Submission + - Windows 7: Say Goodbye to XP Downgrades - Microsof (channelinsider.com)
An anonymous reader writes: Windows 7: Say Goodbye to XP Downgrades — Microsoft:
A story that actually tests XP Mode
Submission + - Lala Invents Network DRM to ensnare your music (cnet.com)
An anonymous reader writes: You got your DRM in my patent so says Lala who claims to have invented "Network DRM". According to a Cnet story record label backed online music purveyor Lala has filed for a patent which moves DRM from a file wrapper like Windows Media and Fairplay to the server. Digital music veteran Michael Robertson has quotes from the patent application on his blog about how Lala monitors every access, allows only authorized devices (so far there are none), blocks downloads and can revoke content at the labels request.
Submission + - MS-DEBUG 1981 - 2009 (kerrywong.com)
AlphaZeta writes: "After 28 years, MS-DEBUG is finally being phased out in Windows 7. Over the years, people have been using MS-DEBUG for writing code (virus/malware, you name it) and debugging. What is your reaction? Are you nostalgic? What other applications do you think Microsoft should have made obsolete?"
Submission + - Economist online copyright debate (economist.com) 1
identity0 writes: The Economist magazine is holding a online debate on the issue of copyright, with the resolution 'This house believes that existing copyright laws do more harm than good.' currently 69% voted yes, 31% voted no. It is moderated by a tech reporter from the Economist. Law professors represent both sides of the argument, with several guest speakers, and it is open to comments from users. Interestingly, although the Economist is a British magazine, both law professors are American, perhaps a sign of the influence America's law has on global copyrights. The debate will last until May 15th.
Submission + - South Carolina to give 1 laptop per school child (ostatic.com)
ruphus13 writes: Here's some news inspired by the "One Laptop Per Child" project and the "Charity begins at home" maxim. Rather than going overseas, the South Carolina Department of Education is aiming to provide laptops to local elementary school children. From the article, "The South Carolina Department of Education and the non-profit Palmetto Project have teamed up to get a laptop in the hands of every elementary school student in South Carolina...The OLPC/SC hopes to distribute as many as 50,000 laptops this spring to eligible students. The effort is underwritten and managed by the Palmetto Project, whose mission is to "put new and creative ideas to work in South Carolina." While low-performing school districts with limited resources are a special focus for the OLPC/SC, the group is adamant on one point: There are no free laptops. In order to receive a laptop, children need to give a small monetary donation — the project coordinators say a dollar or two is sufficient."
