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Tag: Computers

  • Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces Right to Repair Bill

    Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces Right to Repair Bill

    New York Rep. Joe Morelle has introduced right to repair legislation, in a bid that could have a major impact on device manufacturers.

    As phones, tablets and computers have become more complicated, the ability for the average consumer to repair them has become equally difficult. Even something as basic as changing a cellphone battery is nearly impossible for the average person.

    On the heels of the New York Senate passing its own right to repair legislation, New York Rep. Joe Morelle has now introduced right to repair legislation in the US House of Representatives.

    “For too long, large corporations have hindered the progress of small business owners and everyday Americans by preventing them from the right to repair their own equipment,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “It’s long past time to level the playing field, which is why I’m so proud to introduce the Fair Repair Act and put the power back in the hands of consumers. This common-sense legislation will help make technology repairs more accessible and affordable for items from cell phones to laptops to farm equipment, finally giving individuals the autonomy they deserve.”

    The Fair Repair Act will require manufactures to make tools, parts and information available to customers, as well as third-party repairers, making it easier for them to repair their own devices.

    Given the anti-Big Tech sentiment that seems to be growing in both political parties, there’s a good chance the Fair Repair Act could soon become law.

  • Corning Introduces Gorilla Glass Victis, Toughest Version Yet

    Corning Introduces Gorilla Glass Victis, Toughest Version Yet

    Corning has introduced its strongest version of Gorilla Glass to date, Corning Gorilla Glass Victis.

    Corning’s glass is the industry standard and is used in laptops, smartphones, tablets and more. Gorilla Glass is known for being one of the toughest options in a market where manufacturers are eager to improve the drop and scratch resistance of their devices. Unfortunately, being scratch and drop resistant don’t always go hand-in-hand.

    “Dropped phones can result in broken phones, but as we developed better glasses, phones survived more drops but also showed more visible scratches, which can impact the usability of devices,” said John Bayne, senior vice president and general manager, Mobile Consumer Electronics. “Instead of our historic approach of asking our technologists to focus on a single goal – making the glass better for either drop or scratch – we asked them to focus on improving both drop and scratch, and they delivered with Gorilla Glass Victus.”

    The new generation of glass provides protection when dropped up to two meters on hard, rough surfaces. Meanwhile, it provides 2X better scratch resistance than its predecessor, and up to 4X better resistance than competitors.

    It’s safe to say Gorilla Glass Victis will be a big hit with manufacturers around the world, and will help usher in a new generation of tough devices.

  • Microsoft Changes Windows 10X Focus, Will Bring to Existing Devices

    Microsoft Changes Windows 10X Focus, Will Bring to Existing Devices

    Microsoft has announced it will soon bring Windows 10X to existing, single-screen devices.

    Windows 10X is a version of Microsoft’s operating system (OS) designed specifically for foldable devices. The company had planned on introducing the Surface Neo, a foldable device running the OS, before reportedly putting the device on hold as a result of the pandemic. The belief was that the company needed to focus on the computers and tablets people were currently using, and help them get the most from them, rather than release an entirely new class of device. Those same reports indicated that Windows 10X would likewise be delayed, but it appears Microsoft has changed its mind.

    “The world is a very different place than it was last October when we shared our vision for a new category of dual-screen Windows devices,” writes Panos Panay, Chief Product Officer, Windows and Devices. “As we continue to put customers’ needs at the forefront, we need to focus on meeting customers where they are now. Our customers are leveraging the power of the cloud more than ever, and we believe the time is right to lean into this acceleration in a different way.

    “With Windows 10X, we designed for flexibility, and that flexibility has enabled us to pivot our focus toward single-screen Windows 10X devices that leverage the power of the cloud to help our customers work, learn and play in new ways. These single-screen devices will be the first expression of Windows 10X that we deliver to our customers, and we will continue to look for the right moment, in conjunction with our OEM partners, to bring dual-screen devices to market.”

    The announcement is welcome news for individuals and corporations looking forward to Windows 10X. In addition to its support for dual-screen devices, the OS is a modernized version of Windows, with the legacy components stripped out. As such, it focuses on an improved user experience and enhanced security. Releasing it for existing devices in the short-term is a good move for Microsoft and customers alike.

  • Apple Gives MacBook Better Battery Life, New Processors

    Apple announced a new update for the MacBook, which features the latest Intel processors as well as improved graphics performance, faster flash storage, and an additional hour of battery life! There’s also a new Rose Gold finish option.

