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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 11 - 16 NOVEMBER, 2024
Hello and Welcome,
Meeting This Week
2024/11/16 — 14:00-16:00 — November, Sat — Web Design
SPCTUG Zoom Web Design Meeting
Time: Saturday, 16th November, 2024, 14:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86141133224
Meeting ID: 861 4113 3224
Passcode: WebDesign
Meeting Next Week
2024/11/19 — 10:00-12:00 — November, Tue — Tuesday Group
Schedule of Current & Upcoming Meetings
First Tuesday 18:00-20:00 — Main Meeting
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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ASCCA News:Tech News:
Microsoft's Controversial Recall Windows Feature Is Delayed Again
See the How-To Geek article by Jorge A. Aguilar | Published November 1, 2024.
Windows 11 Logo
Microsoft has again delayed the rollout of its controversial Recall feature for Copilot Plus PCs. Initially, the feature was supposed to roll out in June, but it was delayed to October.
This newest delay pushes the release of Windows Recall to December. Microsoft's senior product manager of Windows, Brandon LeBlanc, told The Verge, "We are committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To ensure we deliver on these important updates, we're taking additional time to refine the experience before previewing it with Windows Insiders. Originally planned for October, Recall will now be available for preview with Windows Insiders on Copilot Plus PCs by December."
Microsoft claims the delays are due to the company's efforts to improve Recall's security. The feature was initially delayed from June to October because many pointed out security concerns. The initial version took periodic screenshots of your PC's screen and then indexed the contents in a searchable database, but neither the screenshots nor the database were encrypted. This can be a bad situation if a hacker accesses a user's PC because they could theoretically use that search feature to find banking and health information and get convenient screenshots.
Microsoft has clarified that Recall is not mandatory and can be completely removed and uninstalled. There are no plans to roll it out to PCs not in the Copilot+ PC family. Still, this delay shows that this is a big issue of contention, and since it still needs more tests from Windows Insiders, its future isn't sure. The company has tried to make this feature safer, but it will take a while for users to earn that trust if it ever happens.
Source: The Verge
6G Data Could Be 4000 Times Faster
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on November 1, 2024, at 11:11 am EDT.
5G Cell Tower
Tests of a proposed "6G" cellular data service achieved speeds four thousand times faster than current 5G networks. This is not necessarily a fair comparison, but it could mean neither speed nor capacity was a problem with cellular networks.
The testing at University College London achieved transmission speeds of 938 Gbps. To put that into context, according to Statista, the fastest average 5G speed in the US is T-Mobile's 227 Mbps. (Source: statista.com)
[ You need a Statista Account for unlimited access ]
[ Immediate access to 1m+ statistics ]
[ Incl. source references ]
[ Download as PNG, PDF, XLS, PPT — Ed. ]
The researchers behind the technology were trying to solve 5G's primary constraint: it uses a limited frequency range that is now highly congested in many places.
Light Could Be The Answer
Their solution was to send data across a much more comprehensive range of frequencies, with the lower frequencies covered by the "traditional" approach of converting digital data into an analog radio wave. They then sent data over higher frequencies using photonics, which is, in other words, turning the data into light. That's much more effective at these higher frequencies. (Source: zmescience.com) [ "zmescience" Scientists achieve wireless data transmission over 9,000 times faster than 5G — Ed. ]
Part of the researchers' work involved the way equipment splits the data before transmission and then recombines it on receipt, which has previously been a challenge as it requires precise synchronization.
The speed comparisons aren't entirely fair as test conditions are almost always far more favourable than transmitting data in everyday use. However, the difference is so dramatic that this probably won't make much practical difference.
End To Data Caps?
The speed increase wouldn't affect the bulk of the data's movement around the country from wherever the relevant server is located. Instead, it's about the movement between a device such as a smartphone and the nearest cellphone tower. This can often be a matter of yards but still create slowdowns and congestion.
If the new technology worked, it should mean there's no practical difference between speeds on home broadband (even complete fibre services) and mobile data. It could also mean there's no reason for mobile data caps, though there's no guarantee carriers would remove them.
What's Your Opinion?
Are you happy with your 5G (or other) mobile speeds? At what point would faster speeds stop being a benefit? What's most important to you with mobile data: speed, price or reliability?
Comment
I am recently happy with my 5G speed — Submitted by repete_14444 on Fri, 01/11/2024 — 14:29.
I am recently happy with my 5G (275 Mbps average) download speed on a Verizon wireless Internet gateway. Uploads are another matter. If 6G can improve upload speed, that would be great. I think speeds are just part of the Internet experience. A consumer magazine said 100 Mbps was the point that faster speeds weren't beneficial.
The most important thing to me with mobile data is reliability.
Optus in court for alleged unconscionable sales and debt collection
See the iTWire article by Josh Martinez | Published Sunday, 03 November, 2024, at 22:22.
OPTUS in Court
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court alleging that Australia's second-largest telco, Optus, engaged in unconscionable conduct in multiple regions, including Darwin, Mount Isa, and others.
