AMD Processors
Reshaping the Landscape of CPU Performance
With an existing powerful lineup of AMD Ryzen™ 5000 and 7000 Series processors, you might think AMD has done enough to supply gamers, creators, and productivity users with everything they need to exceed expectations. But why stop there? As AMD continues to round out previous generation families with excellent products like the AMD Ryzen™ 5800XT and 5900XT processors, AMD is also introducing AMD Ryzen™ 9000 Series processors this summer; so much more than just brute performance, these new CPUs elevate the desktop processor, enabling speedier work, efficient output, and zero barriers to play.
Elevating Performance in Work and Play
AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors reshape the landscape of CPU performance. Based on AMD “Zen 5” technology that delivers up to 16% faster performance per clock and built on leading 4nm manufacturing technology, it doesn’t matter if your customers are working hard or gaming hard; the most advanced desktop processor delivers game-changing performance you can trust.1,2,3
Offering up to 16 cores and 32 processing threads, up to 80MB of memory directly on the processor, and support for the latest technologies including PCIe® 5.0 and DDR5 memory, your customers can say goodbye to restrictions on how they play AAA titles or get work done. Better still, AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors are designed to stay cool and quiet, delivering incredible efficiency while claiming their place as the most advanced desktop processor in the world.2 In fact, compared to previous generation products, AMD Ryzen 9000 Series processors deliver better performance, even when using less power.4
Compared to competitor products, gamers can expect up to 23 percent better performance in titles like Horizon Zero Dawn and Cyberpunk 2077, while productivity and content creation platforms like Blender and Handbrake enjoy up to 56 percent better performance.5
Remembrance, Privacy & Freedoms — Canada’s Privacy Vacuum
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1. The Short Version (Before We Dive Into the Tall Grass)
Canada killed its long-promised consumer privacy reform bill…
then immediately introduced new police surveillance powers…
and is still trying to push those powers through under a different name.
The result?
A privacy vacuum big enough to drive the CP Holiday Train through.
And inside that vacuum, your data, your habits, and your digital footprint are all more vulnerable than they were this time last year.
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2. What Actually Happened in 2025 (The Non-Politician Version)
Bill C-27 (the good one)
This was supposed to be Canada’s long-awaited upgrade to PIPEDA — children’s data protection, real penalties for companies, clear disposal rules, actual rights for Canadians.
It died when Parliament was prorogued in early 2025 and was never re-tabled.
Bill C-2 (the bad one)
Instead of reintroducing privacy protections, the government brought forward
the Strong Borders Act — a 140-page omnibus bill containing:
• new warrantless data “information demands,”
• lowered legal thresholds (“suspect” instead of “believe”),
• data-sharing pathways with U.S. agencies and international partners,
• gag orders for anyone served with a demand,
• and immunity incentives to encourage companies to hand info over.
This bill stalled — but not because the government backed down.
Bill C-12 (the camouflage one)
When C-2 caught fire in the news, the government split it into a new bill.
C-12 removed the most controversial surveillance powers so it would pass faster.
The surveillance parts?
They’re still sitting in C-2, waiting for the right political moment.
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3. The Consequence: A Privacy Vacuum Canadians Are Living In Right Now
You’ve heard us say “Who watches the waters?”
Well — this is the part where the waves get bigger.
Canada now has:
1. No modern corporate privacy law (C-27 died).
2. New attempts to expand state access powers (C-2).
3. A splinter bill (C-12) that still expands surveillance and reduces migrant rights.
4. International agreements being negotiated that would let foreign agencies request your data directly.
That’s the vacuum.
A place where your data is less protected than it should be, and the government is simultaneously trying to gain more ways to request it.
⸻
4. “Okay… but what does this have to do with me?”
More than you’d like.
This affects:
• Small businesses
• Families
• Anyone using smart tech
• Anyone using cloud services
• Anyone crossing a border
• Anyone storing data with a company headquartered in Canada
Why?