    “MacBook is the thinnest and lightest Mac we have ever made and it’s our vision for the future of the notebook,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s SVP of Worldwide Marketing. “Customers are going to love this update to MacBook, with the latest processors, faster graphics, faster flash storage, longer battery life and a beautiful rose gold finish.”

    “MacBook comes with the incredibly small and versatile USB-C port for charging, data transfer and video output in a single connector that is one-third the size of a traditional USB port. Following the introduction of USB-C on MacBook, the ecosystem of Apple and third-party USB-C accessories has continued to grow, giving users added flexibility and capability,” the company says. “With no moving parts or vents, MacBook is entirely fanless for silent, efficient performance. Designed for the wireless world, MacBook is equipped with the latest wireless technologies, including built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 for fast wireless connectivity. It is perfect for tasks like streaming content from your MacBook to your Apple TV using AirPlay, exchanging files quickly using AirDrop® or using wireless headphones.”

    As part of the MacBook announcement, Apple said it has made 8GB of memory standard across all configurations of the 13-inch MacBook Air.

    The updated MacBook is available immediately through Apple.com and will be in Apple’s retail stores and those of authorized resellers on Wednesday.

    You can get a version with a 1.1 GHz dual-core Intel Core m3 processor, 8GB of memory and 256GB of flash storage for $1,299, or you can get one with a 1.2 GHz dual-core Intel Core m5 processor, 8GB of memory and 512GB of flash storage for $1,599. Configure-to-order options are also available with a 1.3 GHz dual-core Intel Core m7 processor.

    Image via Apple

  • Everyman Cited After Putting 8 Bullets in His Crappy Computer

    In a totally relatable move, a Colorado man took his underperforming computer into an alley behind his house and pumped its guts full of lead.

    Unfortunately for our hero everyman, that’s not exactly legal.

    Colorado Springs Police say that 37-year-old Lucas Hinch was cited for discharging a firearm within city limits – which is against the law in Colorado Springs.

    “Man Kills His Computer,” reads the official summary. “Officers responded to shots fired in the alley of 2200 W Colorado Av. Investigation revealed a resident was fed up with fighting his computer for the last several months. He took the computer into the back alley and fired 8 shots into the computer with a handgun, effectively disabling it.”

    Man executes his computer in alley behind his home. Cited for discharging a firearm in city PB #21312 http://ow.ly/oWQcN

    Posted by Colorado Springs Police Department on Tuesday, April 21, 2015

    Any regrets, Mr. Hinch? Hell no!

    “It was glorious. Angels sung on high,” he told the LA Times. “It was premeditated, oh, definitely. I made sure there wasn’t anything behind it and nothing to ricochet.”

    You never know when the next blue screen of death will push you over the edge.

    Police took his gun, and he has to go to court to face a possible fine – but at least he’s in better shape than his old Dell. But next time you want to destroy a crappy machine, just opt for the Office Space technique.

    Image via Colorado Springs Police Department, Facebook

  • 14-Year-Old Hacker Mastermind Infiltrated School Network, Charged with Felony

    A Florida eighth-grader is facing felony charges after accessing his middle school’s computer network and changing a teacher’s background.

    Hacker extraordinaire Domanik Green, 14, has been charged with offense against a computer system and unauthorized access after he “logged onto the school’s network on March 31 using an administrative-level password without permission. He then changed the background image on a teacher’s computer to one showing two men kissing,” according to the Tampa Bay Times.

    The sophisticated hack that allowed Green access to the impregnable system involved looking over a teacher’s shoulder and watching her type the password. It turned out to be the last name of a teacher at the school. Edward Snowden weeps.

    One of the main points of contention for authorities is that one of the computers Green ‘hacked’ contained FCAT questions on it. Green didn’t access or alter these files, however.

    “Even though some might say this is just a teenage prank, who knows what this teenager might have done,” Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

    And he’s right. He most certainly could’ve hacked the mainframe and accessed the terminal. There he could’ve swapped out the launch codes for Microsoft Paint pictures of penises.

    It’s a good thing Green was caught when he was, as he appears to be a serial offender. According to the Times, he was once part of a criminal enterprise that involved logging into school computers and snapping selfies with the webcams.

    “You have somebody that clearly doesn’t learn their lesson. You have somebody who had the ability and if they had the intent could mess around with the FCAT system,” Sheriff Nocco told WTSP.

    If Green beats this rap, word on the street is Anonymous is looking to recruit.

