#227 Summer Ramblings

Now that summer is firmly here, I like to think about technology in a bit different light.  That would be a strong summer sunshine focused on the trends and anticipated new gadgets that we didn't even know we require.  A decade or so ago I got my first bag phone and enjoyed being able to run my business out of my car.  I would not be as successful without the portability of the modern cell phone.  The benefit is more than being able to send and receive calls.   I love a quick look up of a problem when the customers computer can't get on the Internet.  Checking my calendar and tasks to be sure I won't miss anything is also a great benefit.  I've said it before and it remains a truth, the cellular smart phone is the most amazing invention in my lifetime.  Now if you asked me before the advent of the cell phone would I need one?  I'm sure I would have said no.  So much for me being the great prognosticator.

I went to training today for the Greenbrier classic golf tournament.  I volunteer as a walking scorer.  That means I walk with the players and put their scores (and more) into a palm held computer that transmits the information to the PGA Shot Link computers in the sky.  The advent of this technology has added over 50 different statistics to a PGA players portfolio.  You can not only find out how a player scored, but his greens in regulation, length of his drives, number of fairways hit and even how successful he is when he lands in the sand.  The walking scorer has to mark down every shot, what type of club was used on the shot and where it lands.  We are even in the fashion business and identify what color clothes a player wears (so he can be identified by the rest of the Shot Link staff and TV crews).  Its a busy job but good exercise and you do get to meet a few players.  This is another technology I didn't see coming, but should have.  Doctors are beginning to use the same technology with electronic medical records.  Your info and lab results are instantly transmitted to the tablets the modern doctor carries around.  It decreases the time waiting for information and that can save lives.

Do you have a video cam on your laptop or computer?  Do you Skype with friends or relatives around the world?  What a great technology.  We have friends in Costa Rica that we use Skype as our main communication tool.  The technology of the small camera has now found its way into cars and more are having  backup cameras installed just above the rear license plate.  Peoples lives and car damage are being saved with these new gadgets.  They will soon be required in most US cars as a safety feature.  I've had a video cam for many years, but never thought about using it as a backup camera.  Oh well, maybe the next great invention will be mine....

#226 - Too much information

I read an article last week on GPS navigation that are built into cars.  Seems that people are cleaning out their glove boxes when they trade in or sell their car but not their GPS.  Lots of good information in that GPS, like your HOME address and a map to get there.  Also with the newer models you may have uploaded your phone book information to the GPS so you could make cell phone calls.  Lots of good information there also.  Information like social security numbers, credit card numbers, and lots of personal information for family, friends and business contacts.   Now most people would ignore that old information, but we aren't talking about most people when it comes to identity theft and plain old burglary. Some cars also have your garage door opening code.  Talk about giving a crook the keys to your house!  So what is a cautious person to do?


The quickest way to wipe out information in GPS is to do a system reset.  This is usually available in the tools section of the GPS menu.  Look around and then reset the system back to the factory install information. If you cannot find it, (Try to google it with the model of the GPS or car) then go to the place you bought the car/GPS and have then do it in front of you (most 12 year old boys can handle this job!).  For you garage door information look in the car user manual for its reset.  If you can't find it the car dealership should know how to do it. 

If you rent a car with a GPS you may want to be cautious with what information you put in that device.  I'm amazed at what information you can find left behind.  Also your portable GPS, Phones, Laptops and PCs should be wiped clean before they are resold or even thrown away.  If you have a question let us know and we'll advise the most safe method of protecting your information.

Your information is valuable.  Any devise that holds that information should be treated with care and should be protected like it was your driver license or a credit card.  I have worries about all the devises that have now and will have personal information.  I'm seeing refrigerators with built in PCs, home heating and air conditioning with smart displays, entertainment centers with more then just your music built in  and even bathroom facilities with computers.  Wow!  Be cautious and vigilant.