In alleged contravention of the Australian Consumer Law, the ACCC alleges that it sold telecommunications goods and services to hundreds of consumers that they often did not want or need and, in some cases, then pursued consumers for debts resulting from these sales.
The ACCC states that many of these consumers were experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage, such as living with a mental disability, diminished cognitive capacity or learning difficulties, being financially dependent or unemployed, or having limited financial and legal literacy.
Many impacted consumers were First Nations Australians from regional and remote areas or people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
"We allege Optus' conduct disproportionately impacted consumers experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage and that the commission-based remuneration for sales staff incentivised these practices," ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.
"In some cases, we allege Optus took steps to protect its financial interests by clawing back commissions to sales staff but failed to remediate affected consumers.
"This case concerns allegations of severe conduct, as our case is that Optus sold goods to consumers experiencing vulnerability which they did not need, did not want and could not afford."
"We also allege that Optus' unconscionable conduct continued after management became aware of deficiencies in its systems that were being exploited by sales staff, and despite this, failed to implement fixes," Ms Cass Gottlieb said.
The ACCC's case against Optus involves allegations that Optus acted unconscionably in its dealings with about 429 consumers by engaging in inappropriate sales conduct and/or pursuing consumers for debts, including when it knew contracts were created fraudulently.
The conduct included Optus allegedly putting undue pressure on some consumers to purchase many products, including expensive phones and accessories, and not undertaking coverage checks to inform them whether they would have Optus coverage where they lived.
It is alleged that Optus engaged debt collectors to pursue many of these consumers, despite knowing that they were subject to inappropriate or fraudulent sales conduct.
The alleged conduct involves 363 consumers from two Optus Darwin stores, 42 consumers from the Optus Mount Isa store and 24 individual consumers from store locations across Australia.
"We are taking this action against Optus and seeking consumer redress about the hundreds of consumers affected by this alleged unconscionable conduct," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said.
The ACCC began its investigation after receiving a referral from the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman about concerns regarding Optus' sales practices to consumers experiencing vulnerability and/or disadvantage.
The ACCC seeks declarations and orders for penalties, non-party consumer redress, publication orders, a compliance program, and costs.
For its part, the interim CEO of Optus, Michael Venter, has issued a response detailed below:
We were notified today of the ACCC's decision to take action regarding inappropriate retail sales practices, including those involving vulnerable customers.
We sincerely apologise to all customers affected by this misconduct and for the distress caused.
We deeply regret that, in these instances, we failed to meet the customer service standards that our customers deserve and should expect.
The misconduct alleged by the ACCC is unacceptable and completely out of step with our company values. We accept that we need to protect all customers, including those experiencing vulnerability, from this type of behaviour.
The majority of the sales occurred at three licensee-operated Optus stores.
We remediate affected customers by refunding, waiving outstanding debts, and enabling them to keep their devices. We regret that we did not remediate some of these cases more quickly.
Optus does not tolerate employee behaviour that takes advantage of customers.
We have taken disciplinary action (including terminations) against staff we determined responsible for this misconduct involving vulnerable customers.
Over the last three years, we have undertaken a major review of how we manage sales, especially to vulnerable customers. We have brought in new sales systems that give us more oversight, as well as extra, compulsory training programs and enhancements to our IT systems, to help prevent misconduct in sales to vulnerable customers.
As part of our review, we have significantly stepped up our vulnerable customer support through new initiatives, training and programs, including:
1. Introducing a customer advocacy program to improve the management of vulnerable customers.
2. Investment of over $5m in establishing a dedicated specialist care team and developing a new Optus vulnerable customer policy.
3. New robust governance and quality assurance programs.
4. Changes to credit controls, imperfect debt monitoring, and we are introducing an improved coverage assessment tool at the point of sale.
5. Additional and improved mandatory training for all Optus customer-facing staff on supporting vulnerable customers.
We are in the process of appointing a customer advocate in a new role. The advocate will work alongside our partners, community groups, financial counsellors, and customer teams to focus specifically on improving our support for customers in need.
Optus understands the vital role we play in ensuring vulnerable customers stay connected, and we continue to work with external consumer bodies to develop programs to support customers in this position.
We have cooperated with the ACCC in this investigation to date, will continue to do so, and are committed to improving our processes regarding customers experiencing vulnerability.
Fun Facts:
Windows 95 Turned 29 This Year: What One Of The Best Operating Systems Taught Us
See the How-To Geek article by Jason Dookeran | Published Nov 4, 2024.
Key Takeaways:
Windows 95 was revolutionary, introducing a friendly UI and improved multitasking capabilities.
It made computing accessible and set the stage for current Windows features.
Windows 95 influenced successors across companies that persist to this day.
Windows 95 Splash Screen
As someone who used Windows 95 when it was available, I find it weird to think it's already 29 years old. Windows 95 taught us and the designers at Microsoft many things and some of its legacy can be seen in Windows 11 to this day. Let's explore some of that 29-year legacy.
