Category: Technology

Before the past 100 years or so, technology seemed to evolve at a snail’s pace. In the past few decades, however, technology changes faster than many people are able to keep up with. Because of this, some of the technology that you’ll see 20 years from now haven’t even been thought of today, but there are also emerging technologies that you’ll be seeing two decades from now that will play a major part of your everyday life. Here are a few of those technologies to keep an eye on for the future:

3-D Printing

3-D printing is nothing new, but it’s something that in the past few years has expanded to the point of being able to do amazing things. Many years ago, 3-D printing was used mostly for symbols, but has since evolved into a fascinating process that has changed many industries. In the future, it’s likely that we’ll see 3-D printing play a massive role in healthcare; especially when it comes to printing bones and organs that can help save lives. The automotive industry is another one to keep an eye on in the 3-D printing world.

Flying/Self-Driving Cars

Previous generations have predicted that we would have flying cars by 2022, though it hasn’t caught on just yet. That doesn’t mean that it will never happen, though, and many companies are still working on being the first to get a consumer car into the skies. Of course, these cars will have to clear regulations with the FAA, but it could be sooner than you think.

Until then, the self-driving car is the next big leap in the auto industry. Companies such as Tesla have dabbled in self-driving automobiles for years now, while businesses with large logistics operations (such as Walmart) are using self-driving trucks to get goods from point A to point B. Will we see self-flying cars one day? Only time will tell.

Nanorobotics

When you think about nanotechnology in 2022, you probably think about how a lot of things are explained in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nanotechnology is very much real, though, and will be playing a big factor in our lives 20 years from now. Researchers have been racing each other to develop nanobots that are so small that the eye can’t even see them with various uses. Among the uses that people are most hopeful for is the treatment of cancer. You can expect nanotechnology to be used in computing and automobiles at some point, as well.

Artificial Intelligence

Of course, you can’t mention the future without talking about artificial intelligence. Though it’s been a part of our lives for years now, AI is really ramping up in recent years. From being able to analyze your health by simply looking in a mirror, to knowing when you need to order certain items on websites like Amazon, artificial intelligence is already here and its use will only expand more in the coming years. By 2042, expect artificial intelligence to be so developed that you’ll have an affordable robot butler that reminds you that you need to re-up on pool noodles when the temperature starts to rise during the spring.

Every startup makes mistakes. Some are rookie errors; others are due to a lack of experience. But no matter how many mistakes you make, you’ll be on the right track as long as you learn from them. Here are five of the most common mistakes by tech startups – and how to avoid them.

1: Not Defining Your Target Market

When starting a business, it’s tempting to try and appeal to everyone. But this is a mistake. You need to define your target market – who your ideal customer is – and focus your efforts on reaching them. Trying to please everyone will only mean you end up pleasing no one.

2: Not Prioritizing Customer Acquisition

Getting new customers should be your number one priority. But many startups focus their efforts on product development and forget about customer acquisition. This is a mistake. You need to ensure you’re constantly finding new ways to reach your target market and get them to try your product or service.

3: Not Focusing on Retention

Acquiring new customers is essential, but retaining them is just as crucial. If you’re not focusing on retention, you’ll quickly find yourself in a never-ending cycle of acquisition and churn. Make sure you have systems and processes to keep your customers happy and engaged.

4: Not Having a Diversified Revenue Stream

Relying on one source of revenue is dangerous. What happens if that stream dries up? Make sure you have multiple revenue streams so that your business can weather any storm.

5: Scaling Too Quickly

Scaling too quickly is a mistake that many startups make. They get a bit of traction and then try to grow too fast, too soon. This can often lead to cash flow problems and a loss of focus. Make sure you scale sustainably to maintain your momentum – and your sanity!

Avoiding these mistakes will help you set your tech startup up for success. But remember, even the most successful startups make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and keep moving forward.

So, you’ve gone to school. You’re confident in your abilities. You know that tech jobs are in high-demand, and you’re really excited about your prospects. But…now what? How do you land your first job as a developer?

For many people, finding the right job as a developer can be a challenge, especially if you’ve never worked in the industry. Knowing what you can do to make your developer career take off can help you find a rewarding job soon after graduating with your degree. Here’s what to know about getting your start in this exciting industry.

