Get Google Toolbar’s Features Without the Toolbar
Jan 30, 2010 Software
Google’s Toolbar does a few nifty things, but it is, well, a browser toolbar. And it might track your browsing without permission. Here’s how to get most of its features without having to install it, or nearly any extra software.
AT&T Spyroom & NSA Warrantless Eavesdropping: Yes They Can?
Jan 30, 2010 Security
Heads spun exactly four years ago when AT&T was accused of funneling every one of its customers’ electronic communications to the NSA without warrants. It seemed far-fetched that a lawsuit alleged such a sweeping breach of the Fourth Amendment right to be free from warrantless searches and seizures. Yet courts, congress shun addressing legality…
Benevolent hackers poke holes in e-banking
Jan 30, 2010 Security
The more popular online banking and credit-laden smartcards become, the more their security is coming under scrutiny, and being found lacking. The extent of the problem has been brought into sharp relief, with computer scientists warning that banking culture is increasing the likelihood that customers are using vulnerable systems.
It’s Been 10 Years: Why Won’t People Pay for Privacy?
Jan 30, 2010 Security
January 28, 2010, is officially “Data Privacy Day.” and while the idea is to promote individual control over personally identifiable information, the fact is that selling privacy for profit has failed, and companies accused of invading privacy have prospered.
Net Neutrality Wont Prevent BitTorrent Blocking
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
Ignited by the Comcast fiasco in the US, the concept of Net Neutrality has been brought into the mainstream resulting in planned government interventions. However, unlike the name suggests, Net Neutrality might not stop BitTorrent blocking and could leave us worse off than when this all started.
Cell Phone Bans Don’t Decrease Accidents, Study Says
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
Policymakers who have become increasingly concerned about drivers using cell phones now have a new worry: According to a study of four jurisdictions that have banned the use of hand-held devices while driving, the laws have not reduced accident rates.
3 Strikes Coming To The United States Via The Back Door?
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
“3 Strikes” is a regime being introduced in various countries around the world to try to deal with illicit file-sharing. Already Taiwan, South Korea and France are putting their versions of the plan into action and other countries have similar proposals under discussion. In one form or another, could the same be coming to the United States?
Next SmartGrid Innovation: The Rooftop Icemaker FreezerNet
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
For utilities, energy storage systems are considered key Smart Grid components because of their capacity to store energy efficiently and dispatch it when and where needed. Now the Southern California Public Power Authority is turning to one of the oldest techniques of staying cool, ice, to reduce air conditioning power use during peak periods.
Where Netbooks Still Beat The Apple iPad
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
Despite the introduction of the iPad and the harsh words of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, netbooks will continue to thrive, say analysts and commentators, who cite the tablet’s missing features and relatively high price.
Google wants to see client addresses in DNS queries
Jan 30, 2010 Industry
Google wants to update the DNS protocol so everyone can see at least part of a client’s IP address in order to connect it to the closest server. The idea is to keep latency to a minimum by preventing cross-continent connections when possible.