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James Martin, Deakin University and Chad Whelan, Deakin University New details have emerged on the severity of the Medibank hack, which has now affected all users. Optus, Medibank, Woolworths, and, last Friday, electricity provider Energy Australia are all now among the household names that have fallen victim to a data breach. If it seems like...Continue reading→

David Kretchmar From time to time, every computer specialist is asked, “What computer should I buy?” The answer is usually, “What do you intend to do with it, and how much can you afford?” This article addresses the major decisions required if you are buying a new computer. Apple or PC? They will both do...Continue reading→

Cal Esneault Linux software is installed using pre-compiled “packages.” The traditional method, called dynamic packaging, separately installs the main application and additional supporting sub-components (“dependencies). Mint uses the Debian package management system and provides a graphical Software Manager program to help users install new software. To minimize developer efforts, new software versions usually only appear...Continue reading→

Steve Stubberfield This is my story about how cancelling our Foxtel subscription lead to a network switch failure and what is meant by life time warranty. It all started when we decided to re-assess what subscription services we required. With so many different services now requiring monthly subscriptions it is almost impossible for the average...Continue reading→

Hugh Macdonald Hello and welcome to another edition of PC Update. This month we have a couple of interesting articles from members. There’s one from Steve on his experiences of cancelling Foxtel and on the way discovering that his network switch had also failed, and dealing with the lifetime warranty on the device. In this...Continue reading→

Steve Costello While going through more than 300 RSS feeds, I often run across things that might be interesting to other user group members. The following are some items I found during August 2021. Internet Problems? Here’s How To Tell If It’s Your ISP’s Fault https://www.howtogeek.com/740382/internet-problems-heres-how-to-tell-if-its-your-isps-fault/ It is a matter of when not if you...Continue reading→

Neil Muller Host John Swale opened the August meeting, again via Zoom. After welcoming members, John outlined the nights agenda below: Presentation 1: Q&A with John Hall Presentation 2: Google Maps Tips and Tricks Main presentation: “Ransomware Protection” by Dave Botherway The first presentation of the night was by John Hall presenting Q&A in George...Continue reading→

Roger Brown DOTW has made the transition to SPACES Perhaps we should first remind readers about what exactly DOTW is meant to be. Precisely what the acronym “DOTW” stands for has been shrouded in controversy over the years but in practice it is essentially a lighthearted look at some of the sillier events of the...Continue reading→

Wafa Johal, The University of Melbourne In August 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the electric car manufacturer was planning to get into the robot business. In a presentation accompanied by a human dressed as a robot, Musk said work was beginning on a “friendly” humanoid robot to “navigate through a world built for humans...Continue reading→