does your IM client secretly process things for the “cloud”?

Posted by luke on Jul 30, 2009 in blog | 2 comments

I used (past tense) digsby as a good way to manage multiple clients and platforms of messaging… but when searching for some information about a function I’d like it to have and I found this in the TOS (point 15):

“You agree to permit the Software to use the processing power of your computer when it is idle to run downloaded algorithms (mathematical equations) and code within a process. You understand that when the Software uses your computer, it likewise uses your CPU, bandwidth, and electrical power. The Software will use your computer to solve distributed computing problems, such as but not limited to, accelerating medical research projects, analyzing the stock market, searching the web, and finding the largest known prime number. This functionality is completely optional and you may disable it at any time.”

By agreeing to the standard TOS, you are allowing Digsby to use your machine as part of “the cloud” – to use your processing power and memory to run things for other people, when digsby is idle – that wouldn’t be so bad, if it wasn’t for two things:

1) Its very well hidden down in the TOS and certainly not mentioned very openly.

2) Switching it off is nearly impossible (I couldn’t find it but it claims to be there).

A further googling confirmed my suspicions (wikipedia and others).

My advice would be to remove it and always check the TOS for these hidden things, it could be the reason your machine is slowing down…

the bigger banana – a longer video

Posted by luke on Jul 28, 2009 in blog | 0 comments

Here is the longer promo video of the Technology For Marketing Workshop I presented for the Engine Room in London at the start of the month, more details of their high value and low cost workshops are here.

A sampler of the TFMW workshop

Posted by luke on Jul 21, 2009 in seminars | 0 comments

Video sampler from my recent talk at the TFMW “the big banana” – great event, looking forward to talking at the next one!

Next Startup Meetup: 16th July 10am-12 @ Alex’s Good Food Cafe

Posted by luke on Jul 8, 2009 in blog | 0 comments

Calling all people with great ideas, amazing technologies, new startups and ventures, marketing flair and an interest in investment.

Come along to discuss an idea you’ve had, get feedback on a project you’re thinking of starting, practice a pitch, run a demo or just connect with other people to form the next big thing!

In our short history (6 months) we’ve already had 3 ventures formed (but many more discussed). I’ll also be demoing the beta version of our project “warpsauce” to anyone who’s interested.

Hope you can make it.

Join the LinkedIn group for more information.