    Image via Thinkstock

  • CES: Acer Announces Chromebook 15 With 15.6-Inch Display

    At the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, Acer announced a new Chromebook, which is the first of its type to offer a 15.6-inch display. It’s called the Chromebook 15.

    The device uses 5th Generation Intel Core i3 and next generation Intel Celeron processors based on Intel 5th Generation Core micro-architecture.

    “The Acer Chromebook 15 is a true powerhouse – it provides fast mobile performance and a large display to help customers accomplish more every day,” said Jerry Kao, president of Acer Notebook Business Group. “Acer has been a leader in the Chromebook market, from providing the latest in technology and trailblazing battery life to designing new form factors. We’re driving the category forward again with the world’s first 15.6-inch display Chromebook, the Acer Chromebook 15.”

    “This large size increases productivity by giving customers more real estate to view multiple tabs and apps,” Acer says. “The crisp and vibrant display comes in two options. The full HD display has a 1920×1080 resolution that ensures sharp and legible text as well as vivid, clear videos and photos. It also reveals more content on screen to reduce scrolling. In addition, it has wide viewing angles, so customers can comfortably share content such as movies, e-books and games. The second option is an HD 1366×768 resolution display that is ideal for budget-minded customers. Both options are Acer ComfyView displays, so they have anti-glare properties to minimize the amount of reflecting light for less eye strain.”

    The device has two full-sized upward facing speakers.

    Options for the device include: a 16GB or 32GB SSD drive and either 2GB or 4GB or RAM. Pricing and availability vary by region, but prices start at $249.99 in the U.S.

    The company is also expanding its Chromebook 13 line with new touchscreen models. These will be available in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa this month for €329.

    According to Gartner, Acer dominates the Chromebook segment with about 40% market share.

    Image via Acer

  • Apple Shows Off New iMac With Retina 5K Display

    At its big press event on Thursday, Apple unveiled its 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display. The usual adjectives were tossed around: breathtaking, amazing, magical, gorgeous. It costs $2,499.

    It has 3.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.9 GHz, AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics and a 1TB Fusion Drive. It has a super-high resolution at 14.7 million (5120 x 2880) pixels.

    “At this amazing resolution, text appears sharper than ever, videos are unbelievably lifelike, and you can see new levels of detail in your photos,” says Apple. “With the latest quad-core processors, high-performance graphics, Fusion Drive and Thunderbolt 2, iMac with Retina 5K display is the most powerful iMac ever made—it’s the ultimate display combined with the ultimate all-in-one.”

    ““Thirty years after the first Mac changed the world, the new iMac with Retina 5K display running OS X Yosemite is the most insanely great Mac we have ever made,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “With a breathtaking 14.7 million pixel display, faster CPU and graphics, Fusion Drive, and Thunderbolt 2, it’s the most beautiful and powerful iMac ever.”

    The machines begin shipping immediately. They come with Apple’s new OS X Yosemite operating system, which was just made available for free today.

    Image via Apple

  • George R.R. Martin Writes Everything on a DOS Machine Because Spell Check Is a Huge Pain in the Ass

    While many of us can’t imagine composing a single sentence without the help of modern spell check technology, A Song of Ice And Fire author George R.R. Martin actively avoids it.

    In fact, he recently revealed to Conan O’Brien that he constructs the world of Westeros on a DOS machine, using WordStar 4.0.

    Yeah, GRRM is old school.

    Well, at least when it comes to writing epic fantasy novels.

    “I actually have two computers,” he said. “I have the computer that I browse the internet with, and I get my email on, and then I do my taxes on…and then I have my writing computer, which is a DOS machine. I use WordStar 4.0 as my word processing system.”

    “I actually like it,” he continued. “It does everything I want a word processing program to do and it doesn’t do anything else.”

    GRRM has a point. If you’re writing 1000-page novels filled with character names like Daenerys Targaryen, do you really want Google Docs trying to help?

    So, WordStar 4.0 huh. Something about writing on that cold, black screen makes it seem even more cruel when GRRM kills off your favorite character. Everything is so bleak. All men must die, but 30-year-old word processors can live forever.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Microsoft Office May Be Coming To An iPad Near You

    Microsoft Office is a staple of many people’s lives, ranging from elementary school students to CEOs and everyone in between. Accessing Office has become easier than ever as of late, with personal computers, smart phones, and tablets becoming so prominent and easily available. The software may well be even more accessible in just a short while, as Microsoft has heavily hinted that it will be announcing a version of Office that will be available for the iPad.

