App Consciousness: Staying Safe and Streamlined with the "New Way" of Computing
I was reminded of this today when my #smartphone powered down, and I was forced to fire up the laptop to continue the conversation I was having in the #FaceBookmessenger App.
While using the #facebook web-page for messaging, I remembered, "Even on the PC,
there's an App for that.”
During conversations with clients, I discovered many are not
aware of the benefit gained from approaching the tools used on the Internet
through an App, rather than a web-based browser.
What do I mean by App?
- An App (short for application) is a self-contained program that usually relies on the Internet thereby reducing the demand on hardware.
- An App is typically offered through an "App Store" from an Operating System such as #Android, #iOS, #Blackberry, etc.
- All Apps require a high level of quality from software developers, ensuring stringent standards and rigorous safety guidelines.
Apps and Devices
Most of us still use Desktops/Laptops internet browsers, and
experience the internet differently based on whether we are using an App or a web-browser (such as
Fox, Internet Explorer, etc.).
When
using a web-page,
you are using one program (the web-browser) to access programs and sites that vary in design, security, programming
languages etc.
When using an App, you are using a specific program required to
ensure strict standards and stringent safety guidelines. Providing a consistent experience for users on
different browsers; each App with its own rigid requirements
Consequently, you lose the added benefit of an Apps Store, which require those software
tools above to provide a consistent experience for
users on different browsers; all with their own requirements, and potential
security risks.
Finally, software developers must design
their websites using a variety of tools, where there are many more
"options" [potential pitfalls] while a user
is browsing the web.
It's Murphy's Law
Have you ever wondered why your smartphone is rarely plagued
with a virus, and why it's easier to do things on a tablet or smartphone
than it is on the computer?
The answer is simple: An App offers a more controlled
environment with less potential to trigger something that would cause an
infection.
On the other hand, when you use a web-page, you are using one program (a browser) to access different sites and programs, each varying in design, security, programming languages that increase the potential of Malware.
What is Malware?
·
Malware is malicious code that has subverted the
security of the devices, and varies in severity and risk to the user.
·
Most malware typically (at minimum) circumvents
the safe guards of the system for the purpose of gathering sensitive
information, targeting unsolicited advertising, or opening the device to further
infection or malicious uses.
·
Spoof emails are another type of delivery system
for malware, inciting the user to initiate an action which can install
malicious code that can give hackers control of your machine without your knowledge,
or with express purpose of collecting your identity by mimicking legitimate
persons or organizations such as your financial institution, the FBI, something
you are familiar and often looking exactly like the real thing.
·
As most desktop owners are aware, several additional
"plugins" are required for
a consistent experience with Web-Browsers, such as #Java, #Flash, #Silverlight).Every computer I work on has
antivirus/anti-malware program to identify potential infections.
·
Most infections are
triggered by an action by the user, the overall point is:
Regardless of how good your
security system is, there are exponentially more landmines to
fall into using a web-browser vs.
an App.
Other Considerations
This is
not to say using the internet via a web-browser is bad, and doesn't offer its
own virtues.
As the
explosion of the App continues, we currently caught
in the middle between the old way of doing things with one foot in each world
between old and new.
We generally consider a matter of convenience, a security concern, or becoming more acclimated with the trend of technology and the fundamental role it plays in our society.
We generally consider a matter of convenience, a security concern, or becoming more acclimated with the trend of technology and the fundamental role it plays in our society.
As more
and more vendors scramble to offer these services, I am using examples based on
my own personal preference. As a technology consultant, I am fluent and
match software to the needs of my customer.
Here are few suggestions you can use to shift to an App mindset as you do with your mobile devices to take
advantage of the seamless user experience and safety between all of your
devices.
THE APP STORE - BEYOND MOBILE
 |
| Chrome Appse - Apps instead off Bookmarks |
Download
- Download a Browser or Operating System that allows you to Install Apps
- Google Chrome has been the pioneer in cloud-computing (Internet-Based Software Development). The Google Chrome Web-Browser is much more than just an internet browser, and I often liken it to a self-contained operating system.
