Take a Brain Dump!
Wednesday Wisdom (13th March 2024)
Three Tech Tips
For those of us who are into all things tech, we might think we know it all! However, I’ve found it’s good to be reminded about the basics and not get too cocky about our tech-focused minds. Some aren’t as nerdy and would simply like others to point out what might be best practice. So, with all that in mind, here are three things that we should all be doing:
Utilise Cloud Storage for Backup: Leveraging cloud storage secures your data against physical damage or device theft, allowing for easy sharing and access from any device with internet connectivity. Services like Google Drive or Dropbox often provide a certain amount of free storage, with the option to purchase more if needed. This ensures that your files are safely stored offsite and can be easily retrieved or shared. I use Dropbox and have found it easy and straightforward, and I recommend it heartily. On the flip side, and though some people swear by it, I have found Google Drive clunky and not intuitive! Check both out and see what suits you.
Manage Your Passwords with a Password Manager: A password manager stores all your passwords in one secure place and helps generate strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts, reducing the risk of security breaches. This eliminates the need to remember multiple complex passwords or the unsafe practice of using the same password across different sites. I have tried a few and settled on 1Password a long while back. It's easy to use, very secure (I have not heard of any breaches) and integrates nicely with most operating systems and browsers.
Keep Your Software Updated: Ah, this ol' chestnut! As the tech guy in my family, I think this reminder to keep their software up-to-date and secure seems to come up more often than not. Software updates can contain critical security patches, feature improvements, and bug fixes. By keeping your operating system and applications up to date, you minimise vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit and ensure the best performance and stability from your devices. Automatic updates can simplify this process by ensuring you're always running the latest versions without manually checking and applying updates. I hear a common complaint that iOS and iPadOS don't seem to auto-update the apps even though this feature is switched on. To check whether you have any updates, go to the App Store, tap on your profile picture and 'pull down' to refresh. You should see a load of apps waiting for you to tap 'update all'.
(I have not been paid to promote anything you have just read!)
Three Simple Journaling Methods
The 5-Minute Brain Dump: This technique is as straightforward as it sounds but incredibly effective for clearing the mind and generating raw, unfiltered content. Set a timer for five minutes and write non-stop. No editing, no second-guessing, just pure stream-of-consciousness writing. This method is excellent for capturing genuine thoughts and feelings. It’s like taking a snapshot of your mind at a particular moment, warts and all.
The Gratitude Log: One critique that our modern will is often called out on is that we frequently focus on the negative. Flipping the script and finding something positive to concentrate on can be refreshing! Each day, jot down three things you’re grateful for. These can be as significant as life-changing events or as simple as enjoying a good cup of coffee. This technique boosts your mood and perspective and, subsequently, may encourage those around you to reflect on their blessings, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
The Page-a-Day Challenge: Commit to writing a single page about anything daily. It could be a summary of your day, a piece of fiction, an opinion on the latest news, or a deep dive into a hobby or interest. The key here is consistency and volume. Over time, you’ll improve your writing skills and build a vast repository of content to reflect on. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
This Week in Tech News
Apple’s New EU App Store Policy
Apple’s New EU App Store Policy: Apple has made a strategic shift in its App Store policy for the EU. Now, iOS developers in the European Union can distribute their apps via the web, a move to comply with the Digital Markets Act. This significant change allows for alternative app distribution channels outside of Apple’s App Store. (Source: techcrunch.com)
Quantum Films for High-Speed Terahertz Electronics
A recent development in the field of quantum films has opened up new possibilities for high-speed terahertz electronics. This technology could revolutionize the speed at which data is transmitted, offering significantly faster rates than currently available technologies. (Source: scitechdaily.com).
The U.S. to Ban TikTok?
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee approved a bill that could potentially empower President Joe Biden to ban TikTok and other apps considered security risks. The bill was supported with a vote of 24 to 16 and addresses concerns that TikTok, owned by ByteDance, could transfer sensitive personal data to entities under China’s influence. The discussion around this bill highlights the tension between national security interests and free speech rights. TikTok has responded by launching a campaign to mobilise its user base against the proposed legislation, urging them to reach out to their Congress members in opposition. The company argues that such a ban would infringe on Americans’ constitutional rights and negatively impact businesses and creators that rely on the platform. (Source: www.reuters.com)
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Please look out for my Friday’s Insights email this coming Friday, where I’ll end this week on a personal note and share something of my journey as a content creator or what might have inspired me or made me think. Hopefully, it will leave you with something to ponder, a question to ask yourself, or a challenge to overcome!
See you then 😀
“The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything.” – Sean Gerety (attributed, though not confirmed)
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