    Microsoft’s CEO, the newly-appointed Satya Nadella, will be holding a press conference on March 27, 2014 in San Francisco. Microsoft has officially stated that the event will largely focus on cloud and mobile applications, but rumors have been flying all around that Microsoft for iPad may be announced, as well.

    If these rumors prove true, the action will set Nadella far apart from former Microsot CEO Steve Ballmer, who reportedly refused to make Office available for the iPad. This decision was most likely made out of fear that the availability of Office on an Apple device might make sales for Microsoft’s own Surface tablets plummet. If the rumors prove true, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

    The excitement generated from these rumors has garnered action from investors. According to Reuters, Microsoft’s shares “scaled levels last seen in the dotcom boom” once rumors began to fly about the possible iPad-compatible Office. The shares “rose as much as 5 percent to $39.90 on Tuesday, adding $15 billion to the company’s market value.” Microsoft hasn’t seen shares worth that much since June of 2000.

    The hype over this possibility is intense, but Nigam Arora over at Forbes adds a somewhat somber voice, pointing out that the rise in stock is not terribly significant in the long run, and that Office, as it is, does not adequately utilize the iPad interface. He also points out that, as Ballmer feared, there is a high possibility that the iPad will “siphon off sales of Surface.”

    Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if these rumors prove to be true at all, and if they do, how they will effect both Microsoft and Nadella. Here’s to hoping the results are positive!

    Image via Apple.

  • Tesla and Apple Rumors Continue to Swirl

    Tesla and Apple Rumors Continue to Swirl

    On Sunday, the San Francisco Chronicle released an article which has shaken the core of the internet and tech world. According to an anonymous source, Adrian Perica, Apple’s merger and acquisitions chief, and Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, held a secret meeting in Cupertino, CA last spring. Unfortunately, both Apple and Tesla have declined to comment on such a meeting. Thus, let the internet come ablaze with wild rumors and speculations.

    While the meeting has not been corroborated by either company, there are many good reasons to believe that such a meeting would have been held. The supposed meeting between technological giants came after much pressure from business analysts for the two companies to join forces. Berenberg analyst Adnaan Ahmad even went as far as writing an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook explaining why Apple’s acquisition of Tesla would be the best step for Apple to take for its future stating:

    “The auto industry is going through a technological discontinuity in its shift to hybrid and electric vehicles. This is still in its very early innings. Apple needs know-how (technology, platform strategy and dealer network) in this space and hence I propose that you should buy Tesla. I know this is radical and potentially “transformative” but this would radically alter Apple’s growth profile… From a US national policy perspective, Apple could re-ignite the US auto industry and give it a competitive edge versus the current Asian and European leaders, similar to what you have done in the smartphone and wireless space where the US is now at the forefront of technological leadership after having been a laggard for over two decades. And finally, in Elon Musk, you could strike up a partnership and obtain a new iconic partner to lead Apple’s innovation drive.”

    Despite all of the sense derived from this letter and other facts (such as the fact that Steve Jobs expressed his wishes to build a car before his death), Apple completely acquiring Tesla is most likely not going to happen. Apple is struggling enough to keep its own products at the top of the market, and Elon Musk has publicly voiced his intent to keep Tesla in his possession forever:

    What is more likely, however, is that the closed-door meeting was held to discuss Tesla’s progress on its proposed “Gigafactory” – a battery factory which would double global gigawatt battery output. Coincidentally, the company would produce the same exact batteries that Apple currently uses in its devices.

    So, while a Tesla-Apple merger sounds tempting, the US is not likely to see an iTesla anytime soon. Instead, one is more likely to express much frustration at trying to charge one’s Tesla Model S with a lightning cable.

    Image via YouTube

  • Dell Layoffs Confirmed; Numbers Smaller than Rumored

    Dell Layoffs Confirmed; Numbers Smaller than Rumored

    Earlier last month, reports leaked stating that Dell was preparing to layoff a massive amount of its workers worldwide. The Register, a British technology website, stated on January 9th that Dell would layoff 20% of its U.S.-based sales members, while also relieving 30% of its sales and marketing staff in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These numbers would mean that over 15,000 Dell employees would lose their job.

    However, actual statements have now been released from Dell which show that the rumors wildly exaggerated the situation. Sources close to those at recode.net have divulged information which reports that around 2,000-3,000 workers will be laid off by Dell, much lower than the 15,000 figure being tossed around at the beginning of the year.

