2522 + Interview Questions in Computer News in Other Page 6 InterviewSolution

251.	Solve : Google Chrome 9?
Answer» Google CHROME 9 has been RELEASED. ARTICLE here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373853,00.asp

Discussion

252.	Solve : Every Trackpad Should Look as Good as HP’s Invisible Wonders?
Answer» HP's new g6 budget notebook line is wholly unremarkable—almost. The econo-laptops have one thing going for them, but it's pretty stellar—a completely seamless, invisible trackpad. Our only question is, why is this awesome feature stuck in cheap-o land? The trackpad on the g6 is entirely unseen. No lines, no varying texture, no gaudy glow—no nothing. Just a sheer, continuous plane of smooth plastic—and still highly responsive. The only mark on the otherwise pristine bar is a little dimpled touch sensor, considerately allowing you to switch the pad on or off (should you want to type out an essay without your arms nudging the pad, for instance). It's a deliciously designed feature, and a highly attractive one. The notebook itself is no beauty queen, but the uninterrupted form stands out wonderfully. So why is the only HP computer getting this treatment the cheapest one on the lot? HP's new "premium" laptop models—the Pavilion dv6 and dv7—show off their trackpads, rather than sleekly concealing them. They're high contrast. They're bright. They pop. They scream, HELLO, I AM A TRACKPAD. HERE I AM Interface should never be in your face. The g6's invisi-pad isn't perfect. It doesn't click or have the satisfying roominess of, say, a MacBook Pro's pad. But it's an attention to detail that other manufacturers (and HP itself!) should look to. And not just to stick in the bargain bin. - via Gizmodo http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l600/alensu/3-15.jpg[/img]]I MIGHT HAVE HAD ONE OF THE PROTOTYPES. WAS FULLY INVISIBLE- and I lost it. an invisible trackpad is no better then an invisible mouse. It's absolutely POINTLESS and it completely trades in function just so something looks pretty. I've had to deal with the invisible trackpad on a few laptops (ironically, HP laptops, and not a budget model, either), and it was extremely frustrating. Where does the touchpad start and end? As you yourself The gizmodo post you blatantly RIPPED off said, there are no visual or tactile indicators of where the touchpad is and is not. This is BAD, not good, design. Major input features should be completely obvious, you should not have to go hunting for it. Then again, I dislike laptop Touchpad's to begin with, I much prefered the TRACKPOINT myself. Particularly because I cannot accidentally click the or move the cursor around while typing causing myself to start typing at some other random location. In fact, typing this on my laptop now this has occured a total of 3 times, and I'm consciously trying NOT to come close to the touchpad. Of course, in my case I can actually see where the touchpad is so I can avoid it, something which would be impossible on these laptops with this "awesome feature" of an invisible touchpad. It's not a feature, it's a pain in the censored, like the gloss finishes they put on notebook screens. I want to see what is on the fecking SCREEN thank you, if I wanted to see myself I would go get a damned mirror, OK? ARE YOU LISTENING MANUFACTURERS? stop making your stuff do bloody glossy! To be fair this is another case of manufacturers thinking "well, if Apple does it, it must be right" No, it isn't. I will now tangentally discuss why a monitor should not be glossy: What do we use a monitor for? seeing what the computer is doing and viewing the output the computer wants to show us. What do we not generally want to see when we look at the monitor? the bloody window that's directly behind you. So, it stands to reason "well, golly, I suppose we ought to place a covering that baffles specular reflections and diffuses light so that people aren't distracted or overwhelmed visually by the reflections" Now, there a re matte screens that follow this line of reasoning. But at some point apple decided that their "Make everything shiny and they will come" approach should only extend to the cases of almost every peripheral they make but also to the screens of those peripherals. It's like they had a machine that could transform an animal into a person, threw in a bird, and then hired them to design their product, resulting in a product that rates rather high on the shiny side of the shiny/matte scale. Quote They scream, HELLO, I AM A TRACKPAD. HERE I AM Interface should never be in your face. an Interface should ALWAYS be obvious. Otherwise, nobody would know there was anything there. if somebody who has no idea about laptops sees the textured square in front of the keyboard, they'll touch it. Then they will see the mouse pointer move on the screen. The smarter people doing this will instantly understand the connection. The dumber ones will think they just infected the laptop with a virus that moves the pointer. In the case of the "sleek" and "stylish" and "completely invisible" touchpad, they won't see the touchpad, so they won't touch it and they probably won't know about it at all until they read the manual, experiment, or start sensually massaging the laptop to try to exorcise the virus they accidentally gave it; that is exactly the opposite of intuitive. taking the piss for a moment here, If interfaces aren't supposed to be in your face, we may as well remove the labels from keycaps, since those are totally in your face "hey I'm a keyboard with keys" Nope, that is clearly bad design. In fact, the keys are raised too, and give a clear tactile feedback when you press them. Nope, that won't do at all. They should be entirely seemless; in fact, the keyboard should just be a slab- for example: It's perfect- well, maybe a BIT too thick. It's not entirely obvious that it's a keyboard, but censored it looks sleek, and if that's not what computers and their accessories are all about, well, then colour me amazed. For those who may be interested, the Original Post is a copy paste from here: http://m.gizmodo.com/5754813/every-trackpad-should-look-as-good-as-hps-invisible-wonders The main problem on the PC side is that PC laptop and desktop accessory manufacturers are trying to make products that have a similar style to apples. Thing is, if somebody wants a macbook, they'll buy a macbook; additionally, and this particular "sleek touchpad" look is a case and point, they are trying so hard to be like Apple they are completely ignoring the fact that, generally speaking, the Apple products are usable first, and sleek and stylish second (although that's more a objective view, personally I think that is reversed but saying that would hardly help me coalesce a point); at the very LEAST, Apple doesn't sacrifice this much function for form.

252.

Solve : Every Trackpad Should Look as Good as HP’s Invisible Wonders?

Answer»

HP's new g6 budget notebook line is wholly unremarkable—almost. The econo-laptops have one thing going for them, but it's pretty stellar—a completely seamless, invisible trackpad. Our only question is, why is this awesome feature stuck in cheap-o land?
The trackpad on the g6 is entirely unseen. No lines, no varying texture, no gaudy glow—no nothing. Just a sheer, continuous plane of smooth plastic—and still highly responsive. The only mark on the otherwise pristine bar is a little dimpled touch sensor, considerately allowing you to switch the pad on or off (should you want to type out an essay without your arms nudging the pad, for instance). It's a deliciously designed feature, and a highly attractive one. The notebook itself is no beauty queen, but the uninterrupted form stands out wonderfully.
So why is the only HP computer getting this treatment the cheapest one on the lot? HP's new "premium" laptop models—the Pavilion dv6 and dv7—show off their trackpads, rather than sleekly concealing them. They're high contrast. They're bright. They pop. They scream, HELLO, I AM A TRACKPAD. HERE I AM Interface should never be in your face.
The g6's invisi-pad isn't perfect. It doesn't click or have the satisfying roominess of, say, a MacBook Pro's pad. But it's an attention to detail that other manufacturers (and HP itself!) should look to. And not just to stick in the bargain bin. - via Gizmodo
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l600/alensu/3-15.jpg[/img]]I MIGHT HAVE HAD ONE OF THE PROTOTYPES. WAS FULLY INVISIBLE-
and I lost it. an invisible trackpad is no better then an invisible mouse. It's absolutely POINTLESS and it completely trades in function just so something looks pretty. I've had to deal with the invisible trackpad on a few laptops (ironically, HP laptops, and not a budget model, either), and it was extremely frustrating. Where does the touchpad start and end? As you yourself The gizmodo post you blatantly RIPPED off said, there are no visual or tactile indicators of where the touchpad is and is not. This is BAD, not good, design. Major input features should be completely obvious, you should not have to go hunting for it. Then again, I dislike laptop Touchpad's to begin with, I much prefered the TRACKPOINT myself. Particularly because I cannot accidentally click the or move the cursor around while typing causing myself to start typing at some other random location. In fact, typing this on my laptop now this has occured a total of 3 times, and I'm consciously trying NOT to come close to the touchpad. Of course, in my case I can actually see where the touchpad is so I can avoid it, something which would be impossible on these laptops with this "awesome feature" of an invisible touchpad. It's not a feature, it's a pain in the *censored*, like the gloss finishes they put on notebook screens. I want to see what is on the fecking SCREEN thank you, if I wanted to see myself I would go get a damned mirror, OK? ARE YOU LISTENING MANUFACTURERS? stop making your stuff do bloody glossy! To be fair this is another case of manufacturers thinking "well, if Apple does it, it must be right" No, it isn't. I will now tangentally discuss why a monitor should not be glossy:

What do we use a monitor for? seeing what the computer is doing and viewing the output the computer wants to show us. What do we not generally want to see when we look at the monitor? the bloody window that's directly behind you. So, it stands to reason "well, golly, I suppose we ought to place a covering that baffles specular reflections and diffuses light so that people aren't distracted or overwhelmed visually by the reflections" Now, there a re matte screens that follow this line of reasoning. But at some point apple decided that their "Make everything shiny and they will come" approach should only extend to the cases of almost every peripheral they make but also to the screens of those peripherals. It's like they had a machine that could transform an animal into a person, threw in a bird, and then hired them to design their product, resulting in a product that rates rather high on the shiny side of the shiny/matte scale.

Quote

They scream, HELLO, I AM A TRACKPAD. HERE I AM Interface should never be in your face.

an Interface should ALWAYS be obvious. Otherwise, nobody would know there was anything there. if somebody who has no idea about laptops sees the textured square in front of the keyboard, they'll touch it. Then they will see the mouse pointer move on the screen. The smarter people doing this will instantly understand the connection. The dumber ones will think they just infected the laptop with a virus that moves the pointer. In the case of the "sleek" and "stylish" and "completely invisible" touchpad, they won't see the touchpad, so they won't touch it and they probably won't know about it at all until they read the manual, experiment, or start sensually massaging the laptop to try to exorcise the virus they accidentally gave it; that is exactly the opposite of intuitive.

taking the piss for a moment here, If interfaces aren't supposed to be in your face, we may as well remove the labels from keycaps, since those are totally in your face "hey I'm a keyboard with keys" Nope, that is clearly bad design. In fact, the keys are raised too, and give a clear tactile feedback when you press them. Nope, that won't do at all. They should be entirely seemless; in fact, the keyboard should just be a slab- for example:

It's perfect- well, maybe a BIT too thick. It's not entirely obvious that it's a keyboard, but *censored* it looks sleek, and if that's not what computers and their accessories are all about, well, then colour me amazed.

For those who may be interested, the Original Post is a copy paste from here:

http://m.gizmodo.com/5754813/every-trackpad-should-look-as-good-as-hps-invisible-wonders

The main problem on the PC side is that PC laptop and desktop accessory manufacturers are trying to make products that have a similar style to apples. Thing is, if somebody wants a macbook, they'll buy a macbook; additionally, and this particular "sleek touchpad" look is a case and point, they are trying so hard to be like Apple they are completely ignoring the fact that, generally speaking, the Apple products are usable first, and sleek and stylish second (although that's more a objective view, personally I think that is reversed but saying that would hardly help me coalesce a point); at the very LEAST, Apple doesn't sacrifice this much function for form.

Discussion

253.	Solve : Windows 7 SP1 RTM?
Answer» WINDOWS 7 SP1 RTM due on February 16 for MSDN customers, Feb 22 for web release (RTW) MICROSOFT’s Windows 7 SP1 RTM will hit MSDN on February 16 WinRumors has learned. http://bit.ly/gtsNlS

Discussion

254.	Solve : Chips prices will go up. Buy now.?
Answer» Yes, it will. Chips are in short supply, and will be for some months. This is a direct result of the tragedy that hit Japan. One out of Five chips is made in Japan. Or was. Here is the CNBC video. Japan IMPACT: Chip Industry And laptop batteries also. You heard it here first, folks- stock up on your crisps! Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 17, 2011, 09:21:35 PM You heard it here first, folks- stock up on your crisps! Crisps? Crisps are warm and fragrant desserts that are easy to make. http://baking.about.com/od/crisps Actually, Soy Crisps are now at a all time low. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 17, 2011, 09:33:05 PM Crisps? Crisps are warm and fragrant desserts that are easy to make. http://baking.about.com/od/crisps Actually, Soy Crisps are now at a all time low. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 18, 2011, 01:11:05 AM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp Quote Potato chips (known as chips in American, Australian, Canadian, Singapore, South African, Hawaiian English, Indian English and Jamaican English as well as most European languages; crisps in British and Irish English, chippies in New Zealand) are thin slices of potato that are deep fried. In this topic 'chips' mean semiconductor chips. Until now. Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 18, 2011, 01:11:05 AM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp I was thinking more along the lines of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortilla_chipsAnd for what reason should I be worried? Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 09, 2011, 05:57:55 PM Apparently somebody- I won't name names- has decided that this thread is somehow about open sores. It's not. I'm going to use this quote. Apparently, "Open Sores" operating systems do not require the latest and greatest. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 09, 2011, 12:52:19 PM Even if that were absolutely true, The point is that Sun made bad market decisions. Open Source did not break or make them. Unfortunately, Western civilizations spending habits and tendency to be the best will make and break them. "Open Sores" is COST efficient when supplies are limited. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 09, 2011, 12:52:19 PM in the IT world you: can not rest on your laurals. And in the rest of the world, you can't expect everything to go on without error, disaster, or bad decisions. Quote from: mroilfield on March 09, 2011, 06:03:29 AM There is a coffee SHOP down the road from my house and I guarantee they don't benefit from open source projects. They will now if new equipment is going to cost more than they can afford. And what about new proprietary software? Limited equipment means the prices will go higher. Now if you want your damned chips, you'll have to sacrifice your crisps. Personally, I think the lot here would rather dish out more money than use SOMETHING secure and efficient. And don't give that BS about CAD, database, graphics rendering and whatnot. Quote from: mr-bisquit on March 18, 2011, 06:44:26 PM ... the lot here would rather dish out more money than use something secure and efficient. And don't give that BS about CAD, database, graphics rendering and whatnot. CAD, database and graphics rendering did well before the latest greatest stuff became available for the masses. Chip prices will not stop George Lucas from making a new movie. And make money. The loss if for those who speculate on silicon chip prices. Example: A vendor promises he will deliver a truckload of WONDERFUL silicon chips in two months at a predetermined price. But he does not have enough in his warehouse to finish the deal, he has to go buy new silicon at prevailing prices. If his gross profit margin was 15%, he is going to take a bath. Prices in the Pacific Rim have spiked 20 percent. But normally, in the springtime, there is a slight overstock and the vendors hope to make a profit with contracts inked earlier. Yet Potato Chips are not at risk. Not sure about corn chips. footnote. Somebody read the post and has expanded it into a article. Why Are Potato Chip-Makers Smarter Than Silicon Chip-Makers? I think more chips are made(factories) in Continental Asia then in Japan. Japan has a lot of chip companies but it's hardly cost-effective to purchase land for factories there. Yes, one would think that a loss of 20% of supply would not have to be a big problem. But this industry is so price driven so that a 20 per cent loss of supply translates to a 20 per cent increase in price. Apparently there is no reserve to prevent this. BTW, the makers of stuff are saying that it will have some impact in the consumer market. I already have a mobile phone. Will not affect me. Until I try try to buy a new battery. Mobile phone maker warns of chip shortages http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2011/03/18/50710/mobile-phone-maker-warns-of-chip-shortages.htm footnote: Of the ten most popular articles on Electronics Weekly , the top five are related to the title of this post. No joke, the quake did shake the industry.Of course, a price increase only matters to somebody if they are going to buy something. I have no plans to buy anything that I can consider as being affected. Last piece of electronics I purchased was over a year and a half ago now probably.

254.

Solve : Chips prices will go up. Buy now.?

Answer»

Yes, it will.
Chips are in short supply, and will be for some months.
This is a direct result of the tragedy that hit Japan.
One out of Five chips is made in Japan. Or was.
Here is the CNBC video.
Japan IMPACT: Chip Industry
And laptop batteries also.
You heard it here first, folks- stock up on your crisps! Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 17, 2011, 09:21:35 PM

You heard it here first, folks- stock up on your crisps!

Crisps?
Crisps are warm and fragrant desserts that are easy to make.
http://baking.about.com/od/crisps
Actually, Soy Crisps are now at a all time low. Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 17, 2011, 09:33:05 PM

Crisps?
Crisps are warm and fragrant desserts that are easy to make.
http://baking.about.com/od/crisps
Actually, Soy Crisps are now at a all time low.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 18, 2011, 01:11:05 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp

Quote

Potato chips (known as chips in American, Australian, Canadian, Singapore, South African, Hawaiian English, Indian English and Jamaican English as well as most European languages; crisps in British and Irish English, chippies in New Zealand) are thin slices of potato that are deep fried.

In this topic 'chips' mean semiconductor chips. Until now. Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 18, 2011, 01:11:05 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato_crisp

I was thinking more along the lines of these: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortilla_chipsAnd for what reason should I be worried?

Quote from: BC_Programmer on March 09, 2011, 05:57:55 PM

Apparently somebody- I won't name names- has decided that this thread is somehow about open sores. It's not.

I'm going to use this quote.

Apparently, "Open Sores" operating systems do not require the latest and greatest.

Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 09, 2011, 12:52:19 PM

Even if that were absolutely true, The point is that Sun made bad market decisions. Open Source did not break or make them.

Unfortunately, Western civilizations spending habits and tendency to be the best will make and break them.

"Open Sores" is COST efficient when supplies are limited.

Quote from: Geek-9pm on March 09, 2011, 12:52:19 PM

in the IT world you:
can not rest on your laurals.

And in the rest of the world, you can't expect everything to go on without error, disaster, or bad decisions.

Quote from: mroilfield on March 09, 2011, 06:03:29 AM

There is a coffee SHOP down the road from my house and I guarantee they don't benefit from open source projects.

They will now if new equipment is going to cost more than they can afford. And what about new proprietary software? Limited equipment means the prices will go higher.

Now if you want your damned chips, you'll have to sacrifice your crisps.

Personally, I think the lot here would rather dish out more money than use SOMETHING secure and efficient.

And don't give that BS about CAD, database, graphics rendering and whatnot.

Quote from: mr-bisquit on March 18, 2011, 06:44:26 PM

... the lot here would rather dish out more money than use something secure and efficient.
And don't give that BS about CAD, database, graphics rendering and whatnot.

CAD, database and graphics rendering did well before the latest greatest stuff became available for the masses. Chip prices will not stop George Lucas from making a new movie. And make money.

The loss if for those who speculate on silicon chip prices.

Example: A vendor promises he will deliver a truckload of WONDERFUL silicon chips in two months at a predetermined price. But he does not have enough in his warehouse to finish the deal, he has to go buy new silicon at prevailing prices. If his gross profit margin was 15%, he is going to take a bath. Prices in the Pacific Rim have spiked 20 percent. But normally, in the springtime, there is a slight overstock and the vendors hope to make a profit with contracts inked earlier.

Yet Potato Chips are not at risk. Not sure about corn chips.
footnote.
Somebody read the post and has expanded it into a article.
Why Are Potato Chip-Makers Smarter Than Silicon Chip-Makers?
I think more chips are made(factories) in Continental Asia then in Japan. Japan has a lot of chip companies but it's hardly cost-effective to purchase land for factories there.

Yes, one would think that a loss of 20% of supply would not have to be a big problem. But this industry is so price driven so that a 20 per cent loss of supply translates to a 20 per cent increase in price. Apparently there is no reserve to prevent this.

BTW, the makers of stuff are saying that it will have some impact in the consumer market. I already have a mobile phone. Will not affect me. Until I try try to buy a new battery.

Mobile phone maker warns of chip shortages
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2011/03/18/50710/mobile-phone-maker-warns-of-chip-shortages.htm
footnote: Of the ten most popular articles on Electronics Weekly , the top five are related to the title of this post. No joke, the quake did shake the industry.Of course, a price increase only matters to somebody if they are going to buy something.

I have no plans to buy anything that I can consider as being affected. Last piece of electronics I purchased was over a year and a half ago now probably.

Discussion

255.	Solve : No Egypt Internet. Hams Help.?
Answer» This was found on Yahoo. Quote Anonymous Internet Users Help Egypt Communicate Craig Kanalley Craig Kanalley – Sun Jan 30, 2:56 am ET "Internet not working, police cars burning," sent out one Egyptian. "Today marks a great day for Egypt," sent out another. These messages weren't coming from mobile phones or computers, but from an amateur radio sending out Morse Code somewhere amidst the chaos in Egypt. The Egyptian government's efforts to limit communications within the country has triggered a wave of activism from an international group of free speech activists on the Internet called Telecomix.... <more> http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20110130/cm_huffpost/815889 Edit. Just found this item in PC World. Quote Jan 31, 2011 5:10 pm Ham Radio Not a Viable Option for Egypt By Nancy Gohring, IDG News Despite the best efforts of Internet activists who are trying to help Egyptians communicate with the outside world, ham radio isn't a viable option in this situation, experts said. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/218338/ham_radio_not_a_viable_option_for_egypt.html "A world without the Internet is unimaginable"That's a informative article, however I disagree with the 'experts'. Just because nobody is broadcasting yet just makes the ham operators smart, it certainly doesn't mean that it's a non viable resource.These events are momentous in the historical CONTEXT. This very reputable news service is broadcasting live continuously from the central Cairo square. http://english.aljazeera.net/ A large screen TV is at this moment being erected in the square. truenorthWhy does the Topic state Hams help when clearly they cannot ? ? Quote from: patio on February 01, 2011, 01:15:27 PM Why does the Topic state Hams help when clearly they cannot ? ? The correct Title should be: Ham Radio Not a Viable Option for Egypt What about, "Studies show bears unanimously opposed to the creation of a North American Hegemony"?I think this one of the key sentences in the article. Quote Those with licenses are apparently, wisely, keeping LOW," he said. They may be concerned about who is listening and whether there will be consequences for what they say. Apparently, in Egypt, like in the US, and most countries the government licenses Hams, and could easily pull a Ham's license if the government thought the Ham was broadcasting anything detrimental to the government. I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows. Quote from: rthompson80819 on February 01, 2011, 03:02:36 PM I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows. Yeah, becuase the US is famous for it's fair treatment of others. cough Quote from: QUANTOS on February 01, 2011, 03:47:39 PM Yeah, becuase the US is famous for it's fair treatment of others. <gitmo>cough</gitmo> Careful. Quote from: Allan on February 01, 2011, 03:50:13 PM Careful. Hang on Allan, there's a black crown vic pulling up out front, lemme go see what they want... Quote from: rthompson80819 on February 01, 2011, 03:02:36 PM Apparently, in Egypt, like in the US, and most countries the government licenses Hams, and could easily pull a Ham's license if the government thought the Ham was broadcasting anything detrimental to the government. I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows. It could happen in the US. Broadcasting (one transmitter, many listeners) is what radio stations do. Radio amateurs ("hams") are forbidden to "broadcast" anything at all. They are permitted to carry out one-to-one communication with one other operator at a time. The American FCC rules state that "amateur stations are forbidden to engage in any form of broadcasting or in any activity related to program production or news gathering for broadcasting purposes." In just about every country where they are allowed to operate, radio amateurs are forbidden by the terms of their licenses from discussing anything of a political nature. The FCC rules state "transmissions to a DIFFERENT country, where permitted, must be made in PLAIN language and must be limited to messages of a technical nature relating to tests and to remarks of a personal character." Quote from: Quantos on February 01, 2011, 03:52:08 PM Hang on Allan, there's a black crown vic pulling up out front, lemme go see what they want... That's not what I meant. Quote from: Salmon Trout on February 01, 2011, 03:53:01 PM radio amateurs are forbidden by the terms of their licenses from discussing anything of a political nature. Very similar to our forum rules. I reiterate - careful.

255.

Solve : No Egypt Internet. Hams Help.?

Answer»

This was found on Yahoo.
Quote

Anonymous Internet Users Help Egypt Communicate
Craig Kanalley Craig Kanalley – Sun Jan 30, 2:56 am ET

"Internet not working, police cars burning," sent out one Egyptian. "Today marks a great day for Egypt," sent out another.

These messages weren't coming from mobile phones or computers, but from an amateur radio sending out Morse Code somewhere amidst the chaos in Egypt.

The Egyptian government's efforts to limit communications within the country has triggered a wave of activism from an international group of free speech activists on the Internet called Telecomix....
<more> http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20110130/cm_huffpost/815889

Edit. Just found this item in PC World.
Quote

Jan 31, 2011 5:10 pm
Ham Radio Not a Viable Option for Egypt

By Nancy Gohring, IDG News

Despite the best efforts of Internet activists who are trying to help Egyptians communicate with the outside world, ham radio isn't a viable option in this situation, experts said.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/218338/ham_radio_not_a_viable_option_for_egypt.html

"A world without the Internet is unimaginable"That's a informative article, however I disagree with the 'experts'. Just because nobody is broadcasting yet just makes the ham operators smart, it certainly doesn't mean that it's a non viable resource.These events are momentous in the historical CONTEXT. This very reputable news service is broadcasting live continuously from the central Cairo square. http://english.aljazeera.net/
A large screen TV is at this moment being erected in the square. truenorthWhy does the Topic state Hams help when clearly they cannot ? ? Quote from: patio on February 01, 2011, 01:15:27 PM

Why does the Topic state Hams help when clearly they cannot ? ?

The correct Title should be:
Ham Radio Not a Viable Option for Egypt

What about,

"Studies show bears unanimously opposed to the creation of a North American Hegemony"?I think this one of the key sentences in the article.

Quote

Those with licenses are apparently, wisely, keeping LOW," he said. They may be concerned about who is listening and whether there will be consequences for what they say.

Apparently, in Egypt, like in the US, and most countries the government licenses Hams, and could easily pull a Ham's license if the government thought the Ham was broadcasting anything detrimental to the government. I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows. Quote from: rthompson80819 on February 01, 2011, 03:02:36 PM

I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows.

Yeah, becuase the US is famous for it's fair treatment of others.

cough Quote from: QUANTOS on February 01, 2011, 03:47:39 PM

Yeah, becuase the US is famous for it's fair treatment of others.

<gitmo>cough</gitmo>

Careful. Quote from: Allan on February 01, 2011, 03:50:13 PM

Careful.

