A joint effort between two Japanese firms has led to the development of the T-34, a robot capable of launching a web to trap intruders. One of the companies is Tmsuk Co, a robotics firm; the other is security firm, Alacom Co.
The prototype T-34 moves at just over 5 mph and can be controlled by someone viewing streaming images transmitted by a mobile phone. It moves on wheels and its sensors detect movement.
* This post originally appeared on The OddBlog by accident.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Ethnocentric BBC No Longer Serving Americans
Have you noticed something new over to the BBC site lately? As in the "Sorry! This media is not available in your area" message? What's going on with that?
While most of the times I've come across this disappointing status error have involved decidedly regional-based content, I'm one of those cats who doesn't like being told "no." Granted, I don't know who Jonathan Ross is, nor do I know what his whole "radio row" was - honestly, I don't much care - but when I'm reading a page filled with triangular exclamation points and notices as to how I cannot view more of the story due to my geographical location, I'm a little flustered.
These Britons have become rather haughty as late, no?
I think we can all agree that Bush's exit is a good thing - for America, for Britain, for the world in general. Hopefully, it heralds an end to the "Good Ol' Boy Network" manner of politicking we down here in The South are so familiar with. But one of the Web's integral strengths is the demolition of borders. And BBC has taken a huge step backward in this regard.
Don't think that just because we got rid of the cowboy y'all can get buck.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
While most of the times I've come across this disappointing status error have involved decidedly regional-based content, I'm one of those cats who doesn't like being told "no." Granted, I don't know who Jonathan Ross is, nor do I know what his whole "radio row" was - honestly, I don't much care - but when I'm reading a page filled with triangular exclamation points and notices as to how I cannot view more of the story due to my geographical location, I'm a little flustered.
These Britons have become rather haughty as late, no?
I think we can all agree that Bush's exit is a good thing - for America, for Britain, for the world in general. Hopefully, it heralds an end to the "Good Ol' Boy Network" manner of politicking we down here in The South are so familiar with. But one of the Web's integral strengths is the demolition of borders. And BBC has taken a huge step backward in this regard.
Don't think that just because we got rid of the cowboy y'all can get buck.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Microsoft Cutting 5000 Jobs
Software giant, Microsoft, is cutting up to 5000 jobs over the next year and a half - including 1400 immediately.
While they reported a near $5 billion profit for 2008, that was down 11% from 2007 and less than analysts' expectations. Microsoft said they could not predict future market performance due to "volatile market conditions." Shares fell nearly 8% in the wake of the announcements.
The cuts will come from several areas: research and development (R&D), marketing, sales, financial, legal, human resources, and information technology - the latter of which The Cyberculturalist could have sworn they'd been saving money on for years. Further, cuts will be made in other areas, notably travel expenditures. Microsoft expects to reduce their annual overhead by nearly $1.5 billion.
One analyst said that while Microsoft is trying to downplay the cuts, "...it's sending a signal that the times are definitely changing."
Not mentioned was the fact that Microsoft is currently being eyeballed by the EU once again, after already being fined a record $1.4 billion for unfair trade practices.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
While they reported a near $5 billion profit for 2008, that was down 11% from 2007 and less than analysts' expectations. Microsoft said they could not predict future market performance due to "volatile market conditions." Shares fell nearly 8% in the wake of the announcements.
The cuts will come from several areas: research and development (R&D), marketing, sales, financial, legal, human resources, and information technology - the latter of which The Cyberculturalist could have sworn they'd been saving money on for years. Further, cuts will be made in other areas, notably travel expenditures. Microsoft expects to reduce their annual overhead by nearly $1.5 billion.
One analyst said that while Microsoft is trying to downplay the cuts, "...it's sending a signal that the times are definitely changing."
Not mentioned was the fact that Microsoft is currently being eyeballed by the EU once again, after already being fined a record $1.4 billion for unfair trade practices.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
EU vs. Microsoft
The European Union has decided to take on software giant, Microsoft, yet again. Last year, they fined Microsoft $1.4 billion for unfair competition - one of the largest fines ever, at the time - for failing to comply to a 2004 finding of the same. Now, the EU claims Microsoft is harming fair competition by bundling its Explorer Web browser with the Windows operating system.
While you can install and use third-party browsers, there is no way to uninstall Internet Explorer from any Windows OS; while you can technically remove the software, it will completely hose your system at some point (if not immediately), thanks to Windows Updates, innumerable registry keys, and other systematic issues; Internet Explorer is integrally tied to the Windows OS.