    Along with this new information from insider sources come a statement from head of communication David Frink, in which he sheds some light on Dell’s decision and future plans:

    “We can confirm that a small percentage of Dell’s global team members accepted the company’s offer of a significant severance package associated with a voluntary separation program. We’ve taken steps to optimize our business, streamline operations and improve our efficiency over the past few years. And, like any prudent business, we’ll continue to do so. Meanwhile, we’re hiring in strategic areas of our business, including hardware and software development, engineering and customer coverage worldwide… Reports that we have laid off as many as 15,000 are wildly inaccurate.”

    The severance package which Frink mentions consists of 2 months of pay plus an extra week of pay for each year employed by Dell, along with a 75% bonus in pay, COBRA health insurance for 18 more months, and outplacement services.

    The layoffs come just months after Michael Dell and an investment firm bought all of Dell’s stock shares, effectively making the company private. The move was made with the mindset that it would allow Dell to focus on long-term, enterprise solutions, following massive declines in PC sales due to the rise of tablets and mobile devices.

    Image via Facebook

  • Celebrate The Mac’s 30th Birthday By Watching It Get Torn Apart

    As you may already know, 30 years ago today saw the release of the Mac 128K. It was the original Macintosh computer and helped to usher in a new era of computing. If you want to read more about its history, check out what Apple had to say about it.

    For the rest of us, the guys at iFixIt are celebrating the Mac’s birthday by tearing it apart. I don’t think any of us are looking to repair a Mac 128K anytime soon, but the teardown guide gives us an interesting look at the guts of a 30 year old computer. As you might expect, everything was bigger and consisted of more parts. For example, the 1024 KB of RAM in the original Mac was made up of 16 64KB sticks.

    Interestingly enough, iFixIt awards the Mac 128K a repairability score of 7 out of 10. They found that the inner components were relatively easy to replace and that the clock battery could be replaced by the user. Unfortunately, the RAM is soldered to the board and can’t be replaced. They also note that taking apart the Mac may be dangerous due to some areas of high voltage.

    So, how does the Mac 128K compare to its modern brethren in repairability? The newest iMac scored lower than the original Mac with a score of five out of 10. The machine is completely modular, unlike the original Mac, but the addition of a built-in LCD panel complicates repairs in a way that was unheard of with CRT displays.

    Despite having a higher repairability score, you might not want to attempt repairs on your Mac 128K. It’s better off in a museum or with a collector. Someone will likely pay a high price for it.

    Image via iFixIt

  • Apple’s Original Macintosh Computer Turns 30

    A couple of days ago, we reflected on the 30th anniversary of Apple’s famous “1984” ad – you know, the creepy one that aired during the Super Bowl and was directed by Ridley Scott. That ad’s purpose was to usher in a new age in personal computing, at least according to Apple. The subject of that famous ad was the Macintosh computer, later referred to as the Macintosh 128K – and today, Apple has dedicated their site to saying happy birthday to the iconic machine.

    On January 24th, 1984, the first Macintosh was released to the public. Its cost was $2,495, and it had strong sales from the get-go. The Macintosh 128K is credited with popularizing the graphical user interface.

    Apple waxes nostalgic about the first Macintosh:

    The one that started it all – the original Macintosh – wasn’t just a computer. It was a declaration that the power of the computer now belonged to everyone. At the time, most people didn’t even know how to use one. But thanks to the simple graphical interface of the Macintosh, they didn’t have to. It was approachable and friendly, starting with the smiley face that greeted you. There were folders that looked like file folders and a trash can for throwing things away. And with the click of a mouse, you could suddenly do the unimaginable. You could move things around on the screen, change the way they looked, combine words with images and sounds, and create like never before. A new era had begun.

    Apple has set up a dedicated page to celebrate the history of the Mac, accessible here. There, you can take a trip through a timeline, see data on how people used the very first Macs, and also tell your own, personal “Mac story.”

    What’s your favorite Mac memory?

    Images via Apple, Wikimedia Commons

  • Best Tablets For That Special Someone On Your Holiday Shopping List

    Tablet computers have brought a whole new definition to the word “convenient;” they have the mobility and ease of accessibility of a smart phone, but also embrace the clarity and versatility of a laptop computer. Tablet computers are useful for people of all ages and interests; a tablet computer can be just as helpful to an elementary school child learning multiplication as it would be to a business professional traveling between meetings, or a busy college kid juggling multiple assignments and papers during finals week (much like this writer). As the Christmas season draws near, the hype over tablet computers seems to intensify, as the versatility attributed to the devices makes them the perfect gift for almost everyone on a potential shopping list. Just what tablets are the best, and for who, though?

