Finally, Competition for Google?
By Agatha Gilmore on 05-26-2009
It’s no secret that more and more people are going mobile when it comes to computing. The success of the iPhone and, more specifically, iPhone apps, speaks volumes in terms of understanding how people are getting their information these days. But perhaps most interesting, a recent TechRepublic.com blog pointed out that the trend toward using mobile devices to access the Internet actually might give Google a run for its money when it comes to online searches.
“In my tests with the iPhone, I discovered that Google is usually my last resort for finding information,” writer Jason Hiner explained. “Typing is just not as fast on a smartphone (even with the full qwerty keyboard on BlackBerry). Pointing, scrolling, and selecting are all much easier and quicker. As a result, many of the things that I would usually do with a Google search from my computer, I do through an app on the iPhone.”
It’s too early to predict whether the rise of mobile technology will negate the need for Google in the long run, but it’s likely going to necessitate some functionality changes or updates to adapt to the times in the meantime.
Internship Seekers Endure Tough Times
By Deanna Hartley on 05-12-2009
Want to know how your state stacks up to the rest of the U.S. in terms of entry-level job and internship opportunities? Turn to CollegeRecruiter.com, which has published a list of the best and worst states to find these types of positions.
Some states — including Ohio, New Jersey and Georgia — appear to be faring better than others, with significant increases in both categories between April and May 2009.
Recent graduates have had some luck securing seeking full- or part-time positions.
“It appears that the entry-level market has stabilized,” Steven Rothberg, founder of the CollegeRecruiter.com job board, was quoted as saying in a recent press release.
While the number of entry-level job opportunities has remained largely unchanged, internship seekers have a few more hurdles to cross, as the number of internship opportunities plummeted in May.
Are you or have you recently been on the job market? How have you been faring? Are things really as dismal as they sound?
Share your thoughts with us on the CertMag Network.
Overstepping Privacy Norms?
By Deanna Hartley on 03-03-2009
Here’s one recent White House development that’s likely to spark controversy: A number of Republican politicians want to approve a new federal law that would force both Internet providers as well as Wi-Fi access locations to keep Internet users’ information on file for a period of two years, according to a CNN report.
What’s the reasoning behind this decision? It seems the information could come in handy during police investigations, especially in heavily computer-related cases such as child pornography.
So far, two bills have been introduced, each titled the Internet Stopping Adults Facilitating the Exploitation of Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act.
What do you think about the bill? Does it overstep privacy norms by negating one’s ability to remain anonymous while surfing the Web? Or would its benefits offset privacy rights?
Queen of Spam
By Deanna Hartley on 01-30-2009
U.S. Inauguration Day may have come and gone, but the event is still on the minds of people everywhere — even spammers.
In the month of December, the new first lady bypassed A-list celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Britney Spears to claim the crown of “most spammed subject,” according to anti-spam company SPAMfighter. Out of a total of 1.4 million spam emails, Jolie received 195 hits and the pop singer scored 468, while Mrs. Obama’s name appeared in nearly 2,000 emails. (Whether or not these statistics are flattering is an entirely different question.)
SPAMfighter urges Internet surfers to be cautious of unsolicited emails — even if it sounds like breaking news or juicy gossip. Do you exercise caution when opening emails from unknown sources? What are some practical things you have tried to outsmart spammers?
Finally, A Solution to Spam?
By Certmag Editor on 12-02-2008
The people who make a habit — perhaps even a living — out of spamming innocent employees may think twice after learning about the settlement of a certain multimillion dollar lawsuit this past week.
According to a DailyTech article, a spammer allegedly sent out more than 4 million unwanted e-mail messages to Facebook users, resulting in an $873 million fine.
Talk about a slap on the wrist!
And this isn’t the first lawsuit of its kind. According to the report, MySpace has won similar suits against spammers for a total of $236 million.
Do you think these mega-fines will dissuade spammers? Or is there a better long-term solution to prevent illegitimate e-mail from clogging your inbox?
Road to the White House: A Two-Way Street?
By Certmag Editor on 11-13-2008
According to a recent CNN article, the U.S. president and the public might soon enjoy unprecedented interactivity, thanks in part to the Internet.
Change.gov, an official Barack Obama-inspired Web site launched the day after his election to the White House, features a political newsroom, blog and more. Prior to signing any nonemergency legislation, the president-elect has agreed to wait a period of five days, during which Americans can log on to Change.gov and comment.
Will this lead to an even more robust democracy, or is it all for show? What do you think of this initiative?
Caution: Web-Traffic Patrol
By CertMag Editor on 10-30-2008
The ubiquitous nature of the Internet is one of its defining characteristics — that is, unless you’re in Thailand.According to a recent CNN article , the government of the Far East country is planning to create a massive Internet firewall that would essentially block certain Web sites — a functionality that is expected to cost somewhere between $2.9 million to $14.6 million.
On the chopping block are pornographic sites, sites that are offensive to Thailand’s royal family, terrorism-related sites and others that are deemed to have inappropriate content. In fact, some of these sites have already been blocked, but the intention is to make the process more systematic.
What do you think about the enforcement of censorship on the Internet? Should some have the power to monitor or block certain sites, or should the regulation of the Internet be up to the individual?
Life-Saving Technology — In Your Hand
By Certmag Editor on 10-17-2008
A new type of software scheduled to hit the market soon is designed to discourage people from using cell phones while driving, according to a CNN.com article.
Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 7 percent of crashes and near-crashes occur because of drivers dialing or talking on cell phones, Canadian software company Aegis Mobility created a program that can identify cell phones traveling at high speeds, allowing the cellular network to block calls and text messages until the driver stops.
How useful do you think this technology will prove to be? Will you purchase it? Or are you of the opinion that drivers should be allowed the freedom to drive while talking?
Wall Street Down, Tech Services Up?
By CertMag Editor on 10-09-2008
In need of some good news given the current state of the economy? Turns out the financial crisis actually might benefit technology services providers.
According to Siamak Taghaddos and David Hauser, founders of GotVMail, a virtual communications system, the company has seen a bump in numbers since initial recession talk months ago, and this is likely due to a rise in the number of consultants who need cost-effective services that assist entrepreneurial ventures.
Has anybody else seen increased demand for technology services providers recently?
Bailout Bill Causes Mass E-Mailing
By Certmag Editor on 10-02-2008
The recently proposed Wall Street bailout bill caused quite a stir this week — and the commotion wasn’t just about its contents!
IT staffers at the House of Representatives have been working around the clock to handle the flurry of e-mails that resulted when the general public was urged to send comments to representatives regarding the bill.
The surge in traffic caused the entire system to clog up, and many citizens likely stumbled upon a busy signal when trying to route their e-mail to the appropriate legislators.
In the future, when citizens are trying to make their voices heard, how can a similar occurrence be prevented?
Getting Informed — Digitally
By Certmag Editor on 09-25-2008
Apple iPhone users can now stay tuned in to the 2008 U.S. presidential election wherever they go. Earlier this month, iPhone development company Gorloch Interactive released a new application called Campaign that aims to keep the public more informed by pulling together political news items, presenting various poll data and offering information about the candidates and their views. According to a review on TechCrunch.com, the program “also lets users engage in daily polls about the election and view the opinions of other iPhone users” as well as provides the capability to “register to vote right in the application.” The program is available for download from the iTunes store for $0.99.
