Virtual Reality. What's real?

Hello all,

Welcome back!

Here are some videos demonstrating 360 view which is a type of virtual reality. Although, these videos are better appreciated through devices like Google Cardboard, you can still toggle around the video to experience the 360 view. Try it in full screen!

PAC-MAN 360

Every Super Mario Game Ever 360

Annoying Orange in 360

I hope you've enjoyed the this taste of Virtual Reality!

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Say goodbye to these products and services!

Hey you!

 Nice to see you back! (not really).

Yoo-hooo!

The internet moves fast! So quickly in fact that every year there is always a new piece of tech out to get.  So with all of these exciting treats being produced and distributed on the regular, the younger generation doesn't have any time to appreciate old technologies that came before them. When I was growing up I remembered hanging on to my cassette player and using my old desktop windows 98 (that thing took up so much space) but eventually I had to move on to CD players and the more convenient laptop. So here are some product and services that will disappear just as my Sony Walkman cassette player (with the FM radio and bass booster) did so many years ago and corresponding reasons why. 

•  Cash, checkbooks, credit cards and ATM's-online banking takeover
•  USB sticks-Cloud storage takeover
•  Passwords-Biometrics takeover
•  The remote control-Remote control app takeover 
•  Static documents and paper agreements-Cloud agreements/Encrypted email takeover  

So there you have it, maybe you might miss them or maybe you wont but regardless its happening whether we like or not. The over is coming... Sounds spooky right? eh, maybe not.

Even so, I'd like to dedicate a long overdue moment of silence for my Sony Walkman cassette player (so many memories).

Thanks for reading my blog!

3 Things I dislike about the internet... lol

Hello world, 

Welcome Back! 

We all know that the internet of things (IoT) is derived of the many things that make our lives more simple but, that doesn't mean that everything on the internet is good for us. This blog is about the amazing things that are produced in the IoT but, just to show you that I'm not a robot sent to brainwash you into thinking the internet is without it's flaws, I have decided to come up with this list of 3 things I dislike about the internet. Im sure most of you can relate. Enjoy!

1.It Makes Me Angry 

I don't know about you, but I do pretty much everything on the internet such as finances, general researching, working, blogging, talking, chatting, texting, clothes shopping, gift shopping, grocery shopping (thanks to amazon), driving with GPS, listening to music, watching videos and the list can go a lot farther than that. So with all of the things I do everyday with the internet at my disposal, Imagine what would happen if (this has happened before) in the middle of work the internet decides to freeze up because it's taken up too much bandwidth traffic? Just trust on this one, I won't be the only one in frustration mode, just the ask the customer. With so many things that we do with the internet, we have to have it working at all times in order for our lives to stay afloat. I mean when I think about the way things work in this day and age, I realized for most companies, if the boss says the internet is not working that is most likely a day off. Bringing up my next point ...

2. It is out of my control 

The internet is very young, with the rise of the electronic computer in the 1950's and the very beginnings of the World Wide Web in the late 1980's it is an astonishing sight to see how far we have come. Unfortunately, the main with the internet is we do not fully understand it and because we don't fully understand it, it can and will be used against us. The internet and those who know how to control it can violate our rights of privacy and steal our most precious information like photo memorabilia or worse, money. Aside from that, the internet is becoming more and more congested everyday with billions more signing on around the more it can very difficult keep an eye on everyone. 

3. There is a lot of misinformation

With billions joining the internet around the world you can be sure to expect an abundance of rumors, hoaxes and flat out fake news. There are trends since the internet came out like photoshopping that I feel are distasteful and take away from natural beauty of the human image. Regardless, however way which I go about it I don't think these trends are going away time soon. 

So let's us work together!

Aside from all of these things the internet is still somewhere, (even amongst all of the garbage) where humans can still have a place to share knowledge globally without remorse but, not without consequences. It can provide us with a means to feel connected to the rest of the world but not without a feeling of detachment form reality. So make sure to lay off the apps every once in
awhile, there are real people out there, turn away from the screen and look around! 

Happy Sunday!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Prosthetic Arm Wikipedia Post

Hello all,

Welcome back!

While on Wikipedia, on the (Internet of Things) IoT page, I realized that the medical and healthcare section did not have any information on the upcoming developments of robotic arms for amputees. Here is what the entry previously looked like.

IoT devices can be used to enable remote health monitoring and emergency notification systems. These health monitoring devices can range from blood pressure and heart rate monitors to advanced devices capable of monitoring specialized implants, such as pacemakers, Fitbit electronic wristbands, or advanced hearing aids.^[49] Some hospitals have begun implementing "smart beds" that can detect when they are occupied and when a patient is attempting to get up. It can also adjust itself to ensure appropriate pressure and support is applied to the patient without the manual interaction of nurses.

