Become a fan of Slashdot on Facebook

 



Forgot your password?
typodupeerror
×
Networking

Copper Thieves Jeopardize US Infrastructure 578

coondoggie supplies an excerpt from Network World that might make you consider a lock for your pipes: "The FBI today ratcheted up the clamor to do something more substantive about the monumental growth of copper theft in the US. In a report issued today the FBI said the rising theft of the metal is threatening the critical infrastructure by targeting electrical substations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes for lucrative profits. Copper thefts from these targets have increased since 2006; and they are currently disrupting the flow of electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water supply, heating, and security and emergency services, and present a risk to both public safety and national security." (A July, 2006 post on Ethan Zuckerman's blog gives an idea of how widespread cable theft has affected internet infrastructure, and basketmaking, in Africa.)

Comment Re:Seriously, WTF? (Score 1) 1563

"Taxing fuel might mean the end of suburbia, but I don't think people would miss it."

Thats a VERY VERY VERY incorrect assumption. I'm not giving up suburban living without a very harsh fight. I can guarantee I won't be alone in that fight either.
Microsoft

Submission + - EU sticks it to Microsoft over Windows Licensing

EnderGT writes: "According to the Financial Times, Microsoft will be forced to hand over to rivals what the group claims is sensitive and valuable technical information about its Windows operating system for next to no compensation.

Seems Microsoft wanted 5.95% of server revenues as a license fee. Too bad the expert (oh by the way — recommended by Microsoft) on the Commission said that "even 1% would be too much"."
The Internet

Submission + - High-speed web boost for Africa

bain writes: "Kenya, Burundi and Madagascar have secured $164.5m (£83.3m) from the World Bank to help roll-out high-speed internet networks. The three African countries aren't connected to the global internet infrastructure, meaning many of the opportunities the internet can bring, are being missed by citizens."
Wireless Networking

Journal Journal: Muni-WiFi and EarthLink

It appears ISP EarthLink is becoming a major player in the wireless networking arena. With Muni wins in Philly, Anaheim, and an offer in New Orleans they could easily become competition for the telcos themselves. We can learn from EarthLink... If your business becomes out dated, change. They seem to be doing this...
Technology

Journal Journal: The downside to Google's muni-wifi plans

So Google wants to get into providing muni-wifi huh? So if muni-wifi access is gonna be free in San Francisco, who exactly is going to be supporting all these users? Is there a massive Google call center we don't know about? Why should San Francisco choose Google over a company that makes a similar offer such as EarthLink or Cingular? Being Google just isn't enough reason to choose them over a company with experience in handling average joe sixpack as a customer...
User Journal

Journal Journal: Driving me nuts

Boy some people calling into tech support drive me nuts. Christ you have to be a real asshole or really f'ing clueless to get escalated all the way to me. I don't get the joy of dealing with any harmlessly clueless people or dealing with people I can just chuckle at because they yell and scream a lot. The assholes I deal with conference in their lawyers onto the call because they want to sue. I mean really... at this point... is your DIALUP connection really worth what you're paying a lawyer to
User Journal

Journal Journal: Phone Line Deregulation

Boy I think deregulation of the phone lines sucks. I dislike my telco service and I dislike my cable service. Neither offers the upstream service I'd like. We'll forget about speed caps and usage limits for the time being... but really who does this benefit? It doesn't benefit the independant ISP's... Competition has forced SBC to keep slashing its pricing... now theres no incentive for them to do so... so how does this benefit consumers? Well... I guess only time will tell how badly this effec

Slashdot Top Deals

Without life, Biology itself would be impossible.

Working...