Nextcloud is an open source software package for organizations and individuals who want to host their own secure cloud services. With additional downloadable applications, Nextcloud has more functionality than, for instance, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive and Docs. When Nextcloud version 18 was announced, its name was changed to Nextcloud … Read >
User profiling businesses operate in plain sight, but don’t obey the law
Today, everyone is aware that Facebook, Google and Twitter, among many other free digital services sell their users’ personal data to advertisers. Many savvy users are protecting their privacy with additional software plugins to prevent this automatic data collection. Behind the scenes, however, is the real action where data brokers, … Read >
Goodbye Skype! I’ll miss you, but I’m getting another Voip service for privacy
Microsoft, the current owner of Skype internet telephone service, was recently caught listening to ordinary people’s phone conversations conducted on Skype.
The first case was reported in August 2019 when Microsoft utilized Skype’s automatic translation feature to listen to phone conversations without letting users know about it. A major concern … Read >
Safety comparison of the electric and petrol-powered compact car
Electric vehicles are becoming mass market products in many categories during the next few years. Volkswagen is planning to manufacture millions of electric cars, pickup trucks like Rivian are powered by batteries, and European and Japanese van manufacturers have electric vans in production. Even though electric and petrol-powered compact cars … Read >
The most popular programming languages for building web sites in the 2020s
Programming languages are tools for creating computer applications and services. If you need a hammer, you use a hammer for a job. It sounds simple, but there are many programmers who are devoted to a language they love. They may even try to use a screwdriver when a hammer is … Read >
Why I’m never going to let WordPress auto-update my web site
The reason why I won’t let WordPress automatically update the core software, plugins and themes is this: it is practically impossible to ensure the new version works together with thousands of possible system configuration combinations on the server.
Years ago, when I was still working for a global tech corporation, … Read >
Survey: open source development community anticipating bright 2020s
When the first open source software products were published, many IT businesses were terrified. For instance, Microsoft was so hostile to the concept of open code that the father of Linux, Linus Torvalds, still is suspicious of the company – although Microsoft has completely changed its strategy … Read >
As video streaming competition intensifies, free movie services rise
One of the strongest trends in digital media for 2020 is streaming services. Specifically, increasing competition and battle for dominance among established and new streaming platforms, like Netflix, Spotify, and Disney. Industry analysts expect fierce global battle because there is plenty of money on the table. Audiences are used to … Read >
Never share this information about yourself on social media, a former con artist advises
Frank Abagnale, whose successful career as a scammer was depicted in a movie Catch Me If You Can has some solid advice for all of us who like to share information about our lives on social media. The first point Abagnale makes is that he doesn’t post anything on social … Read >
WordPress news summary: tips for customization, fixing problems, avoiding burn-out
News for WordPress admins, developers and Linux fans
How to Customize a WordPress Theme for Your Site or Blog
Wide variety of themes available for free or for a small cost is one of the key reasons for the popularity of WordPress. For an organization or an individual it is … Read >