Samsung introduces Mondi, the first WiMax 'Mobile Internet Device'

Touchscreen, pocket-sized device will ship in second quarter
By Matt Hamblen, Computerworld, March 31, 2009

No price was announced, but it will be available at Best Buy and Clear stores, as well as Samsung's online store sometime in the second quarter, Samsung officials said. The black-slider form factor of the Mondi device extends horizontally to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and an optical mouse. It runs the Opera 9.5 Web browser and has a 4.3-inch touchscreen.

The Mondi runs on the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system. In addition to WiMax, it connects to Wi-Fi, as well as GPS and Bluetooth 2.0. It has a 3.0-megapixel camera and camcorder. It comes with 4GB of internal memory. Other specifications were not released.

"The Mondi provides the power of a laptop but easily fits in the hand or a pocket," said Omar Khan, senior vice president of strategy and product management at Samsung.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Free Internet music download service debuts in China

Greg Hack, KansasCity.com, March 30, 2009

CHINESE MUSIC
Google Inc. and major music companies launched a free Internet music download service for China on Monday in a bid to help turn a field dominated by pirates into a profitable, legitimate business. The advertising-supported service will offer 1.1 million tracks, including the full catalogs of Chinese and Western music for Warner Music Group, EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music and 14 independent labels. It will be limited to use by computers whose Internet addresses show they are in China.

Greg Hack, ghack@kcstar.com

click here to go to original article webpage

Read More...

Summary only...

Federal stimulus dollars aim to improve Internet access in rural America

By Tim Barker, ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, March 29, 2009

Even now, federal officials are scrambling to figure out how to give away those billions of dollars. This is not about getting farmers in Southern Illinois access to YouTube videos and eBay auctions. It's about fostering economic development, education and health care in areas of the country threatened by their inability to keep up in an information age.

Businesses have come to view high-speed Internet as a basic piece of infrastructure, not unlike access to highways, airports and railways. They use it daily to transfer and store data, participate in videoconferences, collect orders from customers and communicate with the world.

A START ON SPENDING

It may sound like a lot of money to spend on Internet access, but it's not nearly enough to finish the job. Experts say it could take another $30 billion or so to reach the 10 million U.S. households stuck in slow motion.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

House of Commons network hit by Conficker computer worm

Parliamentary computers have been infected by the Conficker worm, like an estimated 10m PCs worldwide - and experts fear next week will see problems worsen
Charles Arthur, guardian.co.uk, March 27, 2009

The House of Commons internal computer network has been infected by the "Conficker" worm that has also infected millions of Windows PCs around the world, and has had to ban its users from attaching outside storage - such as USB "memory sticks" - in case it gets reinfected.

The revelation is an embarrassment for the organisation running the network, which contains nearly 1,000 computers, because Microsoft issued a fix for the weakness that leaves PCs vulnerable in October - meaning that they have been lax in applying necessary security fixes. MessageLabs, owned by Symantec, is understood to be responsible for the antivirus and antispam filtering of communications with the network.

A memo sent out in the House of Commons network on Tuesday night warned that "the Parliamentary network has been affected by a virus known as conficker. This virus affects users by slowing down the Network and by locking out some accounts." It instructs users to leave computers turned on - so that they can have the malware removed - and that unauthorised computers be removed from the network.

click here to read the full article

Also see: How To Remove Conficker / Downadup Worm - Virus

Read More...

Summary only...

KidZui Research Finds 86% of Parents Say Internet Increases Curiosity in Kids

96% of Parents Think Children Should Experience the Internet Early
Marketwire, March 27, 2009

SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire - March 27, 2009) - Research conducted by KidZui, The Internet for Kids (www.kidzui.com), reveals that safe, free exploring of the Internet increases curiosity in children. To celebrate its one-year anniversary, KidZui compiled statistics on how kids use its service and surveyed parents' feedback about kids and the Internet. The results were illuminating: 86% of parents surveyed said that using the Internet increased their kids' curiosity and desire to learn. KidZui user behavior supports parents' impressions. The average 5 to 9-year-old child visits a staggering 135 different Web sites a month using KidZui, versus just three to five sites before using the service, when Web surfing was highly restricted by anxious parents.*

KidZui surveyed 1,000 parents whose children use KidZui to gain insight into the impact of the Internet on their kids. User statistics and top search terms were drawn from the last 12 months of KidZui usage.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

11 Free Ways to Beef Up Your Web Browser

Make Internet Explorer and Firefox more useful with List.it, IE7Pro, VideoDownload Helper, Zigtag, and other add-ons and services.
Preston Gralla, PC World, March 23, 2009

Here are seven ways to pump up your browser, whether it's Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Mozilla's Firefox.

