Technology

Improving cyber safety is an ongoing process, as threats continue to evolve alongside advancements in technology. You should consider several contemporary strategies to enhance your online security:

1. Update and Patch: Regularly update your operating systems, software, and applications to the latest versions. Cyber attackers frequently exploit known vulnerabilities in software, and updates patch these vulnerabilities.
2. Advanced Password Practices:
   • Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
   • Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords.
   • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for an added layer of security beyond just a password.
3. Secure Networks: Be cautious using public Wi-Fi networks. If you need to use a public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private
   Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from potential eavesdroppers.
4. Beware of Phishing Scams: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, emails, and social media requests. Phishing attempts have become increasingly sophisticated. Always verify the sources and do not click on links or download attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.
5. Secure Devices: Use antivirus software and a firewall on your devices, and consider encryption for your data. Also, physically secure your devices to prevent unauthorized access or theft.
6. Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings on your online accounts and mobile apps. Be cautious about how much personal information you share online.
7. Backups: Regularly back up your data to a secure location. This practice helps you recover information in case of a cyber-attack like ransomware or data corruption.
8. Education: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Cybersecurity awareness training can help you recognize potential threats like phishing scams, new forms of malware, or the latest fraudulent schemes.
9. Children and Teen’s Online Safety: If you’re a parent, educate your children about online safety, including the risks of sharing personal information, recognizing cyberbullying, and understanding privacy.
10. Incident Response: Have a plan in place in case you experience a cyber-attack. This plan could include steps like disconnecting from the internet, changing passwords, notifying relevant institutions, and in serious cases, contacting law enforcement.
11. Smart Home Security: With the increasing prevalence of smart home devices, ensure they are secure. Change default passwords, regularly update their software, and monitor which devices are connected to your network.
12. Financial Transaction Safety: Monitor your financial transactions regularly for any suspicious activity, and use credit cards or secure payment services for online purchases. These typically offer better fraud protection than other methods.

Remember, no system can be 100 percent secure. The aim of following these practices is to reduce the risk of cyber threats significantly. The landscape of cyber threats continues to evolve, so staying informed and vigilant is key to protecting yourself.

Article was written on Oct 25 2023.

While AI has made significant strides in many fields and has the potential to automate many tasks, jobs and roles are still difficult to fully replace due to the unique human qualities they require. Here are some examples of such roles:

1. Human Touch Professions:
   • Healthcare: While AI can assist in diagnostics and treatment plans, jobs such as nursing and caregiving require human empathy, compassion, and the human touch.
   • Therapists and Counselors: These roles require understanding human emotions and building trust.
2. Creative Professions:
   • Artists, Musicians, and Writers: While AI can produce art, music, or written content, the creativity, inspiration, and personal touch of humans are unique and irreplaceable.
   • Designers: Interior designers, fashion designers, and others who rely on unique insights and aesthetics.
3. Strategic Decision-making Roles:
   • Executives and Managers: Making decisions that balance data with intuition, ethics, and long-term vision.
   • Entrepreneurs: Spotting opportunities and innovative solutions that AI might not recognize.
4. Skilled Trades:
   • Electricians, Plumbers, and Mechanics: While certain tasks can be automated, many aspects of these jobs require human dexterity and decision-making on the spot.
5. Education:
   • Teachers and Educators: Personalized learning, understanding student needs, and providing mentorship require human connection.
6. Research:
   • Scientists and Researchers: Formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and interpreting complex and nuanced results.
7. Human Resources:
   • HR Managers and Recruiters: Judging cultural fit, understanding human nuances, and helping resolve conflicts.
8. Emergency Services:
   • Firefighters, Paramedics: Responding to unpredictable situations and making split-second decisions.
9. Cultural and Social Roles:
   • Religious Leaders, Social Workers: Providing spiritual guidance, support, and understanding unique cultural or societal dynamics.
10. Entertainment:

• • Actors, Stand-up Comedians: Evoking emotions, humor, and expressions that are deeply human.

