I have not written on this subject because I just see everyone else is banging on Congress about how stupid it would be to install “backdoors” in commercial email and software services. But honestly, I’m a bit concerned right now because government pressure is being stepped up.
A “backdoor” is a mechanism that allows a service provider or government to access the contents of a system without knowing users’ passwords and without their knowledge. It is essentially a universal key that opens everything.
We hear government officials crying out that this is the only way they can protect the nation against attack. In other words, the government wants to have universal access to every electronic communication, or we will all die in flaming terrorist attacks.
So just why is this the stupidest idea in the world? [Read more…]
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When I upgraded from iPhone 4S to iPhone 6, I was on AT&T. As a “reward” for upgrading, after being a loyal customer (“We want to thank you for being the best part of AT&T”), AT&T charged me $40 and then increased my monthly data plan by $15. And locked me into the full plan for 24 months. I had a hellish experience but was able to cut my monthly costs drastically by unlocking and then switching to T-Mobile. Here’s how I did it… 
Two beefs here. First, “Amateur Radio” needs a different name. Second, “Ham” radio needs another name. It has always been a bit embarrassing to me that regular people who have learned a shitload about electronics, or who like to experiment with radio, are called amateurs. I’ve met many who are as knowledgeable as a radio professional.