Google's Fall Spring Cleaning

With the advent of Google+, many of Google's services have become redundant. In a bout of off -season spring cleaning, the Google team is shutting down many of these programs. Programs on the chopping block include:


• Buzz - Buzz is the social sharing network I have written about in the past. It has been eclipsed by Google+ and other services that beat Google to the punch on this front.

• Jaiku - Another social sharing network that allows users to post snippets and share short links. Unlike Buzz, Jaiku could be used to share photos and the like.

• iGoogle sharing - iGoogle was a sort of personalized homepage for your internet experience. They added games and gadgets for more interactivity (like old Yahoo! homepages, remember those?) The social gadgets let you share your favorite things with other iGoogle users - from your to-do list, to games, to articles.

• Bookmarks list - this feature let users share their bookmarks with friends.

• Friend connect - this feature lets users add social features to their websites, including making registration easy and allowing you to add ratings and commenting to content.

• Gears - this feature allowed users to create offline web apps. They are discontinuing this feature in an effort to move into HTML5, an updated language for web design that allows a lot of fancy new application programming and such. HTML5, in combination with CSS3 allows developers to do a lot of things that previously could only be done by the use of things like Flash.

• Search Timeline - this feature let users look at historical search data. This can now be found by using the Google Trends or Insights features.

• Wave - I wrote about the wave before. This was a really neat idea that just never caught on, which allowed users to interact, webchat, and share files throughout their development.

• Knol - This service allowed experts to work together to create and publish web content.

Navigating the Net

The internet can be a magical place. There is just so much STUFF out here. From today’s football scores to the price of tea in China, there’s a good chance there is a website, blog, album, or video series dedicated to it on the internet. But the benefit of the internet is also its downfall. How does one find the price of tea in China on the internet?

Answer: search engines!

A search engine works by going out and indexing or spidering websites. It automatically follows link to link to link. Then it takes all of the content it finds on those pages, and it uses that content to decide what the page is supposed to be about and how valuable that content in. The engine uses very complex algorithms to determine relevance and value in relation to any search term a user might put into the search engine. While most search engines keep their algorithms secret, they do release some general information about how they return results.  These algorithms are updated regularly to be more and more accurate, as well as to keep website owners from cheating to get their pages higher on Google's results page.

And using a search engine is so easy!

The Intel Classmate by Chester Creek

Earlier today, I was browsing articles online, and I came across this list of tech innovations that could change the world. Included on this list are improved sanitation, alternative energy, and one item we're fairly familiar with here at Chester Creek:  The Intel Powered Classmate. The Classmate is part of an initiative by Intel to bring technology to children across the world.  In fact, they have sent over four million laptops to places with low technology availability like Argentina.



This rugged tablet computer is particularly suited to the task at hand.  The tablet PC has been created to be durable, with a rugged case - drop tested from desk height - and some models have also been tested in extreme temperatures.  The other thing that really sets this line apart is that they include a "software suite of education tools to help teachers in the classroom," and keep students engaged.

You can read more on Intel's press release fact sheet.  You can also see Chester Creek's own version of the Classmate with the our unique, color-coded keyboard
specially designed to improve typing skills in students on our website.

Facebook updates, Google+ opens to public

Google+ initially saw limited adopters and mixed reviews. The overall reaction was that while all the features and usability improvements over Facebook were great, everyone was on Facebook already.... you get the idea. While Google+ might be fun to check out, might even seem more attractive as a social networking site, it is a challenge to get millions of users to pick up everything (online) and move to a new home. They continue to gain momentum, however, and it seems like Facebook is helping them do it.


Facebook has become known for making substantial changes to the user interface without a whole lot of advance warning or choice for the users. Recently, they updated their display by introducing a "Facebook within a Facebook" feed on the side bar and adding a "Top News" section at the top of the homepage. Before that it was updates to the friends list. These frequent updates have generally been met with more than reluctance by the user base. Some would even say that they have been met with disgust. Roughly 86% of users dislike the newest round of Facebook updates. That statistic can be found on this really great infographic from SodaHead data with other details about users and opinions of Facebook, as well as on the on-going poll available on the Wall Street Journal (87.4% as of 9/25).