Prepare Your Resume

It doesn’t matter how good you are at developing code: if your resume isn’t descriptive of your skills, you’ll find it hard to secure your first job. Include your coding skills in your resume, even if you’ve never had a job developing code to list on your website.

Create a “skills” section on your website to list computer languages you know and skills you possess that make you a more attractive job candidate. Put the “skills” section near the top of your resume, so it’s one of the first things that recruiters and managers see when they’re reviewing your resume.

Maintain a Portfolio

Even if you’ve never worked as a developer before, you probably have a portfolio of work that you learned in school or taught to yourself along the way. Maintain a portfolio of work that recruiters and managers can explore when they’re trying to determine whether you’d be the right person for the job.

Volunteer Your Services

Maybe you know a non-profit that needs a new website, or help with their existing website. If not a non-profit, then perhaps a neighbor, friend or relative needs a website for a personal project.

Even if you’re not being paid, work is work! Volunteer your services to anyone who needs them, and work for free. This can be listed as experience on your resume, just be sure to note that the work is volunteer.

Practice with Pet Projects

If you can’t find anyone who needs your services as a volunteer, practice with your own pet projects, then add these projects to your portfolio. Even if you don’t need a website, you can still make one for your own amusement.

Set Aside Time Each Day for Job Applications

Applying for jobs takes time – a lot of it. Read each job posting carefully to ensure that you meet all their minimum qualifications, and submit all information they’re requesting in the posting. Some employers will want references up front, others may request a cover letter. Know what each potential employer is asking for, then give it to them.

Join Online Communities to Stay In Touch

Online communities make it easier to stay up to date with the latest changes in the industry. Join an online community you like, and then become an active voice in that community. Who knows – you may even find a job that way!

If you want to learn how to code, you’re in luck. It’s never been easier. There are now more ways to learn to code than ever before. You can go to a coding boot camp, watch online video courses, or even use an app on your phone. And if you want to get started for free, there are plenty of resources.

The hardest part of learning to code is usually getting started. But once you get over that initial hurdle, it’s not as difficult as it seems. And the more you do it, the easier it gets. Here are the five basics to guide you in the code learning journey:

1:  Choose the Right Language

The first step to learning to code is choosing the correct language. There are dozens of programming languages, but some are more popular than others. If you’re starting, it might be overwhelming to try and learn all of them. But don’t worry, you don’t need to.

The most popular programming language is Java. It’s used in everything from Android apps to major web applications like Google Docs. If you want to learn to code for the web, JavaScript is the language you need to know. Python is another popular language used in scientific computing and data analysis.

Choose the correct language for you and the project you want to build. If you’re not sure, start with Java or JavaScript. These universal languages will give you a good foundation for learning other languages.

2:  Find the Right Resources

Once you’ve chosen a language, it’s time to find the right resources to help you learn. If you’re paying for a Bootcamp or an online course, you should have access to a robust set of resources that will help you understand the language. But if you’re learning for free, plenty of options are still available.

One great way to learn to code is by using Codecademy’s interactive exercises. With these, you can learn the basics of a programming language without having to download or install anything.

Once you’re ready to move on from the basics, try Code School. They offer both free and paid courses in a variety of programming languages. And for a more in-depth learning experience, there’s always Treehouse. They offer monthly and annual subscriptions with access to hundreds of hours of video content.

3:  Join the Community

One of the best things about learning to code is a large and supportive community of coders. No matter what language you’re learning, there are forums, online chatrooms, and even in-person meetups where you can connect with other coders.

This community can be a great resource when you’re stuck on a problem or need some motivation to keep going. It’s also a great way to make friends and network with others in the industry. So don’t be afraid to reach out and join the community.

4:  Work on Projects

One of the best ways to learn to code is by working on projects. This will help you practice what you’ve learned and give you a chance to build something that you can show off to other people.

If you’re not sure what kind of project to work on, try looking for some inspiration on sites like GitHub. This is a great way to see what other people are working on and find projects you might be interested in contributing to.

