Preparing for computational evolution

02/02/10 posted by Liz Niland

While Bill Gates is busy dancing on tables, Apple-loving tech bloggers are beginning to fight back against the widespread criticism the much-hyped oversized iPhone has received. Yes, after a weekend to sit and muse on the implications of Jobs’ latest invention, the in-the-know set have come out this week declaring iPad-esque computing as the way of the future.

Arguing, like many, that the “app” experience is often better than that offered by the traditional full website, Brian X. Chen proclaims that “the iPad opens a path for an improved web experience for everyone”. Mentioning the ongoing issues between Apple and Adobe's Flash, Chen touches on the future-pushing nature of a device that demand new techniques - and attitudes - be adopted by both web developers and web designers.

Over at TechCrunch, guest blogger Edo Segal cites the possibilities the iPad presents for the learning of the youngest generation. He writes “Don’t think about the iPad as just a computer. Its true potential lies in its potential as a communications device.” Continuing on to discuss a future filled with video voicemail, apps with integrated live audio and video, and fresh challenges for web developers and traditional telecommunications providers, Segal argues that the iPad is a vital link in the “evolutionary arc of computing”.

Before we evolve too far though, lets sort out a few issues. Like malware and spam on Facebook. The social media king now boasts more than 350 million registered users, with 175 million of those logging into the site everyday. Unfortunately, but naturally, dodgy accounts often meet unsuspecting (and generally unprotected) users and alas, a dirty spammy attack is unleashed. The issue being raised in the wake of the Google v China drama is the safety of company data. As reported on Mashable, many CEOs are concerned about social media use and are moving towards barring access. As we know though, cutting a company’s use of social media is, quite literally, social suicide.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: To avoid the vast majority of online security issues, ensure you keep your browser updated, passwords tricky and, most obviously, use your common sense. Just like a dodgy-looking email promising an inheritance of millions from an unknown South African “relative”, if a Facebook post (or tweet for that matter) smells fishy, steer well clear.