You aren't as private and secure online as you think you are

In today's digital world, privacy and security are more important than ever. As a tech enthusiast and programmer, I often think about how to protect user data and ensure a safe online experience. In this post, I'll share some thoughts and tips on data protection to help you stay secure online.

The Growing Importance of Privacy and Security

With so much personal data online, protecting it is crucial. Cyber threats are evolving, and data breaches are common, which makes strong security measures essential.

Common Pitfalls in Data Protection

Many users make simple mistakes that put their data at risk. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Weak Passwords: Using easily guessable passwords or reusing them across multiple sites.
• Unsecured Networks: Connecting to public Wi-Fi without proper security measures.
• Phishing Attacks: Falling victim to deceptive emails or messages designed to steal personal information.
• Outdated Software: Failing to update software, leaving devices vulnerable to exploits.

Enhancing Personal Data Security

To mitigate these risks, consider the following strategies:

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Employ a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Stay Updated: Regularly update your software and devices to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Be Cautious with Links and Attachments: Verify the source before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
• Utilize Encryption: Encrypt sensitive files and communications to protect them from unauthorized access.

Conclusion

In an age where digital interactions are integral to our daily lives, prioritizing privacy and security is essential. By adopting best practices and staying informed about potential threats, we can protect our personal data and enjoy a safer online experience. Remember, the responsibility of safeguarding your information starts with you. Stay vigilant, stay secure, and make sure to tune in to the CheeseBlog tomorrow for a new post. Cya!

Running Doom on an unmodded WiiU

In this post (and maybe multiple posts after this), I will be attempting to run Doom-without modding. Let's dive in!

Attempt 1: WiiDoom

My first thought when creating this blog post was WiiDoom (wiki page and picture below)

 

 

However, I remembered that there is two issues:

• WiiDoom is for the Wii, and not the WiiU

• It cannot be accessed via the web, and is only available via the Homebrew Browser

After realizing this, I was honestly a bit stumped. I was aware that there was versions of Doom on the web, but they required a keyboard. I also was aware that you could plug one in via the USB port, but what's the fun in that? I want to use the gamepad!

Attempt 2: Custom Website

Now, my second thought was a website. As stated before, I know I could use a keyboard, but that's boring. Plus, I also realized the WiiU probably is too old/too underpowered to run these websites anyways. After a bit of googling, I confirmed that this was indeed true-Browser Doom was a gray screen. The first result, the playclassic.games website, didn't even load. (this happened to most of the DOOM online websites, I guess the browser doom website was just a bit of luck) This gave me practically no choice but to make my own website. I am still aware this entire thing is just for fun, but when I start something, I will do my best to finish it, if possible-and I'm pretty sure this is possible.

I made this site. It is based on js-dos, which seemed to be a bit friendlier to older devices like the WiiU, however, it turned out it still didn't work. I gave up. I apologize if this ending is disappointing (since I didn't get DOOM running nor did I get it to use the gamepad), but I tried my best. I believe there may be a version of DOOM out there for modded WiiUs, but I wasn't able to make a version for unmodded ones. Anyways, tune in to the CheeseBlog tomorrow for a new post. Cya!

sorry

Unfortunately, I do not have the time to post on my blog today. I hope this is fine with any of the readers. Make sure to tune in on the CheeseBlog tomorrow for a REAL post. Cya!

My experience with homebrewing

If you are a Nintendo fan, the chances are you know what Homebrewing is. If you don't, here's a quick recap: Homebrewing is hacking your game console (or really any device) to do more than it was meant to. This can be anything from modding it to new game servers after the original shut down, to even putting a new operating system on the device.

What consoles I've hacked

I actually haven't hacked too many of my Nintendo consoles. The only ones I've Homebrewed thus far are my Wii and my 3DS. However, by doing so, I've opened a large number of options for both consoles.

Game servers

Something very useful for when you are using a homebrewed console is using custom game servers. This can be from a wide range of hosts, including yourself. However, I recommend using trusted ones. For the 3DS/Wii U, I recommend Pretendo Network. For the Wii, I recommend wiimmfi. (Note: Pretendo Network is still in progress. This includes things such as Miiverse, which have not been finished and sometimes, in my case, can softlock the console. It isn't common for it to softlock, though, and the only bad softlock can be on the 3DS, which all you need to do is hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.) Both are free, and if you feel kind today or any day, you can donate to them. The way you transfer to the new server on the 3DS is by downloading the Pretendo app on Universal Updater, and for wiimmfi, it is simply changing the DNS settings.

