Archive for November, 2024

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Answering Your Questions About The M4 Mac Mini

Posted in Tips with tags on November 30, 2024 by itnerd

Something that has generated a lot of email in my inbox is which M4 Mac mini should people buy. It seems that there is a fair amount of confusion around this computer. And this hasn’t been helped by people noticing that depending on the upgrades that you choose, you can easily spend the price of two Mac mini’s without trying too hard. That prompted me to write this post to try and answer these questions as best as I can.

  • M4 or M4 Pro?: To be honest, most people should go for the M4 model. The only reason why anyone should go for the M4 Pro model is that you need the performance for 4K (or higher) video editing, 3D rendering, or anything that will take advantage of the extra graphics and performance cores that the M4 Pro has. If that’s not you, save your money and go for the M4 model.
  • Does Thunderbolt 5 matter?: I wrote an article on Thunderbolt 5, which by the way is only available on the M4 Pro model, here, but the short answer is that it doesn’t matter for anyone with the exception of the three people on planet Earth who have Thunderbolt 5 accessories. It will matter in a year or two when more accessories such as drives, docks and monitors appear that leverage Thunderbolt 5. I should also point out that the people who would care about Thunderbolt 5 are the same ones who would be in the target market for the M4 Pro model.
  • About that power button: To me, the whole discussion about the power button is a total non issue. Modern Macs are incredibly power efficient that leaving it on would not make any noticeable difference in your power bill. Besides, when was the last time you turned off your computer? Rarely if ever I suspect.
  • Should I Upgrade The RAM and Storage?: Here’s some random thoughts on this before I get to my recommendations. Upgrades from Apple are expensive, largely because you cannot upgrade after the fact. And before anyone mentions it, the fact that the storage in the Mac mini is removable does not mean you can upgrade it for less by going aftermarket. In fact, no aftermarket upgrade options exist as far as I am aware. Apple knows that so they get you for as much as they can get away with. The flip side of that is that Apple’s storage is way faster than it has any right to be. Ditto for their RAM because it’s basically packaged up with the CPU. That makes it very difficult to compare against say a garden variety PC with upgradable RAM and storage where neither is as fast. Now having said that, here’s my recommendations:
    • 16GB of RAM is fine for most people. Unless you are doing something really RAM intensive, there’s no logical reason for most people to upgrade the RAM.
    • Storage is another matter. The fact is that 256 GB of storage isn’t enough in my opinion. So, besides giving Apple your money to upgrade to 512GB, you might want to consider external storage such as a Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 drive as that’s going to be way cheaper per gigabyte versus what Apple charges.
    • If you really must upgrade both because you have a use case that demands more RAM and more storage, the M4 Pro variant is what you should be considering.

Hopefully I’ve answered all of your questions regarding the M4 Mac mini. If I missed something, please leave a comment below and I will help you as best as I can. Or if you’re still not sure which Mac mini you should get, leave a comment below with your specific use case and I will help you as best as I can.

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Canadian Black Friday Data From Salesforce Including Early Results & Predictions

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 29, 2024 by itnerd

Here’s Salesforce’s latest holiday findings, based on the global shopping data from more than 1.5 billion consumers across Commerce Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Service Cloud, as well as a link to their holiday insights hub.

Key Findings (Canada, US and Global):

  • Early Cyber Week data shows that consumers planned and waited for Cyber Week deals.
  • US Thanksgiving finished strong with global online sales growing 6% YoY to $33.6B.
  • 30% of all Thursday sales in Canada were captured between the hours of 6pm and 10pm eastern
  • Global discounts remain steady globally on US Thanksgiving, but down in Canada:
  • The average global discount rate was 26% (flat% YoY), 28% in the US (flat YoY), and 21% in Canada (-11% YoY).
  • Social shopping grows:
  • Social channels referred 12% of all ecommerce traffic in Canada
  • Mobile traffic and orders peaked for the week:
  • Yesterday, mobile drove 72% of global online orders (up 3% YoY) and 80% of all online traffic (up 1% YoY).
  • 59% of online orders in Canada were from mobile (up 2% YoY).
  • AI makes an impact for global retailers:
  • Early holiday shopping season data showed that 1 in 5 holiday purchases are being influenced by consumers engaging with AI and agents.

