Super Cheap Computers "Raspberry Pi" Are From Toronto

A good new for both programming hobbyists and Greater Toronto Area computer student. Seneca College Computer Science Department has just designed a software package for ultra-cheap computers. This kind of computer is called "Raspberry Pi", it is designed for people who are passion and willing to learn computer programming skill. It is only cost 25 - 35 dollar each, it is pocket size and portable, and so easy to use. Emily Chung, a new reporter said that :" a professor from Seneca College called Chris Tyler introduced this kind of computers with software package to the public, especially for those hobbyist and young children is because the declining interest for the young to learn computer science, coding for the youth become harder and harder". (Chung, CBC) Tyler said that: " it can encourage most family to purchase a cheap computer for their kids who have passion to experiment on the computer board, and it has lots of advantage such as price, size, safety, portability, weight, displaying and energy-efficient."(Tyler, CBC) Definitely, it is a good product for children to learn programming at home, they can just plug into TV and make the TV as a monitor or displaying. Since it is low- voltage, rung different code as normal  PC and using ARM chips, we do not need to worry about it will mess up our PC. Well, it is such a big new for IT society and the one who is passion of computer science. Personally, I think it will heat up our next generation's passion about computer science and information technology development as more and more youth start to use it. The circuit board software package provide some basic GUI , system administration tools, programming tools, web browser, and some basic applications. It will benefit the whole IT industry for next few years, if more and more people are using it and contributing their effort.

Reference:

video:
Seneca College, Youtube
Raspberry Pi Fedora Remix launches
http://youtu.be/RbWE6qF7pIM

article and picture:
Emily Chung, CBC News
$25 computer 'Raspberry Pi' readies for launch
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/02/23/technology-raspberry-pi-cheap-computer.html
http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2012/02/23/sm-300-raspberry-pi-pc236526.jpg

Google's New Privacy Rule Concerns

Just last month, Google said that on March 1st  it is going to change their own privacy rule on collecting and compiling users' personal information. Google decide to share users' information in its various servers, such as Gmail, Google+, and Google search even though costumers are not using some of its servers. It is sort of privacy information leak for the one who is using, strangers might be able to see those privacy information. Doug Gross a reporter from CNN wrote down in his new report said that: eight members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, wrote their own letter to Page, asking for (Google's) clarification about the (privacy policy) changes". (Gross, CNN) The new policy seems to force users to accept their action of sharing personal information on all products. From users point of view of course they want to separate their information on the one their are willing to share and the one which they do not want to. However, the fact  seems more likely not going to be the way that users' wish. Although Google said that it will get in touch with government officials and discuss about the new privacy policy, it still not a good news for majority customers since everyone is using Google search and no one can really avoid it. Well, on the other hand Google official said that it can help them improve their servers quality and give users the most satisfied result. Doug mentioned Google Public Policy Director Pablo Chavez in his report said that : the company's privacy policies but not its privacy controls are changing".(Gross, CNN) It looks like Google is trying to inform us that the privacy protection control is still strict, but just with some minor rules changes. Fortunately, Attorneys general was trying their best to discuss the policies before the actual policies comes into effect on March 1st. Ultimately, let us keep an eye on the new privacy policies in the future. And I believe that if Google are going to hurt our privacy right, then the majority users will slowly switch the severs to the other companies that can protect their rights as the time goes by.

Reference:

Article:

Doug Gross CNN

Attorneys general have 'strong concerns' about Google privacy rules

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/22/tech/web/google-privacy-attorneys-general/index.html

Picture:

http://itthing.com/wp-content/uploads/google-is-watching1.png