NL telecomdatabase used very incorrectly

Why don’t people get it? Centralised databases are dreadfull things! The CIOT (Centraal Informatiepunt Onderzoek Telecommunicatie) database, which contains IP addresses, email addresses and name and address data, is accessed around 3m times a year. Apparently only 1% of these accesses is legal. Not only that, but users freely trade logins to the database, meaning Read more about NL telecomdatabase used very incorrectly[…]

Apple responds to locational data questions in US Congress

Apple claims that allthough it the new privacy policy enables them to gather and share this information, the information is anonymised and is currently not being shared with anyone. The information is sent in batches every 12 hours and the collection can be turned off by changing the setting on locational services to off. So… Read more about Apple responds to locational data questions in US Congress[…]

Texas Instruments doesn’t want you to own your hardware either

In a growning and disconcerting trend among hardware manufacturers, TI has released a new version of it’s OS for the TI-Nspire series, that blocks off a whole load of its’ user base from using the machine the way they want to. I guess Apple, Android, TI, et al are afraid that the community will program Read more about Texas Instruments doesn’t want you to own your hardware either[…]

Thermosphere collapses and nobody knows why

An upper layer of Earth s atmosphere recently collapsed in an unexpectedly large contraction the sheer size of which has scientists scratching their heads NASA announced Thursday. The layer of gas – called the thermosphere – is now rebounding again. This type of collapse is not rare but its magnitude shocked scientists. “This is the Read more about Thermosphere collapses and nobody knows why[…]

People ignore facts, opinions are based on beliefs

Not only that, but presenting people with facts can entrench them further in their beliefs. People willfully ignore facts that don’t correspond to their opinions. “This bodes ill for a democracy, because most voters — the people making decisions about how the country runs — aren’t blank slates. They already have beliefs, and a set Read more about People ignore facts, opinions are based on beliefs[…]

George Lucas, Star Wars creator, tries to block ‘lightsaber’

Star Wars creator George Lucas is trying to stop a company from making a high-powered laser that bloggers around the world have dubbed “a real-life lightsaber”. The laser is cool, but isn’t called a lightsaber by the producer. It’s bloggers that made teh comparison. This goes to show how outdated copyright law is: the original Read more about George Lucas, Star Wars creator, tries to block ‘lightsaber’[…]

12 of the most interesting, unusual and useful Linux distros – operating systems, open source, Linux – Good Gear Guide

This list includes distros for specific tasks: Damn Vulnerable Linux Tinfoil Hat Linux CAINE (digital forensics) CAELinux (engineering) a gaming linux Parated Magic (for manipulating your hard disk) Musix GNU + Linux (for making music) ZeroShell (for embedded systems) Mythbuntu and some very very small distro’s. 12 of the most interesting, unusual and useful Linux Read more about 12 of the most interesting, unusual and useful Linux distros – operating systems, open source, Linux – Good Gear Guide[…]