Global Findings: 

  • Global sales are expected to reach $71.5B globally today.
  • For Black Friday, the majority of consumers will turn to online shopping during the hours 9 AM and 3 PM EST, with 42% of all online Black Friday shopping happening during this timeframe.
  • Global average selling price increased by only 2% YoY on US Thanksgiving, marking one of the smallest increases we’ve seen since 2022.
  • Social shopping grows:
  • For retailers that have adopted in-app social buying capabilities such as TikTok Shop or checkout via Instagram, about 19% of their US Thanksgiving day sales globally came from these social commerce apps.
  • Global top performing verticals by sales growth:
  • Home Dining, Art, and Decor (+39%)
  • Makeup (+22%)
  • Health & beauty (+21%)
  • Top global categories by average discount rate are currently:
  • Makeup (40%)
  • Home Dining, Art, and Decor (36%)
  • Skincare (35%)

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Samsung Black Friday Deals available only at TELUS and Koodo

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 29, 2024 by itnerd

Here’s some exclusive Samsung Black Friday deals available only at TELUS and Koodo, running from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Samsung Galaxy Ring  $549.99 $384.99 (30% off)

This Black Friday, TELUS is offering a 30% discount on the revolutionary Samsung Galaxy Ring, bringing the price down from $549.99 to just $384.99.

Some key Features of the Samsung Galaxy Ring include:

  • Sleek Elegance: Boasting a concave design and lightweight titanium frame, the Galaxy Ring is so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
  • Advanced Health Tracking: Equipped with three-sensor technology, including an Optical Bio-signal Sensor, Skin Temperature Sensor, and Accelerometer, for comprehensive health and activity monitoring.
  • Impressive Battery Life: Enjoy up to 7 days of use on a single charge, perfect for non-stop lifestyle tracking.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE $0 upfront $0 monthly

Koodo has a special Black Friday promotion available for all existing customers! For a limited time, customers can get the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $0 upfront and $0 monthly on qualifying Tab plans, starting as low as $39/month, while supplies last!

For more Black Friday deals, check out www.telus.com/deals and koodomobile.com.

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Key Predictions for Cybersecurity in 2025 From Panaseer

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 28, 2024 by itnerd

Here’s some forward-looking predictions for cybersecurity in 2025 from Dr. Leila Powell, Head of Data at Panaseer. These insights highlight emerging trends that will shape the cybersecurity landscape in the coming year.

1. The Regulatory Sphere of Influence Will Expand in 2025

Leila predicts that in 2025, more organizations will face increased pressure to measure and demonstrate their security posture, especially as regulatory requirements expand. With new regulations like NIS2, which extends oversight to more sectors and businesses, companies will need to prove they have the necessary security controls in place to avoid penalties. This shift is expected to place significant pressure on organizations that haven’t yet developed trusted data to manage risk effectively.

2. Hybrid Roles Merging Cybersecurity and Data Analysis Will Surge

Demand for data scientists and data analysts in cybersecurity will skyrocket in 2025. As cyberattacks become more widespread, businesses of all sizes will need to understand their security posture. Leila forecasts a growing demand for hybrid roles that combine data analysis with cybersecurity expertise, with companies looking to hire in-house talent and vendors seeking professionals who can help them navigate the increasing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape.

3. GenAI’s Security Challenges Will Emerge in 2025

As AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) become more integrated into business operations, the focus in 2025 will shift from safe usage to securing these models and their underlying training data. Leila highlights how organizations building their own AI capabilities will face new attack vectors targeting the training data and the models themselves. Companies must begin securing these assets to protect sensitive data and prevent manipulation of their AI systems.

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Vehicle & Property Records Exposed In Data Breach

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 27, 2024 by itnerd

A data breach involving SL Data Services/Propertyrec — an Information Research Provider — was discovered and reported to WebsitePlanet by cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler. 

What happened: 

A non-password-protected database containing more than 600K records was exposed. The leaked data includes PII, real estate data, court records, vehicle records (license plate and VIN), background check documents and more. 

Why it matters: 

A potential concern is targeted phishing or social engineering attacks, where a criminal could impersonate an individual whose personal information was exposed in a background check document. 

Read their detailed report here: https://www.websiteplanet.com/news/propertyrecs-breach-report/

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Microsoft To World: We Don’t Use Word And Excel To Gather Your Data To Train Our AI Models

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 27, 2024 by itnerd

You might recall that I posted a story on Word and Excel using your data to train Microsoft’s AI. Well, Microsoft has finally come out and said something about this via Twitter:

That’s seems on the surface to be a definitive statement. But The Register decided to go down the rabbit hole on this:

Microsoft’s Connected Experiences option in its productivity suite has been causing consternation amid accusations that the default setting might allow Microsoft to train AI models using customers’ Word and Excel documents and other data.

