» Editorials
Elon Musk Announces Bid to Merge Meta and Microsoft to Create Ultimate VR Space Station, Incorporating Hyperloop and ChatGPT
In a recent revelation that has left the tech community in awe, Elon Musk disclosed an ambitious plan to combine forces with Meta and Microsoft in a historic merger to construct the ''SpaceVerse,'' a virtual reality (VR) space station that you travel to. This initiative now takes a further leap into the future with the integration of Hyperloop transportation technology and advanced AI communication via ChatGPT, pushing the boundaries of innovation and interconnectivity. The SpaceVerse, a concept that initially sounded straight o...
Embracing Virtue with Opera GX's Redeem My Soul Feature
Opera GX is tailored for gamers. It features CPU and RAM limiters, Twitch and Discord integration, and a GX Corner for gaming news. But it is not just for gamers. We have been recommending Opera GX for some time and have included it in our Top Freeware Picks as a default browser. It's a top pick not only for its features but also because Opera GX makes surfing fun again. In that vein, I stumbled on a feature called Redeem My Soul& that made me laugh so hard I had to share. If activated, Redeem My Soul, AKA Fake My His...
Naz.API, Passwords and Credential Stuffing
The Naz.API dataset, which contains over 70 million compromised credentials, is being used in credential-stuffing attacks, a strategy where attackers exploit stolen login details to infiltrate user accounts across multiple platforms. This is a growing concern in the cybersecurity landscape, as it has been linked to a recent surge of old, verified forum accounts posting spam about casual dating sites.
Surviving the AT&T Outage with WiFi Calling
In today's hyper-connected multi-verse, a cellular service outage is more than just an inconvenience; it's a full-blown crisis. Reports have flooded in about a widespread AT&T service interruption, leaving over 75,000 users in the lurch and looking for ways to stay connected. (This outage also affects Circket users, which AT&T also owns.) Count the author as one of the disconnected masses. Since my office has WiFi, surfing is fine, but I could not receive or send phone calls or texts. With just an error that said I was not on the ...
The Benefits of a Download Manager
The Benefits of a Download Manager - A download manager is a software tool designed to help download files more efficiently. When you need to download software packages, large image/video files, or batches of files onto your device, a download manager can split these files into smaller chunks or request multiple transfers to boost transfer speeds.
Must Have Tool for Creality Ender 3 Users
Hey Geeks! I know there are a ton of you 3D printing enthusiasts out there. Count me as one as well. If you are into it, you know that 3D Printing is not an exact science, and failures happen. During my learning curve, I have stuck, wrecked, replaced, and sometimes destroyed several models of printers. .
Uh Oh, Boss Approaching? Hit the Panic Button on Opera GX!
We've all been there. You're browsing the web, having a blast surfing memes, when suddenly, your boss appears out of nowhere. Your heart jumps into your throat as you scramble to hide whatever embarrassing (or unproductive) thing you were looking at. But fear not, fellow internet wanderer, Opera GX has your back with its Panic Button! ..
What is Grok?
Grok is a neologism coined by American writer Robert A. Heinlein for his 1961 science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land. It technically means ''to drink'' but refers to a deep understanding of something beyond the intellectual level to a point where one feels they have merged with it. Heinlein's definition of grok is complex and nuanced. Still, it can be summarized as a kind of empathy or intuition that allows one to see the world from another perspective and understand it profoundly. It is to understand something so...
Nationwide Emergency Test Alert Wednesday 10/4/23 at 2:20 PM ET
a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will be conducted by FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The test will be divided into two parts and will start on Wednesday, October 4, at around 2:20 p.m. ET.
What Does Jailbreaking AI Mean?
Jailbreaking AI is a term used to describe circumventing the ethical safeguards and restrictions that may be placed on large language models (LLMs) such as Bard and ChatGPT.
MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks New Interface
Recently we have been working with our buddy at https://www.alomware.com/Alomware, coding out a new interface for the MjaorGeeks Windows Tweaks. The script collection is nearing 300 and is simply unwieldy by just using a direct listing. We wanted to keep everything portable but also have a way to navigate the scripts more elegantly... It's a bit easier to show in a video than write, so... here you go. Let us know what you think. ...
What is Tipflation?
Tipflation is a term that refers to the phenomenon of increasing the number of industries that are asking for tips.