    Luckily, multiple spots around the net have taken it upon themselves to come up with definitive lists, showcasing the best of the best that the tablet market has to offer. The folks over at i4u news published a list aptly titled, “The Best Tablets to buy as Holiday Gifts.” They list prices alongside their top thirteen picks, and even include a few tablets made especially for children. Prices range from as cheap as $63 to as extravagant as almost $500.

    Yahoo news also released a guide to the “Best 7 Inch Tablets of 2013,” and included selections from all the major providers, including Apple, Google, and Amazon. The list suggests tablets based on their “performance, display and usability,” and includes such big-name items as the Kindle Fire, the iPad Mini, and the Nexus 7.

    Tablets certainly do make a great gift for almost any person on your shopping list, and as they become more widely available, the possibility of picking up a tablet for even the most tricky of gift recipients becomes a more and more realistic option. So, tell us, WebProNews readers; are you planning on snagging a Tablet for yourself or someone else this holiday season? What would you consider the best tablet?

    [Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.]

  • FBI Anonymous Hackers Net Over 100k Employees’ Info

    FBI Anonymous Hackers Net Over 100k Employees’ Info

    Reuters and the Atlantic Wire reported today about hacktivist collective Anonymous, which utilized backdoor entry to gain access to over 100,000 government employees’ information.

    It all started last year, but we learned about it when 28-year-old Lauri Love, a British hacker loosely associated with Anonymous, was arrested in October for stealing the information. Love’s hacking team had installed backdoor malware in networks belonging to the U.S. Army, NASA, and the Missile Command Agency. Other affected agencies included the Department of Energy, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Investigators have indicated that they believe Love obtained access utilizing a flaw in Adobe Systems’ ColdFusion web-building software. An Adobe spokeswoman added that the majority of cyberattacks took place because of software that had not yet been updated with security patches.

    Between Love’s initial hack and the arrest, the FBI believe that Anonymous hackers repeatedly entered the government system, stole personal details from employees, contractors and families. 2000 bank accounts were stolen, and the FBI is worried about theft. Love’s lawyers are fighting his extradition and are hoping to keep him in the U.K. to face hacking charges.

    An FBI memo has called the hacking “a widespread problem that should be addressed… the majority of the intrusions have not yet been made publicly known [and] It is unknown exactly how many systems have been compromised.”

    Anonymous has called the attacks “Operation Last Resort,” and campaigners for the hacktivist collective have said the operation was a retaliatory measure for the prosecution and suicide of Aaron Swartz, a computer programmer who attained notoriety when he allegedly saved hundreds of published articles from the academic digital library, JSTOR. Swartz had illegally accessed hundreds of academic papers and made them free for anyone to download.

    A second hacktivist with Anonymous and Lulzsec, Jeremy Hammond, was sentenced to 10 years in jail yesterday for one count of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

    “I have tried everything from voting petitions to peaceful protest and have found that those in power do not want the truth to be exposed,” Hammond said in his sentencing statement, which he used as a soapbox. “When we speak truth to power we are ignored at best and brutally suppressed at worst. We are confronting a power structure that does not respect its own system of checks and balances, never mind the rights of it’s [sic] own citizens or the international community.”

    [Image via Thinkstock]

  • Ashton Kutcher: Lenovo Product Engineer?

    Ashton Kutcher: Lenovo Product Engineer?

    Although Ashton Kutcher recently played Apple guru Steve Jobs on the big screen, he has become the product engineer for a new line of the PC company, Lenovo.

    It is almost guaranteed to help the business of a company when incorporating a superstar Hollywood actor like Ashton Kutcher to be involved with the product.

    In addition to being the highest paid actor on television and appearing in many films, Kutcher is also a big investor in tech products and likes being a part of the growing technological world.

    Lenovo, already the world’s biggest PC manufacturer, has appointed Kutcher as the product engineer on a new Yoga line of tablet computers.

    It was previously rumored over the summer that Kutcher might be entering into a business partnership with Lenovo, and now the news has become official. He is very excited to be in business with the PC giant, and said of the experience, “Entrepreneurship is part of their DNA, and I couldn’t ask for a better fit.”

    An Ashton Kutcher-Lenovo partnership will undoubtedly help their business, as they will use him to provide input and decision-making into design, specifications, software and usage scenarios. In a statement from Kutcher at a launch event, he said of the partnership, “This partnership with Lenovo brings together my love of technology and design that makes your life better.”