Hang on Allan, there's a black crown vic pulling up out front, lemme go see what they want... Quote from: rthompson80819 on February 01, 2011, 03:02:36 PM

Apparently, in Egypt, like in the US, and most countries the government licenses Hams, and could easily pull a Ham's license if the government thought the Ham was broadcasting anything detrimental to the government. I doubt that would happen in the US, but in other countries, who knows.

It could happen in the US. Broadcasting (one transmitter, many listeners) is what radio stations do. Radio amateurs ("hams") are forbidden to "broadcast" anything at all. They are permitted to carry out one-to-one communication with one other operator at a time. The American FCC rules state that "amateur stations are forbidden to engage in any form of broadcasting or in any activity related to program production or news gathering for broadcasting purposes."

In just about every country where they are allowed to operate, radio amateurs are forbidden by the terms of their licenses from discussing anything of a political nature. The FCC rules state "transmissions to a DIFFERENT country, where permitted, must be made in PLAIN language and must be limited to messages of a technical nature relating to tests and to remarks of a personal character."

Quote from: Quantos on February 01, 2011, 03:52:08 PM

Hang on Allan, there's a black crown vic pulling up out front, lemme go see what they want...

That's not what I meant. Quote from: Salmon Trout on February 01, 2011, 03:53:01 PM

radio amateurs are forbidden by the terms of their licenses from discussing anything of a political nature.

Very similar to our forum rules. I reiterate - careful.

Discussion

256.	Solve : Intel is shipping faulty chipsets...?
Answer» Intel has caused quite a problem with motherboard MANUFACTURERS when they(INTEL) released information regarding information about flaws in a top line chipset. "After CAUSING chaos among motherboard makers by REVEALING a flaw in its 6-series motherboard chipsets, Intel has announced plans to recommence shipments of the faulty silicon, before the fixed chips have even started shipping. Intel claims it decided to start reshipping the chipsets after lengthy discussions with computer manufacturers. "As a result of these discussions and specific requests from computer makers,' says the company, 'Intel is resuming shipments of the Intel 6-series chipset for use only in PC system configurations that are not impacted by the design issue." The announcement FOLLOWS Intel's recent exposure of a well publicised design fault that affects the 3Gbps SATA ports (typically ports 2 to 5) in Intel's P67 and H67 chipsets. As such, we assume that the new systems BASED on the faulty chipsets will either come with a separate SATA controller card, or that they will only use the two (unaffected) 6Gbps SATA ports provided by the chipset."

Discussion

257.	Solve : 'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi' scandal in Indai overheats.?
Answer» 'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi' scandal in Indai overheats. Actaully, it is not 'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi per se. It is about the 2GB specturn space. This space can be used ofr many kinds of mobile devices for wireless data or voice. Whoever 'owns' this space can make a lotof money. Why is this posted in Computer news? 1. Some of CH members either live in India or have an interest in India. 2. What happens in one national marketplace may impact others. 3. The scandal involves an are of technology that is important to PC and cell phone users . It was alleged that the allocation of the 2 GB d in India was improper and the matter was, so they say, settled. But it was not settled. Today's' story: http://www.businessworld.in/bw/2011_02_05_The_Misuse_Of_Policy.html Background: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2G_spectrum_scam Who wants to say 'This has no impact on my life'? there is no "2GB SPECTRUM space".Type. It is the 2G spectrum allocation. Like second generation before THIRD generation. [See IMT 2000 ,which explains 3G as technical standard and include spectrum allocation. The 2G is a legacy now that still is a source of revenue in many areas. The spectrum remains.] Here is yet another report from India about this giant Hyper Cyper Spectrum Scam. Hard to believe. Quote Your guide to 2G scam? - Hindustan Times Feb 3, 2011 ... Following is a primer on the second-generation spectrum allocation scandal that resulted ... Your guide to 2G scam? Indo-Asian News Service ... http://www.hindustantimes.com/Your-guide-to-2G-scam/Article1-629868.aspx Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 05, 2011, 07:15:15 PM It is about the 2GB specturn space. Quote It was alleged that the allocation of the 2 GB I REITERATE... Quote from: BC_Programmer on February 06, 2011, 09:10:16 AM there is no "2GB spectrum space". After I posted it, I was not able to edit. All references to 2 GB should instead have been 2G instead. My bad. Quote The row over 2G spectrum allocation took a startling turn on Sunday with DMK patriarch and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi threatening to file a .. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/135317/mk-sends-legal-notice-swamy.html

257.

Solve : 'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi' scandal in Indai overheats.?

Answer»

'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi' scandal in Indai overheats.
Actaully, it is not 'Cell-Phone 'Wi-Fi per se. It is about the 2GB specturn space. This space can be used ofr many kinds of mobile devices for wireless data or voice. Whoever 'owns' this space can make a lotof money.
Why is this posted in Computer news?
1. Some of CH members either live in India or have an interest in India.
2. What happens in one national marketplace may impact others.
3. The scandal involves an are of technology that is important to PC and cell phone users .

It was alleged that the allocation of the 2 GB d in India was improper and the matter was, so they say, settled. But it was not settled.

Today's' story:
http://www.businessworld.in/bw/2011_02_05_The_Misuse_Of_Policy.html

Background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2G_spectrum_scam

Who wants to say 'This has no impact on my life'?
there is no "2GB SPECTRUM space".Type. It is the 2G spectrum allocation. Like second generation before THIRD generation. [See IMT 2000 ,which explains 3G as technical standard and include spectrum allocation. The 2G is a legacy now that still is a source of revenue in many areas. The spectrum remains.]
Here is yet another report from India about this giant Hyper Cyper Spectrum Scam. Hard to believe.
Quote

Your guide to 2G scam? - Hindustan Times

Feb 3, 2011 ... Following is a primer on the second-generation spectrum allocation scandal that resulted ... Your guide to 2G scam? Indo-Asian News Service ...
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Your-guide-to-2G-scam/Article1-629868.aspx

Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 05, 2011, 07:15:15 PM

It is about the 2GB specturn space.

Quote

It was alleged that the allocation of the 2 GB

I REITERATE...

Quote from: BC_Programmer on February 06, 2011, 09:10:16 AM

there is no "2GB spectrum space".

After I posted it, I was not able to edit.
All references to 2 GB should instead have been 2G instead. My bad.

Quote

The row over 2G spectrum allocation took a startling turn on Sunday with DMK patriarch and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi threatening to file a ..

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/135317/mk-sends-legal-notice-swamy.html

Discussion

258.	Solve : Microsoft: Mexican Drug Cartel is Pirating Software?
Answer» Microsoft: Mexican Drug Cartel is Pirating Software I believe some of this pirating may even be going on in the U.S. I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft OFFICE 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer. Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:02:26 PM I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft Office 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer. Let's see here, because the person who it was given to to get it fixed was mexican and there was pirated software on it when it was returned... you deduce that somehow a drug cartel is involved? What? You cannot be serious? installing pirated OS and software products on a machine is something far too many shop owners will do. It's not something that only a Mexican would do. And even those Mexican computer repair shop owners that do are almost certainly not affiliated with the drug cartel. You're right. I should have clarified my comments about activity inside the U.S. I did not mean to imply that a drug cartel was involved in that case and I should have stated so. And, as you said, many shop owners, regardless of nationality of the owner(s), are LAX about installing software which is not properly licensed. So, some my comments were inappropriate. Quote from: BC_Programmer on February 06, 2011, 04:19:25 PM ... you deduce that somehow a drug cartel is involved? What? You cannot be serious?... It's not something that only a Mexican would do. And even those Mexican computer repair shop owners that do are almost certainly not affiliated with the drug cartel. Did you read the link? Quote distribution network of 180,000 points of sale in stores, markets and kiosks, earning more than $2.2 million dollars in revenue every day," Quote distribution network of 180,000 points of sale in stores, markets and kiosks, earning more than $2.2 million dollars in revenue every day Yeah, and surely those "180,000 points of sale" are located in, or reach into, numerous countries. Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 06, 2011, 04:34:34 PM Did you read the link? Yes. What particular part of the link says that any and all Mexican computer shop owners are getting their pirated software via the cartel? Why only those of Mexican descent? Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:39:03 PM Yeah, and surely those "180,000 points of sale" are located in, or reach into, numerous countries. I don't think so. The article is confusing because it talks about both the particulars of the Mexican case and the big picture simultaneously. No mention is made of Software Pirating in this article. Quote http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Mexico Crime in Mexico From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Crime is among the most urgent concerns facing Mexico, as Mexican drug trafficking rings play a major role in the flow of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transiting between Latin America and the United States. Drug trafficking has led to corruption, which has had a deleterious effect on Mexico's Federal Representative Republic. Drug trafficking and organized crime have also been a major source of violent crime in Mexico. Mexico has experienced increasingly HIGH crime rates, especially in major urban centers. The country's great economic polarization has stimulated criminal activity in the lower socioeconomic strata, which include the majority of the country's POPULATION. Crime continues at high levels, and is repeatedly marked by violence, especially in Monterrey, Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Michoacan, and the state of Sinaloa. Other metropolitan areas have lower, yet still serious, levels of crime. Low apprehension and conviction rates contribute to the high crime rate. Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:02:26 PM I believe some of this pirating may even be going on in the U.S. I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft Office 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer. You say that like it's a bad thing. He got a free copy of office. Why complain? It's not like the money that he didn't spend is going to fund a drug cartel. Also, I recall READING recently that China had the most pirated software, something about Steve Ballmer telling the Chinese president a large percentage of MS users in China were running pirated copies. Great, now the Mexican drug cartel is just like the average teenage boy.

258.

Solve : Microsoft: Mexican Drug Cartel is Pirating Software?

Answer» Microsoft: Mexican Drug Cartel is Pirating Software

I believe some of this pirating may even be going on in the U.S. I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft OFFICE 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer. Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:02:26 PM

I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft Office 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer.

Let's see here, because the person who it was given to to get it fixed was mexican and there was pirated software on it when it was returned...

you deduce that somehow a drug cartel is involved? What? You cannot be serious?

installing pirated OS and software products on a machine is something far too many shop owners will do. It's not something that only a Mexican would do. And even those Mexican computer repair shop owners that do are almost certainly not affiliated with the drug cartel.

You're right. I should have clarified my comments about activity inside the U.S. I did not mean to imply that a drug cartel was involved in that case and I should have stated so. And, as you said, many shop owners, regardless of nationality of the owner(s), are LAX about installing software which is not properly licensed. So, some my comments were inappropriate.

Quote from: BC_Programmer on February 06, 2011, 04:19:25 PM

...
you deduce that somehow a drug cartel is involved? What? You cannot be serious?...
It's not something that only a Mexican would do. And even those Mexican computer repair shop owners that do are almost certainly not affiliated with the drug cartel.

Did you read the link?
Quote

distribution network of 180,000 points of sale in stores, markets and kiosks, earning more than $2.2 million dollars in revenue every day,"

Quote

distribution network of 180,000 points of sale in stores, markets and kiosks, earning more than $2.2 million dollars in revenue every day

Yeah, and surely those "180,000 points of sale" are located in, or reach into, numerous countries. Quote from: Geek-9pm on February 06, 2011, 04:34:34 PM

Did you read the link?

Yes. What particular part of the link says that any and all Mexican computer shop owners are getting their pirated software via the cartel? Why only those of Mexican descent?

Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:39:03 PM

Yeah, and surely those "180,000 points of sale" are located in, or reach into, numerous countries.

I don't think so. The article is confusing because it talks about both the particulars of the Mexican case and the big picture simultaneously.

No mention is made of Software Pirating in this article.
Quote

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Mexico
Crime in Mexico
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Crime is among the most urgent concerns facing Mexico, as Mexican drug trafficking rings play a major role in the flow of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana transiting between Latin America and the United States. Drug trafficking has led to corruption, which has had a deleterious effect on Mexico's Federal Representative Republic. Drug trafficking and organized crime have also been a major source of violent crime in Mexico.

Mexico has experienced increasingly HIGH crime rates, especially in major urban centers. The country's great economic polarization has stimulated criminal activity in the lower socioeconomic strata, which include the majority of the country's POPULATION. Crime continues at high levels, and is repeatedly marked by violence, especially in Monterrey, Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Michoacan, and the state of Sinaloa. Other metropolitan areas have lower, yet still serious, levels of crime. Low apprehension and conviction rates contribute to the high crime rate.

Quote from: soybean on February 06, 2011, 04:02:26 PM

I believe some of this pirating may even be going on in the U.S. I have a relative in California who took his computer to a Mexican guy to fix a problem. When the computer was returned, it has Microsoft Office 2003 installed on it. My relative has never purchased a legitimate license to, or had ever previously installed, Office 2003; it should not have been installed on his computer.

You say that like it's a bad thing. He got a free copy of office. Why complain? It's not like the money that he didn't spend is going to fund a drug cartel.

Also, I recall READING recently that China had the most pirated software, something about Steve Ballmer telling the Chinese president a large percentage of MS users in China were running pirated copies. Great, now the Mexican drug cartel is just like the average teenage boy.

Discussion

259.	Solve : Ken Olsen?
Answer» Ken Olsen DIED today. He was the founder of DEC(Digital Equipment CORPORATION) that was later sold to Compaq.I've GOT many memories, mostly good, of the PDP 11 and RSX11M.

Discussion

260.	Solve : No, USB 3 isn't late?
Answer» Quote Relax--these THINGS take time. That, in brief, was the message of Jeff Ravencraft, president of the USB Implementors Forum, when I asked him why it was taking the third-generation version of UNIVERSAL Serial Bus so LONG to arrive.... Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20029303-264.html#ixzz1CANoCJkE Of course USB3 isn't late, it's specifications were released in 2008. The implementation is later then the implementation took for any previous revision. As for CNET, once I read this they through all credibility out the window (along with engadget who RAN a similar story)Once again...

260.

Solve : No, USB 3 isn't late?

Answer»

Quote

Relax--these THINGS take time.
That, in brief, was the message of Jeff Ravencraft, president of the USB Implementors Forum, when I asked him why it was taking the third-generation version of UNIVERSAL Serial Bus so LONG to arrive....
Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-20029303-264.html#ixzz1CANoCJkE

Of course USB3 isn't late, it's specifications were released in 2008. The implementation is later then the implementation took for any previous revision.

As for CNET, once I read this they through all credibility out the window (along with engadget who RAN a similar story)Once again...

Discussion

261.	Solve : PayPal Busted for Bogus Wikileaks Excuse?
Answer» PayPal Busted for Bogus Wikileaks Excuse http://gawker.com/5709579/paypal-busted-for-bogus-wikileaks-excuse Scroll down and watch the video. Not sure why people are making such a big deal about this. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" applies to the internet as well. Quote from: CBMatt on December 09, 2010, 08:38:00 PM Not sure why people are making such a big deal about this. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" applies to the internet as well. CBMatt, that is what they should have said. But no, they tell a story they can not document. So it is a 'snow job', we are not being told what really happened. If they are going to lie to us, that need to improve their skills.So, let me get this straight; some nosey reporter was getting in their face, they gave a quick reason... And now we're the victims? What?I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights. Quote from: CBMatt on December 10, 2010, 02:09:40 AM I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights. Couldn't agree more! Quote from: CBMatt on December 10, 2010, 02:09:40 AM I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights. I also couldn't agree more. I watched the video, which was a quite interesting. PayPal has been a great success and has a great vision for continued growth. Not having any legal training i cannot know if this fact has any pertinence to "PayPal" terms and conditions of operation and service. However it may alter the things some may assume are "their rights" (PayPal's). They are a publicly traded company and i suggest that being so may include stipulations as to what they can and cannot do in terms of service provisions. In any event from my reading of the linked article it seems their stated reason for their action is being denied by the alleged source of their stated reason.Apart from whether it is something they can or cannot do doesn't that emulate the actions of some of the named parties of what "Wikileaks" is on about? If their reason for denying the access to Wikileaks is something they believe in i believe it to be incumbent on them to tell the truth. As the late Will Rogers stated "one thing about telling the truth is you don't need a good memory". It is entirely possible that if Paypal has falsified it's reason for taking action as it appears they have this story make have legs of it's own and rise to a level of interest that could have been avoided if they had stated the truth.truenorth Quote from: soybean on December 10, 2010, 06:25:13 AM I also couldn't agree more. I watched the video, which was a quite interesting. PayPal has been a great success and has a great vision for continued growth. Yes, you are right. My disclaimer follows Good MORNING, This is a disclaimer. The decision to put this item on a computer or forum was mine alone and does not represent the views of the administration. At no time was it my intent to lend support to the site that has been accused of illegal activity. Furthermore, it was not the intent to besmirch the reputation of PayPal or other Internet services that have been mentioned in news articles recently. Of course, the idea of free speech is a great concept. But with freedom comes responsibility. Encouraging rumors and unsupported accusations that can hurt the general good is an abuse of a freedom. As has been noted, Internet service companies such as Amazon and pay Paul and others have contributed much to our pleasurable experience of using the Internet. Unfortunately, the Internet is also used by some who apparently wish to tear down and destroy. I deeply regret any comments I have made that would encourage such negative activity. Thank you, Geek-9pm No worries, Geek, you haven't caused any harm here. We're just having an exchange of ideas and opinions, which I think should be encouraged as long as we are all respectful of each other. Humans are curious by nature, so when we are denied details of a certain situation (especially one receiving media attention), it makes sense for people to start making speculations.CBMatt, Thanks for your kind WORDS. At first I was curious. Then I saw how this story is going where I don't want to go. Here is what you find if you Google just TWO words. Amazon Paypal Quote By Ian Shapira Washington Post Staff Writer Thursday, December 9, 2010; 8:30 PM Internet giants Amazon and PayPal fended off multiple online attacks yesterday by sympathizers of the anti-secrecy Web site WikiLeaks. The online retailer and the payment service, both of which appeared to function smoothly yesterday, incurred the wrath of hackers who all week have been LAUNCHING retaliatory attacks against them because they had severed business ties with WikiLeaks. And they have a video. And no, I am not gong to put up the link. Just Google it if you want to watch the Bloomberg editorial.

261.

Solve : PayPal Busted for Bogus Wikileaks Excuse?

Answer»

PayPal Busted for Bogus Wikileaks Excuse
http://gawker.com/5709579/paypal-busted-for-bogus-wikileaks-excuse
Scroll down and watch the video.

Not sure why people are making such a big deal about this. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" applies to the internet as well. Quote from: CBMatt on December 09, 2010, 08:38:00 PM

Not sure why people are making such a big deal about this. "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" applies to the internet as well.

CBMatt, that is what they should have said.

But no, they tell a story they can not document. So it is a 'snow job', we are not being told what really happened. If they are going to lie to us, that need to improve their skills.So, let me get this straight; some nosey reporter was getting in their face, they gave a quick reason...

And now we're the victims? What?I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights. Quote from: CBMatt on December 10, 2010, 02:09:40 AM

I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights.

Couldn't agree more! Quote from: CBMatt on December 10, 2010, 02:09:40 AM

I really don't understand why it matters what they said. They obviously don't want to be associated with a group that they consider unethical and that's their right. Most people don't always give straight answers for why they do everything, so I don't see why we should expect businesses to be any different, considering that they are run by people. Everyone's crying about Wikileaks' rights, but apparently those who don't support them shouldn't have their rights.

I also couldn't agree more.

I watched the video, which was a quite interesting. PayPal has been a great success and has a great vision for continued growth. Not having any legal training i cannot know if this fact has any pertinence to "PayPal" terms and conditions of operation and service. However it may alter the things some may assume are "their rights" (PayPal's). They are a publicly traded company and i suggest that being so may include stipulations as to what they can and cannot do in terms of service provisions. In any event from my reading of the linked article it seems their stated reason for their action is being denied by the alleged source of their stated reason.Apart from whether it is something they can or cannot do doesn't that emulate the actions of some of the named parties of what "Wikileaks" is on about? If their reason for denying the access to Wikileaks is something they believe in i believe it to be incumbent on them to tell the truth. As the late Will Rogers stated "one thing about telling the truth is you don't need a good memory". It is entirely possible that if Paypal has falsified it's reason for taking action as it appears they have this story make have legs of it's own and rise to a level of interest that could have been avoided if they had stated the truth.truenorth Quote from: soybean on December 10, 2010, 06:25:13 AM

I also couldn't agree more.

I watched the video, which was a quite interesting. PayPal has been a great success and has a great vision for continued growth.

Yes, you are right.
My disclaimer follows

Good MORNING,
This is a disclaimer. The decision to put this item on a computer or forum was mine alone and does not represent the views of the administration. At no time was it my intent to lend support to the site that has been accused of illegal activity. Furthermore, it was not the intent to besmirch the reputation of PayPal or other Internet services that have been mentioned in news articles recently.
Of course, the idea of free speech is a great concept. But with freedom comes responsibility. Encouraging rumors and unsupported accusations that can hurt the general good is an abuse of a freedom.
As has been noted, Internet service companies such as Amazon and pay Paul and others have contributed much to our pleasurable experience of using the Internet. Unfortunately, the Internet is also used by some who apparently wish to tear down and destroy. I deeply regret any comments I have made that would encourage such negative activity.

Thank you,
Geek-9pm

No worries, Geek, you haven't caused any harm here. We're just having an exchange of ideas and opinions, which I think should be encouraged as long as we are all respectful of each other. Humans are curious by nature, so when we are denied details of a certain situation (especially one receiving media attention), it makes sense for people to start making speculations.CBMatt, Thanks for your kind WORDS. At first I was curious. Then I saw how this story is going where I don't want to go.
Here is what you find if you Google just TWO words.
Amazon Paypal

Quote

By Ian Shapira
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 9, 2010; 8:30 PM

Internet giants Amazon and PayPal fended off multiple online attacks yesterday by sympathizers of the anti-secrecy Web site WikiLeaks. The online retailer and the payment service, both of which appeared to function smoothly yesterday, incurred the wrath of hackers who all week have been LAUNCHING retaliatory attacks against them because they had severed business ties with WikiLeaks.

And they have a video. And no, I am not gong to put up the link. Just Google it if you want to watch the Bloomberg editorial.

Discussion

262.	Solve : Best new Tech advances 2010?
Answer» Already Everybody is making lists of all the great NEW things of 2010. Here are a random few. Quote Over the past 150 years there have been numerous technological advances that have revolutionized the way we live. However, over the course of 2000-2010, technology has drastically changed the way we go about our daily business. Before 2000, many of us did not know what a smartphone was... http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2816228/top_10_consumer_technological_advances.html HUH? Quote December 2010: The 100 Best Innovations of the Year Including a PORTABLE OASIS, road-ready speedboat, the world's tallest building, and ... INTEL Wireless Display http://www.popsci.com/announcements/article/2010-11/december-2010-100-best-innovations-year (Yawn) Quote The Pogies: Best Tech Ideas of the Year whoever Hamden, CT December 30th, 2010 12:10 pm What a bunch of trivia. If these are the best technological advances of 2010 then the USA is truly doomed. http://community.nytimes.com/comments/www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/technology/personaltech/30pogue.html?permid=42 ..is that news? Quote 2010 CES Newest Electronic Technology At its Best (Video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd1pCvGsqAc PLEASE add your own citations... Before the moderator kills this thread. Quote Before the moderator kills this thread. Quote HUH? The best tech writing of 2010I like ur post and text very much , really very easy to leant it thaks you

262.

Solve : Best new Tech advances 2010?

Answer»

Already Everybody is making lists of all the great NEW things of 2010.
Here are a random few.

Quote

Over the past 150 years there have been numerous technological advances that have revolutionized the way we live. However, over the course of 2000-2010, technology has drastically changed the way we go about our daily
business. Before 2000, many of us did not know what a smartphone was...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2816228/top_10_consumer_technological_advances.html

HUH?
Quote

December 2010: The 100 Best Innovations of the Year
Including a PORTABLE OASIS, road-ready speedboat, the world's tallest building, and ...
INTEL Wireless Display
http://www.popsci.com/announcements/article/2010-11/december-2010-100-best-innovations-year

(Yawn)

Quote

The Pogies: Best Tech Ideas of the Year
whoever
Hamden, CT
December 30th, 2010
12:10 pm
What a bunch of trivia. If these are the best technological advances of 2010 then the USA is truly doomed.
http://community.nytimes.com/comments/www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/technology/personaltech/30pogue.html?permid=42

..is that news?
Quote

2010 CES Newest Electronic Technology At its Best (Video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd1pCvGsqAc

PLEASE add your own citations...
Before the moderator kills this thread. Quote

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HUH?

The best tech writing of 2010I like ur post and text very much , really very easy to leant it thaks you

Discussion

263.	Solve : Racetrack Memory?
Answer» Quote IBM researchers today revealed a previously unknown aspect of key physics inside Racetrack memory -- a new technology design which stands to improve memory capabilities within mobile phones, laptop computers and business-class servers. This new class of memory could enable devices to store much more INFORMATION - as much as a factor of 100 times greater - while using much less energy than today's designs. Link WOW. Not until I READ it did I even come close to grasping the significance of this. It would be like if you could have all this year's English movies in your iPhone. Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 29, 2010, 11:11:36 AM all this year's English movies in your iPhone. (I am English) Why would anybody want that? How much is that in Libraries Of Congress? I meant English or American speaking. In n some quarters the TERMS are used interchangeably. Almost 2000 films are made in the western world in one year. Exclude Japan. They have an endless stream of animated films. Actually, the l Library of Congress in text format would be, I think, less drive space. But they have PUT maps and PHOTOS and other media on line. Quote For instance, we can as of this moment say that the approximate amount of our collections that are digitized and freely and publicly available on the Internet is about 74 terabytes. We can also say that we have about 15.3 million digital items online. That quote includes everything on line. It is and old quote. A i Phone with a still theoretical racetrack in in might be about 2 to 4 terabytes. Not enough space for the LOC. So you wound have to have about a dozen racetrack chips in your pocket to have most of the good stuff.

263.

Solve : Racetrack Memory?

Answer»

Quote

IBM researchers today revealed a previously unknown aspect of key physics inside Racetrack memory -- a new technology design which stands to improve memory capabilities within mobile phones, laptop computers and business-class servers. This new class of memory could enable devices to store much more INFORMATION - as much as a factor of 100 times greater - while using much less energy than today's designs.

Link

WOW. Not until I READ it did I even come close to grasping the significance of this. It would be like if you could have all this year's English movies in your iPhone.
Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 29, 2010, 11:11:36 AM

all this year's English movies in your iPhone.