At the same time as Facebook's updates (Kind of. More updates from Facebook are imminent), Google+ is opening to the public. The service is no longer invite-only, but is available to all. They are also amping up the action with an added 100+ features since it was unveiled in June, and more to come. Integration with email and document storage is only part, though it could be a game changer. With Google's full array of services, they are in a position to offer the consumer:

• social networking

• photo sharing

• photo editing

• email

• document storage

• web chat

• video conferencing

• search

• advertising

• an e-library

• blogging

• translation

• news

• geo-check ins

• and more, all from one place

With functionality and ease of use the major item of consideration for the majority of consumers, this may mean quite a bit for the search giant. Add to that the technology (and attitudes) that has won over the geek crowd and Google+ is in a fantastic position.

If only they can talk more users into jumping ship from Facebook.

Web Evolution Infographic

Browsing the web today, I came across the coolest interactive infographic.

This infographic does a great job of creating a "funner" timeline of the internet than one might find elsewhere.  It hits all the major points, like developments in CSS and JavaScript.

Check it out.  Were you on the web when Netscape was the only option?  I have never gotten along with Netscape, even in the mid-nineties.  However, I have heard good things from other about the old Netscape.  Apparently it was once the fastest and most reliable browser for the Mac OS.  I believe it was purchased by AOL around the end of 1998.

How about the first version of Internet Explorer?  You can still download it, as a matter of fact.  Not that you would want to.  I imagine it would break the internet pretty hard (prevent pretty much everything from displaying or functioning correctly on the internet, that is).  I know IE 6 and 9 are already doing a pretty good job of that.  I'm a big fan of Opera and Chrome, myself.  Most of the best features of Mozilla/Firefox were available in Opera first.  Plus it is so easy to customize.  Chrome is amazing because it’s so fast.  It is a slim, sleek browser that gives you the option of using a ton of great add-ins.  Where it's different than other browsers in that respect is that all of the add-ins are opt in - you have to specifically request them.  The lack of bloatware is part of what makes Chrome so fast and reliable.

That's all… just my two cents.  Again, check out the infographic for details on the evolution of some of the things you use to access the internet.

No more goofin' off guilt

How many of you ever get bored at work?  Be honest, I won't tell.  Sometimes we all need a break.  A recent study means you shouldn't feel so guilty about that.

According to an article published by the Wall Street Journal this month, recreational web surfing during work actually increases productivity.  Web browsing like that, taking a mini break, is usually to sites that we enjoy.  No one sneaks a break from actual work to do something they dislike.  According to the study, taking a break to do something like respond to emails does not have the same beneficial effects.  Correspondence it not always enjoyable, even though it may be a break from the tasks at hand.  The recreational browsing can refresh a worker and increase their focus once they return to work, allowing them to more than make up for the time spent.

So the next time you're at your desk, glance around, and navigate to angry birds, don't feel so bad.  Just make sure you get back to work sooner rather than later.

Happy Birthday, Technology!

My first CD was the soundtrack to Titanic.  Interestingly enough, my fiancée’s first CD was also a soundtrack - the Matrix.  Do you remember your first CD? (or record, or cassette, or 8-track?)  Our first CD's were from 1997 and 1998, respectively.  Yup.  CD's that are now over 12 years old, which to me sounds old.  Have we really been using compact disks that long?  Whatever happened to cassettes and floppies?  I don't remember my first of either of those, but I definitely had them.  Matter of fact, I still have an old tower at home that reads floppies.  I think the system backups are on floppies for it. But even so, 12 years.  The first CD to ever roll off the line (of the factory, not just a test) was The Visitors album from ABBA.  That was in 1982, almost 29 years ago exactly.

Have we really been using compact disks for twenty-nine years?  What? And now, we have not just the USB port for data transfer, but the USB 2.0.  And the Thunderbolt, previously mentioned, which may eventually usurp the USB's throne.

How fast the world changes...

Web 2.0

You have probably heard the phrase "Web 2.0" thrown around a lot.  Its used frequently by the tech-savvy to describe a trend in technology that has grown ever more prominent since the rise of the internet - particularly in the last five years or so.