    He went on to say that he hopes to help Lenovo develop future mobile computing products, with the Yoga tablet just being the beginning. Ashton Kutcher has already stepped into the tech world before, and co-founded A-Grade Investments, which has provided venture capital and collaboration for multiple tech companies including Airbnb, Fab, Foursquare, Spotify, Path and Uber.

    The new Yoga Tablet went on the market today, being able to last for a a total of 18 hours of battery life, and it also has three different modes (hold, tilt, stand). The 8-inch Yoga Tablet will retail for $249, while the 10-incher is priced at $299.

    There is no doubt that the recent partnership with Ashton Kutcher will help Lenovo’s business, and he is excited about being able to help with the expansion of a very successful company. Lenovo is currently worth $34 billion, and was founded in 1984.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a9K59G0Z0g

    Image via Youtube

  • Crypto Locker Virus Holds Your Computer Hostage

    Crypto Locker Virus Holds Your Computer Hostage

    If you ever needed a reminder to be careful about the emails and attachments you open, it’s now. The Crypto Locker virus that is going around is said to be one of the worst ever and is infecting computers with the Windows OS all across the United States. The virus, also called “ransomware,” works by holding your files hostage until you pay a fee.

    The Crypto Locker virus is passed around in emails that have innocent enough looking senders, such as UPS or FedEx, but they’re not really from these corporations, of course. Instead, when you open the attachment, your computer becomes infected and the virus locks all your files until you pay a ransom. Check out a picture of what the Crypto Locker demand screen looks like:

    (image)

    “Ransomware causes your computer files to be non-accessible and when that happens you have two choices. You can recover if you have a backup which I hope you do or pay the ransom within 100 hours. If you do not pay the ransom you lose all of your data,” technology expert Anthony Mongeluzo said.

    “It will disguise itself as JPEG images, as PDF files, as Microsoft Office files,” said Troy Viers, an IT specialist. “If you get an email from somebody you do not know, especially if it’s got attachments, don’t open anything with it, just delete the email.” After the computer becomes infected, users are usually given 100 hours to pay a fee between $100 and $700 to get the files decrypted.

    Has the Crypto Locker virus infected your computer? Share your experience below.

    ABC 33-40, a news station out of Birmingham, Alabama, was hit with the Crypto Locker virus. The director of engineering for ABC 33-40, Ron Thomas, described his station’s experience with the virus. “You buy this $300 Green Dot MoneyPak, you cannot use a credit card for it, it had to be cash or debit card. Once they claim the funds, they unlock your files. If those files had been lost, it could’ve affected 10 years’ worth of work by several departments,” said Thomas.

    The two most important things you can do as far as the Crypto Locker virus–or any other virus, for that matter–is concerned is to make sure you have all of your files backed up and be very wary about the emails you open. There are quite a few companies that offer free virtual storage, such as Google and Amazon, so it’s easy to back up at least part of your files if you trust online storage. Alternatively, you can back up your files to another partition on your computer or to an external hard drive.

    [Images via YouTube]

  • Windows Updates: Microsoft To Merge To One App Store

    Windows is looking at a major update to its systems. Microsoft is reportedly planning to make it simpler for its users by creating a single app store that would encompass all of the company’s various devices including PCs, tablets and phones. With all of the success that the new iPhone is having,

    Microsoft certainly needs to do something in order to appeal to their consumers. Technology seems to be what makes the world go round in the consumer culture of today’s society, and this is the latest news in that trend, as Microsoft tries to keep up with Apple’s success.

    Combining the two stores that are currently separated into the Windows and Windows Phone app stores into a single unit could help lead to more apps and would also make it easier for people, since they will no longer have to shop in two different places. It has not been determined when the two stores will merge, but it sounds like the date may be closer than previously imagined. The Verge mentions that Terry Myerson, head of the operating systems group, has committed to the next releases of Windows and Windows Phone, which will likely be Windows Phone 8.1 and a special update that they have planned for Windows 8.1. These are both due to be released in the spring of 2014.

    We have still yet to find out how the single Windows Store would work, and whether Windows Phone apps will run on Windows in the new model. As it currently stands, users must download apps for their Windows and Windows Phone devices through separate stores, and apps can’t currently run across both systems, according to PC Pro. This creates confusion for people and also prevents them from using apps that they download from one device from operating on the other. For example, PC World states that the game Halo: Spartan Assault, is available on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, and while the game does allow people to carry over saved progress, they are forced to pay for it on both platforms because the purchases made on the different devices do not carry over.