Malvertising: What It Is and How to Avoid It
Online advertising has become essential to our browsing experience. However, lurking within this digital landscape lies a hidden danger, malvertising. Short for malicious advertising, malvertising poses a significant threat to users by exploiting online ads to deliver harmful content. In this blog post, we will explore what malvertising is, how it can impact you, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself against this growing menace. What is Malvertising?
2023 Geeky Fathers Day Gift Ideas. Plus 6 Dad Jokes
2023 Geeky Fathers Day Gift Ideas What do you get for the guy who seems to have everything he needs? Sure, you can replace his beat-up old slippers and get him some new wollen socks that Dumbledore would appreciate, but you know he won't use them. So you grab something to BBQ etched on it with and a six-pack of beer, and you're good to go. Well, maybe this year, it's time to shake things up and get something a little different and geekier. Something cool that will make Dad super excited and ask…where did you get this? Here are some that we came across in our travels...
Windows Terminal vs Powershell vs Command Prompt
Hey Geeks! If you are reading this, you use your computer for many different tasks, from browsing the web to coding and gaming. And sometimes, you need to use a terminal to run some commands or scripts. But which terminal should you use? Windows Terminal vs PowerShell vs Command Prompt - what's the difference and which one is better?
False Positives: The Unwanted Side of Antivirus Protection
What are false positives, and why are they so prevalent with new files or files from new authors? Have you ever been annoyed by your antivirus software telling you that a perfectly harmless file is infected with malware? That's what we call a false positive, and it can be a real pain in the ASCII. False Positives are not only annoying but can be downright destructive.
Do You Need A VPN?
Hey Geeks! Are you considering using a VPN? If so, there are some excellent reasons why -- and some why not. ..
Sam Altman Gets 100 Million for Worldcoin Cryptocurrency
You may have heard of Sam Altman, the former president of Y Combinator and the current CEO of OpenAI. He';s a visionary entrepreneur involved in some of the tech world's most ambitious and innovative projects. Now -- he's diving into Cyrpto. Sam Altman has recently raised 100 million dollars for his latest venture, Worldcoin
Inactive Account Deletion - Google is Updating Inactive Account Policies
Inactive Account Deletion - Google is Updating Inactive Account Policies
Google's Annual Developer Conference 2023 Highlights
Hey Geeks, did you catch Google';s annual developer conference? No? Don't Panic here's a video covering some major aspects - precisely where Google is going with AI.... and wow, are things going to change for many people? Here are some of the highlights. First, I found this video ridiculous in its production. If you need to add a clap track to what is supposed to be a live conference --- that is just so 70's sitcom it's annoying. I kept expecting Jo...
Google Bard is Now Generally Available in 180 Countries - But not Europe or Canada
Have you ever wanted to write like Shakespeare but without the hassle of learning iambic pentameter and Elizabethan English? Well, now you can, thanks to Google Bard, the latest feature of Google Cloud AI. Currently, in the experimental stage (beta), Google Bard is a natural language generation service based on the LaMDA family of large language models that can create poetic texts in various styles and genres, from sonnets to limericks, haikus to rap lyrics and well as any traditional type of document or code.
Types of Phishing Attacks and How to Spot Them
Many of you may know what Phishing is - many do not. Phishing is a cyberattack that uses fake emails, phone calls, text messages, or any other way you can be reached to trick you into giving up your personal information or account information.
Utah Law Requires Digital Age Verification for Adult Sites. Adults Sites Block Utah.
Seven years after Utah declared Pornography a https://apnews.com/article/a490ad0dd7f446b595247d8cb20661aa health crisis. The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has filed a lawsuit opposing https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/SB0287.htmlUtah Law SB0287 requiring adult websites to verify the age of those who want to view their pages. Verification must be done with either a digital ID or an age verification contractor. So clicking the I'm Over 18 button would no longer work. The https://www.freespeechcoalition.com/blog/free-speech-coalition-files-...
Gmail to Adopt a Twitter-like Blue Checkmark
If you look closely at your gmail, you might see some blue checkmarks next to the names of some senders. What do they mean? Did Elon buy Gmail to add Twitter Verification Badges? No, but Google is taking a page out of Twitter's book of verification. The blue checkmarks are a new Gmail feature to protect you from scammers and phishing attempts. They indicate that the sender has verified their identity through BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). This verification means the sender has proven they own the domain name and logo used...
