Snippets: 9 March 2013

Oldest man at 340,000 years, 10 free online diagnostic tools, Singapore’s super rich

Snippets: 9 March 2013
Snippets: 9 March 2013

We used to think that the world’s first humans were between 60,000 to 140,000 years old. You can double that figure now. Think your computer might be having a problem? Here are 10 free tools from the web for any platform. Also, a good look at how the top 1-2% of the richest in Singapore spend their dough. Facebook may no longer be hot thing for the young ones and why Java just wouldn’t go away.

 

#1: The father of all men is 340,000 years old

How old is the oldest human being? Apparently, 340,000 years old as this article suggests. Albert Perry carried an extremely distinctive Y chromosome that exceeded current known age thresholds. If you are into genes and history that dates way back, this article might tell you how old Adam was. [via NewScientist]

 

#2: 10 Free Online Diagnostic Tools

Online diagnositcs are a tricky thing. There seem to be a 101 of them out there. The bad news is that most of them are fake and actually insert malicious code into your system. It’s similar to buying magic pills from a con man. Nevertheless, this guide highlights 10 trustworthy sites that get the job done. This might prove useful for adhoc tech support geeks like me where it is often easier to get the user DIY help over a simple website. [via Tom’s Guide]

 

#3: Wealth Over the Edge: Singapore

Before you jump and over react to this article, do note that this reflects only the top 1-2% incomes in Singapore. Welcome to Singapore, home of the super rich where people spend over six digits on dinner and other ridiculously overpriced forms of entertainment. As a Singaporean, I agree with the direction the article is taking, but always be aware of the context. [via The Wall Street Journal]

 

#4: Why teens are tiring of Facebook

Are you sick and tired of Facebook. Also, are you a teen? Well, CNet has an editoral that shines the spotlight on what usually occurs with big Web 2.0 hits – They die within a couple of years. While it is safe to say that Facebook will be huge and relevant for years to come, the big blue F has lost some of its early luster with the next generation. No wonder, FB goes through a revamp every few months. [via CNet]

 

#5: Why won’t Java just go away?

Java is a dirty word. It’s so commonly used yet very much hated with security as tight as a wide open gate. An excellent editorial explores why Java just wouldn’t die and how Oracle should change its strategy in handling one of the world’s most popular developing languages. It is easier to hate Java, than fix it though. [via The Verge]