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Venezuela splashes out on laptops
The Venezuelan government has announced that it is to order a million low cost laptops for its school children, as part of a $3bn bi-lateral trade deal with Portugal. The Venezuelan government has announced that it is to order a million low cost laptops for its school children, as part of a $3bn bi-l... more
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Seriously, Who Wants to Travel to the United States?
The United States Department of Homeland Security scares the hell out of me. What is really bad is I am a United States citizen and it scares the hell out of me. It really has to be scary to someone that isn't a citizen of the United States.
Back in April of this year, the Ninth Circuit Court decided that searching laptops without reason is well within the law, and does not violate any Fourth Amendment Rights.
So wait. Now I am confused. The Ninth Circuit says that TSA Agents can search my papers, effects, laptops, iPods, iPhones and other electronic devices without probable cause, but the Fourth Amendment says that they cannot. Unless the probable cause is "Everyone is a Terrorist". Then it kind of makes sense.
At least they have to have reasonable suspicion to check my large intestines, that is comforting.
Don't worry though! Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) introduced a new bill to help with this! Well, not so much help, but at least you will get a receipt for the expensive piece of electronic equipment that the TSA Agent, who makes just more than minimum wage, is illegally seizing from you..... The United States Department of Homeland Security scares the hell out of me. What is really bad is I am a United States citizen and it... more -
ATF Loses Weapons and Laptops
The ATF lost 76 weapons and hundreds of laptops over five years, the Justice Department reported Wednesday, blaming carelessness and sloppy record-keeping. The ATF lost 76 weapons and hundreds of laptops over five years, the Justice Department reported Wednesday, blaming carelessness and s... more
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Fixing the infected Win 2008 and Win 2009 Antivirus. First Protect your computer a...
The link provided from Microsoft to fix the problem did not fix the problem, it did however
show me what the problem was and how I might fix it with other solutions, hence the reason for the link. This is a long, long, story, however I will do my best to reduce the pain
as much as possible. The microsoft solution is a 30 day free trial. I just don't recommend it
because it takes forever to load and it doesn't fix the problem.
Had a friend get this virus on her computer so I said I would attempt to fix it however
my recommendation was to buy another computer and keep the old infected one off line
so she could make sure she did not give it to someone else.
How did she get this infection in the first place?
My guess is it is a small prompt pop up which means she did not have pop up blocker on,
which is very important. Anyway, the pop up comes on the screen and tells you that you may have a problem and the Win Antivirus is the solution. They make the virus look like it is
the solution to something you already have and then when you click on the pop up to get the help, guess what, you just infected your computer.
8 hours later I found a few working solutions as the virus fights you for control of the CPU
thus restricting your efforts to fix the problem. Then it becomes who do you trust to tell you
the true. Microsoft wants you to load something that takes up a ton of space and takes forever to download. Then they show you a security patch that costs money.
Most other sites show a fix that will cost money and the question becomes how many do you pay before you solve the problem. For me it is always none.
Yes the free downloads do gain access to the computer but if they fix the problem, I say,
who cares. You could pay to fix this deceptive nightmare and still not fix the problem.
You do need to ask yourself what is your time worth.
I have $450 to $500 for a like new laptop or PC these days so at some point my advise is get a new computer and keep the old one. I will do my best to clean it up after the new one is up and running. My feeling is everyone could use another desktop, or at least a laptop.
Whatever you do, don't save your profile names and passwords on anything. That is what these deceptive weasels are after.
Keeep your security high and keep your pop up blocker on.
If you need help, just write me, I am going to write down every move I made to fix the problem. Happy to share that info. with any friend. The link provided from Microsoft to fix the problem did not fix the problem, it did however ... more -
The laptop as a performance instrument
It's as common to see a MacBook on stage these days as a guitar or keyboard. What does that mean for the concept of a "performance"? And how do laptop-heavy acts -- e.g. Battles, Girl Talk -- actually use them in their live shows? Sasha Frere-Jones explores. It's as common to see a MacBook on stage these days as a guitar or keyboard. What does that mean for the concept of a "perfo... more
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Commodore Comeback
"Commodore has today announced that it's joining the netbook market with the launch of its new Via C7-M processor netbook, the UMMD 8010/F, at IFA today.
