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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 03 - 08 JUNE, 2024
Hello and Welcome,
Meeting This Week
2024/06/04 — 18:00-20:00 — June, Tue — Main Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84608773479.
Meeting ID: 846 0877 3479
Passcode: SydPCMain
Meetings Next Week
2024/06/11 — 18:00-20:00 — June, Tue — Programming
2024/06/15 — 14:00-16:00 — June, Sat — Web Design
Schedule of Current & Upcoming Meetings
First Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Main Meeting
First Saturday 13:00-14:00 — Penrith Group
Second Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Programming
Third Tuesday 10:00-12:00 — Tuesday Group
Third Saturday 14:00-16:00 — Web Design
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Go to the official Sydney PC Calendar for this month's meeting details.
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Penrith meetings are held every 2nd month on the 1st Saturday from 1-2 pm.
The next scheduled meetings are in July, September and November 2024.
ASCCA News:Tech News:
Forget Traditional Laptops; here's Why I Only Buy 2-in-1 Models
See the How-To Geek article by ISMAR HRNJICEVIC | PUBLISHED May 29, 2024.
I Only Buy 2-in-1 Models
The Swiss Army Knife of portable computing.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
2-in-1 laptops offer the versatility of two devices in one package, which saves money.
Touch screens on 2-in-1 laptops eliminate the need for a mouse, offering faster and more comfortable navigation.
2-in-1 laptops are more portable because you don't have to bring two devices; they tend to be relatively small, thin, and lightweight.
Confession time: I have yet to own a traditional laptop. I always found them too slow and expensive compared to desktop computers with similar specs. However, 2-in-1 tablets with detachable keyboards have entirely changed the game for me. Here's why.
Two Devices at the Price of One
Ten years ago, tablets were a hot commodity when we still had phones with small screens and overheating issues. However, phones have been perfected over the years and have massive screens now, so owning a slightly larger device to play Android games and watch movies is not worth the investment — at least to me! Similarly, laptops made sense to me from a business perspective, but since I was a teenager who wanted the best value gaming computer, they weren't for me. That was until I graduated and started freelancing.
A 2-in-1 PC running Windows kills two birds with one stone, eliminating the need to spend hundreds of dollars on two devices. You can easily switch between tablet and laptop modes, so you're still gaining versatility by opting for a 2-in-1. You can get a device perfect for working, and watching movies, reading books, and gaming. My Lenovo Miix 510 goes into tablet mode when I disconnect the keyboard. It enables auto-rotate and shows a virtual keyboard when I want to type.
The best part is that you can use the money you saved on buying a tablet to get a better laptop with more powerful hardware. You'll get to enjoy a nicer display and faster processing. Many 2-in-1 laptops also include a detachable or built-in keyboard, so you're also saving some money on that.
However, 2-in-1 laptops tend to be slightly more expensive than traditional laptops because of the more complex design and included touch screens. Despite that, I'd still opt for a slower 2-in-1 model than a conventional laptop, even if I had to downgrade my processor and lose some RAM.
A Touch Screen Eliminates the Need for a Mouse
While trackpads are okay for occasional use, constantly relying on them is tedious. That's why people resort to a wireless mouse for everyday work. However, that means you have to work at a desk, which kind of defeats the purpose of a laptop. If I work on my laptop, I want to do it from a more comfortable position, or if I'm on the go, I don't want to carry my mouse with me.
Touch screens eliminate the need for a mouse almost entirely. You can interact with your laptop directly through touch, so it's faster and more comfortable than a mouse for everyday use. It's perfect for navigating browsers, text files, spreadsheets, and Windows. I haven't plugged my wireless mouse into my 2-in-1 once in two years of use. I even installed lightweight Windows games that don't require a mouse to play, such as Cuphead and Burnout Paradise.
Granted, you can get a touchscreen display on a traditional laptop as well, but it's going to cost extra, and it's only available on select models. 2-in-1 laptops have touch screens by design, as a tablet without a touch screen wouldn't be particularly useful.
They Are More Portable
If you travel frequently, you can own a laptop and a tablet. Tablets make excellent entertainment devices, and a computer is a must-have if you need to work remotely. By replacing your tablet and laptop with a 2-in-1 device, you'll save a lot of space in your carry-on, plus you won't have to carry multiple chargers if one of the devices doesn't use USB-C.
Moreover, 2-in-1 laptops must be comfortable in tablet mode, so they tend to be relatively small, slim, and lightweight. You can fit a 2-in-1 into most backpacks and hardly notice it's there. Plus, if your model has a detachable keyboard, you can store it separately when you don't need it so that it takes up even less space. I do this on long bus trips switching between working and watching TV shows. When I finish work, I detach the keyboard and throw it into the overhead compartment to free up space.
On Some Designs, Your Bed Won't Block Airflow
There are two main styles of 2-in-1 laptops: those with detachable keyboards and those with a 360-degree hinge that allows you to fold the keyboard back to use the device as a tablet. Models with a detachable keyboard have all internal components (CPU, storage, battery, etc.) integrated within the display unit, so the keyboard is just a keyboard.
