3rd_Floo - Slashdot User

Windows 8 OEM specs may block Linux booting-> 0

Submitted by utkonos on Tuesday September 20 2011, @11:13PM

utkonos writes ""After years of trying to cut off Linux growth as a desktop platform on x86 and x64 PCs, Microsoft may have actually figured out a way to stop Linux deployments on client PCs dead in their tracks.""
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How Microsoft can lock Linux off W8 PCs-> 3

Submitted by

Julie188

on Tuesday September 20 2011, @07:20PM

Julie188 writes "Windows 8 PCs will use the next-generation booting specification known as Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). And actually Windows 8 logo devices will be required to use the secure boot portion of the new spec. Secure UEFI is intended to thwart rootkit infections by using PKI authentication before allowing executables or drivers to be loaded onto the device. Problem is, unless the device manufacturer gives a key to the device owner, it can also be used to keep the PC's owner from wiping out the current OS and installing another option, such as Linux."
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Sex offender database plotted on MS Virtual Earth 0

Submitted by thefickler on Sunday August 26 2007, @05:14PM

thefickler writes "Worried that there might be sex offender living in your street? Vision 20/20 is now offering a free web-based service, the Peach of Mind (POM) Offender Locator, that allows those living in the US to easily locate sex offenders in their area by typing in an address, or simply zooming up on a map."

Wireless power on the desktop scale

Submitted by RockDoctor on Tuesday May 01 2007, @07:18AM

RockDoctor writes "Nature are reporting early versions of a desktop-ready device for wirelessly powering equipment. A plastic sheet a millimeter thick on the desktop contains induction coils, microelectromechanical switches and control circuitry, applied to a conductive polymer base by various forms of printing. When the sheet detects a compatible receiver within range (~2.5cm), the nearest coil is switched on and provides the receiver with up to 40W of power inductively. The devices are not yet ready for mainstream — another 5 years of development is estimated — and there is the issue of persuading manufacturers to incorporate the receiving equipment into their new designs. But a projected price of ~$100 for a square metre of transmitter is credible (SG $ ? or CA or US? not specified in the article; the developers are in Japan). Now, if you could get power receivers that would supply (for example) a conventional mobile-phone charging-cradle, that would be a useful step towards widespread acceptance.

Could this lead to the start of a new VHS-vs-BetaMax or HDDVD-vs-BluRay style compatibility war? If one manufacturer is trying such an obvious idea, likely others are."