QR Codes

QR Codes are a modern way of passing and accessing information quickly.  QR stands for 'Quick Response', and can be quickly read from a QR code scanner such as a cell phone.  They are a robust form of data that holds more information than a standard bar code.  QR codes can store web addresses,  product details, coupons, geo-coordinates, and much more.  Part of the reason they are becoming so widely used is because so many people now have access to a QR Code reader on their phone.  Using just an app on a modern smart phone, you can take a picture of the QR Code and instantly have access to the information within.

QR Codes are also incredibly stable.  They can still be read with up to 30% of the code being obscured or damaged.  That is an impressive improvement to standard bar codes that are useless if a little piece of it is unreadable.  

QR Codes are also very easy to produce.  There are many websites, such as www.qrstuff.com,  that you can go to and have one auto generated for you.  Initially, they were developed for industrial purposed for tracking parts because it allowed for high speed data scanning but they can easily be used for business cards or self promotion and are frequently used in advertisements and coupons.  

References:
QRCodes. www.qrstuff.com

Cyber Security

Cyber security is a hot button issue in our modern technological society.  As the amount of personal information people store and share in cloud based sites and digital marketplaces increases, so does the risk of having that information stolen.  Not only are individuals storing information, but large companies and retailers are storing vast amounts of data about their customers in massive data centers.  These massive data centers have become a major target for hackers looking for personal information.  A recent example of this was the major data breach at the big box retailer, Target.  Targets data center that stores customers private information and credit card numbers was hacked into and all that info was stolen.  This lead to a major backlash from not only Target's customers who were exposed to credit and identity theft, but also all the way up to Congress who are now trying to understand the modern cyber threats and pass legislation to prevent it.

Who are the hackers and why do they want the data?  There are several reasons why a hacker would want to gain access to this type of data.  One reason is they want your credit card information so they can make purchases using your accounts.  Another reason is because they want to sell your credit card information to other people who will use it for those same reasons.  Also, this data can be sold to other companies who are looking for data about your previous purchases for the purpose of future marketing.

As our lifestyles are becoming more and more digital, it becomes increasingly important to understand and develop Cyber Security.  The biggest challenge in cyber security is that it is a reactive type of security.  No matter what type of system that is developed to keep people out, there could always someone who finds a way.  The best way to deal with that is to be very quick to react and adapt to new forms of intrusion.

References:
US Department of Homeland Security. http://www.dhs.gov/cybersecurity-overview

Open Source

There is a lot of really awesome stuff happening in the world of Open Source software but there is also a bit of confusion about it as well.  A lot of people hear the term 'open source' and equate that with 'free' software.  That is actually not the case, and some people, like Richard Stallman, are going to great lengths to educate people on that exact topic.  While a lot of open source software can be free to the end user, that is not what the definition of open source means.  According to the Open Source Initiative, "Open Source software is software that can be freely used, changed, and shared (in modified or unmodified form) by anyone".  What its really saying is that the code can be used by anybody to create anything, and as long as they give the credit and license, they can do what they want with it.  Open source software can be used in software that is not for free.

Whats so interesting about open source software to me is that there is such a rich community of people working on just about anything, with no expectation or desire for monetary gain.  This is really unique in any type of production of a product.  With so many people freely working and sharing things they have worked on, there is a real benefit to improvement and security.  Its like having hundreds of great minds coming together to share their ideas and expertise.

Another cool thing about working on open source software is that employers love it in potential employees.  They like to see programmers giving back to the community and not only does it show that you have valuable skills, but also that you are passionate about programming.  I see it on job postings all the time.  Employers asking for a link to your personal Github or examples of your open source projects to include on your Resume.   Not only could it be good for your career, but its also a great learning experience and helps you grow as a programmer.  I have always felt that in all aspects of life, if you want to get better at something you like, find people who are better than you and hang out with them.  There is no better learning experience.

References:
The Open Source Initiative. http://opensource.org