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Gadgets to use if you can’t take your laptop on a plane

by Loknath Das
written by Loknath Das

Large electronics banned from cabins on some flights

As if tensions weren’t running high enough on flights already, soon you may not be able to carry on your laptop to binge watch your favorite series or catch up on work.

The Department of Homeland Security is considering a plan that would prohibit passengers from bringing large electronics into the cabin on flights from Europe to the U.S.

Here’s a gadget guide so you can keep working even if your laptop is checked into the hull.

Holder

gadgets laptop ban lockjaww 2

Laptops are great because you don’t have to hold them up to work on them. There are plenty of smartphone or tablet stands on the market, but there are also holders to keep your device closer to eye level. A company called “Lockjaww” makes a clamp that holds onto your phone or tablet and latches onto the tray table in front of you. It costs $20 and has a four-star rating on Amazon.

Keyboards

The other major advantage that laptops have over phones and tablets is the keyboard. If you need to work on a document on a flight, you probably won’t want to have to rely on typing on a touchscreen. There are inexpensive bluetooth keyboards that connect to pretty much any device, like OMOTON’s Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard, which costs $14 and has a 4.5 star average on Amazon.

gadgets laptop ban lg rollable
LG’s portable keyboard

There are also slimmer, but more expensive, options like LG’s $34 rollable keyboard. The four rows of keys on the keyboard can literally be folded up, which makes it a fourth of the size and is easier to store in your carry-on. It also has a built-in dock, which you can set your smartphone or tablet into.

Cordless Headphones

If you’re setting up a mini work station from your airplane seat, you’ll probably want as few cords as possible. So it might be time to splurge on bluetooth headphones like Apple’s AirPods ($159) or Bragi’s The Headphone ($149). The AirPods’ batteries only last five hours, so if you’re flying across the Atlantic and want to listen continuously, you’ll need a backup pair. Or take a break and stretch while the AirPods charge — Apple (AAPL, Tech30) says 15 minutes should give your battery three hours of listening time.

Adapter

Apple famously got rid of the headphone port on the iPhone 7, and nowhere is this more aggravating than on long-haul lights. It means you can’t charge your phone and have headphones plugged in at the same time. So if you don’t have wireless earbuds and want to turn your phone into your workstation, you need to get a splitter.

gadgets laptop ban adapter

There are a lot of options out there, but be careful because many have very poor reviews. Wofalodata makes a dual lightning adapter for iPhone 7/7 Plus, which costs $29 and has a four-star average on Amazon.

Battery

All of this will be useless if your phone or tablet dies. Since many economy seats still don’t have a USB port, consider investing in a solid portable battery charger. “mAh” (milliamp hour) is how most of these label how long the battery should last. A battery with 2000 mAh should power a device using 100 mAh for 20 hours. The Anker brand is consistently among the highest rated on Amazon. They start at $23 and promise to charge an iPhone 6 for 3.8 charges.

[“Source-cnn”]

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News Update

How to tell if your locks have been tampered with

by admin
written by admin

clip_image002

Fearing your locks have been tampered with is a worrying feeling. If you have just returned home you will be concerned that a stranger has been in your home and perhaps stolen your property. You may be afraid that they are still in your home. Perhaps most of all you are likely to worry that once the locks have been tampered with, your home is no longer secure and there is nothing to stop a burglar or stalker returning. If you suspect your locks have been tampered with, as well as calling the police, it is a good idea to contact a locksmith. They can advise you on suitable locks for your doors, helping you feel secure in your home once again.

There are a number of different ways a lock can be tampered with. A lock which has been forced may leave obvious signs, such as splintered wood, a warped frame or even a kicked in door. But there may also be more subtle signs such as bent latches or paint circles from where the lock fixture has been moved. If you are finding it hard to turn your key in the lock, this could be a sign that your lock has been picked or bumped.

Picking a lock, using a thin object such as a screwdriver or a pick, is a long established burglary technique. Picking a lock is time-consuming, but may leave few marks. To work out if your lock has been picked look at the metal around the keyhole. Over time that metal has become weathered and dull. If there are shiny scratches around the keyhole this could be a sign that someone has recently picked the lock.

Bumping is a technique used by locksmiths to open locks. A key has been filed into points so it resembles a saw. It is inserted into a lock and then withdrawn one click at a time, striking it to catch the lock tumblers. An amateur trying this technique may leave signs such as shiny marks around the keyhole from the hits. However when done properly, this technique leaves very few signs.