- What's the other advantage? With Chrome, you can use your current email address or create a free Gmail address to keep all of your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords synchronized across all your devices
- Chrome for Desktop has the Chrome Web App Store which enables you to install Apps, and even start them right from your desktop. This means instead of having to visit a web-page, just as you would on your mobile device, you launch an application offering a cleaner, and synchronized, user experience.
- Google Chrome has a great selection (such as Facebook messenger, the inspiration for this post)
Upgrade
2. Upgrade to the O/S that supports Apps
- #Windows8.1 is a hybrid operating system.
- A Hybrid Operating System is designed for both the old school and new school approach.
- This system works on both regular desktop/laptop computers, as well as tablets and other mobile devices.
- Windows8.1 has been developed to run on minimal resources!
- It is an operating system that offers you both old school (web-based) new school approaches (App-based).
- Windows 8.1 has the classic windows desktop
And a Metro menu.
Apple is another company that is way ahead
of its time. Despite my problem with the way they
charge their customer, they the masters of elegance with their
interface and the most recent versions of their OSX mirror functionality with
their mobile iOS Operating Systems.
Less Can Do More
The need for powerful hardware is actually reducing, a dramatic
shift since the mobile device explosion. Since software developers need
to develop apps to run on these tiny mobile devices, and these applications are
becoming available across
Before you buy new
Before you are convinced that you need to buy a new PC or MAC every few years, due your due diligence.
- Can it be cleaned or reloaded?
- Will a lighter O/S (like Windows 8.1) allow you
- If your computer is acting slow, maybe it just needs to be serviced (the result of these inherent issues I mention before).
- . Even if your computer is a few years old, it's likely much more powerful than your mobile device.
This is one of the strongest pieces of advice I offer my clients.
It all comes down to the software, and since developers are writing applications for mobile devices, the need for powerful hardware is greatly reduced.
In short, back in the day a web-browser was the primary way that people interacted with online resources and the primary "vehicle" to the #internet;.
However, with the rise of tablets and smartphones today's users are more inclined to use an "app", downloading an application from an App Store which is specifically tailored towards whatever the App is offering (e.g. you likely don't use your mobile based browser to check your email or do your banking. You download appropriate application.
In short, back in the day a web-browser was the primary way that people interacted with online resources and the primary "vehicle" to the #internet;. However, with the rise of tablets and smartphones today's users are more inclined to use an "app", downloading an application from an App Store which is specifically tailored towards whatever the app is offering (e.g. you likely don't use your mobile based browser to check your email or do your banking. You download appropriate application.
While this may all seem like lot of information, the short of it is that the speed of innovation with technology is outpacing the collective ability of the masses to keep up, collectively. Understanding the way the wind is blowing is now a necessary evil, as technology becomes more intertwined with our daily lives.
If you are looking a technology partner to help find ways to leverage technology for your home and/or business, visit www.simpleassistme,com. .
It all comes down to the software, and since developers are writing applications for mobile devices, the need for powerful hardware is greatly reduced.
In short, back in the day a web-browser was the primary way that people interacted with online resources and the primary "vehicle" to the #internet;.
However, with the rise of tablets and smartphones today's users are more inclined to use an "app", downloading an application from an App Store which is specifically tailored towards whatever the App is offering (e.g. you likely don't use your mobile based browser to check your email or do your banking. You download appropriate application.
In short, back in the day a web-browser was the primary way that people interacted with online resources and the primary "vehicle" to the #internet;. However, with the rise of tablets and smartphones today's users are more inclined to use an "app", downloading an application from an App Store which is specifically tailored towards whatever the app is offering (e.g. you likely don't use your mobile based browser to check your email or do your banking. You download appropriate application.
While this may all seem like lot of information, the short of it is that the speed of innovation with technology is outpacing the collective ability of the masses to keep up, collectively. Understanding the way the wind is blowing is now a necessary evil, as technology becomes more intertwined with our daily lives.
If you are looking a technology partner to help find ways to leverage technology for your home and/or business, visit www.simpleassistme,com. .