(I am English) Why would anybody want that? How much is that in Libraries Of Congress?

I meant English or American speaking.
In n some quarters the TERMS are used interchangeably.
Almost 2000 films are made in the western world in one year. Exclude Japan. They have an endless stream of animated films.

Actually, the l Library of Congress in text format would be, I think, less drive space. But they have PUT maps and PHOTOS and other media on line.
Quote

For instance, we can as of this moment say that the approximate amount of our collections that are digitized and freely and publicly available on the Internet is about 74 terabytes. We can also say that we have about 15.3 million digital items online.

That quote includes everything on line. It is and old quote.

A i Phone with a still theoretical racetrack in in might be about 2 to 4 terabytes. Not enough space for the LOC. So you wound have to have about a dozen racetrack chips in your pocket to have most of the good stuff.

Discussion

264.	Solve : Andrid 3 Tablet / Mobile by LG announced?
Answer» Andrid 3 Tablet / Mobile by LG announced. (Now they are called G-Slates) Yahoo story with video on the bottom. http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_technews/20110106/tc_yblog_technews/motorola-lg-announce-first-android-honeycomb-tablets Jyst the Video on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fiZt6Hws0s&feature=player_embedded To me, it just looks LIKE another Android. Did I MISS something? It looks interesting to me. It's so ANNOYING that the iPad doesn't do flash. Seriously, you might not want a full flash WEBSITE, but there's flash everywhere on the web. I'll definitely consider the Google tablet when it comes out. Quote from: floydgonzales on January 13, 2011, 02:05:16 AM It's so annoying that the iPad doesn't do flash. I don't FIND it annoying at all, to be honest.

264.

Solve : Andrid 3 Tablet / Mobile by LG announced?

Answer»

Andrid 3 Tablet / Mobile by LG announced.
(Now they are called G-Slates)

Yahoo story with video on the bottom.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_technews/20110106/tc_yblog_technews/motorola-lg-announce-first-android-honeycomb-tablets

Jyst the Video on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fiZt6Hws0s&feature=player_embedded

To me, it just looks LIKE another Android.
Did I MISS something? It looks interesting to me. It's so ANNOYING that the iPad doesn't do flash. Seriously, you might not want a full flash WEBSITE, but there's flash everywhere on the web. I'll definitely consider the Google tablet when it comes out. Quote from: floydgonzales on January 13, 2011, 02:05:16 AM

It's so annoying that the iPad doesn't do flash.

I don't FIND it annoying at all, to be honest.

Discussion

265.	Solve : 393 Torrents Down No One Notices. When??
Answer» Quote BREIN Shuts Down 393 Torrent Sites, No One Notices \| TorrentFreak Working on behalf of the MPAA and their HOLLYWOOD studio partners, anti-piracy outfit BREIN achieved a notable victory last year when it partially shut down Mininova. http://torrentfreak.com/brein-shuts-down-393-torrent-sites-no-one-notices-100110/ A bing search indicates this is a new item. Really? When did this happen? Another: Quote Dozens of torrent sites, including well-known platforms like BTMON.com, BTJunkie.org and myBittorrent.com, could be forced to shut down by the end of this week, leaving the file http://gigaom.com/video/dozens-of-torrent-sites-may-be-shut-down/ Bing SAID this was one DAY ago. But the date is Nov 27. Is this news or not? did this really happen? How come nobody said anything? Or does it even MATTER? Inquiring minds need to know. -Right? By "sites" they probably mean "trackers".Thanks. That makes more sense. After some checking, it was the PIRATES Bay that went down this last weekend. http://erictric.com/2010/12/26/the-pirate-bay-goes-down-on-christmas-weekend/

265.

Solve : 393 Torrents Down No One Notices. When??

Answer»

Quote

BREIN Shuts Down 393 Torrent Sites, No One Notices | TorrentFreak
Working on behalf of the MPAA and their HOLLYWOOD studio partners, anti-piracy outfit BREIN achieved a notable victory last year when it partially shut down Mininova.
http://torrentfreak.com/brein-shuts-down-393-torrent-sites-no-one-notices-100110/

A bing search indicates this is a new item. Really? When did this happen?
Another:
Quote

Dozens of torrent sites, including well-known platforms like BTMON.com, BTJunkie.org and myBittorrent.com, could be forced to shut down by the end of this week, leaving the file
http://gigaom.com/video/dozens-of-torrent-sites-may-be-shut-down/

Bing SAID this was one DAY ago. But the date is Nov 27.
Is this news or not? did this really happen? How come nobody said anything? Or does it even MATTER? Inquiring minds need to know. -Right?
By "sites" they probably mean "trackers".Thanks. That makes more sense.
After some checking, it was the PIRATES Bay that went down this last weekend.
http://erictric.com/2010/12/26/the-pirate-bay-goes-down-on-christmas-weekend/

Discussion

266.	Solve : Opera Goes to 11 With Extensions, ‘Tab Stacking’?
Answer» Opera now offers extensions, i.e. third party add-ons, something it has not done prior to the latest version. And, Opera 11 features Tab Stacking, With Tab Stacking, "You group related tabs by dragging them on top of each other. Your “stack” then collapses down into a single tab. To access the tabs in a stack, you simply mouse over the group and it expands, or you can click the ARROW to the RIGHT of the grouped tab, which has the same effect." Full article at http://www.webmonkey.com/2010/12/opera-goes-to-11-with-extensions-tab-stacking/Much APPRECIATED soybean. Opera is my personal browser of choice and this will certainly ENHANCE the tabs functionality.truenorthI always keep Opera installed as a backup and this looks LIKE a great release. Thanks This looks neat...maybe I'll actually install Opera now.

Discussion

267.	Solve : CNET does CES awards in Las Vegas.?
Answer» CNET does CES awards in Las Vegas. http://ces.cnet.com/ Overall predicable with nice surprises. (Cn't believe I said that.)That was a well done award ceremony, it was a little slow but overall thought it was well PUT TOGETHER. I agree with both the major winners although I don't think I'd be purchasing a Razer Switchblade any time soon. I like the technology behind it, but if I'm going to do serious gaming I can't see going to anything smaller than a computer monitor. In my opinion small screens are MEANT for small quick to play games. Was a little surprised that the Acer Iconia didn't even get mentioned. Thought it had some cool CONCEPTS.

Discussion

268.	Solve : PS3 hacks?
Answer» Quote Sony has launched legal action against hackers who uncovered and published security codes for the PlayStation 3 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12171423 Interesting to see how this turns out.rthompson80819, Thank you so much for the story. Before I read the story I had an idea, but upon reading it I saw there is more involved here that just the copyrights of Sony. And no, I am not defending copyright INFRINGEMENT. One has to read the story very carefully. This MAY hurt Sony if they are overly aggressive.I think Nintendo v. Tengen may have set a precedent that will no doubt be used in that CASE. Quote from: BC_Programmer on January 12, 2011, 08:46:18 PM I think Nintendo v. Tengen may have set a precedent that will no doubt be used in that case. You must be REFERRING to this: Quote Tengen was a video game publisher and developer that was created by arcade game manufacturer Atari Games. ....... Tengen faced another court challenge with Nintendo in 1989 in copyright controversy over Tetris. Tengen lost this suit as well and was forced to recall what was estimated to be hundreds of thousands of unsold cartridges http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengen_%28company%2 But here is a more recent item from the UK. Quote Nintendo v Playables - the latest modchip case considered Posted on 12.8.10 by JAS Purewal Nintendo v Playables, the UK High Court decision on modchips delivered last week, was not a groundbreaking decision. It simply reinforces the fact that previous caselaw has already found that the sale and distribution of modchips breaches UK copyright laws and is therefore illegal. So, this decision did not make modchips illegal for the first time under UK law. It is still an important decision, however, because it forms part of a continuing move in the US/UK towards outlawing modchips altogether – an approach which is not shared in certain other countries, particularly in Europe ... http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2010/08/nintendo-v-playables-latest-modchip.html But the PS3 hacks suit in this topic is aimed at individuals , not competitors. Quote from: Geek-9pm on January 12, 2011, 09:16:44 PM You must be referring to this No. I'm not. I'm referring to Tengen's circumvention of the 10NES chip.

268.

Solve : PS3 hacks?

Answer»

Quote

Sony has launched legal action against hackers who uncovered and published security codes for the PlayStation 3

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12171423

Interesting to see how this turns out.rthompson80819, Thank you so much for the story.
Before I read the story I had an idea, but upon reading it I saw there is more involved here that just the copyrights of Sony. And no, I am not defending copyright INFRINGEMENT. One has to read the story very carefully. This MAY hurt Sony if they are overly aggressive.I think Nintendo v. Tengen may have set a precedent that will no doubt be used in that CASE. Quote from: BC_Programmer on January 12, 2011, 08:46:18 PM

I think Nintendo v. Tengen may have set a precedent that will no doubt be used in that case.

You must be REFERRING to this:
Quote

Tengen was a video game publisher and developer that was created by arcade game manufacturer Atari Games.
.......
Tengen faced another court challenge with Nintendo in 1989 in copyright controversy over Tetris. Tengen lost this suit as well and was forced to recall what was estimated to be hundreds of thousands of unsold cartridges
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tengen_%28company%2

But here is a more recent item from the UK.
Quote

Nintendo v Playables - the latest modchip case considered
Posted on 12.8.10 by JAS Purewal
Nintendo v Playables, the UK High Court decision on modchips delivered last week, was not a groundbreaking decision. It simply reinforces the fact that previous caselaw has already found that the sale and distribution of modchips breaches UK copyright laws and is therefore illegal. So, this decision did not make modchips illegal for the first time under UK law. It is still an important decision, however, because it forms part of a continuing move in the US/UK towards outlawing modchips altogether – an approach which is not shared in certain other countries, particularly in Europe ...
http://www.gamerlaw.co.uk/2010/08/nintendo-v-playables-latest-modchip.html

But the PS3 hacks suit in this topic is aimed at individuals , not competitors.
Quote from: Geek-9pm on January 12, 2011, 09:16:44 PM

You must be referring to this

No. I'm not. I'm referring to Tengen's circumvention of the 10NES chip.

Discussion

269.	Solve : Amiga?
Answer» I grew up with the Amiga and I have the emulator on this laptop to feel a little nostalgia but lets be fair it was epic for it's time... It gave us workbench, a poor mans windows and a atleast we no longer started our games with tapes.. for the older people here. History of the Amiga I have tried to buy an Amiga online but they always feel slightly over priced... I will get there. I've never had an Amiga. It looks pretty neat though. What's the name of that emulator? Quote from: Mulreay on December 05, 2010, 05:03:56 PM I have tried to buy an Amiga online but they always feel slightly over priced... I will get there. SPEAKING of overpriced... I was looking at vintage computers for sale the other night and came across this. That's gotta be a typo. Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 06, 2010, 02:30:25 AM I've never had an Amiga. It looks pretty neat though. What's the name of that emulator? The emulator is WinUAE http://www.winuae.net/ and you can get the games from http://www.thegamearchives.com/?val=0_2_1_0_0_4_17_0_0_0_0 Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 06, 2010, 02:30:25 AM Speaking of overpriced... I was looking at vintage computers for sale the other night and came across this. That's gotta be a typo. Man that is expensive. I don't think it's a typo though, just very rare.Besides gaming, back in it's day, with VideoToaster software and hardware it was considered by many as the best video production and character generator tool. Quote from: rthompson80819 on December 06, 2010, 12:57:52 PM Besides gaming, back in it's day, with VideoToaster software and hardware it was considered by many as the best video production and character generator tool. That was on the Computer Chronicles episodes SHOWCASING the Amiga, showed some pretty amazing stuff. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 06, 2010, 01:47:35 PM That was on the Computer Chronicles episodes showcasing the Amiga, showed some pretty amazing stuff. AHH things were so simple back then, seems more and more difficult to amaze us these days.We can say it has an established reputation for delivering phenomenal graphics and high performance multimedia on PCs and mobile devices. Really it was a family of personal computers sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. And its first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer. And I WANT to know more about it, anyone have the information about it so PLEASE share with me . Here's a good article about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga

269.

Solve : Amiga?

Answer»

I grew up with the Amiga and I have the emulator on this laptop to feel a little nostalgia but lets be fair it was epic for it's time... It gave us workbench, a poor mans windows and a atleast we no longer started our games with tapes.. for the older people here.

History of the Amiga

I have tried to buy an Amiga online but they always feel slightly over priced... I will get there.

I've never had an Amiga. It looks pretty neat though. What's the name of that emulator?

Quote from: Mulreay on December 05, 2010, 05:03:56 PM

I have tried to buy an Amiga online but they always feel slightly over priced... I will get there.

SPEAKING of overpriced... I was looking at vintage computers for sale the other night and came across this.

That's gotta be a typo. Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 06, 2010, 02:30:25 AM

I've never had an Amiga. It looks pretty neat though. What's the name of that emulator?

The emulator is WinUAE http://www.winuae.net/
and you can get the games from http://www.thegamearchives.com/?val=0_2_1_0_0_4_17_0_0_0_0

Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 06, 2010, 02:30:25 AM

Speaking of overpriced... I was looking at vintage computers for sale the other night and came across this.
That's gotta be a typo.

Man that is expensive. I don't think it's a typo though, just very rare.Besides gaming, back in it's day, with VideoToaster software and hardware it was considered by many as the best video production and character generator tool. Quote from: rthompson80819 on December 06, 2010, 12:57:52 PM

Besides gaming, back in it's day, with VideoToaster software and hardware it was considered by many as the best video production and character generator tool.

That was on the Computer Chronicles episodes SHOWCASING the Amiga, showed some pretty amazing stuff. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 06, 2010, 01:47:35 PM

That was on the Computer Chronicles episodes showcasing the Amiga, showed some pretty amazing stuff.

AHH things were so simple back then, seems more and more difficult to amaze us these days.We can say it has an established reputation for delivering phenomenal graphics and high performance multimedia on PCs and mobile devices. Really it was a family of personal computers sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. And its first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer. And I WANT to know more about it, anyone have the information about it so PLEASE share with me . Here's a good article about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amiga

Discussion

270.	Solve : 'Forced' into a $1.5m book deal ..Crime does not pay??
Answer» FORCED' into a $1.5m BOOK deal to fund defence * From: The Sunday Times * December 27, 2010 12:00AM THE founder of the WikiLeaks website has signed a deal for his AUTOBIOGRAPHY that will earn him more than $1.5million. Full Story... First off he is not "Forced" to do this. Secondly you say this story is from "The Sunday Times" but you give a link to "The Australian". What is up with that?Thirdly he is not a "criminal". He is a hero. He'll NEED all of that money to fight the lies and the smears. Quote from: Salmon Trout on December 27, 2010, 02:20:01 AM Thirdly he is not a "criminal". He is a hero. He'll need all of that money to fight the lies and the smears. He should be hung. Except I wouldn't want to see any extra "compassion" for the guy.Hmmm? If the gave me a chice--- - Write a book OR - be hung NEW wek - I could say - NOT for a million $ But I would cave in at 1.5 million $ Quote from: michaewlewis on December 27, 2010, 09:44:41 AM He should be hung. Except I wouldn't want to see any extra "compassion" for the guy. He showed up US war crimes, twofaced doublecrosses and breaches of international law. He deserves a medal. This is already taking a turn for the worst, so I'm locking it now before it gets out of hand.

270.

Solve : 'Forced' into a $1.5m book deal ..Crime does not pay??

Answer» FORCED' into a $1.5m BOOK deal to fund defence
* From: The Sunday Times
* December 27, 2010 12:00AM
THE founder of the WikiLeaks website has signed a deal for his AUTOBIOGRAPHY that will earn him more than $1.5million.

Full Story...

First off he is not "Forced" to do this.

Secondly you say this story is from "The Sunday Times" but you give a link to "The Australian". What is up with that?Thirdly he is not a "criminal". He is a hero. He'll NEED all of that money to fight the lies and the smears.

Quote from: Salmon Trout on December 27, 2010, 02:20:01 AM

Thirdly he is not a "criminal". He is a hero. He'll need all of that money to fight the lies and the smears.

He should be hung. Except I wouldn't want to see any extra "compassion" for the guy.Hmmm?
If the gave me a chice---
- Write a book
OR
- be hung NEW wek -

I could say - NOT for a million $

But I would cave in at 1.5 million $

Quote from: michaewlewis on December 27, 2010, 09:44:41 AM

He should be hung. Except I wouldn't want to see any extra "compassion" for the guy.

He showed up US war crimes, twofaced doublecrosses and breaches of international law. He deserves a medal.
This is already taking a turn for the worst, so I'm locking it now before it gets out of hand.

Discussion

271.	Solve : This is an interesting concept?
Answer» http://www.canada.com/life/Researchers+trying+create+delete+button+Internet/4047664/story.html truenorthinteresting concept, but from what I gather, sites would have to FULLY cooperate; they're RATHER sketchy on the details of the whole thing, but the whole "shared-key" thing doesn't really work so well unless the site itself promises to never look at the decoded data; either that, or it becomes browser-side and thus needs javascript. And of course if the information is posted elsewhere, or the data from the facebook (or other participating page) is copied or, more likely, archived, that archived data will be the decoded text (unless, again, they use a client-side solution of scripts) so I imagine there would be some KINKS to work out. Personally I sort of question the necessity of such a thing, but I don't use facebook or twitter or any of those sites, so maybe I'm just not hip enough to get it Nor do I "but I don't use facebook or twitter or any of those sites, so maybe I'm just not hip enough to get it" but it was the "downstream" statements of where it "MIGHT " lead to in terms of an expanded use that i found interesting. Given that there is NOT a functioning PRODUCT available yet i feel certain the developers shall persist as i see a great desire for this. Yes to be effective it will need to recognize and deal with the limitations you are noting. However the already demonstrated technological marvels we have witnessed leads me to believe with confidence this shall come to pass. truenorth

Discussion

272.	Solve : Sandy Bridge?
Answer» Quote She's finally here. At last, Intel is taking the wraps off of one of the most anticipated bits of silicon we've seen in years: Sandy Bridge. At the heart of Sandy Bridge is an essentially new processor microarchitecture, the most sweeping architectural TRANSITION from Intel since the introduction of the star-crossed Pentium 4. Nearly EVERYTHING has changed, from the branch predictors through the out-of-order execution engine and into the memory subsystem. Beyond its potent new cores, Sandy Bridge incorporates more of a PC's basic functions on a SINGLE square of silicon than any prior CPU in its class. Not only does it have the memory controller and PCIe links (in ADDITION to TWO to four CPU cores), but it also brings a graphics processor onboard. Excellent 19 page article Another in-depth articleI hope the CPU architecture is better than the writing quality of that extract. The "star-crossed" Pentium 4? "potent" cores? Having looked at the article, I see that the author doesn't know the difference between mathematics and arithmetic (Hint: people do mathematics, FPUs do arithmetic).

272.

Solve : Sandy Bridge?

Answer»

Quote

She's finally here. At last, Intel is taking the wraps off of one of the most anticipated bits of silicon we've seen in years: Sandy Bridge.

At the heart of Sandy Bridge is an essentially new processor microarchitecture, the most sweeping architectural TRANSITION from Intel since the introduction of the star-crossed Pentium 4. Nearly EVERYTHING has changed, from the branch predictors through the out-of-order execution engine and into the memory subsystem.

Beyond its potent new cores, Sandy Bridge incorporates more of a PC's basic functions on a SINGLE square of silicon than any prior CPU in its class. Not only does it have the memory controller and PCIe links (in ADDITION to TWO to four CPU cores), but it also brings a graphics processor onboard.

Excellent 19 page article

Another in-depth articleI hope the CPU architecture is better than the writing quality of that extract. The "star-crossed" Pentium 4? "potent" cores? Having looked at the article, I see that the author doesn't know the difference between mathematics and arithmetic (Hint: people do mathematics, FPUs do arithmetic).

Discussion

273.	Solve : Ftance: Tax iPads, not Windows?
Answer» France WANTS tablet-tax for IPAD and ANDROID slates while Windows exempt December 29, 2010 8:47 AM PST CNET (but LINK is from slashgear.com) Full STORY Here...

Discussion

274.	Solve : Hold the Fiber! Intel does Copper!?
Answer» Hold the Fiber! Intel does Copper! Don't switch to fiber optics - until you first look at Intel's news release of Dec 13 Intel Light Peak Connector Tech to Eschew Fiber Optics for Copper in Initial Release This video is from earlier this year: Intel Light Peak To Arrive In 2011censored 10 gigabits/sec. That's insane.forget sata 3, hook up your ssd with one of those.....Given that : The PRINT collections of the U.S. Library of Congress are 10 terabytes, At 10 gaga bits per second how long would it take?They're not gagabits Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 14, 2010, 02:33:23 PM Given that : The print collections of the U.S. Library of Congress are 10 terabytes, At 10 gaga bits per second how long would it take? First, Let's define a gaga bit; I'm going to assume that this is the length of Queen's "Radio Ga Ga" in pure WAV format at STANDARD CD quality: this comes to 60,588,032 bytes, or 484,704,256 bits, which we multiply by ten (for ten gagabits) to get 4,847,042,560 bps. 10 terabytes = 101024102410241024*8 = 87,960,930,222,080 bits so at 10 gagabits, it would take 87,960,930,222,080/4,847,042,560, or 18,147.3 seconds. or about 5 HOURS 5 minutes or so. Note, other studies have been done using other values for the "gagabit" generally revolving around calculations involving contemporary artist "Lady gaga" however, I chose to go with a band/singer combination that doesn't sound like a zombie monkey trying to scratch it's way out of a closed toilet tank. Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 14, 2010, 02:33:23 PM At 10 gaga bits per second That sounds more like a measurement of some one losing their lunch. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 14, 2010, 10:59:45 PM Note, other studies have been done using other values for the "gagabit" generally revolving around calculations involving contemporary artist "Lady gaga" however, I chose to go with a band/singer combination that doesn't sound like a zombie monkey trying to scratch it's way out of a closed toilet tank. Many people get gaga bits confused with gagabits. They look similar, but are PRONOUNCED differently. The gagabit is pronounced "gag a bit". These are the units of measure commonly chosen for the studies that relate to Lady Gaga. The most common reaction people have upon seeing or hearing Lady Gaga is to gag a bit, choking back the SURGE of bile that that hideous creature induces. The more gagabits per second, the greater the feeling of disgust/revulsion. The typical Lady Gaga concert produces up to 1.3 x 10^5 gagabits per second.

274.

Solve : Hold the Fiber! Intel does Copper!?

Answer»

Hold the Fiber! Intel does Copper!
Don't switch to fiber optics
- until you first look at Intel's news release of Dec 13
Intel Light Peak Connector Tech to Eschew Fiber Optics for Copper in Initial Release

This video is from earlier this year:
Intel Light Peak To Arrive In 2011*censored* 10 gigabits/sec. That's insane.forget sata 3, hook up your ssd with one of those.....Given that :
The PRINT collections of the U.S. Library of Congress are 10 terabytes,
At 10 gaga bits per second how long would it take?They're not gagabits Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 14, 2010, 02:33:23 PM

Given that :
The print collections of the U.S. Library of Congress are 10 terabytes,
At 10 gaga bits per second how long would it take?

First, Let's define a gaga bit; I'm going to assume that this is the length of Queen's "Radio Ga Ga" in pure WAV format at STANDARD CD quality:

this comes to 60,588,032 bytes, or 484,704,256 bits, which we multiply by ten (for ten gagabits) to get 4,847,042,560 bps.

10 terabytes = 10*1024*1024*1024*1024*8 = 87,960,930,222,080 bits

so at 10 gagabits, it would take 87,960,930,222,080/4,847,042,560, or

18,147.3 seconds. or about 5 HOURS 5 minutes or so.

Note, other studies have been done using other values for the "gagabit" generally revolving around calculations involving contemporary artist "Lady gaga" however, I chose to go with a band/singer combination that doesn't sound like a zombie monkey trying to scratch it's way out of a closed toilet tank.
Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 14, 2010, 02:33:23 PM

At 10 gaga bits per second

That sounds more like a measurement of some one losing their lunch. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 14, 2010, 10:59:45 PM

Note, other studies have been done using other values for the "gagabit" generally revolving around calculations involving contemporary artist "Lady gaga" however, I chose to go with a band/singer combination that doesn't sound like a zombie monkey trying to scratch it's way out of a closed toilet tank.

Many people get gaga bits confused with gagabits. They look similar, but are PRONOUNCED differently. The gagabit is pronounced "gag a bit". These are the units of measure commonly chosen for the studies that relate to Lady Gaga.

The most common reaction people have upon seeing or hearing Lady Gaga is to gag a bit, choking back the SURGE of bile that that hideous creature induces. The more gagabits per second, the greater the feeling of disgust/revulsion. The typical Lady Gaga concert produces up to 1.3 x 10^5 gagabits per second.

Discussion

275.	Solve : Bittorrent sites live again in non-US domains...LOL?
Answer» http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1928821/bittorrent-sites-live-domains Quote THE US GOVERNMENT'S seizure of dozens of website domains to stop bittorrent filesharing has been a total waste of time. Websites LIKE TORRENT Finder are already operating under .info domains, beyond the reach of the US government, hours after the seizure action. http://torrent-finder.info/ Quote THE US GOVERNMENT'S seizure of dozens of website domains to stop bittorrent filesharing has been a total waste of time. ... and tax dollars Here's ICE bragging about the seizures. http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1011/101129washington.htmWhile in principle it is hard to find the moral ground to argue against this attempt at curtailment of copyright infringement: i do have an observation as it pertains to a quote of content from within JJ's link. "We are dedicated to protecting the jobs, the income and the tax revenue that disappear when counterfeit goods are trafficked." This from a branch of a Government that does little if anything to "curtail/control/restrict/etc the outflow of income/jobs/taxes/etc to FOREIGN (cheap labor) shores of domestic corporations intent on enhancing corporate and personal executive remuneration with little or no regard to the social consequences at home. Lest it be construed that i am U.S. bashing it NEEDS to be said that we in Canada and as far as i can see most of the "western" world engages in this practice vis a vis it's largely absent control in this arena. What profound hypocrisy. truenorth P.S. A cynical person might believe that the "real" concern here is the protection of corporate interests and not public interests. Of course i do not believe that.And if you believe that i have a herd of woolly mammoths i would like to sell you. I have removed a vast swathe of off-topic stuff here because I feel it would have seeded what would have been a completely off-topic debate. And personally I don't have time to waste on such nonsense. It's definitely a waste of time shutting down any web-site based on a single countries laws because they can simply get a host in another country and be outside the jurisdiction of those laws.BC,Where and when would you like to take delivery of the woolly mammoth herd. I am in a position with many factual cases of corporate abuse to demonstrate the observation i have made. But again as in an earlier instance i urge you to bring what is an obviously very fertile mind to do some research based on the inquisitive notion of "could there be any valid basis for the assertion truenorth is making?". Or as i suspect there may be others coming forth with their points of view and the result might be a good debate (unless of course someone requests that it be LOCKED) truenorth P.S. As a fellow Canadian i am sure you are aware of 2 recent cases where in fact the Canadian Federal Government disallowed the transfer of significant Canadian assets to foreign ownership. "As not being in the net benefit to Canadians". Agreed a slightly different case but does go to the heart of protecting ones National interests as i suggest so too does the original situation. Please do NOT assume i am a protectionist (i am not). But i am definitely against exploitation be it foreign or domestic. P.P.S. Just to give you a small nudge check this out- http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_25/b4039001.htm Hope that you will NOT find the source overly sensationalist.