Geeky Mother's Day Gifts Ideas 2023
Hey Geeks. Mothers Day is just around the corner. Sure, you can roll up to the local florist for some flowers as your gift... If gifts are your thing. Or you can get something a bit geekier for something more memorable. Sibling rivalry is real. Am I right?
How To Claim Your Facebook Settlement
If you were one of the millions of Facebook users whose data was harvested by Cambridge Analytica, you might be in line for some settlement money.
Amazon Renewed Program. Worth it?
Hey Geeks, I wanted to divert a bit from our software life to talk about something that might interest you if you are looking for a good deal on Amazon: the Amazon Renewed Program. https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Refurbished/b?ie=UTF8&node=12653393011 What is the Amazon Renewed Program? It's a way for Amazon to sell products returned by customers, repaired by qualified technicians, and tested to ensure they work as new. These products are sold at a lower price than the new item and come with a minimum 90-day warranty. The items are all ...
Forget ChatGPT, Try CatGPT!
Mark your calendars because today is the day you were introduced to o CatGPT, the latest and greatest chatbot powered by artificial intelligence and catnip.
Will ChatGPT Replace Siri and Alexa?
ChatGPT,the now famous chatbot, that claims to be able to converse with humans on any topic, using natural language and an engaging personality. It is based on a large-scale neural network model trained on billions of words and searches the internet. ChatBots, like ChatGPT, can generate content such as poems, stories, and even code. It can also help users rewrite or improve existing content. But how do ChatBots compare to our beloved popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, already in millions of devices? Will ChatGPT repla...
Malware created by Artificial Intelligence? A New Threat?
We have all heard of malware, malicious software intentionally created to steal data, damage hardware, encrypt files and disrupt services. It comes in many forms such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, adware or Trojans. But now, a new form of malware may be emerging, malware created by artificial intelligence (AI). This AI-created malware may carry several advantages over human-created malware. AI Generated malware will be more adaptive as it can learn from its environment or more evasive as it can change its behavior accordingly.
FBI says you shouldn't use public phone charging stations
If you're traveling and your phone battery is running low, you might be tempted to plug it into a public USB charging station at an airport, hotel, or coffee shop. But before you do that, beware that according to the FBI, using a public USB port could expose your device to malware or data theft. Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical ou...
Top Technologists Demand Immediate Pause of Advanced AI Systems
This week, a group of top technologists from Silicon Valley have https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/issued a joint statement demanding an immediate pause of all advanced AI systems development and deployment. The statement, which was signed by prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, and most of the top mind in AI today warns of the existential risks posed by unregulated and unchecked AI systems that could potentially harm humanity and the planet. The statement reads: &#...
Holiday Gifts Ideas for Geeks 2022
Holiday Gift Ideas for Geeks 2022. Shopping for geeks should be easy, but I am told it is not.
What is RatVerified?
#RatVerified has been popping up on Twitter and recently was the #1 trending hashtag. So what does it mean? U
Windows Dev Kit May Not be Just for Developers
Microsoft has released the Windows Dev Kit 2023 ARM architecture PC to compete with the Mac Mini. .
What is a GUID?
A globally unique identifier (GUID) is a number that is used to identify an object or entity in a computer system. GUIDs are often used to identify resources, such as files, in a database. They can also be used to identify devices, such as printers in a network, hard drives, etc.. GUIDs are typically generated by a software application or by a hardware device. GUIDs are typically composed of 32 hexadecimal digits, divided into four 8-digit sections. The first section is typically used to identify the type of object or entity that the GUID identifie...
Major Changes on MajorGeeks in 2020
Long-time followers on MajorGeeks might seem to think that you see fewer listings on the front page. You would be correct. Allow us to explain.
Browser Phish Attempt? What Not To Do
Ok. I got lucky - well sort of. I was updating my ESPN fantasy football lineup, looking for a replacement tight end. As you can see in the browser shot, I was surfing the stats on Ben Watson, which should tell you how my season is going. While doing that, I received a big, red, scary (Red windows are always scary, no?) warning me the Security Sysadmin has detected threats in my browser looking to gain access to my bank accounts - etc. etc. Well, I'm the sysadmin as well as the only guy here, and my bank account isn't that remarkable.... ...