Microsoft has come under fire for this in the past, but has yet to correct the problem. Further, planned upgrades to the OS will see Web utilities, programs, and functions becoming even more intrinsic to the operating system, as Windows moves to a "cloud"-based platform.
Truthfully, this is a serious issue which needs to be settled. It would be best if Microsoft developed a single Explorer for everything - an Explorer program capable of accessing both the Web and the PC without forcing the user to "swap-out" between programs to explore directories (Windows Explorer) and Web sites (Internet Explorer). However, this would require Microsoft truly making IE a fundamental part of the entire OS. I, for one, would be all for that, though I understand how it could be seen as an anti-trust move.
The only real solution to this issue is for Microsoft to bite the bullet and make their long-standing "proprietary" software (Windows) more open-source and/or - specifically - allow users to completely untie IE from the Windows OS.
You can access your PC's file structure through Firefox, for example (type "C:\" - without quotes - in the navigation bar to see your root directory), so if you would prefer to use FireFox as your exploring program, you should not be forced to keep IE on your system. It sucks resources on all levels: it takes up disk space, it requires resources at bootstrap, and it is updated specifically (from time to time) through Windows Update.
If I could, I would remove both IE and Windows Explorer from my Vista system (Windows Explorer in Vista is possibly the worst, slowest, most bloated... it crashes at least once every two uses! - that's 50% of the time!!!) and use FF as my entire exploring system. In fact, I am just now starting to familiarize myself with Firefox as my internal (PC) browser - and am truly loving it! I can Favorite/Bookmark oft-used and -accessed directories for a quick return, open/launch programs with a single click, and so on. And by opening my side panel and adjusting the way my History is sorted, I have my directory tree without all the clutter of directories I do not wish to access!
It makes far more sense for me to use my browser as my entire GUI, eliminating the need for such things as free-standing IM programs, the Aero sidebar, and more - with add-ons and plug-ins, as well as the use of my sidewindow and tabs, I can access literally everything I need on my computer, as well as across the Web, from inside my browser. This could be a serious threat to Microsoft, as its newer OS (Vista, Win7) require more and more resources to achieve the same things one could technically do more efficiently with far less.
I applaud the EU - which insists Microsoft has diversified enormously in recent years and is no longer solely-dependent on its Windows OS and software for revenue - in taking-on the giant, but we tech-nerds need to get busy learning how to work without these unnecessary programs, so we can teach others who wish to learn the same.
And that is where the EU is going to face steep criticism, as at least 75%+ of current computer users are not computer enthusiasts; most people could care less about all of this stuff - they just want to be able to "get online" and do what they need to do.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
While you can install and use third-party browsers, there is no way to uninstall Internet Explorer from any Windows OS; while you can technically remove the software, it will completely hose your system at some point (if not immediately), thanks to Windows Updates, innumerable registry keys, and other systematic issues; Internet Explorer is integrally tied to the Windows OS.
Microsoft has come under fire for this in the past, but has yet to correct the problem. Further, planned upgrades to the OS will see Web utilities, programs, and functions becoming even more intrinsic to the operating system, as Windows moves to a "cloud"-based platform.
Truthfully, this is a serious issue which needs to be settled. It would be best if Microsoft developed a single Explorer for everything - an Explorer program capable of accessing both the Web and the PC without forcing the user to "swap-out" between programs to explore directories (Windows Explorer) and Web sites (Internet Explorer). However, this would require Microsoft truly making IE a fundamental part of the entire OS. I, for one, would be all for that, though I understand how it could be seen as an anti-trust move.
The only real solution to this issue is for Microsoft to bite the bullet and make their long-standing "proprietary" software (Windows) more open-source and/or - specifically - allow users to completely untie IE from the Windows OS.
You can access your PC's file structure through Firefox, for example (type "C:\" - without quotes - in the navigation bar to see your root directory), so if you would prefer to use FireFox as your exploring program, you should not be forced to keep IE on your system. It sucks resources on all levels: it takes up disk space, it requires resources at bootstrap, and it is updated specifically (from time to time) through Windows Update.