11. Craftsmanship:
    • Artisans and Craftsmen: Jobs that involve creating unique handcrafted goods, such as furniture, jewelry, or traditional crafts, carry a distinct human touch. The imperfections, choices, and artistry of a human hand can’t be wholly replicated by machines.
12. Sports and Physical Activities:
    • Athletes, Coaches, and Personal Trainers: While machines and AI can provide analytics and guidance on physical performance, the act of playing sports, training, motivating athletes, and understanding the nuances of human physicality remains human.
13. Experiential Roles:
    • Travel Guides, Tour Operators: Offering personalized experiences, telling stories, and understanding the individual needs of travelers or groups requires human intuition and adaptability.
14. Legal Professions:
    • Judges, Lawyers: Legal reasoning, particularly in gray areas, requires a combination of logic, ethics, and human judgment. While AI can assist in legal research or predict outcomes based on precedent, the final judgment often requires human discernment.
15. Negotiation and Diplomacy:
    • Diplomats, Business Negotiators: These roles often involve reading between the lines, understanding cultural nuances, and building genuine relationships.
16. Gastronomy:
    • Chefs: While robots can cook from recipes, creating new dishes, fusing different culinary traditions, and understanding the palate of different individuals or cultures is an art.
17. Field Research and Exploration:
    • Field Biologists, Archaeologists, Astronauts: Physical exploration, making observations in uncontrolled environments, and drawing insights from those observations often require human flexibility and intuition.
18. Motivational Speakers and Life Coaches:
    • Their effectiveness often comes from personal experiences, stories, and the genuine human connection they form with their audiences or clients.
19. Childcare and Early Education:
    • Babysitters, Nannies, Pre-school Teachers: Young children, especially, benefit from human interaction, understanding, patience, and care which machines can’t wholly provide.
20. Roles involving Ethical Decisions:
    • Bioethicists, medical ethicists, and others who navigate the complex intersections of morality, society, and emerging technologies.

While AI can complement and augment many of these roles (and in some cases, take over certain tasks), the deeply human aspects of these jobs make them difficult to replace fully. However, it’s worth noting that the landscape is evolving, and what seems irreplaceable today might change with future advancements in AI and robotics. The key for individuals is adaptability and a focus on lifelong learning.

When Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are combined, they create a powerful synergy known as AIoT – the Artificial Intelligence of Things. This integration allows devices connected to the IoT network to make intelligent decisions based on the data they collect. Here are some examples of what AI and IoT can achieve when working together:

The key is that IoT provides a vast and continuous stream of real-time data, and AI provides the capability to analyze and act on that data intelligently and autonomously.

1. Predictive Maintenance:AI algorithms analyze data from sensors on machinery and equipment to predict when they might fail. This helps companies to perform maintenance just in time, saving costs and reducing downtime.
2. Smart Homes and Buildings:AI can analyze data from various sensors in a building (like temperature, occupancy, and energy use sensors) to optimize heating, cooling, lighting, and security, making the building more energy-efficient and comfortable for occupants.
3. Healthcare Monitoring:Wearable IoT devices can monitor a variety of health metrics (like heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar) and AI can analyze this data to detect anomalies, predict potential health issues, or suggest changes in treatment.
4. Supply Chain and Inventory Management:IoT devices can track the location and status of products as they move through a supply chain. AI can analyze this data to optimize inventory levels, predict when resupplies are needed, and identify potential inefficiencies or bottlenecks in the supply chain.
5. Agricultural Optimization:Sensors can monitor soil conditions, weather, and crop health, while AI can analyze this data to optimize irrigation, planting, and harvesting, thereby increasing agricultural efficiency and yields.
6. Autonomous Vehicles:IoT devices in self-driving cars, drones, and other autonomous vehicles collect data about the vehicle’s environment, while AI algorithms process this data to navigate and make driving decisions.
7. Smart Cities:In urban environments, the combination of IoT and AI can optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, improve waste management, and enhance public safety through intelligent surveillance and emergency response systems.
8. Retail Personalization:IoT devices can track customer behavior and preferences (through smart carts, beacons, or cameras), and AI can analyze this data to personalize marketing, optimize store layout, and manage inventory more effectively.
9. Energy Management:IoT sensors can monitor energy consumption in real-time, and AI can analyze this data to optimize the operation of electrical grids, predict equipment failures, and enable more effective use of renewable energy sources.
10. Manufacturing Optimization: 

    In a manufacturing environment, IoT sensors can monitor machine performance and environmental conditions, while AI can analyze this data to optimize production schedules, improve product quality, and enhance worker safety.

