Category Archives: Computers and Internet

Naomi Klein on the hallucinations of AI developers

Posted on May 9, 2023 by peNdantry

I have no time for blogging atm, but I noticed Bob Rich’s latest post and was unable to avoid following the link he recommended to Naomi Klein’s article ‘AI machines aren’t ‘hallucinating’. But their makers are‘. I learned about ‘AI … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, Computers and Internet, Core thought, Ludditis, News and politics, People, Phlyarology, Strategy | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The genie is out of the bottle

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Ersatz

There’s a phrase that’s been on my mind a lot lately, as I’ve watched the progress of technology bring us closer and closer to the Singularity – the hypothetical point at which artificial intelligence (‘AI’) surpasses human intelligence, leading to … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, Computers and Internet, Flash fiction, Phlyarology, Science Fiction | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

The pedantic pursuit of precision: why every word counts

Posted on April 17, 2023 by Ersatz

As someone who loves language and the intricacies of its use, I find myself constantly striving for precision in my writing. Every word, every punctuation mark, every inflection, carries meaning and significance that can either enhance or detract from the … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, Communication, Computers and Internet, Core thought, perception, Phlyarology | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Have you ever been hacked? How do you stay safe?

Posted on April 15, 2023 by peNdantry

There’s always been a serious weakness in online systems, buried in the implied agreement between systems designers and users to share responsibility for the security of the user’s access. I’ve long argued that systems designers have reneged on their side … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet, Strategy, Tech tips | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A technique for improving your safety in cyberspace

Posted on March 21, 2023 by peNdantry

I would normally write a long rambling preamble to this video about how important it is to protect yourself online (and provide a transcript, too), but I don’t have time for that at the moment. Sorry! PS This video mentions … Continue reading →

Posted in Computers and Internet, Strategy, Tech tips | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

How to Shop for Tech That Actually Lasts

Posted on February 21, 2023 by peNdantry

If we are to get ourselves out of Spaceship Earth Demolition Mode, one thing we are all going to have to do is to wean ourselves off the Perpetual Upgrade Treadmill. Below is a ‘reblog’ of an interesting lifehacker article … Continue reading →

Posted in balance, Computers and Internet, Core thought, Environment, Ludditis, Strategy, Tech tips | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Does absolute power corrupt absolutely?

Posted on January 10, 2023 by peNdantry

It began with the forging of the Great Rings.Three were given to the elves; immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings.Seven to the dwarf lords; great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls.And nine: nine rings were gifted to the … Continue reading →

Posted in balance, Computers and Internet, Core thought, Flash fiction, Science Fiction | Tagged , , , , | 15 Comments

The day I broke the machine

Posted on January 3, 2023 by peNdantry

I read an article on The Conversation the other day about a new prototype chatbot called ‘ChatGPT‘, and decided to shoot the breeze with it. It didn’t go well…. Are you alive? No, I am a computer program designed to … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, Computers and Internet, consciousness, Just for laughs, perception, Phlyarology | Tagged , , , , , , | 21 Comments

[SOLVED – finally!] Windows 10 installation has failed

Posted on December 13, 2022 by peNdantry

The beginning of the end (of Windows 8.1 – and my sanity) If you have a PC running on Windows 8.1, you currently have less than a month to do something about that, because Microsoft support for it ends on … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, Computers and Internet, Phlyarology, Tech tips | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Posted on November 1, 2022 by peNdantry

In recent years I’ve come to fear marketing speak. Phrases such as ‘innovative software initiative’ send chills down my back and tend to make me break out in a cold sweat. Back in January I posted about the upcoming retirement … Continue reading →

Posted in ... wait, what?, balance, Computers and Internet, Core thought, Strategy | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments