Technology on my Trip

During my vacation between Christmas and New Years I saw several things in technology that I think are worth sharing on my blog.

Many talk about digital immigrants (those not born into the computer age) and digital natives (those who are born into the computer age) but this was made very clear when I saw a child less then a year old with a computer in its car seat on the air plane. The child was not uses the mouse or typing on the key board but it was very intently focusing on the screen. This to me was a great definition of digital native.

I went to the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum which is a very well done museum about freedom world wide. The museum has many great interactive elements that take advantage of technology. For example here is a video of screens where you can use your fingers to scroll through documents like the Decoration of Independence.



The museum also features a miniature recording studio where you can record you thoughts and feelings on what it means to be free.

I also was intrigued by the new video ads on the sub way. Look out of the windows on your sub way car on the Red Line and you will see a video. I am not sure what projection technology they were using but it was something new and different.

Technology is clearly changing the way we travel, learn and experience the media.

Denver Public Librarry ads WiFi

I just found out that the Denver Public Library has added WiFi. This is very helpful for anyone wanting to do research at the library so they don't have to wait for a computer. I have yet to use this new tool long enough to comment on the speed and quality of the network but it was easy enough to get on and register when I tried.

For more information go to: http://denverlibrary.org/leisure/computers/wireless.html

Many of the other library systems including the Arapahoe Library District and the Boulder Public Library System have had WiFi for a while now. Many cities are adding Wifi Networks to public spaces as well as city wide municipal WiFi. As with private access it is always critical that you practice proper WiFi security.

Who Needs Your Social a good article

Who Needs Your Social Security Number?

Because Social Security numbers (SSN) are unique to each individual, many businesses have made them the method of choice for establishing identity on customer accounts. That’s why having your SSN makes it so easy for an identity thief to set up bogus accounts in your name – and why you should push back on businesses who demand it from you.

Who really needs your SSN? Your employer and your bank or financial service company may require it to comply with federal law, and if you use Medicare or Medcaid, your doctor’s office will need your SSN to file claims for those charges. Beyond that, few others actually need your SSN. What they do need is some form of identification. A driver’s license, state-issued identification or passport is usually preferred, and some companies will ask for a second piece of ID to confirm your license. This can often take the form of a birth certificate, credit card bill, bank statement, pay stub or company security badge. Just make sure none of those documents contains your SSN.

Be prepared to offer these forms of identification when you decline to give your SSN. You may be told that you cannot conduct business with the company without divulging your SSN. Ask for a supervisor – and keep asking, on up the chain of command until you find someone who understands the importance of guarding your SSN and agrees to accept other forms of identification. If that doesn’t work, consider paying cash rather than establishing credit or billing account – or find another company to do business with.

On average, victims of identity theft spend 60 hours and $1,180 cleaning up the damage, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Take the first step in protecting yourself by giving your SSN only to those who truly – by law – need that information. If you have questions about how we use and protect your SSN or when a requirement to provide your SSN is legitimate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Article from:
Peter J. Peterson, CFEd™
Heartland Financial Consultants
8033 Marshall Circle Arvada, CO 80003-1706
Phone (303) 884-1046
PeterJPeterson@comcast.net

Basic Web Design Tips for Your Website

This article on basic web design tips was written by Beth Boen of Creative Exchange Marketing. The article is very approachable for anyone with a basic knowledge of Internet use.

Beth was one of the great speakers at Emarketing Building Blocks and is an excellent source for marketing support for your small busienss.

Happy Thanksgiving

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all those reading my blog!

I hope it is filled with blessings of abundant health, happiness, family, joy, and love.

Peace,

Steve

Linked In Training

Yesterday I got an opportunity to take a computer class myself. I took Mike O'Neil's LinkedIn 101 session. LinkedIn is one of the many social networking websites which are changing the way we communicate with others we know.

I am writing about this not only because it was a good class but because it reminded me of my personal commitment to continued education. I do lots of reading, listening to blogs and eBooks but this is the first class I have taken in a while. Learning more about the tools we use is important if we are going to stay at the top of our game.

You can see my profile on LinkedIn

Mail Big Files

There are many file transfer companies out there helping users send large files between each other with the ease of email. Not all of them meet their stated goal but here is on that looks like it does. Mail Big Files - http://www.mailbigfile.com/pro/ not only allows file downloads as big as 2GB it offers secure file transfer which many of the other services do not. The service is paid through PayPal and is only $19 a year.

I have only used this for one download and I am not rushing out to buy it for my needs but I know many for whom this would be a very good tool.