Custom Homebrew Games

Something cool is that there is custom games for Homebrewed consoles. You can typically find these on the app/game/tool stores for said console. These can be fun games, like Terrifried. Others can be platformers, like Haxor or Cat Mario ;). It is very nice and isn't like what you used to be able to find on the Wii Shop Channel/old eShop. 

App Stores

I wouldn't normally call these app stores, but I can't think of a different phrase to replace it. On these app stores, you can find games, emulators, tools, etc. For the 3DS, the most common app store would be the Universal Updater. For the Wii, it's the Homebrew Browser. Both have various different features that you may like, and they also have different catalogues.

Piracy

Want to get this out of the way quickly, I do not condone piracy, so Nintendo, don't come after me. The piracy experience depends on which console you are using. For the 3DS, it is fairly simple-just go to hShop. The link is hshop.erista.me, or just go to the app on your 3DS, if already downloaded. This gives you access to most games from all regions, all updates and DLCs, some DSiWare, some Virtual Console, and the occasional bit of Homebrew games/software. On the Wii, however, you must first download the ROM to said game, add it to your USB stick/SD card, and then use some sort of software to add it to your Wii. There is a similar way of doing this on the 3DS via FBI, but why put yourself through that pain when you can just use hShop?

Squeezing in a quick PrizVideo update

I've transitioned from a custom made video system to videoJS. This'll require mostly an entire reprogramming of the video system, which I estimate will take about a couple weeks. I'm also fixing major bugs in the algorithm.

Conclusion

That's all I've got for now. Make sure to tune in to the CheeseBlog tomorrow for another post. Cya!

The problems with social media

To me, there is several issues with social media that the big, important people up in those tech giant companies are yet to fix. Let's dive in!

Censorship

Censorship is a big issue among most social medias. You can't voice your opinions or ideas, as it could have major backlash. This includes from the actual social media itself and then other people on it, both of which could be pretty bad. This is why I and many other people prefer blogs and forums-esque places, which typically has much less censorship. 

The Doom Scroll

Many social medias have what I call "the Doom Scroll". This is when an algorithm baked into the social media provides you with content it thinks you would like. The biggest issue with this is that you will feel locked in or stuck, just to get that "one last video". To me, I don't like this idea. Next issue!

Influencers

Many influencers can provide the feeling you aren't enough- this could be looks, how famous/rich they are, etc. They can be found in practically every corner of social medias. Sometimes, even what some would call unhealthy relationships with them can be formed. 

Conclusion

There is many issues with social media, and I only just listed a few. Now, if you want a place to go to that isn't social media, I recommend one of the following:

 - Create a blog

 - Join a webring (Search it online if you don't know what that is)

 - Start reading RSS feeds

 - Just do something in the personal web (Search it online if you don't know what that is)

I hope this post today was informative and entertaining. Now, that's all I've got for today. Tune in to the CheeseBlog tomorrow for a new post. Cya!

What I think on the whole AI thing

Honestly, my thoughts on AI are a bit mixed- let's dive in on that topic.

The Pros

AI can be very useful at certain points. Some main ones are if you want details on a specific topic, and Google can't give you anything (this has happened to me several times, which is why I mention it). Its also very useful for if you want a summary on a book that is absolutely massive. This includes things like some Stephen King books (I still am surprised by how massive some of those books are). Or, you could even just use it as someone to talk to when you are lonely! Overall, AI can be extremely useful in some cases, but sometimes not so much in others, which leads me to

The Cons

As practically all AI websites say in fine print, it can be incorrect. This is quite annoying to me, because that means I might have to double check by creating a new chat and asking the same question, or Googling it-which eliminates the entire point of using AI. Another issue is how intrusive it is starting to get. No matter where you look, it's there! Search engines, web browsers, social media, etc. Google? Gemini. Brave? The one integrated in the browser and Brave Search (I forgot the name of it...). Facebook? Meta AI. Even my photos app has AI editing tools in it! What I'm trying to say is that there's no shortage of it. The rules of the AI producers can also be very limiting, too, which makes it feel useless sometimes.

Conclusion

What you think of AI depends on what your Point of View is. If you focus on the cons, you probably won't use AI-which I and many other people would understand. If you use AI, nice! It can be very useful, so it's good that you're using it for what you want and need. Anyways, this is all I've got for now. Bye!