The somewhat pleasingly retro-looking machine (especially cool in a retro nerdy type way, after all it is from Commodore) unfortunately only has an 80GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM and 802.11b/g wireless and Bluetooth (optional).
The titchy 10-inch screen and its 1.3 megapixel webcam don't lift it above the level of less-than-mediocre either. Windows XP only Choosing the Via Cy-M processor over Intel's somewhat more popular Atom 1.6Ghz, the netbook will only comfortably be able to support Windows XP, unless buyers opt for GNU Linux.
TechRadar's resident netbook expert Dan Grabham says: "Commodore's netbook will be closest in performance to the HP, as that's the other mainstream netbook with the Via C7-M.
"But that is as slow as anything, as that runs Vista and this is XP."
So it's going to be slow… but, you know, not that slow. It should still do a mean game of Jet Set Willy, anyway. The UMMD 8010/F will be available later this month at un as-yet unknown price..." "Commodore has today announced that it's joining the netbook market with the launch of its new Via C7-M processor netbook, t... more -
One laptop for every child in Niue
"The One Laptop Per Child programme has lived up to its name in the tiny South Pacific nation of Niue, where 100% of children now have one.
500 of the programme's XO laptops were distributed this week to primary and high school students.
The rugged, waterproof laptops have been designed as a cheap way to bring the internet to children in the developing world.
There are 4500 more laptops earmarked for the Pacific region as a whole.
It is not the first time that Niue has proven to be ahead of the technological curve; in 2003, it became the first territory to offer free wireless internet to all its inhabitants.
Besides instant wireless websurfing, the schoolchildren will also be able to communicate with each other within a radius of one kilometre without going online.
Secretariat of the Pacific Community director general Jimmie Rodgers was quoted by the AFP news wire as saying that the laptops "have the potential to revolutionise education in ways that are difficult to imagine."
Originally the brainchild of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Laboratory, the effort has grown to garner the support of large corporations, including Google. "The One Laptop Per Child programme has lived up to its name in the tiny South Pacific nation of Niue, where 100% of children now... more -
Asus F6 comes with webcam, 13-inch screen & four different scents
"Looks like Asus is sniffing out the next big thing now that it's found heaps of success with its EeePC concept, and has decided that what the world really needs is a notebook that can function both as a mid-range computer and an Air Wick. The Asus F6 boasts a 13.3 inch screen, an integrated webcam, an Intel Core2 Duo processor, up to 4GB of DRAM support, up to 320GB of HD space and comes in four scents – Floral Blossom, Musky Black, Morning Dew and Aqua Ocean. Asus doesn't say how long the fragrance is supposed to last, or whether you can reapply it." "Looks like Asus is sniffing out the next big thing now that it's found heaps of success with its EeePC concept, and has dec... more
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Canadian privacy and security experts assail US laptop seizure policy
Traveling between the United States and Canada this year? Your laptop, iPod, mobile phone, USB drive, books, videos, and other electronic, print, and other matter is subject to seizure by U.S. Department of Homeland Security border agents according to new Homeland Security policy as part of a broadening anti-terrorism campaign. Nestor E. Arellano, in his contribution to itbusiness.ca, details the impact and scope of the program in "Canadian privacy and security experts assail US laptop seizure policy" (6 August 2008).
Image: Peace Arch at the U.S.-Canadian border, Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia. Courtesy of wikipedia.org. Traveling between the United States and Canada this year? Your laptop, iPod, mobile phone, USB drive, books, videos, and other electro... more -
Back to School: Bargain laptops for under $750 - Full Featured
There's no doubt about it: The computer is now an essential part of the learning process, especially at the college level. If money is tight (it is for most of us), just remember, you don't have to break the bank to get a laptop with decent performance. I've rounded up these 5 laptops that are all good performers and have even better prices.
Dell, HP, Acer.
Prices and comparisons. There's no doubt about it: The computer is now an essential part of the learning process, especially at the college level. If mon... more -
Laptop on Lock
Don't be surprised if airport security takes your iPod or laptop without explanation coming back from your next trip abroad.