^[79] Specialized sensors can also be equipped within living spaces to monitor the health and general well-being of senior citizens, while also ensuring that proper treatment is being administered and assisting people regain lost mobility via therapy as well.^[80] Other consumer devices to encourage healthy living, such as, connected scales or wearable heart monitors, are also a possibility with the IoT.^[81] More and more end-to-end health monitoring IoT platforms are coming up for antenatal and chronic patients, helping one manage health vitals and recurring medication requirements.^{[citation needed]}

I have taken it upon myself to add a little bit of information on the subject and I also added my source on the matter as well, for your viewing pleasure of course and to spread awareness.

IoT devices can be used to enable remote health monitoring and emergency notification systems. These health monitoring devices can range from blood pressure and heart rate monitors to advanced devices capable of monitoring specialized implants, such as pacemakers, Fitbit electronic wristbands, or advanced hearing aids.^[49] Some hospitals have begun implementing "smart beds" that can detect when they are occupied and when a patient is attempting to get up. It can also adjust itself to ensure appropriate pressure and support is applied to the patient without the manual interaction of nurses.

^[79] Specialized sensors can also be equipped within living spaces to monitor the health and general well-being of senior citizens, while also ensuring that proper treatment is being administered and assisting people regain lost mobility via therapy as well.^[80] Other consumer devices to encourage healthy living, such as, connected scales or wearable heart monitors, are also a possibility with the IoT.^[81] More and more end-to-end health monitoring IoT platforms are coming up for antenatal and chronic patients, helping one manage health vitals and recurring medication requirements.^{[citation needed]}

Medical advancements have taken many forms, such as the Research & Development Corporation (DEKA) prosthetic limbs for disabled amputees. The battery powered arm uses myoelectricity, a device that converts muscle group sensations into motor control. FDA has already approved these arms in 2014. The arm is nicked named Luke Arm after Luke Skywalker (Star Wars).^[82]

These developments are significant in both the internet of things and in the medical field. Forthcoming is a world where amputees will no longer have to live in fear. Let's keep moving!

His name is Fred😤 and because of the Luke Arm, he's drinking water like a champ!

Thanks for reading my blog !

CompTIA CertMaster Review... Come take a peak!

Welcome newcomers and those returning for another look-see at my post on the internet of things !!

Currently sending out virtual high fives!

Now to the good stuff....

Sometimes in the world of amazing technologies we forget that these devices need protection from more than just malicious people looking to steal your information through shoulder surfing (read my previous post on shoulder surfing). There are individuals out there who specialize in cyber-security that can help mitigate threats that we don't see occurring everyday. The thing is, these individuals usually need a lot of education and training. The most basic and sought after cyber-security certification is the CompTIA Security+ Certification.

The best way to prepare for this exam ?

Drum roll (please)                                    

... is by using the CompTIA Certmaster  which is an intelligent study guide for taking the CompTIA Security + certification exam. You’ll start learning by answering questions right away and CertMaster will always adjust your path through the course automatically, based on what you already know. It keeps extreme focus on all of the exams objectives, such as:

• Network security
• Compliance and operational security
• Threats and vulnerabilities
• Application, data and host security
• Access control and identity management
• Cryptography

I am actually in the process of obtaining my CompTIA Security+ certification and I have been using the CompTIA CertMaster everyday since I have found out about it. From my experience here are some highlighted pros and cons: 

Advantages: 

• CertMaster is easy and convenient to use. Users can log in from any PC or Mac, using most modern web browsers.
• The availability of free CertMaster apps for iOS and Android is a welcome bonus. The iOS app is only offered as an iPhone app, but it scales up to look acceptable on an iPad as well.
• Candidates should expect CertMaster content to appropriately reflect what they will experience on the related exam.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive
  
  
• Does not offer any “performance-based questions.” These are scenario/simulation questions that appear in a number of CompTIA exams, including A+, Network+, and Security+.

Overall, I believe that this study guide was definitely a great choice. I your on the path towards becoming a cyber security professional, there is a free CertMaster free trial version that you can test out for yourself on the CompTIA website. 

If anyone wants to comment on my page and share some useful information about the exam please do, I need all the help I can get!

Thanks for reading my blog!

The rise of Trans-humanism.....

Think about this....

Imagine a world where human beings can literally be a part of the internet of things. What do I mean by this? I mean a world in which there is no longer a physical body to hold on to, instead a world where technology has become so advanced that we have somehow figured out a way to UPLOAD our consciousness into surrogate bodies made up of hard metal and wires. 