11. Security and Surveillance: 

    IoT-enabled cameras and sensors can monitor physical spaces for security threats, and AI can analyze the footage in real time to detect anomalies and alert human operators or take pre-defined actions.

12. Speech and Language Understanding: 

    IoT devices like smart speakers use AI to understand and process human language, enabling voice-controlled interfaces and natural interactions with devices.

13. Anomaly Detection in Networks: 

    IoT devices monitor network traffic, and AI analyzes this data to detect unusual patterns that may indicate a cybersecurity threat.

14. Patient Care and Remote Monitoring: 

    IoT devices can monitor patients’ vital signs and other health metrics in real time, and AI can analyze this data to detect changes in a patient’s condition that may require medical intervention, allowing doctors and nurses to provide better care, even from a distance.

15. Precision Farming: 

    Sensors placed in agricultural fields can monitor soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns. AI can analyze this data and suggest precise amounts of water, fertilizer, pesticide, etc., needed for different parts of a field, thereby reducing waste and improving crop yields.

16. Natural Disaster Prediction and Response: 

    IoT sensors can monitor environmental conditions, such as seismic activity, water levels, and weather patterns. AI can analyze this data to predict natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, and help to coordinate an effective response.

17. Facial Recognition and Access Control: 

    IoT cameras and sensors can be used to identify individuals based on facial recognition, and AI can process this data to control access to secure areas or to identify persons of interest in a security context.

18. Assistive Technologies for Disabled Individuals: 

    IoT devices can monitor the environment of disabled individuals, and AI can process this data to adapt and control the environment (e.g., adjusting lighting, temperature, or devices) according to the individual’s needs and preferences.

19. Smart Retail Checkout: 

    In retail environments, IoT devices can monitor which items a customer has picked up, and AI can process this data to automatically charge the customer’s account when they leave the store, eliminating the need for traditional checkout lines.

20. Intelligent Waste Management: 

    Sensors on waste bins can monitor how full they are, and AI can analyze this data to optimize collection routes for waste management trucks, reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.

21. Customer Service Bots: 

    IoT devices can track customer behavior and preferences, and AI can analyze this data to power intelligent customer service bots that can answer questions, solve problems, and personalize the customer experience.

22. Quality Control in Manufacturing: 

    Cameras and sensors can monitor products as they move down an assembly line, and AI can analyze this data in real-time to detect defects or irregularities, ensuring a high level of quality.

23. Smart Grids for Energy: 

    IoT devices can monitor the energy consumption of various parts of an electrical grid in real time. AI can analyze this data to balance and distribute energy loads effectively, and to make real-time decisions about how to allocate energy resources.

24. Weather Forecasting and Climate Modeling: 

    IoT sensors can collect massive amounts of data on atmospheric and oceanic conditions. AI can analyze this data to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and to model and predict long-term climate changes.

25. Adaptive Learning Systems: 

    In educational settings, IoT devices can track student engagement and performance, and AI can analyze this data to personalize lesson plans and teaching strategies to each student’s needs and learning pace.

26. Logistics and Fleet Management: 

    IoT devices can track the location and status of vehicles in a fleet. AI can analyze this data to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and predict when maintenance is needed.

27. Content Recommendation Systems: 

    IoT devices can track user interactions with digital content (like TV shows or news articles), and AI can analyze this data to recommend new content that the user is likely to enjoy.

