The Latest Trends to Watch in Cloud Computing in 2020

The use of cloud computing has become commonplace in today’s corporate industry. Almost everyone has heard of it, and its benefits are far and wide – it saves costs, increases efficiency, helps get things done faster, and more. The results of various market studies conducted over time have shown that cloud computing by businesses and tech houses is bound to increase in the coming years.

There have been some notable changes in cloud computing so far, and it will be important for businesses to consider them when investing time and capital in cloud computing.

Quantum computing-

Quantum computing literally transforms tasks that once took hours to now take exponentially less time, seconds to be exact. This means that computers and servers will now process information faster than usual and increase network speed in the future. It should be remembered that modern networks are based on cloud computing, which means that fundamental technological changes in cloud computing will definitely occur due to the development of quantum computing.

Using Blockchain

Blockchain technology has led to the development of faster network systems. Many businesses, especially FinTech powerhouses, have increased the use of blockchain in cryptocurrency analysis and validation. At the heart of it all is cloud computing, which has the potential to take place in crypto-trading, initial coin offerings, among other things.

Increasing digital literacy-

As the newer workforce enters the workforce over time, we see them becoming more familiar with the technological advancements of newer technologies, especially cloud computing. By doing so, companies will see that there are two types of workers – technologically advanced workers and non-technologically advanced workers. To ensure that the older generation is digitally literate, companies will have to conduct various training programs and inductions.

Mobility of workers –

By drawing correlations from the growing digital knowledge among employees, a trend that soon began to catch up with new employees is related to employee mobility and their work. With cloud computing, employees don’t need to be in their offices and cubicles every time they work. They can work and get the job done from anywhere, on any device. No company will carry loyal employees that doesn’t offer them mobility.

Edge Computing –

Edge computing means “bringing computation closer to the data source.” Thanks to this, the connection between the network and the data source is significantly minimized, the calculation speed increases and the costs are significantly reduced. How does this happen? Can calculate. Such technology is used in modern devices such as smart refrigerators, smart speakers, cars, etc. is used, and this is only possible thanks to cloud computing.

AI (Artificial Intelligence): The New Invention –

Artificial intelligence is considered the future of digital automation. The automation possibilities it offers companies have surprised even the most optimistic people, and even with its criticisms, people are beginning to understand how useful artificial intelligence can be. With artificial intelligence, we are expected to see an increase in devices that use edge computing, which means that it is based solely on cloud computing. Artificial intelligence is something every enterprise should be looking for.

Serverless Computing-

It is a newly developed cloud computing model where a dynamic back-end system helps you scale your usage up and down depending on the usage of your application or service instead of using predefined servers. This technology is also considered as a futuristic technology and people like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella are supporting it. You will gradually see the rise of open source serverless computing service providers, thus reducing the need for you to tie up with server providers for their services.

Data Center Ecosystem-

By combining the power of machine learning, cloud computing and data processing with quantum computing, we will soon see software become a service rather than a subscription-based product that can be easily consumed by companies and business houses. technologies. Thus, we will see that project completion time will be reduced, costs will be reduced and unnecessary processes will be reduced. You can see that the way data is viewed today will be revolutionized based on cloud computing technology.

In conclusion, the current advances in cloud computing are just a glimpse of what lies ahead. This is just a base. Above all, it will be many new innovations and technologies that will revolutionize everything we do.

What is Bitcoin and its features?

Introduction to Bitcoin

Bitcoin is an advanced form of currency used to buy things through online transactions. Bitcoin is not tangible, it is completely managed and created electronically. Since the value of Bitcoin is constantly changing, you need to be careful when to contribute to it. Bitcoin is used to exchange various currencies, services and products. Transactions are done through a computerized wallet, so transactions are processed quickly. Since the customer’s identity is not disclosed, such transactions have always been irreversible. This factor makes it somewhat difficult when deciding on transactions through Bitcoin.

Features of Bitcoin

Bitcoin is faster: Bitcoin has the ability to settle installments faster than any other mode. Usually when one transfers cash from one side of the world to another, the bank takes a few days to complete the transaction, but in the case of Bitcoin, it only takes a few minutes to complete. This is one of the reasons why people use Bitcoin for various online transactions.

Setting up Bitcoin is easy: Bitcoin transactions are carried out through the address that each customer has. This address can be easily assigned without going through any of the bank’s record keeping procedures. Creating an address can be done with no modifications, no credit checks or inquiries. However, any customer considering contributing should always check the current value of Bitcoin.

Bitcoin is anonymous: Unlike banks that keep complete records of their customers’ transactions, Bitcoin does not. It does not record customers’ financial records, contact information or any other relevant information. A Bitcoin wallet generally does not require any significant information to operate. This feature comes from two points of view: first, people think it’s a good way to keep their data away from third parties, and second, people think it can increase dangerous activity.

Bitcoin cannot be denied: When someone sends Bitcoin to someone, there is generally no way to get the Bitcoin back unless the recipient feels the need to pay them back. This feature ensures that the transaction is complete, meaning that the beneficiary can never claim to have received the cash.

Bitcoin is decentralized: One of the main features of Bitcoin is that it is not under the control of a specific management expert. It is managed in such a way that every entity, individual and machine involved in exchange verification and mining is part of the system. Even if part of the system goes down, money transfers continue.