29 Years Ago, A Computing Revolution Happened
Windows 95 has the honour of being one of the most revolutionary operating systems ever created. Although Microsoft already had a GUI-based operating system in Windows 3.11, Windows 95 was completely different. Released on August 24, 1995, this new version of Windows offered a more friendly user interface and improved multitasking capabilities.
Many people got their first taste of computing with Windows 95. Instead of a niche operating system designed solely for businesses or enthusiasts, Windows 95 was usable by anyone. That accessibility helped cement Microsoft's dominance of the tech world for decades.
Windows 95 introduced several new elements that carried over to current-day Windows operating systems, including:
1. The Start Menu made it easier than ever to navigate the operating system and replaced the Windows 3.11 Program Manager.
2. Plug-and-play support allowed people to connect peripherals without configuring them or restarting the system to get them working.
3. Built-in TCP/IP support allowed people to connect to the Internet without diving into configuration details for communications.
4. Longer file names meant you no longer had to type cryptic filenames into a command line to access your files.
What makes Windows 95 even more of a cultural touchpoint is that it was the entry point to the Internet for an entire generation of users.
My First Encounter With Windows 95
My first Windows operating system was Windows 3.11 on an old 80386 machine. I was used to hopping out of Windows into DOS's command line to perform tasks or run programs and then restarting Windows when I wanted to fiddle with other things or run Windows-specific software. Windows 95 was mind-blowing for me.
Windows 95 also introduced me to gaming in a big way. I could play Doom (which runs on many more things today) and Starcraft. My experiences with Sid Meier's Civilization created a lifelong enjoyment for 4X games that continues today.
The most exciting thing (and the most significant learning curve for me) was the Internet. Back then, all we had were dial-up connections that required us to sacrifice a goblin to get online (based on the connection sound, anyway). However, using forums and chat rooms and exploring blogs and websites with new information was instrumental in shaping my personality as someone who loves tech.
The Evolution of Windows Through the Ages
Windows 95 set the stage for all the other operating systems that came after it. Windows 98 did everything Windows 95 did, but it was more stable and offered better compatibility. Windows XP pushed the envelope, becoming one of the most beloved operating systems despite a rocky release. Windows 7 was a significant improvement on XP, but Windows 8 was like taking a step backward, resulting in one of the most unpopular Windows features ever and removing the Start Button.
That isn't to say Microsoft didn't have its duds. Windows ME was evil as an operating system, and while Windows Vista wasn't as unusable as ME, it's nowhere near as well-regarded as XP. Microsoft's designers learned a lot from Windows 95, and many of those elements persist.
Influencing Its Successors Across Companies
Anyone using a Microsoft operating system today will recognise elements of Windows 95, like right-click context menus and desktop grid arrangements. Yet operating systems across many companies, unconsciously or otherwise, have adopted some of Windows 95's design elements because they're so intuitive.
Some versions of Linux and macOS have similar desktop setups and an access point for programs and settings available from the desktop. The design sets a baseline for what users expect. This familiarity means that people coming to those operating systems from Windows aren't entirely lost, either. Windows 11 users can now make their operating system look like Windows 95.
From a development perspective, Windows 95 changed the game significantly. It allowed developers to create proper graphical user interface (GUI) elements for user interaction. It was a 32-bit operating system that improved on the previous 16-bit architecture, allowing for more powerful computing and processing on the back end.
The 32-bit architecture also dealt with the memory limitations that DOS programs had to contend with. Additionally, the Windows 95 kernel allocated programs memory; if they crashed, they wouldn't damage anything currently running in RAM. In Windows 3.11, a crashed program could overwrite other memory segments, causing the whole OS to crash.
A Love Letter to Retro Computing
As someone who loves old-tech projects, like those DOS-based games I loved playing in my youth, Windows 95 epitomizes that aesthetic. Fancy buttons and window designs are a hallmark of our graphics processor progress. Still, the sharp edges and shadowed buttons will always be in the heart of anyone who enjoys retro computing.
Windows 95 evokes feelings of a different time, especially in those around us when it launched. Microsoft even had a press launch with Jay Leno to promote the operating system. For the first time, computers moved from being a fringe element to becoming something people talked about on the news. It set the stage for the world we live in today, powered by operating systems that derive much of their functionality from the ones that came before them.
Windows 95–29 Years On
During its first week of release, Windows 95 sold a whopping one million copies. Microsoft became a household name virtually overnight, establishing itself as the master of not just business computing but home computing as well. In the 29 years since Windows 95 launched, technology has improved several times. Today, we have much more powerful processors and graphics cards, so it's easy to overlook where it all started.
Twenty-nine years ago, no one could tell where we'd be. No one could predict that technology would improve by leaps and bounds and that we'd have processors in printers more powerful than anything in the Windows 95 era. The lesson we should learn from Windows 95 after 29 years is that, for all our knowledge, technology's future is largely unpredictable.
Happy 29th birthday, Windows 95.
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