Suspecting your locks have been tampered with is a distressing feeling, but it is important not to panic. Contact the police at the earliest opportunity to report that you believe some has entered or tried to enter your property unauthorised. If you are confident it is safe to do so, you can check to see if any of your possessions are missing, but try to leave the area as undisturbed as possible for the police to investigate if necessary.

To improve security after a break-in or to prevent one from happening, contact a locksmith or a security expert to discuss possible improvements you can make. You could use a device to prevent a deadbolt being turned even after it has been unlocked or consider a sliding bolt. Most people are familiar with electronic locks on cars, but these can also be used in homes. These are not reliant on pins and tumblers to operate and so cannot be picked or bumped. Alongside new locks, security cameras and burglar alarms can be used as an added layer of protection. Whatever measures you use to keep your home secure, it is important to remain vigilant to any possible signs your locks have been tampered with.

For more information, visit Tony’s Locksmith.

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Tech Update

MEPs vote on robots’ legal status – and if a kill switch is required

by Rajdeep
written by Rajdeep

MEPs are to vote on the first comprehensive set of rules for how humans will interact with artificial intelligence and robots.

The report makes it clear that it believes the world is on the cusp of a “new industrial” robot revolution.

MEPs will decide whether to give robots legal status as “electronic persons”.

Designers should make sure any robots have a kill switch, which would allow functions to be shut down if necessary, the report recommends.

Meanwhile users should be able to use robots “without risk or fear of physical or psychological harm”, it states.

robotImage copyrightISTOCK
Image captionWill future robots require their own legal status as electronic persons?

The report suggests that robots, bots, androids and other manifestations of artificial intelligence are poised to “unleash a new industrial revolution, which is likely to leave no stratum of society untouched”.

The new age of robots has the potential for “virtually unbounded prosperity” but also raises questions about the future of work and whether member states need to introduce a basic income in the light of robots taking jobs.

Robot/human relationships raise issues around privacy, human dignity (particularly in relation to care robots) and the physical safety of humans if systems fail or are hacked.

The report acknowledges that there is a possibility that within the space of a few decades AI could surpass human intellectual capacity.

This could, if not properly prepared for, “pose a challenge to humanity’s capacity to control its own creation and, consequently, perhaps also to its capacity to be in charge of its own destiny and to ensure the survival of the species”.

It turns to science fiction, drawing on rules dreamed up by writer Isaac Asimov, for how robots should act if and when they become self-aware. The laws will be directed at the designers, producers and operators of robots as they cannot be converted into machine code.

These rules state:

  • A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm
  • A robot must obey the orders given by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the first law
  • A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first or second laws

Meanwhile robotic research should respect fundamental rights and be conducted in the interests of the wellbeing of humans, the report recommends.

Designers may be required to register their robots as well as providing access to the source code to investigate accidents and damage caused by bots. Designers may also be required to obtain the go-ahead for new robotic designs from a research ethics committee.

The report calls for the creation of a European agency for robotics and artificial intelligence that can provide technical, ethical and regulatory expertise.

It also suggests that in the light of numerous reports on how many jobs could be taken by AI or robots, member countries consider introducing a universal basic income for citizens provided by the state.

The report also considers the legal liabilities of robots and suggests that liability should be proportionate to the actual level of instructions given to the robot and its autonomy.

A robot holds a newspaper during a demonstration during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, on January 22, 2016.

“The greater a robot’s learning capability or autonomy is, the lower other parties’ responsibilities should be and the longer a robot’s ‘education’ has lasted, the greater the responsibility of its ‘teacher’ should be,” it says.

Producers or owners may, in future, be required to take out insurance cover for the damage potentially caused by their robot.

If MEPs vote in favour of the legislation, it will then go to individual governments for further debate and amendments before it becomes EU law.

[Source:- BBC]

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Internet

New Ransomware Offers Free Decryption Key to Victims if They Infect Others

by Rajdeep
written by Rajdeep

New Ransomware Offers Free Decryption Key to Victims if They Infect Others

Ransomware threats are getting more difficult and twisted in recent times. Over the past few months, tons of malware-related attacks have been carried out around the world at an alarming scale. The most recent case allegedly involves a Syrian group that wants more than just a ransom.

