240593
submission
Skapare writes:
Government Computer News is reporting that we could see networks operating IPv6-only by 2011. IETF draft author John Curran proposes that migration to IPv6 happen in three stages. Any bets which will be first on board: music sharing, porn, or spammers?
240585
submission
Skapare writes:
Sigbritt Löthberg, 75, of Karlstad, Sweden, has the world's fastest home internet connection at 40 Gbps (that's a G, not an M), according to The Local. At this speed, she could download an HD DVD in 2 seconds, or watch 1500 HD TV shows at the same time. "The most difficult part of the whole project was installing Windows on Sigbritt's PC". I just hope it doesn't get infected by a botnet virus.
202063
submission
Skapare writes:
According to a ReclaimTheMedia article The Local Community Radio Act of 2007 [PDF] would remove the artificial restrictions imposed on LPFM by a 2000 law passed at the urging of corporate radio giants and NPR, claiming that small community stations would interfere with the signals of larger stations. If passed, this bill will pave the way for educational groups, nonprofits, unions, schools and local governments to launch new local radio stations across the country. More coverage is at Prometheous Radio Project, Free Press, and Expand Low-Power FM. More info via Google.
26844
submission
Skapare writes:
American Radio Relay Leauge President Joel Harrison has issued a statement [PDF] to ARES and other amateur radio volunteers to be cautious when submitting information for a criminal background check the American Red Cross now requires. Harrison (W5ZN) said the League recommends that anyone submitting personal information for a background check very carefully read what they are giving the ARC permission to collect. The Red Cross requires this background check to be conducted online through MyBackgroundCheck.com. According to the statement, this third party service requires authorization to obtain additional information such as a credit check and mode-of-living check, which is above and beyond the Red Cross' statement [PDF]of only needing a criminal background check. Using Firefox, I tested the MBC's Red Cross page by clicking on the "request a background check" link and was given a page that says the only acceptable browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer. If they are that bad at programming a web site, how can I possibly trust they are keeping my private confidential data safe?
The ARRL news article goes on to say: In the course of the application process, prospective volunteers must agree to let MBC obtain a wide range of personal information bearing not just on criminal background and creditworthiness but, MBC says, "character, general reputation [and] personal characteristics." MBC advises, "The nature and scope of this disclosure and authorization is all-encompassing ..."
ARRL Public Service Team Leader Steve Ewald, WV1X, says ARES leaders can assign volunteers who don't want to submit to the ARC criminal background check to ARES duties "away from the action" that don't involve direct interaction with the ARC. "We certainly understand the risks that are involved in having background checks done — such as potential identity theft," Ewald told one worried SEC. "Those volunteers who do go through the background check will, indeed, enter at their own risk in this regard."
The Red Cross says it's gone to great lengths to ensure prospective volunteers are not giving out their Social Security numbers to anyone other than the contractor, and then only through a secure, encrypted Web site. "No additional information is needed," the Red Cross said, nor are the overall results of the background check shared with the ARC.