Use these free browser add-ons to take notes in your browser, see thumbnails of Web pages in Google searches, drag an address in a Web page to an add-on and map it instantly, and quickly download video with one press of a hotkey.

BEST BET List.it: This nifty little Firefox 3 utility (registration required) hides away until you need to jot down notes or call up already created notes. Press a hotkey, and a sidebar appears that lets you type in text or look at previous text. If you run this add-on on multiple PCs, you can synchronize notes among them all.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Cost-conscious consumers downgrade from cable Internet to dial-up

By Etan Horowitz, chicagotribune.com, March 27, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. - — With his work hours cut and stock portfolio in the tank, Arnold Zimmerman is considering ditching his cable Internet and going back to dial-up.

"I didn't think I would ever go back," said Zimmerman, 66, of Davenport, Fla. "It was terrible. But with this economy, you got to look to cut wherever you can."

You remember dial-up? It's the beep, crackle, pop method of logging on to send e-mail and browse the Web that was pretty much the only option in the early days of the Internet.

In today's world of social networking, online videos and music downloads, going from high-speed to dial-up is like switching from a Maserati to a horse and buggy. But some say the hundreds they would save might make them go back, especially for those who have high-speed Internet at work.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

AT&T Learns From Mom in Fighting File Sharing

By Saul Hansell, Bits Blog - NYTimes.com, March 26, 2009

How much are the big Internet service providers going to cooperate with the record and movie industry’s requests that they hector and eventually punish customers who are exchanging copyrighted files?

So far, not so much. But AT&T has released data that a compromise plan — nagging with no punishment — may be almost as effective.

Late last year, the Recording Industry Association of America said it had stopped its five-year program of suing people who trade music online, in part because of pressure from Andrew Cuomo, the New York attorney general. Instead, it had asked Internet providers to create a program that would give customers who trade files an escalating series of warnings and punishments: a notice on the first offense, followed perhaps by a slower Internet connection for the second, and finally cancellation of service on the third violation.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Conficker time bomb ticks, but don't expect fireworks

by Elinor Mills, CNET News, March 25, 2009

Conficker is a worm, also known as Kido or Downadup, that cropped up in November. It exploits a vulnerability in Windows that Microsoft patched in October.

Conficker.B, detected in February, added the ability to spread through network shares and via removable storage devices, like USB drives, through the AutoRun function in Windows.

Conficker.C, which surfaced earlier this month, shuts down security services, blocks computers from connecting to security Web sites, and downloads a Trojan. It also reaches out to other infected computers via peer-to-peer networking and includes a list of 50,000 different domains, of which 500 will be contacted by the infected computer on April 1 to receive updated copies or other malware or instructions. Previous Conficker variants were written to connect to 250 domains a day.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Internet Archive, Sun create 'living history' of Web

Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal, March 25, 2009

Sun Microsystems Inc. said Wednesday it's joining with digital library Internet Archive to create a "living history" of the Internet.

Santa Clara-based Sun (NASDAQ:JAVA) said Internet Archive has migrated onto Sun's open hardware and software platforms and established a new primary data center at Sun's headquarters.

“The Internet Archive offers long-term digital preservation to the ephemeral Internet,” said Brewster Kahle, founder of San Francisco-based Internet Archive. “As more of the world's most valuable information moves online and data grows exponentially, the Internet Archive will serve as a living history to ensure future generations can access and continue to preserve these important documents over time.”

click here to read full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Sprint to supply in-dash computer system in Ford pickups

By RANDOLPH HEASTER, The Kansas City Star, March 24, 2009 10:15 PM

Sprint has released details of its plans to supply an in-dash computer system in Ford Motor Co. pickups.

The computer will use Sprint wireless to let contractors connect to the Internet and their office computer network. This could allow work to be done at the construction site and reduce trips to the office, which would boost productivity and reduce fuel consumption.