You can also look for project ideas on sites like CodePen. These are collections of small projects you can code in an afternoon or a weekend. And once you’ve completed a few of these, you’ll have a portfolio of work to show off to potential employers.

5:  Keep Learning

Once you’ve learned the basics of coding, it’s essential to keep learning. The world of technology is always changing, and new languages and frameworks are constantly being created. So it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends.

One way to do this is by reading blogs and articles from industry professionals. Some of my favorites include Smashing Magazine, The Next Web, and Mashable. These sites will keep you up-to-date on the latest news in the world of technology.

Another great way to keep learning is by attending conferences and meetups. These are great opportunities to network with other coders and learn about new languages and frameworks. And if you can’t make it to a conference, there are often live streams or recordings of the speeches that you can watch online.

Learning to code is a great way to make yourself more marketable in today’s job market. And with the right resources, it’s easier to get started. So what are you waiting for? Start learning today

As a developer, it’s always important to be learning and growing. But it can be easy to stagnate if you’re not careful.  Here are five ways to avoid stagnating as a developer:

1: Read Books and Blogs

One of the best ways to keep learning as a developer is to read books and blogs related to development. This can help you learn new programming languages, frameworks, and tips and tricks. Reading also helps you keep up with the latest trends in the industry so you can be prepared for what’s next.

2: Take Online Courses

In addition to reading, another great way to keep learning is to take online courses—short courses on specific topics or longer courses that cover more comprehensive material. There are many great resources for finding online courses, such as Udemy and Coursera.

3: Attend Conferences and Meetups

Conferences and meetups are great opportunities to network with other developers and learn about new technologies. They can also be a great way to find a job or get your next project. If you’re not sure where to start, check out websites like Meetup.com or Eventbrite.

4: Follow Thought Leaders on Social Media

Following thought leaders on social media is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. You can also learn from their experiences and get insights into the industry that you might not otherwise have access to.

5: Get a Mentor

Finally, one of the best ways to avoid stagnating as a developer is to get a mentor. A mentor can help you navigate your career, offer advice on difficult problems, and introduce you to new technologies and concepts. If you don’t have a mentor, try reaching out to someone you admire in the industry or look for mentorship programs at conferences or meetups.

Wrapping Up

Avoiding stagnation as a developer is essential for your career growth. By following these tips, you can keep learning and growing as a developer and be prepared for whatever comes next.

Cyber security is a topic that is on everyone’s mind. We all know that we need to be careful with our online presence, but sometimes it can be hard to know just how to protect ourselves. Here are five unbelievable facts about cyber security that might surprise you.

1:   Cybercrime is a Big Business

It is estimated that cybercrime will cost the world $10 trillion by 2025. That’s more than the GDP of most countries! Cybercrime is a big business, and it’s only getting bigger.

2: Hackers are Getting More Creative

When you think of a hacker, you might picture someone sitting in a dark room, typing away at a computer. But the reality is that hackers are getting more and more creative. They are using social engineering to trick people into giving them information or access to systems. They also use malware and ransomware to encrypt data and hold it for ransom.

3: Cybersecurity Jobs are in High Demand

The demand for cybersecurity jobs is skyrocketing. There are now more than 1 million cybersecurity job openings worldwide. And the number is only expected to grow in the coming years.

4: Cybersecurity is Expensive

Cybersecurity is not cheap, and you must invest in the right tools and technologies to adequately protect your data. And even then, there is no guarantee that you will never be hacked.

5: Cybersecurity Awareness is Lacking

Despite the growing threat of cybercrime, many people are still unaware of the risks. Just 44% of Americans say they are very concerned about becoming a victim of cybercrime. This means that there is still a lot of work to be done to raise awareness and educate people about cybersecurity.

Wrapping UP

Cyber security is a complex and ever-evolving issue, and these five facts only scratch what you need to know about protecting yourself online. But hopefully, they have given you a better understanding of the risks and what you can do to protect yourself. Stay safe out there!

It’s no secret that the United States is a world technological leader. From Silicon Valley to the East Coast, American ingenuity and innovation have long been the envy of countries around the globe. But as other nations catch up – and in some cases surpass – the United States in certain vital technological areas, it’s worth considering which countries are leading the pack.

