Tech

A PCMag article by John Dvorak about the recent failure of the Windows Genuine Advantage authentication servers brings up some interesting points. With everyone becoming more reliant on online programs (i.e. Software as a Service), we're more at risk to comms faults and server outages. Why can't we go back to having applications on our desktop?!

You can image the advertising push. "Now control your own data!" "Faster processing power now." "Cheaper!" "Everything at your fingertips." "No need to worry about network outages." "Faster, cheaper, more reliable."

Singapore Airlines is adding bigger screens, and a Red Hat distribution of the Linux, in every seat on its newest planes. "KrisWorld" (cool name!) is their in-flight entertainment system which consists of a central Linux server and 'fat' clients in every seat.

KrisWorld can also be used as a PC and includes Sun Microsystems Inc.'s StarOffice application suite, which offers a word processor, spreadsheet, and a presentation program. Every seat is fitted with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port that lets passengers access documents carried on a thumb drive or portable hard disk. The port can also be used to connect a USB keyboard or mouse, making it easier for business travellers to create and edit documents without having to dig out their laptops and power cords

- Network World I wonder why they called it KrisWorld....

ITN reports that a 39 year old man sitting on a wall outside a home in west London was arrested by two community support officers on suspicion of stealing a wireless broadband connection.

This arrest should act as a warning to anyone who thinks it is acceptable to illegally use other people's broadband connections. To do so potentially breaches the Computer Misuse Act and the Communications Act, so computer users need to be aware that this is unlawful and police will investigate any violation we become aware of.

- Detective Constable Mark Roberts, of the Metropolitan Police computer crime unit. The Register also follows this story.

The NYT reports that passengers on the London-to-Scotland east coast main line will get FREE Wi-Fi as part of National Express' winning bid. GNER completed installation of Wi-Fi broadband on all 41 of its east coast trains last year, and although the service has been free for first-class passengers, those in standard (coach) are charged. This service by National Express is free to all, and uses 3G/GPRS and satellite tech. Now we just have to wait for the south west to catch up!

Wow, a stopgap for the optimus OLED keyboard perhaps, but I want one! Check it out in action!

Now we have a new thin-client machine on our wall, I've been extending the Caller ID program I wrote. It now speaks the name of who's calling, has configurable popup size and window locations, plus the ability to automatically log the call into our CRM for all matching account phone numbers! If I get round to it, I'll write a custom server service which will replace the YAC program which is running on our server, and make it do network broadcasts instead of having to rely on pre-programmed IP addresses.

If you want to get ahead of next week's automated updates, you can now install two updates ("performance and reliability" and "compatability and reliability") which finally fix things such as the long 'estimated time remaining' when copying files and numerous other badly needed fixes!

DNS Re-pinning may be the latest big security vulnerability to hit the net. Essentially, using short TTLs on a DNS server when sending back an [A] record (or by using multiple [A] records to serve an address round-robin style), an attacker can circumvent the same-origin policy of browsers and use it to launch code in a protected zone. This PDF has the full details.

Most probably after the scaremongering tactics of this BBC Panarama program, The Register reports that teachers have voted to ban WiFI from schools.

Parkin demanded an inquiry into the technology, pointing to a range of maladies which could be down to radio waves cooking the brains of pupils and teachers alike. These include loss of concentration, fatigue, reduced memory and headaches.

- The Register.