This is what we call Transhumanism which by definition is the belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology.

It is hard to imagine such a world where you can be completely detached from your body and and live forever in a "Smart-Body" (like the Smartphone) where all you have to do watch your favorite youtube video is just open the palm of your hand, (hey, it is not impossible). However, Developments are already underway through the internet of things. Even though it is moving at a slow pace, it is possible mankind will see our first conscious brain move into a body not of it own origin soon enough. 

Yes, there can be benefits to this kind of new age of living, such as increased life longevity, increased strength and memory capacity but none of these changes appeal too strongly to me. 

Now, don't get me wrong I love the advances technology has made and everything that has the potential of becoming (hence my blog) but I don't feel that this "new existence" is necessary. I feel that technology and humankind should remain separate so there is no need to unite the two. I mean look at how close we are to our smartphone's already isn't that enough? (corny joke). To be more realistic though, think about what if this cybernetic world does one day exist, how could we remain happy? Think about a world where we decided to go through with the procedure for a surrogate body but our family didn't want to for whatever reason, wouldn't that be a lonely world to live in? Everyone you care about will end up being a distant memory because of the limitations of the natural body. 

1. 

   
   

Not my ideal utopia. 

I know there are so many other factors at play here from both sides, but the way I see it, adhering to this kind of living is disturbing the natural order of life. This is, in not so subtle way, only a means for the destruction of what it means to truly be human and not subhuman. 

Besides when looking at all of the amazing, fascinating and creative things that humans have conjured up and the beautiful things that are still left to be written about in the history books life doesn't need to get any better (at least not as far as the removal of our brains) because this world is already an astounding everyday jaw dropper. 

Although, it would be bad ass to have a cool robot suit like Iron Man... Nice!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Look over your shoulder....cold truth of Shoulder Surfing

Picture this....

It is 10 pm at night and you just got home to put down your keys, your coat and shoes after a long days work. No one is home, your kids are at your mother's house and your spouse has yet to come home from their job, so you pour yourself a glass of of wine and sit down in front your computer. You decide to look at your finances through the account on the bank website, but you realize something rather quickly about your account, YOU HAVE NO MONEY!

Then you freak out. You even call your spouse with accusations but to no avail because they know just as much as you do, absolutely nothing. So you think and you think, when you realize something. When you received your weekly check today at work you decided to deposit your check via the bank's smartphone app. The problem there, is while your typing up your phone security codes, usernames and passwords a mischievous co-worker was right behind you, right over shoulder, leaving you to be a victim shoulder surfing. One of the most easiest ways to invade someones privacy and obtain sensitive information but also the most easily preventable.

 Don't get me wrong. There are a a plethora of cyber attacks out there other than the one discussed that can be done without the simplicity of looking over someone's shoulder such as: 

• Ransomeware
• Internet of Things Botnet
• Phishing and Whaling attacks
• Business process compromise attacks 
• Machine Learning and enabled attacks  

These cyber attacks are the most dangerous of 2017 and a lot more subtle for the average user. The key to prevention from these attacks are the usual IT protection software's like McAFEE or Norton, amongst others.

 Compared to these other attacks shoulder surfing can be considered the most dangerous because it is the most underestimated. 

 To prevent shoulder surfing, it is important to shield paperwork or the keypad from view by using one's body or cupping one's hand. When working on a laptop, ensure that your back is to a wall with no open sides close to you or to enter your passwords in a secluded location. It is also advisable to purchase a tinted screen for privacy which can protect against peripheral viewing. Below is a tinted screen made for laptops to protect against on lookers. 

 
Please! do not underestimate shoulder surfing and protect your data.

Thanks for reading my blog !

Greetings Earthlings!

Hello all! 

So what is the Internet of things?

Glad you asked!

by Definition, The internet of things is the inter-networking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as "connected devices" and "smart devices"), buildings, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

Sorry, So let me break it down a little further.

Anything and I mean anything that can connect to internet and or exchange data is a part of the internet of things. For example, a bunch of geniuses all get together in a lab and they conjure up some really cool invention, like a WiFi controlled toaster, so through the power of the internet we can actually control the toaster settings by changing the timer, on/off and so on. Great right? Maybe not.

But wait! There is still so much more that these technologies can do and so many great ways they can change our lives for the better, especially in contributions to:

• Education
• Government
• Industry 
• Housing
• Your Body  

and, 

your mind......

hey, could happen.......

But regardless, I will surely keep you posted on all the trending and upcoming developments of the internet of things. Remember, technology moves fast and waits for no one. Just ask my grandpa!


                                  

My name is Steven Asencio. Thanks for reading my blog!