The Windows giant vehemently denies the claims. A spokesperson told The Register: “In Microsoft 365 consumer and commercial applications, Microsoft does not use customer data to train large language models without your permission.”

We asked Microsoft what it meant by “permission” and if the permission was opt-in or opt-out, and the IT titan has yet to respond.

Maybe I am reading too much into this. But you would think that if you were doing nothing wrong, you’d want to get that out there quickly. Thus the fact that Microsoft hasn’t responded to the question of what they meant by “permission” and whether it was opt in or opt out is curious. I’ll be watching this because I don’t think that this story is over and done with by a long shot.

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New Research Warns of Continuous Use of Sextortion Tactics Targeting Victims

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 27, 2024 by itnerd

Secureworks has just shared information on a scam that is targeting people in the guise of Sextortion. The scam suggests victims have been caught on video and demands payment in bitcoin to have the video deleted. In reality, the alleged videos do not exist, and it is an attempt to leverage the fear of a real Sextortion scam.

Though Sextortion is not a new tactic, Secureworks Counter Threat Unit (CTU) researchers have tracked the scams since at least 2018, and observed that very little has changed in these attacks, suggesting that the tactics continue to be successful.

Commenting on the findings, Rafe Pilling, Director of Threat Intelligence, Secureworks Counter Threat Unit says:

“Cyber criminals are opportunistic, always looking for a way to make money fast at the expense of others. Sextortion is a horrendous crime, and one that the public is increasingly aware of. So, while this scam is awful in its methods, it is not surprising to see it being deployed. One of the key triggers of any scam is fear, creating concern and an instant feeling of urgency that is designed to panic people into making fast decisions that can be very costly. It’s important that people are aware of these scams so that they can avoid falling victim.”

The full blog is available here: https://www.secureworks.com/blog/phorpiex-continues-to-deliver-sextortion-spam

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Canadian SMBs Outpace Global Average in Digital Adoption: Sage Study

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 27, 2024 by itnerd

Sage’s annual survey of 12,000 small and medium-sized business (SMBs) leaders globally – ‘Small Business, Big Opportunity’ – finds that business confidence among SMBs has reached new highs, with 86% expressing optimism about their success, up from 80% in 2023.   

This surge in confidence is attributed to improved operational efficiency, increased consumer spending, adoption of new technology, and enhanced cash flow, with nearly all SMBs (95%) recognizing their essential role in driving growth within their national economies. 

The data shows that Canadian SMBs are outpacing the global average in key areas, like digital investment (94% prioritize it versus the global average of 87%) and anticipated revenue growth (81% in Canada versus 70% globally). Canada’s leadership in digital adoption and growth among SMBs could be attributed to several factors: government support through digital adoption programs and the nation economies’ stability and resilience, allowing businesses to invest in growth and technology.  

Key Canada Findings:  

  • Confidence & Revenue Growth: Canadian SMBs reported impressive revenue gains, with 58% seeing growth over the past year, surpassing the global average of 45%. Looking ahead, 81% of Canadian SMBs expect further revenue increases, reflecting a higher optimism than their global peers (70%). 
  • Focus on Digital Transformation: A remarkable 94% of Canadian SMBs indicated that digital technologies are integral to their revenue strategies, compared to 87% globally. Driven by this priority, 76% of Canadian SMBs plan to increase their investment in technology over the next year, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for future growth. 
  • Efficiency and Innovation: By embracing digital tools, 78% of Canadian SMBs report they can focus more on higher-value tasks, significantly exceeding the global average (71%). This shift underscores a commitment to operational efficiency and workforce productivity, as 60% credit improved efficiency for their business confidence. 

While Canadian SMBs have shown remarkable resilience, they continue to face challenges, particularly in managing rising costs and cash flow concerns. More than 60% of businesses report increased operating costs, and 53% anticipate further cost pressures in the coming year. As they navigate these challenges, SMBs express a need for supportive policies that can alleviate financial burdens and sustain their digital progress. 

As SMBs in Canada prepare for growth in the year ahead, digital investment will be a clear focus to drive productivity and time savings. Sage will continue to amplify their voices and work closely with partners and policymakers to foster an environment that supports their growth. This report is part of Sage’s ongoing commitment to championing the needs and priorities of SMBs and supporting their journey toward sustainable, technology-driven growth. 

