Techsavvies discussed the recent interest in sleep deprivation as a result of using screens of various types for long periods before going to sleep at night. The problem seems to be particularly troubling for young people using smart phones or tablets who develop bad sleeping habits from prolonged usage just prior to sleep. The problem also affects older people and is thought to be due to the high amount of light emitted from screens at the blue end of the spectrum. There are a number of strategies to counter the problem. Apart from behavioral aspects, there are apps for shifting the colour temperature away from the blue end towards a warmer colour and reducing the intensity of the blue light. One manufacturer produces a ‘low blue light monitor’ for pcs.
Other topics discussed included issues around changing to windows 10. Things to watch are to make sure whether you need a 32 bit version or 64 bit version. Some legacy software may not run correctly on the wrong version. Also a 32 bit machine would not work properly with the 64 bit version. There may be some hardware incompatibilities for example if the graphics card in the computer is too old there may not be an appropriate driver in windows 10 for it to work correctly. Windows 10 will default to internal software graphics in this case but it is of poor resolution and a new card would be needed. Support from Microsoft for windows 7 seven will eventually phase out.
There was some discussion about the use of chromecast and similar hdmi dongles and also the use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
Les Rodgers
Covenor's Note: Both Claire and Peter have expressed a keen interest in finding out more about VPN. Ian has been contacted and has agreed to present on this topic - perhaps initially to the Techsavies working group? Bev
Other topics discussed included issues around changing to windows 10. Things to watch are to make sure whether you need a 32 bit version or 64 bit version. Some legacy software may not run correctly on the wrong version. Also a 32 bit machine would not work properly with the 64 bit version. There may be some hardware incompatibilities for example if the graphics card in the computer is too old there may not be an appropriate driver in windows 10 for it to work correctly. Windows 10 will default to internal software graphics in this case but it is of poor resolution and a new card would be needed. Support from Microsoft for windows 7 seven will eventually phase out.
There was some discussion about the use of chromecast and similar hdmi dongles and also the use of virtual private networks (VPNs).
Les Rodgers
Covenor's Note: Both Claire and Peter have expressed a keen interest in finding out more about VPN. Ian has been contacted and has agreed to present on this topic - perhaps initially to the Techsavies working group? Bev