Called Ford Work Solutions, the option will be offered on F-series and E-series vehicles, including the F-150 pickup built at the Claycomo plant. The in-dash computer, powered by Microsoft Auto, will cost $1,195 on F-series trucks, along with $50 a month for broadband use.

click here to read full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Mac OS X Top Target in Browser Beatdown

By Brian Krebs, washingtonpost.com, March 24, 2009; 9:00 PM ET

Legendary bank robber Willie Sutton was made famous for allegedly explaining why he robbed banks with the answer: "Because that's where the money is." So why do cyber crooks attack Web browsers? Because that's where the user is.

But maybe a more accurate answer is: "Because that's where the vulnerabilities are." At least, that was the answer given by a 25-year-old German computer science student known only as "Nils," who last week proudly showcased three brand new exploits for remotely hijacking the most popular Web browsers, including Firefox, Safari and the last beta release of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8.

Nils was competing in the "Pwn2Own" contest at the CanSecWest security conference in Vancouver. That contest, sponsored by 3Com's TippingPoint, awarded contestants $5,000 per browser bug. The first person who can crack any of the browsers was allowed to keep the laptop it was running on (TippingPoint purchases information about unpatched security flaws but alerts the affected vendor and keeps the bug under wraps until the vendor has a chance to patch the vulnerability).

click here to read full article

Read More...

Summary only...

How To Remove Conficker / Downadup Worm - Virus & Repair Any Damage

by David Dixon, Tabosphere, March 24, 2009 (last updated April 18, 2009)

The Conficker/ Downadup worm - virus can be very hard to find and remove completely. It must be removed properly, and the registry must be repaired, if necessary.

There are between 8 million and 15 million computers that are thought to be infected.

If you can use Windows Update to get the latest security updates & also update your anti-virus program, your computer is most likely not infected with the Conficker / Downadup worm - virus.

The Conficker Working Group has an easy way to tell if your computer is infected by Conficker / Downadup or other malware with this "Eye Chart" (may not work if you're using a proxy server, which may be the case if you're using your work computer or have set one up for your home computer).

If you do have the Conficker / Downadup worm - virus, here are some ways to remove it (once infected, having your anti-virus program tell you it's clean may not be enough - see below if you can't access security websites):

BitDefender has a free tool available.

Windows Live OneCare Safety Scanner - Free scanner from Microsoft.

Windows Live OneCare will remove Conficker / Downadup & repair the registry (but it costs money).

Protect yourself from the Conficker computer worm - Microsoft explains Conficker & provides removal instructions.

And a useful tool: Panda USB Vaccine will stop malware spreading through USB drives.

Conficker Working Group's "Custodian of the Tools"

The Internet Storm Center/DSHIELD has stepped forward to keep track of all the tools. The list below is a copy from that list, hosted here:

• http://www.dshield.org/diary.html?storyid=5860

Tools List

• AhnLab
• ESET
• Kaspersky
• F-Secure Malware Removal Tool
• McAfee
• Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• Sophos
• Symantec Notes
• TrendMicro

How To Get To Anti-Virus & Security Websites If Blocked By Conficker:

Go to Command Prompt and type "net stop dnscache," which disables the DNS cache. You will get a message that the DNS client service is stopped. You can now proceed to access the security website or download the fix tool. (Symantec)

Read More...

Summary only...

No joke in April Fool's Day computer worm

By John D. Sutter, CNN.com, March 24, 2009

(CNN) -- A computer-science detective story is playing out on the Internet as security experts try to hunt down a worm called Conficker C and prevent it from damaging millions of computers on April Fool's Day.

The anti-worm researchers have banded together in a group they call the Conficker Cabal. Members are searching for the malicious software program's author and for ways to do damage control if he or she can't be stopped.

The malicious program already is thought to have infected between 5 million and 10 million computers.

click here to read the full article

Also see: How To Remove Conficker / Downadup Worm - Virus

Read More...

Summary only...

Internet Explorer 8 is stronger, but has drawbacks

By DWIGHT SILVERMAN, Houston Chronicle, March 24, 2009

It’s hard to weep big tears for Microsoft over its declining Web browser market share.

Yes, Internet Explorer’s market share has been steadily declining, but it remains the most-used browser on the Internet.

But unless Microsoft can turn the tide, that may not be the case for much longer. IE, as it’s known, is under siege from a slew of competitors — primarily Mozilla’s Firefox, Apple’s Safari and Google’s Chrome — and its usage is dwindling as a result. In February 2008, nearly 75 percent of U.S. Web surfers used IE, according to NetApplications, which tracks browser usage. By this February, that had dropped to just over 67 percent.

click here to read full article

Read More...