    Some people have voiced their opinions on the dislike of the current store.

    There are still several unanswered questions that exist with this new information, but there often is with any new type of technology. Windows customers will anxiously await the answers to questions such as how these cross-platform apps would function and what would happen to the apps that people already have downloaded.

    Image via Youtube

  • Ultrabooks: The Next Generation Of Laptops

    The ultrabook, a new revolutionary laptop, has been released and they have all kinds of features for people to get excited over. There are plenty of brands and designs to choose from, and while a lot of it may be personal preference, each one is designed slightly different from the others. Some weigh more or less than others and the screens also vary in size for the different models.

    The ultrabook will soon be the latest technology trend and much like the new I-phone, everyone will want to get their hands on one. The one downside to the ultrabook is certainly the high price and everyone will not be able to afford these high-tech toys at first. For those people that have been following the release of the new laptop, many people have probably alreaday been steered away because of the high prices. Although, it is possible that they may go down in price soon.

    One company, Lenovo, has already released a model called the IdeaPad U430 Touch, that attempts to compete with other brands in price range. According to a feature in PC World, “if you think an Ultrabook is out of your price range, you haven’t seen Lenovo’s IdeaPad U430 Touch.” Lenovo is a well-respected brand and will look to continue its success with this new model. The article continues to go on and talk about how the new U430 model also carries over many of the features that make their laptops so appealing, including a rigid but elegant all-aluminum enclosure and an exceptionally good, island-style, backlit keyboard. The Lenovo model runs for a low price of $700.00 and with a very long battery life of 6 hours and 38 minutes, it is also made to last. A couple of its downsides are having only one USB port and being a bit heavier than other models and for its size.

    With several models available, it is important for viewers to make an informed decision when buying a new and expensive product. The HP Spectre 13 also seems to be a very attractive model and its features are thoroughly explained in an article from CNET. The HP Spectre comes in both the ultrabook design as well as the detachable hybrid version. The high tech laptop features Beats Audio speakers, and they each feature a 1,920×1,080-pixel-resolution IPS screen. Each device features dual USB 2.0 ports and a full-size HDMI port. The ultrabook additionally includes a full-size SD card slot, and a mini DisplayPort. However, physically, the Ultrabook differs in one major way, featuring an extra wide touch pad that allows users to use certain Windows 8.1 gestures without touching the screen. This feature can come in very handy and save users the extra effort, when they are doing multiple things at once. The ultrabook version will run for $999.99, but a release date is not yet known for the product.

    There will be a number of new models available shortly and to check all of them against each other, visit PC Magazine’s web page for more info.

    Image via Youtube

  • China Supercomputer: Tianhe-2 Claims Fastest Computer Title

    A Chinese supercomputer – the Tianhe-2 – has leapt to the top of the latest Top 500 List, which tracks the fastest supercomputers in the world.

    The Tianhe-2 (or “Milky Way-2”), which became fully operational two years ahead of schedule, clocks in at an astounding 33.86 petaflops per second. A petaflop is one trillion calculations. The Tianhe-2 is over 20 billion times as fast as the first supercomputer ever built, the CDC 6600, which was created in 1964

    Tianhe-2 is nearly twice as fast as the Titan, a Cray XK7 at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennesee. The Titan, which has enjoyed the top spot on the list for some time, now moves into second place. The third place computer, dubbed Sequoia, is installed in at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and runs at 17.17 petaflops per second. In fourth place is Fujitsu’s K Computer, which runs at 10.59 petaflops per second and can be found at the RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Kobe, Japan.

    The Tianhe-2 has 3.12 million processor cores. It was designed and built by the National University of Defense Technology, which is run by the Chinese government. Now that it is online, the computer is reportedly bound for the National Supercomputer Center, which is in Guangzhou in the Guandong province.

    The Top 500 list is, as the name suggests, a list of the top 500 most powerful supercomputers on the planet. The list is compiled twice a year by Professor Hans Meuer of the University of Mannheim in Germany, Professor Jack Dongarra of the University of Tennesee, Knoxville, and Erich Stromaier and Horst Simon of the Lawrence Berkely National Laboratory.

    As with previous lists, the United States dominates the field in terms of the sheer number of systems. There are 252 American supercomputers on the list, up from 250 on the previous list. China has 66 systems on the list (down from 72), and Japan has 30 (down from 32). The UK has 29 systems on the list, France has 23, and Germany has 19. The remaining 81 systems are scattered in countries throughout Europe and Asia.