Bitcoin is transparent: Although only one address is used to make transactions, every Bitcoin exchange is recorded on the Blockchain. So if at any point someone’s address is used, they can tell how much money is in the wallet via Blockchain records. There are ways to increase the security of your wallets.

SEO for Digital Currency Companies

The popularity of digital currency is increasing day by day. Bitcoin is one of the well-known cryptocurrencies. It allows the people involved to earn and buy currency without any regulation by a bank or central authority. Transactions take place directly between users.

Currently, cryptocurrency has its own dedicated user segment, and the search interest in cryptocurrency or Bitcoin is growing rapidly. This is because of the following advantages of using cryptocurrency:

• Digital currency is preferred because they are more secure than other currencies. Only the owner has access to his account and he just needs to send the payment to the merchants. There is no need for him to reveal the details. Therefore, there is less risk of identity theft or fraud in this case.

• Provides maximum privacy and security to the user as no bank or central agency controls the transactions.

• No third party involvement means lower transaction fees for the user.

As a business, you need to aim for better positions in the SERPs to stay ahead. Missing out on Google search results would be a costly mistake. SEO will help your website rank higher in search engine results. This will result in more targeted traffic and qualified leads for you. More leads mean more customers and more revenue.

SEO for businesses using digital currencies is a little different from traditional SEO. You need to be specific with both your organic and paid search results and make sure your digital currency website brings quality traffic and conversions.

The following steps are important to optimize your website:

Monitor your keywords regularly

Make sure you use the most competitive keyword in the market. You can buy Bitcoin, Bitcoin value, Bitcoin price, Ripple, Dash, etc. And adjust your content accordingly. Bidding on less competitive keywords can be a more effective strategy than bidding on highly competitive keywords in paid search.

Create Consistent Content

Fresh content not only brings back old visitors, but also gives Google more content to read. More content will allow you to use more and related keywords and help you improve your search engine rankings. Posting regular articles/blogs would help inform and educate your visitors and build trust among them. This would also encourage them to use the digital currency easily.

Analyze your competition

Checking your opponent’s performance will help you stay ahead of the game. You can use various tools available online and get information about your competitor’s promotion strategies and its results. Get your competitor’s data and compare where they are performing better. Research its organic and paid keywords and make adjustments accordingly.

A business can do its own SEO or it is advisable to hire one Digital Marketing Agency who are experienced in search engine optimization services for digital currency.

Boost your retirement by investing in cryptocurrency

The life expectancy of people all over the world has increased by leaps and bounds. It has increased by 50% compared to the 1950s, and by 30% compared to the 1980s. Long gone are the days when only company-sponsored pension plans were enough to see one’s golden years comfortably and worry-free.

Today, with other expenses such as housing, education, healthcare and more rising, many people find it increasingly difficult to save for retirement.

Unfortunately, the hard truth is that people of all generations, from baby boomers to millennials, are not saving enough for retirement. Austerity is one of the most underrated epic crises worldwide.

“Retirement is complicated. It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for retirement.”

So, people try to look for alternative opportunities that bring them higher returns in a shorter period of time. Traditionally, real estate, private equity and venture capital were required. Now a new and even more profitable way of making money and investing has joined the picture – enter cryptocurrencies.

Cryptocurrency Investments – For those who don’t want to put all their eggs in one basket

One of the biggest advantages of cryptocurrency investments is that it separates your portfolio from reserve currencies. Let’s say if you live in the UK, if you’re into equity, you’ll have shares in UK-based companies in your retirement portfolio. What will happen to your portfolio if the British pound crashes? And given today’s volatile political scenario around the world, nothing is certain.

That’s why cryptocurrency investments make the most sense. With digital currency investments, you effectively create a basket of digital coins that act as an effective hedge or safe bet against reserve currency weakness.

The average investor should allocate only a small portion of their retirement assets to cryptocurrency due to its volatility. But volatility can go both ways—think health care stocks in the 1950s and tech stocks in the 1990s. Smart early investors were the ones who made it big.

Don’t get left behind or get lost. Include cryptocurrency in your assets to start building a truly diversified portfolio.

Breaking the Wall – Increase your confidence in Cryptocurrencies

One of the biggest and main obstacles that first-time cryptocurrency investors face is their inability to trust digital currencies. Many people, especially people who are not tech savvy or are close to retirement, don’t realize what a promotion is. Unfortunately, they fail to realize and appreciate the countless potential of cryptocurrency.

The reality is – Cryptocurrencies are one of the most secure assets backed by the latest technology. The blockchain technology that powers digital currencies enables instant and indelible trades without the need for third-party verification. It is a peer-to-peer based system that is completely open and works on advanced cryptographic principles.

Retirement Planning Funds Should Work on Demystifying Cryptocurrencies

To build trust and gain the support of individuals, retirement planning funds must educate investors about the endless potential of cryptocurrencies. To do this, they need advanced analytics that help them make reliable risk analysis, risk/return metrics and forecasts.

In addition, investment firms can set up dedicated cryptocurrency advisory services to help and guide new investors. In the coming years, we can expect several AI-based smart advisors to appear on the scene – they will help calculate the right investments based on an individual’s time horizon, risk tolerance and other factors.

