Sunday, October 6, 2024

3 Oct 2024 - Catch-up, News, Q&A

 Topics & Links of the Day

  • Google Maps keeps a history of your travels
    • Assuming, of course, you've got a Android you've logged into
    • You can turn this off, but I find it handy
    • As it did for my trip out West
  • Lots of Space News
    • SpaceX's "Polaris Dawn" flew <link>
      • Lots of firsts: space walk, orbit altitude, private flight, new EVA suits, etc.
    • Boeing's Starliner returned, but without its crew
      • It was "Very Bad" <link> or "Safe" <link> take your pick
      • Crew will return with the Spacex "Crew-9" mission in March 2025
    • SpaceX Crew9 15th crewed flight, 4th flight of the “Freedom” <Link>
      • Just 2 instead of 4 aboard
      • And it had it's own problems, Falcon9 are now grounded.
      • Third grounding in 3 months, need Boeing as backup
    • Meanwhile, Elon does not want to wait for the FAA for a launch license
      • Will they launch StarShip 5 with out it?
  • Get Windows 11 Pro for only $18!  <link> from StackSocial.com
    • Or Win10 Pro for $20, MS Office Pro for $50.  Watch for sales!
    • Important as the free upgrade from Win7 to Win10 has ended.
  • FYI: Win11 24H2 is out, but wait for it to be offered to you
    • Likewise, MS Office 2024 is now available, replaces the 2021 version
    • This is the 'Permanent' license, home is $150, pro is $250
  • Book Recommendation: "Ender's Game"
    • As only one person asked about it, this will be my last
    • I got my copy of the complete "Enderverse" from HumbleBundle for $18
  • National Public Data was hacked, lost 2.9B records (!)
    • Included Names, Addresses, Family details, Properities, DOB,  Phones, Debts, Criminal Records, Cars, SS numbers, Assets, {eMail addresses} , “and much more”
    • If this doesn't scare you, nothing will
    • To check if your data as exposed, enter your name at https://npd.pentester.com/
    • That shows 9 records for me, going back over 50 years!!
    • Good page for ID theft and credit freezes: https://grc.sc/freeze
    • Much more info on the hack is here:  <link> starting with page 10
  • Don McMillan's "Are You an Information Addict?"  <link>
  • Compare benchmarks for all CPUs: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/

  and more next week!

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