HD is the new i

As I've said before, there are trends in trying to monopolize on a letter (or in this case, letters).  HD, or High Definition or High Def, is used typically to describe the new video format used in Televisions and video screens, and is used for resolutions beyond the original NTSC and PAL formats.  I think what happens is Human nature - some new fad comes into style, and everyone wants to be in on it.  Every company wants their product to be known as exhibiting that.  Everyone who touts themselves as an expert, wants to use the new slang so as to be known as, you got it, an Expert.

There was the e-craze.  Everything had to start with a lower case e.  The i-craze we are in full swing - iHome, iCar, iThis, iThat.

Now that's all cool at catchy, you dig?  But let me hit you with this, dog.  HD.  It makes sense for video - and tells you that you have a higher quality of video.  It makes sense for audio, since it is clearer and more distinct tonal ranges than old audio transmission technology.  Apple's new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have Retina HD screens - OK, because they are higher quality pictures than the old Retina, and they already called them Retina.  It's a stretch, but it fits.  But let's draw the line at products that have nothing to do with HD and everything to do with fashion wanna-bes!

This morning, my wife said someone had posted on Facebook that she got new eyeglasses, and she was glad they were HD because she could see so much better.  HD glasses, is it Google Glass, I ask (dreading the answer)?  No.  Just glasses.  (Knew I shouldn't have asked.)  But some wonky eye doctor or lens maker or I don't know what, wants to capitalize on the everything HD trend.  Come on, what's next?  HD toaster oven (it toasts the bread in higher definition, dude!)?  Hon, let's go to Starbucks and get the Pumpkin Spice mocha latte HD.  And why was my alarm clock not HD, darn it all!?

Well, I'm signing off my HD keyboard, and giving it a HD click of the mouse to post this article in full HD.  Glorious!

Turn On your iCloud 2-Step Verification

Are you an Apple customer?  If so, to prevent hacking of your account, Apple has had 2-step verification to log on.  How this works is, you enter your user name and password, then it sends a code to one of your devices, and you enter that code.  You can then opt to trust that device (computer, browser, phone, tablet) from then on, at which point just your name and password are sufficient from that device only.

It is simple to turn it on.  To do so, navigate to http://appleid.apple.com/. 

1. Click "Manage your Apple ID"
2. Log on
3. Click "Password and Security"
4. Follow the prompts under Two-Step Verification.

What you will need is:

• Your Apple ID and password
• You must have your security questions and answers set up
• Once you turn on 2-Step Verification (and you will receive notification of this on the web site before you turn it on), each app on your phone/tablet will have an app-specific password to access your iCloud.  This makes sure only apps you authorize can get to your account.  Also, you will have a recovery key - a sequence of letters and numbers - that you will need to remember somewhere.  I recommend placing it in your safe (a printed copy), or on a piece of paper in your wallet, or some such location.  You will get it from the web site, at which point you can print it out, then will be prompted to re-enter it to verify that you have it.