Human advisors can work alongside these smart advisors and provide personalized advice and other suggestions to clients as needed.

The need for more visibility and comprehensive control

Retirement investors looking to add cryptocurrency to their asset portfolio require greater control and visibility when experimenting with this new asset. Look for platforms that allow you to consolidate all your assets in one place. An integrated solution that allows you to manage and balance all your assets, including traditional assets like bonds and stocks with new asset classes like cryptocurrency wallets.

Having such a comprehensive platform supporting all your assets gives you a unified portfolio analysis that helps you make better and more informed decisions. So you reach the ultimate goal of saving for your goals faster.

Look for investment planning portals that provide additional features such as periodic contributions to cryptocurrencies at scheduled or unscheduled intervals.

Advances in Cryptocurrency Investment Support Technologies

Cryptocurrency investing will only become mainstream when the supporting technology makes it possible for investors, even new investors with no know-how, to trade coins seamlessly. It should be possible to exchange one digital coin for another, or even for fiat currencies and other non-token assets. When possible, this will remove middlemen from the equation, thereby reducing costs and surcharges.

As the technologies that support cryptocurrency investing and trading mature, the value of digital currencies will increase as the currency becomes mainstream with greater accessibility. This means that early adopters will reap big profits. As more and more retirement investment platforms integrate cryptocurrency, the value of digital currencies is bound to increase, offering significant gains to early adopters like you.

If you’re wondering whether such retirement investment platforms will take a few years to see the light of day, you’d be wrong. Auctus is one such portal which is currently in Alpha stage. It is a first-of-its-kind retirement portfolio platform that integrates digital currencies. Auctus users can receive investment advice from both human and AI powered analytics tools.

Currently, users can save for retirement using Bitcoins, Ethereum and several other digital currencies. In addition, users can take advantage of the Automated rebalancing feature, which allows them to automatically adjust their portfolios using a set of predefined rules.

This holistic approach enables users to achieve their retirement goals faster by making smart and sound investment choices or decisions.

Final Thoughts – Cryptocurrencies should not be overlooked in your retirement portfolio

Yes, it is true that cryptocurrencies are very volatile. In fact, there is speculation on the internet that “cryptocurrencies are nothing more than a get-quick scheme” and the bubble is likely to burst at some point in the near future.

The uncertainty doesn’t mean cryptocurrencies shouldn’t be part of your retirement portfolio, even if your investment horizon is short. On the other hand, the current decline in cryptocurrency prices in 2018 means that you have a rare opportunity to make a profit.

Greater confidence, unified and directly manageable investment management capabilities, and advances in supporting technologies ensure that digital currencies are an excellent investment choice to include in your retirement portfolio.

How Bitcoin Works in the Cryptocurrency World

If you don’t know, bitcoin is a type of decentralized cryptocurrency network. In this process, transactions are based on a 16-character encrypted address. Simply put, it’s like your social security number. In terms of security, you can only transfer funds to an address that supports two-factor authentication. In fact, bitcoin consists of several independent computer networks responsible for creating, distributing and verifying monetary transactions. Let’s learn more.

How Do You Buy Bitcoin?

If you want to buy bitcoins, make sure you have a wallet software installed on your computer. With this app, you can send and receive as many Bitcoins as you want.

To buy Bitcoin, you are required to deposit funds into your web-based wallet, which acts as a bridge between sellers and buyers.

After accepting your exchange currency, your next step is to place an order, which is like buying a stock.

How does Bitcoin work?

Basically, Bitcoin is an international, decentralized peer-to-peer network. Below is a description of how Bitcoin works.

1. Mines first create Bitcoin with the help of computers to solve mathematical functions. And then there is a process that checks transactions.

2. In the next step, traditional currencies are used for Bitcoin exchange trading. In fact, it works as a gateway to the world of cryptocurrency, especially for non-miners. We can say that it is like buying stocks using trading software.

3. Whether you are an individual or a business, you can create wallets to send or receive Bitcoin. If you have used a PayPal account, you can easily use this type of wallet as well. The good thing about cryptocurrency is that it is based on a secure network. In addition, it makes all operations completely safe.

Can you earn Bitcoins at home?

If you are interested in Bitcoin mining at home, the description below can help you get started.

Cryptocurrency Mining

Mining cryptocurrency is an approach that involves validating cryptocurrency transactions and keeping records on a blockchain ledger. If you want to authorize or mine cryptocurrency transactions, you have to compete with many other minors by performing complex calculations. This kind of processing requires a lot of processing power.

As soon as the transaction is completed, the system rewards you with bitcoins or whatever currency you mined.

Can You Use Your Laptop For Bitcoins Mining?

The good news is that you can use your laptop to withdraw Bitcoin. But the million dollar question is, can it make you enough money? Short answer, no. Although you can mine using your laptop, you won’t be able to earn much from pennies, so it’s not worth it.

In other words, you need an extremely powerful computer with multiple graphics cards to enjoy the highest mining speed.

So, if you are interested in mining or investing in Bitcoin, you can follow the tips given in this article.