Wikipedia defines Web 2.0 as:

A term associated with web applications that facilitate participatory information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web. A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators (prosumers) of user-generated content in a virtual community, in contrast to websites where users (consumers) are limited to the passive viewing of content that was created for them. 

Web 1.0, therefore, represents a time when websites were generally used to throw information out there, to be retrieved by anyone who wanted it.  Today, users and creators are one and the same.  It no longer takes a tech or an IT department to create a website, build a blog, or publish a video.  As users became creators, the line between the two has blurred such that most current websites are interactive.  Sites have surveys, forms, games, etc. that allow users to both receive and send information, interacting with a dynamic webpage.  At the very least, a good many of the companies with a grounded web presence offer links to social networking sites like Facebook or LinkedIn in an effort to engage users.  Engaged users are not only more likely to keep coming back, but they can help you to continually adapt the site to bring in more users.


This give and take of information and ideas is key in the world of online business, building a web presence, and even politics.  Social media and Web 2.0 have molded our world in ways subtle and obvious.  It was not terribly long ago that Twitter helped civilians coordinate a revolution in Egypt, after all, and though some claim Web 2.0 is a fad, this seems to me to be more of an evolution.

Thunderbolt!

Thunderbolt (originally codenamed Light Peak) is an interface for connecting peripheral devices to a computer via an expansion bus.  (Wikipedia)

Thunderbolt was explained to me as being the replacement for the USB.  It is a technology that allows super high speed transfer of data, which can also be daisy-chained between multiple devices.

With the 10 Gbps performance of Thunderbolt products you can (Per Intel)

• Transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds
• Backup 1 year of continuous MP3 playback in just over 10 minutes

This technology was developed by Intel, and brought to market through collaboration with Apple.  This technology allows transfer of nearly all types of data.  You can daisy chain up to six devices by connecting them one to the other, and connecting to devices of various levels of performance will not slow the performance of any of the faster devices.

Check out the following links for more info:

Downsides to Thunderbolt

Make Tech Easier

Why we love the internet

The internet.   The tubes.  The interblag.  The bloggosphere.  The webnet.  The intertubes.  The webberblog.  The blagonet.

From Wikipedia:

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet can also be defined as a worldwide interconnection of computers and computer networks that facilitate the sharing or exchange of information among users. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support electronic mail.

It goes by many names, but what is the internet to you?

A way to connect

• Sharing pictures with your family, see your grandkids decorating the Christmas tree that day.
• Getting recipes or tips from message boards, any time night or day.
• Ordering prescriptions for pick up from the comfort of your couch and getting a notification on your phone when they're ready.
• Paying bank statements online
• Shopping online
• Playing games from World of Warcraft to Cribbage.
• Catching up on reading - ebooks are cheap and accessible almost anywhere
• Chat with friends on the other side of the country (My pen pal is in Washington state)
• Learn!  There's so much information out there!

What do you use the internet for?

Chin up - look for ergonomic technology

Are you reading this on a computer, smartphone, or tablet?  If it is a computer, is it a desktop, laptop, or netbook?

Studies consistently show that chronic back and shoulder pain is on the increase.  The culprit is likely the increased use of technology.  Specifically, it is the increasingly mobile technology that is causing the problem.  Poor posture pulls your body out of its correct alignment.  Even five, ten years ago, posture was better and related chronic pain was less common.  This is because as America tranwsitions to more mobile solutions like laptops, netbooks, and tablets, we crane our necks further and further.  Desktops, while not perfect, at least put the screen closer to eye-level, reducing neck strain.

This is not to say that one shouldn't use these technologies;  the trick is to use the with awareness.  Pay attention to your posture.  Make a point of getting up and walking around every hour or so.  Physical activities and stretching can also help.

If all else fails, try a more ergonomically correct office arrangement - a better chair, better keyboard, a mouse that fits better, or maybe a monitor stand/riser to bring the screen up to eye level.

Where Tablets Fall Flat

Today I stumbled across an interesting article about iPads, which I rather agreed with. These are fun little toys, and work great for casual surfing on the go. You can even check your email, if you use a compatible account.

There are downsides aplenty, of course. The most discussed short-fallings are things like lack of Flash support, or sheer adaptability. Flash is necessary to many web applications like video. iPads come with iOS and are strictly regulated, as far as things like compatibility with third-party applications, programs, and software. To make an iPad (or even iPhone) do many of the things Android tablets do, users must "jailbreak" them.