Models with a 360-degree hinge typically have all the internal components within the keyboard deck, just like a traditional laptop. The hinge allows you to use the keyboard as a stand or fold it back if you need it in full laptop mode.
I prefer 2-in-1 laptops with detachable keyboards because they don't overheat on soft surfaces like beds or pillows. Models with internal components in the keyboard deck often rely on fans and vents on the bottom and sides of the main body, so when the vents are blocked, the laptop can suffocate and overheat. Also, holding on to your lap for prolonged sessions is uncomfortable because the heat gets awkward fast. Repositioning the internal components solves all of those issues.
The Drawbacks of a 2-In-1 Design
A major drawback of 2-in-1 laptops is the price. People aren't lining up and buying 2-in-1 devices to replace their traditional laptops because you have to pay significantly more money to get the same specs. A conventional laptop makes sense if you have never cared for tablets and are okay with using a keyboard when you watch movies.
There are also some serious durability concerns with 2-in-1 models. The complex hinge mechanisms aren't always very durable, though that depends on the model. Also, the contact pins on detachable keyboards wear out over time, which causes the keyboard to stop working correctly.
There are also performance limitations. 2-in-1 laptops have to cram more stuff into a smaller space, resulting in subpar cooling with razor-thin heatsinks and tiny fans, CPUs prioritising power efficiency, and smaller batteries. They struggle to approach traditional laptops that have equivalent specs.
The last downside concerns how Windows handles touch screens. My laptop runs Windows 10, and it wants to select text differently than an Android phone would. Similar odd issues occur when I try to use Google Sheets. That's why I usually use the touchpad whenever I need to make precise inputs.
Study Claims Internet Use Boosts Well-being
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on May 27, 2024, at 01:05 pm EDT.
According to an international research project, Internet adoption has a positive link with well-being. However, the evidence is mixed, and the relationship between cause and effect could be questioned.
The research comes from the Oxford Internet Institute, which examined various studies into psychological well-being and mental health. They covered 2.4 million people across 168 countries between 2006 and 2021. (Source: ac.uk)
The researchers then cross-referenced the results with figures on broadband and mobile Internet use in the relevant countries at the appropriate times.
The biggest finding was that the higher the levels of Internet use, the greater the reported levels of satisfaction and "social well-being." Across the studies, the researcher found 34,000 cases (including full datasets and subsets) where well-being and Internet access could be compared. The positive link existed in 85 per cent of cases.
Cause and Effect
That doesn't necessarily mean the Internet use causes well-being, however. For example, it could mean that people who were financially stable enough to afford Internet services were more likely to be content with their lives.
That could mainly be the case, given the studies included many countries where Internet access was limited and expensive, particularly during the time period under assessment.
In 10 per cent of cases, there was no clear link, while in five per cent of cases, the link was negative. That meant increased Internet use was linked with decreased well-being. The researchers noted that many of these cases involved subsets of women under 25.
International Perspective
Experts quoted by the BBC welcomed the principle of the research, particularly the efforts to include data from developing countries. Often, such studies are underreported as they are not written in English. (Source: bbc.co.uk)
However, the experts also noted that the research was limited by covering Internet use as a whole. That meant it didn't explore the theory that particular types of use, such as social media, might not have the positive link or could even be harmful.
What's Your Opinion?
Do the results surprise you? Do you believe Internet use is a cause of well-being and life satisfaction? How important is it to distinguish between different types of Internet use?
Comments — Social media is a scourge — Submitted by Dennis Faas on Mon, 27/05/2024 — 13:37.
In my opinion, social media is a scourge and does more harm than good — mainly when used as a propaganda tool and to brainwash people (especially the younger generation) through 'trends' and whatever the algorithm dictates what you should watch.
TikTok is hugely worrying for these reasons since the Chinese own it, and its app could potentially be used to jailbreak phones and turn them into 24/7 spying tools.
I have nothing against China, but the truth is that they have an abysmal track record when it comes to mass surveillance and spying on their citizens. The social credit system they recently introduced is an excellent example of how they control their people, amplified through platforms like TikTok.
Wikipedia: Social Credit System
There are striking similarities between the Chinese Social Credit System and ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) which is used in North America. In the ESG system, the 'Social' aspect is defined by DEI standards (diversity, equity and inclusion), which have tangible effects on organizations and their operations.
Let's delve into a concrete example: organizations are ranked based on a credit system. It is a widely known fact that major investment platforms like Black Rock and Vanguard leverage ESG scores to advance their own interests. A recent instance of this was the recent Bud Light controversy, where a trans TikTok influencer endorsed Bud Light. This endorsement didn't sit well with the Bud Light's conservative audience, leading to a staggering $5 Billion drop in stock value shortly after.
Microsoft AI "Recall" feature records everything, secures far less
Interesting article Sent in by John Symonds from Malwarebytes | May 22 2024.
Developing an AI-powered threat to security, privacy, and identity is certainly a choice, but it's one that Microsoft was willing to make this week at its "Build" developer conference.
On Monday, the computing giant unveiled a new line of PCs that integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to promise faster speeds, enhanced productivity, and a powerful data collection and search tool that screenshots a device's activity—including password entry—every few seconds.
...
SCREENSHOTS EVERY FEW SECONDS taken by COPILOT!
Can Microsoft be SERIOUS?
This will absolutely mean the END of COPILOT and its Operating System (Windows 11)! — [ Ed. ]
Fun Facts:
I'm a Brit who moved to Australia — these are the FOUR reasons it's better than the UK...
but there's still a thing I miss about home
See the Daily Mail (Australia) article by MADISON BURGESS | PUBLISHED: 00:41 AEST, 21 January 2024 | UPDATED: 01:41 AEST, 21 January 2024.
Differences between the UK and Australia
Victoria Whitehouse made the move from England to Sydney, Australia. She's revealed what she loves about life down under — and the thing she dislikes.
A Brit who made the move to Australia has shared the biggest cultural differences she's noticed down under.
Victoria Whitehouse packed up her life in England to relocate to Sydney on a working holiday visa — and has documented a lot of her journey on TikTok, where she's racked up more than 86,000 followers under her handle @vic_whitehouse.
In a video filmed eight months after she moved, the travel influencer revealed what she loves about Australia that the UK is lacking — however, there is still one thing she misses about home.
The clip captioned: 'Differences I've found as a Brit living in Australia,' has already been seen by more than 91,000 people.
Read on for the TikToker's full rundown of how life compares on the other side of the world.
Public transport is better
Victoria told viewers that the first thing that's better in Australia than back home is the public transport.
She gushed: 'Public transport in Australia is absolutely sensational — it doesn't even come close to what we have back home.'
'It is so much more efficient, it's cheaper and when there's a rail strike and the trains aren't running, they will put on buses to get you to those destinations and it doesn't cost anything'.
The TikToker laughed: 'The UK could never, but yeah the transport is insane'.
The supermarkets are more efficient
The next thing on Victoria's list, which she dubs as 'absolutely genius' is the way Aussie's restock their supermarket shelves.
She explained: 'I don't think it's in all supermarkets, but definitely most of the ones that I've seen.'
'When you're in the fridge section and you open the fridge to get, say some milk out, the fridges are open and there's people behind, so people can restock from the back.'
'I don't know if that makes any sense but it blows my mind because it means you're not having to take all of the stuff out to restock so the oldest stuff's at the front.'
'You can restock from the back of the fridges — how cool is that?'
Coffee shops close earlier
Moving on, the Brit mentions the one lifestyle difference that she's not a fan of in Australia — how coffee shops and cafés close 'really early'.
She revealed: 'This does make me quite sad. Most cafés are closing up at like 2 pm to 2:30 pm, to close at 3 pm.'
'Me and my friend tried to get a coffee at 2 pm and they said they were closing and couldn't serve us, which is crazy.'
'Some cafés do have it really good — they open as a café in the day and turn into a bar at night, which I think is an amazing idea.'
'But yeah, sometimes I just want avocado toast after work and I can't get it'.
You can't buy alcohol in supermarkets
Onto her fourth point, Victoria explains: 'Next up is the fact you can't buy alcohol in supermarkets.'
'All of them have a bottle shop or a liquor store next door to a supermarket, but you cannot buy a bottle of vodka in with your normal grocery shop'.
The TikToker didn't mention whether she preferred this concept or not, but she did say she found it 'really funny'.
People start their day earlier
Another thing the Brit 'absolutely loves' about Sydney, is how early people start their days compared to the UK.
She said: 'You can be up at 5 am and there's coffee shops opening up, there's people going for runs, there's people out on the beach and I just love that.'
'I love that people are up so early in the morning for a sunrise or people that are up early but not just for going to work, which I love'.
Australians abbreviate everything
Finally, Victoria talked about 'the way that Australians abbreviate everything'.
She revealed: 'I love this because I've definitely adopted some of the abbreviations that they do.'
'McDonald's is 'Maccas,' a petrol station is a 'servo,' a bottle shop or liquor store is normally a 'bottle-o' and what I find funny is they're advertised as this as well.'
'It's not just that it's abbreviated and people pick it up — sometimes they're just called that, that's what they're signed as outside, which I just think is so funny and I love it'.
Viewers are divided in the comments section about the points Victoria made, with one user penning: 'They do buses here too…'
Another added: 'It would take a six-month debate in the UK to get a bus instead of a train'.
Meanwhile, an Australian chimed in to explain: 'Cafés open really early in the morning to cater for tradies, hence closing mid afternoon,' to which Victoria replied: 'I just want breakfast food for dinner though'.
One Brit joked: 'Never been to London have you' and another questioned: 'Have you never heard of a 'rail replacement bus service' — it's literally every single weekend in the UK'.
It comes as thousands of Brits are swapping dark and rainy skies for the sunshine of Australia.
According to Statistica, the number of UK citizens leaving the country to migrate down under is the highest it has been since 2012.
Meanwhile, research from last year revealed that, nearly one in two Britons say they believe they would be better off swapping the UK for Australia or New Zealand — whether it's the sunny lifestyle, better working options or more affordable housing, something is drawing people to start a new life on the other side of the world.
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Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~
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