Crypto-Criminology – The Gothic Nature of Crime

Crypto-criminology refers to the dark, devious and dangerous side of human nature. That strain of humanistic proclivity that crosses the boundaries of civility into brutality. This is a realm of “practical criminology”, applicability to the real world, where human behavior defies profiling, prediction and precise definition. Such an investigation descends to the depths of human depravity, to damp gloomy dungeons of mental mayhem. For which, modern science has no useful, effective and efficient means to explain all the possibilities. Of course, myth, magic and metaphor are allusions constantly present within this region of discussion. In one sense, it’s the exploration of human evil and all its inherent manifestations. And, in another sense, crypto-criminology seeks to delve into the mystery of why people commit crimes. This is an assessment of criminal behavior to walk the eerie landscape of human deviance that foments criminality. The search for modern explanations includes consideration of the influence of “gothic metaphors” in literature, movies and other mass media. As such, “crypto” refers to the hidden, the secret and the unrevealed. Like the word “gothic”, reference is made to the primitive and primeval notions of human nature. A world of howling psychic werewolves, dreams of death and demonic influence. That subterranean mindset of monstrous meanings, vampiric violence and cunning cruelty.

In similarly related aspects of study, there is the term cryptozoology. This often refers to the investigation of unknown or missing “animal” life forms. From this point, we could extrapolate that “crypto” suggests the hidden, secret and mysterious nature of living things. By connection, there are also the elements of knowing, studying and understanding unexplained phenomena. Such a notion aptly concerns the field of criminology. To this day, we have a multitude of so called schools of thoughts. All of which fall short of satisfactory explanations. The result has been a misguidance of social policy, public confusion and failed application within the criminal justice system. Fact merges with fiction, and contemporary society flounders in the flawed chase of illusion and fabrication.

As truth becomes entangled with untruth, metaphors assert their presence to stumble at clear-cut rationalizations. The more we label, define and profile people the more we find the difficulty in understanding the commissions of crime. So, the pursuit of the inexplicable nature of humans follows the mystifying pathways of baffling occurrences, bizarre incidents and sordid acts of debauchery. “Crypto” pursues the macabre mind, especially in terms of primal existence, event selectivity and criminal causality. People make premeditated choices to commit crimes. Even the most atrocious acts of violence are planned and carried out with a uniqueness of logic and rationality. Yet, we stand in awe, shock and horror when such things occur. Maybe its because we see a sense of ourselves in the violence, aggression and destruction. In this sense, crypto-criminology is presented as a mental mechanism by which to pursue a course of study in deviant behavior. And, as a consequence, that behavior that causes injury, trauma and death. By inquiry into the strange, perplexing and complex nature of criminology, we find the seductive connectivity to gothic notions of fable, legend and allegory. Suffice it to say, the secretive, dark and shadowy mental process of human behavior remain elusive to various fields of the “pseudo sciences”.

In particular, the nature of evil eludes the precision of definitive understanding or specificity of prediction. It remains dark and buried in the fantasy of myth, magic and daydreams. So, in the realm of practical criminological issues, we look for alternatives on multi-dimensional levels. Avenues of the chase bring the forefront premeditated capers on fringes of the exotic, the supernatural and the gothic. Or, preferably the ever-expanding realm of “crypto-criminology”. These cerebral processes engage in the eternal warfare of balancing the struggle between good and evil. Myth, magic and metaphor surface in watery illusions of psychic aberrations. As we think, so do we act. To know, be and do is human nature. When we fantasize, we also want to touch, feel and sense the manifestations of our creativity. Take it from one dimension to another. Lift it out of the psyche into the real world.

Looking in the mirror, ours is a reflection of what the face of evil looks like. Criminals are us and we are them. The only difference, some control their behaviors, while others choose not to. We’re the lone gunman on the grassy knoll. And, we’re also werewolf hunter with the silver bullets, stealthily stalking in our own delusions. For us, ghouls, specters and phantoms huddle in the hidden caverns of the brain’s special mirror, the mind. Figments of imagination find eventual fruition in urges, desires and motives. Gloomy thoughts hunger after the lust of life and the opposition of death. The study of crime, criminals and criminalistics, should never cease searching the limitless spires of human thinking. Crypto-criminology asserts a developing foundation of inquiry into the deep murky projections of mental reflections. And, in this eternal quest, our sleight of hand tactics become one of answering which is the final question. Is it a who done it? Or, is it a why done it? If the latter, then why?

For a basic investigative query, we flip the pages of the basic continuum in the who, what, why, where, when and how? Open minded, interdisciplinary and logical, we should consider the mischief afoot by following rigorous investigative efforts, insights and intuition. This enigmatic inquiry presses toward the cagey weirdness of human beings. If, as some suggest, we’re “mind hunters”. And, the mind is an illusion the brain conjures. Then, aren’t we really hunting something that doesn’t exist? An apparition from the abyss of human ideation, deep in the caverns of the cerebral processes? From religion to science, and everything in between, we baffle ourselves. Questions remain unanswered in the quest of greater understanding of human personalities, motives and proclivities. By dreams and fantasies we create our inner world, which transforms at a constant rate. Figuring out deviant behavior becomes one of speculation and educated guess work. Most of which, we can’t begin to comprehend. The vast reaches of the mystery confound the scientist, the priest, the press and politicians. When relegated to the philosophical regions of metaphysics, such as religion, the universe of ideology is wide open to speculation. The dreamscape of the dominion of human darkness invites the images of vampires, werewolves and demons. Supernatural entities exude a kind of special attachment in our furtive trickery cryptic mental wanderings. The human puzzle has a multitude of pieces. Putting them all together occupies a timelessness that never ceases. In an evil world, anything is possible. Even the surprising strain of goodness.