FYI: Your Windows Defender is Broken
Nope, That is not clickbait, it is as the title suggests. Something went awry with the 9/17/2019 Windows 10 update 10.018362 causing Defender to only be able to scan a few files (in my case 11) before reporting the all-clear. This is not the case and the problem exists for both quick scan and full scan. Because Defender is built into the OS creating a workaround for this is -- well not possible. Nor does monkeying about with any of the available scan options have any effect. The only thing that helps is to go your 'Windows Security'...
Star Citizen - 2019
You may have heard of Star Citizen, the 8-year, $250-$300 million massively multiplayer online space game that's still in Alpha? We keep hearing about the game and finally decided to take a look during a free play week.
The Truth About Facebook Ads
While Google and YouTube consistently dominate the top two most popular websites, Facebook often sits in the third position with 2.3 billion users and 1.5 billion active users who log at least once a day. These numbers attract advertisers, and it works. In this article, we discuss who is buying these ads and how they work to get your attention.
Our Love Hate Relationship With Facebook
Facebook. Love it or hate it, everyone has an option. But, like the Kardashians, most people we talk to claim they don't use, or pay attention to Facebook. The ones who do; well they're annoying. Why is Facebook so irritating now, or is it just us? Let's discuss the pros and cons and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Ouch! Google is Killing Off Finance Portfolios. What Are Your Alternatives?
Google portfolios is shutting down what are the alternatives.
Ok, So Equifax is Incompetent But What Should You Do?
Unless the remake of IT scared you so bad that you've been hiding under a chair for the last week avoiding all news, then you have probably heard a little bit about the Equifax data breach. On...
What Went Wrong at Twitter?
Twitter is losing money and closing Vine. What went wrong? Here's my thoughts on it.
What is a PUP or Potential Unwanted Program?
Pups, or Potentially Unwanted Software. You've heard of them, but many companies are taking liberties with what a PUP is so here's all you need to know.
Password Management and the Lazy Geek
A new look at how to manage passwords.
A week in the life of an Apple newbie
As Apple continues to get a larger market share of computer sales, you might be curious what it is all about. .
In a recent revelation that has left the tech community in awe, Elon Musk disclosed an ambitious plan to combine forces with Meta and Microsoft in a historic merger to construct the ''SpaceVerse,'' a virtual reality (VR) space station that you travel to. This initiative now takes a further leap into the future with the integration of Hyperloop transportation technology and advanced AI communication via ChatGPT, pushing the boundaries of innovation and interconnectivity. The SpaceVerse, a concept that initially sounded straight o...
Embracing Virtue with Opera GX's Redeem My Soul Feature
Opera GX is tailored for gamers. It features CPU and RAM limiters, Twitch and Discord integration, and a GX Corner for gaming news. But it is not just for gamers. We have been recommending Opera GX for some time and have included it in our Top Freeware Picks as a default browser. It's a top pick not only for its features but also because Opera GX makes surfing fun again. In that vein, I stumbled on a feature called Redeem My Soul& that made me laugh so hard I had to share. If activated, Redeem My Soul, AKA Fake My His...
Naz.API, Passwords and Credential Stuffing
The Naz.API dataset, which contains over 70 million compromised credentials, is being used in credential-stuffing attacks, a strategy where attackers exploit stolen login details to infiltrate user accounts across multiple platforms. This is a growing concern in the cybersecurity landscape, as it has been linked to a recent surge of old, verified forum accounts posting spam about casual dating sites.
Surviving the AT&T Outage with WiFi Calling
In today's hyper-connected multi-verse, a cellular service outage is more than just an inconvenience; it's a full-blown crisis. Reports have flooded in about a widespread AT&T service interruption, leaving over 75,000 users in the lurch and looking for ways to stay connected. (This outage also affects Circket users, which AT&T also owns.) Count the author as one of the disconnected masses. Since my office has WiFi, surfing is fine, but I could not receive or send phone calls or texts. With just an error that said I was not on the ...
The Benefits of a Download Manager
The Benefits of a Download Manager - A download manager is a software tool designed to help download files more efficiently. When you need to download software packages, large image/video files, or batches of files onto your device, a download manager can split these files into smaller chunks or request multiple transfers to boost transfer speeds.