Leaving all the software short-comings aside, the obvious failing of an iPad -- or any tablet, for that matter -- is the lack of physical controls.

Like many users, I have been impressed with the predictive text software on an iPad. This makes it significantly easier to use. However, sometimes an otherwise innocuous typo, caused by the smoothness of the screen and less-than-Olympic level accuracy, is auto-corrected into something completely ridiculous. Oft-times, it is also difficult to navigate on a tablet due to some combination of the webpage or app you are looking at and the way the gestures are intended to work.

Although I am easily classified into the "digital generation" and grew up with technology, I also have to put myself in the "old-fashioned" camp that longs for a tactile keyboard for anything other than "casual" surfing.

Google is Making Waves in Social Netwokring

How many of you out there remember Google Wave?  How about Google Buzz?  


Google Wave was a service based on online real-time collaborative editing.  This service was released by invite only, at first, and allowed users to video chat, share documents, edit those documents, and see changes made by other in real time.  It also tracked the changes so you could see who had done what.  This could have revolutionized group projects and business proposals.  There were only two problems.  First, as a completely new type of service to most people, there was quite a bit of a learning curve, not just to learn how to use but also in what situations it would be helpful to use the service.  Second, because of the slow, invitation-only roll-out, there were relatively few others using the service.  Speaking from personal experience as one of the first users of the wave in the general public (I don't consider myself part of the beta, early-adopter, trend-setting crowd), only one of my contacts was using Wave.  There was not a whole lot of incentive to learn all of its features, and we had few applications for it in our lives.  Google Wave is still available, to the best of my knowledge, but I believe that it is no longer being developed or released for new users.


Google Buzz is a social networking service that takes Twitter's lead and moves further.  You can post links, comments, pictures, etc... and share them with your contacts.  What's more, it is integrated directly into Google's mail application, which currently holds over 7% of the market share, if you will, for email clients.  Moreover, Google's mail app is growing in usage by over 20% annually, making it the second fastest growing email client, next to iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad.  Even so, most people don't bother with Google Buzz.


Now, Google is rolling out a new, more extensive, social networking site.  Look for my next post, with more details.

More Hacking News

Lists are fun!

• Hacking can be good or bad, white hat or black hat.
• Many of the "rogue" hacking groups lately gaining media attention are "grey" hat.  They aren't out solely to take advantage for their own gain, but they also are not working for companies or governments to help patch security flaws.
• LulzSec, discussed in a previous post, hacks "for the lulz."  They sometimes maliciously steal information and disperse it to the "Twitter Horde" to use as they will, but they also sometimes use their powers for good - exposing individuals who view or purchase child pornography and stealing their information in order to make their lives more difficult, for instance.
• LulzSec has also been releasing documentation lately illustrating that they have been alerting organizations to their security flaws and giving a grace period before attacking.  They are actively forcing companies and organizations to close their security gaps.
• Other "grey hat" hacking includes hacking that is neither malicious nor done to benefit others, like hacking the Microsoft Kinnect to do interesting things.
• The future of hacking promises to be exciting to say the least.  While the actual volume of hacking has not increased, it is becoming more publicized.  Additionally, the technologies at work are increasing and changing all the time.  Bill Gates has said that the future of hacking is in biology - learning the code of genetics well enough to manipulate or replicate in technology.
• The future of hacking seems to be of growing interest to many.  The first-ever Defcon Kid's conference is being held in Nevada this, and focuses on young and aspiring hackers, teaching the to use their powers of inquisitiveness for good.  Word has it that the ever-secretive NSA (National Security Agency) will be scouting young talent, as will many other organizations.

Rebels Without a Cause: LulzSec

Most people have heard of Anonymous.  They are a mostly-political activist group of hackers, or hacktivists. Anonymous has gained a fair reputation in the last several months for being powerful enough to take down what sites they like, for supporting file sharing, and for activities supporting revolution in the Middle East.

Aside from these morally motivated pursuits, Anonymous is also responsible for several less defensible attacks and pranks, such as bombarding YouTube with porn disguised as family-friendly film.

