The launch by YouTube of a site where users can raise concerns about cyber-bulling puts in to sharp focus the reality of teh virtual worlds we create. While the YouTube initiative illustrates the nature and extent of personal abuse by internet or phone-text, it should not detract from awareness that traditional non-physical abuse is also …
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Category:6 Information and Communication Technology
Theft in the virtual world … a step in the right direction?
A teenager has been arrested for stealing virtual furniture in a virtual hotel in a virtual world (Habbo). The furniture was paid for with real money, however. This is another step in the realisation of virtual reality. Earlier this year we heard of a real world intellectual property litigation over virtual businesses in a virtual …
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Linux distros compared
A number of linux distributions are released at this time of year. This, combined with a warranty claim, became a good excuse to have a look at a few different distributions. I checked out openSuse 10.3, Fedora 7, Mandriva 2008, Sabayon 3.4f and Kubuntu 7.10. All were good offering slightly different installation experiences and user …
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Is Microsoft controlled by the US government?
Last month the EU confirmed its decision to fine Microsoft for anti-competitive behaviour. Computer users know that MS Windows is on most (over 80%) computers. Why would the US government, which pioneered anti-competition law, allow the company to continue to operate as a monopolist? Is it because some US spy agency is data-mining without users …
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UK government warned off MS deal
The UK computer agency Becta has complained to the Office of Fair Trading and is advising schools not to sign licensing agreements with Microsoft because of alleged anti-competitive practices.Becta says talks with Microsoft have not resolved “fundamental concerns” about academic licensing and about Office 2007 and the Vista operating system which revolve around the tactic …
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Microsoft yields to EU in anti-trust case – for fear or greed?
Microsoft has finally yielded to the verdict of the European Court of First Instance in Luxembourg and agreed to pay its fine and share code. That doesn’t sound like Microsoft does it? MS could end up paying fines of over $ 2.5 billion so that might be a motivator. And while they must share code, …
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HP warranty service experience
The wireless NIC in my laptop failed a few weeks ago, which led to engagement of technical support and a warranty claim. Following are some reflections on that experience. The machine is an HP Pavilion DV9292eu. The problem occurred with the Broadcom Wireless NIC BCM 43xx. This has always been a problem because firmware is …
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Bloggers censored just like traditional media channels
Reporters Without Borders’ annual study of press freedom shows that blogging is becoming a serious media channel as bloggers are now finding themselves prey to censorship from repressive governments as much as journalists in traditional media. The report says governments realise the internet is now a key tool in promoting democracy and are moving to …
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Microsoft wants to own your private health records
While databases and sharing information can lower costs and improve service in a range of industries, the ownership of information can impinge upon one’s privacy and allow access to private information by people that you don’t know or would not want to have access to your data. The line between utility and invasion of privacy …
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Green IT top strategic technology
Gartner research group released a list of 10 strategic technologies for 2008 that could pose a significant impact on enterprises during the next three years. The impact could include the risk of late adoption, the need for a major capital investment or a high potential for disruption to IT or business. Green IT topped the …
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