draevil - Slashdot User

Submission + - Spaceplane Concept Receives Euro Funding (bbc.co.uk)

Submitted by draevil on Thursday February 19, 2009 @12:06AM

draevil writes: BBC News reports that the novel "Skylon" spaceplane design of British firm Reaction Engines has received funding to proceed with its proof-of-concept design for an air-breathing rocket engine.

If successful the Sabre rocket engine will be able to take the Skylon with 12 tonnes of cargo from a runway, to orbit and then back to that runway without the need for disposable components or a piggy-back ride on a larger aircraft.

Should the design prove viable then it could see first use within ten years.

Submission + - EULAs Under Investigation in UK

Submitted by draevil on Tuesday February 19, 2008 @12:11PM

draevil writes: The BBC has the news that Britain's National Consumer Council has completed an investigation into the practice of software End User License Agreements(EULAs) with the conclusion that many consumers are signing away their legal rights and agreeing to unfair terms which they could never have scrutinised before purchase.

Their report also acknowledges that even if the EULA were available prior to purchase it would be unreasonable to expect an average consumer to understand the terms to which they were agreeing. The full report can be found here and a summary is provided here.

While many Slashdotters will be familiar with the issues raised, it's always good to hear that some action is being taken.

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