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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 23 - 28 OCTOBER, 2023
Hello and Welcome,
Meeting TODAY
2023/10/21 — 14:00-16:00 — October, Sat — Web Design
Hi Everyone;
Our next Web Design Meeting is next Saturday (TODAY) at 2 pm. This month we will be meeting on the 3rd floor of the SMSA. If you can't attend, here are the Zoom details:
SPCTUG Web Design Meeting
Time: Oct 21, 2023 14:00 Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82634658712
Meeting ID: 826 3465 8712
Passcode: webdesign
This month, there have been e-mail discussions on matters like Ad Blockers, which made me reconsider how to deal with SPAM!
I have lots of Spam. In 2021, we had a look at avoiding Spam by using various types of contact forms, https://sydneypc.com/webdesignsig/reports/21-october.html"
I found it didn't work. So, this month, we will look at how to control Spam using e-mail filters, which we can create using c-Panel.
E-mail addresses using your website can be created using c-Panel, and you can then create filters to identify what you consider Spam, making it easy to find and remove the rubbish. What is a filter? Put simply, you decide what you don't want to see and create rules that disallow those e-mails.
In c-Panel, there are three ways you can apply filters. You can create rules for individual e-mail addresses. You can also have Global or universal rules applied to all your e-mails and Spam filters, which appear to be determined by a scale from 1 to 5 you can set in c-Panel.
— Steve South
Meetings This Week
NO MEETINGS
Meeting Next Week
2023/11/04 — 13:00-14:00 — November, Sat — Penrith Group
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 following meetings are in January, March and May 2024.
ASCCA News:Tech News:
Man Uses Ring Camera, Sonic Waves to Deter Pests
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on October 16, 2023, at 01:10 pm EDT.
A man has "trained" his Ring camera system to detect and deter badgers and foxes. It's an example of machine learning having a practical purpose.
Badgers
Fox
James Milward developed the comically-titled "Furbinator 3000" after being frustrated by the unwanted visitors damaging his garden. He also feared they could carry diseases that would be a risk to his two young children.
He tried several traditional solutions without success, before deciding an ultrasonic repellent was the only solution. However, this had several limitations including that they were triggered during the day by humans, leading him to switch them off and forget to turn them on again. He also found he couldn't always keep track of whether they had been fully charged by their solar panels or if they needed to be temporarily plugged into a power outlet for a top-up.
System Trains Self
Eventually he decided the solution was to connect the devices to his home network and then try to find a way to specifically detect badgers and foxes. This would not only avoid them being triggered by other creatures, but would mean they could emit the sound at a specific frequency for either a badger or a fox.
The basic concept was simple enough: Milward used Ring cameras to monitor movements and then connected the footage to TensorFlow, a machine learning system, to recognize the creatures. Using existing recognition models didn't work well as it detected the creatures as everything from a bear to an umbrella and even a sink. (Source: bbc.co.uk)
Milward then created and trained his own recognition model, which is a perfect example of machine learning. He fed in footage and marked up cases when a badger or fox was visible. The machine learning system then compared this with frames in which neither animal was present and developed its own rules for distinguishing the creatures.
Grass Patterns Cause Headaches
The initial results weren't perfect, with a detection rate of 62 percent. Milward eventually worked out the problem was false positives caused by patterns in grass and foliage. He then combined the system with a motion detector and set the system to retrain with the added insight that real foxes and badgers were much more likely to move about. (Source: medium.com)
While the time he spent on the project might only appeal to serious tech enthusiasts, Milward is happy with the results and has already seen footage of badgers being detected and deterred.
What's Your Opinion?
Is this a creative use of technology? Can you think of other cases when systems developing their own image recognition rules would be useful? Should we be more concerned about image recognition systems used on humans?
User Comments:
Brilliant — Submitted by Chief on Mon, 10/16/2023 — 15:28
Teaching Ring to discriminate is brilliant.
Unfortunately, while great for him and his purposes, this tech can also be used for nefarious purposes, so, adapt it for yourself and keep your head on a swivel.
