Submission + - Dell Responds to the Storm
hedgefighter writes: One week after Dell launched its new user feedback site Dell IdeaStorm, the PC manufacturer has made its first reply. Changes for several suggestions, including bolstering the "Plant a Tree" program and easier bloat-ware removal, have already been made or are on the way. In regards to the overwhelming request for GNU/Linux, Dell is entertaining the idea, but seems hesitant to make any breakthrough changes. Though the acknowledgment is promising to the many petitioners, the "Dell recommends Windows Vista(TM) Business." tag at the top of the page is less than encouraging.
Submission + - The Golden Age of CRPGs: 1985-1993
Matt Barton writes: "I thought that Slashdot readers might like to know that Gamasutra has published the second installment of my comprehensive history of CRPGs: The Golden Age of CRPGs (1985-1993). This installment covers such venerated classics as The Bard's Tale, Wasteland, Pool of Radiance, Quest for Glory, Phantasie, Autoduel, The Legend of the Red Dragon, and Dungeon Master, as well as dozens of lesser known (but not less loved!) CRPGs. I've also included dozens of screen shots of these classics for those who haven't played them. GamaSutra has also re-posted the first installment on their site for anyone who missed it on Armchair Arcade. Thanks!"
Feed Cheney on Chinese Space Threat (wired.com)
Voltron-Like Modular Robot Demonstrated 84
MattSparkes writes "The 'Superbot', a modular robot that transforms itself into different shapes in order to walk, crawl and clamber up inclines, has been demonstrated in at the University of Southern California. Each bot module is effectively a robot in its own right, and can move independently, flip over and rotate like wheels. They also have 3D accelerometers that let them know their precise orientation. The six sides of each module can dock with any other module. Once connected, the modules can communicate, coordinate shape changes and even transmit power. The bot's creators hope it will make a great working companion for places like, say, the Moon. Or Mars."
Submission + - FCC drops morse code requirement for amateur radio
balloonpup writes: "On February 23, 2007, the FCC dropped all requirements to learn Morse Code (warning, PDF) for all amateur license classes. All existing technicians will be upgraded to tech-plus privileges, and many others who have taken the General or Extra class written tests will be automatically updated to those classes without the code. More information can be found at the Amateur Radio Relay League's website."
Feed Rumor: Dell Stores on Horizon (wired.com)
Submission + - Surfing Covertly in the Plain Sight
jazzu writes: "Are you working in one of those annoying open floor plan offices, where the Boss can observe anything and anyone without you noticing it? Need to check the latest gossip on Slashdot, but he's hovering over you because of the approaching TPS report deadline? Well, here's a solution: hide it in the plain open masked as a Word 2003 document. Nothing discourages curious onlookers like reams of text in a plain old word processor."
Submission + - Open Alternative to the iPhone?
schlick writes: When I watched the iPhone presentation I was pretty impressed. When I found out that it will only be available on the Cingular/Att network that pretty much killed any enthusiasim I had for the device. The fact that it is a closed platform is just another nail in the coffin. Despite what Jobs says, most of us geeks know that open==good. So what is the alternative? How about the OpenMoko Neo 1973? Sean Moss-Pultz explains the phone and some of the philosophy behind it. Their home page says they will be shipping devices this month, but I don't think that is likely. Open hardware, Open software, what's not to like?
Submission + - GameShark Xbox 360 Media Player Released
Vicious writes: Now you can finally stream other types of media files to your Xbox 360 besides just MP3, WMA, and WMV. Other supported file types include MPEG 1 and MPEG 2, DivX, VidX, and AVI. It's about time!
http://www.gameshark.com/home/281/GameShark-Xbox-3 60-Media-Player-Released.htm
Submission + - Vista network folder hell
An anonymous reader writes: A reader at The Register has reported that there are issues with renaming folders or files created on network drives with Vista. The affected systems contain pre-installed editions of Vista shipped on new PCs and Laptops. A number of manufacturers are affected and these issues have been reported in this thread on Microsoft's Technet forum well before Vista shipped to retail channels.
Submission + - UK gamers charged more for inferior PS3
Jagdeep Poonian writes: "It appears as though Sony is laying the smack down on it's European launch:
"British gamers wanting to get their hands on the new Playstation 3 will have to pay £100 more than their American counterparts for an inferior machine. Sony today announced that the European version of its games console will only play a "limited number" of old Playstation 2 titles when it goes to sale next month.The American model, in contrast, has much better "backwards compatibility" and plays almost all the old Playstation games.The revelation has infuriated British computer games enthusiasts who say they are repeatedly treated like second class citizens by Sony."
URL: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/ne ws/2007/02/23/nplaystation123.xml
Go Sony, Go? I don't think this will vibe well with the gamers of Europe. Hmm."
Submission + - IBM won't support Unbreakable Linux
head_dunce writes: "It looks like
IBM is making Oracle back up their support claim for Unbreakable Linux. From the article,
"This means that if IBM software programs turn out to be incompatible with Oracle Enterprise Linux, then it will be up to Oracle — and not IBM — to resolve the issue," said IBM spokesman Matthew McMahon.
Will this force Oracle's Unbreakable Linux to be tested for compatibility certifications?"
Will this force Oracle's Unbreakable Linux to be tested for compatibility certifications?"
Journal SPAM: Will It Blend? - iPod 1
Converting Desktops to Thin Clients? 110
tfiedler asks: "I manage about 3500 desktop computers and was recently asked by my CIO to begin looking into thin client computing, something like WYSE terminals. I'd like to know, what are some good functional, and more importantly, manageable options to convert existing desktop computers into what would essentially be a Citrix terminal? I was thinking some brand of Linux that starts up an X11 session, starts the Citrix client and connects to our server farm. The user would see a Windows logon, our apps would function as normal and I'd get the benefit of performing a LOT LESS client-side maintenance. Any suggestions?"
