* Posts by Chris G

6754 publicly visible posts • joined 18 Oct 2007

Big challenge with hardware subscriptions? Getting what we need, not what someone else wants us to have

Chris G

The biggest difference between leasing and rental in my experience is that a lease is for a fixed period and rental is generally either for shorter periods or on a more or less day to day basis, for this reason rental will be somewhat more expensive.

My preference is to buy outright or if finance is the only option, to source my own finance.

In the 80s I worked as a copier salesman for a few months, the commissions we got for lease or rental deals was more than double the commission for an outright sale, it went up significantly if we could get the customer to sign up for maintenance/toner/paper deals too.

It seems to me the current fad for providing everything as a service is based on similar profitability.

Rental if you read all of the small print may be more flexible but it is essential that you know exactly what you are paying for.

What a bunch of bricks: Crooks knock hole in toyshop wall, flee with €35k Lego haul

Chris G

Re: I was never into Lego

My dad (who was a builder) bought me a kit one Christmas that had real bricks and a starch type glue, window and door frames and roof tiles. The starch glue meant that you could take the building apart to use everything for a new project, for the life of me I can't remember the name of the kit but it was in the late fifties UK. I never liked Lego but I don't think I saw it before I was about ten years old.

I preferred the real brick kit.

Chris G

Re: The subtitle

When the police finally have enough evidence, everything will click into place!

Amazon accused of grossly underreporting COVID-19 cases to US labor agency

Chris G

Well, I hope Amazon gets more than just the opportunity to pay a few dollars to make everything go away.

After all they are breaking federal law not committing a misdemeanor, Bezos or somebody at the top should be in orange pyjamas for this.

UK watchdog's punishment for Blackbaud, Easyjet, other big privacy lawbreakers was slap on the wrist in private

Chris G

"We will publicise these if it will help promote good practice or deter non-compliance."

This should apply particularly to all public bodies who, in theory, are or should be answerable to the public.

Obviously fining them means the fines being paid from the public purse so the minimum ought to be to shame them publicly.

Samsung wheels out new silicon that turns cars into 5G-fuelled entertainment hubs

Chris G

In cockpit video calls

I sincerely hope video calls can not be enabled whilst the car is in motion, there is already too much crap in a modern car to distract drivers from the quintessential part of being a driver, the actual driving bit. e.g. Short sighted drivers peering at the google map on the screen while driving at max on the autopiste, then suddenly careering across all lanes to the exit they nearly missed. Whether deaf, talking on the phone or simply stupid I don't know but see it often enough.

Yes I include allegedly self driving cars too.

The leaders of the World get together at a single malt tasting jolly in Scotland and agree that 'something must be done about climate change' while the World's industry continues to create landfill as fast as they possibly can.

AWS unveils Graviton3 Arm chips and more. But the real story is the slide from IaaS to packaged solutions

Chris G

"That path though may bring AWS more into competition with some of its customers, who offer their own solutions running on AWS infrastructure"

It seems AWS may be considering similar practices to those it wages against the outlets who sell through it's 'Threw it over the fence' delivery service; see what they're selling and do the same but cheaper, they go out of business and Amazon has a bit more of the world.

Leaked footage shows British F-35B falling off HMS Queen Elizabeth and pilot's death-defying ejection

Chris G

This was reported on the same day it happened in some of the non Western press 17 November.

Looking at the Tweet video, it appears the pilot had opened the throttle but only a small acceleration occurred, either an oopsy in pre-flight prep or an oopsy in the plane.

Either way, that's nearly 90 million squids in the drink.

UK privacy watchdog may fine selfie-hoarding Clearview AI £17m... eventually, perhaps

Chris G

FB has sent 'cease and desist' letters to Clearview as well as general complaints but does not seem to have done much else. Google also tells me that Clearview have a social channel on Facebook so FB are possibly not as unhappy as they like to sound.

Considering FB abandoned it's own attempts at facial recognition, the cynic in me suggests they may be, if not in bed with clearview , having the odd sleepover.

Chris G

Re: Scum

Ironic isn't it? That amoral scum fall back to the moral high ground in order to defend their amoral actions.

I have no respect either for the lawyers who take money to defend amoral actions

Euro-telcos call on big tech to help pay for their network builds

Chris G

It's no surprise to see the Names that head the list of telcos, all the usual offenders who routinely overcharge their customers and then take their own sweet time crediting those customers with the wrongly taken funds.

So far, every time I have been offered services by a telco, it has never been a particularly good deal, especially if you read the small print which often wants you locked in for the first three years in order to qualify for their 'wonderful' offers.

They are generally too greedy, only look at the short term and tend to look down on the Big Tech 'Upstarts' as newcomers who have pushed them out of what they consider their territory.

