Andrew Nimick - Technology consultant Andrew is an independent technology consultant whose focus is what technology can do for business and finding the best tools for the job.

I have decided to do a bit of a weekly roundup for two reasons. First, there is so much going on at the moment in the world of tech and second, because no 3D TVs or iPads turned up for me to trial and report on.

Privacy has stayed a big issue and now its both Facebook and Google getting it.
Facebook has created such a mess that other sites including the Huffington Post are having to create videos explaining the privacy options. One awesome coder has written a script which checks your settings and gives you warnings. I have used it and it works. Look for the link below, and I will get Jo to post it on SunLive's Facebook page.
Facebook has been holding ‘behind the door meetings' on how to deal with the fallout and people have actually found out you "can" delete a Facebook account after all. If anyone wants to know, I will post it later.

Google has responded to criticism from many privacy authorities, including the NZ Commission. Corporate gobbledygook, which does not do evil (Google's mantra), but somehow does not do the opposite either. And yes there are tools to help you avoid Google data collection too.
Most browsers now have privacy settings. But check the link below as well.

Microsoft has announced upgrades to its awful hotmail service, turning it into Gmail. Well not quite, but something similar. It's about time. It will also allow connection to the new online Office apps for which you will need a copy of Office 2010 Beta. Not a bad business strategy.

A new site launched called Togetherville. It is a social site for under 10 year olds. Not sure if they kick you out on your 10th birthday! The idea is that it is a training ground where parents can teach their children online safety. Ok two problems with that:
1) Most parents have not got the know-how to do that. Sorry it's true.
2) I actually would not want an under 10 wasting any time on a social networking site, when old enough to want to do it, then teach them. But to me there are far better ways for them to spend their time.
So for me Togetherville is a bit of a fail (unless it's sponsored by a certain large social network, which would make perfect sense).

Here is a date for your dairy. First of June there is a technology expo at Baycourt, sponsored by Priority One. It's free and worth a look to see what's available for your business in the Bay. If you want some more info, go here:
www.priorityone.co.nz/myfiles/Poster_A4.pdf

Well I hope you all had a good week and that next week will be even better.

http://www.reclaimprivacy.org/ For Facebook

http://www.googlesharing.net/ For Google

http://togetherville.com/