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Laptops may be detained at US border
Seriously, is nothing sacred in the US anymore. It seems that when it comes to hypocrisy, the current administration has no qualms whatsoever. Seriously, is nothing sacred in the US anymore. It seems that when it comes to hypocrisy, the current administration has no qualms wha... more
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Fujitsu's Lifebook U2010 gets new pics, specs
We've caught a few glimpses of Fujitsu's Lifebook U2010 in the past, but now we've got a whole handful of new shots of the crazy-versatile device, plus some fresh video and actual, honest-to-goodness specs. According to a Vietnamese forum, the miniature laptop / tablet will feature an Intel Atom CPU (at 1.6GHz or 1.8GHz), a 5.6-inch 1024 x 768 display, an 80GB hard drive, 1GB of RAM, a 3G radio, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, and will weigh 680 grams (about 1.5 lbs). No word on a street date or regions for the device right now, but the price is said to clock in around a hefty $1300. We've caught a few glimpses of Fujitsu's Lifebook U2010 in the past, but now we've got a whole handful of new shots of ... more
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Design: laptop lounge chair
Totally awesome or pampered, indulged, ass-wiping for the twenty-first century?
With research showing that the most healthy position to be sitting in whilst at work is the 'leaning back slouch', I think this could actually catch on in forward-thinking workplaces. Although if they're anywhere like where I used to work, you'll have to make your own laptop chair, with a bar stool and a couple of canteen trays Cellotaped to either side ... Totally awesome or pampered, indulged, ass-wiping for the twenty-first century? ... more -
Add Laptop Location Tracking Security, for Free
A new open source project allows computer users to add surreptitious location tracking to their systems. Windows, Mac and Linux versions are available.
Adeona, from researchers at the University of Washington and the University of California, San Diego, anonymously sends data to servers on a free storage system called OpenDHT. The data, which is encrypted, includes IP addresses, information about neighboring routers, and so forth. If your notebook ever gets stolen you can log into the system from another computer, access the data and notify authorities with it. Working with ISPs they should be able to locate it. The Mac version also uses a freeware program called isightcapture to take a picture of whoever is using the system.
Commercial versions of such products, such as CompuTrace's LoJack for Laptops, have been available for a long time. Typically they also offer a remote wiping function, which would seem to be a major advantage, at least for businesses.
It's not clear whether the location tracking information in the commercial products is any different from this free version. The ultimate version would use GPS hardware, but this is not typically included in notebook computers. Perhaps it should be. A new open source project allows computer users to add surreptitious location tracking to their systems. Windows, Mac and Linux versio... more -
Microsoft Crashes Xp so you'll upgrade!
I can't find much information on this topic perhaps current can fix that.
Microsoft announces that it will discontinue support for Windows Xp. Up until now Windows Xp has been one of the most stable operating systems Microsoft has ever put out.
Soon after the announcement they release Windows Xp service pack 3. Xp operating systems all over the world suddenly collapse and cause massive IT headaches. The solution? Remove the new Service pack.
Next problem windows releases critical MS update KB951748. Suddenly Xp operating systems all over the world experience crashes, some cannot access the internet with their web browsers and more.
It may be just another conspiracy theory but I find it hard to believe that the software giant can release these code packages and have such wide spread mayhem just happen out of the blue. I'm sure they run tests on the code before they release it to the public at large. They have to know what's going to happen when users install it on their systems.
I have a large family with 10 computers in the house. We experienced identical problems on all systems running XP. 6 computers experience the same problem in one house. Multiply that nationally, then internationally.
If it's a coincidence then someone at Microsoft should be fired. If it's intentional then some one at Microsoft should be prosecuted. It's strange that suddenly when a new OS is on the way, that the most stable OS the giant has produced in years suddenly suffers critical failures and massive melt downs, only after having installed new code packages from the company.
Just a p.s. follow up note. 4 of our computers run Vista. Vista is virtually identical to Xp except for one critical feature..... It won't run on older hardware.....and you have to purchase it for up to $300 US.... Coincidence? I can't find much information on this topic perhaps current can fix that. ... more -
Big Brother gets the greenlight
FTC says it won't intervene to protect Internet user privacy
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission indicated Wednesday that it would leave it to data-mining Web companies and Internet marketers to decide how best to protect users' privacy.