These examples illustrate the increasingly diverse and sophisticated ways in which AI and IoT are being combined to create intelligent systems that can monitor, analyze, and respond to a wide variety of situations in real time.

If you’re thinking about buying a 3D printer, there are several factors to consider to ensure you make an informed decision. Here’s a comprehensive list of considerations:

1. Purpose & Usage:
   • Hobby or Professional Use: If you’re a hobbyist, you may not need the same level of precision or features as a professional.
   • Types of Projects: The kind of projects you plan to undertake can determine the type and size of the printer you’ll need.
2. Type of 3D Printer:
   • FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Most common type, melts filament to create layers.
   • SLA (Stereolithography): Uses UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer.
   • SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Uses lasers to sinter powdered material.
3. Build Size:
   • Consider the maximum size of objects you’d like to print. The build volume of printers varies widely.
4. Material Compatibility:
   • Some printers are designed for specific materials (e.g., PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, or specialty filaments). Ensure your printer can handle the materials you wish to use.
5. Print Resolution and Speed:
   • Resolution: Measured in microns, lower numbers indicate higher detail.
   • Speed: Faster printing can sometimes reduce detail/accuracy.
6. Software Compatibility:
   • Ensure the printer is compatible with your desired design software or slicer. Some printers have proprietary software.
7. Connectivity:
   • How does the printer connect? USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, SD card?
8. Assembly:
   • Some printers come assembled (ready to print) while others might be in kit form, requiring assembly.
9. Auto Bed Leveling:
   • Manual leveling can be tedious. Some printers offer automatic bed leveling for convenience.
10. Cost:

• Consider both the initial cost of the printer and ongoing costs, such as filament, replacement parts, and maintenance.

11. Support & Community:

• A strong community or customer support can be beneficial for troubleshooting, getting tips, or finding pre-made models to print.

12. Safety Features:

• Look for features like thermal runaway protection, enclosed print areas (especially if children are around), and ventilation for fumes.

13. Upgradability and Modifiability:

• Some printers allow for upgrades, which can be a way to expand capabilities over time.

14. Reliability & Durability:

• Research reviews and user feedback to ensure the printer is reliable and doesn’t break down frequently.

15. Warranty & Customer Support:

• Check the duration and terms of the warranty. Good customer support can be vital, especially for beginners.

16. Environmental Concerns:

• Some 3D printing materials can be more eco-friendly than others. Consider a printer that can use biodegradable materials like PLA if this is a concern.

17. Enclosed vs. Open Frame:

• Enclosed printers can be safer and better for temperature control, but open-frame printers might offer better visibility and access to the print.

18. Dual Extrusion:

• Some printers have the ability to print with two filaments/colors at once.

19. Noise Level:

• 3D printers can be noisy. If you’re using it in a shared or quiet space, consider a printer known for quiet operation.

Remember, the “best” 3D printer depends heavily on your individual needs and budget. Conduct thorough research, read reviews, and consider joining online forums or communities related to 3D printing to get a sense of what might work best for you.

Wearing a virtual reality (VR) headset can lead to a few potential health issues, although generally considered mild and temporary. 

Here are some of the common problems associated with wearing VR headsets:

1. Motion sickness: One of the most common issues is motion sickness or simulator sickness. VR experiences can cause a disconnect between what you see in the virtual environment and what your body feels, leading to nausea, dizziness, or discomfort. This is more likely to occur when there is a discrepancy between the movement perceived in the virtual world and the lack of related physical activity in the real world.
2. Eye strain and fatigue: Staring at a VR headset screen for an extended period can strain your eyes. The close proximity of the display and the need to focus on the screen for long periods can lead to eye fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. Taking regular breaks and adjusting the headset properly can help alleviate these symptoms.
3. Headset-induced acne: Prolonged use of VR headsets can increase sweat and oil production on the face, which may contribute to the development of acne. Ensuring the cleanliness of the headset and practicing good hygiene by washing your face before and after using the device can help minimize this issue.
4. Disorientation and postural problems: VR experiences can sometimes lead to a sense of disorientation when returning to the real world. Users may feel temporarily disconnected from their physical surroundings, leading to balance and spatial awareness difficulties. Creating a safe environment when using VR and taking breaks to readjust to the real world is essential.
5. Impact on social interaction: Extended use of VR headsets may lead to isolation and reduced social interaction as the user becomes immersed in the virtual environment. It is important to balance the use of VR with real-world socializing and activities to maintain a healthy social life.
6. Allergic reactions and skin irritation: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from the materials used in VR headsets, such as foam padding or straps. If you notice any allergic symptoms or skin irritation, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
7. Neck Pain: Prolonged use of VR headset can cause neck pain.

