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Programming

Submission + - lzma compression file format (tukaani.org) 1

Submitted by
An anonymous reader writes: The guys at The Tukaani Project are developing a new compression program (similar to older gzip/bzip2) and a library (with a zlib-like API) based on the LZMA compression alghoritm of Igor Pavlov. Some features of the LZMA alghoritm are:
  • Average compression ratio of LZMA is about 30% better than that of gzip, and 15% better than that of bzip2.
  • Decompression speed is only little slower than that of gzip, being two to five times faster than bzip2.
  • In fast mode, compresses faster than bzip2 with a comparable compression ratio.
  • Very similar command line interface than what gzip and bzip2 have.
  • Free software licensed under the GNU GPL (actually most parts are under the GNU LGPL).
The first draft of the new .lzma file format specification is out and the developers are requesting feedback: http://tukaani.org/lzma/header-format-12.txt
There are also the experimental LZMA utils available for download at: http://tukaani.org/lzma/
Biotech

Submission + - Evolution without gene changes: Evo-devo

Submitted by zoefff
zoefff writes: NY times has a fascinating article about 'evo-devo': evolution not through the alteration of genes, but through the alteration of the processing of genes during growth. All with master genes commanding a hierarchy of other genes, revisiting Darwin's finches and providing an explanation for mimicry.
From the article: 'New forms can arise via new uses of existing genes, in particular the control genes or what are sometimes called toolkit genes that oversee development. It is a discovery that can explain much that has previously been mysterious, like the observation that without much obvious change to the genome over all, one can get fairly radical changes in form.'
It's funny. Laugh.

Submission + - Correlation Implies Causation After All? (netspace.net.au) 5

Submitted by
thetan
thetan writes: "That hoary old chestnut — "correlation does not imply causation" — is frequently trotted out in arguments about science and causality. The adage is put under the microscope by a new meta-analysis of published research. Surprisingly, it seems that (statistically speaking, at least) correlation does imply causation. Where to now for amateur debaters and Slashdot flame-warriors?"
Hardware Hacking

Submission + - Linux computer in USB key form-factor (linuxdevices.com)

Submitted by PMBjornerud
PMBjornerud writes: A start-up located in the French Alps near Grenoble is readying a tiny ARM-based Linux single-board computer (SBC) in a USB key form-factor.

Calao's USB-9260 USB key-sized SBC measures 3.3 x 1.4 inches (85 x 36 mm). It is based on an Atmel AT91SAM9260 processor, an SoC (system-on-chip) powered by an ARM926EJ-S core clocked at 190MHz. The SoC targets "advanced applications such as GPS application processors," according to Atmel.

Spec sheet (PDF) here.

With a 10/100 Ethernet port, firewall usage springs to mind. Other interfaces are 2 USB host ports and room for an expansion card. Which should allow some creative uses. Anyone dreaming of a cute little linux-server to carry around and power from a USB slot? Does it come in penguin shape?
Patents

Submission + - Duke Fellow on GPLv3 and the SoftwarePatent Menace (ibiblio.org)

Submitted by
andy_from_nc
andy_from_nc writes: "Recently the Triange Linux Users' Group (which meets at the Raleigh, NC Red Hat HQ on NCSU campus) hosted Sapna Kuma speaking on GPLv3 and more particularly about the Microsoft Patent menace. The videos are now up on iBiblio in both MP4 and OGM (OGG for video). I've also posted links to torrents and will update with mirrors on here.

The talk raised some important issues and raises a call to action for the entire "FLOSS" community on battling the Microsoft menace of patents. The video is okay (the other camera failed) and the audio is decent with captions of the key questions."
Microsoft

Submission + - Windows Users Use Apple Hardware to Run Windows (osweekly.com)

Submitted by tobyklein
tobyklein writes: Here's a humorous observation. Apparently a lot of people are buying Apple hardware to run Microsoft Windows because of its sleekness and cool factor. Brandon Watts writes, "As prices continue to drop, Windows users are realizing that for about the same price (sometimes even cheaper), they can purchase a Mac instead of a PC and just install their beloved Windows OS on the beautiful Mac hardware. Assuming that there's no Mac vs. PC animosity, this is a very reasonable thing to do.
Software

Submission + - New Trend in OSS: Small Teams Develop Better Apps (madpenguin.org)