[ Huh? — Ed. ]
Microsoft finally gets go-ahead for Activision Blizzard deal
See the iTWire article by Sam Varghese | Tuesday, 17 October 2023, at 10:14 am.
Microsoft has finally got the go-ahead for its proposed acquisition of games giant Activision Blizzard, with the UK regulatory authority giving clearance for the merger ahead of a deadline of 18 October.
The deal to buy Activision without cloud gaming rights, the amended proposal submitted by Microsoft in August after its original bid was knocked back, was approved by the Competition and Markets Authority on Friday.
In a statement, CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: "The CMA is resolute in its determination to prevent mergers that harm competition and deliver bad outcomes for consumers and businesses. We take our decisions free from political influence and won't be swayed by corporate lobbying.
"We delivered a clear message to Microsoft that the deal would be blocked unless they comprehensively addressed our concerns and stuck to our guns."
"With the sale of Activision's cloud streaming rights to Ubisoft, we've made sure Microsoft can't have a stranglehold over this important and rapidly developing market."
"As cloud gaming grows, this intervention will ensure people get more competitive prices, better services and more choice. We are the only competition agency globally to have delivered this outcome."
"But businesses and their advisers should be in no doubt that the tactics employed by Microsoft are no way to engage with the CMA. Microsoft had the chance to restructure during our initial investigation but insisted on a package of measures we told them wouldn't work."
"Dragging out proceedings in this way only wastes time and money."
Xbox chief Phil Spencer said: "For the millions of fans who love Activision, Blizzard, and King games, we want you to know that today is a good day to play. You are the heart and soul of these franchises, and we are honoured to have you as part of our community."
"Whether you play on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, PC or mobile, you are welcome here — and will remain welcome, even if Xbox isn't where you play your favourite franchise. Because when everyone plays, we all win."
Martin Coleman, chair of CMA's Independent Panel who reviewed the original Microsoft deal, said: "Cloud gaming is an important new way for gamers to access games, and this deal could have seriously undermined its potential development."
"On that, we, the European Commission and the US Federal Trade Commission are in complete agreement. Where we differ is in how we solve that problem. We rejected a solution by the parties, which would have left Microsoft with too much control."
"We now have a new transaction in which the cloud distribution of Activision games, old and new, is taken away from Microsoft and put into the hands of Ubisoft, an independent party that is committed to widening access to the games. That's better for competition, better for consumers and better for economic growth."
In July, Microsoft and Sony agreed to keep the famous game Call of Duty on PlayStation after the acquisition, which was seen as moving the deal a step closer.
The US Federal Trade Commission lost a court bid to block the deal in April and has appealed against this decision. But the court has refused to block the deal until the appeal is heard.
The European Union cleared the deal on 15 May, provided Microsoft is fully compliant with the commitments it has offered.
Interesting Member-supplied Link
See the incredible list of free software available on Major Geeks. It boasts 2195 pages of listings, so start reading today! It's Geekalicious.
Software Categories:
All In One Tweaks, Android, Antivirus & Malware, Appearance, Back Up, Browsers, CD\DVD\Blu-Ray, Covert Ops, Drivers, Drives (SSD, HDD, USB), Games, Graphics & Photos, Internet Tools, Linux Distros, MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks, Multimedia, Networking, Office & Productivity, System Tools.
— Tim Kelly.
Fun Facts (NOT):
YouTube Blocks Ad Blockers, Disables Playback
See the InfoPackets article by John Lister on October 17, 2023, at 01:10 pm EDT.
YouTube is trying to stop people who use ad blockers from watching its videos. It could spark a game of whack-a-mole, but it's still created a passionate debate.
Although YouTube has been testing the tighter policy since June, it has significantly increased the number of users affected in recent weeks. Users report seeing a message that reads:
Ad blockers violate YouTube's Terms of Service. You may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is 'allowlisted' or the adblocker is disabled. Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide. You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators can still get paid from your subscription.
"Allowlisted" is another term for whitelisting, where an ad blocker works on all sites except those exempted explicitly by the user. It's the opposite of blacklisting, where it only blocks specified sites.
