Category: Notes From The Electronic Cottage

A weekly feature on electronic technology as it affects everyday life with Jim Campbell. Broadcast on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, ME every Thursday at 7:30 AM.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 1/26/17

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

What will the recent change in administrations in Washington mean for our everyday digital lives? It’s too early to tell for sure but some indications are available from the first few days of the new administration, and not everyone will be pleased with what they portend.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 1/19/17

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

Is there anything sure when it comes to security on the web? Sad to say, the answer is, at least at present, no. That means that we each have to take a few extra steps and make some very personal decisions about what kind of business we choose to conduct over the web. Here are a few thoughts to mix in as you make your online choices.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 1/12/17

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

We recently looked at what author Cathy O’Neil calls “Weapons of Math Destruction,” big data algorithms that are impacting our lives but that we often don’t know exist, and certainly don’t have the means to examine those algorithms to see how they work and whether they are treating us fairly. A recent “beauty contest” judged by machines has become a poster child for what can go wrong with biased algorithms.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 1/5/17

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

Algorithms affect our everyday lives on many levels and most of us have no idea they even exist let alone how they work. If we apply for a job, do a search on the Web, try to get into college, go to a bank for a loan – we are interacting with machine algorithms whether we know it or not. A 2016 book entitled “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy” helps us regular folks to understand how algorithms are affecting us every day, and not always positively. Here’s why.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 12/29/16

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

2016 is on track to set the record for the greatest number of data breaches in history. One very concerning component of those data breaches is medical breaches, not just because of the sensitivity of medical data but because those hacks are not just aimed at data – they are hitting medical equipment as well.

Notes from the Electronic Cottage 12/22/16

Producer/Host: Jim Campbell

As millions of people unwrap electronic gizmos this holiday season, we offer one unconventional and potentially annoying suggestion: read the license before clicking “Accept.” A cartoon strip may have offered the best indication of why that is a good idea.