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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 02 - 07 DECEMBER, 2024
Hello and Welcome,
Meeting This Week
2024/12/03 — 18:00-20:00 — December, Tue — Main Meeting
SPCTUG Zoom Main Meeting
Time: Tuesday 3rd December, 2024, 18:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84608773479
Meeting ID: 846 0877 3479
Passcode: SydPCMain
The Committee would like to invite you to attend an End-of-Year Party at Level 1, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney, on Tuesday, the 3rd of December at 6 pm.
We need to know the numbers so we can arrange the food.
We have arranged some great raffle prizes. Alex hopes to have Google demo their latest Chromebook. Please fill in the questionnaire below, and let us know if you can come.
Please submit the End-of-Year Party Questionnaire. Thanks.
— Steve South, President.
Meetings Next Week
NO MEETINGS
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:
Google May Have to Sell Off Chrome — MORE DETAIL
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on November 22, 2024, at 11:11 am EST.
The Department of Justice says Google must sell Chrome following a court ruling on anti-competitive behaviour. However, the court will decide whether to force the sale months before then.
Unsurprisingly, Google has expressed outrage with the suggestion, calling it a "staggering proposal."
Back in August, a court ruled that Google had broken competition law in maintaining its market share for online searches. This included promoting its search engine through its own tech services and paying to be the default search tool on other devices, including Apple products.
Although the ruling is settled, the court will hold further hearings next April to decide on the remedy, including potential changes to Google's business practices. The Department of Justice (DOJ) brought the case alongside several states and has now published its change proposals.
Android Could Be Sold As Well
The most dramatic is that Google would have to sell off the Chrome browser and then avoid producing another browser for five years. How readily it would find a buyer is open to question, with one estimate putting Chrome's value at $20 billion.
The DOJ also suggests that Google be banned from buying or investing in any other search engine provider and from paying other companies to make Google Search the default.
Under the proposals, a five-person court-appointed committee would enforce compliance. There will also be a review to see if the measures restored competition. If not, Google could have to sell off Android as well. (Source: reuters.com)
Understandably, the DOJ isn't publicly saying whether it genuinely believes all the proposed measures are necessary or if this is an opening negotiating position.
Google Raging
Google has condemned the proposals, calling them "wildly overbroad" and "a radical interventionist agenda that would harm Americans and America's global technology leadership." They suggest that they would not only undermine Chrome but could hurt rival browsers such as Firefox because Mozilla's owner's "businesses depend on charging Google for Search placement."
There's no guarantee any of the proposals will come to reality. Google will make its proposals next month before the court hears arguments in April 2025. It is expected to make a final decision in August 2025.
One potential wildcard is the upcoming change of government, with the possibility of Donald Trump changing the regulatory approach and/or senior officials in the DOJ. In theory, this could mean the department revising its proposals.
However, analysts have noted that the original legal action dates back to late 2020, during Trump's first term as president. They also point out that the states which jointly brought the case might still argue for strict measures. (Source: bbc.co.uk)
What's Your Opinion?
Are the proposals reasonable? Do you think the court will back them? Does it matter if one company uses its power to maintain market dominance in a field like search engines?
Comments — SHAME ON YOU, GOOGLE. You got too big. — Submitted by Russoule on Sat, 23/11/2024 — 07:37.
What an idiotic ruling. Is there a monopoly in search engines? NO! And in the world of searching, why hasn't BING become the Ford with Google as GM? Because Google is the TESLA compared to Rivian, that's why. The better product is used more often, and somehow, the feds and courts have decided "success" is anti-competitive. Typical D.C. stupidity.
Microsoft at 50: Can AI Keep It Relevant for PC Users?
See the InfoPackets article by Dennis Faas on November 26, 2024, at 01:11 pm EST.
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, the tech giant is pivotal in history. For decades, Microsoft's Windows operating system was the backbone of personal computing, driving the company to become one of the most valuable entities in the world. However, as technology has evolved, so has the company's role. (Source: wired.com)
Enter artificial intelligence (AI), a field in which Microsoft makes its most significant strides. AI has the potential to reshape how users interact with their PCs and redefine their relationship with the company.