Must Have Tool for Creality Ender 3 Users
Hey Geeks! I know there are a ton of you 3D printing enthusiasts out there. Count me as one as well. If you are into it, you know that 3D Printing is not an exact science, and failures happen. During my learning curve, I have stuck, wrecked, replaced, and sometimes destroyed several models of printers. .
Uh Oh, Boss Approaching? Hit the Panic Button on Opera GX!
We've all been there. You're browsing the web, having a blast surfing memes, when suddenly, your boss appears out of nowhere. Your heart jumps into your throat as you scramble to hide whatever embarrassing (or unproductive) thing you were looking at. But fear not, fellow internet wanderer, Opera GX has your back with its Panic Button! ..
What is Grok?
Grok is a neologism coined by American writer Robert A. Heinlein for his 1961 science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land. It technically means ''to drink'' but refers to a deep understanding of something beyond the intellectual level to a point where one feels they have merged with it. Heinlein's definition of grok is complex and nuanced. Still, it can be summarized as a kind of empathy or intuition that allows one to see the world from another perspective and understand it profoundly. It is to understand something so...
Nationwide Emergency Test Alert Wednesday 10/4/23 at 2:20 PM ET
a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) will be conducted by FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The test will be divided into two parts and will start on Wednesday, October 4, at around 2:20 p.m. ET.
What Does Jailbreaking AI Mean?
Jailbreaking AI is a term used to describe circumventing the ethical safeguards and restrictions that may be placed on large language models (LLMs) such as Bard and ChatGPT.
MajorGeeks Windows Tweaks New Interface
Recently we have been working with our buddy at https://www.alomware.com/Alomware, coding out a new interface for the MjaorGeeks Windows Tweaks. The script collection is nearing 300 and is simply unwieldy by just using a direct listing. We wanted to keep everything portable but also have a way to navigate the scripts more elegantly... It's a bit easier to show in a video than write, so... here you go. Let us know what you think. ...
What is Tipflation?
Tipflation is a term that refers to the phenomenon of increasing the number of industries that are asking for tips.
Malvertising: What It Is and How to Avoid It
Online advertising has become essential to our browsing experience. However, lurking within this digital landscape lies a hidden danger, malvertising. Short for malicious advertising, malvertising poses a significant threat to users by exploiting online ads to deliver harmful content. In this blog post, we will explore what malvertising is, how it can impact you, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself against this growing menace. What is Malvertising?
2023 Geeky Fathers Day Gift Ideas. Plus 6 Dad Jokes
2023 Geeky Fathers Day Gift Ideas What do you get for the guy who seems to have everything he needs? Sure, you can replace his beat-up old slippers and get him some new wollen socks that Dumbledore would appreciate, but you know he won't use them. So you grab something to BBQ etched on it with and a six-pack of beer, and you're good to go. Well, maybe this year, it's time to shake things up and get something a little different and geekier. Something cool that will make Dad super excited and ask…where did you get this? Here are some that we came across in our travels...
Windows Terminal vs Powershell vs Command Prompt
Hey Geeks! If you are reading this, you use your computer for many different tasks, from browsing the web to coding and gaming. And sometimes, you need to use a terminal to run some commands or scripts. But which terminal should you use? Windows Terminal vs PowerShell vs Command Prompt - what's the difference and which one is better?
False Positives: The Unwanted Side of Antivirus Protection
What are false positives, and why are they so prevalent with new files or files from new authors? Have you ever been annoyed by your antivirus software telling you that a perfectly harmless file is infected with malware? That's what we call a false positive, and it can be a real pain in the ASCII. False Positives are not only annoying but can be downright destructive.
Do You Need A VPN?
Hey Geeks! Are you considering using a VPN? If so, there are some excellent reasons why -- and some why not. ..
Sam Altman Gets 100 Million for Worldcoin Cryptocurrency
You may have heard of Sam Altman, the former president of Y Combinator and the current CEO of OpenAI. He';s a visionary entrepreneur involved in some of the tech world's most ambitious and innovative projects. Now -- he's diving into Cyrpto. Sam Altman has recently raised 100 million dollars for his latest venture, Worldcoin
Inactive Account Deletion - Google is Updating Inactive Account Policies
Inactive Account Deletion - Google is Updating Inactive Account Policies
Google's Annual Developer Conference 2023 Highlights
Hey Geeks, did you catch Google';s annual developer conference? No? Don't Panic here's a video covering some major aspects - precisely where Google is going with AI.... and wow, are things going to change for many people? Here are some of the highlights. First, I found this video ridiculous in its production. If you need to add a clap track to what is supposed to be a live conference --- that is just so 70's sitcom it's annoying. I kept expecting Jo...
