Catch up on stories from the past week (and beyond) at the Slashdot story archive

 


Forgot your password?
Close
typodupeerror
×
Mars

NASA Announces Water Found On Mars 281

Posted by timothy from the so-val-kilmer-can-breathe-easy dept.
s.bots writes "Straight from the horse's mouth, NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has identified water in a soil sample. Hopefully this exciting news will boost interest in the space program and further exploration of the Martian surface." Clearly, this has long been suspected, but now Martian water's been (in the words of William Boynton, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer) "touched and tasted."
Networking

Submission + - Cisco access point at fault for Duke's WiFi issue (macworld.com)

Submitted by bobrk
bobrk writes: From an article at Macworld:

After blaming Apple's iPhone for its wireless networking problems, Duke University said earlier today that it hadn't been able to pinpoint what the problem was. Now, it has been confirmed that a Cisco wireless access point was at fault for the networking issues. "Cisco worked closely with Duke and Apple to identify the source of this problem, which was caused by a Cisco-based network issue," said Cisco in a statement provided to Macworld. "Cisco has provided a fix that has been applied to Duke's network and the problem has not occurred since." In a statement posted to the universities Web site late Friday Tracy Futhey, Duke's chief information officer, said that "Earlier reports that this was a problem with the iPhone in particular have proved to be inaccurate."
DOH!
Networking (Apple)

Submission + - Duke's problems not iPhone, T'was Cisco-based (duke.edu) 1

Submitted by Kantara
Kantara writes: Update on the iPhone and Duke's networking issues. Duke put out an update on what was going on with their network and the real culprit. From the artice:

Cisco worked closely with Duke and Apple to identify the source of this problem, which was caused by a Cisco-based network issue. Cisco has provided a fix that has been applied to Duke's network and there have been no recurrences of the problem since.
Portables (Apple)

Submission + - iPhone Not the Cause of Duke's WLAN Problem

Submitted by Anonymous Coward
An anonymous reader writes: A few days ago, Slashdot covered the news of Apple iPhone flooding the WLAN at Duke University. Kevin Miller, assistant director, communications infrastructure, with Duke's Office of Information Technology, blamed the built-in 802.11b/g adapters on several iPhones periodically flooding sections of Duke's pervasive wireless LAN with MAC address requests, which temporarily knocked out anywhere from a dozen to 30 wireless access points at a time. Today, Macworld quoted Julian Lombardi saying the iPhone may not be the problem after all.

Duke University is taking a softer stance on the cause of its wireless networking problems on Friday. Earlier in the week Duke administrators put the blame squarely on Apple's iPhone, but a report due today from the university may exonerate the iPhone. "We are presently looking into it and we have not been able to conclusively pinpoint where the problem is," said Julian Lombardi, assistant vice president of academic services technology support for Duke University. "We hope to have a resolution in the next few hours."
Oops! Shame on Duke's IT people for going public with hastily drawn conclusion and blaming Apple for "one-way communication".
Security

Submission + - Safari for Windows Gets Better Security

Submitted by NoPhD
NoPhD writes: PCWorld is running an article that Apple has released Safari Beta 3.0.1 for Windows, an update to their recently-introduced Web browser for Windows XP and Vista. The new version is available for download from Apple's Web site or through the "Apple Software Update" application (bundled with QuickTime or iTunes for Windows). The security improvements in Safari Beta 3.0.1 include correction for a "command injection vulnerability," corrected with additional processing and validation of URLs that could otherwise lead to an unexpected termination of the browser; an out-of-bounds memory read issue; and a race condition that can allow cross-site scripting using a JavaSscript exploit. Apple notes that these security issues to do not affect the Macintosh version of Safari 3. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,132883-c,browser s/article.html
Security

Submission + - Safari for Windows security patch released

Submitted by base2_celtic
base2_celtic writes: MacInTouch [macintouch.com] reports that Apple has released an updated version of Safari for Windows. The update addresses issues CVE-2007-3186, CVE-2007-3185 and CVE-2007-2391.

The update can be obtained via Apple's Software Update mechanism, or directly from the Safari download site [apple.com].

