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Four or five years ago, ZigBee had a burst of publicity. Why has it gone quiet since then? ZigBee promised to integrate wireless sensors - light switches, burglar alarms and just about everything else - into mesh networks, using economical low-power, low-speed connections. Using links defined by IEEE 802.15.4, it promised networked devices with a battery life of five or ten years, that could be installed and left to run. But what's happened? We've yet to see any ZigBee installations, and we keep hearing of competitors, including proprietary technology like Z-Wave's Zensys, new systems that use IP over 802.15.4, and...

A BusinessWeek probe of rising attacks on America's most sensitive computer networks uncovers startling security gaps The e-mail message addressed to a Booz Allen Hamilton executive was mundane—a shopping list sent over by the Pentagon of weaponry India wanted to buy. But the missive turned out to be a brilliant fake. Lurking beneath the description of aircraft, engines, and radar equipment was an insidious piece of computer code known as "Poison Ivy" designed to suck sensitive data out of the $4 billion consulting firm's computer network. The Pentagon hadn't sent the e-mail at all. Its origin is unknown, but the...

The Speedos that could be just a bit too speedyBy MARK FLEMING - More by this author » Last updated at 21:42pm on 29th March 2008  A revolutionary bodysuit that British swimmers hope will help them power to medals at the Beijing Olympics could be banned.  The skintight Speedo LZR Racer costume, which was developed with help from Nasa scientists, has been worn in 16 world record-breaking swims in just six weeks since its launch, and now swimmers are clamouring to try it. But the sport's governing body is worried that, because it apparently helps swimmers go faster, wearing...

State reportedly offers $100,000 to forestall lawsuits over massacre RICHMOND, Va. - Families of those killed in the Virginia Tech massacre would receive $100,000 each under a settlement the state is proposing to prevent lawsuits, according to a victim's relative who received a copy of the proposal. Medical and counseling expenses would be provided to the families of the 32 killed and dozens of surviving victims, said the person, who asked Monday to remain anonymous because those involved were told not to discuss the settlement. Families would also have the opportunity to question the governor and university officials about the...

Apple today released Security Update 2008-002 which is recommended for all users and improves the security of Mac OS X. Previous security updates have been incorporated into this security update. Security Update 2008-002 is available via Software Update and also as standalone installers. More info and download links:• Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 (Leopard) - 50MB• Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 (Universal) - 103MB• Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 Server (Leopard) - 108MB• Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 Server (PPC) - 82MB• Security Update 2008-002 v1.0 Server (Universal) - 107MB For detailed information on this update, please visit this website: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307562.

eBay scripting trick used to boost seller ratings Shockwave redirection ploy in mystery auction attack By John Leyden → More by this author    Published Tuesday 18th March 2008 17:04 GMT Hackers have been caught using a malicious scripting scam in an apparent attempt to boost their rating on eBay.An auction for a 4WD car on eBay.co.uk featuring the ruse was brought to our attention by Reg reader John early on Monday. eBay pulled the auction on Monday afternoon but The Reg has this screenshot.The auction for a 2007 Range Rover Sport HSE offered a car valued at £40K for...

Identifying Manipulated Images New tools that analyze the lighting in images help spot tampering. By Erica Naone   True or false? The tool used above spots whether an image has been manipulated by modeling the lighting in the image based on an analysis of visible surfaces. To analyze an image, a user indicates the surfaces to consider using contour lines (shown above in white). The system checks for inconsistencies in the way that those surfaces are lit. Credit: Micah Kimo Johnson, Hany Farid Photo-editing software gets more sophisticated all the time, allowing users to alter pictures in ways both...

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Maryland Senate shot down a proposal to make room in the state's budget to repeal a highly criticized tax on computer services on Wednesday, but rising heat from the industry has lawmakers considering ways to soften the blow. On a day when opponents rallied against the so-called "Tech Tax," Sen. David Brinkley, R-Frederick, proposed an amendment to the Senate's budget bill to make up for an estimated $214 million the tax is estimated to generate.(snip) "This was a bad idea from the start," Brinkley said. "The question now is what do we do ... How do...

US high-tech companies are being forced to outsource more jobs overseas because of outdated restrictions on immigration, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates told Congress Wednesday. Gates, echoing a longstanding complaint from the technology sector, told a congressional panel that the US immigration system "makes attracting and retaining high-skilled immigrants exceptionally challenging for US firms." "Congress's failure to pass high-skilled immigration reform has exacerbated an already grave situation," Gates said in remarks prepared for delivery to a hearing of the House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee. "As a result, many US firms, including Microsoft, have been forced to locate staff in...

