My Bill Gates story, don't delay updates, and don't fall for the small target illusion
Plus, Superman's dog is perfect, Microsoft is trying for a Guinness World Record, Gemini finally crushes my AI coding tests, and cloning the A-Team van
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
Why delaying software updates is a terrible idea: One missed update turned my website into a hacker's playground and another locked me out of my own business tools. Here's why skipping software updates isn't worth the risk.
Why no small business is too small for hackers - and 8 security best practices for SMBs: Don't fall victim to the 'small target illusion.' Learn how cybercriminals exploit SMBs so you can fix your security gaps before it's too late.
Microsoft's free AI skills training 'Fest' starts next week - anyone can sign up: Microsoft's 50-day AI Skills Fest is open to all - from beginners to pros. Register now for free access to AI lessons and help Microsoft win a Guinness World Record (seriously).
How Bill Gates, the Altair 8800 and BASIC propelled me into the PC revolution: In 1975, Bill and I were using the same computing tech, the Altair 8800 and DEC's PDP-10, as BASIC became a gateway for generations of developers. Where were you all those decades ago?
Gemini Pro 2.5 is one of only two AIs to crush all my coding tests - and it's free: Google's previous AIs miserably failed my usual AI coding tests, but Gemini Pro 2.5 did not fail. To my amazement, it passed them all, joining only one other AI in the winner's circle.
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
The sneak peak for the latest Superman is out. It has the dog Krypto, and I have to tell you I could not stop laughing. I mean, a bloodied, moaning Superman is not exactly a laughing moment, but Krypto was just perfect.
Good discussion on the role of a gaffer and key grip in a filming environment.
There’s a big discussion about legal issues regarding 3D printing’s ultimate test print, the Benchy. Zack Freedman deconstructs the issues.
Tool of the week
Mechanical pencils seem so very analog, but they come in handy for many different workshop and studio tasks. This is a box set of mechanical pencils with different pencil lead thicknesses and a variety of pencils.
I wouldn’t call this cheap, but it’s also not expensive. And if you have an engineer friend or a woodworking family member, this set would make a surprising and delightful gift.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth reading.
Some guy cloned the A-Team van.
Great article by the Internet Press Guild’s Ron Miller on how AI is is powering the Boston Red Sox on the field and across operations.
How an AI found minerals in previously ignored locations.
Send in your projects
I’d like to regularly spotlight a reader project or two here. Your project doesn’t have to be a big Kickstarter launch. If you’ve built something cool, it has some pretty pictures, and you’re proud of it, I might be able to share it here.
If you have a photogenic reader project, send an email to me at david@zatz.com with the subject “READER PROJECT,” a few pictures, and a short one-paragraph description. If you have a social media link or a link to the project, include that, too.
Both my EPs are now streaming
Available on all your favorite streaming services.
More clicky
I’ve got a lot happening all over the web. Here are links to my various stuff:
House of the Head: home for my published music
ZATZ Labs: where I host my published software projects
Feel free to dig around, visit, and say hey!
Leave some comments
Substack supports comments, so feel free to leave some. I promise to read them. Just, please, let’s keep our personal politics out of any discussion.
That should do it for this week. This newsletter is really starting to pick up subscribers. Please help it out by sharing links on all your socials.
Have a great week!