Overall though, we struggle in criminology to establish accurate measures of human behavior. Confused by one theoretical constructs after another, we reach for myth, magic and metaphor to express our frustrations in finding the ultimate answer. And still, we have to accept that human evil stems from human thinking. A medieval realm cloaks the desires, motive and intentions of the things we do. At the same time, various “schools of thought” contend with controversial notions pertaining to core essence of human beings. Such is the sensual realm of good and evil, vice and morality, normal and abnormal, natural and deviant. Wickedness, malevolence and immorality touch every level of society. Human hypocrisy colludes to cover and conceal exposing truths. Contemporary explanations of criminal behavior have failed, yet some cling to simplistic notions and deceptively easy solutions. Fad, fashion and quick fix foster the inadequacy of effective explanations. From biological theories to sociological configurations, the search for precise determinants of our criminal nature cannot deduce a specificity of factors. Instead, what we have is a multiplicity of academic theories subject to wide speculation. We’re left with stumbling in pursuing the darkness of human inclinations. Thus, we put on our black capes, grab crucifixes and holy water. Pick up wooden stakes and load silver bullets to become “mind hunters” to “hunt monsters”. To which, we discover the complications of the human safari. Hiding in the psychic landscape is the brain’s creativity, which is an illusion for mysterious cryptic cerebral processes.

Within the complexity of human behavior, resides the potential for criminality in all of us. Influential in this process of individual ideation, is the role of religious beliefs and associated philosophical ideologies. All over the world, people of different faiths, practices and rituals project personifications of evil, devils and demons. It is reflective in the expressions of our assorted world-view. We relish in seeing badness on the outside and never on the inside. Our mental housing keeping is very private. Thus, seeing God and Satan in mortal combat mirrors the Jekyll-Hyde constructs of our own personalities. To this end, wicked forces are seen to walk the earth, tempting men and women to do deviant things. Variations of “evil figures and forces” reflect cultural assertions about human nature in a planetary scheme. So, the ideas of dark images, primitive urges and gloomy scenery persist in our thinking about crime causation.

This duality of thought, good versus evil, portrays the ongoing allegory of our cosmic struggle. Such notions influence our reference points about the nature of crime. The who done it is always a why done it. Motive marks the myths of our thoughts. Often in the assorted media, we allude to the temptations of dark side of human behavior. In doing so, our fairy tales mingle with reality and merge fact with fiction. In chasing urban legends, we conjure up “vampires or werewolves” to explain deviance and criminality in others. Folk tales, fables and related stories evoke images of imaginary manifestations. The dungeons of our mind mirror the psychic proclivities of our personal seductions. We allow ourselves to be pulled toward the covetousness of our gain. From the yarns we spin, the chronicles of our thoughts hold the secrets relative to our motives and intents.

Crypto-Criminology takes us into these mental archives where we’ve filed our allegorical enchantments. The cryptic logic, by which we rationalize, excuse and mitigate atrocities, resides in this subconscious surreal realm of belief. Such prurient carnality lives in the vast legerdemain of our psychic. We don’t want to think about the nature of our own inherent inclinations. Our penchant toward shadowy selfishness, conceited and deviant activities, is worrisome and makes us anxious. But, we are the demons and they are us. Our self-interests come before those of others when ever possible. We’ll go to any lengths to get what we want, when we want. To fulfill the fantasies of our ideation, people are capable of any act of debauchery, defiance and deception. Nefarious deeds know no boundaries in the darkened tunnels of the human mindset. Given the pervasive extent of contemporary media forms, criminological fact has folded behind the curtains of fictional depiction. The visualization of a conception of evil has become a contemporary preoccupation in both story telling and real-life. Its linkage finds the pathway to the unconscious regions of mental processes. Mystifying conduits between fantasy and reality surround the senses. Our thinking provokes intrusion into consciousness. Once there, we find ways and means to project the expressions of the psycho-drama taking place within. The darkness of human spirit ignites the flames of a personalized “holy war” in the struggle of individual good and evil. In the shaded gloominess of the dark encounters, ours is the face of enemy which we created in our own image. Accordingly, the search continues for a comprehensive revelation concerning this perplexing species called humankind.

References:…

“Crime and the Gothic: Sexualizing Serial Killers”, by Caroline Picart, Florida State University, 2006 – School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany, Journal of Justice and Popular Culture;

Peck, M. S., People of the Lie – The Hope or Healing Human Evil, (New York, NY: Simon and Shuster, 1983), pages 40-41;

Schmalleger, F., Criminology Today – An Integrative Approach – Fourth Edition, (Upper Saddle River: Pearson-Prentice Hal, 2006) page 173;

Baumeister, R. F., Evil – Inside Human Violence and Cruelty, (New York, NY: W.H. Freeman and Company, 1996), pages 66-67;

Keen, Sam, Hymns to an Unknown God – Awakening the Spirit of Everyday Life, (New York, NY: Bantam Books, 1994), pages 60-61;

The Wild West Crypto Show Continues

A question that comes up often: How do I choose which cryptocurrency to invest in – aren’t they all the same?