Lately, a new hacker group has been making headlines: LulzSec.  LulzSec, or Lulz Security, is a grey hat hacker group committed to revealing and making fun of embarrassing security flaws.  Grey hat in this case means neither malicious hacking for personal gain (black hat), or paid hacking meant to test security features and reveal gaps before they are exploited (white hat).  Big name hacks include PBS, Sony, Bethesda Games, pron.com, Infragaurd (affiliated with FBI), and CIA.

These attacks range from just-for-fun, pointing-out-a-problem-cause-we-want-to-help, on down to the government attacks, motivated by a statement made by the Pentagon that hacking could be considered an act of war.  LulzSec considers it a game, not war, and seemed upset by the comparison.  In retaliation, they hacked the Senate website, releasing some non-crucial data along with  taunting statement (previous link is to an article by LulzSec, contains profanity).

LulzSec's main message breaks down into a few points:

1. Don't everyone be so serious.
2. Be more careful with your security (don't reuse passwords).
3.   It's a game.  We're winning.

Personally, I'd say the first two are fairly good advice.  

Denmark, another lovely country with delicious connotations

Denmark is known for many things. At the top of that list, I would have to put Danishes.  Who doesn't love a good pastry, right?  They are also known for:

• Their resistance to the Nazi's final solution during WWII
• Hamlet - the famous Shakespearean play
• Hans Christian Anderson, the famous children's author
• Vikings!

Denmark also happens to be the home of another of our wonderful international distributors, Danbit.  

Danbit was founded in 1970, primarily focusing on electronic measurements, particularly of weight, for industrial uses.  Since then, Danbit has become one of the first companies in the nation to begin importing hardware from Taiwan and currently maintains an office in Taipei (Meg and Tasha visited Taipei earlier this year!)  Technical expertise has continued to be Danbit's largest advantage as they move more towards PC products for industrial application, such as sturdy keyboards (guess who makes some of those!).  With less than two dozen staff members, Danbit is a little company with big operations, and we are happy to be one of their suppliers.  

Most Wanted: ReaderBoard, Alias: BoomerBoard

Chester Creek is best known for its Children's mice and its large-key keyboards.

Our VisionBoard and VisionBoard 2 feature huge, bold, easy-to-read lettering on a key that is a full inch across.  This keyboard is perfect for individuals who suffer from vision and/or motor impairments.  You can see below how easy it is to read the legend.  Notice also that the keys are sufficiently large and spaced so that even users with arthritis or impairments that cause shaking can use these keyboards. We now offer our VisionBoards in a wireless model, to make them even more portable, adaptable, and usable.  For users who have an especially difficult time hitting the correct key or hitting only one key at a time, we also offer the KeyGuard, making every key stroke a bullseye.

What many of our consumers don't realize is that our VisionBoard has a younger brother, the ReaderBoard.   The ReaderBoard is the perfect solution for individuals who work in low light or suffer from slight to moderate vision  impairment.  The ReaderBoard has the same layout and key size as a standard keyboard, making a switch absolutely seamless.  What sets it apart from standard keyboards (apart from that stylish design, of course) is that the ReaderBoard features a legend 250% the size of a standard keyboard.  I'd like you to take a moment now to look at the keyboard you're using now.  See the letters, numbers, and commands?  How much of the key do they take up?  I'm guessing about one quarter - maybe they're in the top left corner of the key, like my laptop.  The ReaderBoard's labels fill the entire key with bold white lettering, so you can read it whether you're working late in low light, getting a jump start before the sun is shining in the window, or even when you just don't feel like grabbing your reading glasses.

That's the beauty of the ReaderBoard.  For many individuals, standard keyboards can be hard to read.  This doesn't mean those users need or want to transition to a large-key keyboard.  Chester Creek has created a middle ground.  With thousands of Boomers reaching the "mature-but-not-old-yet" stage, the ReaderBoard, or the BoomerBoard as we like to call it, is the perfect solution.  There's no reason you need to wear reading glasses just to use a computer or transition to a large-key keyboard just because the tiny letter on a standard board strain your eyes in certain light.  As always, you can rely on Chester Creek to be working on bringing you exactly what you need for every stage of your life  From toddling to school to work and to retirement, we're there for you.