Summary only...

101 Great Free Sites and Downloads You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

We scoured the Internet to come up with 101 innovative, entirely free downloads and services. Don't miss our Best Bets.
Preston Gralla and Adam Pash, PC World March 23, 2009

In these tough times, the notion of free becomes more attractive than ever.

We've sifted through the Web to find and test 101 of the best free downloads and services out there. We concentrated on utilities and other helpers that can rev up your smartphone's performance, streamline your social networking experience, and tame your PC while bending Windows to your will.

Our also list targets great productivity pumpers, security boosters, PC enhancers, and browser builders. But this list isn't all deadly serious: We also pinpointed the best no-cost ways to find and manage video, and to do much more with your digital photos and music.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

More iPhone OS 3.0 features emerge: Video record, Internet tethering, Find My iPhone

By Christian Zibreg, TG Daily, March 23, 2009

Chicago (IL) - Last week, Apple barely scratched the surface on all of the features in store for the iPhone OS 3.0. The company apparently decided to save a few pleasant surprises for the official release this summer. According to iPhone developers now playing with 3.0 and SDK 2.0, the device receives two biggies: video recording and Internet tethering functionalities. In addition, subscribers to Apple's MobileMe suite of cloud services will be able to locate stolen a device geographically using the web interface.

Since Apple unveiled the iPhone OS 3.0 and an associated SDK 2.0 this past Tuesday, we've really learned only about a dozen new capabilities planned for both developers and end-users. Apple's list included in excess of 1,000 new APIs for developers and over 100 user-centric features (check Apple Insider's excellent screenshot gallery for visual run-down through demoed features). In the meantime, three new features were discovered thanks to developers who have access to the new SDK and iPhone OS betas.

These include video recording and sharing, Internet tethering and a cool new capability allowing owners to geographically locate their lost or stolen iPhones via the MobileMe cloud service. While Apple made no mention of these features during the presentation, developers claim these functionalities are already in place in the iPhone OS 3.0 they're using.

click here to read full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Microsoft: Internet Explorer is faster than Firefox

By Byron Acohido, USA Today, Technology Live, March 23, 2009

Microsoft never took its Internet Explorer web browser for granted -- even in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when IE commanded a 95% market share and its features didn't advance much. So says Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Windows product management.

Nash got a tad defensive when when I asked him if the newly released Internet Explorer 8 might help reverse the perception that Microsoft had gotten complacent about browsers -- until a Stanford sophomore, Blake Ross, introduced a jazzed-up alternative called Firefox in 2004.

"The thing I'll argue with you is the fact that we took IE for granted," Nash said in an interview. "I don't think we ever took it for granted. I think we probably should have invested in it more. And you'll see us do that going forward."

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

Net-Neutrality Backers, Telcos Spar Over Stimulus' Broadband Rules

By Ryan Singel, Wired News, March 23, 2009

If telecoms are to get $4 billion in stimulus funds for broadband that enables Facebook for farmers and netbooks for mountain men, then the feds must require the new networks to be open and nondiscriminatory, public interest groups told federal bureaucrats Monday.

By contrast, representatives of nation's telecoms asked "Won't someone think of the economy?" — protesting to Commerce Department officials that attaching conditions to the cash would make it even less enticing to bring broadband to Americans stuck with only dialup or expensive satellite connections.

But the issue before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration at Monday's hearing wasn't just the $4.7 billion in broadband grants which Congress funded in the 2009 stimulus bill.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...

What's the real cost of free music?

by Greg Sandoval, CNET News, March 23, 2009

SpiralFrog met its end just days ago, and already, operators of other ad-supported music services are rushing to put distance between their business models and that of the doomed site.

"The concept was good, but the management, board (not all), and execution were poor," wrote Robin Kent, the former CEO of SpiralFrog who went to work as an adviser to Qtrax, one of SpiralFrog's competitors. "It was obvious to anyone...it wouldn't survive."

What might encourage supporters to jump to the defense of ad-supported music services, which don't charge users to listen to music but support themselves through ad sales, is the undeniable whiff of failure floating around the sector. In the first three months of the year, SpiralFrog has followed Ruckus, the music service that catered to college students, onto the scrapheap.

click here to read the full article

Read More...

Summary only...