There is no doubt that Bitcoin has captured the lion’s share of the cryptocurrency (CC) market, and this is largely due to FAME. This phenomenon is very similar to what happens in national politics around the world, where a candidate gets the majority of votes based on FAME rather than any proven ability or qualifications to rule a nation. Bitcoin is a pioneer in this market space and continues to garner almost all the market headlines. That FAME doesn’t mean it’s perfect for the job, and it’s pretty well known that Bitcoin has limitations and issues that need to be addressed, but there is disagreement in the Bitcoin world about how best to address the issues. As challenges grow, there is an opportunity for developers to launch new coins that address specific situations and thus differentiate themselves from the nearly 1,300 other coins in this market space. Let’s take a look at two Bitcoin competitors and explore how they differ from Bitcoin and from each other:

Ethereum (ETH) – The Ethereum coin is known as ETHER. The main difference from Bitcoin is that Ethereum uses “smart contracts”, which are account storage objects on the Ethereum blockchain. Smart Contracts are defined by their creators and can interact with other contracts, make decisions, store data and send ETHER to others. The execution and services they offer are powered by the Ethereum network, all of which are beyond what Bitcoin or any other blockchain network can do. Smart Contracts can act as your autonomous agent, following your instructions and rules to spend currency and initiate other transactions on the Ethereum network.

Ripple (XRP) – This coin and the Ripple network also have unique features that make it more than a digital currency like Bitcoin. Ripple has developed the Ripple Transaction Protocol (RTXP), a powerful financial tool that allows exchanges on the Ripple network to transfer funds quickly and efficiently. The basic idea is to put money into “gateways” where only those who know the password can unlock the funds. This opens up great opportunities for financial institutions, as it facilitates cross-border payments, reduces costs, and ensures transparency and security. All this is done through the creative and intelligent use of blockchain technology.

The mainstream media covers this market almost daily with breaking news, but there is little depth to their stories… they are mostly dramatic headlines.

The Wild West show continues…

5 stock crypto/blockchain picks rose on average 109% From December 11/17. Wild swings continue in daily cycles. Yesterday we had South Korea and China trying to bust the boom in cryptocurrencies.

South Korea’s Justice Minister Park Sang-ki sent global bitcoin prices temporarily lower and virtual coin markets into turmoil on Thursday when he said regulators were preparing legislation to ban cryptocurrency trading. On the same day, South Korea’s Ministry of Strategy and Finance, one of the main member agencies of the South Korean government’s cryptocurrency regulatory task force, came out and said it was their department. does not agree With the Department of Justice’s premature announcement of a potential cryptocurrency trading ban.

While the South Korean government says that cryptocurrency trading is nothing more than gambling and worries that the industry will leave many citizens in the poor house, their real concern is the loss of tax revenue. This is the same concern of every government.

China has become one of the world’s largest sources of cryptocurrency mining, but now the government is rumored to be trying to regulate the electricity used by mining computers. Today, over 80% of the electricity used to mine Bitcoin comes from China. By shutting down miners, the government will make it harder for Bitcoin users to verify transactions. Mining operations will move elsewhere, but China is particularly attractive because of very low electricity and land costs. If China follows through on this threat, there will be a temporary loss of mining capacity, which will result in Bitcoin users seeing longer timers and higher costs for verifying transactions.

This wild ride will continue and like the internet boom we will see some big winners and eventually some big losers. Also, similar to the internet boom or the uranium boom, early movers will succeed, while mass investors will always appear last and buy at the top.

Stay tuned!

A Brief Introduction to Blockchain – For Normal People

What is crypto?

If you’ve tried diving into this mysterious thing called blockchain, you’d be forgiven for recoiling in horror at the opacity of the technical jargon often used to frame it. So, before we get into what cryptocurrency is and how blockchain technology can change the world, let’s discuss what blockchain actually is.

In its simplest terms, a blockchain is a digital ledger of transactions, unlike the ledgers we’ve used for hundreds of years to record sales and purchases. The function of this digital ledger is actually almost the same as a traditional ledger in that it records debits and credits between people. The basic concept behind Blockchain is; the difference is who maintains the ledger and who approves the transactions.

With traditional transactions, a payment from one person to another involves some kind of intermediary to facilitate the transaction. Let’s say Rob wants to transfer £20 to Melanie. He can either give her cash in the form of a £20 note or use a banking app to transfer the money directly to her bank account. In both cases, the bank is the intermediary that validates the transaction: Rob’s funds are verified when he withdraws money from the ATM, or verified by the app when he makes a digital transfer. The bank decides whether to proceed with the transaction or not. The bank also has a record of all transactions made by Rob and is solely responsible for updating it whenever Rob pays someone or receives money into his account. In other words, the bank maintains and controls the ledger and everything goes through the bank.

It’s a big responsibility, so it’s important that Rob feels he can trust his bank or he won’t be risking his money with them. He needs to make sure that the bank will not cheat him, lose his money, rob him and disappear overnight. This need for trust has underpinned almost every major behavior and aspect of the monolithic financial industry, to the extent that even during the 2008 financial crisis, when banks were exposed for their irresponsible handling of our money, the government (another intermediary) allowed them to collapse, destroying trust. saving them rather than risk destroying their last fragments.