Renting IT hardware on a subscription basis is bad for customers

Chris G

Re: Subscription vs lease?

A long time ago, in a far(ish) away land when I started my first business, almost every financial article would recommend getting business advice from your bank manager and/or accountant; I quickly learned that neither have any true understanding of any business than their own, and certainly no sense of entrepreneurial business.

So no, ask beancounters for numbers by all means but business advice? No.

If you are smart enough to start your own business, you are smart enough to interpret the numbers that others collate for you.

UK Space Agency wants primary school kids to design a logo for first Brit launches

Chris G

Dan Dare

Standing outside of his ship with unkempt blond hair, should stand a fair chance of winning.

China plans to swipe a bunch of data soon so quantum computers can decrypt it later

Chris G

Mostly the dangers that Booz Allen are reporting on are a list of all of China's naughtyness over the last few months that have been reworked to sound as though they can relate to 'quantum'.

Quantum computers, fusion, flying cars and robo-butlers will all be possible around the same time (pick a repeating number i.e. decade, twentyfive years, blah blah.

I imagine that anyone who has come by some unencryptable data has stuck it in a drawer marked quantum.

Government-favoured child safety app warned it could violate the UK's Investigatory Powers Act with message-scanning tech

Chris G

Re: My device

@AC, the fundamental aspect you are missing is that the app intercepts the message so that anything naughty does not reach the recipient's (child's) device, at least that is how I read it in the article.

Chris G

Every time I hear about governments and cops talking about the detection of paedophiles via online snooping, the thing that is missing is any figures that indicate why they are so concerned.

Some years back, a member of my family attempted suicide as a young teen, it turned out she had been abused by a neighbour for about four years.

During the investigation on talking to one of the senior officers, she explained that often abusers are either family members or friends and neighbours of the family, given that, how often are children targeted by paedophiles online and what are the statistics?

I have a feeling that if authorities and police really wanted to tackle the problem, one of the first things would be via education, after all crime prevention is supposed to be the prime mover for police forces, being able to snoop on everyone at will sounds more like a fishing expedition to me.

Of course if things have changed and child molesters have moved online, then a major think tank needs to look at practical ways to deal with it without destroying society's basic freedoms.

BOFH: What if International Bad Actors designed the vaccine to make us watch more Steven Seagal movies?

Chris G

Re: It's not just the doctors ...

"but she was only laughed at."

Well, she was good at her job!

Chris G

Re: It's not just the doctors ...

Do you have any idea how much micronanoelectronics can be installed in a crown or even worse a dental implant?

People with perfect teeth are all a part of the nanobot driven army!

Chris G
Terminator

Re: Surfing nanobots

"You can cheaply and reliably prevent nanobot infection by wearing a polythene bag over your head."

Don't forget to secure it tightly at the neck to avoid the sneakier bots.

Chris G

Re: Surfing nanobots

To prevent the ingestion of surfing nanobots, I suggest the ude of a full face helmet with a highly energised face shield rather like a micro-fine version of the fly killers in a butcher shop.

Any bots heading your way will be deactivated by the high voltage.

Nuclear fusion firm Pulsar fires up a UK-built hybrid rocket engine

Chris G

Re: No! No! N2O!

If the engine is working, there won't be any nitrous oxide coming out of the back end, it will have provided the oxygen to enable the polyethylene fuel to burn.

I ought to mention here that burning a plastic like HDPE at the temperatures in a rocket engine using a oxidiser should produce only water vapour and a relatively small amount of carbon dioxide, so still some green house gas but nowhere near as noxious as some rocket fuels.

This is worth a read; https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiW_NCqx7b0AhXi4uAKHUPKC_YQFnoECAcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mdpi.com%2F2226-4310%2F6%2F8%2F88%2Fpdf&usg=AOvVaw1I1qGp0CTZDS6Y64vB_ZzC

You forced me to use this fancypants app and now you're asking for a printout?

Chris G

Re: PDF

I can only access the proof on the C19 nanobot shot about 1 out 3 attempts on my Spanish phone and then can only look at it I can't email it, save it to files or anything else.

However the same proof accessed via my PC can be printed, screen shot and saved to file. Fortunately, I have no other health issues but when my wife tries to get an appointment, it is easier to go to the A&E rather than the polyclinic or make an online appointment.

Robotaxis freed to charge across 60km2 of Beijing

Chris G

My post above was based on visits to Birmingham, UK.

Chris G

I like meeting taxi drivers of indeterminate origin, who have thick accents, don't speak the language well and do not know the city.

Each taxi ride is a trip into the unknown, I love the adrenalin during the ride and the relief of eventually arriving at the correct destination.

Google advises passwords are good, spear phishing is bad, and free clouds get attacked

Chris G

Judging by the advice they give, I am assuming that G CAT is aimed more at the unwashed masses than the likes of Reg readers which is why it has tabloid quality information.

