2954357
submission
Alsee writes:
The Federal Trade Commission and University of Washington School of Law will host a March 25 conference on DRM. The FTC is also accepting your comments. AGENDA: Opening remarks; demonstrations of DRM-related technology; panel discussions regarding burdens on, and benefits for, consumers, and other market and legal issues involving DRM; a review of industry best practices; and consideration of the need for government involvement to better protect consumers.
1089071
submission
Alsee writes:
Intel is releasing their Trusted Computing integrated system of 'goodies', with a new near-magical capability. Intel's vPro will integrate Trusted Execution Technology(TXT) CPUs with the Trusted Platform Module(TPM) to lock the computer's master keys in silicon secure both against thieves and against the owner, Network Admission Control(NAC) to lock infected or non-compliant systems out of the network, a remote kill switch to disable or wipe a system, and now new magic to trigger that remote kill switch even when the computer is switched off: 'Just walk into range of a wireless Internet network and your [powered off] laptop will get the signal to self-destruct.' Yummy!
799875
submission
Alsee writes:
Welcome to our first real taste of Trusted Computing: With Vista Enterprise and Vista Ultimate, Service Pack 1 refuses to install on dual boot systems. Trusted Computing is one of the many things that got cut from Vista, but traces of it remain in BitLocker, and that is the problem. The Service Pack patch to your system will invalidate your Trust chain if you are not running the Microsoft-approved Microsoft-trusted boot loader, or if you make other similar unapproved modifications to your system.
The Trust chip (the TPM) will then refuse to give you your key to unlock your own hard drive. If you are *not* running BitLocker then a workaround is available: Switch back to Microsoft's Vista-only boot mode, install the Service Pack, then reapply your dual boot loader. If you *are* running BitLocker, or if Microsoft resumes implementing Trusted Computing, then you are S.O.L.
715623
submission
Alsee writes:
The recent Slashdot stories (1) (2) reporting Denmark as the fourth nation to appeal OOXML were mistaken. While there have been many many protests against OOXML, the ISO acknowledges four appeals — Brazil, India, South Africa and Venezuela. It appears the letters from Denmark and Norway are being disregarded, as they do not come from the administrative heads of their national organisations.
700863
submission
Alsee writes:
The recent report Denmark Becomes Fourth Nation To Protest OOXML is a bit of confusion. There have been many protests, however the IEC acknowledges four appeals- Brazil, India, South Africa and Venezuela. It appears the letters from Denmark and Norway are being disregarded, as they come from the Chairmen of their respective Technical Committees rather than the administrative heads of the national organisations.
560782
submission
Alsee writes:
Google has introduced a new game styled beta, Google Image Labeler.
You'll be randomly paired with a partner who's online and using the feature. Over a two-minute period, you and your partner will:
* View the same set of images.
* Provide as many labels as possible to describe each image you see.
* Receive points when your label matches your partner's label. The number of points will depend on how specific your label is.
* See more images until time runs out.
Google intends to use your word lists to help improve the quality of Google's image search results. The game is actually rather addicting, if you don't mind being hijacked into doing unpaid work for Google.
81334
submission
Alsee writes:
Wired News reports "electronic civil libertarians' hearts a twitter" over US Presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton's bold speech on the subject of digital-era privacy rights in front of the American Constitution Society, arguing privacy an important right. Topics included electronic surveillance, consumer opt-in vs opt-out, cyber-security, commercial and government handling of personal data, data offshoring, data leaks, and even genetic discrimination. Senate.gov has the full text or video(.wmv) of the speech.
80224
submission
Alsee writes:
When the Dell Sells Open Source Computers story ran, a detailed price comparison between the E520 Windows systems and the Windows-free E520n systems appeared to show a nice effective discount for avoiding the Windows tax. No more, Dell's prices have been updated. The base price for the Windows system has dropped by $50 and a $70 anomoly in the E520 monitor options has been fixed. The upshot is that there is approximately $zero effective value in buying a Dell n-series trying to avoid the Windows tax. You are better off buying a Dell with Windows preinstalled and calling in to demand the EULA guaranteed refund for the unused OS.
70058
submission
Alsee writes:
Update to Columbine RPG Kickout Has Repercussions. After being awarded finalist status, Super Columbine Massacre RPG was controversially ejected from the festival.
Braid has pulled out in protest.
Flow has pulled out in protest.
Toblo has pulled out in protest.
Once Upon A Time has pulled out in protest.
Everyday Shooter has pulled out in protest.
Slamdance originally announced 14 game finalists. They are currently down to 8 participating finalists. Additional pullouts could cause a complete collapse of the 2007 Slamdance festival.