To minimize these potential health issues, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for VR headset use, take regular breaks during extended sessions, adjust the headset properly for comfort, and limit the overall duration of use. If you have pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy or a motion sickness history, consult a healthcare professional before using VR headsets. It is also advisable to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure the VR environment is set up in a safe and spacious area to minimize the risk of accidents or collisions.

Software is everywhere. It runs our computers and mobile devices, drives the internet, IOT, AI, and maintains critical business functions. Our cars, televisions, and even refrigerators are powered by software. This means software engineers are in high demand both inside and outside of traditional tech verticals.

But is it for you? You may have the aptitude for coding, but do the specifics of the career match your preferences and lifestyle? We’ll look at a few pros and cons to help you with your decision.

The Pros of a Software Engineer Career

Software development has a number of points in its favor. Consider whether these benefits would make a difference in your life.

You’ll Be Paid Well

Software engineers are paid a handsome salary. According to Glassdoor, entry-level software developers make $74,000 on average. Senior engineers can make $115,000 or more. In California’s silicon valley, drawing a salary of over $150,000 is not uncommon. Google, Facebook and several startups pay above-average salary plus SOP (Stock-option-plans) and excellent 401K and health benefits.

Considering that the average entry-level salary for jobs, in general, is $28,000 a year, software engineers are compensated well for their skills. Although MS in Computer Science Engineering is highly desirable for long-term success and upward growth, in many cases, you don’t even need a college degree. According to a Stack Overflow report, 56% of developers don’t have degrees in computer science or related fields. As long as you have the skills and the discipline, employers will talk to you.

There’s a Lot of Demand for Software Engineers

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that software developer positions are expected to grow at a rate of roughly 17% between 2014 and 2024. That’s significantly higher than 7%, the average growth rate.

There’s already a shortage of qualified software engineers, and that shortfall is expected to grow. If you have the skills employers are looking for, and if you’re good at what you do, you won’t have a problem finding a job.

You May Enjoy a Flexible Work Schedule

Software engineers generally need a computer and an internet connection, and that’s it. They can do their job from anywhere. And an increasing number of tech companies are converting to a remote workforce. With the right position, you could travel while still keeping your job. You could live anywhere in the world. You could roll out of bed and work in your underwear, on your schedule.

Not every employer is this flexible, but many are. Enough that this is a very real perk of the job.

Enjoy Invigorating, Casual Work Environments

Software engineers are intelligent people with varied interests. Working with a team of developers can bring you into contact with an intellectually stimulating crowd. If you’re a developer that works in an office, you’ll find powerful partnerships and close friendships. You’ll enjoy going to work (except when you don’t — see cons) and you’ll sharpen your skills and your mind.

You’ll also live in t-shirts and jeans.

There’s Huge Potential for Entrepreneurship

The world is rife with software startups. If you have an idea for an app or some other potent software solution, there is quite a bit of investment capital looking for ventures to fund.

Of course, running a business requires additional skills, on top of your development chops. You also need to commit. But if you have the drive to build something for yourself, and the skills to realize it, you could easily parlay your software engineering background into your own company.

Many Developers Find Their “In” Through Unorthodox Channels

Tech employers often aren’t concerned with how applicants came to their skill set. They only want to know that you have the required experience. It’s common for completely self-taught software engineers to land challenging, lucrative positions.

