98188
submission
hedgefighter writes:
One week after Dell launched its new user feedback site Dell IdeaStorm, the PC manufacturer has made its first reply. Changes for several suggestions, including bolstering the "Plant a Tree" program and easier bloat-ware removal, have already been made or are on the way. In regards to the overwhelming request for GNU/Linux, Dell is entertaining the idea, but seems hesitant to make any breakthrough changes. Though the acknowledgment is promising to the many petitioners, the "Dell recommends Windows Vista(TM) Business." tag at the top of the page is less than encouraging.
98164
story
MattSparkes writes
"The 'Superbot', a modular robot that transforms itself into different shapes in order to walk, crawl and clamber up inclines, has been demonstrated in at the University of Southern California. Each bot module is effectively a robot in its own right, and can move independently, flip over and rotate like wheels. They also have 3D accelerometers that let them know their precise orientation. The six sides of each module can dock with any other module. Once connected, the modules can communicate, coordinate shape changes and even transmit power. The bot's creators hope it will make a great working companion for places like, say, the Moon. Or Mars."
97836
story
Dr. Eggman writes
"Tom's Hardware recently posted an article specifying how the professionals at Kroll Ontrack recover data from a RAID array that has suffered a hard drive failure, allowing for recovery of even RAID 5 arrays suffering two failures. The article is quick to warn this is costly, however, and points out the different types of hard drive failures that occur, only some of which are repairable. Ultimately the article concludes that consistent backups and other good practices are the best solution. Still, it provides an interesting look into the world of data after death."