275.

Solve : Bittorrent sites live again in non-US domains...LOL?

Answer» http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1928821/bittorrent-sites-live-domains
Quote

THE US GOVERNMENT'S seizure of dozens of website domains to stop bittorrent filesharing has been a total waste of time.

Websites LIKE TORRENT Finder are already operating under .info domains, beyond the reach of the US government, hours after the seizure action.

http://torrent-finder.info/ Quote

THE US GOVERNMENT'S seizure of dozens of website domains to stop bittorrent filesharing has been a total waste of time.

... and tax dollars

Here's ICE bragging about the seizures.
http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1011/101129washington.htmWhile in principle it is hard to find the moral ground to argue against this attempt at curtailment of copyright infringement: i do have an observation as it pertains to a quote of content from within JJ's link.
"We are dedicated to protecting the jobs, the income and the tax revenue that disappear when counterfeit goods are trafficked."
This from a branch of a Government that does little if anything to "curtail/control/restrict/etc the outflow of income/jobs/taxes/etc to FOREIGN (cheap labor) shores of domestic corporations intent on enhancing corporate and personal executive remuneration with little or no regard to the social consequences at home. Lest it be construed that i am U.S. bashing it NEEDS to be said that we in Canada and as far as i can see most of the "western" world engages in this practice vis a vis it's largely absent control in this arena. What profound hypocrisy. truenorth
P.S. A cynical person might believe that the "real" concern here is the protection of corporate interests and not public interests. Of course i do not believe that.And if you believe that i have a herd of woolly mammoths i would like to sell you. I have removed a vast swathe of off-topic stuff here because I feel it would have seeded what would have been a completely off-topic debate. And personally I don't have time to waste on such nonsense.

It's definitely a waste of time shutting down any web-site based on a single countries laws because they can simply get a host in another country and be outside the jurisdiction of those laws.BC,Where and when would you like to take delivery of the woolly mammoth herd. I am in a position with many factual cases of corporate abuse to demonstrate the observation i have made. But again as in an earlier instance i urge you to bring what is an obviously very fertile mind to do some research based on the inquisitive notion of "could there be any valid basis for the assertion truenorth is making?". Or as i suspect there may be others coming forth with their points of view and the result might be a good debate (unless of course someone requests that it be LOCKED) truenorth
P.S. As a fellow Canadian i am sure you are aware of 2 recent cases where in fact the Canadian Federal Government disallowed the transfer of significant Canadian assets to foreign ownership. "As not being in the net benefit to Canadians". Agreed a slightly different case but does go to the heart of protecting ones National interests as i suggest so too does the original situation. Please do NOT assume i am a protectionist (i am not). But i am definitely against exploitation be it foreign or domestic.
P.P.S. Just to give you a small nudge check this out-
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_25/b4039001.htm
Hope that you will NOT find the source overly sensationalist.

Discussion

276.	Solve : Tablet PCs Flodding Market?
Answer» WHITE Box Market Sees TABLETS Flooding In... FULL Story..

Discussion

277.	Solve : Sellers Behind eBay's Antitrust Lawsuit?
Answer» Quote By Ina Steiner AuctionBytes.com December 23, 2010 As AuctionBytes reports today, five sellers have filed an antitrust lawsuit against eBay claiming its Detailed Seller Ratings feedback policy is destroying the livelihood of small eBay auction sellers and is undermining the ability of small auction sellers to compete with larger sellers. FULL Story Here...Well, that sucks for them, but as a buyer, I prefer the new ratings system over the old ONE. Sellers abused the old system so badly that people were often too afraid to leave honest feedback because they WOULD have to worry about how the sellers would react. The ratings system still needs a lot of work, of course, but it has taken a STEP in the right direction as far as I'm concerned.There's more... The Bill Me later issue will show up --- Later!

277.

Solve : Sellers Behind eBay's Antitrust Lawsuit?

Answer»

Quote

By Ina Steiner
AuctionBytes.com
December 23, 2010
As AuctionBytes reports today, five sellers have filed an antitrust lawsuit against eBay claiming its Detailed Seller Ratings feedback policy is destroying the livelihood of small eBay auction sellers and is undermining the ability of small auction sellers to compete with larger sellers.

FULL Story Here...Well, that sucks for them, but as a buyer, I prefer the new ratings system over the old ONE. Sellers abused the old system so badly that people were often too afraid to leave honest feedback because they WOULD have to worry about how the sellers would react. The ratings system still needs a lot of work, of course, but it has taken a STEP in the right direction as far as I'm concerned.There's more... The Bill Me later issue will show up
--- Later!

Discussion

278.	Solve : Apad 7inch with multitouch screen.?
Answer» Hello, everyone, i want to find a apad tablet pc, basically what i want is a tablet that can browse web and play flash... 7inch screen and it will be perfect if it have a multitouch screen, android 2.1 or 2.2 OS and i want to be able to use skype and video calls. Of course, i need one have a front camera, coz i need to chat with my customers online sometimes, and the battery life would be at least last 3 hours, also android market be installed. I have searched online and found a 7 inch one with android 2.1 seems can meets my requirements, and specs with that apad android are as follows: Processor: Telechip 8902,CPU 800MHZ O/S: Android 2.1 Memory/Hard disk:256M OPTIONAL/4GB(8G/16G are optional) Display:7" TFT RESISTANCE touch screen,800*480 Support: 1.3M pixel,TF card; HDMI interface output Office software: support word,Excel,Power point and email function Audio/Video:Support 3D game1080P HDMI video,music,chat,picture Other function: Support WIFI, External 3G,Bluetooth Specifications: 1 TF cardreader Network: Wireless LAN 802.11 Images WiFi& option: 3G(WCDMA/tdscdma/EVDO) PC camera: 1.3 mega pixels Power: Battery type lithium-ion 3000mah Battery life and worktime: Up to 4 hours of surfing the web using 3G data network In/output adapter: Input: AC100-240v 50-60Hz Output: 5v 2a Application soft ware: Google search /browser /camcorder/camera/email/gmail Video player/audio player/alarm clock /apk /calculator Calendar/es file explorer /es task manager/global time Google maps /google talk/ireader/market/nc manager Pdf reader/photo browser/weather forecast Audio player: MP3,WMA,ape,flac,ogg,wav FREQUENCY response: 20Hz to 20000Hz Video player: AVI, mkv(xvid/px/h. 264), MOV, ts, m2ts, RM/RMVB, flv, wav 3GP, MPEG, dat, MP4 (support to 720p: 1080x720) DIMENSION: 19x11.8x1.4cm unit N. W: 0.16kg Does anyone have any recommendations? would be appreciated for any suggestions. I have one of those. Picture here- http://geek9pm.com/jpg/h-android7.jpg Later on I might write a review if there is much interest. Right now I do not see it as much competition for the APPLE iPad. But the price is nice. About $180 at some Wal-Mart stores in the USA. Ir does not run MS software.

Discussion

279.	Solve : American Internet Use Catches Up With TV Use?
Answer» American Internet Use Catches Up With TV UseUnless it escaped my reading of the article the amount of time use is not stated as to whether it is PER day/week/year or whatever. I have to believe it must be per week as if it is per day very little else is getting done. truenorthYes, I noticed that too. I also think it must be referring to weekly use. Quote from: truenorth on December 14, 2010, 04:26:25 PM Unless it escaped my reading of the article the amount of time use is not stated as to whether it is per day/week/year or whatever. I have to believe it must be per week as if it is per day very little else is getting done. truenorth I think it's per hour.

Discussion

280.	Solve : Marin DA Sues Overstock.com?
Answer» County District Attorney to Sue Overstock.com Today on San Rafael Patch. Full Story Seems LIKE a FAIR lawsuit with quotes like this. Quote In ONE example, Berberian said, Overstock advertised a patio set for sale for $449.99 and CLAIMED the normal "list price" for the furniture was $999. One consumer who ordered the set found a price TAG from WalMart on the box, indicating the price was $247.

280.

Solve : Marin DA Sues Overstock.com?

Answer»

County District Attorney to Sue Overstock.com
Today on San Rafael Patch.
Full Story
Seems LIKE a FAIR lawsuit with quotes like this.

Quote

In ONE example, Berberian said, Overstock advertised a patio set for sale for $449.99 and CLAIMED the normal "list price" for the furniture was $999. One consumer who ordered the set found a price TAG from WalMart on the box, indicating the price was $247.

Discussion

281.	Solve : Ancient Greek Computer Gets Rebuilt Using Lego?
Answer» Quote 2000 years ago the Greeks built a device designed to calculate the motion of celestial bodies, a computer now called the Antikythera mechanism. Lost for centuries at the bottom of the ocean, it was pulled up in 1901 and has baffled scientists until recently. This year, designer Andrew Carol built the first working COPY of the computer out of Lego BRICKS, LinkOh. That link is slow to LOAD. Using Lego parts would be a real feat. I want to see it. But here is another model, but not the Lego model. This shows how COMPLICATED the THING must have been. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrfMFhrgOFc Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 11, 2010, 08:51:23 PM Oh. That link is slow to load. Try this one. Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 11, 2010, 10:47:48 PM Try this one. AWESOME! We have to re-think our ideas about the ancient Greeks. They had skills beyond what we previously thought.

281.

Solve : Ancient Greek Computer Gets Rebuilt Using Lego?

Answer»

Quote

2000 years ago the Greeks built a device designed to calculate the motion of celestial bodies, a computer now called the Antikythera mechanism. Lost for centuries at the bottom of the ocean, it was pulled up in 1901 and has baffled scientists until recently. This year, designer Andrew Carol built the first working COPY of the computer out of Lego BRICKS,

LinkOh. That link is slow to LOAD.
Using Lego parts would be a real feat. I want to see it.
But here is another model, but not the Lego model.
This shows how COMPLICATED the THING must have been.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrfMFhrgOFc Quote from: Geek-9pm on December 11, 2010, 08:51:23 PM

Oh. That link is slow to load.

Try this one. Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 11, 2010, 10:47:48 PM

Try this one.

AWESOME!
We have to re-think our ideas about the ancient Greeks. They had skills beyond what we previously thought.

Discussion

282.	Solve : Canon/HP Multifunction printers have bugs planted in them at factory??
Answer» I had this subject also in Hardware the other day and here is an update from my Computer Security Guru below. I have a Canon (he says also infected) and control panel has a printer in ADD Hardware, imaging, that I have never owned that keeps kicking out my Canon and requires a reinstall of the driver to get it to work again for awhile. China can read your computer when on line using these printers he says.. Quote When discussing HP printers, It's important to organize the things we know about China: (1) China is a Communist Country (That's what PRC stands for) (2) They are in competition with us for most commerce. (3) They have a major plan for offensive Cyber warfare. (4) They are looking for places to install "takeover" routines for future attacks. (5) They have a record of installing malware in Flash drives, picture frames and other electronic devices sold in the USA. (6) They have a contract to Manufacture HP products for the US. (7) Chinese companies also get paid by the PRC government to conduct offensive Cyber operations (Per State Cable traffic, courtesy of Wiki) ( The "all in one" HP printer based firmware won't be changed out in a $150 product....(it's not cost effective) (9) users will use it with impunity, powering it up "all the time"....... What are the chances/possibilities that most, if not all HP "all in one printers" from China are using software (in firmware, chips inside the device) that is not generated simply to make HP products work? (rocket science not required here, people's habits, yes) Unfortunately these days....when you say "all in one" printer you are really saying "Send/Receive" full duplex. This can't happen fortunately, with a simple "Printer". A simple printer is designed to receive ASCII code from the computer and convert it into images and text, in color or Black and White. There is no send function allowed, or needed, expcept for simple data signaling for printable data and exchange of code related to chip timing for the print driver Chip. (It's a one way street, PC to printer) The "all in one Printer" however, contains a Scanner, whose job it is to send images and data for multiple application processes to and in the computer...That's where we get into trouble, it's something that can be compromised by the makers of the all in one printer. Scanners require sophisticated software to obtain and process/route images in multiple formats..... What an opportunity to put a small routine (when you know that the scanner will be connected to a USB port) to allow the scanner software to exploit the PC and it's on line capability.... This is made readily possible by users who leave their all-in-one printer powered on and power their computer up and down. The computer takes a few minutes to come up to speed loading all software from the hard drive, while the printer/scanner is ready to "communicate" as soon as the PC has enough power at the USB port. Away we go, a two way transmission with a Chinese printer on the Internet before the PC is even aware it is making the connection. The Internet Security program comes up after the Internet exchange or transaction has taken place...in fact it's possible and feasable to limit the loading of the Internet Security program until after the Internet data transaction has taken place. You basically have a printer in Communications with the Internet without user controls. The unfortunate thing is Scanner software is part of the "All in one process" installed on Board the printer on a series of chips called "firmware"... That's not something I want attached to my computer, thankyou very much. Unquote Any comments? The word "moronic" comes to mind.I guess there aren't enough conspiracy theories. Who'd have thought it... Quote from: Charlie361 on December 05, 2010, 04:03:11 PM (1) China is a Communist Country (That's what PRC stands for) PRC stands for "peoples republic of china" not "Communist country" note the different letters used. They are communist to my understanding but that is rather irrelevant. Quote (2) They are in competition with us for most commerce. So is Japan. Quote (3) They have a major plan for offensive Cyber warfare. Let me guess, you acquired this information via Coca Cola, who has monitoring devices in their bottles and one of the bottles overheard a egregarious conversation between Chinese officials that revealed this? Either that or you made it up, or you read it somewhere, where it was almost certainly made up. If they have a major plan of this type I doubt they are just going to leave the documents sitting around. (of course, if an unassuming Coca-Cola special agent bottle happened to be nearby.... Quote (4) They are looking for places to install "takeover" routines for future attacks. Again, stating something as a fact doesn't make it one. Quote (5) They have a record of installing malware in Flash drives, picture frames and other electronic devices sold in the USA. See above. Quote (6) They have a contract to Manufacture HP products for the US. So far your 1 out of 6. good work. And actually HP owns the factories in China, and various other countries, that manufacture the components; they aren't being manufacturered for "the US" they are being manufacturered by HP owned factories for HP. (same for a number of other corporations, in fact, many Disk-stamping factories for MS software is in china! Dear gawd they might take us over with word macros!) Quote (7) Chinese companies also get paid by the PRC government to conduct offensive Cyber operations (Per State Cable traffic, courtesy of Wiki) OK... and this has to do with printers... how? Even if we assume it is true. Quote ( The "all in one" HP printer based firmware won't be changed out in a $150 product....(it's not cost effective) (9) users will use it with impunity, powering it up "all the time"....... The same can be said for toasters. Toasters are manufacturered there and people use them all the time. Clearly there has to be some government somewhere using that for espionage. Quote What are the chances/possibilities that most, if not all HP "all in one printers" from China are using software (in firmware, chips inside the device) that is not generated simply to make HP products work? nil. Quote Unfortunately these days....when you say "all in one" printer you are really saying "Send/Receive" full duplex. No, when you say "all-in-one" your talking about a device that has a Printer, Scanner, Copier, and Fax. It has nothing to do with transmission direction or speed. Quote This can't happen fortunately, with a simple "Printer". A simple printer is designed to receive ASCII code from the computer and convert it into images and text, in color or Black and White. Since when? printers have been Bidirectional since 1987 or so when they introduced the bi-directional parallel port. Additionally, printers haven't used ASCII code since around the same time, that's why you need special drivers to print at all, you can't just say "copy worddocument.doc PRN" and have a printed copy of your word document. you just get the binary format printed to hard copy. Quote There is no send function allowed, or needed, expcept for simple data signaling for printable data and exchange of code related to chip timing for the print driver Chip. (It's a one way street, PC to printer) the printer sends back information when it's out of paper or encounters an error; additionally, it sends back information when it needs to download a font from the computer. Only a certain number of fonts can fit inside a printers memory at once, and of course that memory is cleared everytime you shut off and turn on the printer (which would also destroy this data you are saying is being pilfered)). Either you or this "expert" you talked to have absolutely no idea how printers work. I suspect the later. The former is clearly very susceptible to disinformation and conspiratorial thinking. The following paragraph was just plain stupid. I can't even properly make fun if this paragraph, that's how dismally lacking in intellectual thought it is. But I shall try. Quote The "all in one Printer" however, contains a Scanner, whose job it is to send images and data for multiple application processes to and in the computer... The scanner just sends bitmap data, when requested, to the USB port. It doesn't have any relevance to "multiple application processes". Quote Scanners require sophisticated software to obtain and process/route images in multiple formats..... What an opportunity to put a small routine (when you know that the scanner will be connected to a USB port) to allow the scanner software to exploit the PC and it's on line capability.... TDEMSYR. If they wanted to "bug" the software, why the censored did they need to mess around with the firmware? first off, the driver software always loads on system startup and there is no need to have the scanner connected in order for them to send the vital information about your business documents to some remote Chinese server. Additionally, there is no need to attempt to reverse Engineer the various EEPROM chips that are sent in order to add these "secret routines" that somehow, despite them only being connected via a USB connection, allows the scanner to send data (what data? where is this data coming from? censored?) via the computers connection. Additionally, the secret Chinese agents won't need to also pass the various HP QA tests and especially the part where they compare the firmware code to their master firmware code which was written by HP programmers. They do this not to detect espionage but to prevent the use of bad chips. Obviously people dreaming up conspiracy theories like to take confirmation bias to an art form and discard these types of facts despite their obvious relevance. Quote This is made readily possible by users who leave their all-in-one printer powered on and power their computer up and down. The computer takes a few minutes to come up to speed loading all software from the hard drive, while the printer/scanner is ready to "communicate" as soon as the PC has enough power at the USB port. Away we go, a two way transmission with a Chinese printer on the Internet before the PC is even aware it is making the connection. That doesn't even make sense. You're saying that once the USB drivers load the scanner takes over the computer. How does this occur? Magic? seriously you or whomever dreamed up this nonsense has a very vivid imagination but lacks the consensus to even add believable facts to the story. Quote The Internet Security program comes up after the Internet exchange or transaction has taken place...in fact it's possible and feasable to limit the loading of the Internet Security program until after the Internet data transaction has taken place. You basically have a printer in Communications with the Internet without user controls. The unfortunate thing is Scanner software is part of the "All in one process" installed on Board the printer on a series of chips called "firmware"... And again, if the scanner/printer driver software is part of this "all in one process" why do these secret chinese factory workers have to add all this other redundant nonsense, including the magical ability for a device to completely modify the USB protocol and take over the host computer which by definition of the USB protocol is the one in charge of what the device can do needless to say there is no "give me unfettered access to your network connection" USB command. Quote That's not something I want attached to my computer, thankyou very much. You, or whomever dreamed up this nonsense, has also forgone the implicit connection most people have with a reasonable mind. On the other hand, I have a similar story of deceit and pure evil! My Samsung camera is designed to steal government secrets, and it relays the information to the Chinese Government (which is weird since Samsung is Japanese, I think) via a network of interconnected HP printers, which add an invisible watermark to all documents they print in the form of magic voodoo ink; eventually, the documents the printer's own prints will come into the posession of a Chinese agent who has been genetically engineered to be able to see the invisible ink, at which point they will forward the information to their secret bureau, and then the chinese government will hear about the issues my city has during the hot summer that requires them to impose water use restrictions. Then all will be lost, since they will create a weather changing device that will hover over Nanaimo high above the clouds, changing the weather so that every day is a bueatiful sunny day, and no rain will fall for an entire month, and we will go into the odd/even numbered day water use restrictions. How this falls into their grand plan for the dominance of the left is beyond me, but they are crafty buggers. Actually, now that I think about it, the other day there was a pepsi bottle sitting on my washing machine while it was on, and it was vibrating as a result; I simply moved the bottle, but one could fathom that it wasn't just vibrating as a result of the machines activity but rather it was a sentient, bio-mechanically engineered bottle that was trying ot use morse code to speak to the window. Clearly, this is all a result of some sort of government conspiracy by a foreign government about as far-removed from either the bottling plant for pepsi or the manufacturing of the bottles that they use so as to make such a idea ludicrous. You know BC, that sounds far more plausible than what the OP was ranting and raving about. That's why I drink Ginger Ale.There are innumerable accounts of this "china cyber spying" on the internet. Of course there are some that are from SUSPICIOUS sources but then the are many like this: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AI5UZ20091120 While i'm sure the vast majority of CH members are not in a position to be involved in this it would be EXTREMELY naive and potentially dangerous to dismiss the ramifications of this with ridicule. Now whether "coke bottles/all in one printers/pepsi bottles/toasters/etc/etc are being used (or are even capable) can be debated by fertile minds to great extravagance. However it is evident that it is a known phenomenon of the growth of technology.Much coin and intellect is being devoted to both it's growth and it's curtailment . I feel most countries to some degree or another (as well as corporations) are involved in this type of "spying". If a CH member has some interest in gaining personal knowledge on this subject i invite them to pursue it via research to help them reach a point of "educated" opinion. truenorth I'm getting tired of your constant implications "you should research things, then maybe you can reach an informed opinion like my super-intelligent self". Shove off.To think all this got started when I tried with no remedy to get rid of the Xerox Proscanner work station in my "ADD HARDWARE', 'IMAGING', which kicks out my Canon MP470 after a few days and I have to reinstall the Canon driver to get it to work again for awhile. Now I wonder if the bug got there from a download I did with a retail outfit in Hong Kong? The retired Communications Security tech who sent all that I posted on the bugs in multifunction printers will probably never know the rebuttals I see on this post as I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks. Something to think about and probably needs someone with more expertise on the subject then are on this site. I also post this as a topic that might be considered here. Source is the same subject that did my original post . Quote One of the Recent State Department Wikileaks cables discusses the ability of the Chinese to conduct cyber operations against Windows users. I've included part of the State Security cable Paragraphs on China dated June 29th 2009. The fact that the Chinese were able to have access to the source code for the Windows XP operating system in 2003, (7 years ago) gives them quite a start on evaluating and compormising PCs with the XP operating system installed and running. After reading this, I wouldn't give anybody using an XP based platform much chance of leaving their PC on line unattended without problems for very long. Even with a solid Internet Security Program installed. Now, you couple that vulnerability with a connected HP all-in-one printer (made in China) and you have a ready made recipe for a PC disaster. "Note "Diplomatic Security Daily" content below. 50. (C) EAP China - Beijing TOPSEC founder indicates PRC investment: (TOPSEC = private Chinese computer specialists, PRC = Head Government) 51. (S//NF) Key highlights: o Founder of TOPSEC and iTrusChina notes PRC funding and directive in media interview. o TOPSEC is China's largest provider of information security products and services. o TOPSEC provides services and training for the PLA and has recruited hackers in the past. o Potential linkages of China's top companies with the PRC illustrate the government's use of its "private sector" in support of information warfare objectives. 52. (SBU) Source paragraph: "During an interview with journalists from China News Network, chairman of both Beijing TOPSEC and iTrusChina, He Weidong, spoke about the two companies, to include investment and contract from the Chinese Government (People's Republic of China (PRC)) .... Tianrongxin's capital came from two parts. The Chinese Government share one part of the investment, and the management department (of Tianrongxin) share the other part. He further stated that Tianrongxin was not really a company but a research institute; in 1995, the company took contracts from the government's research and development tasks." 53. (S//NF) CTAD comment: In November 1995, He Weidong founded the security company Tianrongxin, a.k.a. Beijing TOPSEC Network Security Technology Company, Ltd. TOPSEC is a China Information Technology Security Center (CNITSEC) enterprise and has grown to become China's largest provider of information security products and services. TOPSEC is credited with launching China's first indigenous firewall in 1996, as well as other information technology (IT) security products to China's market, to include virtual private networks, intrusion detection systems, filtering gateways, and security auditing and management systems. Additionally, in September 2000, Weidong founded the company Tianweichengxin, a.k.a. iTrusChina, which became the first experimental enterprise to develop business Public Key Infrastructure/Certification Authority services approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 54. (SBU) CTAD comment: During an interview with China News Network, Weidong stated that half of TOPSEC's start-up capital came from the PRC, with the other half coming from the company's management department. Additionally, he pointed out that TOPSEC began not as a company, but as a small research institute that took contracts from the government's research and development tasks (NFI). The turning point for TOPSEC came in 1996 when the company won a significant contract bid from the Chinese State Statistics Bureau. Since winning the bid, TOPSEC maintained a 100-percent sales growth in the following years. Weidong noted the company started out with 30,000 RMB (approximately $4,400) in 1995, and by 2002, had earnings of 3 billion RMB (approximately $440,000,000). Interestingly, shareholders did not receive bonuses, as all earnings went for future investment. Weidong also stated a bank loan was never used. 55. (S//NF) CTAD comment: Of note, the CNITSEC is responsible for overseeing the PRC's Information Technology (IT) security certification program. It operates and maintains the National Evaluation and Certification Scheme for IT security and performs tests for information security products. In 2003, the CNITSEC signed a Government Security Program (GSP) international agreement with Microsoft that allowed select companies such as TOPSEC access to Microsoft source code in order to secure the Windows platform. Shortly thereafter, in 2004, People's Liberation Army (PLA) officer Yang Hua (GSP Communications Department's 3rd Communication Regiment, PLA 61416 Unit) was sent to TOPSEC to receive network-security training. 56. (S//NF) CTAD comment: Additionally, CNITSEC enterprises has recruited Chinese hackers in support of nationally-funded "network attack scientific research projects." From June 2002 to March 2003, TOPSEC employed a known Chinese hacker, Lin Yong (a.k.a. Lion and owner of the Honker Union of China), as senior security service engineer to manage security service and training. Venus Tech, another CNITSEC enterprise privy to the GSP, is also known to affiliate with XFocus, one of the few Chinese hacker groups known to develop exploits to new vulnerabilities in a short period of time, as evidenced in the 2003 release of Blaster Worm (See CTAD Daily Read File (DRF) April 4, 2008). 57. (S//NF) CTAD comment: While links between top Chinese companies and the PRC are not uncommon, it illustrates the PRC's use of its "private sector" in support of governmental information warfare objectives, especially in its ability to GATHER, process, and exploit information. As evidenced with TOPSEC, there is a strong possibility the PRC is harvesting the talents of its private sector in order to bolster offensive and defensive computer network operations capabilities. (Appendix sources 51-52) Quote from: Charlie361 on December 07, 2010, 09:08:13 PM The retired Communications Security tech who sent all that I posted on the bugs in multifunction printers will probably never know the rebuttals I see on this post as I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks. Something to think about and probably needs someone with more expertise on the subject then are on this site. You say you don't want to get in a futile pissing contest, and then you purposely insult us- or, to be precise, more likely me in particular. Am I wrong? Surely you have more conclusive evidence then some inaccurate suppositions about what you saw and the whimsical fictions generated by your "expert" comrade. Do the many USB specifications, both hard-copy and electronic, that I have somehow omit some specific details that allow a USB device to circumvent the very idea of the USB protocols and take control of the host bus? Or perhaps somebody is generating whimsical fictions without realizing that almost all of it is rendered impossible by virtue of the interfaces through which this "conspiracy" occurs. Quote from: Charlie361 on December 07, 2010, 09:28:59 PM The fact that the Chinese were able to have access to the source code for the Windows XP operating system in 2003, (7 years ago) gives them quite a start on evaluating and compormising PCs with the XP operating system installed and running. No, actually. It doesn't. Anybody with even a primitive understanding of what source code is and what it represents can know this. Besides, anybody can get the "source code" to any piece of binary code by simply dissasembling it. There are plenty of people who can understand assembly, so I'm not sure why they would need to have the C/ASM source code to do anything. DO they have it? Not really. the agreement only gave them part of the source, unlike, for example, the MS agreements with the Russian government (they needed to source to any Operating Systems that were distributed in Russia by a U.S company to prevent their use as a form of cold-war espionage). The rest of that is Data, not information, intended as purely noise. Apparently chinese companies succeeding is evidence of a conspiracy. Somehow I don't see that as a natural conclusion, Especially since a quick search reveals that they could have easily gotten torrents of the NT4 and Windows 2000 source code. The fact is, the entire supposition on that is based on a few random e-mails exchanged between Senators, Diplomats and politicians. Politicians, who, for example, described the internet as "tubes" and that people should not use the internet too much or they will clog the "tubes". Somehow I doubt their technical accuracy and supplement that they may just be nervous because of their own misunderstandings. http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/2/15/71552/7795 Also: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/dec/04/microsoft-source-code-theft I think that is unrelated to their GSP program, though. The first link there concludes: Quote The security risks from this code appear to be low. Microsoft do appear to be checking for buffer overruns in the obvious places. The amount of networking code here is small enough for Microsoft to easily check for any vulnerabilities that might be revealed: it's the big applications that pose more of a risk. This code is also nearly four years old: any obvious problems should be patched by now. Microsoft's fears that this code will be pirated by its competitors also seem largely unfounded. With application code this would be a risk, but it's hard to see Microsoft's operating system competitors taking advantage of it. Neither Apple nor Linux are in a much of position to steal code and get away with it, even if it was useful to them. In short, there is nothing really surprising in this leak. Microsoft does not steal open-source code. Their older code is FLAKY, their modern code excellent. Their programmers are skilled and enthusiastic. Problems are generally due to a trade-off of current quality against vast hardware, software and backward compatibility. On the other hand, if you ask some people here apparently I'm riding on the "Stupid train" by being so silly as to believe that the interface specifications are what the interface is allowed to do. Obviously the chips themselves that support these interfaces may very well have been built in other countries so apparently it's a natural conclusion for me to waste my time googling this issue. Guess what; search engines are as big a source of disinformation as they are of information. You might find some people with "expertise" who will gladly gobble all this up: http://forum.prisonplanet.com Sure, very few of them can spell or form grammatically correct sentences, but that's because they are devoting their vast intellect to the search for the "truth" even if that means raising confirmation bias to an art form. Nonetheless, I'm sure your theories as well as those of your possibly fictional source will be quite welcome there, even if your generally good spelling and grammar present them with a sort of bow shock introduction. Just be sure that if they ask you about genetically modified foods you tell them in makes people stupid. Quote I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks. Then why are you posting this on an on-line forum? Quote After reading this, I wouldn't give anybody using an XP based platform much chance of leaving their PC on line unattended without problems for very long. I have an XP computer that's connected to the internet all of the time. I very rarely power it off. I've had no problems with it. That computer is also, connected to an HP all-in-one. I usually leave the printer off unless I need to print something. But what if I did leave it turned on? Are the Chinese gonna steal all of the cat pictures that I have saved on my hard drive. So what if they did? I don't care. They can have all of my cat pictures if they want them. Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 07, 2010, 11:45:06 PM I have an XP computer that's connected to the internet all of the time. I very rarely power it off. I've had no problems with it. "That's what they want you to think!" Quote That computer is also, connected to an HP all-in-one. GASP! Quote Are the Chinese gonna steal all of the cat pictures that I have saved on my hard drive. So what if they did? I don't care. They can have all of my cat pictures if they want them. Ask anyone. It's all part of their master plan. First, modify the IC plans that the HP engineers give them so that they are magically able to cause USB connectivity to be used to take control of the host system, this despite them already supposedly having modified the software used on that system making their feats of whimsical engineering moot. Then, they have access to your cat pictures. You might not care, but the Chinese are using a giant collage of cat pictures as a brainwashing device in their tourism campaigns, following in line with similar techniques used by Japan for various cartoons. They then create caricatured cartoons based on your cat pictures, and release a hit cartoon whose name is generally a salutation followed by the name of the animal (the Japanese example being "Hello Kitty", they might choose "Greetings Feline" instead) Once they've created the cartoon, it get's aired on various cartoon channels here in North America, where any number of subliminal messages and unconscious brainwashing makes the children deathly afraid of vegetables. This has been going on for years without ANY ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT!. Oh yeah, and I have this from a reliable source. My saying that makes the entire thing believable even if reliability is entirely subjective.Drink up folks, getting close to closing time.........♦Actually, I recall there being a microsoft source code leak several years ago. But it wasn't Windows XP, I think it was Server 2000 or 2003..... and not the whole thing. I even downloaded the source code that was leaked just to say I downloaded it. (that was in my days of illegally downloading everything I could). I tried looking at the source code, but it was somewhere around 2gb and I knew next to nothing about source code, so that didn't last long. Still, it doesn't really change the fact that this thread is nothing but conspiracy, which I sometimes find amusing. I am only the messenger and thought this would be interesting to kick around. I have no idea if there is anything to it or not and you can take it anyway you want. At least the possibility of the Commies doing something like this is mentioned and on the basis of what they are reportedly doing recently could be starting a cyber war against the U.S. I have no idea who you are and you could be Bill Gates or a teenager computer geek megalomaniac. You may persue this matter from other sources if interested. AR