Here are five countries with robust and emerging tech industries that are worth watching:

1. China

There’s no doubt that China is a force to be reckoned with regarding technology. The country has the world’s largest population and is home to some of the biggest tech companies, including Huawei, Alibaba, and Tencent. China is investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and plans to become the global leader in the field by 2030.

2. India

Like China, India is a populous country with a rapidly growing economy. And while the country doesn’t have quite as many large tech firms, it does have a burgeoning startup scene. India is also making significant strides in AI, with the government investing billions of dollars in the technology.

3. Japan

Japan is a world leader in many technological fields, including robotics and automotive manufacturing. The country is also home to several major tech companies, including Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp. In recent years, Japan has invested heavily in AI and established a ministry dedicated to technology.

4. South Korea

South Korea is another Asian country making waves in the tech world. The country is home to a number of large tech firms, including Samsung and LG, and is a world leader in the production of semiconductors. South Korea is also investing heavily in 5G technology and aims to have the world’s first nationwide 5G network up and running by 2020.

5. Israel

Though it’s a small country, Israel punches above its weight regarding technology. The country’s thriving startup scene is home to several major tech firms, including Microsoft, Google, and Intel. Israel is also a world leader in cybersecurity and has been dubbed the “startup nation” due to its high density of tech startups.

Wrapping Up

These are just a few countries with robust and emerging tech industries worth watching. As they continue to invest in and adopt new technologies, they are likely to have an increasingly significant impact on the world of technology.

Before the past 100 years or so, technology seemed to evolve at a snail’s pace. In the past few decades, however, technology changes faster than many people are able to keep up with. Because of this, some of the technology that you’ll see 20 years from now haven’t even been thought of today, but there are also emerging technologies that you’ll be seeing two decades from now that will play a major part of your everyday life. Here are a few of those technologies to keep an eye on for the future:

3-D Printing

3-D printing is nothing new, but it’s something that in the past few years has expanded to the point of being able to do amazing things. Many years ago, 3-D printing was used mostly for symbols, but has since evolved into a fascinating process that has changed many industries. In the future, it’s likely that we’ll see 3-D printing play a massive role in healthcare; especially when it comes to printing bones and organs that can help save lives. The automotive industry is another one to keep an eye on in the 3-D printing world.

Flying/Self-Driving Cars

Previous generations have predicted that we would have flying cars by 2022, though it hasn’t caught on just yet. That doesn’t mean that it will never happen, though, and many companies are still working on being the first to get a consumer car into the skies. Of course, these cars will have to clear regulations with the FAA, but it could be sooner than you think.

Until then, the self-driving car is the next big leap in the auto industry. Companies such as Tesla have dabbled in self-driving automobiles for years now, while businesses with large logistics operations (such as Walmart) are using self-driving trucks to get goods from point A to point B. Will we see self-flying cars one day? Only time will tell.

Nanorobotics

When you think about nanotechnology in 2022, you probably think about how a lot of things are explained in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Nanotechnology is very much real, though, and will be playing a big factor in our lives 20 years from now. Researchers have been racing each other to develop nanobots that are so small that the eye can’t even see them with various uses. Among the uses that people are most hopeful for is the treatment of cancer. You can expect nanotechnology to be used in computing and automobiles at some point, as well.

Artificial Intelligence

Of course, you can’t mention the future without talking about artificial intelligence. Though it’s been a part of our lives for years now, AI is really ramping up in recent years. From being able to analyze your health by simply looking in a mirror, to knowing when you need to order certain items on websites like Amazon, artificial intelligence is already here and its use will only expand more in the coming years. By 2042, expect artificial intelligence to be so developed that you’ll have an affordable robot butler that reminds you that you need to re-up on pool noodles when the temperature starts to rise during the spring.

If you think back to the state-of-the-art computers of the 1990s, they look very different from the devices that a lot of us take for granted today.

At that point, computers were huge pieces of machinery. Today, you can purchase a device like an iPhone that fits in your pocket and literally has more computing power than the equipment that was used to send men to the moon in the 1960s. You no longer have to pick between a desktop and a laptop. You now have smartphones, tablets and more – all of which are designed to fit very precise use cases depending on your needs.

