Want to read Slashdot from your mobile device? Point it at m.slashdot.org and keep reading!

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×

Comment And BD-Java is good how exactly? (Score 4, Insightful) 94

Does anyone have any scenarios where BD-Java enables a useful feature?

I have to admit for all the blue ray disks I have, the included menus and bumf just makes it a less pleasant experience.

I don't know who builds in the code for these 'features' - but it makes it very difficult to justify buying legitimate media when the studios seem to put all their crapware in the way.

Submission + - Australian Electoral Commission refuses to release vote counting source code (computerworld.com.au)

angry tapir writes: The Australian Electoral Commission has been fighting a freedom of information request to reveal the source code of the software it uses to calculate votes in elections for Australia's upper house of parliament. Not only has the AEC refused an FOI request for the source code, but it has also refused an order from the Senate directing that the source code be produced. Apparently releasing the code could "leave the voting system open to hacking or manipulation".

Comment Wait until things are over before you cry wolf (Score 4, Insightful) 582

It's probably better to let the situation run on a bit longer before people start criticising Open Source.

Nobody is going to discard OpenSSL due to this - the majority of people are patching systems and reminding people that security is important (a side benefit of this incident)

The next step will be when someone puts up the money for a proper code review of the OpenSSL codebase and fixes up any other issues that may exist.

It's reasonable to say that there are more people and organisations able to resolve this issue than if it were a closed source proprietary solution.

Comment Any contacts at Samsung we can call? (Score 2) 126

Does anyone have any contacts at Samsung (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) that can address this issue?

I just got back from looking at a Galaxy Note 3 (thinking form upgrading from by S2).

Now I'm not sure - will probably just go buy a Nexus.

I can't think of a single valid reason for this level of functionality to be available in a device that's sold commercially. I've never heard of any enterprise management tools that can use such functions, and their undisclosed existance is a real worry.

The biggest laugh about this is that Samsung Australia is currently trying to get the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 2 and S3 onto the Australian Government Endorsed Product List (http://www.asd.gov.au/infosec/epl/index.php ) - I don't like their chances now.

Comment Naming rights - and a communications plan :-) (Score 2) 89

Many businesses like to get their presence out there.

I'd suggest having an auction (with a sensible starting price) to name the tower, so that when it's on maps, and people talk about it they get the name for a set period (e.g. 10 years).

Also, this is a 'big' deal, so a communications plan to get the work out (and add value to the naming rights) would help push its value.

Having something about the 'Google Emergency Communications Tower' or some such stuff in the press would get eyeballs.

Comment Why not put them out in schools ? (Score 4, Interesting) 83

The developing world chant always gets sympathy, but what about the potential benefit in schools ?

I can remember in school the problem getting accessed (more students than microscopes) and with these schools could give them to students.

Not only are they useful in class, but potentially they might get students interested in looking a the wider world!

It would also potentially drive someone to mass market them - laser cut them in school and fix in the lense (or worst case outsource the manufacturing to China)

Comment Sorry - D- (Score 1) 417

The reasons you mention are perfectly good and valid to implement a trusted root certificate.

BUT you still need to advise parents and students as to what you are doing; and

Ensure that you have policies and controls that ensure that everyone knows what you are doing, and how it will not be used for other purposes (e.g. sniffing credit card details from student purchases, etc.);

Without that the job is only half done.

Comment There's a large slice of Luddism going on here (Score 1) 226

I have (packed away somewhere safe) a copy of 'Radio and Hobbies' magazine that was published in Australia early last century.

In it there was an article touting a radio receiver that you fixed to the running board of your car. The article stated that while it was not practial to use while the vehicle was in motion, it explained that it was expected that laws would be passed prohibiting 'radioing' (sic) while driving as it was a distraction and would promote unsafe driving.

If you look at the range of devices currently built into most cars and look back over time it's safe to say that many people have adapted to the increasing number of information sources available to the driver and can capably prioritise their actions.

The morons that insist on texting while driving are probably just the same ones who previously shaved or put on their makeup while behind the wheel. The real problem is not the technology, but the idiots using it.

These people will still do dumb things irrespective of the law - why punish those that are using the technology safely?

Comment Did you look at the authors? (Score 1) 177

The authors for this RFC are interesting.

You have a team from Ericsson (as in SONY Ericsson). It's not like any business worth its salt would seek advice regarding security from Sony.

You also have authors from AT&T - who have probably been passing customer data on since the days of Teletypes and morse code.

Section 7 (Privacy Concerns) is blank - you have to ask why (too hard, or not a concern).

Slashdot Top Deals

What is research but a blind date with knowledge? -- Will Harvey

Working...