282.

Solve : Canon/HP Multifunction printers have bugs planted in them at factory??

Answer»

I had this subject also in Hardware the other day and here is an update from my Computer Security Guru below. I have a Canon (he says also infected) and control panel has a printer in ADD Hardware, imaging, that I have never owned that keeps kicking out my Canon and requires a reinstall of the driver to get it to work again for awhile. China can read your computer when on line using these printers he says..

Quote

When discussing HP printers, It's important to organize the things we know about China:

(1) China is a Communist Country (That's what PRC stands for)
(2) They are in competition with us for most commerce.
(3) They have a major plan for offensive Cyber warfare.
(4) They are looking for places to install "takeover" routines for future attacks.
(5) They have a record of installing malware in Flash drives, picture frames and other electronic devices sold in the USA.
(6) They have a contract to Manufacture HP products for the US.
(7) Chinese companies also get paid by the PRC government to conduct offensive Cyber operations (Per State Cable traffic, courtesy of Wiki)
( The "all in one" HP printer based firmware won't be changed out in a $150 product....(it's not cost effective)
(9) users will use it with impunity, powering it up "all the time".......
What are the chances/possibilities that most, if not all HP "all in one printers" from China are using
software (in firmware, chips inside the device) that is not generated simply to make HP products work?
(rocket science not required here, people's habits, yes)

Unfortunately these days....when you say "all in one" printer you are really saying "Send/Receive" full duplex.
This can't happen fortunately, with a simple "Printer". A simple printer is designed to receive ASCII code from the computer and convert it
into images and text, in color or Black and White. There is no send function allowed, or needed, expcept for simple data signaling for
printable data and exchange of code related to chip timing for the print driver Chip. (It's a one way street, PC to printer)

The "all in one Printer" however, contains a Scanner, whose job it is to send images and data for multiple application processes
to and in the computer...That's where we get into trouble, it's something that can be compromised by the makers
of the all in one printer. Scanners require sophisticated software to obtain and process/route images in multiple formats.....
What an opportunity to put a small routine (when you know that the scanner will be connected to a USB port) to allow
the scanner software to exploit the PC and it's on line capability.... This is made readily possible by users who
leave their all-in-one printer powered on and power their computer up and down. The computer takes a few minutes to come up to
speed loading all software from the hard drive, while the printer/scanner is ready to "communicate" as soon as the PC
has enough power at the USB port. Away we go, a two way transmission with a Chinese printer on the Internet
before the PC is even aware it is making the connection. The Internet Security program comes up after the Internet
exchange or transaction has taken place...in fact it's possible and feasable to limit the loading of the Internet Security program until
after the Internet data transaction has taken place. You basically have a printer in Communications with the Internet without
user controls. The unfortunate thing is Scanner software is part of the "All in one process" installed on Board the printer
on a series of chips called "firmware"...

That's not something I want attached to my computer, thankyou very much.

Unquote

Any comments? The word "moronic" comes to mind.I guess there aren't enough conspiracy theories. Who'd have thought it... Quote from: Charlie361 on December 05, 2010, 04:03:11 PM

(1) China is a Communist Country (That's what PRC stands for)

PRC stands for "peoples republic of china" not "Communist country" note the different letters used. They are communist to my understanding but that is rather irrelevant.

Quote

(2) They are in competition with us for most commerce.

So is Japan.
Quote

(3) They have a major plan for offensive Cyber warfare.

Let me guess, you acquired this information via Coca Cola, who has monitoring devices in their bottles and one of the bottles overheard a egregarious conversation between Chinese officials that revealed this? Either that or you made it up, or you read it somewhere, where it was almost certainly made up. If they have a major plan of this type I doubt they are just going to leave the documents sitting around. (of course, if an unassuming Coca-Cola special agent bottle happened to be nearby....
Quote

(4) They are looking for places to install "takeover" routines for future attacks.

Again, stating something as a fact doesn't make it one.
Quote

(5) They have a record of installing malware in Flash drives, picture frames and other electronic devices sold in the USA.

See above.
Quote

(6) They have a contract to Manufacture HP products for the US.

So far your 1 out of 6. good work. And actually HP owns the factories in China, and various other countries, that manufacture the components; they aren't being manufacturered for "the US" they are being manufacturered by HP owned factories for HP. (same for a number of other corporations, in fact, many Disk-stamping factories for MS software is in china! Dear gawd they might take us over with word macros!)
Quote

(7) Chinese companies also get paid by the PRC government to conduct offensive Cyber operations (Per State Cable traffic, courtesy of Wiki)

OK... and this has to do with printers... how? Even if we assume it is true.
Quote

( The "all in one" HP printer based firmware won't be changed out in a $150 product....(it's not cost effective)
(9) users will use it with impunity, powering it up "all the time".......

The same can be said for toasters. Toasters are manufacturered there and people use them all the time. Clearly there has to be some government somewhere using that for espionage.
Quote

What are the chances/possibilities that most, if not all HP "all in one printers" from China are using
software (in firmware, chips inside the device) that is not generated simply to make HP products work?

nil.

Quote

Unfortunately these days....when you say "all in one" printer you are really saying "Send/Receive" full duplex.

No, when you say "all-in-one" your talking about a device that has a Printer, Scanner, Copier, and Fax. It has nothing to do with transmission direction or speed.
Quote

This can't happen fortunately, with a simple "Printer". A simple printer is designed to receive ASCII code from the computer and convert it
into images and text, in color or Black and White.

Since when? printers have been Bidirectional since 1987 or so when they introduced the bi-directional parallel port. Additionally, printers haven't used ASCII code since around the same time, that's why you need special drivers to print at all, you can't just say "copy worddocument.doc PRN" and have a printed copy of your word document. you just get the binary format printed to hard copy.
Quote

There is no send function allowed, or needed, expcept for simple data signaling for
printable data and exchange of code related to chip timing for the print driver Chip. (It's a one way street, PC to printer)

the printer sends back information when it's out of paper or encounters an error; additionally, it sends back information when it needs to download a font from the computer. Only a certain number of fonts can fit inside a printers memory at once, and of course that memory is cleared everytime you shut off and turn on the printer (which would also destroy this data you are saying is being pilfered)). Either you or this "expert" you talked to have absolutely no idea how printers work. I suspect the later. The former is clearly very susceptible to disinformation and conspiratorial thinking.

The following paragraph was just plain stupid. I can't even properly make fun if this paragraph, that's how dismally lacking in intellectual thought it is. But I shall try.

Quote

The "all in one Printer" however, contains a Scanner, whose job it is to send images and data for multiple application processes
to and in the computer...

The scanner just sends bitmap data, when requested, to the USB port. It doesn't have any relevance to "multiple application processes".
Quote

Scanners require sophisticated software to obtain and process/route images in multiple formats.....
What an opportunity to put a small routine (when you know that the scanner will be connected to a USB port) to allow
the scanner software to exploit the PC and it's on line capability....

TDEMSYR. If they wanted to "bug" the software, why the *censored* did they need to mess around with the firmware? first off, the driver software always loads on system startup and there is no need to have the scanner connected in order for them to send the vital information about your business documents to some remote Chinese server. Additionally, there is no need to attempt to reverse Engineer the various EEPROM chips that are sent in order to add these "secret routines" that somehow, despite them only being connected via a USB connection, allows the scanner to send data (what data? where is this data coming from? *censored*?) via the computers connection. Additionally, the secret Chinese agents won't need to also pass the various HP QA tests and especially the part where they compare the firmware code to their master firmware code which was written by HP programmers. They do this not to detect espionage but to prevent the use of bad chips. Obviously people dreaming up conspiracy theories like to take confirmation bias to an art form and discard these types of facts despite their obvious relevance.

Quote

This is made readily possible by users who
leave their all-in-one printer powered on and power their computer up and down. The computer takes a few minutes to come up to
speed loading all software from the hard drive, while the printer/scanner is ready to "communicate" as soon as the PC
has enough power at the USB port.
Away we go, a two way transmission with a Chinese printer on the Internet
before the PC is even aware it is making the connection.

That doesn't even make sense. You're saying that once the USB drivers load the scanner takes over the computer. How does this occur? Magic? seriously you or whomever dreamed up this nonsense has a very vivid imagination but lacks the consensus to even add believable facts to the story.

Quote

The Internet Security program comes up after the Internet
exchange or transaction has taken place...in fact it's possible and feasable to limit the loading of the Internet Security program until
after the Internet data transaction has taken place. You basically have a printer in Communications with the Internet without
user controls. The unfortunate thing is Scanner software is part of the "All in one process" installed on Board the printer
on a series of chips called "firmware"...

And again, if the scanner/printer driver software is part of this "all in one process" why do these secret chinese factory workers have to add all this other redundant nonsense, including the magical ability for a device to completely modify the USB protocol and take over the host computer which by definition of the USB protocol is the one in charge of what the device can do needless to say there is no "give me unfettered access to your network connection" USB command.

Quote

That's not something I want attached to my computer, thankyou very much.

You, or whomever dreamed up this nonsense, has also forgone the implicit connection most people have with a reasonable mind.

On the other hand, I have a similar story of deceit and pure evil!

My Samsung camera is designed to steal government secrets, and it relays the information to the Chinese Government (which is weird since Samsung is Japanese, I think) via a network of interconnected HP printers, which add an invisible watermark to all documents they print in the form of magic voodoo ink; eventually, the documents the printer's own prints will come into the posession of a Chinese agent who has been genetically engineered to be able to see the invisible ink, at which point they will forward the information to their secret bureau, and then the chinese government will hear about the issues my city has during the hot summer that requires them to impose water use restrictions. Then all will be lost, since they will create a weather changing device that will hover over Nanaimo high above the clouds, changing the weather so that every day is a bueatiful sunny day, and no rain will fall for an entire month, and we will go into the odd/even numbered day water use restrictions. How this falls into their grand plan for the dominance of the left is beyond me, but they are crafty buggers.

Actually, now that I think about it, the other day there was a pepsi bottle sitting on my washing machine while it was on, and it was vibrating as a result; I simply moved the bottle, but one could fathom that it wasn't just vibrating as a result of the machines activity but rather it was a sentient, bio-mechanically engineered bottle that was trying ot use morse code to speak to the window. Clearly, this is all a result of some sort of government conspiracy by a foreign government about as far-removed from either the bottling plant for pepsi or the manufacturing of the bottles that they use so as to make such a idea ludicrous.

You know BC, that sounds far more plausible than what the OP was ranting and raving about. That's why I drink Ginger Ale.There are innumerable accounts of this "china cyber spying" on the internet. Of course there are some that are from SUSPICIOUS sources but then the are many like this:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5AI5UZ20091120
While i'm sure the vast majority of CH members are not in a position to be involved in this it would be EXTREMELY naive and potentially dangerous to dismiss the ramifications of this with ridicule.
Now whether "coke bottles/all in one printers/pepsi bottles/toasters/etc/etc are being used (or are even capable) can be debated by fertile minds to great extravagance. However it is evident that it is a known phenomenon of the growth of technology.Much coin and intellect is being devoted to both it's growth and it's curtailment . I feel most countries to some degree or another (as well as corporations) are involved in this type of "spying". If a CH member has some interest in gaining personal knowledge on this subject i invite them to pursue it via research to help them reach a point of "educated" opinion. truenorth I'm getting tired of your constant implications "you should research things, then maybe you can reach an informed opinion like my super-intelligent self". Shove off.To think all this got started when I tried with no remedy to get rid of the Xerox Proscanner work station in my "ADD HARDWARE', 'IMAGING', which kicks out my Canon MP470 after a few days and I have to reinstall the Canon driver to get it to work again for awhile. Now I wonder if the bug got there from a download I did with a retail outfit in Hong Kong? The retired Communications Security tech who sent all that I posted on the bugs in multifunction printers will probably never know the rebuttals I see on this post as I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks. Something to think about and probably needs someone with more expertise on the subject then are on this site.
I also post this as a topic that might be considered here. Source is the same subject that did my original post .

Quote

One of the Recent State Department Wikileaks cables discusses the ability of the Chinese to conduct cyber operations against Windows users.
I've included part of the State Security cable Paragraphs on China dated June 29th 2009. The fact that the Chinese were able to have access to
the source code for the Windows XP operating system in 2003, (7 years ago) gives them quite a start on evaluating and compormising PCs with the
XP operating system installed and running. After reading this, I wouldn't give anybody using an XP based platform much chance of leaving their PC on line
unattended without problems for very long. Even with a solid Internet Security Program installed. Now, you couple that vulnerability with a connected
HP all-in-one printer (made in China) and you have a ready made recipe for a PC disaster. "Note "Diplomatic Security Daily" content below.

50. (C) EAP China - Beijing TOPSEC founder indicates PRC investment: (TOPSEC = private Chinese computer specialists, PRC = Head Government)

51. (S//NF) Key highlights: o Founder of TOPSEC and iTrusChina notes PRC funding and directive in media interview. o TOPSEC is China's largest provider of information security products and services. o TOPSEC provides services and training for the PLA and has recruited hackers in the past. o Potential linkages of China's top companies with the PRC illustrate the government's use of its "private sector" in support of information warfare objectives.

52. (SBU) Source paragraph: "During an interview with journalists from China News Network, chairman of both Beijing TOPSEC and iTrusChina, He Weidong, spoke about the two companies, to include investment and contract from the Chinese Government (People's Republic of China (PRC)) .... Tianrongxin's capital came from two parts. The Chinese Government share one part of the investment, and the management department (of Tianrongxin) share the other part. He further stated that Tianrongxin was not really a company but a research institute; in 1995, the company took contracts from the government's research and development tasks."

53. (S//NF) CTAD comment: In November 1995, He Weidong founded the security company Tianrongxin, a.k.a. Beijing TOPSEC Network Security Technology Company, Ltd. TOPSEC is a China Information Technology Security Center (CNITSEC) enterprise and has grown to become China's largest provider of information security products and services. TOPSEC is credited with launching China's first indigenous firewall in 1996, as well as other information technology (IT) security products to China's market, to include virtual private networks, intrusion detection systems, filtering gateways, and security auditing and management systems. Additionally, in September 2000, Weidong founded the company Tianweichengxin, a.k.a. iTrusChina, which became the first experimental enterprise to develop business Public Key Infrastructure/Certification Authority services approved by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

54. (SBU) CTAD comment: During an interview with China News Network, Weidong stated that half of TOPSEC's start-up capital came from the PRC, with the other half coming from the company's management department. Additionally, he pointed out that TOPSEC began not as a company, but as a small research institute that took contracts from the government's research and development tasks (NFI). The turning point for TOPSEC came in 1996 when the company won a significant contract bid from the Chinese State Statistics Bureau. Since winning the bid, TOPSEC maintained a 100-percent sales growth in the following years. Weidong noted the company started out with 30,000 RMB (approximately $4,400) in 1995, and by 2002, had earnings of 3 billion RMB (approximately $440,000,000). Interestingly, shareholders did not receive bonuses, as all earnings went for future investment. Weidong also stated a bank loan was never used.

55. (S//NF) CTAD comment: Of note, the CNITSEC is responsible for overseeing the PRC's Information Technology (IT) security certification program. It operates and maintains the National Evaluation and Certification Scheme for IT security and performs tests for information security products. In 2003, the CNITSEC signed a Government Security Program (GSP) international agreement with Microsoft that allowed select companies such as TOPSEC access to Microsoft source code in order to secure the Windows platform. Shortly thereafter, in 2004, People's Liberation Army (PLA) officer Yang Hua (GSP Communications Department's 3rd Communication Regiment, PLA 61416 Unit) was sent to TOPSEC to receive network-security training.

56. (S//NF) CTAD comment: Additionally, CNITSEC enterprises has recruited Chinese hackers in support of nationally-funded "network attack scientific research projects." From June 2002 to March 2003, TOPSEC employed a known Chinese hacker, Lin Yong (a.k.a. Lion and owner of the Honker Union of China), as senior security service engineer to manage security service and training. Venus Tech, another CNITSEC enterprise privy to the GSP, is also known to affiliate with XFocus, one of the few Chinese hacker groups known to develop exploits to new vulnerabilities in a short period of time, as evidenced in the 2003 release of Blaster Worm (See CTAD Daily Read File (DRF) April 4, 2008). 57. (S//NF) CTAD comment: While links between top Chinese companies and the PRC are not uncommon, it illustrates the PRC's use of its "private sector" in support of governmental information warfare objectives, especially in its ability to GATHER, process, and exploit information. As evidenced with TOPSEC, there is a strong possibility the PRC is harvesting the talents of its private sector in order to bolster offensive and defensive computer network operations capabilities. (Appendix sources 51-52)

Quote from: Charlie361 on December 07, 2010, 09:08:13 PM

The retired Communications Security tech who sent all that I posted on the bugs in multifunction printers will probably never know the rebuttals I see on this post as I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks. Something to think about and probably needs someone with more expertise on the subject then are on this site.

You say you don't want to get in a futile pissing contest, and then you purposely insult us- or, to be precise, more likely me in particular.

Am I wrong? Surely you have more conclusive evidence then some inaccurate suppositions about what you saw and the whimsical fictions generated by your "expert" comrade. Do the many USB specifications, both hard-copy and electronic, that I have somehow omit some specific details that allow a USB device to circumvent the very idea of the USB protocols and take control of the host bus?

Or perhaps somebody is generating whimsical fictions without realizing that almost all of it is rendered impossible by virtue of the interfaces through which this "conspiracy" occurs.

Quote from: Charlie361 on December 07, 2010, 09:28:59 PM

The fact that the Chinese were able to have access to
the source code for the Windows XP operating system in 2003, (7 years ago) gives them quite a start on evaluating and compormising PCs with the
XP operating system installed and running.

No, actually. It doesn't. Anybody with even a primitive understanding of what source code is and what it represents can know this. Besides, anybody can get the "source code" to any piece of binary code by simply dissasembling it. There are plenty of people who can understand assembly, so I'm not sure why they would need to have the C/ASM source code to do anything. DO they have it? Not really. the agreement only gave them part of the source, unlike, for example, the MS agreements with the Russian government (they needed to source to any Operating Systems that were distributed in Russia by a U.S company to prevent their use as a form of cold-war espionage).

The rest of that is Data, not information, intended as purely noise. Apparently chinese companies succeeding is evidence of a conspiracy. Somehow I don't see that as a natural conclusion, Especially since a quick search reveals that they could have easily gotten torrents of the NT4 and Windows 2000 source code.

The fact is, the entire supposition on that is based on a few random e-mails exchanged between Senators, Diplomats and politicians. Politicians, who, for example, described the internet as "tubes" and that people should not use the internet too much or they will clog the "tubes". Somehow I doubt their technical accuracy and supplement that they may just be nervous because of their own misunderstandings.

http://www.kuro5hin.org/story/2004/2/15/71552/7795

Also:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/dec/04/microsoft-source-code-theft

I think that is unrelated to their GSP program, though.