The release notes on MacInTouch don't credit anyone with the discovery of the issues, but the notes say that Apple is actively seeking security input:

As with all our products, we encourage security researchers to report issues to product-security@apple.com.
Google

Submission + - Most Dangerous Tornados on Google Maps Mashup

Submitted by
cfaslave
cfaslave writes: "GeoCommons has made a Google Maps Mashup showing where the strongest and most fatal tornadoes have hit. There are definitely places where Tornadoes have hit several times hence the term "Tornado Alley". This map on GeoCommons shows you where those places are. Very Cool use of a Google Maps Mashup! Tornado Alleys on Google Maps"
Privacy

Submission + - US Feds expose thousands of SSNs

Submitted by msblack
msblack writes: The New York Times is reporting that an Office of Management and Budget exposed over 30,000 SSNs on its website which now notes that information has been removed. As many as 100,000 to 150,000 individuals may have been affected. Taxpayer cost for notifications and credit monitoring is $4 million.
Education

Submission + - Video Games: The New Curriculum?

Submitted by Fried-Psitalon
Fried-Psitalon writes: The Dallas Morning News had an interesting piece today on the growing importance of video games in education. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/pt ech/stories/021607dnbusvideogames.3390ff4.html As a teacher, nothing in this piece is a shock to me, but it's nice to know that there's one more crack in the wall of "games are bad for kids!" appearing. Who knows, maybe by the time Civilization VI is out, kids will actually be encouraged to play something more advanced than Oregon Trail!
Nintendo

Submission + - Pacific Design Introduces Nintendo® DS Li

Submitted by
PR Results - Anthony Attalla
PR Results - Anthony Attalla writes: "Affordable Style and Protection For Gamers On-The-Go Available Now at www.PacificDesign.com and Circuit City Stores Austin, Texas January 16, 2007 Pacific Design, a company know for colorful, functional iPod® cases and cutting edge laptop bags, announced today the retail availability of the DS Lite(TM) Street Pack and Street Case; two cases designed to carry and protect the popular Nintendo® hand-held gaming device. Pacific Design, who received various accolades when they entered the gaming market with their award-winning Sony® PSP(TM) Case, will accept online orders today at their new ecommerce enabled website, www.pacificdesign.com and Circuit City stores. DS Lite Street Pack, $19.95: Starting at just $19.95, the DS Lite Street Pack offers organization, protection and style for your DS Lite and accessories. With designs for both guys and girls, the Street Pack is stylish on the outside and incredibly functional on the inside — perfect for gamers "on-the-go". Each of the four eye-catching designs have a primary compartment that includes a protective sleeve for the DS Lite and dedicated slots for up to four extra games. Furthermore, the front zippered compartment holds an A/C adapter, earbuds, and any additional accessories, giving the user ample storage space while traveling. The easy-open/quick-close strap with magnetic closure provides added security to an already durable construction. The DS Lite Street Pack is available in four distinct color combinations such as faded green camouflage on canvas or skull and crossbones on denim with screen printed art; both feature distressed leather accents. Additional colors include blue or pink, which both feature cross stitched leather accents on nylon. All Street Packs feature a detachable wristlet carrying strap and offer proven durability through tested tough construction. DS Lite Street Case, $10.95: For a slimmer, yet equally as durable method for transporting your DS Lite, Pacific Design also introduces the Street Case, retailing for $10.95. This version of the DS Lite carrying case offers storage for two extra games in its back drop-pocket, all while protecting its contents with a sturdy nylon canvas construction. Girl gamers have their choice of a floral pink or pink camouflage design and can transport their Street Case with matching nylon canvas wrist straps. For the guys, a carabiner clip easily attaches the green camo or skull & crossbones case to a backpack or belt-loop. DS Lite Street Pack & Case Combos for just $21.95: For a limited time, customers who purchase a Faded Green Camo, Pink Cross Stitch or Skulls on Denim Street Pack on www.pacificdesign.com will get a Street Case for free-a $10.95 value. Visit http://go.reachmail.net/rmgo.asp?tid=415560&eid=1& sb_id=160346,160348 to purchase or for more information. About Pacific Design Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Pacific Design was founded in 1995 to raise the standard of products, and individualized client services, in the mobile technology carrying case market. Pacific Design excels at designing and manufacturing lifestyle bags that integrate fashion and style with thoughtful function and quality craftsmanship. As a result, Pacific Design has become one of the leading carrying case companies in the world. PacificDesign.com, the company's commerce-enabled website, just launched last month. Pacific Design, a privately-held firm, is a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). For more information on Pacific Design or to purchase any of our products, visit http://go.reachmail.net/rmgo.asp?tid=415559&eid=1& sb_id=160346,160348 or call 888-797-8755. ### Nintendo® and DS Lite(TM) are registered trademarks of Nintendo of America, Inc. Media Contact: Anthony Attalla, Account Manager PR Results, Inc. 248.877.4786 Anthony@PR2inc.com"
Biotech

