Soak IT

Last but not least as we recognize African American technology innovators this month is Lonnie Johnson.  On a hot summer day, we owe Lonnie a big "thank you" for bringing us the Super Soaker.  Lonnie, an aerospace engineer who loved to tinker at home, was working on creating a heat pump that used water to cool down instead of Freon -- the result, the Super Soaker. 

He didn't stop there.   He's now using the monies from the Super Soaker to develop energy technology.  Currently, Johnson holds over 80 patents, with over 20 more pending, and is the author of several publications on spacecraft power systems.

Had he retired upon patenting the Super Soaker, Johnson would still go down as one of the most successful inventors and entrepreneurs of his generation.  This wraps up our review of just a few incredible people who have have changed the face of technology during Black History month.   

In our fast changing world, I always enjoy reflecting back and thanking those who have made our world a better place.  I hope you've enjoyed it too.  Think I missed someone?  Tell us...

Getting into IT

As a young girl, I was fortunate to be encouraged by my father to pursue whatever interested me even if it wasn't a traditional field for a woman.  Not so for Valerie Thomas.  

Valerie Thomas was fascinated by technology as a young child but it wasn't until college that she was finally able to pursue her passion for physics.  She was one of two women in her class who majored in physics.  She went on to work for NASA in variety of capacities where she developed real-time computer data systems, conducted large-scale experiments and managed various operations, projects and facilities

In 1980, she patented an illusion transmitter. In operation, concave mirrors are set up on both ends of the transmission. The net effect of this is an optical illusion of a 3-D image that looks real on the receiving end.  Uses for the technology have yet to be fully realized, but with the increased interest in 3-D, her work will surely be an integral part of the future.

So, for all those girls out there with an interest in science and technology, I say, "You go girl."

IT Radix SPAM Tip of the Month

Our computers are being hijacked, and we may not even know it!  The term “hijack” means to illegally seize in transit and force to a different destination or use for ones own purpose, which is exactly what is being done right under our fingertips.  Time to familiarize ourselves with a few new terms:

Clickjacking – the malicious activity of taking control of an Internet user's actions by making them click on hidden links.  A clickjacked page tricks a user into performing undesired actions by clicking on a concealed link.  On a clickjacked page, the attackers load another page over it in a transparent layer.  The users think that they are clicking visible buttons, while they are actually performing actions on the hidden page.  The hidden page may be an authentic page, therefore the attackers can trick users into performing actions which the users never intended.  There is no way of tracing such actions to the attackers later, as the users would have been genuinely authenticated on the hidden page.

Cursorjacking – Cursorjacking is a clickjacking scam that displaces the cursor from the location the user perceives. 

Likejacking – Likejacking is a clickjacking scam perpetrated through Facebook by exploiting the Facebook "Like" button.  In likejacking, scammers share a compelling video, image or discount deal by clicking "Like."  This posts the deal on all of the user's friends' Facebook feeds, thus spreading the scam.  The more people "Like" the post, the more it spreads.  Although the effect of these scams is not clear, some Internet security experts believe that scammers may be looking to gain access to a Facebook account or to users' personal information.

So…be careful what you click on!  IT Radix is here to help you avoid being hijacked!

Leading the way

In today's world, technology is everywhere.  As an early proponent of technology, Roy L. Clay has become known to some as the godfather of black Silicon Valley for helping break down barriers for African Americans in technology. His recruitment and development of talent has helped usher in the next generation of black technology innovators.

Mr. Clay was a key figure in the development of Hewlett-Packard's computer divisions. Mr. Clay led the team that engineered HP's entrance into the computer market with the development of the 2116A computer in 1966.

Currently, he is the CEO of ROD-L Electronics, the world leader in electrical safety testing equipment.  IT has become one of the largest professions for African Americans in part the result of Roy Clay's leadership in the industry and his local community.

Resist IT

As an electrical engineer, I learned about the importance of resistors in any electric circuit.  A resistor is a crucial electronics component that impedes the flow of electrical current.  

When it came to resistors, Otis F. Boykin really knew his stuff.  He patented a type of resistor in 1959 that is still used today in radios, televisions and computers.

This famous African-American inventor also created the control unit for pacemakers.which has helped to save and lengthen the lives of thousands of men and women around the world

Sadly, Boykin died of heart failure in Chicago in 1982. Over the course of his career he earned 11 patents total, his first issued in 1959, his last in 1985. Interested in learning more about Otis?  Read more about him here. 

Enjoy special effects in the movies?

African Scientific Institute

Then you should thank Marc Hannah - He's next up in our month-long recognition of African-Americans who have contributed to computer technology as part of Black History month.

Marc Hannah was one of the founders of Silicon Graphics Incorporated (SGI).  SGI is famous for its innovations in computer graphics and Marc Hannah is a special effects wizard.  But it's not all glamor at SGI;  his technical contributions are also used in the medical, automobile and military fields to name a few.    

Marc Hannah was also instrumental in designing the Nintendo 64 gaming system.  Donkey Kong fans rejoice!

Want to know more about Marc Hannah, check it out here.

If You Build IT

As we continue to honor and recognize notable contributors to technology throughout Black History month, Dr. Mark Dean had to be on the list.

He was one of the engineers that helped design the IBM Personal Computer in 1981.  He holds three of IBM's original nine PC patents and currently holds more than 20 total patents.  It's interesting to note in one of his recent BLOG posts that he has personally traded in his PC for a tablet which he feels is in keeping with progress.

Dr. Mark Dean is still employed by IBM and is the Chief Technology Officer of IBM Middle East and Africa.  He focuses on bringing new IBM technology solutions to bear in Africa and helping to develop the continent’s IT skills and computer science workforce.  

You can read more about his thoughts and experiences in technology on his BLOG here.