(Don't forget to check out our Wireless Mice to match the Vision Boards and our super-comfortable ReaderMouse to match the ReaderBoard.)

Effects of Computer Use on Students

As technology is becoming more and more prevalent in both our society and our school systems, students and teachers are integrating computer use into most every aspect of learning.  Since the advent of affordable computers for individuals, there have been studies focusing on the impact these resources have on the students.

• In 1994, Jame Kulik found that students who used computer-based instruction scores at the 64th percentile, compared to students in control conditions without computers, who scored in the 50th percentile.
• He also found that students learn more when instruction incorporates technology, and students have a more positive attitude when classes include computer-based learning.
• In 1998, Jay Sivin-Kachala found that students saw a positive impact on all major subject areas when in technology rich environments.  This increased achievement occurred from pre-school to high school and in both regular and special ed classrooms, though the depth of impact depended upon many factors.
• He, like Kulik, noted that student's attitudes improved when computers were used for instruction.
• Dale Mann conducted a study of the West Virginia Basic Skills/ Computer Education initiative in 199, and found that participation in computer eduction raised students' scores on standard tests.    The largest improvement was seen in low-achievement students.
• He also found that girls and boys benefited equally from computer access.  
• Moreover, Mann found that computer education was more cost effective than reducing class size, increasing instructional time, and cross age tutoring programs.
• Findings by Harold Wenglinsky in 1998 are supportive of the above findings, as they relate to fourth- and eighth-grade students.  His study was controlled for socioeconomics, class sizes, and teacher characteristics to ensure accuracy and significance of the findings pertaining to technology.
• These references are from an article, "The Impact of Education Technology on Student Achievement" by John Schacter.

Speaking of criss-crossing the map...

Speaking of criss-crossing the map, Chester Creek is coming to Taipei! Next week, three of our diligent workers will be hopping on a much-too-long flight over a little water in order to attend the world's second largest  computer exhibition (second only to CeBit)!  In fact, the show takes up not one or two but five full conference halls!  Since it is not open to the public, that is a lot of tech professionals.

Computex Taipei is an annual show that sees tens of thousands of foreign buyers, including Chester Creek.  In addition to buyers, this conference also attracts hordes of journalists, analysts, observers, and others.  This show will also be the platform from which some of the most important and possibly revolutionizing products of the year are unveiled.  Many of these products will not be consumer ready for several months, however.  Check out some of the great new products on display at the conference here!

Look for our report on the conference in the weeks to come!

Distributors, eh? Our Friends North of the Border

Chester Creek produces computer keyboards, mice, and accessories that are available world wide.  We ship right here in Duluth all the way to the land down under.  But we could never do it without help.  It's time to give some credit where credit is due.  We're going to start off with our nearest neighbors to the North: Canada, eh?

Chester Creek has a handful of distributors in the great white North that is Canada, but today, we are going to focus on just three. Special Needs Computer Solutions offers their consumers the nicest and newest assistive technology.  With hundreds of items ranging from ergonomic work stations to portable Braille printers to large-print keyboards (you already knew that part, didn't you?).  Special Needs Computer Solution puts the focus on support, including consultation and training for the products they carry.  Check them out online here.

Aroga has been providing assistive technologies to their consumers for twenty-three years.  Look to Aroga for vision aids, communication aids, physical access products, and education tools.  Not only do they offer a variety of products, they also offer a variety of resources.  Aroga provides information on training, events, and the latest low-vision news.   Find all this and more here.

Last but not least is Bridges.  Bridges brings together a team of professions to bring their customers great assistive technology.  They offer direct sales as well as professional developement in both English and French.  As their vision statement says, Bridges aims to:

• To provide a wide-offering of solutions to individuals with special needs that will facilitate their successful participation in all areas of their life.
• To promote awareness of Assistive Technology and the impact that it has on individuals with special needs.
• To promote successful implementation of Assistive Technology through professional development programs (that increase knowledge, skill and application of Assistive Technology).

 Take a look at their offerings here.

Of course, the one thing all these companies have in common is a devotion to bringing their consumers the best new products and the most reliable old favorites - including an array of Chester Creek products.