Submission + - A vaccine to prevent every strain of flu?

Submitted by Shivetya
Shivetya writes: British scientists may have come up with a vaccine that can prevent every type of Influenza A by concentrating on a protien known as M2. This protein has hardly changed within the last 100 years and has been found in the current bird flu and the virus that caused the 1918 Spanish flu. The story, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/hea lth/healthmain.html?in_article_id=425227&in_page_i d=1774 , also reports a Swiss group doing similar research. Combine this story and recent ones on Slashdot concerning diabetes, http://science.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/1 6/218236 , perhaps this decade will see to the end of some of the worlds most vexing health problems?
Microsoft

Submission + - Small businesses worried about MS anti-phishing

Submitted by
prostoalex
prostoalex writes: "Ever get that warm feeling of safety, when the anti-phishing toolbar on Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 turns green, telling you it's safe to shop on a given site? Well, you probably don't, but millions of Internet users who are running IE7, probably pay attention to anti-phishing warnings. Wall Street Journal is reporting on Microsoft making it tough for a small business to assure it's treated properly by the anti-phishing algorithm: "That's because sole proprietorships, general partnerships and individuals won't be eligible for the new, stricter security certificates that Microsoft requires to display the color. There are about 20.6 million sole proprietorships and general partnerships in the U.S., according to 2003 and 2004 tax data from the Internal Revenue Service, though it isn't clear how many are engaged in e-commerce.""
The Almighty Buck

Submission + - Worst. Console. Launches. Ever.

Submitted by
fistfullast33l
fistfullast33l writes: "Luke Smith has great commentary over on 1up.com entitled "The Two Worst Console Launches Ever" which really should be called "The Three Worst Console Launches Ever." It's followed by a great discussion on how all three manufacturers really botched the launches of each of their products for various reasons. The PS3 of course gets highlighted, but is excused for everyone's favorite reason. "Constant reports leading up to Sony's PS3 launch pointed toward manufacturing problems and considering Blu-ray is new tech the shortages are somewhat justifiable." His reason for Nintendo is a bit more controversial. "A console that uses outdated old technology and sold through every unit during the month of November only ended up selling 476k units? While Sony certainly can't be accused of shortchanging supply to increase perceived demand, Nintendo certainly can be. If it's not hard to make — why aren't there more?" He doesn't touch on Microsoft at all, but it definitely should be included in this category for producing fewer units than the Wii but more units than the PS3. And of course, games, components, and accessories are all touched on as well as not only being overpriced but underproduced. Why do we tolerate this?"

Anti-Spyware Law Snags Anti-Spyware Vendor 138

Posted by Zonk from the guess-their-product-wasn't-very-good dept.
Country Lawyer writes "Washington state's anti-spyware law has just resulted in a $1 million victory for the state, the first successful prosecution under the new law. The weird thing? They sued an anti-spyware vendor." From the article: "Washington State went after the company after 1,145 state residents purchased the software and the complaints began rolling in. Secure Computer president Paul Burke will now pay $200,000 in penalties, make $75,000 worth of restitution to Washington residents, and pay another $725,000 to cover the state's attorneys' fees. The irony of an anti-spyware law being used against an anti-spyware vendor was not commented upon."

Slashdot Top Deals

UNIX was not designed to stop you from doing stupid things, because that would also stop you from doing clever things. -- Doug Gwyn

Close