NASA boffins seem to think we're worth saving from fiery asteroid death so they're shooting a spaceship at one

Chris G

Re: Hollywood Fantasists

As usual you have forgotten the troll icon but I would be very interested in any valid researched reasons why this may not have an effect.

At least NASA are doing some research and I daresay have probably modeled some likely outcomes just to see if the DART mission could end in tears.

The extended longevity of so many of NASA's missions is not down to solely blind luck, they tend to think a bit before acting.

Crypto for cryptographers! Infosec types revolt against use of ancient abbreviation by Bitcoin and NFT devotees

Chris G

Re: Hidden or secret

As a time served and fully qualified curmudgeon, I have better things to complain about than the purloinment and evolution of a word.

A good portion of the English language is no longer used as was in my school days and moaning about it does no good, believe me I have tried.

Explaining what a word or phrase really ought to mean to da yoof is pointless because they don't speak the same English that I do.

Bruce and others need to get over themselves, language is truly democratic and is determined by majority use no matter what anybody else thinks.

UK data guardian challenges government proposals on automated decision-making

Chris G

Re: Elements of healthcare become more efficiently managed through AI

"As elements of healthcare become more e̶f̶f̶i̶c̶i̶e̶n̶t̶l̶y̶ cheaply managed through AI."

I think that reads a little more accurately, caring about the human nature of the data seems to be regarded as obstructive and unimportant.

UK Test and Trace finding consultant habit hard to break: More contracts go to Deloitte and Accenture

Chris G

To give that £37Billion scale, it would pay the UK average annual wage (2020) of 1,117,000 people.

Somebody, somewhere is taking the piss.

If nobody has seen Dido for a while, it is probably because she is furnishing her new hollowed out volcanic island and is busy with her Feng Shui consultant, trying to decide where to place the toilet reserved for throwing surplus money into.

Munich mk2? Germany's Schleswig-Holstein plans to switch 25,000 PCs to LibreOffice

Chris G

Well I hope they are successful and that others follow them, then we can apply schadenfreude to

Redmond.

Amazon India execs questioned after sellers allegedly use site to smuggle marijuana

Chris G

Re: So, at what point

Actually sugar substitutes are now thought to contribute to type 2 diabetes. Ingesting something sweet sets off the gut neurons that instruct the production of insulin which then has nothing to do, the surplus of unused insulin in some people can then lead to an insulin allergy that becomes type 2 diabetes.

At least that is how it was explained by a mate who developed type 2.

For those in India who would like a sweet trip, Nepalese hallucinogenic honey is worth trying, allegedly.

India pauses Big Tech's march onto one hundred million farms

Chris G

Modi's as well as previous governments have already done a lo of damage allowing the likes of monsanto and others to virtually force farmers into using their products that require even more of their products to continue.

Cotton being one example that require more irrigation than traditional crops, damages the soil and water tables.

Look it up on the usual culprits along with Indian farmer suicides.

AI surveillance software increasingly used to make sure contract lawyers are doing their jobs at home

Chris G

Re: People

"They still have people working at Amazon fulfilment centres because they do not have robot that can do some of the work yet."

Plus people are mostly self maintaining and self repairing to some degree so they are probably cheaper.

it is a sign of things to come that even lawyers are heavily surveilled, possibly more than the bezobots are, this is one of the real dangers of AI, that everyone will be watched and their behaviour analyzed 24/7.

"Your weekly social score comrade, your nose picking and arse scratching is reducing your weekly output by as much as 0.025%. Ten social score points deducted!"

The ideal sat-nav is one that stops the car, winds down the window, and asks directions

Chris G

Re: Wandering Aimlessly

Three lefts in the Spanish countryside could send you in literally any direction. Road direction is governed largely by topography.

When they were still building the E15/A7 on the Mediterranean coast, I was driving from Gib' to Barcelona, somewhere around Alicante the road just stopped and had a detour sign inland, that was the only sign and it took me several hours and a rage stop to get back to the E15.

Chris G

Re: wine predictions

@Franco

The best drink is the beverage you like, at the temperature you like, regardless of whatever the 'rules' are.

I find many purists are purists because they have no imagination and are unable to think for themselves, in the same way that avid followers of fashions have no style of their own so they borrow somebody else's idea of style.

Chris G

Re: wine predictions

I don't drink very often but I do appreciate a decent wine when being sociable. The local Mercadona supermarkets here have had an excellent red called Armonico, no idea of the grape, reasonably alcoholic and sells for the incredibly reasonable price of €1.99 the next best is about €5.00 which is expensive here.

But, I do need to explore the thousands of other decent wines in the supermarkets of Spain, something I am looking forward to.