Submitted by
OSS
OSS writes: "MadPenguin.org has a new article up that discusses the latest trend in open source software. The author notes that a lot of OSS developers are keeping their teams small to personally benefit themselves and release better releases in a timely manner to benefit the community. He further writes, "More and more, it seems like open source projects are doing more with less. Even to the tune of more frequent release dates and a solid release each time. Is this a good thing? Should this become the new model for the future of budding, young open source projects? I suppose a lot of this has to do with goals and the future plans of each specific project."
Intel

Submission + - Intel Introduced New Microcode for Core 2 Duo CPUs

Submitted by macemoneta
macemoneta writes: Two months ago, Intel introduced microcode updates for all systems with an Intel® Core(TM) 2 Duo processor. According to an HP Tech Support Document,

While the implications of the issue are difficult to quantify, any of the following symptoms can occur:

* The system may stop responding to keyboard or mouse input.
* A system operating in a Microsoft Windows environment may generate a blue screen.
* A system operating in a Linux environment may generate a kernel panic.

This was the first I had heard of this; probably a good time to check for BIOS or microcode updates.
Software

Submission + - Microsoft caught using pirated software in XP (urbandictionary.com) 2

Submitted by Ariastis
Ariastis writes: Microsoft have been bust yet again. They have been using a cracked version of Sound Forge to create files that are inside the Windows Tour folder. (Tested on XP) Reading the lat bits of the file in Notepad reveals the cracker info. These files have been made with Sound Forge 4.5 (The cracked version) first cracked by a cracker called "Deepz0ne".
Java

Submission + - StAX is the new Java Standard for processing XML

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: In Part 1 — An introduction to StAX you can learn about how StAX has become the latest standard for processing XML in the Java language. This article is very popular and has recieved 305 diggs thus far. Part 2 of StAX'ing up XML, you can delve deeper into the event iterator-based API and explore its benefits to Java developers. In the final article of the 3 Part series, you'll see how to create custom event classes and use them to process XML with the event iterator-based API.
Nintendo

Submission + - Uppity Wii users need new wrist strap

Submitted by Powdered Milkman
Powdered Milkman writes: Contrary to reports yesterday that Nintendo was recalling 3.2 million wrist straps due to injury and property damage, Nintendo is actually only offering a free replacement. In a special statement issued by the company today, Nintendo says that "there is no problem with the existing wrist strap as long as the Wii Remote is used sensibly and properly in accordance with the guidelines provided by Nintendo. All parts of the wrist strap have passed product testing and quality control."

If you're the hyperactive kind and have already broken your wrist strap — or even if you are simply worried about it being too thin — you are advised to contact your nearest Nintendo Service Center, where you can replace it with a more sturdy (looking) wrist strap, free of charge upon request. You can also use the Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Request Form provided on the Nintendo website, if you live in North America.
User Journal

Journal Journal: Wii Wrist Wrap Wecall 6

Journal by robi2106

Asside from my overzealous use of the letter W, frequent readers will remember my report two short journals ago about the WiiHaveAProblem web site. A site dedicated to overzealous gamers chuckign their Wiimote through $3000 LCD flat screen displays, laptop displays, walls, small furry pets, etc.
Biotech

Submission + - Research centre seeks to legitimize ID

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: Newscientist.com has an article about the Biologic Institute (an ID friendly research centre) hopes to produce scientific evidence for anti-darwinists in an attempt at credibility through what they call "lab science". They hope to both produce evidence of the "creators handwork" and discredit darwinism. Any papers produced, even if not published in peer-reviewed journals could have significant political influence
Toys

Submission + - Samsung x830

Submitted by
Paramount PR
Paramount PR writes: "The new Samsung x830 is going to be the technology lover's ideal stocking stuffer this year. The triband GSM slide phone, with EDGE, features 1GB of embedded memory and is Bluetooth enabled. This sleek phone will keep you organized and in style by allowing you to check your email and take pictures with its 1.3 megapixel camera. The X830 also has an MP3 player and a WMA player to keep you occupied this season!"
PlayStation (Games)

Submission + - Tigers Pitching Ace Was Sidelined by Guitar Hero

Submitted by
theodp
theodp writes: "Turns out that the three games of the American League Championship Series missed by Detroit Tigers' flame-throwing pitcher Joel Zumaya were due to a Guitar Hero video game injury. When the 22-year-old rookie went to the Tigers Training staff about inflammation in his wrist and forearm, they found his pain more consistent with a guitar player than a baseball pitcher. The team asked him to lay off the Guitar Hero, and Zumaya went on to pitch pain-free in the World Series."

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