Blockchains work differently in one key way: they are completely decentralized. There is no central clearing house like a bank, and no central ledger held by an institution. Instead, the ledger is distributed across a large network of computers called nodes, each of which stores a copy of the entire ledger on their hard drives. These nodes are connected to each other through software called peer-to-peer (P2P) clients, which synchronize data across the network of nodes and ensure that everyone has the same version of the ledger at any given time. .

When a new transaction is entered into the blockchain, it is first encrypted using state-of-the-art cryptographic technology. Once encrypted, a transaction becomes something called a block, which is basically a term used for an encrypted group of new transactions. That block is then sent (or broadcast) to a network of computer nodes, where it is verified by the nodes and, after verification, transmitted through the network so that the block is added to the end of the ledger on everyone’s computer, below the list of all previous blocks. This is called a chain, which is why the technology is called blockchain.

Once approved and recorded in the book, the transaction can be completed. This is how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin work.

Elimination of responsibility and trust

What are the advantages of this system compared to a bank or central clearing system? Why is Rob using Bitcoin instead of normal currency?

The answer is trust. As mentioned earlier, with the banking system, it is very important for Rob to trust his bank to protect and manage his money properly. To ensure this happens, there are huge regulatory systems in place to scrutinize the actions of banks and ensure they are fit for purpose. Governments then regulate regulators, creating a sort of layered system of checks whose sole purpose is to prevent mistakes and bad behavior. In other words, organizations like the Financial Services Authority exist precisely because banks cannot be trusted on their own. And banks often make mistakes and misbehave, as we have seen many times. When you have a single source of authority, abuse or misuse of power happens. The trust relationship between people and banks is awkward and dangerous: we don’t really trust them, but we don’t feel there’s much of an alternative.

And blockchain systems don’t need you to trust them. All transactions (or blocks) on the blockchain are verified by nodes in the network before being added to the ledger, meaning there is no single point of failure and no single confirmation channel. If a hacker wanted to successfully hack into a ledger on the blockchain, he would have to hack into millions of computers simultaneously, which is nearly impossible. A hacker would also not be able to bring down the blockchain network because they would still need to be able to shut down every computer in the worldwide network of computers.

The encryption process itself is also a key factor. Blockchains like Bitcoin use intentionally difficult processes for their verification procedure. In the case of Bitcoin, blocks are verified by nodes that perform a series of deliberate processor- and time-consuming calculations, often in the form of puzzles or complex mathematical problems, meaning that verification is neither instantaneous nor accessible. Nodes that provide resources to verify blocks are rewarded with a transaction fee and a reward of newly minted bitcoins. This has the function of both incentivizing people to become nodes (since the processing of such blocks requires very powerful computers and a lot of electricity), while also managing the process of creating or minting currency units. It is called mining because it requires a significant amount of effort (in this case by a computer) to produce a new commodity. It also means that transactions are scrutinized in the most independent way possible, independent of a government-regulated organization like the FSA.

This decentralized, democratic and highly secure nature of blockchains means that they can operate without the need for regulation (self-regulation), government or other opaque intermediaries. People work because they don’t trust each other, not in spite of each other.

Let that fade away for a while and let the excitement around blockchain start to make sense.

Smart contracts

Where things get really interesting is blockchain applications outside of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Given that one of the core principles of a blockchain system is the secure, independent verification of a transaction, it’s easy to imagine other ways such a process could be valuable. Not surprisingly, many such programs are already in use or in development. Some of the best are:

  • Smart Contracts (Ethereum): Probably the most interesting blockchain development since Bitcoin, smart contracts are blocks that contain the code that must be executed to fulfill the contract. The code can be anything, as long as a computer can execute it, but in simple terms, it means that you use blockchain technology (with independent verification, trustless architecture and security) to create a kind of escrow system for any transaction. you can use . For example, if you’re a web designer, you can create a contract that checks to see if a new client’s website is up and running and then automatically release the funds to you. No more tracking or billing. Smart contracts are also used to prove ownership of an asset such as property or art. The potential to reduce fraud with this approach is huge.
  • Cloud storage (Storj): cloud computing revolutionized the internet and in turn gave rise to Big Data, which ushered in a new AI revolution. But most cloud-based systems run on servers housed in single-site server farms owned by a single entity (Amazon, Rackspace, Google, etc.). This presents the same problems as a banking system, as your data is managed by a single, opaque organization that represents a single point of failure. Distributing data on the blockchain completely eliminates the trust issue and also promises to increase reliability, as the blockchain network is very difficult to undo.
  • Digital identification (ShoCard): two of the biggest challenges of our time are identity theft and data protection. With large centralized services like Facebook, for example, storing vast amounts of data about us, and efforts by various developed world governments to store digital data about their citizens in a central database, the potential for misuse of our personal data is terrifying. Blockchain technology collects your key information into an encrypted block, which can be verified by the blockchain network when you need to prove your identity. Its applications range from overtly changing passports and ID cards to other areas such as changing passwords. It can be big.
  • Digital voting: Very relevant in the wake of the investigation into Russian influence in the recent US election, digital voting has long been considered both unreliable and highly vulnerable to fraud. Blockchain technology offers a way to verify that a voter’s vote has been successfully sent while maintaining anonymity. It promises to not only reduce election fraud, but also increase overall voter turnout as people can vote with their mobile phones.