The first link there concludes:

Quote

The security risks from this code appear to be low. Microsoft do appear to be checking for buffer overruns in the obvious places. The amount of networking code here is small enough for Microsoft to easily check for any vulnerabilities that might be revealed: it's the big applications that pose more of a risk. This code is also nearly four years old: any obvious problems should be patched by now.

Microsoft's fears that this code will be pirated by its competitors also seem largely unfounded. With application code this would be a risk, but it's hard to see Microsoft's operating system competitors taking advantage of it. Neither Apple nor Linux are in a much of position to steal code and get away with it, even if it was useful to them.

In short, there is nothing really surprising in this leak. Microsoft does not steal open-source code. Their older code is FLAKY, their modern code excellent. Their programmers are skilled and enthusiastic. Problems are generally due to a trade-off of current quality against vast hardware, software and backward compatibility.

On the other hand, if you ask some people here apparently I'm riding on the "Stupid train" by being so silly as to believe that the interface specifications are what the interface is allowed to do. Obviously the chips themselves that support these interfaces may very well have been built in other countries so apparently it's a natural conclusion for me to waste my time googling this issue. Guess what; search engines are as big a source of disinformation as they are of information.

You might find some people with "expertise" who will gladly gobble all this up:

http://forum.prisonplanet.com

Sure, very few of them can spell or form grammatically correct sentences, but that's because they are devoting their vast intellect to the search for the "truth" even if that means raising confirmation bias to an art form. Nonetheless, I'm sure your theories as well as those of your possibly fictional source will be quite welcome there, even if your generally good spelling and grammar present them with a sort of bow shock introduction. Just be sure that if they ask you about genetically modified foods you tell them in makes people stupid.

Quote

I just do not want to get in a futile P...... contest with folks.

Then why are you posting this on an on-line forum?

Quote

After reading this, I wouldn't give anybody using an XP based platform much chance of leaving their PC on line unattended without problems for very long.

I have an XP computer that's connected to the internet all of the time. I very rarely power it off. I've had no problems with it.

That computer is also, connected to an HP all-in-one. I usually leave the printer off unless I need to print something. But what if I did leave it turned on? Are the Chinese gonna steal all of the cat pictures that I have saved on my hard drive. So what if they did? I don't care. They can have all of my cat pictures if they want them.
Quote from: JJ 3000 on December 07, 2010, 11:45:06 PM

I have an XP computer that's connected to the internet all of the time. I very rarely power it off. I've had no problems with it.

"That's what they want you to think!"

Quote

That computer is also, connected to an HP all-in-one.

GASP!

Quote

Are the Chinese gonna steal all of the cat pictures that I have saved on my hard drive. So what if they did? I don't care. They can have all of my cat pictures if they want them.

Ask anyone. It's all part of their master plan. First, modify the IC plans that the HP engineers give them so that they are magically able to cause USB connectivity to be used to take control of the host system, this despite them already supposedly having modified the software used on that system making their feats of whimsical engineering moot. Then, they have access to your cat pictures. You might not care, but the Chinese are using a giant collage of cat pictures as a brainwashing device in their tourism campaigns, following in line with similar techniques used by Japan for various cartoons. They then create caricatured cartoons based on your cat pictures, and release a hit cartoon whose name is generally a salutation followed by the name of the animal (the Japanese example being "Hello Kitty", they might choose "Greetings Feline" instead) Once they've created the cartoon, it get's aired on various cartoon channels here in North America, where any number of subliminal messages and unconscious brainwashing makes the children deathly afraid of vegetables. This has been going on for years without ANY ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT!.

Oh yeah, and I have this from a reliable source. My saying that makes the entire thing believable even if reliability is entirely subjective.Drink up folks, getting close to closing time.........♦Actually, I recall there being a microsoft source code leak several years ago. But it wasn't Windows XP, I think it was Server 2000 or 2003..... and not the whole thing. I even downloaded the source code that was leaked just to say I downloaded it. (that was in my days of illegally downloading everything I could). I tried looking at the source code, but it was somewhere around 2gb and I knew next to nothing about source code, so that didn't last long.
Still, it doesn't really change the fact that this thread is nothing but conspiracy, which I sometimes find amusing. I am only the messenger and thought this would be interesting to kick around. I have no idea if there is anything to it or not and you can take it anyway you want. At least the possibility of the Commies doing something like this is mentioned and on the basis of what they are reportedly doing recently could be starting a cyber war against the U.S.

I have no idea who you are and you could be Bill Gates or a teenager computer geek megalomaniac. You may persue this matter from other sources if interested.

AR

Discussion

283.	Solve : An Internet 100 times as fast?
Answer» Published in June, but still news to me. Quote An Internet 100 times as fast A new network DESIGN that avoids the need to convert optical signals into electrical ones could boost capacity while reducing power consumption. Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office June 28, 2010 ....a process that consumes time and energy. In recent years, however, a group of MIT researchers led by Vincent Chan, the Joan and Irwin JACOBS Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has demonstrated a new way of organizing optical networks that, in most cases, would eliminate this inefficient conversion process. As a result, it could make the Internet 100 or even 1,000 times faster while actually reducing the amount of energy it consumes.... -FULL STORY But if the Internet were 100 times faster... I'm quite happy with mine as is, I pay £38 for 50mb/s Not sure what I would do with much more bandwidth, the pic provided is just on an average sometimes I make more than 50mb/s sometimes a little less but as it's fibre optic I get prity much what I pay for, rather than the others that give you a 'up to limit' which in my book is mis-leading as an 'upto 8mb' connection could mean you get a 2mb/s average connection and then when lucky you get 6-7-8mb/s. Optical switches have been in the labs for years, and I'm sure there are a few in real world use, but not many. The real key to faster speeds is getting fiber closer to the home. Back bone speeds have increased steadily over the years, and continue to get faster every year, and have never been the bottle neck the "last mile" has been.I think speed is going to become a major issue in the next few years, especially as COMPANIES move towards providing full scale TV over the net. The only problem of introducing all these new devices is of course the issue of running out of IP addresses.According to Akamai’s Q3 State of the Internet report, the United States’ Internet speed did not qualify for a place in the top 10 list of countries with the fastest Internet in the world, and its average overall speed has actually decreased by 2.4% year-over-year from 2008 to 2009. Read More....I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up? That can't be true can it? Quote from: alexwebster on November 04, 2010, 07:52:21 PM I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up? That can't be true can it? I wonder if they are maybe applying that to people with satellite, they need a phone line to connect for uploading traffic. Quote from: alexwebster on November 04, 2010, 07:52:21 PM I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up? No that's not true. It's hard to find reliable up to date numbers, but dial up is somewhere between 15% to 20% of internet users in the US. When ever you read about internet speeds, you need to read between the lines. Some people talk about "access" to broadband, not actual users. For the total number of actual broadband users, the US is second only to China. That's a function of population. First, there is no solid definition for the term broadband. At one time ISDN, at 128 kbs, was considered broadband. Today 1 Mbs is considered by most to be the start of broadband, but some DSL providers still advertise some what slower speeds as broadband. A major consideration of broadband speeds and roll outs is the cost per user or home passed. The cost to PROVIDE broadband is a function of the area to cover and population density. South Korea has the fastest average speed of any country. They have a land area of 98,480 sq km and a population density of 500 per sq km. In contrast the US has 9,629,091 sq km and a population density of 32 per sq km. The fewer miles to wire, and a higher population density will reduce the cost per home passed substantially and speed up broadband availability, and generally increase speed because you can get fiber closer to the home for less money. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 06, 2010, 09:57:44 PM A major consideration of broadband speeds and roll outs is the cost per user or home passed. The cost to provide broadband is a function of the area to cover and population density. South Korea has the fastest average speed of any country. They have a land area of 98,480 sq km and a population density of 500 per sq km. In contrast the US has 9,629,091 sq km and a population density of 32 per sq km. The fewer miles to wire, and a higher population density will reduce the cost per home passed substantially and speed up broadband availability, and generally increase speed because you can get fiber closer to the home for less money. Your point is well made. Nevertheless, the cost per user can be cut down to even less than the cost of dial-up. Anyplace where electric power is available, Broadband can be deplaned at a very low cost per user. But not for profit. Quote from: Geek-9pm on November 27, 2010, 06:41:53 PM Your point is well made. Nevertheless, the cost per user can be cut down to even less than the cost of dial-up. Anyplace where electric power is available, Broadband can be deplaned at a very low cost per user. But not for profit. I assume you are talking about data or internet over power lines. Companies have been working on that for at least 20 years because power lines are everywhere. However, since power lines are non shielded cables they are a giant antenna and transmits signals in all directions, interfering mostly with low frequency ham radio. No company has been able to overcome this problem so far. Quote I assume you are talking about data or internet over power lines. No. If there are power lines there are poles and right-of-ways already established. The power pole is no more than 500 feet from a house or cabin in most cases. The power poles can bear the WEIGHT of a copper based cable and a wireless transponder. The transponder can service a small community of dozen homes located withing 1200 feet of the power pole where is sits. The issues are are about the commercial interests. Power companies do not like to share there poles with other companies. Yet they are public utilities and must operate in the public interest. It would not be profitable for they ton offer low-level wireless broadband. Or so they n think. They need to rethink there business plan. Hey, am I getting off topic? Rural broadband can not be as fast as Urban service because of the high cost of optical cable. But copper wire and wireless transponders* can outperform conventional copper wire dial-up both in cost and bandwidth. But the deployment of such technology would wipe out the local telephone company. That is the real barrier. Think Skype. * ATT owns this technology. It is NOT the same as cell phone service. Power companies don't like to share pole space, but they are forced to by law, because they are in the public right of way for one, and local communities don't want to see one pole for power, one for phone, and one for cable. I've seen areas like that and it's pretty ugly. Most poles already have power lines, maybe transmission lines at the top, distribution lines further down the pole, cable (sometimes two cable providers with separate lines) and telephone lines, some times with separate trunk and distribution lines. Each line needs to have a certain clearance from the other lines. This usually creates a problem for any additional provider. On some poles there will also be fiber cables for long haul providers. In short, most poles are already crowded. The latest company to attach to a pole is responsible to make sure when they do attach, all clearances are met, including street clearances. Poles come in 5' increments. If the new company only needs one additional foot and the pole is already maxed out, it can cost $5,000 or more to change out one pole, and that's before they attach their line to the pole. And I should add there are typically 35 to 40 poles per mile. This stuff isn't cheap. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 27, 2010, 09:42:16 PM Power companies don't like to share pole space, but they are forced to by law, ... Poles come in 5' increments. If the new company only needs one additional foot and the pole is already maxed out, it can cost $5,000 or more to change out one pole, and that's before they attach their line to the pole. And I should add there are typically 35 to 40 poles per mile. ... Thanks for the info. My remarks were aimed at putting new service into areas where there is power, but not much else. Years ago I lived in a rural place whee we were about 5 miles from a telephone sub-station. Yet there was no real phone service. Then only line was a 'farmer line" of open wire pair run by the old timers years ago. Three families had to share the line. We were in a deep valley and had no TV reception either. An old woman who lived alone spent hours on the party line. When it was working. It took years to put in a real telephone cable. A And yes, the phone company had to put in a lot of short poles. For some reason they could not use the tall near-empty power poles. Never could understand that. So, if the internet is to get better and faster for everyone, companies like the local power , cable and phone will need to revise their business practices. Quote from: Geek-9pm on November 28, 2010, 04:19:48 AM It took years to put in a real telephone cable. A And yes, the phone company had to put in a lot of short poles. For some reason they could not use the tall near-empty power poles. Never could understand that. In rural areas the power company is often an electric coop and they have agreements that go back to the 1920s and 1930s with farmers to set their poles on private land. In many contracts, it only allows electric service to be on those poles. From a practical stand point, if the power poles are on farm land, telephone lines might hang to low to allow farm machinery under them. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 28, 2010, 11:06:46 AM In rural areas the power company is often an electric coop and they have agreements that go back to the 1920s and 1930s with farmers to set their poles on private land. In many contracts, it only allows electric service to be on those poles. From a practical stand point, if the power poles are on farm land, telephone lines might hang to low to allow farm machinery under them. That makes sense. But times are changing. The early part of this year there was a lot of talk about Rural Telephone, Cable TV and Broadband service. Quote Rural Telephone Service Co. awarded $101 million in Recovery Act ... Jan 27, 2010 ... Rural Telephone Service Co. awarded $101 million in Recovery Act funding for broadband Internet infrastructure improvements in central, ... http://www.kansascommerce.com/Newsroom/tabid/73/newsid781/109/mid/781/Default.aspx Employment - Rural Telephone If you have experience in communications connecting customers to services ... http://www.ruraltelephone.com/Document.aspx?id=2202 Rural telephone, Internet networks expanded Jan 6, 2010 ... By the end of 2009, telephone service covered 99.86 percent of the country's administrative villages, while Internet service covered 91.5 ... http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/agri/2010-01/06/content_9413730.htm Rural telephone companies sound warning over state lowering fees ... Jul 16, 2010 ... Iowa's local telephone and Internet service providers took a hard ... Rural companies in Iowa were charging higher access rates to other ... http://iowaindependent.com/38250/rural-telephone-companies-sound-warning-over-state-lowering-fees Someday dial-up will be gone. But not next year.

283.

Solve : An Internet 100 times as fast?

Answer» Published in June, but still news to me.
Quote

An Internet 100 times as fast
A new network DESIGN that avoids the need to convert optical signals into electrical ones could boost capacity while reducing power consumption.
Larry Hardesty, MIT News Office
June 28, 2010
....a process that consumes time and energy.
In recent years, however, a group of MIT researchers led by Vincent Chan, the Joan and Irwin JACOBS Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has demonstrated a new way of organizing optical networks that, in most cases, would eliminate this inefficient conversion process. As a result, it could make the Internet 100 or even 1,000 times faster while actually reducing the amount of energy it consumes....

-FULL STORY
But if the Internet were 100 times faster...
I'm quite happy with mine as is, I pay £38 for 50mb/s

Not sure what I would do with much more bandwidth, the pic provided is just on an average sometimes I make more than 50mb/s sometimes a little less but as it's fibre optic I get prity much what I pay for, rather than the others that give you a 'up to limit' which in my book is mis-leading as an 'upto 8mb' connection could mean you get a 2mb/s average connection and then when lucky you get 6-7-8mb/s.

Optical switches have been in the labs for years, and I'm sure there are a few in real world use, but not many.

The real key to faster speeds is getting fiber closer to the home. Back bone speeds have increased steadily over the years, and continue to get faster every year, and have never been the bottle neck the "last mile" has been.I think speed is going to become a major issue in the next few years, especially as COMPANIES move towards providing full scale TV over the net. The only problem of introducing all these new devices is of course the issue of running out of IP addresses.According to Akamai’s Q3 State of the Internet report, the United States’ Internet speed did not qualify for a place in the top 10 list of countries with the fastest Internet in the world, and its average overall speed has actually decreased by 2.4% year-over-year from 2008 to 2009. Read More....I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up?

That can't be true can it? Quote from: alexwebster on November 04, 2010, 07:52:21 PM

I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up?

That can't be true can it?

I wonder if they are maybe applying that to people with satellite, they need a phone line to connect for uploading traffic. Quote from: alexwebster on November 04, 2010, 07:52:21 PM

I read recently that 2/3 of the United States is still on dial up?

No that's not true. It's hard to find reliable up to date numbers, but dial up is somewhere between 15% to 20% of internet users in the US.

When ever you read about internet speeds, you need to read between the lines. Some people talk about "access" to broadband, not actual users. For the total number of actual broadband users, the US is second only to China. That's a function of population.

First, there is no solid definition for the term broadband. At one time ISDN, at 128 kbs, was considered broadband. Today 1 Mbs is considered by most to be the start of broadband, but some DSL providers still advertise some what slower speeds as broadband.

A major consideration of broadband speeds and roll outs is the cost per user or home passed. The cost to PROVIDE broadband is a function of the area to cover and population density. South Korea has the fastest average speed of any country. They have a land area of 98,480 sq km and a population density of 500 per sq km. In contrast the US has 9,629,091 sq km and a population density of 32 per sq km. The fewer miles to wire, and a higher population density will reduce the cost per home passed substantially and speed up broadband availability, and generally increase speed because you can get fiber closer to the home for less money. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 06, 2010, 09:57:44 PM

A major consideration of broadband speeds and roll outs is the cost per user or home passed. The cost to provide broadband is a function of the area to cover and population density. South Korea has the fastest average speed of any country. They have a land area of 98,480 sq km and a population density of 500 per sq km. In contrast the US has 9,629,091 sq km and a population density of 32 per sq km. The fewer miles to wire, and a higher population density will reduce the cost per home passed substantially and speed up broadband availability, and generally increase speed because you can get fiber closer to the home for less money.

Your point is well made. Nevertheless, the cost per user can be cut down to even less than the cost of dial-up. Anyplace where electric power is available, Broadband can be deplaned at a very low cost per user. But not for profit.
Quote from: Geek-9pm on November 27, 2010, 06:41:53 PM

Your point is well made. Nevertheless, the cost per user can be cut down to even less than the cost of dial-up. Anyplace where electric power is available, Broadband can be deplaned at a very low cost per user. But not for profit.

I assume you are talking about data or internet over power lines. Companies have been working on that for at least 20 years because power lines are everywhere. However, since power lines are non shielded cables they are a giant antenna and transmits signals in all directions, interfering mostly with low frequency ham radio. No company has been able to overcome this problem so far. Quote

I assume you are talking about data or internet over power lines.

No.
If there are power lines there are poles and right-of-ways already established. The power pole is no more than 500 feet from a house or cabin in most cases. The power poles can bear the WEIGHT of a copper based cable and a wireless transponder. The transponder can service a small community of dozen homes located withing 1200 feet of the power pole where is sits.

The issues are are about the commercial interests. Power companies do not like to share there poles with other companies. Yet they are public utilities and must operate in the public interest. It would not be profitable for they ton offer low-level wireless broadband. Or so they n think. They need to rethink there business plan.

Hey, am I getting off topic? Rural broadband can not be as fast as Urban service because of the high cost of optical cable. But copper wire and wireless transponders* can outperform conventional copper wire dial-up both in cost and bandwidth.
But the deployment of such technology would wipe out the local telephone company. That is the real barrier. Think Skype.

* ATT owns this technology. It is NOT the same as cell phone service.
Power companies don't like to share pole space, but they are forced to by law, because they are in the public right of way for one, and local communities don't want to see one pole for power, one for phone, and one for cable. I've seen areas like that and it's pretty ugly.

Most poles already have power lines, maybe transmission lines at the top, distribution lines further down the pole, cable (sometimes two cable providers with separate lines) and telephone lines, some times with separate trunk and distribution lines. Each line needs to have a certain clearance from the other lines. This usually creates a problem for any additional provider. On some poles there will also be fiber cables for long haul providers. In short, most poles are already crowded. The latest company to attach to a pole is responsible to make sure when they do attach, all clearances are met, including street clearances.

Poles come in 5' increments. If the new company only needs one additional foot and the pole is already maxed out, it can cost $5,000 or more to change out one pole, and that's before they attach their line to the pole.

And I should add there are typically 35 to 40 poles per mile.

This stuff isn't cheap. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 27, 2010, 09:42:16 PM

Power companies don't like to share pole space, but they are forced to by law,
...
Poles come in 5' increments. If the new company only needs one additional foot and the pole is already maxed out, it can cost $5,000 or more to change out one pole, and that's before they attach their line to the pole.

And I should add there are typically 35 to 40 poles per mile.
...

Thanks for the info. My remarks were aimed at putting new service into areas where there is power, but not much else.

Years ago I lived in a rural place whee we were about 5 miles from a telephone sub-station. Yet there was no real phone service. Then only line was a 'farmer line" of open wire pair run by the old timers years ago. Three families had to share the line. We were in a deep valley and had no TV reception either. An old woman who lived alone spent hours on the party line. When it was working.

It took years to put in a real telephone cable. A And yes, the phone company had to put in a lot of short poles. For some reason they could not use the tall near-empty power poles. Never could understand that.

So, if the internet is to get better and faster for everyone, companies like the local power , cable and phone will need to revise their business practices. Quote from: Geek-9pm on November 28, 2010, 04:19:48 AM

It took years to put in a real telephone cable. A And yes, the phone company had to put in a lot of short poles. For some reason they could not use the tall near-empty power poles. Never could understand that.

In rural areas the power company is often an electric coop and they have agreements that go back to the 1920s and 1930s with farmers to set their poles on private land. In many contracts, it only allows electric service to be on those poles. From a practical stand point, if the power poles are on farm land, telephone lines might hang to low to allow farm machinery under them. Quote from: rthompson80819 on November 28, 2010, 11:06:46 AM

In rural areas the power company is often an electric coop and they have agreements that go back to the 1920s and 1930s with farmers to set their poles on private land. In many contracts, it only allows electric service to be on those poles. From a practical stand point, if the power poles are on farm land, telephone lines might hang to low to allow farm machinery under them.

That makes sense.
But times are changing.

The early part of this year there was a lot of talk about Rural Telephone, Cable TV and Broadband service.
Quote

Rural Telephone Service Co. awarded $101 million in Recovery Act ...
Jan 27, 2010 ... Rural Telephone Service Co. awarded $101 million in Recovery Act funding for broadband Internet infrastructure improvements in central, ...
http://www.kansascommerce.com/Newsroom/tabid/73/newsid781/109/mid/781/Default.aspx

Employment - Rural Telephone
If you have experience in communications connecting customers to services ...
http://www.ruraltelephone.com/Document.aspx?id=2202

Rural telephone, Internet networks expanded
Jan 6, 2010 ... By the end of 2009, telephone service covered 99.86 percent of the country's administrative villages, while Internet service covered 91.5 ...
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/agri/2010-01/06/content_9413730.htm

Rural telephone companies sound warning over state lowering fees ...
Jul 16, 2010 ... Iowa's local telephone and Internet service providers took a hard ... Rural companies in Iowa were charging higher access rates to other ...
http://iowaindependent.com/38250/rural-telephone-companies-sound-warning-over-state-lowering-fees

Someday dial-up will be gone. But not next year.

Discussion

284.	Solve : Google Chrome Web Store Opens?
Answer» Google opened its Web application store for Chrome browser users on Tuesday, offering highly interactive, graphically rich applications from a variety of sources, INCLUDING National Public RADIO, Amazon.com, Electronic Arts and Sports Illustrated. ..more on http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20101207/tc_pcworld/googlechromewebstoreopensI still have a hard time wrapping my head around a store for the Chrome OS. But I guess they have to follow the APPLE lead in their App store.

Discussion

285.	Solve : News re Google?
Answer» Some of the CH MEMBERS may be INTERESTED in this article: http://www.canada.com/technology/Google+announce+Chrome+laptops/3939577/story.html truenorth

Discussion

286.	Solve : Horror AVG update ballsup bricks Windows 7?
Answer» An update from AVG on Wednesday night rendered 64 BIT Windows 7 systems UNSTABLE after it was applied. Several Register READERS have been affected by the problem, which leaves machines in a continuous reboot loop. Link AVG Sent a REPLY to the Twitter post generated by this post. Those interested in learning more can find it on their blog post concerning this issue.

Discussion

287.	Solve : iPad knock off by Dell? Coming soon!?
Answer» Quote DELL Inspiron Duo Tablet-Netbook 'Coming Soon' By Jared Newman, PCWorld Nov 6, 2010 Probably just me. But there is a pinch of Apple in the teaser for Dell's acrobatic tablet-netbook. The white backdrop. The plain black text. The trendy, boppy MUSIC. Replace the Inspiron Duo with an iPad and it wouldn't seem out of place. Video and COMMENTS ...

287.

Solve : iPad knock off by Dell? Coming soon!?

Answer»

Quote

DELL Inspiron Duo Tablet-Netbook 'Coming Soon'
By Jared Newman, PCWorld Nov 6, 2010
Probably just me. But there is a pinch of Apple in the teaser for Dell's acrobatic tablet-netbook. The white backdrop. The plain black text. The trendy, boppy MUSIC. Replace the Inspiron Duo with an iPad and it wouldn't seem out of place.

Video and COMMENTS ...

Discussion

288.	Solve : IPV4 -IPv6?
Answer» It is known that the numbers IPV4 is dwindling now It then must shift to IPv6 Countdown to the end of the old version her http://ipv6.he.net/statistics 85 days of IPv4 remaining? What a load of bull. Quote from: kpac on December 07, 2010, 06:18:28 AM 85 days of IPv4 remaining? What a load of bull. There's no need to panic, of COURSE, since you can buy what you need right on that page! Also, they fail at math... 2^32 (bits in IPV4 address) MEANS there are 4,294,967,296 possible addresses (sans a couple hundred thousand or so for the reserved LAN addresses), which means that their 196,880,299 figure is not even close to that "maximum". And I doubt there are 4.3 billion computers connected to the internet on different connections.Actually, there are less than 4.3 billion public ip addresses available. Take out the whole ranges of 10.0.0.0, 127.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0, and 192.168.0.0 to get your number. And of course there are dozens of class A subnets that are reserved by IANA and don't forget that large companies buy whole blocks of ip addresses and don't use them right away. According to the iana website, there are only 7 class A ranges left unallocated. Once those are bought up, the big move to ipv6 will HAPPEN. Even though all the ip assignments aren't being currently used, once, they're assigned to someone, they're taken. Quote from: michaewlewis on December 09, 2010, 09:27:14 AM Actually, there are less than 4.3 billion public ip addresses available. Take out the whole ranges of 10.0.0.0, 127.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0, and 192.168.0.0 to get your number. And of course there are dozens of class A subnets that are reserved by iana and don't forget that large companies buy whole blocks of ip addresses and don't use them right away. According to the iana website, there are only 7 class A ranges left unallocated. Once those are bought up, the big move to ipv6 will happen. Even though all the ip assignments aren't being currently used, once, they're assigned to someone, they're taken. Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out". Just because address's are taken doesn't mean they are actually being used. From Wikipedia. Quote Organizations that obtained IP addresses in the 1980s were often allocated far more addresses than they actually required, because the initial allocation method was inadequate to reflect reasonable usage. For example, large companies or universities were assigned class A address blocks with over 16 million IPv4 addresses each, because the next smaller allocation unit, a class B block with 65536 addresses, was too small for their intended deployments. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 09, 2010, 03:20:28 PM Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out". Quote from: rthompson80819 on December 09, 2010, 04:00:43 PM Just because address's are taken doesn't mean they are actually being used. But it does mean that no one else can use them. WHETHER they're actually used or not doesn't make a difference. Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 09, 2010, 04:08:02 PM Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out". Agreed. It is kind of silly. Kind of like arrival and departure times for airlines.