Three Videos 'For Free'
YouTube is still testing the idea, as other users have shared screenshots showing they can watch three videos before turning off an ad blocker. The messages also include a link for users to report they are, in fact, not using an ad blocker, suggesting YouTube's detection system may need improvement.
Some users have already shared ways to bypass the new restrictions. It's also possible some ad blocker developers will try to find a way around it.
That's more complex than with some websites, as the ads in question play before, during or after a video rather than being displayed in a dedicated section of the page. The company behind one major ad blocker has already warned users may need to update settings twice a day to continue watching YouTube without ads.
Debate Rages
From YouTube's perspective, the issue is simple. Ads make YouTube financially viable, covering running costs and royalties for video creators. It also offers ad-free viewing for $13.99 a month. (Source: businessinsider.com)
Some critics either refuse to watch ads or pay a fee on principle, while others argue that it's the sheer number of ads on YouTube to which they object or that the ads are deceptive. Some have also claimed they must run adblockers to stop malicious ads, though "allowlisting" YouTube shouldn't be a problem. (Source: cybernews.com)
What's Your Opinion?
Do you use an adblocker? Do you "allowlist" or whitelist sites you trust or support? Is YouTube making a smart move here, regardless of whether they are morally and legally in the right?
User Comments:
The same thing happened to YouTube Music — Submitted by Dennis Faas on Tue, 10/17/2023 — 13:24.
The same thing happened to YouTube Music. I used to listen to various radio stations of specific genres, and I was okay with listening to a few ads here and there that were at most 10-15 seconds long, every 5 to 10 songs. This tradeoff was more than acceptable.
A few years later, YouTube Music came out with a subscription platform, and if you didn't pay for it, you were subjected to ads that lasted a minute or more after every song. Most of the time, they played the same ad over and over. This sucked the joy out of listening to YouTube music, albeit free with ads. I uninstalled the app and never went back.
Unfortunately, the same thing has happened to YouTube in the same circumstances.
Watching and listening to the sheer number of ads is unbearable, with so many of them being scams. It makes using YouTube unwatchable unless you're paying for it — almost as if the ads are being jammed down your throat. It's definitely not worth $15 a month, which is around the same price as Netflix. I'd gladly pay $5 a month, however.
After some testing, I do know how to get around the ads. It's not a perfect scenario, but after testing for a few weeks, I know it works (for now). Anyone interested?
Youtube Ads — Submitted by gilvoice on Tue, 10/17/2023 — 16:00.
That is the very reason I cut cable. And football. Just too damn many ads.
Anyone interested? — Submitted by dbrumley3077 on Tue, 10/17/2023 — 14:19.
How many YouTube users would be interested in this? Most of my "use" is when I run across a video on Facebook or something originating from YouTube.
Same ads ad nauseam — Submitted by Chief on Tue, 10/17/2023 — 15:21.
CNN was that way when it first premiered circa 1980.
Ads were the same over and over.
Generally, either Slim Whitman or Boxcar Willie.
Memories!
At least now we have options...
Use invidious dot io — Submitted by ehowland on Tue, 10/17/2023 — 15:35.
Use invidious dot io.
In the USA, go to vid dot puffyan dot us (replace DOT with a period).
In other countries, go to the main site and find out the host for your country; this is just an ad-free YouTube interface.
On FireTV (and Android cell), check out "smart-tube" (not on play store; must side load).
Rebelle 6 Painting Software Released — Dec 2022
See the EscapeMotions Blog by Your Escape Motions Team | December 15, 2022.
[ Also available from Ashampoo ]
Rebelle 6 Dog Portrait
Hello!
Rebelle is an award-winning, hyper-realistic painting software with phenomenal oils, acrylics, watercolours, and other wet and dry media. Rebelle is designed for everyone who wants to explore their artistic skills using digital technology, no matter their level of proficiency. Its state-of-the-art tools will undoubtedly change the mind of every digital art non—believer.