Because the government is trying to access data held by companies —
and those companies are still regulated under 2000-era PIPEDA,
which has no meaningful penalties and weak consent rules.
Your information is sitting in a legal vacuum —
and the state is building tools to reach into that vacuum more easily.
⸻
4.1 Cloud Storage — A Quick Reality Check
If you’re wondering how exposed your files really are, here’s the short version — graded the same way we handled it last time.
A+ — Sync.com (Zero-Knowledge, Canadian)
There are no settings that meaningfully reduce privacy here.
It’s private by default.
You hold the keys — not them.
A — Proton Drive (Zero-Knowledge)
Great for privacy.
Not Canadian, otherwise it would tie for A+.
⸻
B — OneDrive (Hardened / Best Settings)
This is OneDrive after you lock it down.
Requires:
• Personal Vault ON
• MFA ON
• Sharing set to “Specific People Only”
• No auto-backups of sensitive folders
• BitLocker ON (helps if your device is stolen — but does not protect OneDrive files from Microsoft)
Pros:
• Good local-device protection
• Good sharing control
• Ransomware recovery is decent
• Predictable, widely supported
Cons:
• Microsoft still holds the cloud encryption keys
• BitLocker does not encrypt OneDrive against Microsoft or government requests
• Metadata always visible
• AI/telemetry risk depending on Windows settings
Verdict:
B — Safe enough for families and small business if hardened.
Great for local protection.
Not private from Microsoft or anyone Microsoft must legally cooperate with.
⸻
D — OneDrive (Default Settings)
This is the version 90% of Canadians are using.
Problems:
• Personal Vault OFF
• MFA missing
• Wide-open sharing defaults
• Microsoft retains full access to all cloud-stored files
• BitLocker (even when ON) offers zero extra cloud privacy
• Metadata always visible
• Smart features + AI scanning risks
Verdict:
D — Fine for school assignments.
Not fine for tax documents, ID scans, or anything sensitive.
Convenience first, privacy last.
⸻
C — Google Drive (Best Settings)
More secure with:
• MFA ON
• Require sign-in for sharing
• No public links
• Disable “smart features” & personalisation
Still not zero-knowledge.
Google retains access to content and metadata.
⸻
F — Google Drive (Default)
Assume your files may be machine-scanned.
High convenience, low privacy.
⸻
F- — Dropbox
There are no settings that significantly improve privacy.
Historically scanned content; still metadata-heavy.
⸻
✔ Rule of Thumb
If you hold the encryption keys → safer.
If they hold the keys → not private.
⸻
5. What You Can Do (Right Now)
We keep this practical at Rainbow Computers, so here’s the non-lawyer, non-campaign version:
✔ Check your data permissions.
Every device. Every app. Every “optional” feature.
Smart bulbs, TVs, streaming boxes, doorbells, fridges — they all report something.
✔ Review your accounts.
If a company doesn’t need certain info, reduce what it has.
✔ If you don’t like your settings changing, check monthly.
Quarterly at absolute minimum.
Some updates reset settings.
Some don’t ask permission at all.
✔ And yes — you can copy/paste the Terms of Service into ChatGPT or Gemini
Ask: “How does this affect my privacy?”
Let the machine dig through the legal jargon.
Heck, you can even tell it to explain the results in the personality of your favourite TV lawyer for entertainment flourish — “Denny Crane.”
✔ And stay tuned.
Next, we’ll break down:
• Quebec Law 25
• Whether it protects you even if you don’t live there
• And how far its reach actually goes for everyday Canadians
Rainbow Computers — New Tecumseth.
Serving families and small businesses for over 30 years.
We drop 1–3 new articles a week.
If you need help understanding, securing, or locking down your devices — call us first.
Next article will be on Quebec Law 25.