The Evolution of Microsoft: From Windows to AI
In 1975, Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded Microsoft to put a computer on every desk and in every home. For years, they succeeded, with Windows becoming the standard operating system for the personal computer market. Microsoft's dominance grew as it expanded into office productivity software (Microsoft Office) and even cloud computing with Azure. However, the shift toward mobile, cloud, and AI-based technologies has created new challenges for the company.
Today, Microsoft's AI ambitions are at the forefront of its business. With the rise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and machine learning algorithms integrated into its suite of products, Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in a new computing paradigm. But what does all this mean for everyday PC users? Will these developments keep Microsoft relevant for the next 50 years, or will more agile, innovative competitors erode its once unshakable grip on personal computing?
AI's Growing Presence on PCs
In recent years, Microsoft has been incorporating AI into its most widely used software products. Tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are now embedded with AI-powered features designed to make users more productive. From auto-completing sentences and generating summaries to creating presentations from simple prompts, these features rely on AI models to assist users in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
For PC owners, this means a more seamless, efficient experience. Microsoft's integration of AI into its Office suite aims to remove the friction from everyday tasks and empower users with more powerful tools. But this shift raises several important questions: Will users adopt these new tools enthusiastically? Or will they feel alienated by the complexity and the potential loss of control as AI becomes more involved in decision-making?
The Windows 11 AI Integration
With Windows 11, Microsoft strives to integrate more AI into the operating system. Introducing AI tools like "Windows Copilot" represents an attempt to centralize AI assistance within the operating system. This feature offers users real-time support for tasks like system configuration, troubleshooting, and app management, all with the help of AI.
This could make the overall experience more intuitive and less stressful for PC owners. Whether guiding users through security issues or managing system updates, the idea is to take the guesswork out of using a computer. However, this raises a concern: What happens to user control as more functions get automated through AI? Will personal preferences and the ability to customize PCs become more complex as AI makes decisions for the user?
Additionally, Windows 11's growing reliance on cloud computing, which powers these AI features, creates another dynamic. Will Microsoft's AI initiatives make the PC experience more efficient, or will it become dependent on Microsoft's cloud infrastructure, making users vulnerable to service disruptions or privacy concerns?
Copilot and the Future of Personal Computing
Microsoft's integration of AI, mainly through features like Copilot, is poised to redefine the personal computing experience. Copilot, an AI assistant embedded directly into Windows, is designed to streamline tasks, assist with everything from drafting emails to managing documents, and make the PC more intelligent and intuitive. This vision of AI-enhanced productivity holds significant promise, offering users a personalized, efficient way to navigate their daily tasks.
However, its success depends on whether it can balance sophistication with simplicity — many users may find constant AI suggestions intrusive, especially those who prefer a straightforward computing experience. Privacy concerns also arise, as the AI needs to gather data on user behaviour to personalize its suggestions, raising questions about the level of data users are comfortable sharing with Microsoft.
The Role of AI in Security
One area where Microsoft's AI integration is a potential game-changer for PC owners is security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, AI-driven solutions can help bolster defences. Microsoft has already begun using AI to enhance its security protocols through its Defender tool, which uses machine learning to detect and mitigate threats in real-time.
This reduces users' risk of cyberattacks and malware infections. AI's ability to continuously monitor and adapt to new threats could provide protection that traditional antivirus programs can't match. However, as security systems become more AI-driven, will users feel they are losing control over their data and privacy? How will Microsoft ensure that its AI-powered security tools aren't just practical but also transparent and trustworthy?
Will Microsoft's AI Efforts Be Enough to Keep Users Loyal?
As Microsoft pushes forward with its AI-driven future, the question remains: will it be enough to keep users engaged and loyal, especially those who have been with the company for years?
For many PC owners, Microsoft is synonymous with the Windows operating system, the cornerstone of their computing experience. However, the technology landscape is changing rapidly. Companies like Apple, Google, and others are making significant strides in AI, which means that Microsoft must continue to evolve its offerings to stay ahead of the curve.
The ongoing integration of AI into Microsoft products certainly makes the company a formidable player in the future of computing. However, the company's success will depend on balancing user-friendly innovation and controlling its ecosystem. For PC owners, the future of Microsoft will likely be defined by the degree to which its AI features enhance their personal computing experience without sacrificing privacy, choice, or security.
A Future of Intelligent PCs?