A ransomware named “Popcorn Time” – with no known relation to the streaming service – encrypts your Windows files with an AES-256 encryption. To unlock the files, the victim will need to pay one Bitcoin ($780 or roughly Rs. 52,600). However, the malware offers an alternative way to unlock the files as well.

The victim is also given the choice to infect two more people via a referral link. If they get infected and pay the ransom, then the original victim will receive a free decryption key to unlock the files. It is additionally found that entering the decryption code more than a few times can permanently lock the files.

The ransomware encrypts files in Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop folders as well as a number of file extensions after a recent update. The ransomware is reportedly still in development and certain details may change based on the updates.
Ransomware such as “Popcorn Time” have been a common sight and traditionally victims had no way out other than paying up. However, offering a free decryption key by infecting others is something quite new, and serves the group’s purpose of widely spreading the ransomware.

The ransomware, spotted by the MalwareHunterTeam, was reportedly made by a group of computer science students from Syria, who claim the ransom will be used as food and shelter in Syria.

“We are extremely sorry that we are forcing you to pay but that’s the only way that we can keep living,” said the ransomware note.

[Source:- gadgets.ndtv]

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Education

Students at top universities ‘ripped off by £9,000 fees’: Private memo photographed in Downing Street questions if amount charged can be justified given the quality of teaching

by Rajdeep
written by Rajdeep

A private memo, photographed being carried into the Cabinet Office in London, has revealed how ministers are questioning whether £9,000-a-year university fees can be justified given the 'quality and intensity of teaching'

Students are being ripped off by fees of £9,000 a year at some of Britain’s top universities, ministers secretly believe.

A private memo has revealed how they are questioning whether such fees can be justified given the ‘quality and intensity of teaching’.

The document was photographed yesterday being carried by an unnamed official as he left No10 and walked to the Cabinet Office.

It discloses that the Government does not believe it will achieve its target of doubling the number of poorer children attending top universities.

Drawn up by officials at the Department for Business, the memo is believed to apply to the leading Russell Group of universities.

It does not name specific institutions with ‘problems’ providing value for money. But it warns that the grades demanded by the ‘established’ universities will make it too hard for pupils from less well-off backgrounds to get in.

[Source:- Bbc]

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Education

National offer day: What to do if you fail to secure a place at secondary school

by Rajdeep
written by Rajdeep

A file photo of British students doing homework in the classroom

As national secondary school offer day arrives, what can you possibly do if your application for school admission has not been successful?

Sadly, for both you and your child, the period of uncertainty and anxiety will continue for some time as you embark on the somewhat difficult journey of having to negotiate the school admission appeals process, with often varying degrees of success.

However, there is a lot that you can do that will significantly improve your chances of reversing the decision through the statutory appeal process.

The admission authority, which may be the school governors or the local authority depending on the type of school, will make arrangements for appeals to be heard as soon as possible, but in some cases, appeals may not take place until the latter part of June or even July 2016.

Statistics show that only one in three appeals will be successful; this success rate will vary depending on the local authority where you live and also the school in question. So what can you do to improve your chances of a successful appeal?

1. Be prepared

It is important that you carry out research about your preferred school so that you can question the case at the appeal. You will need to ask a series of questions in advance to try and establish if the school has admitted pupils above their published admission number in the past and, if so, what have been the implications.

These questions will help to provide valuable information about the school to establish whether an additional pupil can be admitted without causing problems for the school

2. Make a strong written personal case

Make sure that you submit a well written and well researched case. Establish the reasons why you want your child to attend a particular school and back this up with written evidence.

For example, if there are strong medical or social reasons to attend a particular school, make sure that you obtain written support from a doctor, consultant or similar professional.

Such supporting letters will need to explain why your child needs to attend this particular school and the letter will need to say why the professional supports the appeal and the implications if your child attends a different school.

If you accept an offer at one school you will still be able to appeal at anotherIf you accept an offer at one school you will still be able to appeal at another  

3. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse

Knowledge breeds confidence and so do not be afraid to carry out thorough research about the school to prepare for the appeal.

Before the hearing, go through what you want to say and make notes so that you can refer to these to ensure you do not overlook something. If you think of something after the appeal it will be too late. Rehearse what you want to say and stay focused. Do not repeat the same point over and over again; the panel will get the point the first time.

4. Be polite

It might seem like an obvious point to make, but always treat the clerk, the panel members and the presenting officer with respect.

