November 2005

LeapSeconds Needed?

November 23, 2005

How do we sync “solar time” with “true atomic time” and why does it need adjusting? 1. Leap seconds2. The earth’s rotation is slowing. From the BBC: Tidal friction is causing the Earth’s rotation to slow down. This means that everyday timekeeping, based on the rotation of the Earth (solar time), tends to drift out [...]

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SonyDRM disabled with tape

November 23, 2005

From Information Week: “With a small bit of tape on the outer edge of the CD, the PC then treats the disc as an ordinary single-session music CD and the commonly used music ‘rip’ programs continue to work as usual.” Lovin it.

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Windows Vista & IPv6

November 23, 2005

Microsoft is making some important changes to incorporate IPv6 technology in the new version of their OS Windows Vista. Most importantly it will enable IPv6 by default. The other changes to the Vista TCP/IP stack are detailed on Microsoft’s site.

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Foxtrot tackles SonyDRM

November 21, 2005

Bill Amend, creator of the wonderful comic strip, “Foxtrot” has this to say on the DRM code. Awareness mixed with humor… what a novel idea.

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Senate goes after Scumware

November 21, 2005

From the “Continue paving the road with good intentions” department: The US Senate is working on legislation to target spyware and adware. From Security Pipeline:“The bipartisan bill would ban software that conceals its installation and operation, tricks users into installing it, can’t be uninstalled through normal uninstall procedures, tracks behavior or collects information without the [...]

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Sony Relents; DRM Rookit tagged by MS

November 16, 2005

Sony BMG is responding to the widespread criticism of it’s DRM Rootkit by suspending the use of the controversial software. “As a precautionary measure, Sony BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology,” it said in a statment. I personally like the warning of a senior Homeland Security official “It’s very important [...]

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Sony Says Don’t Worry about Rootkit

November 9, 2005

Sony BMG has released another patch for its rootkit digital rights management (DRM) but you shouldn’t really be concerned according to Sony. Listen to NPR’s story concerning the Rootkit fiasco. There is a line that you are sure to love. “After taking issue with anyone using the terms “spyware, malware or rootkit,” Thomas Hesse, President [...]

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Windfall Profits

November 9, 2005

The ever-wise economist Mr. Walter Williams has an excellent article concerning the “Windfall Profits” of the evil oil companies. It is written in simple language and steeped in sure logic. Enjoy Excerpt:“Instead of mouthing platitudes and beating up on oil executives, Speaker Hastert should lead the effort to reduce restrictions on drilling and refinery construction. [...]

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