#1141 - The 50-year Takeaway
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Fifty years?
Yup. I've officially been playing with computers and tech for 50 years. It was that long ago that I was required to take my first programming class, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Perhaps it's fitting that in addition to an article reflecting on all that, this week also sees an article discussing the impact of AI on programming. My take on the latter? Programming (coding) ability still matters. Being good at it can still set you apart from the rest of the pack.
Take care,
This Week on Ask Leo!
The 50-year Takeaway
Looking forward by looking back.
I'll look back at the pace of change in my 50 years in tech and ask the question, "What should today's kids learn for a future none of us can predict?" The answer isn't a skill at all. It's a way of thinking that remains critical no matter what you choose to do.
Read: The 50-year Takeaway
I'm Drowning in Spam. What Can I Do?
You can't stop spam, but you can manage it.
Three hundred spam emails a day? You're not alone, and no, blocking senders won't fix it. I'll discuss why blocking is pointless, why a full spam folder means things are working, and how to trains your email program to keep more junk out of your inbox.
How Do Websites Keep Passwords Secure?
What to look for in data breach reports.
I'll give you a high-level overview of how websites know you typed the right password without actually storing it. The trick is something called hashing, and once you understand it, you'll know what to look for the next time a data breach hits the news.
Responses to Your Three Common Password Manager Objections
Security experts agree: you should use one.
Many people avoid password managers because they seem hard to set up, difficult to trust, or easy to lock yourself out of. I'll look at each objection and show you why they're not as concerning as they seem. Security experts say a password manager is the smartest step you can take.
Read: Responses to Your Three Common Password Manager Objections
Does All This Talk of AI Mean I Should Choose a Different Career?
Only if you're looking for an excuse.
Worried that AI is making coding skills useless? Understanding how to code still gives you an edge, even in the age of AI tools and vibe coding. Find out why your passion and interests, not trends, should guide your tech career choices.
Read: Does All This Talk of AI Mean I Should Choose a Different Career?
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Does All This Talk of AI Mean I Should Choose a Different Career?
Worried that AI is making coding skills useless? Understanding how to code still gives you an edge, even in the age of AI tools and vibe coding. Find out why your passion and interests, not trends, should guide your tech career choices.
Watch: Does All This Talk of AI Mean I Should Choose a Different Career?
Responses to Your Three Common Password Manager Objections
Many people avoid password managers because they seem hard to set up, difficult to trust, or easy to lock yourself out of. I'll look at each objection and show you why they're not as concerning as they seem. Security experts say a password manager is the smartest step you can take.
Watch: Responses to Your Three Common Password Manager Objections
How Do Websites Keep Passwords Secure?
I'll give you a high-level overview of how websites know you typed the right password without actually storing it. The trick is something called hashing, and once you understand it, you'll know what to look for the next time a data breach hits the news.
The 50-year Takeaway
I'll look back at everything that changed in my 50 years in tech, and ask the question: what should today's kids learn for a future none of us can predict? The answer isn't a specific skill at all. It's a way of thinking that remains critical no matter what you choose to do.
Watch: The 50-year Takeaway
I'm Drowning in Spam. What Can I Do?
Three hundred spam emails a day? You're not alone, and no, blocking senders won't fix it. I'll discuss why blocking is pointless, why a full spam folder means things are working, and how to trains your email program to keep more junk out of your inbox.