As Canadian SMBs set their sights on growth, optimism and investment are on the rise, with a clear focus on technology as a driver of productivity and time savings. However, many SMBs also recognize the need for greater support to fully capitalize on these benefits.  

For more information on Sage’s “Small Business, Big Opportunity” 2024 report and to access the full findings, visit Sage’s digital newsroom. 

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Arcitecta Data Management 2025 Predictions

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 27, 2024 by itnerd

Here’s some predictions for 2025 from Arcitecta from CEO Jason Lohrey that are very interesting:

Emergence of Next-Generation Archive Storage

As data volumes grow, more efficient and cost-effective archival storage solutions have become critical. Flash and disk-based storage options, while fast, come with high costs when scaling to large capacities. This has led to a resurgence in tape storage as a viable solution for modern needs, and the introduction of new, emerging technologies like storage on glass. Companies will look to aggregate smaller units into larger configurations that combine the scalability of tape with the flexibility of cloud standards. The renewed interest in tape and other archival storage solutions will continue to expand as the demands of modern data management evolve.

Real-Time Data Streaming and the Geo-Distributed Workforce

The rise of remote work and geographically distributed teams has changed how businesses operate. Real-time data streaming allows organizations to record events and share live feeds globally, enabling employees to collaborate on continuous data streams without needing to be physically present. This trend will likely accelerate in 2025 as more companies adopt tools that facilitate seamless broadcasting and data distribution. By enabling real-time collaboration across a distributed workforce, businesses can reduce travel costs, increase efficiency, and make quicker, more informed decisions. The global reach of data streaming technology will expand, allowing organizations to tap into a wider talent pool and create more dynamic and flexible operational structures.

GLAM Sector Will Face a Big Data Challenge

The GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) sector is quickly becoming a significant player in the big data landscape. As these institutions curate petabytes of data, their needs evolve beyond traditional digital asset management systems. The complexity of managing vast amounts of multimedia data requires new big data solutions, including scalable storage systems and advanced analytics tools. As GLAM institutions embrace big data, they will require tools that can handle not just large volumes but also the diverse nature of the data they manage, paving the way for innovations in data curation and preservation.

Strengthening Security Amid Growing Data Exposure

Organizations will recognize that their current security measures are often inadequate in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. By 2025, more institutions will implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) in the data path to better protect their digital assets. This approach goes beyond securing user access to individual accounts and extends to securing the data flow itself.

Rogue actors continuously attempt to exploit vulnerabilities within data infrastructures. The rise in awareness of these risks will drive a shift towards more robust security protocols, ensuring that data remains protected from unauthorized access throughout its lifecycle.

The Rise of Storage Virtualization and the Data Fabric

As organizations look to optimize their storage strategies, the rise of storage virtualization is making it easier to interconnect various data storage technologies. Businesses can maximize their existing investments and avoid vendor lock-in by leveraging a data fabric—an architecture that unifies cloud, disk, tape, and flash storage into a single, logical namespace. This trend towards virtualization allows for a more flexible approach to data management, enabling businesses to mix and match technologies to meet specific needs. For example, high-performance workloads can run on flash storage while archival data is moved to tape. The ability to integrate various storage solutions seamlessly will be a key enabler for organizations aiming to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and scale their operations.

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TELUS announces Black Friday Buy One Give One campaign

Posted in Commentary with tags on November 26, 2024 by itnerd

TELUS is transforming Black Friday shopping into a force for social good this holiday season: replacing the traditional BOGO (Buy One Get One) with BOGO+ (Buy One Give One).

In a uniquely Canadian promotion, TELUS is flipping the script on Black Friday deals with a powerful initiative: For every new customer who purchases a phone between November 29 and December 1, TELUS will provide a free phone and plan to a youth aging out of foster care through their Mobility for Good program. 

As part of a network that cares for its communities, customers are helping bridge digital divides and create a friendlier, more sustainable future by providing pre-loved devices that might otherwise end up in landfills. The Buy One Give One offer is available by phone, online, and in-store at select locations. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one, Canadians can purchase with purpose and enjoy the latest technology while making a meaningful difference in their communities and giving the vital gift of connection to someone who needs it most.

Find out more about this and other Black Friday deals at https://www.telus.com

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