288.

Solve : IPV4 -IPv6?

Answer»

It is known that the numbers IPV4 is dwindling now
It then must shift to IPv6
Countdown to the end of the old version her
http://ipv6.he.net/statistics
85 days of IPv4 remaining? What a load of bull. Quote from: kpac on December 07, 2010, 06:18:28 AM

85 days of IPv4 remaining? What a load of bull.

There's no need to panic, of COURSE, since you can buy what you need right on that page!

Also, they fail at math... 2^32 (bits in IPV4 address) MEANS there are
4,294,967,296 possible addresses (sans a couple hundred thousand or so for the reserved LAN addresses), which means that their 196,880,299 figure is not even close to that "maximum".

And I doubt there are 4.3 billion computers connected to the internet on different connections.Actually, there are less than 4.3 billion public ip addresses available. Take out the whole ranges of 10.0.0.0, 127.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0, and 192.168.0.0 to get your number. And of course there are dozens of class A subnets that are reserved by IANA and don't forget that large companies buy whole blocks of ip addresses and don't use them right away.
According to the iana website, there are only 7 class A ranges left unallocated. Once those are bought up, the big move to ipv6 will HAPPEN. Even though all the ip assignments aren't being currently used, once, they're assigned to someone, they're taken. Quote from: michaewlewis on December 09, 2010, 09:27:14 AM

Actually, there are less than 4.3 billion public ip addresses available. Take out the whole ranges of 10.0.0.0, 127.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0, and 192.168.0.0 to get your number. And of course there are dozens of class A subnets that are reserved by iana and don't forget that large companies buy whole blocks of ip addresses and don't use them right away.
According to the iana website, there are only 7 class A ranges left unallocated. Once those are bought up, the big move to ipv6 will happen. Even though all the ip assignments aren't being currently used, once, they're assigned to someone, they're taken.

Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out". Just because address's are taken doesn't mean they are actually being used.

From Wikipedia.

Quote

Organizations that obtained IP addresses in the 1980s were often allocated far more addresses than they actually required, because the initial allocation method was inadequate to reflect reasonable usage. For example, large companies or universities were assigned class A address blocks with over 16 million IPv4 addresses each, because the next smaller allocation unit, a class B block with 65536 addresses, was too small for their intended deployments.

Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 09, 2010, 03:20:28 PM

Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out".

Quote from: rthompson80819 on December 09, 2010, 04:00:43 PM

Just because address's are taken doesn't mean they are actually being used.

But it does mean that no one else can use them. WHETHER they're actually used or not doesn't make a difference.

Quote from: BC_Programmer on December 09, 2010, 04:08:02 PM

Either way, it doesn't matter how many are left, since you cannot just say "there are X days and we'll run out".

Agreed. It is kind of silly. Kind of like arrival and departure times for airlines.

Discussion

289.	Solve : ViewSonic Will Offer Tablet with Android and Windows 7?
Answer» The tablet-computer war is heating up as Black Friday nears, with Samsung rolling out its Android-based Galaxy Tab on several wireless carriers next week and ViewSonic unveiling TWO NEW devices Monday — including one that runs both Google’s Android and Microsoft’s Windows 7 Home Premium operating systems. After its debut in Europe last month, T-Mobile will be the first in the U.S. to get the Tab, which is ESSENTIALLY a larger version of the Samsung Galaxy 5 phones available in variations on all four top wireless carriers. T-Mobile’s price, beginning Nov. 10, will be $399 with a two year contract. Sprint Nextel will charge the same price, also with a two-year contract, beginning Nov. 14, while Verizon Wireless as of Nov. 11 will sell the Tab for $599 without a contract, although a data plan is available. Consumers can also put the Tab on their tab at Best Buy stores. Apple CEO Steve Jobs, in an Oct. 18 earnings call, took a calculated jab at the Tab and others like it, saying, “The seven-inch tablets are tweeners: too big to compete with a smartphone, and too small to compete with an iPad.” He also noted that Google was advising tablet makers that the current 2.2 version of Android is not well suited for tablets, and that was the reason given by Motorola co-CEO Sanjay Jha for his company’s slow entry into the tablet market. Dual Boot But Walnut,Calif.-based ViewSonic, best known for computer displays, evidently has no such reservations about Android as it unveiled seven-inch and 10.1-inch ViewPad tablets. But the larger model seems to be hedging bets by allowing users an option to boot up in Windows 7. The smaller ViewPad, equipped for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 3.5G data, will be available later this year for $479 and packs front and back cameras, although the front-facing camera is only 0.3 megapixels, compared to three megapixels on the back. It has a 800×480 WVGA LCD display and, ViewSonic says, it’s the only seven-inch Android-powered tablet to feature Google’s Mobile Services applications, which include Gmail, maps, picture-based searches, voice searches, and more. The larger ViewPad has a 1024×600 LED backlit capacitive multi-touch screen, but only runs Android 1.6 rather than its sister’s 2.2. It also has only one 1.3-megapixel camera. It will sell for $629 in the first quarter of next year. Distributors were not announced. “Leveraging our 20-year display heritage, these new ViewPad solutions provide users with anytime anywhere CONNECTIVITY,” said Jeff Volpe, VICE president and general manager for ViewSonic Americas. “With access to the universe of Android apps, our new ViewPads are perfectly suited for enjoying digital entertainment and social media. Office productivity is also a snap with robust web-browsing functionality.”I bought the Android ViewSonic 10 inch tablet from Sears the other day. The hardware seems to be impressive and the tablet works ok, however, it seems it might have came out somewhat a little early. I think they need to do some updates to their software. Does anyone else have other experiences with it so far?

Discussion

290.	Solve : Apple Worried About Google’s Android??
Answer» The full HEADLINE is: Why Apple May Not Be Worried About Google’s Android Momentum This is HARDLY news. But the ARTICLE is by Elizabeth Woyke writing in Forbes. Maybe it is a slow news day.

Discussion

291.	Solve : Press F8...Cassini goes into Safe Mode?
Answer» FULL Story.Probably got a VIRUS from some game SITE. If you had been FLYING through space for 13 years you'd be BORED too.

Discussion

292.	Solve : Ms offers Free 500G HDD with Win7 purchase.?
Answer» FULL StoryUSA only. Good DEAL for those users in a position to take advantage of it. QUOTE from: Salmon Trout on OCTOBER 30, 2010, 07:31:31 AM USA only. Oooops...didn't catch that... Quote from: Salmon Trout on October 30, 2010, 07:31:31 AM USA only. make that double sad face.

292.

Solve : Ms offers Free 500G HDD with Win7 purchase.?

Answer» FULL StoryUSA only.
Good DEAL for those users in a position to take advantage of it. QUOTE from: Salmon Trout on OCTOBER 30, 2010, 07:31:31 AM

USA only.

Oooops...didn't catch that...
Quote from: Salmon Trout on October 30, 2010, 07:31:31 AM

USA only.

make that double sad face.

Discussion

293.	Solve : Chinesse internet traffic "detour?
Answer» Some of you may be aware of this event which some experts are describing as a "seminal" moment in the evolution of the INTERNET. However for those unaware of this event it makes interesting reading and contemplation. While the title on the page would LEAD one to believe that it was only U.S. Government sites in fact the 1st sentence actually relates to the fact that it was "worldwide". http://saynsumthn.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/detour-us-government-internet-traffic-redirected-to-china/ truenorth That's scary! I'm guessing that they must have modified a bunch of router tables.At the moment initial reports are sketchy--partially due to the fact that initially the Chinese Government totally denied any involvement. Their latest revelation is something along the lines of "don't get your knickers in a knot--there was no bad intent" Some commentators with obvious knowledge have used the word "routers" however the big mystery is how did they do it as it was not previously believed to have been possible. Due mainly to the belief that Internet traffic would "always" go via the quickest route and this detour was NOT the quickest route. I am sure there is a lot of scrambling going on to try to evaluate this and deal with it. As an old Chinese proverb curse states "may you live in interesting times". truenorththat blog is clearly intentionally sensationalist. It's no BETTER then Fox news (which I might add is where the "report" went to) or the U.K Daily Mail as far as being accurate is concerned. I mean, look at the top of the page: Quote First Lady Michelle Obama’s new chief of staff is a former Planned Parenthood speaker censored does that have to do with at all? censored is the relevance? none at all, to anything. I'm not sure what the "agenda" Of the blog is, but it's clearly not intended to present unbiassed facts. Well actually BC my first exposure to this was PBS somewhat the antithesis to "FOX" i would say.By the way it is probably readily available on the PBS.ORG site and the presentation i saw was anything but sensationalized.truenorth Quote from: truenorth on November 27, 2010, 03:45:40 PM Well actually BC my first exposure to this was PBS somewhat the antithesis to "FOX" i would say.By the way it is probably readily available on the PBS.ORG site and the presentation i saw was anything but sensationalized.truenorth OK, but why link to that blog? Non news...sorry.I linked to that "blog" because on a google search on the topic so as that i might offer it to those interested on the CH forums it was the 1st of many hits that came up. I presumed (MAYBE falsely) that if others reading it had the inclination to investigate they could do so from the topic title.There was absolutely not one iota of subterfuge involved. If as the the "founder" of the internet has stated that it is a "seminal" event. (no not Al Gore) then for those of us with technology interests it might be worthy of perusal. I respect that patio may believe it is "non news" which of course is an opinion to which he is absolutely entitled there appear to be many that do not agree that it is "non news" truenorth Another source= http://theweek.com/article/index/209557/did-china-hijack-the-internet Plus a link to the PBS site where there are articles RELATED to this story. = http://www.pbs.org/newshour/ and http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/july-dec10/chinainternet_11-26.htmlTo truenorth, Topic Starter; Thanks for your post. Disregard anything from BC_programmer and Patio. Most of the major news groups got that story and went with it. Nobody has proof that something evil happened. Therefore it is Non News sez Patio. As for BC, dread bodies could wash up on the shore and he would say 'What does that have to do with homicide?' He wants you to prove your legations. Hy everybody, don't let the dynamic duo do our nonthinking for your. Go read the links posted. Decide for yourself if the story has any merit. Quote Most of the major news groups got that story and went with it. Nobody has proof that something evil happened. Therefore it is Non News sez Patio. You should signup at Alex Jones's website then...you'll love it... Quote from: patio on November 28, 2010, 12:23:10 AM You should signup at Alex Jones's website then...you'll love it... WOW ! Thank you patio! I never knew about his site. Funny cartoon about the TSA thing. (Do not click on image unless to are 11 years old or over.) http://static.infowars.com/2010/11/i/general/stuffback.jpg In FF use crtl + to enlarge image.HAHAHA the sad thing is that its getting to that point, we're sacrificing liberty for security.talontromper, Your profile says you have 10 years working on them. Therefore I am not sure if you are 11 or older. Hope the cartoon did not retard your emotional growth.Ya, im 20, I'm pretty sure that it didn't retard my emotional growth. I guess time will tell Quote from: talontromper on November 28, 2010, 04:35:07 AM Ya, im 20, I'm pretty sure that it didn't retard my emotional growth. I guess time will tell Just don't fly to China! Until you are 21.

293.

Solve : Chinesse internet traffic "detour?

Answer»

Some of you may be aware of this event which some experts are describing as a "seminal" moment in the evolution of the INTERNET. However for those unaware of this event it makes interesting reading and contemplation. While the title on the page would LEAD one to believe that it was only U.S. Government sites in fact the 1st sentence actually relates to the fact that it was "worldwide".
http://saynsumthn.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/detour-us-government-internet-traffic-redirected-to-china/
truenorth That's scary! I'm guessing that they must have modified a bunch of router tables.At the moment initial reports are sketchy--partially due to the fact that initially the Chinese Government totally denied any involvement. Their latest revelation is something along the lines of "don't get your knickers in a knot--there was no bad intent" Some commentators with obvious knowledge have used the word "routers" however the big mystery is how did they do it as it was not previously believed to have been possible. Due mainly to the belief that Internet traffic would "always" go via the quickest route and this detour was NOT the quickest route. I am sure there is a lot of scrambling going on to try to evaluate this and deal with it. As an old Chinese proverb curse states "may you live in interesting times". truenorththat blog is clearly intentionally sensationalist. It's no BETTER then Fox news (which I might add is where the "report" went to) or the U.K Daily Mail as far as being accurate is concerned. I mean, look at the top of the page:

Quote

First Lady Michelle Obama’s new chief of staff is a former Planned Parenthood speaker

*censored* does that have to do with at all? *censored* is the relevance? none at all, to anything. I'm not sure what the "agenda" Of the blog is, but it's clearly not intended to present unbiassed facts.

Well actually BC my first exposure to this was PBS somewhat the antithesis to "FOX" i would say.By the way it is probably readily available on the PBS.ORG site and the presentation i saw was anything but sensationalized.truenorth Quote from: truenorth on November 27, 2010, 03:45:40 PM

Well actually BC my first exposure to this was PBS somewhat the antithesis to "FOX" i would say.By the way it is probably readily available on the PBS.ORG site and the presentation i saw was anything but sensationalized.truenorth

OK, but why link to that blog? Non news...sorry.I linked to that "blog" because on a google search on the topic so as that i might offer it to those interested on the CH forums it was the 1st of many hits that came up. I presumed (MAYBE falsely) that if others reading it had the inclination to investigate they could do so from the topic title.There was absolutely not one iota of subterfuge involved. If as the the "founder" of the internet has stated that it is a "seminal" event. (no not Al Gore) then for those of us with technology interests it might be worthy of perusal. I respect that patio may believe it is "non news" which of course is an opinion to which he is absolutely entitled there appear to be many that do not agree that it is "non news" truenorth
Another source= http://theweek.com/article/index/209557/did-china-hijack-the-internet
Plus a link to the PBS site where there are articles RELATED to this story. = http://www.pbs.org/newshour/ and http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/july-dec10/chinainternet_11-26.htmlTo truenorth, Topic Starter;

Thanks for your post.
Disregard anything from BC_programmer and Patio.

Most of the major news groups got that story and went with it. Nobody has proof that something evil happened. Therefore it is Non News sez Patio.

As for BC, dread bodies could wash up on the shore and he would say 'What does that have to do with homicide?' He wants you to prove your legations.

Hy everybody, don't let the dynamic duo do our nonthinking for your. Go read the links posted. Decide for yourself if the story has any merit.
Quote

Most of the major news groups got that story and went with it. Nobody has proof that something evil happened. Therefore it is Non News sez Patio.

You should signup at Alex Jones's website then...you'll love it... Quote from: patio on November 28, 2010, 12:23:10 AM

You should signup at Alex Jones's website then...you'll love it...

WOW ! Thank you patio! I never knew about his site.

Funny cartoon about the TSA thing.
(Do not click on image unless to are 11 years old or over.)
http://static.infowars.com/2010/11/i/general/stuffback.jpg
In FF use crtl + to enlarge image.HAHAHA the sad thing is that its getting to that point, we're sacrificing liberty for security.talontromper,
Your profile says you have 10 years working on them. Therefore I am not sure if you are 11 or older. Hope the cartoon did not retard your emotional growth.Ya, im 20, I'm pretty sure that it didn't retard my emotional growth. I guess time will tell Quote from: talontromper on November 28, 2010, 04:35:07 AM

Ya, im 20, I'm pretty sure that it didn't retard my emotional growth. I guess time will tell

Just don't fly to China! Until you are 21.

Discussion

294.	Solve : Mozilla Seabird?
Answer» Stumbled across this and thought you'd all enjoy it. Before SEEING this video I knew nothing about this concept. Has a lot of great concepts and ideas that would be very nice to see. Quote Since Mozilla Labs launched the Concept Series with an open call for participation we’ve had thousands of PEOPLE join in, share ideas and develop concepts around FIREFOX, the Mozilla projects and the Open Web as a whole. In response to our open call Billy May, in early 2009, produced a throw-away concept for an “Open Web Concept Phone”. Working directly off of that community feedback, Billy has since finished the exploration with his concept “Seabird”. The following write-up is by Billy May and explores what an Open Web phone might look like Video PageIt's like they created the NAME as across between Mozilla Seamonkey and Mozilla Thunderbird.Heh, never thought of that. Pretty clever.I'd buy that phone. That looks soo MUCH better than any phone that has come out to date, too bad that its not in production and is just an idea.What a marvelous age we live in. truenorth

294.

Solve : Mozilla Seabird?

Answer»

Stumbled across this and thought you'd all enjoy it. Before SEEING this video I knew nothing about this concept. Has a lot of great concepts and ideas that would be very nice to see.

Quote

Since Mozilla Labs launched the Concept Series with an open call for participation we’ve had thousands of PEOPLE join in, share ideas and develop concepts around FIREFOX, the Mozilla projects and the Open Web as a whole.

In response to our open call Billy May, in early 2009, produced a throw-away concept for an “Open Web Concept Phone”. Working directly off of that community feedback, Billy has since finished the exploration with his concept “Seabird”.

The following write-up is by Billy May and explores what an Open Web phone might look like

Video
PageIt's like they created the NAME as across between Mozilla Seamonkey and Mozilla Thunderbird.Heh, never thought of that. Pretty clever.I'd buy that phone. That looks soo MUCH better than any phone that has come out to date, too bad that its not in production and is just an idea.What a marvelous age we live in. truenorth

Discussion

295.	Solve : 'Nightmare' kernel bug lets attackers evade Windows UAC security?
Answer» Microsoft is INVESTIGATING reports of an unpatched vulnerability in the Windows kernel that could be used by attackers to sidestep an important operating system security measure. http://bit.ly/fuKbbh Quote Hackers cannot use the exploit to remotely compromise a PC, however, as it requires LOCAL access, a fact that Microsoft stressed. "Because this is a local elevation-of-privilege issue, it requires attackers to be already able to execute code on a targeted machine," said Bryant. I think that's pretty important to consider, since the malicious code has to get to your machine first, and be executed. Agreed. Still.......Does this MEAN people can infect your kernel without you noticing? Not like that's never happened before... EDIT: "On its own, this bug does not allow remote code execution, but does enable non-administrator accounts to execute code as if they were an administrator" Hmmm, sounds worse now... Quote from: Allan on November 28, 2010, 12:50:25 PM Agreed. Still....... Of course, it's still a vulnerability. But at least it's not the "OMG anybody can Blue screen my PC" type of thing with early versions of windows 95 or the various older "send a few magic packets to a PC and take it over via remote desktop" bugs in winXP and 2K. Quote from: Veltas on November 28, 2010, 01:00:28 PM Does this mean people can infect your kernel without you noticing? No. Quote "On its own, this bug does not allow remote code execution, but does enable non-administrator accounts to execute code as if they were an administrator" Hmmm, sounds worse now... depends on the situation. I don't know about anybody else but I'm very careful about where I download executables from. A good percentage of people run with UAC disabled to begin with which I believe make this issue moot for them. Quote from: BC_Programmer on November 28, 2010, 02:16:20 PM A good percentage of people run with UAC disabled to begin with which I believe make this issue moot for them. Yep. And that makes no sense at all - especially with the availability of "silent mode". Huge thread on UAC (been going on for years) at another support site.Sorry but stuff like this is always around, if you're that worried just download linux or something. I'll agree with BC that just being careful about your sources is key to not getting this stuff. Whenever I have security problems it's because I DECIDED to download from a source I wouldn't usually trust but felt desperate enough to do so.. and suffered for it. Quote from: Allan on November 28, 2010, 02:24:11 PM Yep. And that makes no sense at all - especially with the availability of "silent mode". You mean it makes no sense to run without UAC, not that UAC makes no sense, correct? Quote from: Veltas on November 28, 2010, 02:28:22 PM if you're that worried just download linux or something. Linux is not any more secure then windows. This is a common fallacy. Both systems need to be properly configured to be secure. Quote from: BC_Programmer on November 28, 2010, 02:54:55 PM You mean it makes no sense to run without UAC, not that UAC makes no sense, correct? Yes. There is no reason not to use it. If you find it too intrusive (as I do) then just run it in quiet mode / silent mode - which is what I do on all systems. And there's even a little utility (http://www.tweak-uac.com/home/) that makes switching modes a snap for anyone.

295.

Solve : 'Nightmare' kernel bug lets attackers evade Windows UAC security?

Answer»

Microsoft is INVESTIGATING reports of an unpatched vulnerability in the Windows kernel that could be used by attackers to sidestep an important operating system security measure.

http://bit.ly/fuKbbh Quote

Hackers cannot use the exploit to remotely compromise a PC, however, as it requires LOCAL access, a fact that Microsoft stressed. "Because this is a local elevation-of-privilege issue, it requires attackers to be already able to execute code on a targeted machine," said Bryant.

I think that's pretty important to consider, since the malicious code has to get to your machine first, and be executed. Agreed. Still.......Does this MEAN people can infect your kernel without you noticing?

Not like that's never happened before...

EDIT:

"On its own, this bug does not allow remote code execution, but does enable non-administrator accounts to execute code as if they were an administrator"

Hmmm, sounds worse now... Quote from: Allan on November 28, 2010, 12:50:25 PM

Agreed. Still.......

Of course, it's still a vulnerability. But at least it's not the "OMG anybody can Blue screen my PC" type of thing with early versions of windows 95 or the various older "send a few magic packets to a PC and take it over via remote desktop" bugs in winXP and 2K.

Quote from: Veltas on November 28, 2010, 01:00:28 PM

Does this mean people can infect your kernel without you noticing?

No.
Quote

"On its own, this bug does not allow remote code execution, but does enable non-administrator accounts to execute code as if they were an administrator"

Hmmm, sounds worse now...

depends on the situation. I don't know about anybody else but I'm very careful about where I download executables from. A good percentage of people run with UAC disabled to begin with which I believe make this issue moot for them. Quote from: BC_Programmer on November 28, 2010, 02:16:20 PM

A good percentage of people run with UAC disabled to begin with which I believe make this issue moot for them.

Yep. And that makes no sense at all - especially with the availability of "silent mode". Huge thread on UAC (been going on for years) at another support site.Sorry but stuff like this is always around, if you're that worried just download linux or something.

I'll agree with BC that just being careful about your sources is key to not getting this stuff. Whenever I have security problems it's because I DECIDED to download from a source I wouldn't usually trust but felt desperate enough to do so.. and suffered for it. Quote from: Allan on November 28, 2010, 02:24:11 PM

Yep. And that makes no sense at all - especially with the availability of "silent mode".

You mean it makes no sense to run without UAC, not that UAC makes no sense, correct?

Quote from: Veltas on November 28, 2010, 02:28:22 PM

if you're that worried just download linux or something.

Linux is not any more secure then windows. This is a common fallacy. Both systems need to be properly configured to be secure.

Quote from: BC_Programmer on November 28, 2010, 02:54:55 PM

You mean it makes no sense to run without UAC, not that UAC makes no sense, correct?

Yes. There is no reason not to use it. If you find it too intrusive (as I do) then just run it in quiet mode / silent mode - which is what I do on all systems. And there's even a little utility (http://www.tweak-uac.com/home/) that makes switching modes a snap for anyone.

Discussion

296.	Solve : 25 Year Tour of Windows?
Answer» FULL Story...Amazing to think that Windows 3.0, which was when Windows was really starting to gain some momentum, was released in 1990, just 20 years AGO. And, when you think about how many versions of Windows followed Windows 3.0, the long run of Windows XP stands out as exceptional. I recall SEEING Windows 1.0 but only saw it one or two times, as I recall. I just discovered it by chance on a computer at work. Nobody used it; they used DOS then and I believe most PEOPLE in the office were not even aware that Windows 1.0 was installed on that computer. Windows 3.1 was, as I recall, the version that really gained the momentum for Microsoft Windows. that's really cool, my favorite was windows 98!

Discussion

297.	Solve : Microsoft's Windows 7 is fastest-selling operating system ever?
Answer» More than 240m copies of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system have been sold in its first year, making it the fastest-selling consumer operating system ever, the company said on Thursday. Many of those sales will have been to individuals buying new computers, as consumers traditionally upgrade more quickly than the businesses that make up the majority of Windows users. But about 89% of companies intend to install Windows 7 to replace earlier versions of Windows, said Tami Reller, chief financial officer of Microsoft's Windows unit. Link The punchline... Microsoft: Windows 8 Is 2 Years AwayI liked some of the comments after the story. Especially the ones comparing windows to mcdonalds. If comparing Windows to McDonald's, then Apple would be Vegan Glory, and Linux would be some u-pick farm.I can see how people might compare MS to mcdonalds. If the Big Mac cost 350 dollars.Windows 8 is scheduled to hit store shelves in 2012. MS working on delivering Far better security, Faster boot times, app store ?! (not that anyone wants it... Shareware can do almost anything, it is truly awesome, and users do not want to be forced to go GET THIER apps from a single authoritarian company). No, it's rumored to be released in 2012 on some blogs. There has been no official word. And thanks for your opinion ("not that anyone wants it..."), but I'm guessing it will sell just fine. Quote from: icyred on November 02, 2010, 10:21:12 AM Windows 8 is scheduled to hit store shelves in 2012. MS working on delivering Far better security, Faster boot times, app store ?! (not that anyone wants it... Shareware can do almost anything, it is truly awesome, and users do not want to be forced to go get thier apps from a single authoritarian company). As Allan noted, it's a rumour, not a scheduled date. Shareware died with the 90's. You're SUPPOSED to say "Open Source" not shareware, if you want to make believe you know what you are talking about. Shareware has never been awesome, at least, not since they changed it from "shareware" to "nagware" in the late 80's. Or even better: crippleware. As for the last comment "users do not want to be forced to get thier apps from a single authoritarian company" Have you asked any iPad,iPod, or iPhone users about that? As near as I can tell that's exactly what their app store causes. Lastly, Microsoft is far from authoritarian as far as who develops software for their Operating System is concerned, quite unlike Apple, which often requires expensive devkits simply to get started; they even try to tie you down to a single programming language (Objective-C). Yep, that's freedom people. Even though Microsoft let's ANYBODY download their SDK and develop and distribute Windows Applications, using almost any imaginable programming language, and Apple essentially forced vendors to buy some devkit (until quite recently, at least), use a very limited set of programming languages (if they want to "conform") and they have to meet Apples approval to enter the Apple store; quite literally if a program wants to get onto the Apple store that competes directly with a piece of Apple software, it's denied. And Microsoft somehow get's painted as the draconian one. I have a problem with them CLASSIFYING it as the fastest... What is that supposed to mean exactly ? ? Quote from: patio on November 02, 2010, 04:39:13 PM I have a problem with them classifying it as the fastest... What is that supposed to mean exactly ? ? Fastest *selling* But in what context ? ? When DOS 6.2 was released the market was way way smaller...however it got gobbled up proportianately way faster than Win7 has been... Same thing happened with Win2K because it was the 1st server based home/user OS ever released... I'm sorry for nitpicking but fastest just doesn't cut it in my mind... Bad choice of terminology...

