The truth about passwords vs passkeys, AI coding for mission critical code, and debunking Linux myths
Plus, a nail like you've never seen before, forehead teeth sex (not making this up), an insane toy robot, and why some Ryobi batteries die
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
Advanced Geekery is published weekly on Substack and LinkedIn. Same content. Choose your favorite delivery method. Back Issues.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
I asked AI to modify mission-critical code, and what happened next haunts me: This seriously raised the hairs on the back of my neck.
I'm ditching passwords for passkeys for one reason - and it's not what you think: Passkeys promise to replace passwords. The reality is far more confusing. But you should add them anyway. Here's why.
This free Chrome tool cleans up your Google searches - hide AI, sponsored links, and more: Let's get you back to classic search.
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
I can’t tell you how much I want (and have no need for) this toy robot. It’s a wildly expensive $1,200 gimmick. And yet… no. Just, no. No, no, nopety-no.
We’ve all been here. A server room, cabling closet, or basement filled with cabling run amok. Dude shares a very comforting timelapse of cleaning up this kind of mess.
This guy goes way, way down a rabbit hole to try to understand why his Ryobi batteries don’t work. It’s a marvel of dedicated reverse engineering and stubborn refusal to give in. It’s also pretty interesting to see what he learned.
Product of the week
These are called duplex nails, and they’re definitely new to me. They’re construction nails designed for temporary construction projects like scaffolding, concrete formwork, temporary bracing, and other projects where you want to hammer in a nail, but be able to easily remove it later.
Should you get these? Up to you. Do I recommend them? Not really. Why am I sharing? Because they’re cool, and I’d never seen them before. After all, that’s what this newsletter really is about: sharing the cool stuff. They’re cool. I have no use for duplex nails right now, but you can be sure I’ll keep an eye out for an excuse to try them.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth checking out.
ZDNET is spotlighting a limited-time deal where students can get a free Microsoft Copilot account.
When I can share both science and a bonkers headline at the same time, it’s a total win. Here, then, is the Headline of the Week (plus science): Get to Know the Ratfish and the Forehead Teeth It Uses During Sex.
Here’s another great ZDNET article, this time from Jack Wallen. He debunks seven myths about Linux so if you’re thinking of moving off of Windows 10, you have a more accurate view of what Linux can do for you.
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!