"Self-regulation may be the preferable approach for this dynamic marketplace," Lydia Parnes, the director of the commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection, told a Senate committee.
The FTC's decision not to step in — even as Microsoft and Google representatives testified that some regulation would be helpful — means that Washington won't address the matter before a new administration and Congress take office in January.
At issue is what privacy rights consumers have when data-mining companies use their Web browsing patterns to target them for ads. It's a gold mine for online advertising and Internet marketing, but consumer and e-privacy groups say it's intrusive.
NebuAd, a media company based in Redwood City, Calif., has been in the hot seat for partnering with Internet service providers to deliver personalized ads to users' computer screens.
The company's chief executive officer, Bob Dykes, told the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee that there's no privacy lost in the process.
"NebuAd's systems are designed so that no one, not even the government, can determine the identity of our users," Dykes said.
Leslie Harris, the chief executive for the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington-based civil liberties group, said that NebuAd and other data-miners shouldn't be able to track browsing patterns without advance consent from computer users.
She also fears that privacy will be lost as more companies enter the field and their techniques become more sophisticated.
"Self-regulation is a piece, but self-regulation alone is not enough to protect privacy, and we need to have some baseline legislation in place," Harris said.
Microsoft and Google representatives said they supported a privacy protection scheme that included advance consent, encryption of identities and clear notification of what information was being collected.
Federal regulation would be easier for Internet companies to live by than inconsistent state and local regulations.
"There's just this emerging patchwork of federal and state privacy laws," said Michael Hintze, associate general counsel for Microsoft. FTC says it won't intervene to protect Internet user privacy ... more -
Computer hackers: Internet flaw sparks biggest security fix in web history
A flaw in the way the internet works has prompted the "largest security update" in the history of the web, and fears of millions of people remaining exposed to criminals and malicious hackers.
Microsoft was among net companies yesterday which announced action to close the loophole that has potentially affected every site on the web.
The bug was spotted this year by Dan Kaminsky, a director at the American security specialist IOActive, who immediately contacted big technology firms to alert them to the problem.
The scam involved hijacking internet addresses and sending surfers to websites other than those they intended to see. By this route criminals stood the chance of tricking victims into handing over personal details or making payments to the wrong people.
Details of the bug, which uses a technique known as "cache poisoning", have not been made public. The idea is to let firms find a solution before hackers learn how to exploit the situation further.
"Computers use the equivalent of address books to figure out where they need to go on the web. This attack could compromise that by attacking the servers that give out the addresses," said Rich Mogull, of the US-based firm Securosis.
Although there is no evidence of the bug being exploited by hackers, news of the flaw drew an unprecedented response from the technology industry. Large companies, including Microsoft and Cisco Systems, scrambled to fix the problem.
"This is the largest synchronised security update in the history of the internet," said Kaminsky. "The severity of this bug is shown by the number of those who are on board with patches."
As fixing the problem is largely the duty of those who operate the millions of web servers, which hold all the information on the internet, rather than those who use the web, most computer users will not have to do anything.
However, a failure to update software could mean surfers still being at risk. And the fixes may not make things entirely safe. The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team, an American agency which deals with security breaches, said that even the changes put forward by Microsoft and others would not remove all possibilities of a hijack. "It is important to note that without changes to the DNS [domain name system] protocol these mitigations cannot completely prevent cache poisoning," said the agency on its website. A flaw in the way the internet works has prompted the "largest security update" in the history of the web, and fears of mill... more -
The right to peer inside your iPod
The heads of the G8 governments, meeting this week, are about to ratify the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta), which - it's claimed - could let customs agents search your laptop or music player for illegally obtained content. The European Parliament is considering a law that would lead to people who illicitly download copyrighted music or video content being thrown off the internet. Virgin Media is writing to hundreds of its customers at the request of the UK record industry to warn them that their connections seem to have been used for illegal downloading. Viacom gets access to all of the usernames and IP addresses of anyone who has ever used YouTube as part of its billion-dollar lawsuit in which it claims the site has been party to "massive intentional copyright infringement". The heads of the G8 governments, meeting this week, are about to ratify the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Acta), which - it... more
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Laptops