Looking ahead, it's clear that AI will be a dominant force in shaping how we use our PCs. Microsoft is making strides, but so are other companies. The role of AI in personal computing will continue to grow, whether through better productivity tools, enhanced gaming experiences, or AI-powered system management. However, it remains to be seen whether Microsoft can remain the primary player in the PC space as it tries to reinvent itself around AI.
Ultimately, the big question for PC owners will be how much they are willing to embrace AI daily. Will they see it as a valuable tool that improves their efficiency, gaming, and security? Or will they resist the constant push for automation and the increasing control of AI over their computing experiences? Microsoft's success in the next 50 years may depend on its ability to answer these questions and ensure that it remains relevant and essential for future PC owners.
Fun fact: this entire article was written using ChatGPT artificial intelligence, based on another article from Wired, and using an entirely different perspective.
Fun Facts:
GroundingWell Grounding Socks
See the Choice Magazine Article | November 2024.
The Shonky Award for... making unearthly promises.
2024 Shonky Award for GroundingWell Grounding Socks
Did you know that humans are apparently like appliances? We build up electrons that cause various health problems unless we regularly release them back into the Earth. That's the claim of Grounding practitioners, who also believe that all you need to do to restore your body's balance is go outside and touch the grass.
But don't worry — GroundingWell has a supposed solution for folks who can't easily access dirt.
We reckon these socks are pretty damn shonky.
For just $40, you can get a pair of socks that plug into the grounding socket of an electrical outlet to replace those pesky electrons with fresh ones via Earth's natural energy.
"While the socks do ground you as promised, they don't deliver any of the claimed health benefits such as faster healing, pain alleviation, anti-aging effects and mood elevation — at least in our experience," says CHOICE editorial director Mark Serrels.
"They're also poorly made. The connection pin, which is hard to detach from the grounding cable, even tore off the socks after just two uses."
This could be a problem for people with dexterity, pain and inflammation issues, or limited strength — the kind of customers that GroundingWell wants to target.
Questionable research
The issues go well beyond these shoddy socks, mind you. Though we've found research on Grounding, also known as earthing, going back more than 30 years, most studies are questionable.
The proof is often based on subjective outcomes such as "feeling better," "reduced pain," and "less stress," and grounding experts typically fail to consider any other factors that may lead to these results. Conclusions tend to revolve around the following: "Grounded subjects showed an improvement, ungrounded ones did not; therefore, the improvement must be a result of grounding."
And finally, the evidence primarily comes from pilot studies that almost always use small sample sizes. Scroll to the end of a grounding research paper, and it will usually wrap with something like: "Grounding appears to be causing these effects, but we don't know why. Further research is required."
Naturally, retailers of grounding products tend to refrain from mentioning these weaknesses of the research.
How grounding works
According to Carl Mihailovich, our in-house expert with over 30 years of experience in electronic test labs and safety standards committees, Grounding oversimplifies how energy works.
"You do need electrical signals to function, but that's internal to your body," he says. "The research isn't clear about how a current flowing between your body and the Earth provides any real health benefit."
Plus, grounding doesn't replace electrons. It only discharges you instantly and stops any flow of energy until you're 'disconnected' — whether from a pair of grounding socks or the ground under your feet.
"You're simply discharged and remain that way until you disconnect, then charge back up again, for better words," explains Mihailovich. "It's like an anti-static wrist strap worn while repairing electronics."
Mihailovich also found that the adaptors that come with GroundingWell's socks are not approved for use in Australia, and therefore, can't be considered safe. "An obvious problem is the omission of the insulation required on the live pins where they exit the adaptor body," he says. "This has been a requirement in Australia since 2005."
That's not to say that these socks are blatantly faulty, but they lack the components to ensure their safety. You must hope that GroundingWell has ensured the live pins are correctly isolated.
Science, or just a good story?
Is there enough evidence to conclusively say that grounding, and therefore the GroundingWell Socks, don't work to heal pain, improve sleep or slow the aging process? No.
Is there enough evidence that the socks work and are worth the $40 price tag? Also no.
"Not only did they fail to deliver promised results, they're poorly made and difficult to use."
Is there enough evidence to say these socks are shonky? We say yes.
Not only did they fail to deliver promised results, but they could also be made better and easier to use. All of the maths and machines in the world can't change the fact that so much of the "proven evidence" is anecdotal, and you can't sell science on stories alone.
Meeting Location & Disclaimer
Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~
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