If I could, I would remove both IE and Windows Explorer from my Vista system (Windows Explorer in Vista is possibly the worst, slowest, most bloated... it crashes at least once every two uses! - that's 50% of the time!!!) and use FF as my entire exploring system. In fact, I am just now starting to familiarize myself with Firefox as my internal (PC) browser - and am truly loving it! I can Favorite/Bookmark oft-used and -accessed directories for a quick return, open/launch programs with a single click, and so on. And by opening my side panel and adjusting the way my History is sorted, I have my directory tree without all the clutter of directories I do not wish to access!
It makes far more sense for me to use my browser as my entire GUI, eliminating the need for such things as free-standing IM programs, the Aero sidebar, and more - with add-ons and plug-ins, as well as the use of my sidewindow and tabs, I can access literally everything I need on my computer, as well as across the Web, from inside my browser. This could be a serious threat to Microsoft, as its newer OS (Vista, Win7) require more and more resources to achieve the same things one could technically do more efficiently with far less.
I applaud the EU - which insists Microsoft has diversified enormously in recent years and is no longer solely-dependent on its Windows OS and software for revenue - in taking-on the giant, but we tech-nerds need to get busy learning how to work without these unnecessary programs, so we can teach others who wish to learn the same.
And that is where the EU is going to face steep criticism, as at least 75%+ of current computer users are not computer enthusiasts; most people could care less about all of this stuff - they just want to be able to "get online" and do what they need to do.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Monday, January 19, 2009
31 on 6to4
Heh, that's from an old Chicago song... and Windows Vista and Server 2008.
I went into the Device Manager the other night to change my modem init string because I now have Caller ID (it turns out I didn't need to, but being an old school sysop, I figured it might help somehow and certainly couldn't hurt). While there, I happened to notice a Warning Sign next to my 6TO4 Adapter and wondered what that was all about.
My first step was to try and update the driver, to no avail. So I did a search for it and found a thread on Annoyances.org where one poster said Dell had sent him a link to a driver which solved the problem. The reason I am not linking to this thread is because the guy didn't bother to post the link! There's nothing there worth discussing; just a bunch of guys complaining about the same problem.
Which turns out not to be a problem at all. That's right: you can safely and completely ignore this whole thing.
The adapter has to do with IPv6, so Microsoft will likely never actually fix the problem for us Vista users; they will release an entirely new OS platform in a few years and we will be forced to find some workaround...
At any rate, feel free to ignore it completely.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
I went into the Device Manager the other night to change my modem init string because I now have Caller ID (it turns out I didn't need to, but being an old school sysop, I figured it might help somehow and certainly couldn't hurt). While there, I happened to notice a Warning Sign next to my 6TO4 Adapter and wondered what that was all about.
My first step was to try and update the driver, to no avail. So I did a search for it and found a thread on Annoyances.org where one poster said Dell had sent him a link to a driver which solved the problem. The reason I am not linking to this thread is because the guy didn't bother to post the link! There's nothing there worth discussing; just a bunch of guys complaining about the same problem.
Which turns out not to be a problem at all. That's right: you can safely and completely ignore this whole thing.
The adapter has to do with IPv6, so Microsoft will likely never actually fix the problem for us Vista users; they will release an entirely new OS platform in a few years and we will be forced to find some workaround...
At any rate, feel free to ignore it completely.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Technical Difficulties
I rarely post on the weekends here to The Cyberculturalist only because I am already so pressed for time. This does not mean I never post on the weekends here, just rarely. Unless something happens to change things, this will likely be all you will hear from me here this weekend, but it is important enough that I had to tell you:
The host for The Weirding is undergoing some server maintenance this weekend. If you have tried to access the site without success, this is why.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
The host for The Weirding is undergoing some server maintenance this weekend. If you have tried to access the site without success, this is why.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Follow Twitters on AIM
If you wonder why The Cyberculturalist is not a big Twit - er, Twitterer, the answer is simple: I do not want another window open while I'm working; I have enough going on at any one time - so much so that many of my programs take too long to load as it is and streaming media drags... the last thing I need is another open tab, much less another window on my desktop! Besides, you can largely follow my goings-on through FriendFeed and the blogs, if you are so interested.
But I'm not obstinate; as I stated, the primary reason I didn't get into Twitter is because it wasn't easily accessible. I specifically wanted to be able to use it via my Instant Messenger, but couldn't figure out how to make that happen. As it turns out, Twitter did have the option at one time, but it no longer supports IM programs (just phones).