Everyone is talking about HDMI with the release of the PS3, and it's worth talking about; many people don't know that much about the cables or the connections. Heck, I've talked to people who don't realize that their PS3 will look better if they upgrade their composite cables that come with the system. I'm not going to try to break down the entire issue of cabling because it's a broad one, but if you're looking to buy an HDMI cable, just pay attention to the fact that there are stores that will rob you and others that won't. When I...

The Offshoring of America's Top Jobs Many of America's top jobs are moving offshore. Which jobs are most likely to be hit by "offshoring" and what can you do to protect and safeguard your career?Jobs that are most likely to be moved offshore have these Characteristics: Work is highly repetitive (accounting) Work is predictable and well defined (customer service) Can be broken down into small manageable projects (software development) Can be turned into a routine (Tele-marketing) Proximity to the end customer is not important (phone based tech support of consumer products) End customer has already moved offshore (semiconductor sales) Jobs...

I have three computers and need more than one hooked to the net but with blocking for the kids. I also need a line to a computer in a different room. I am spending over 200 per month on various telecom and am not sure I need it. I need to figure out what is needed where. Who or what should I call and how much should I expect to spend? I thought of calling a Best Buy guy who lives in our town. Is this a good idea?

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) on Friday said it plans to exclusively back the Blu-ray high definition movie format, the latest blow to the rival HD DVD camp backed by Toshiba Corp (6502.T).

 (edit)The concept car developer Rinspeed calls its "sQuba" the first real submersible car(edit) Rinspeed says its car can provide a stable "flight" at a depth of 30 feet."For three decades I have tried to imagine how it might be possible to build a car that can fly underwater," says Frank Rinderknecht, Rinspeed's 52-year-old CEO and a professed James Bond fan. "Now we have made this dream come true." The car will be unveiled at next month's Geneva Auto Show.Rinderknecht says it is difficult to make a car watertight and pressure-resistant enough to be maneuverable underwater."The real challenge, however, was to...

February 12, 2008     Internet users could be banned over illegal downloads   Francis Eliott, Deputy Political Editor   People who illegally download films and music will be cut off from the internet under new legislative proposals to be unveiled next week. Internet service providers (ISPs) will be legally required to take action against users who access pirated material, The Times has learnt. Users suspected of wrongly downloading films or music will receive a warning e-mail for the first offence, a suspension for the second infringement and the termination of their internet contract if caught a third time,...

Human dynamo: How energy from your knees could power an IpodBy DAVID DERBYSHIRE - More by this author » Last updated at 00:43am on 8th February 2008  It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase power walking.  A gadget that converts the movement of the knees while walking into electricity has been unveiled.  On a gentle stroll, the knee-brace generates enough electricity to run a mobile phone. Scroll down for more...       Although the prototype is bulky - like something Robocop might have attached to his leg - smaller versions could one day be incorporated into clothing....

New cable cut compounds net woes A submarine cable in the Middle East has been snapped, adding to global net problems caused by breaks in two lines under the Mediterranean on Wednesday. The Falcon cable, owned by a firm which operates another damaged cable, led to a "critical" telecom breakdown, according to one local official. The cause of the latest break has not been confirmed but a repair ship has been deployed, said owner Flag Telecom. The earlier break disrupted service in Egypt, the Middle East and India. "The situation is critical for us in terms of congestion," Omar Sultan,...

I run Ubuntu on several machines. 7.04 Feisty, 7.10 Gutsy, and 8.04 Hardy, running Gnome on all. I'd like to hear viewpoints on the merits, or lack of merits, on the various Desktops others use and have experience with.

It’s one small step for Dell, and another great leap for Asterisk — the open source VoIP phone system. Dell plans to promote Fonality (a major Asterisk proponent) to small business customers seeking IP telephony systems. It’s a landmark development, folks, that benefits Dell in multiple markets (open source, VoIP, unified communications, and managed services). Here’s why. While most people are zigging, Michael Dell continues to zag. In mid-2007, Dell announced the surprising decision to pre-install Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux on selected desktops and laptops. Red Hat and Novell were the obvious choices for that deal (and Dell maintains partnerships with...

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Introduces New Category of Large-Format Televisions with Groundbreaking Laser Technology Mitsubishi's Revolutionary Laser Television Raises Home Entertainment to a New Level LAS VEGAS--(Business Wire)--Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. today announced the world premiere of the laser television category during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, unveiling a new large-format LaserTV that delivers as much as twice the color of current high-definition televisions. Mitsubishi has harnessed its worldwide leadership in precision laser technology to produce the first-ever laser-powered television, delivering a range of color never before seen in home entertainment. Precise and focused, the purity of...