#PrivacyCanada #DigitalSafety #SmartTech #NewTecumseth
#SimcoeCounty #CyberAwareness #TechTips
#RainbowComputers #RainbowComputersCA #RainbowComputersINFO
#Remembrance #LestWeForget #Canada
#ACORNCanada #OpenMediaCA #OpenMedia
Why Google Drive Remains a Top Cloud Storage Choice for Individuals and Small Businesses
In today’s connected world, digital organization is key. Whether you're managing personal documents, collaborating on work projects, or running a small business, having a reliable and versatile cloud storage solution is a must. Enter Google Drive—a powerhouse that blends storage, collaboration, and integration into one seamless ecosystem.
Let’s break down the benefits of Google Drive, compare its plan options, and explore why it continues to be a top-tier choice in 2025.
🌟 Key Benefits of Google Drive
1. Seamless Integration with Google Workspace
Google Drive is at its best when paired with tools like Docs, Sheets, Slides, Gmail, and Calendar. This integration creates a frictionless workflow for everything from writing documents to managing schedules—all accessible in one ecosystem.
2. Real-Time Collaboration
Multiple users can edit the same document simultaneously, leave comments, suggest edits, and chat—all within the file. This real-time feature is a game-changer for group projects, remote teams, and fast-moving businesses.
3. Generous Free Storage and Accessibility
Every Google account starts with 15 GB of free storage, shared across Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos. That’s more than enough for many personal users. Plus, Google Drive is accessible from any device with internet access—desktop, mobile, or web browser.
4. Robust Sharing Controls
Whether you're sharing with one person or an entire organization, Google Drive gives you granular control—view, comment, edit, expiration dates, and even download restrictions. This makes it safe and efficient for both personal sharing and client collaboration.
5. Advanced Search and Organization
Thanks to Google’s powerful search technology, finding files is lightning fast. Add AI-powered suggestions and Drive becomes not just storage—but a smart assistant for your documents.
📦 Google Drive Plan Levels: What’s Right for You?
For Personal Use
-
Google Drive (Free)
-
15 GB of shared storage
-
Great for casual users managing documents, emails, and photos.
-
Includes access to Google Workspace tools.
-
-
Google One – 100 GB ($1.99/month)
-
Storage shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos
-
Access to Google experts, shared family plan, extra photo editing tools.
-
Ideal for light users who need more space and benefits.
-
-
Google One – 200 GB ($2.99/month)
-
Extra storage plus the ability to share with up to 5 family members.
-
Great for households or more active content creators.
-
-
Google One – 2 TB ($9.99/month)
-
Premium storage tier with all benefits, including VPN for mobile, enhanced support.
-
Perfect for power users, freelancers, or anyone with large file libraries.
-
For Small Businesses
Google Drive is also available as part of Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)—which includes business-grade versions of Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Docs, and more.
-
Business Starter ($6/user/month)
-
30 GB per user
-
Custom business email, standard Google Workspace apps
-
Best for startups or solo entrepreneurs.
-
-
Business Standard ($12/user/month)
-
2 TB per user
-
Enhanced Meet features, shared drives, collaboration tools
-
A strong fit for growing teams and remote collaboration.
-
-
Business Plus ($18/user/month)
-
5 TB per user, advanced security and compliance tools
-
Enhanced admin controls, eDiscovery, and more.
-
Designed for small businesses needing more storage and control.
-
-
Enterprise (Custom pricing)
-
Unlimited storage, advanced AI, premium support, and top-tier security.
-
Ideal for scaling businesses with sensitive data and high compliance needs.
-
🔁 Google Drive vs the Competition
Compared to Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud, Google Drive stands out for:
-
Superior collaboration features via Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
-
Generous free tier (15 GB)
-
AI-driven organization and search
-
Deep integration with Android and Google services
For individuals, it’s a dependable and free way to manage life’s digital clutter. For small businesses, it’s an affordable and scalable productivity platform.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Whether you're saving personal memories, organizing a freelance portfolio, or collaborating across continents, Google Drive adapts to your needs. Its combination of smart tools, flexible storage plans, and real-time collaboration makes it an unbeatable choice for both general users and small businesses.
Thinking about switching or upgrading? Start with a free 15 GB account and see just how easy digital life can be with Google Drive.