Google Bard is Now Generally Available in 180 Countries - But not Europe or Canada
Have you ever wanted to write like Shakespeare but without the hassle of learning iambic pentameter and Elizabethan English? Well, now you can, thanks to Google Bard, the latest feature of Google Cloud AI. Currently, in the experimental stage (beta), Google Bard is a natural language generation service based on the LaMDA family of large language models that can create poetic texts in various styles and genres, from sonnets to limericks, haikus to rap lyrics and well as any traditional type of document or code.
Types of Phishing Attacks and How to Spot Them
Many of you may know what Phishing is - many do not. Phishing is a cyberattack that uses fake emails, phone calls, text messages, or any other way you can be reached to trick you into giving up your personal information or account information.
Utah Law Requires Digital Age Verification for Adult Sites. Adults Sites Block Utah.
Seven years after Utah declared Pornography a https://apnews.com/article/a490ad0dd7f446b595247d8cb20661aa health crisis. The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has filed a lawsuit opposing https://le.utah.gov/~2023/bills/static/SB0287.htmlUtah Law SB0287 requiring adult websites to verify the age of those who want to view their pages. Verification must be done with either a digital ID or an age verification contractor. So clicking the I'm Over 18 button would no longer work. The https://www.freespeechcoalition.com/blog/free-speech-coalition-files-...
Gmail to Adopt a Twitter-like Blue Checkmark
If you look closely at your gmail, you might see some blue checkmarks next to the names of some senders. What do they mean? Did Elon buy Gmail to add Twitter Verification Badges? No, but Google is taking a page out of Twitter's book of verification. The blue checkmarks are a new Gmail feature to protect you from scammers and phishing attempts. They indicate that the sender has verified their identity through BIMI (Brand Indicators for Message Identification). This verification means the sender has proven they own the domain name and logo used...
Geeky Mother's Day Gifts Ideas 2023
Hey Geeks. Mothers Day is just around the corner. Sure, you can roll up to the local florist for some flowers as your gift... If gifts are your thing. Or you can get something a bit geekier for something more memorable. Sibling rivalry is real. Am I right?
How To Claim Your Facebook Settlement
If you were one of the millions of Facebook users whose data was harvested by Cambridge Analytica, you might be in line for some settlement money.
Amazon Renewed Program. Worth it?
Hey Geeks, I wanted to divert a bit from our software life to talk about something that might interest you if you are looking for a good deal on Amazon: the Amazon Renewed Program. https://www.amazon.com/Certified-Refurbished/b?ie=UTF8&node=12653393011 What is the Amazon Renewed Program? It's a way for Amazon to sell products returned by customers, repaired by qualified technicians, and tested to ensure they work as new. These products are sold at a lower price than the new item and come with a minimum 90-day warranty. The items are all ...
Forget ChatGPT, Try CatGPT!
Mark your calendars because today is the day you were introduced to o CatGPT, the latest and greatest chatbot powered by artificial intelligence and catnip.
Will ChatGPT Replace Siri and Alexa?
ChatGPT,the now famous chatbot, that claims to be able to converse with humans on any topic, using natural language and an engaging personality. It is based on a large-scale neural network model trained on billions of words and searches the internet. ChatBots, like ChatGPT, can generate content such as poems, stories, and even code. It can also help users rewrite or improve existing content. But how do ChatBots compare to our beloved popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, already in millions of devices? Will ChatGPT repla...
Malware created by Artificial Intelligence? A New Threat?
We have all heard of malware, malicious software intentionally created to steal data, damage hardware, encrypt files and disrupt services. It comes in many forms such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, adware or Trojans. But now, a new form of malware may be emerging, malware created by artificial intelligence (AI). This AI-created malware may carry several advantages over human-created malware. AI Generated malware will be more adaptive as it can learn from its environment or more evasive as it can change its behavior accordingly.