You don’t need a four-year degree, though it can help. Many developers get their start through software boot camps and other training opportunities. Software engineers are one of the few positions that require highly specialized knowledge but don’t always require a traditional education.

The Cons of a Software Engineer Career

The benefits above don’t come for free. There are costs to be paid, and these are sometimes enough to dissuade undecided job seekers to consider a different track.

You May Work Long Hours

Software development deadlines can be tight. Depending on the company you work for or the type of project you’re working on you may be required to work overtime, and occasionally put in weekend hours. You could be doing it from home, and you’ll be paid well for your time, but an acceptance that your family and social life may have to take a backseat may be necessary.

Your Age works Against you (Important)

New technologies are launched every 2-3 years, and you must learn them. While it may be easier for your brain to learn newer technologies when you are in your 20’s, but your power to absorb more modern technology and implement it in your 40’s reduces significantly. Memory issues arise as software engineers become more forgetful a lot quicker than other professions. Changing or finding a new job as a technical software engineer becomes hard in the late 30’s, harder in 40’s and extremely hard once you reach 50’s unless you are a known person in your field or your intelligence is closer to that of Einstein. Having a 10 years IT experience is great, but having 25 years of experience plays against you. Moreover, you will find it hard to change your career to any other field like sales, manufacturing, etc .. because you had no exposure to other industries while sitting in front of your computer every day.

Development Can Be Stressful

Deadlines are just one of the ways that software engineering can be stressful. The work itself can also be taxing. It frequently requires developers to work through complex problems and design exquisite logic flows. It can require a high degree of focus, which can be draining over time.

Compounding the stress is the needed vigilance against mistakes. A small coding error can show up later in the development process as a major bug. This places a large amount of responsibility on developers to maintain clean code.

You’ll Need to Continually Learn

Programming languages ebb and flow. A platform or scripting language might be wildly popular, and then recede into the distance when something better comes along. Developers that have placed all of their coding eggs in one proverbial basket may find themselves out of demand.

In order to remain viable over the long term, you’ll likely need to learn new languages, new development platforms, and new ways of working. As a software engineer, you can’t rest on your laurels.

You’ll Be Stuck in a Chair

This might not sound like such a bad thing, but it’s unhealthy to remain sedentary for long periods of time. Given the long hours that software developers work, they often find themselves sitting a lot with little chance for exercise. Staring constantly on the screen can hurt your eyesight. Back pains and problems are very common among software engineers.

There are ways around this, of course. You could use a standing desk. You could schedule exercise breaks. But some people are more apt to stay sedentary if presented the opportunity, so it’s worth considering.

There’s a Lot of Competition

There’s considerable demand for software engineers, and there are also plenty of people interested in the field. The better the job, and the more perks involved, the greater the competition will be to fill it.

This doesn’t mean you can’t get a great job. They’re available and commonplace. But you’ll need to make certain your skillset is impressive. It’s good to learn extra languages and it can be helpful to specialize. The jobs are there, but you’ll need to earn them.

Promotion gets Harder

Starting from Software Engineer >> Sr Engineer >> Project Manager >> Product Manager >> Director >> Vice President

Upward movement gets harder after you reach the Project Manager role.

 

Conclusion

Software Engineers can be rich folks, owning multiple properties/homes but it is an extremely stressful career and protecting your job once you reach the age of 50 can be an ongoing challenge.

Software engineering is a great career, but one must plan on a side income by the time one reaches 30’s. It could be rental income, opening a UPS store in partnership etc. You may be forced to exit the industry in your 50’s and should have something to fall back on.

Working for a larger company will be more systematic but exposure to various technologies and troubleshooting techniques will be limited. Working for a smaller company could mean less discipline but more exposure to various tasks and technologies.

The decision is yours. If you’re passionate about the field, it’s for you. If you’re just looking for a job you’ll need to weigh the high salary and flexible work environments against possible long hours and mental fatigue. If you’re up for the challenge if can be a rewarding career.