Satnag wise, I hate the bloody things, in Spanish or English, whatever system I am using either tells me to turn half a kilometer too soon or just as I am passing the turn then I miss the recalculation because both my wife and I are too busy calling the satnag rude names in English , Russian and Spanish.

Psst. Hey kid. Want a lipstick? Huawei slips new earbuds into cosmetics case

Chris G

Re: Still surprised

That sounds like a good idea.

I hate wearing conventional cans for anything over about half an hour, even my old Pioneer semi-open lightwwight cans were irritating before an album had finished.

Can't stand modern earbuds either so the hearing aid form would be worth a try.

I had a comms set built into one of my crash helmets that was comfortable with really good sound quality but would look odd walking around the house or driving my car with that.

UK Department for Education to schools: Maybe delay signing that 3-year licensing deal for MIS with Education Software Solutions

Chris G

Re: Mark Brant is wrong

That sounds like a nice, caring, sharing company giving such a short lead time to make a decision and possibly have to find and alternative in a couple of months.

Anyone who treats me like that is dropped, even if it means struggling to find an alternative.

Honor 50 Lite: Google Play Services are back on Huawei's former stablemate but that's nothing to get excited about

Chris G

Re: Hello... can you hear me?

I have had two Huaweis and they were both excellent receivers, the last two Ulefone Armor series were and are also better than the Samsungs I have had.

Chris G

With effectively only two operating systems for phones, it's a bit like two party politics, no matter who you vote for you are damned either way.

I suppose the chances of a simple, functioning OS that doesn't treat you like a serf is never going to happen.

Future of the three NHS bodies managing health tech in doubt after £2.1bn cash injection

Chris G

Re: Another one

What amazes me is that having just looked it up, NHS Digital employs 6000 people and they can't seem to come up with a working digital plan, perhaps they are underfunded and understaffed?

Or perhaps there isn't a single boss who has any fecking idea of how to choose and use the staff.

I'll bet there are a few good people in that crowd but who are unable to do their jobs due to PHBs all the way up.

UK Telecommunications Act – aka 'power to strip out Huawei' – makes it to the statute book

Chris G

Re: Huawei has always unsurprisingly denied it is a stooge for the Chinese Communist Party

As far as potential backdoors are concerned, I suppose the government must be extremely worried about the Chinese gathering all kinds of secrets from the UK, given the very short timeline they have allowed telcoms to rid themselves of Huawei kit. 2027!

New study demonstrates iodine as satellite propellant... in space

Chris G

Re: little was known about its fundamental properties

Iodine is thought to be bad for the recovery of the ozone layer but considering it will be used in microscopic amounts in orbits somewhat higher than the ozone layer, it is unlikely to have any significant effect. hopefully.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjSydT4taL0AhUi5uAKHYk3C8EQFnoECAcQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencedaily.com%2Freleases%2F2020%2F01%2F200113153310.htm&usg=AOvVaw2KcMF5uvbZk_MQxMG6EFED

Chris G

Re: Maybe mix the iodine

The ammonia helps it to make pretty purple smoke but is that good as reaction mass?

Magnanimous Apple will allow people to fix their iPhones using parts bought from its Self Service Repair program

Chris G

A spudger with rounded corners at a snip, only $299.99.

Also don't forget to not hold your tools wrong.

Survey shows XP lingers on while Windows 11 makes a 0.21% ripple in the enterprise

Chris G

Re: "could be totally reasonable if it's just from the managed company PCs"

Also, while PHBs may not be IT wise they can often see the signs that may cost the company more and reduce their bonuses.

If that is the case, they are likely to hold off as long as they can.

'We are not people to Mark Zuckerberg, we are the product' rages Ohio's Attorney General in Facebook lawsuit

Chris G

Re: Ohio’s Attorney General filed!

@ Falmari

I only read the article but looking up OPERS shows it is a trust set up to provide pensions etc for Ohio state employees so although I don't see anything dodgy about the AG prosecuting FB on their behalf, you are right, the trust is independant of the state.

Chris G

Re: Ohio’s Attorney General filed!

The AG is acting on behalf of the state's pensions investment fund and including other investors to give class action weight.

Though I do notice that the people who are most likely to sue FB or any other company for bad behaviour are investors worried about potential losses rather than being troubled by moral outrage from having invested in an amoral/immoral company.

Microsoft slows Windows 10 release cadence to yearly. If they're all as dull as the November Update, this is fine

Chris G

Re: Upgraded once a year but you'll be nagged 365 days a year to install Windows 11.

It is exactly as expected, I had a blocker for the WX nagging.

Currently, I get a nag bar for Edge every time I open my hotmail account and an 11 nag on the log in page on start up.

Chris G

I always have the feeling the majority of updates and upgrades are less about improvement and more about feeling the need to look as though they are doing something.

Fixing the unbroken is a part MS mentality.