FBI says you shouldn't use public phone charging stations
If you're traveling and your phone battery is running low, you might be tempted to plug it into a public USB charging station at an airport, hotel, or coffee shop. But before you do that, beware that according to the FBI, using a public USB port could expose your device to malware or data theft. Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices. Carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical ou...
Top Technologists Demand Immediate Pause of Advanced AI Systems
This week, a group of top technologists from Silicon Valley have https://futureoflife.org/open-letter/pause-giant-ai-experiments/issued a joint statement demanding an immediate pause of all advanced AI systems development and deployment. The statement, which was signed by prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook, and most of the top mind in AI today warns of the existential risks posed by unregulated and unchecked AI systems that could potentially harm humanity and the planet. The statement reads: &#...
Holiday Gifts Ideas for Geeks 2022
Holiday Gift Ideas for Geeks 2022. Shopping for geeks should be easy, but I am told it is not.
What is RatVerified?
#RatVerified has been popping up on Twitter and recently was the #1 trending hashtag. So what does it mean? U
Windows Dev Kit May Not be Just for Developers
Microsoft has released the Windows Dev Kit 2023 ARM architecture PC to compete with the Mac Mini. .
What is a GUID?
A globally unique identifier (GUID) is a number that is used to identify an object or entity in a computer system. GUIDs are often used to identify resources, such as files, in a database. They can also be used to identify devices, such as printers in a network, hard drives, etc.. GUIDs are typically generated by a software application or by a hardware device. GUIDs are typically composed of 32 hexadecimal digits, divided into four 8-digit sections. The first section is typically used to identify the type of object or entity that the GUID identifie...
Major Changes on MajorGeeks in 2020
Long-time followers on MajorGeeks might seem to think that you see fewer listings on the front page. You would be correct. Allow us to explain.
Browser Phish Attempt? What Not To Do
Ok. I got lucky - well sort of. I was updating my ESPN fantasy football lineup, looking for a replacement tight end. As you can see in the browser shot, I was surfing the stats on Ben Watson, which should tell you how my season is going. While doing that, I received a big, red, scary (Red windows are always scary, no?) warning me the Security Sysadmin has detected threats in my browser looking to gain access to my bank accounts - etc. etc. Well, I'm the sysadmin as well as the only guy here, and my bank account isn't that remarkable.... ...
FYI: Your Windows Defender is Broken
Nope, That is not clickbait, it is as the title suggests. Something went awry with the 9/17/2019 Windows 10 update 10.018362 causing Defender to only be able to scan a few files (in my case 11) before reporting the all-clear. This is not the case and the problem exists for both quick scan and full scan. Because Defender is built into the OS creating a workaround for this is -- well not possible. Nor does monkeying about with any of the available scan options have any effect. The only thing that helps is to go your 'Windows Security'...
Star Citizen - 2019
You may have heard of Star Citizen, the 8-year, $250-$300 million massively multiplayer online space game that's still in Alpha? We keep hearing about the game and finally decided to take a look during a free play week.
The Truth About Facebook Ads
While Google and YouTube consistently dominate the top two most popular websites, Facebook often sits in the third position with 2.3 billion users and 1.5 billion active users who log at least once a day. These numbers attract advertisers, and it works. In this article, we discuss who is buying these ads and how they work to get your attention.
Our Love Hate Relationship With Facebook
Facebook. Love it or hate it, everyone has an option. But, like the Kardashians, most people we talk to claim they don't use, or pay attention to Facebook. The ones who do; well they're annoying. Why is Facebook so irritating now, or is it just us? Let's discuss the pros and cons and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Ouch! Google is Killing Off Finance Portfolios. What Are Your Alternatives?
Google portfolios is shutting down what are the alternatives.
Ok, So Equifax is Incompetent But What Should You Do?
Unless the remake of IT scared you so bad that you've been hiding under a chair for the last week avoiding all news, then you have probably heard a little bit about the Equifax data breach. On...
What Went Wrong at Twitter?
Twitter is losing money and closing Vine. What went wrong? Here's my thoughts on it.
What is a PUP or Potential Unwanted Program?
Pups, or Potentially Unwanted Software. You've heard of them, but many companies are taking liberties with what a PUP is so here's all you need to know.
Password Management and the Lazy Geek
A new look at how to manage passwords.
A week in the life of an Apple newbie
As Apple continues to get a larger market share of computer sales, you might be curious what it is all about. .