We're thrilled to announce that we're releasing Rebelle 6, the sixth major upgrade to the most realistic painting and drawing software today. This version introduces many essential additions and is packed with excellent new features. Rebelle is becoming more powerful, and we cannot wait for you to try out the latest version!
Rebelle 6 has been in development for over a year, and we could not be happier to let you experience it. It brings new powerful features, making it an indispensable tool for all creatives. Rebelle 6 comes in two editions — Rebelle 6 standard, full of great new features and Rebelle 6 Pro, in addition offers the extra experience of Fractal Image Processing. Of course, the Pro edition also includes the already-known Pigments, NanoPixel, Colour Management, and Photoshop plug-in.
Rebelle 6 New Key Features
Liquify Tool — Rebelle 6 features a new tool that lets you push, pull, twirl, pinch, or expand any area of an image. You can work with it directly on the layer while seeing its content and use it with various default and user-made brushes to get extraordinary effects. In Rebelle 6 Pro, the tool uses fractal image processing for the best image quality output.
Warp Tool — Adjust the shape or proportions of an element in your artwork without repainting it all over again. The warp tool will be easily accessed from the Transform tool in the Tools panel or the Edit menu. In Rebelle 6 Pro, the tool uses fractal image processing for the best image quality output.
Innovative Fractal Image Processing — Liquify, Transform, Warp and Canvas Size tools can benefit from the image recognition machine learning algorithm for best quality output and sharp details. This feature is available in the Rebelle 6 Pro.
"You need to get Rebelle 6. It is very well designed and powerful but simple at the same time, quite a feat in software design. The response to different settings is linear and predictable, and it behaves as you would expect the paint to behave. It needs a lot of people playing around with it. I am sure that many new approaches are just waiting to be discovered. It is not just a watercolour simulator. The other tools are equally excellent. Combining them is a joy." ~ Craig Mullins, Digital Painter and leading Concept Artist.
Advanced Transform and Canvas Size Tool — New options for transforming layers, selections, and resizing canvas are coming with Rebelle 6 Pro. You can choose from three algorithms: Nearest neighbour, Bilinear, or Fractal, the best option for sharp details.
Clipping Masks — Rebelle 6 comes with new options for controlling the transparency level of a layer, including a 'Clipping Mask'. This way, you can use one layer's content and transparency to control another layer's visibility.
Layer Masks — Rebelle 6 brings more masking options to the Layers panel, including a 'Layer Mask'. Its great advantage is the ability to adjust the transparency of different layer areas independently. This is great, for example, when blending different layers with seamless transitions.
...
"Rebelle 6 comes full of new tools for people who want to create art and grow as artists. There are many new features, small or big, you didn't know you needed. The Liquify tool alone is worth the upgrade. There isn't any Liquify tool so advanced as the one in Rebelle." ~ Carles Carbonell Bernado, Digital Painter.
More than 240 Brushes — Many brushes are coming to Rebelle 6, many completely new.
Improved Pencils and Pastels — You can expect some new brush types we already discussed — grunge, scumbling, textured brush presets, improved pencils and new dry and oil pastels.
Effect Brushes — With the new Paint Blending option, you can use, e.g. 'Linear Dodge' to light up the painting or 'Linear Burn' to darken the painting. We prepared more brush presets to colour, overlay, saturate, or change the hue of the parts of the image.
New Image Filters — New filters and filter masks have been added to Rebelle's Filter menu. These will help you achieve the best possible look for your artwork without switching to another software: Gaussian Blur, Lens Blur and Sharpen.
...
Rebelle 6 Pricing
Regular Price Rebelle 6 ($89.99), Rebelle 6 Pro ($149.99)
Upgrade for Rebelle 5 users: Rebelle 6 ($44.99), Rebelle 6 Pro ($104.99)
[ Ashampoo's prices are even better than those quoted. ]
Meeting Location & Disclaimer
Bob Backstrom
~ Newsletter Editor ~
Information for Members and Visitors:
Link to — Sydney PC & Technology User Group
All Meetings, unless explicitly stated above, are held on the
1st Floor, Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 280 Pitt Street, Sydney.
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