297.

Solve : Microsoft's Windows 7 is fastest-selling operating system ever?

Answer»

More than 240m copies of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system have been sold in its first year, making it the fastest-selling consumer operating system ever, the company said on Thursday.

Many of those sales will have been to individuals buying new computers, as consumers traditionally upgrade more quickly than the businesses that make up the majority of Windows users. But about 89% of companies intend to install Windows 7 to replace earlier versions of Windows, said Tami Reller, chief financial officer of Microsoft's Windows unit.

Link
The punchline... Microsoft: Windows 8 Is 2 Years AwayI liked some of the comments after the story. Especially the ones comparing windows to mcdonalds. If comparing Windows to McDonald's, then Apple would be Vegan Glory, and Linux would be some u-pick farm.I can see how people might compare MS to mcdonalds.

If the Big Mac cost 350 dollars.Windows 8 is scheduled to hit store shelves in 2012.
MS working on delivering Far better security, Faster boot times, app store ?! (not that anyone wants it... Shareware can do almost anything, it is truly awesome, and users do not want to be forced to go GET THIER apps from a single authoritarian company).
No, it's rumored to be released in 2012 on some blogs. There has been no official word.

And thanks for your opinion ("not that anyone wants it..."), but I'm guessing it will sell just fine. Quote from: icyred on November 02, 2010, 10:21:12 AM

Windows 8 is scheduled to hit store shelves in 2012.
MS working on delivering Far better security, Faster boot times, app store ?! (not that anyone wants it... Shareware can do almost anything, it is truly awesome, and users do not want to be forced to go get thier apps from a single authoritarian company).

As Allan noted, it's a rumour, not a scheduled date.

Shareware died with the 90's. You're SUPPOSED to say "Open Source" not shareware, if you want to make believe you know what you are talking about. Shareware has never been awesome, at least, not since they changed it from "shareware" to "nagware" in the late 80's. Or even better: crippleware.

As for the last comment "users do not want to be forced to get thier apps from a single authoritarian company" Have you asked any iPad,iPod, or iPhone users about that? As near as I can tell that's exactly what their app store causes. Lastly, Microsoft is far from authoritarian as far as who develops software for their Operating System is concerned, quite unlike Apple, which often requires expensive devkits simply to get started; they even try to tie you down to a single programming language (Objective-C). Yep, that's freedom people. Even though Microsoft let's ANYBODY download their SDK and develop and distribute Windows Applications, using almost any imaginable programming language, and Apple essentially forced vendors to buy some devkit (until quite recently, at least), use a very limited set of programming languages (if they want to "conform") and they have to meet Apples approval to enter the Apple store; quite literally if a program wants to get onto the Apple store that competes directly with a piece of Apple software, it's denied. And Microsoft somehow get's painted as the draconian one.
I have a problem with them CLASSIFYING it as the fastest...
What is that supposed to mean exactly ? ? Quote from: patio on November 02, 2010, 04:39:13 PM

I have a problem with them classifying it as the fastest...
What is that supposed to mean exactly ? ?

Fastest selling But in what context ? ?

When DOS 6.2 was released the market was way way smaller...however it got gobbled up proportianately way faster than Win7 has been...
Same thing happened with Win2K because it was the 1st server based home/user OS ever released...

I'm sorry for nitpicking but fastest just doesn't cut it in my mind...

Bad choice of terminology...

Discussion

298.	Solve : Hold off on buying that new Cell Phone?
Answer» Came across this this morning on one of my tech subscription sites. This will certainly change the cell phone market i believe. Perhaps the next innovation of this technology will be to computer screens. truenorth http://masterimage3d.com/products/3d-lcd1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls. 2) Once 3D tv with glasses was introduced it was quite clear that it's only a matter of time until 3D on any flat screen is available without the use of glasses. And hologographic images in the home won't be all that far behind. Quote from: Allan on SEPTEMBER 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM 1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls. +1 Million! a Cell phone should be just that- a portable phone. Manufacturers should be focussing on stuff related to making phone calls- phone lists and a database like they have now make sense in that context, but being able to take pictures? Access E-mail? And my personal "favourite" "text messages". Everybody (well, not everybody, but you know what I mean) is all in a fuss "OMG I HAVE TO SEND TEXT MESSAGES!", meanwhile, in 1982, people were SENDING text messages back and forth to each other through modems and, they didn't make a huge deal out of it. That was billed Per/hour by the phone company, and now you get to pay something like 50 cents per message. So your spending 50 cents to be able to send through text a message that you could just as easily send through a phone call. "but it's not long/important enough for a phone call" they say... well, then is it really worth communicating? Does your friend really need to know that you "lol'd" and is it really worth 50 cents to communicate this information? It certainly doesn't cost the cellphone company anything at all to send text messages, it's like a huge cash cow and people are falling right into it like it's "new". And then you have "cellphone games" did the pulse dialing phones have built in versions of Pong and tetris? No! and it's not simply because they are "old" and "outdated" it's because they are phones. I won't argue that it's easier to carry around, say, a cellphone with games and a camera then a cellphone, a camera and a gameboy, but come on, do you really ALWAYS need that stuff anyways? After all, every single "feature" of these mixed up things are pretty substandard. they come with terrible cameras, awful music playback, (for those that double as an "mp3 player"), public domain games that you still have to pay fore, and probably the worst concievable types of keyboards, and yet people are buying them in droves because they are "cool". That doesn't even touch on the fact that there are 8 year olds running around with cellphones with all these cool features. Why? Do they need a cellphone? people will often counter "well, I want to be able to find them if they get lost!" Well gee, I wonder how we ever survived as a human race before the advent of cellphones! Besides, since when do homing beacons need games and cameras, anyway? It's a huge COP out to say "well, I want to be able to contact them anywhere". First off, you should ALWAYS know where your bloody children are, you shouldn't need to call them. How the censored are they going to get "lost" anyway? What are they going to wander into the forbidden forest after dinner? Come on people. Sorry I guess that was somewhat Off-topic. Anyway that screen would be pretty cool for computer displays, but dreadfully pointless for cellphone screens. I don't know about anybody else but the ability to play "tetris" in 3d isn't really that appealing. It's still tetris, I'd be happy to play it on an Electronika-90.Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ? Quote from: patio on September 28, 2010, 01:59:02 PM Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ? I never gave you my number, right? Quote from: patio on September 28, 2010, 01:59:02 PM Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ? Don't worry, I'm sure the first few iterations will actually be 2.5d. You can see it now. "Can you see me now sonny?" "No no... wait, are you upstairs?" "yes yes" "ahh, that's the problem, it doesn't support room over room" Quote from: Allan on September 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM 1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls. I agree completely. Granted, I do like having some extra features that basically allow the phone to double as a PDA, but I think turning them into mobile PC's is ridiculous. And don't even get me started on TEXTING...that and social networking are two of humanity's worst ideas, right up there with Justin Bieber and other things that shall go unmentioned because I realized that some people will likely get offended. Heh. Quote from: Allan on September 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM 2) Once 3D tv with glasses was introduced it was quite clear that it's only a matter of time until 3D on any flat screen is available without the use of glasses. And hologographic images in the home won't be all that far behind. As seen with Nintendo's 3DS, 3D without glasses is very doable; it's just a bit pricely on a large scale. For now. As for holographic images...it's already in the works: http://www.gizmag.com/go/3087/OK here i go stepping off the cliff--I HATE cellphones (don't own one --don't intend to). Why? I don't desire to be THAT accessible. To me i don't want to be tethered to that short of an availability leash (i,m just NOT that important). HOWEVER i do acknowledge that i am a rare breed of cat. The marketing types that are in this industry know their public. The more the gadgets they tie into them the greater the market. Also the more the features change the more the repeat sales occur. Some of us may RESIST that but the bulk of the market does not. IE: the lineups the night before some new gadget or innovation on an existing one is released . I believe Mr. Gates and Mr. Jobs figured that out long ago.truenorthA friend of mine also refuses to get a cell phone because of the availability issue, which is something I don't quite get. I mean, all you have to do is turn the phone off until you need it again. I have plenty of qualms about cell phones, but I still think of them as something very handy to have just in case of an emergency while on the go (we don't have call boxes around here anymore). Quote from: CBMatt on September 28, 2010, 06:04:02 PM I do like having some extra features that basically allow the phone to double as a PDA I used to carry a PDA and a cell phone, but as cell phones added more memory and became more versatile, the PDA wasn't needed. Also, since many current cell phone displays don't work very well in sunlight, I wonder how 3D displays would work in sunlight. And also I usually leave my phone on, but I have the ability to see who is calling, and let it go to voice mail if I don't want to talk to them at that point in time. I usually keep my phone on vibrate so it doesn't annoy others when it goes off.A lot of the newer phones are worse of cell signal than the old phones, I use a cell phone that's 5 years old(env1). I still use this phone because it is a quality phone before that i had a razor. Just because the Lg and Motorola release a new phone doesn't mean that every cell phone that isn't that "new" phone is instantly obsolete. The media paints the picture that people must have the latest and greatest tech to be cool. What it doesnt' say is that a good portion of the new tech is plagued with bugs and Hw issues. This issue crosses all boarders as far as consumer products go. look at clothing. belbottoms left with the 70's/80's. Guess what is in the new fliers for major clothing chains. bellbottoms. Its sad that my generation (90's) buys into the media's perception of what their life should be like. Everyone is right the primary job of the cell phone is to be a PHONE

298.

Solve : Hold off on buying that new Cell Phone?

Answer»

Came across this this morning on one of my tech subscription sites. This will certainly change the cell phone market i believe. Perhaps the next innovation of this technology will be to computer screens. truenorth
http://masterimage3d.com/products/3d-lcd1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls.

2) Once 3D tv with glasses was introduced it was quite clear that it's only a matter of time until 3D on any flat screen is available without the use of glasses. And hologographic images in the home won't be all that far behind. Quote from: Allan on SEPTEMBER 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM

1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls.

+1 Million!

a Cell phone should be just that- a portable phone. Manufacturers should be focussing on stuff related to making phone calls- phone lists and a database like they have now make sense in that context, but being able to take pictures? Access E-mail? And my personal "favourite" "text messages".

Everybody (well, not everybody, but you know what I mean) is all in a fuss "OMG I HAVE TO SEND TEXT MESSAGES!", meanwhile, in 1982, people were SENDING text messages back and forth to each other through modems and, they didn't make a huge deal out of it. That was billed Per/hour by the phone company, and now you get to pay something like 50 cents per message. So your spending 50 cents to be able to send through text a message that you could just as easily send through a phone call. "but it's not long/important enough for a phone call" they say... well, then is it really worth communicating? Does your friend really need to know that you "lol'd" and is it really worth 50 cents to communicate this information? It certainly doesn't cost the cellphone company anything at all to send text messages, it's like a huge cash cow and people are falling right into it like it's "new".

And then you have "cellphone games" did the pulse dialing phones have built in versions of Pong and tetris? No! and it's not simply because they are "old" and "outdated" it's because they are phones. I won't argue that it's easier to carry around, say, a cellphone with games and a camera then a cellphone, a camera and a gameboy, but come on, do you really ALWAYS need that stuff anyways? After all, every single "feature" of these mixed up things are pretty substandard. they come with terrible cameras, awful music playback, (for those that double as an "mp3 player"), public domain games that you still have to pay fore, and probably the worst concievable types of keyboards, and yet people are buying them in droves because they are "cool".

That doesn't even touch on the fact that there are 8 year olds running around with cellphones with all these cool features. Why? Do they need a cellphone? people will often counter "well, I want to be able to find them if they get lost!" Well gee, I wonder how we ever survived as a human race before the advent of cellphones! Besides, since when do homing beacons need games and cameras, anyway? It's a huge COP out to say "well, I want to be able to contact them anywhere". First off, you should ALWAYS know where your bloody children are, you shouldn't need to call them. How the *censored* are they going to get "lost" anyway? What are they going to wander into the forbidden forest after dinner? Come on people.

Sorry I guess that was somewhat Off-topic. Anyway that screen would be pretty cool for computer displays, but dreadfully pointless for cellphone screens. I don't know about anybody else but the ability to play "tetris" in 3d isn't really that appealing. It's still tetris, I'd be happy to play it on an Electronika-90.Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ? Quote from: patio on September 28, 2010, 01:59:02 PM

Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ?

I never gave you my number, right? Quote from: patio on September 28, 2010, 01:59:02 PM

Everyone i happen to call on my cell are rather homely...even in 2D....why would i want to see that in 3 D ? ?

Don't worry, I'm sure the first few iterations will actually be 2.5d. You can see it now.

"Can you see me now sonny?"

"No no... wait, are you upstairs?"

"yes yes"

"ahh, that's the problem, it doesn't support room over room" Quote from: Allan on September 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM

1) As hard as this may be to believe, the most important function of a cell phone for me is the ability to make and receive clear phone calls.

I agree completely. Granted, I do like having some extra features that basically allow the phone to double as a PDA, but I think turning them into mobile PC's is ridiculous. And don't even get me started on TEXTING...that and social networking are two of humanity's worst ideas, right up there with Justin Bieber and other things that shall go unmentioned because I realized that some people will likely get offended. Heh.

Quote from: Allan on September 28, 2010, 09:41:04 AM

2) Once 3D tv with glasses was introduced it was quite clear that it's only a matter of time until 3D on any flat screen is available without the use of glasses. And hologographic images in the home won't be all that far behind.

As seen with Nintendo's 3DS, 3D without glasses is very doable; it's just a bit pricely on a large scale. For now. As for holographic images...it's already in the works:
http://www.gizmag.com/go/3087/OK here i go stepping off the cliff--I HATE cellphones (don't own one --don't intend to). Why? I don't desire to be THAT accessible. To me i don't want to be tethered to that short of an availability leash (i,m just NOT that important). HOWEVER i do acknowledge that i am a rare breed of cat. The marketing types that are in this industry know their public. The more the gadgets they tie into them the greater the market. Also the more the features change the more the repeat sales occur. Some of us may RESIST that but the bulk of the market does not. IE: the lineups the night before some new gadget or innovation on an existing one is released . I believe Mr. Gates and Mr. Jobs figured that out long ago.truenorthA friend of mine also refuses to get a cell phone because of the availability issue, which is something I don't quite get. I mean, all you have to do is turn the phone off until you need it again. I have plenty of qualms about cell phones, but I still think of them as something very handy to have just in case of an emergency while on the go (we don't have call boxes around here anymore). Quote from: CBMatt on September 28, 2010, 06:04:02 PM

I do like having some extra features that basically allow the phone to double as a PDA

I used to carry a PDA and a cell phone, but as cell phones added more memory and became more versatile, the PDA wasn't needed.

Also, since many current cell phone displays don't work very well in sunlight, I wonder how 3D displays would work in sunlight.

And also I usually leave my phone on, but I have the ability to see who is calling, and let it go to voice mail if I don't want to talk to them at that point in time. I usually keep my phone on vibrate so it doesn't annoy others when it goes off.A lot of the newer phones are worse of cell signal than the old phones, I use a cell phone that's 5 years old(env1). I still use this phone because it is a quality phone before that i had a razor. Just because the Lg and Motorola release a new phone doesn't mean that every cell phone that isn't that "new" phone is instantly obsolete. The media paints the picture that people must have the latest and greatest tech to be cool. What it doesnt' say is that a good portion of the new tech is plagued with bugs and Hw issues. This issue crosses all boarders as far as consumer products go. look at clothing. belbottoms left with the 70's/80's. Guess what is in the new fliers for major clothing chains. bellbottoms. Its sad that my generation (90's) buys into the media's perception of what their life should be like.

Everyone is right the primary job of the cell phone is to be a PHONE

Discussion

299.	Solve : Fiber to the home?
Answer» From Lightwave. Quote SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- In his semi-annual State of the FTTH Union update, RVA Market Research’s Michael Render told attendees at the FTTH Conference in Las Vegas that 6.45 million households in NORTH America receive services via fiber to the HOME (FTTH) networks. Render’s research, sponsored by the FTTH Council North America, also shows that FTTH infrastructure passes nearly 20 million North American homes. The 6.45 million connection figure represents a six-month increase of just under 650,000. The number of current homes passed -- 19,966,000 – compares to an estimated 18,250,000 homes last March. All told, FTTH networks pass approximately 17.4% of North American homes and connect to just under 6%. Full article. http://www.lightwaveonline.com/education/news/FTTH-Council-FTTH-serves-645M-North-American-homes-102965204.html?cmpid=EnlDirectSeptember162010Think it'd be GREAT to see more BROADBAND and especially Fiber being made more widely available and HOPEFULLY cheaper. It's so amazing that North America is so far behind when it comes to broadband availability.

299.

Solve : Fiber to the home?

Answer»

From Lightwave.

Quote

SEPTEMBER 15, 2010 By Stephen Hardy -- In his semi-annual State of the FTTH Union update, RVA Market Research’s Michael Render told attendees at the FTTH Conference in Las Vegas that 6.45 million households in NORTH America receive services via fiber to the HOME (FTTH) networks. Render’s research, sponsored by the FTTH Council North America, also shows that FTTH infrastructure passes nearly 20 million North American homes.

The 6.45 million connection figure represents a six-month increase of just under 650,000. The number of current homes passed -- 19,966,000 – compares to an estimated 18,250,000 homes last March. All told, FTTH networks pass approximately 17.4% of North American homes and connect to just under 6%.

Full article.

http://www.lightwaveonline.com/education/news/FTTH-Council-FTTH-serves-645M-North-American-homes-102965204.html?cmpid=EnlDirectSeptember162010Think it'd be GREAT to see more BROADBAND and especially Fiber being made more widely available and HOPEFULLY cheaper. It's so amazing that North America is so far behind when it comes to broadband availability.

Discussion

300.	Solve : AMD says goodbye to the ATI brand?
Answer» Advanced Micro Devices on Monday said it will remove the ATI name from its products by the end of the year, killing a brand name synonymous with graphics enthusiasts for 25 years. Link I shall create a shrine. My ATI Rage Pro, Radeon 7000, Radeon 9250, All-In-Wonder 9000, and who can forget my ATI EGA Wonder. Although, come to think of it, my last few computers have used NVidia graphics cards. Can't wait for that awkward stage where nobody really knows What to call it- you'll have the older video cards with the ATI LOGO, and the newer ones that sport AMD (assuming they are continuing to produce graphics chips). I can't remember if AMD was canadian, I know ATI was. For some reason it would appear that anywhere somebody has a problem with ATI's tech support, or the tech support of any company not based in the US (for AMERICANS, I mean) suddenly the problem isn't with the company's tech support, but the problem is the country. I made the terrible mistake of googling (was TRYING ot find out if AMD was canadian or not, wasn't sure) and was lucky enough to stumble on quite a bit of anti-Canadian hate. Because of ATI's tech support. censored. how does "I can't get my video card working" translate to "they all suck and they depend on us for everything"? Sorry... sorry... some of what I just read had me rather steamed anyways, for the most part ATI is really just a brand name that AMD has kept around; to my understanding they're all one company and they just happened to keep the ATI moniker on video cards, probably for recognition. Ironically this means that those people complaining that we Canadians can't run companies because we have poor tech support are actually dealing with the tech support of an American company, which if they were aware would suddenly CHANGE their stance. That's what pisses me off, is when somebody has entirely conditional nationalism. I don't think it really matters what country a company is from, or what country they are based in.AMD is based in Sunnyvale California. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 01, 2010, 04:16:42 PM AMD is based in Sunnyvale CA. Yeah, I found that out later- it was founded in Texas.I always loved ATI, I'll miss the brand. Used the Rage 128 for years, then the Radeon 7000 and the current desktop has a Radeon X200. The Radeon X200 sucks since ATI has dropped support (so there is no driver from them) and the latest open source drivers are acting up badly, so now I say goodbye to google earth. But I do see complaints everywhere about their service, particularly from Linux users who are frustrated with the Linux support. Gee, I always considered ATI and Nvidea to be the top choices for graphics components. Does this mean we'll have another monopoly to price their products as they see fit? I already had a minor stroke when I paid $209.99 for my GTX 260 vid card in 3/2009. Quote from: lectrocrew on September 20, 2010, 12:12:10 PM Gee, I always considered ATI and Nvidea to be the top choices for graphics components. Does this mean we'll have another monopoly to price their products as they see fit? I already had a minor stroke when I paid $209.99 for my GTX 260 vid card in 3/2009. ATI is going away as a brand-name, but that name is being replaced with AMD. that is, there will be AMD Radeon cards. They could have done this years ago whe nthey bought ATI but they decided to wait awhile and let people get used to the fact that they own the ATI brand.I thought about that after I posted. I'ts not the end of the manufacturer, just a belated annex of the product name. Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand. You see ads on TV all the time for Intel, almost never for AMD. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 20, 2010, 01:57:13 PM Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand. You see ads on TV all the time for Intel, almost never for AMD. Think someone should be hiring you for their marketing, having ATI being used in conjunction with the AMD brand name would be brilliant. Since, I'd guess more people are familiar with ATI brand than AMD. IN addition I'm sure many people don't even know that ATI is an AMD brand and has been for some time. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 20, 2010, 01:57:13 PM Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand. A lot of the AMD/ATI cards here in Southeast Asia have been dual branded for the last year or so.Perfect example of a large Co. where the Marketing staff have no COMMUNICATION with the Production stafff... Serves em right. Quote from: patio on September 25, 2010, 12:48:40 PM Perfect example of a large Co. where the Marketing staff have no communication with the Production staff... Serves em right. In my experience, there generally is communication between the marketing department and the production and technical departments, it's just that the marketing departments just don't listen.That would still be the same as what i was saying...IMHO.That Sucks

300.

Solve : AMD says goodbye to the ATI brand?

Answer»

Advanced Micro Devices on Monday said it will remove the ATI name from its products by the end of the year, killing a brand name synonymous with graphics enthusiasts for 25 years.

Link

I shall create a shrine. My ATI Rage Pro, Radeon 7000, Radeon 9250, All-In-Wonder 9000, and who can forget my ATI EGA Wonder.

Although, come to think of it, my last few computers have used NVidia graphics cards.

Can't wait for that awkward stage where nobody really knows What to call it- you'll have the older video cards with the ATI LOGO, and the newer ones that sport AMD (assuming they are continuing to produce graphics chips).

I can't remember if AMD was canadian, I know ATI was. For some reason it would appear that anywhere somebody has a problem with ATI's tech support, or the tech support of any company not based in the US (for AMERICANS, I mean) suddenly the problem isn't with the company's tech support, but the problem is the country. I made the terrible mistake of googling (was TRYING ot find out if AMD was canadian or not, wasn't sure) and was lucky enough to stumble on quite a bit of anti-Canadian hate.

Because of ATI's tech support. *censored*. how does "I can't get my video card working" translate to "they all suck and they depend on us for everything"?

Sorry... sorry... some of what I just read had me rather steamed

anyways, for the most part ATI is really just a brand name that AMD has kept around; to my understanding they're all one company and they just happened to keep the ATI moniker on video cards, probably for recognition. Ironically this means that those people complaining that we Canadians can't run companies because we have poor tech support are actually dealing with the tech support of an American company, which if they were aware would suddenly CHANGE their stance. That's what pisses me off, is when somebody has entirely conditional nationalism. I don't think it really matters what country a company is from, or what country they are based in.AMD is based in Sunnyvale California. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 01, 2010, 04:16:42 PM

AMD is based in Sunnyvale CA.

Yeah, I found that out later- it was founded in Texas.I always loved ATI, I'll miss the brand. Used the Rage 128 for years, then the Radeon 7000 and the current desktop has a Radeon X200. The Radeon X200 sucks since ATI has dropped support (so there is no driver from them) and the latest open source drivers are acting up badly, so now I say goodbye to google earth.

But I do see complaints everywhere about their service, particularly from Linux users who are frustrated with the Linux support. Gee, I always considered ATI and Nvidea to be the top choices for graphics components. Does this mean we'll have another monopoly to price their products as they see fit? I already had a minor stroke when I paid $209.99 for my GTX 260 vid card in 3/2009. Quote from: lectrocrew on September 20, 2010, 12:12:10 PM

Gee, I always considered ATI and Nvidea to be the top choices for graphics components. Does this mean we'll have another monopoly to price their products as they see fit? I already had a minor stroke when I paid $209.99 for my GTX 260 vid card in 3/2009.

ATI is going away as a brand-name, but that name is being replaced with AMD. that is, there will be AMD Radeon cards. They could have done this years ago whe nthey bought ATI but they decided to wait awhile and let people get used to the fact that they own the ATI brand.I thought about that after I posted. I'ts not the end of the manufacturer, just a belated annex of the product name. Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand. You see ads on TV all the time for Intel, almost never for AMD. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 20, 2010, 01:57:13 PM

Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand. You see ads on TV all the time for Intel, almost never for AMD.

Think someone should be hiring you for their marketing, having ATI being used in conjunction with the AMD brand name would be brilliant. Since, I'd guess more people are familiar with ATI brand than AMD. IN addition I'm sure many people don't even know that ATI is an AMD brand and has been for some time. Quote from: rthompson80819 on September 20, 2010, 01:57:13 PM

Actually, I'm surprised AMD didn't change the name to something like AMD/ATI years ago to get more name recognition for the AMD brand.

A lot of the AMD/ATI cards here in Southeast Asia have been dual branded for the last year or so.Perfect example of a large Co. where the Marketing staff have no COMMUNICATION with the Production stafff...
Serves em right. Quote from: patio on September 25, 2010, 12:48:40 PM

Perfect example of a large Co. where the Marketing staff have no communication with the Production staff...
Serves em right.

In my experience, there generally is communication between the marketing department and the production and technical departments, it's just that the marketing departments just don't listen.That would still be the same as what i was saying...IMHO.That Sucks

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