However, the newer versions of AIM (my chosen IM, largely because it was the first and I have so many friends on it) supports plugins - a feature I've done nothing with until today - so I did a search for Twitter and found TwitterMan, a plugin which does exactly what you think: allows you to follow your Twitter alongside the client!
Unfortunately, TwitterMan opens a separate window beside the AIM client to show your friends' feeds, as opposed to adding them to your Buddy List, as I would have liked (preferrably under a dedicated Group). Still, it's better than nothing and will allow me to follow my fellow Twitterers, which I have never done before.
Using Ping FM with AIM
Ping.FM is an aggregate service which allows you to update all of your social networking status messages at one time - from your IM program!
To set it up, go to the website and sign-up (it is open to the public now). You then have to setup the services you want to use Ping.FM to update. In some cases (such as Facebook), you will have to use a security key provided by the site, which simply consists of copying and pasting it into the denoted field. Install only the networks you want Ping.FM to update, as it will update all of the installed services at the same time, with the same status message.
Now you are setup to update and follow Twitter completely through your AOL Instant Messenger!
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
But I'm not obstinate; as I stated, the primary reason I didn't get into Twitter is because it wasn't easily accessible. I specifically wanted to be able to use it via my Instant Messenger, but couldn't figure out how to make that happen. As it turns out, Twitter did have the option at one time, but it no longer supports IM programs (just phones).
However, the newer versions of AIM (my chosen IM, largely because it was the first and I have so many friends on it) supports plugins - a feature I've done nothing with until today - so I did a search for Twitter and found TwitterMan, a plugin which does exactly what you think: allows you to follow your Twitter alongside the client!
Unfortunately, TwitterMan opens a separate window beside the AIM client to show your friends' feeds, as opposed to adding them to your Buddy List, as I would have liked (preferrably under a dedicated Group). Still, it's better than nothing and will allow me to follow my fellow Twitterers, which I have never done before.
Using Ping FM with AIM
Ping.FM is an aggregate service which allows you to update all of your social networking status messages at one time - from your IM program!
To set it up, go to the website and sign-up (it is open to the public now). You then have to setup the services you want to use Ping.FM to update. In some cases (such as Facebook), you will have to use a security key provided by the site, which simply consists of copying and pasting it into the denoted field. Install only the networks you want Ping.FM to update, as it will update all of the installed services at the same time, with the same status message.
- Now add "pingfm" to your AIMbots Buddy List Group.
- Go to your Ping.FM Dashboard and click the AIM button.
- There will be two options. The first wants you to send your new Aimbot friend a verification code. I could not get this to work. The second is an AIMlink. Click that and it will ask you to associate a program; your AIM should be located in your Program Files folder under AIM (unless you installed it in a different directory). I clicked this and associated it, but nothing happened; however, when I resent the IM with the verification code, it went right through.
- You can also Ping through other popular IM clients, which you can setup from the Dashboard.
Now you are setup to update and follow Twitter completely through your AOL Instant Messenger!
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dangerous Coding Errors
The NSA released a list of 25 coding errors that can be exploited by cybercriminals. These errors are commonly overlooked by programmers whom the agency claims rarely understand them. But according to the SANS Institute in Maryland, only two of those listed led to actual breaches in the last year. More than 30 organizations, including computer giant Microsoft, collaborated on the document; this is thought to be the first time the industry has concurred on errors of this nature.
These errors are those which must be eradicated before software is released to the public, as well as those for which some means of correction must be developed in order to eliminate them from existing software. If programmers verify their code is free of only these 25 errors, it could greatly deter hackers, according to experts. "The real dedicated serial attacker will probably find a way in even if all these errors were removed. But a high school hacker with malicious intent - ankle-biters if you will - would be deterred from breaking in," Patrick Lincoln, director of the Computer Science Laboratory at SRI International, told the BBC.
Tantamount to all of this, a statement from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the principal adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council, misspelled "cybereducation."
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
These errors are those which must be eradicated before software is released to the public, as well as those for which some means of correction must be developed in order to eliminate them from existing software. If programmers verify their code is free of only these 25 errors, it could greatly deter hackers, according to experts. "The real dedicated serial attacker will probably find a way in even if all these errors were removed. But a high school hacker with malicious intent - ankle-biters if you will - would be deterred from breaking in," Patrick Lincoln, director of the Computer Science Laboratory at SRI International, told the BBC.
Tantamount to all of this, a statement from the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the principal adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council, misspelled "cybereducation."
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thursday, January 1, 2009
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