Blockchain technology is still very much in its infancy and most applications are far from mainstream. Even Bitcoin, the most established blockchain platform, is subject to massive volatility, indicative of its relative newcomer status. However, blockchain’s potential to solve some of the major problems we face today makes it an extraordinarily interesting and attractive technology. I will definitely be on the lookout.

What is cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency or cryptocurrency (Saxon cryptocurrency) is a virtual currency that serves to exchange goods and services through an electronic transaction system without going through any intermediaries. The first cryptocurrency to start trading was Bitcoin in 2009, and since then many others have appeared with other features such as Litecoin, Ripple, Dogecoin and others.

What is the advantage?

Here’s the difference when comparing cryptocurrency to money on a ticket:

They are decentralized: they are not controlled by banks, governments or any financial institution

It’s anonymous: your privacy is protected when you make transactions

They are international: everyone has an opera with them

They are safe: your coins are yours and are stored in a private wallet with non-transferable codes known only to you and not to anyone else.

It has no intermediaries: transactions are carried out from person to person

Fast transactions: to send money to another country, they charge interest and often take days to confirm; with cryptocurrencies in just a few minutes.

Irreversible operations.

Bitcoins and any other virtual currency can be exchanged for any world currency

They cannot be forged because they are encrypted with a complex cryptographic system

Unlike currencies, the value of electronic currencies is subject to the oldest rule of the market: supply and demand. “It’s worth more than $1,000 right now, and like stocks, that value can go up or down with supply and demand.

What is the origin of Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is the first cryptocurrency created by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009. He decided to issue a new currency.

Its peculiarity is that you can only perform transactions within a network of networks.

Bitcoin refers to both the currency, the protocol, and the red P2P it relies on.

So what is Bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a virtual and intangible currency. That is, you cannot touch any form of it like coins and bills, but you can use it as a means of payment in the same way.

In some countries, you can earn money with an electronic debit card page that exchanges money with cryptocurrencies, such as XAPO. For example, we have more than 200 bitcoin terminals in Argentina.

Undoubtedly, what differentiates Bitcoin from traditional currencies and other virtual means of payment such as Amazon Coins, Action Coins is decentralization. Bitcoin is not controlled by any government, institution or financial institution, public or private, like the euro is controlled by a Central Bank or the dollar is controlled by the US Federal Reserve System.

In Bitcoin, users control real, indirect transactions through P2P (Point to Point or Point to Point) exchanges. This lack of structure and control makes it impossible for any body to manipulate its value or cause inflation by producing more quantities. Its production and value are based on the law of supply and demand. Another interesting detail in Bitcoin is that it has a limit of 21 million coins that will be reached in 2030.

How much is one bitcoin worth?

As we mentioned, the value of Bitcoin is based on supply and demand and is calculated using an algorithm that measures the amount of transactions and transactions with Bitcoin in real time. Currently, the price of Bitcoin is USD 9300 (as of March 11, 2018), although this value is not very stable and Bitcoin is classified as the most volatile currency in the foreign exchange market.

What Is Blockchain Development?

Blockchain technology may be a new name for readers, but experts strongly believe that we can witness major changes in the field of technology thanks to this technology. Hence, various companies are looking for good opportunities in Blockchain Application Development. Blockchain is an emerging technology, so most people are unaware of this new development. If you are one of those who want to have enough knowledge about the technology, then continue reading the information provided below.

What do we mean by Blockchain?

Blockchain works like a digital ledger where transactions are made using Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies. According to blockchain experts, this technology provides a completely secure way to make or record all transactions, contracts or agreements. Moreover, Blockchain is valuable for everything needed to be validated and stored in a secure digital ecosystem.

From the beginning of the network, the database is shared among a number of users who are included to access the data of all transactions. The total size of the network varies according to the number of users, which can be two or three users, or it can be a group of hundreds of users.

What is the use of Blockchain Technology?

Experts try to use it for more than one purpose and the most visible and prominent use of Blockchain technology today is Bitcoin. Bitcoin has been helping people with financial transactions since 2008. In addition, experts are looking for ways that the same technology can be used to address or mitigate issues of security, controversy, or trust.

How is it used?

A special computer program is used to automatically blockchain to share information with the database during a new transaction. Blockchain contains hashing or encoded groups of transactions. Each code combines the two with the hash of the block before it, forming the chain that is the Blockchain. This process requires each block to be verified to ensure the security of the overall database.

Why do we need Blockchain Development?

As mentioned above, Blockchain seeks to make the technology more useful for people who need to keep an indisputable record of transactions. Blockchain technology provides extreme clarity and transparency and can be used as an effective anti-corruption tool.

With the help of blockchain technology, all transactions take place in a secure environment, where all details are encrypted by generating a unique transaction number, which is recorded as a placeholder in the ledger. In this case, all users will not be able to see the transaction details. However, the network will be aware of the transaction. This process limits any tampering changes, as a malicious person would need to access every computer on the network to make changes to the database.

Due to the growing importance of blockchain development, a number of individuals or organizations are looking for a reliable and trustworthy Blockchain Development Company.