Of course, this demands the question – can a tablet like the iPad actually ever replace a computer? Or is it simply a device for content consumption and not productivity? The answers to those questions require you to keep a few key things in mind.

The State of the Modern Tablet

Whether a tablet can actually replace a computer in your life depends largely on how you plan on using it in the first place.

If you’re just looking for something that will let you browse your favorite websites, check the occasional email or read that great new book you just downloaded, a tablet would actually be preferable. It’s smaller, lighter and infinitely more portable than even some of the slimmest laptops out there. It will also probably come with longer battery life as well, making it great for traveling in particular.

Of course, this is talking mostly about the “entry level” tablets. If you are looking for a device that you can take with you wherever you are and still get work done, you would want to upgrade to something like the Microsoft Surface Pro or iPad Pro. As the names suggest, these are devices designed with heavy workloads in mind. There are also a variety of accessories that are available for Apple tablets in particular that add keyboard functionality and more.

When the concept of the tablet was first ready for public consumption, it was largely an “entertainment” device. It was fun, but you would probably be more likely to use it to watch your favorite movie on Netflix than you would be to make progress on that serious project you have for work. Now, the gap between these two devices has closed to the point where it is possible to choose one or the other – but in the case of the tablet, it will likely cost you.

Yes, you can buy an attachable keyboard for something like the iPad. Yes, you can get screen sizes that are in excess of 12 inches – making them not too dissimilar to a laptop at this point. If that works for your workflow, that’s fine – but you can typically find traditional laptops with comparable features for cheaper. But again, you have to look inward to determine which type of device makes the most sense for what you’re trying to accomplish.

As brain-deep as cybersecurity is, you don’t have to leave it to computer gurus. There’s a lot you can do to guard your digital properties at home and work. These physical hacks will get you started.

Turn from the Window

Are your screen and keyboard facing a window? Then peeping Toms can easily read, photograph, or video the passwords, account numbers, or love emails you type in.

• The asterisks that appear in place of your password won’t protect you. Anybody who sees your keyboard can figure out what you’re entering.
• You’re not safe even if you’re in a 5th-floor office with no other buildings directly around you. If there’s a structure within viewing distance, somebody could be using a smartphone zoom or binoculars to spy on your screen.

Thwart any snoops by turning your screen and keyboard toward a wall. If you can’t do that, then shut the curtains or put up a divider in front of the window to block the outside view.

Lock Up the Surplus

What do you do with that old smartphone, laptop, or tablet? It’s easy and convenient to just throw the gadget in an unlocked drawer, put it on a high shelf, or leave it in an unused corner of your desk.

This works fine if you’re at home because you’ll hopefully know who’s running around your spaces. But don’t try this at work or any place where the public wanders around. It takes microseconds for someone to grab the gear, spirit it away, and check out any data you’ve left on it.

Ideally, you’d wipe any devices clean of any data before trashing them. But if you want to keep them around for sentimental reasons, put them in locked containers and drawers.

Keep a Video Eye Out

Here’s another hack that’s mostly for the office but can also work for your home setup. Install a big and showy camera that keeps a video eye out for your computer.

• Make sure that everybody who enters your area knows the device is there by installing signs that announce what it’s doing. The warning may be enough to deter evil-doers. But if anyone is stupid enough to either hack a device or steal it, you’ll have a record you can use to trace the rascal.
• While you’re at it stash a second camera in a hidden location. If somebody blocks the view of the obvious camera, you still have the second one to video the culprit.

Deny Dumpster Divers

Everybody rummages through trashcans and dumpsters nowadays: the down and out searching for recyclables to sell, bargain hunters looking for usable gear they can sell, and thieves hunting for a way into your life. They’re interested in the account numbers, money transactions, and personal info that appears on paper bills and printouts. They can then use this info to try to hack into your credit cards, online banking, and web stores to steal what they can get.

Buy yourself a shredding machine that’s easy to use. Then feed any paper into it that contains any personal information, whether you’ve received the document in the mail or print it from your computer. Even if someone takes the shredded material, they won’t be able to make heads or tails of it.