 of my tablet sales have gone to the over 50 population. Why? Hmm, Well they are very easy to use. They are essentially simple Internet devices and for many people that is all they need. No mouse, no cords, no reboots. Surprising Microsoft has NO CLUE when it comes to tablets.
Large screen monitors also are big sales items. The eyes go first is the saying. Surprisingly we haven't see an uptick in big speaker sales. The other reason for this is the price is still dropping on large (22"+) displays. Why not buy the bigger monitor.
Boomers love their laptops. They like them lightweight, but with bright large displays. Many who have laptops also have a desktop at home. The younger generations just live with a laptop, no desktop necessary.
For some reason EVERYONE hates cords. So wireless mice and keyboards are also popular.
Webcams to Skype with the Grandkids are also popular. What could be better to just add a webcam to your PC and for FREE you can talk 3,000 miles away and SEE your progeny. My wife found an iPad app that will let her make FREE phone calls. Another big winner combining tablets and FREE calls!
I'm not sure how we older Americans feel about cell phones. I like the latest and best, but many friends just want a simple phone. They aren't much into texting and that is a huge difference with the young. I don't mind turning mine off for hours at a time, and that would threaten the lives of most 20 somethings.
Technology companies are heeding the call of the older American market. The latest Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas had enhanced products for each of the categories I mentioned above. Larger, thinner displays, lighter laptops and better tablets. I'm not sure Tech companies will ever say in public that a particular product is focused on the elderly, but behind the corporate doors, I'm sure they do.
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