What is "jailbreaking" you ask? What does it mean? Why is it called that?
Jailbreaking is the term used by owners of iPhones and iPads when they want to use more features of the device than Apple will allow. If you have an "Android" device, the term is "rooting" because you are being given "root" access to the device.
People in the computer press often describe Apple products as a "walled garden." Imagine a beautiful walled garden filled with all the things you could desire; happy people, fun parties, all the desirable things you might find in say, a Hollywood stars mansion or a luxurious spa resort.
But, some people feel that this beautiful garden is nothing but a prison.
A prison that gives everything a person could want, except freedom. These people feel as though they are in "jail".
So they break out of jail; they perform a "jailbreak". They find ways to get around the restrictions that Apple (the jail warden) has put on them.
Like in the real world, breaking out of Apples' "jail" carries consequences. You could cause your iDevice to stop functioning, a condition called "bricking"; because your shiny device is now nothing more useful than a brick. Or, Apple could sneakily re-capture you and put you back "in jail."
One consequence that no longer applies is going to real-world prison. Yes, thats right; until last year, you could have gone to real jail because of un-jailing your phone.
So, now you know. Any questions?
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
On The Nature of Technological Progress
Next week will be the 10th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th, 2001.
At that time, the only way people knew about the attacks was through traditional broadcast media; TV and radio.
Today, when momentous events occur the first notice of them is produced by citizens who broadcast news of the event over the Internet; through Facebook or Twitter or YouTube.
10 years ago, none of that existed. 10 years ago, the Internet was there but most people did not use it, nor did they have convenient, fast access to it.
Today, we have pocket-sized super-computers that also make phone-calls. Today, people are assumed to have Internet access; not only access but fast, always-on and convenient access.
In the last 10 years, we, society, have embraced so much technological change we dont even think about what it was like without it.
10 years ago next week, we were told "the world has changed."
They didnt know the half of it. What were you doing the first time you had convenient access to fast Internet?
Or you got your first "smart" phone?
Can you really imagine your life without the gadgets you use now?
At that time, the only way people knew about the attacks was through traditional broadcast media; TV and radio.
Today, when momentous events occur the first notice of them is produced by citizens who broadcast news of the event over the Internet; through Facebook or Twitter or YouTube.
10 years ago, none of that existed. 10 years ago, the Internet was there but most people did not use it, nor did they have convenient, fast access to it.
Today, we have pocket-sized super-computers that also make phone-calls. Today, people are assumed to have Internet access; not only access but fast, always-on and convenient access.
In the last 10 years, we, society, have embraced so much technological change we dont even think about what it was like without it.
10 years ago next week, we were told "the world has changed."
They didnt know the half of it. What were you doing the first time you had convenient access to fast Internet?
Or you got your first "smart" phone?
Can you really imagine your life without the gadgets you use now?
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