Hi, all! Welcome to this week’s Q&A. Thanks to everyone who phoned or emailed with questions.
First a couple of updates:
Violation of Privacy? In last week’s Q&A, we answered a question about giving your Facebook password to a prospective employers while applying for a job. Since then, Senators Charles Schumer (NY) and Richard Blumenthal (CT) asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate the legality of employer behavior, specifically whether requiring job applicants to surrender personal passwords violates federal law. We’ll keep following this story. More details here.
The new IPad. About two weeks ago we talked about reports that the new iPad runs hot and has come recharging issues. The temperature turned out to be not a big deal, most units experiencing max temps around 101(F) degrees. was about 101, not too hot and still comfortable for most folks. Apple responded to complaints that the battery is so large that it takes a while to charge. They advised users not to drain the battery completely and then fully recharge it, as this will shorten battery life. A better practice, according to Apple, is to recharge before fully draining the battery. Some Mac user groups are reporting 25 hours of battery life when using the new iPad with Verizon Wireless as a hotspot. That’s good news – actually, great news — for road warriors.
And now, on to this week’s questions.
Q: I’m usually pretty good about updating my software, but I get annoyed at Java updates which appear almost every time I turn on my computer. Usually I want to get directly to my work and not wait on constant Java updates. How bad is it to update Java every week, and not every day?
A: We saw four different computers this week infected with malware that got into the computer from a JAVA exploit. Those annoying little update warnings on the bottom of your screen are there to help prevent your computer from becoming the fifth one to come into our shop. In all of the four cases, the computers were at least two Java updates behind. When that happens, you’re not inconvenienced for three minutes; you’re inconvenienced for a day. So, think of them as little angels who are there to protect you, instead of little gremlins that are there to annoy you.
Microsoft, Java and Flash updates are very important. Virus spreaders focus on cracking these software programs because they are so widely used; and the software companies are diligently fighting off attacks every day. Your part in this war against malware: Click the update button. Do it now.
Q: My Blackberry is getting old and I would like to get a new smart device to replace it. I’d like to stay with Blackberry. What’s your advice, and which device would you suggest?
A: Blackberry was a ground-breaking device and those who have relied on it for years have a lot of loyalty. But today, the other smart phones are “smarter.” Blackberry used to excel at email delivery to small devices, but now all of the leading smart phones do an equivalent job, and many “regular” cell phones also do a good job.
Your past satisfaction is related to the things Blackberry did well in the past. But when you replace a device in that category, you really MUST look to the future, and the capacity you’ll need then. For that, you need to choose a company that’s innovating with devices, not just trying to keep up with the Joneses.
In your situation, the top two devices to consider would be the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, an Android device that also serves as a wireless hub for the other devices you are (or will be) carrying. Or, switch allegiances and opt for the latest iPhone. Former Blackberry users report being highly satisfied with both.
Remember, the hardest part of any love affair is letting go… but you can do it!