Treat them the way that you would expect to be treated. You do not want to lose the appeal before you have even started.

5. Stick to the facts

The appeal panel will reach a decision based on the facts of the case, so stick to them. It is understandable that you will become emotional but the outcome of the appeal will be based on the facts of each and every case.

In most situations, the appeal panel is unable to make comparisons between competing appeals because each appeal is determined on its own merits.

For you, the appeal will represent the last opportunity to secure a place at the school of your choice. Why risk the consequences of an unsuccessful appeal by not preparing thoroughly?

Attending appeals has been described as similar to taking a driving test or a public examination. It can be a very nervous experience. Your children deserve the best and so ensure that you give them every chance of success.

Things to remember:

  1. If you accept an offer at one school you will still be able to appeal at another, so make sure you immediately get your name on the waiting list of your desired school.
  2. The ‘Notice of Appeal’ form you need to use to appeal a decision should be included with your letter from the local authority – make sure you read the instructions thoroughly
  3. There’s normally a deadline, so make sure you familiarise yourself with it, and then start proceedings as soon as possible.                                                                                                                                                                                       [Source:- Telegraph]
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Internet

How to keep chatting if cyclone Nisarga knocks out your Internet

by Loknath Das
written by Loknath Das

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Cyclone Amphan, which recently hit West Bengal and Odisha, knocked out Internet connectivity in many parts of these states. Now with cyclone Nisarga making landfall over the Maharashtra coast, it is possible that the state will have to meet the same fate. While there is much one cannot do today without the Internet, our phones can still be useful for communication.

Internet-less communication apps have commonly been used in areas where governments have control over such connections, for instance in Kashmir. These apps use Bluetooth and peer-to-peer technologies to keep communication networks up in a crisis.

Bridgefy

The app uses Bluetooth for communication, meaning it can work for people who are in close contact with each other. However, Bridgefy also creates a mesh network with users’ devices, where a text travels from phone to phone – from a sender to receiver, thereby, eliminating the need for the Internet. The app can also be used for broadcasting messages to users, which can be quite useful during such a time.

Firechat

Firechat is another app that can create mesh networks using Bluetooth and P2P WiFi connections. It can be used to send messages among devices that are within 200 feet of each other. It encrypts private messages and also allows public texts to be sent out to communities.

Twitter via SMS

Twitter recently shut down its tweet via SMS feature in most parts of the world, but India seems to be among the countries where it is still available. Of course, this will only work as long as your regular cellular networks are working. Twitter via SMS was used by many journalists in the early days of the platform to cover an event live.

Briar

This app syncs using the TOR (The Onion Router), which is an open source software meant to allow users to avoid common surveillance techniques. That part though will only work when the Internet is active. Otherwise, the app can use Bluetooth and WiFi to allow communication among persons.

source: livemint

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Internet

Data Disclosure Exempted from RTI if Harm to Individual Outweighs Public Interest: Srikrishna Committee Draft

by Loknath Das
written by Loknath Das

Data Disclosure Exempted from RTI if Harm to Individual Outweighs Public Interest: Srikrishna Committee Draft

The draft for personal data protection law recommended by the Justice Srikrishna Committee proposes exemption of those personal information from disclosure under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which can cause harm to the person concerned.

The 213-page report, prepared by a 10-member committee set up last year under the chairmanship of the retired Supreme Court judge, Justice BN Srikrishna, said the data protection law is designed to limit the processing of personal data to legitimate reasons where the flow of information is beneficial and respects autonomy of the data principal.

The report which was submitted to the government on Friday has proposed amendments to the Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act which mentions exemptions from the disclosures under the Act.

“In addition to the likelihood of harm, disclosure should be restricted only where any likely harm outweighs the common good of transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities,” the report said regarding any personal information with a government authority.

“Only if such information is likely to cause harm to a data principal and such harm outweighs the aforementioned public interest, can the information be exempted from disclosure,” it added.

The report noted that nothing contained in the data protection bill will apply to the disclosure under Section 8(1)(j) section. This is to prevent privacy from becoming a stonewalling tactic to hinder transparency, it added.

“The RTI Act prescribes a standard for privacy protection in laying out an exemption to transparency requirements under Section 8(1)(j). This needs to be amended to clarify when it will be activated and to harmonise the standard of privacy employed with the general data protection statute.”

 

 

[“Source-gadgets.ndtv”]

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