The Old Grey Techie - For Tips, Tricks & Techniques For Techies Of All Ages And Abilities
... however, not all of Microsoft’s ventures have been met with acclaim and success.
Over the years, the company has launched several products that failed to capture the market, suffered from poor reception, or were simply ahead of their time.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the products that Microsoft would likely prefer to forget, examining what went wrong and why these products failed to make a lasting impact.
Whether you're a remote worker, a freelancer, or someone who occasionally works from home, having a well-organized workspace can significantly enhance your focus and overall work experience.
In this blog post, we'll explore the top ten tips for setting up your home office to create an environment conducive to productivity and success.
Back then, our gadgets were a delightful mix of innovation and imagination, full of whirring gears, chunky buttons, and delightful new sounds.
Today, we live in a world of sleek designs, touchscreens, and invisible technologies that seem almost magical by comparison.
Let’s take a light-hearted trip down memory lane and see how the tech and gadgets of the 80s stack up against what we have today.
This article aims to explain what Linux is and explore why many consider it a superior choice compared to Windows.
However, the rising popularity of open source software provides a viable alternative that can potentially replace all Microsoft products.
For those considering this transition, the process might be easier than you think.
This article explores how you can replace Microsoft software with open source alternatives and the benefits of making the switch.
In early January 2025, digital privacy researcher Dr. Günes Acar of Radboud University in the Netherlands noticed something suspicious. While browsing his university’s site on a desktop, he detected a hidden channel connecting back to his Android device. The culprit? A script embedded in the site via the ubiquitous “Meta Pixel.”
What he uncovered next was jaw-dropping: the Pixel wasn’t just reporting browsing data to Meta’s servers—it was quietly looping that data back into Android apps, namely Instagram and Facebook. These apps were reading the browsing history of users—even when browsing in Incognito mode or behind a VPN—without user knowledge or consent .
This method exploited a subtle but powerful loophole in Android’s architecture, enabling web and app communication by rerouting Pixel calls through local network ports on users’ devices. Essentially, when you clicked a link in any browser, that browsing event was secretly matched to your logged‑in app identity. Effectively, your phone was a surveillance device in Meta’s pocket.
But behind the sleek interfaces and convenient functionality, a silent, pervasive data collection process is constantly at work, conducted by something called app trackers.
These trackers, often hidden within the apps we use daily, collect vast amounts of information about our behaviour, preferences, and even our personal lives.
Understanding what app trackers are, how they operate, and the potential risks they pose is crucial for anyone who values their privacy and security.
It's time to pull back the curtain and take a closer look at the apps residing on your smartphone and the trackers lurking within.
These apps, such as Life360, Find My Friends, and Google Maps’ location sharing feature, promise peace of mind and enhanced safety.
However, alongside their benefits come significant risks and dangers that users need to be aware of.
This article explores these potential pitfalls and offers guidance on how to use these apps responsibly.
However, LibreOffice Calc, a free and open-source alternative, has been gaining popularity among users who seek powerful functionality without the hefty price tag.
While Excel has its strengths, LibreOffice Calc offers numerous advantages that make it a compelling choice for many.
In this article, I’ll explore the top 10 reasons why LibreOffice Calc might just be better than Microsoft Excel.
It's a debate that often leaves consumers wondering if the extra money they spend on flagship phones like the iPhone is truly worth it.
While there's no denying that premium devices come with certain advantages, when you break down the features, performance, and overall value, a phone like the Moto G04 may very well be the smarter choice for many users.
In this blog post, I'll explore why a phone like the Moto G04 could beat more expensive phones like the iPhone, focusing on key factors like cost-effectiveness, performance, usability, and longevity.