www.nytimes.com
By: The AP
May 9, 2007
Last year, IBM brought two lawsuits to court against amazon.com because their site was patented. IBM said that amazon.com infringed on 5 patents of theirs. However, later in 2006 amazon.com sued IBM and denied the charges, saying IBM infringed upon their patents.
However, on Tuesday, Amazon.com and IBM settled their patent-infringement lawsuits and they both signed a patent cross-license agreement. The article talks about how amazon.com will pay IBM a certain amount of money, therefore, they can use some of IBM's technology.
I believe what the two companies did to share the technology was a good idea. Sharing the technology will benefit both of them and no more lawsuits will be filed. Additionally, if they work together they can both be more successful in their industry.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
"US schools pull plug on iPod exam cheats"
www.telegraph.co.uk
by Tom Leonard
April 28, 2007
Schools have many problems with kids cheating on exams and tests in class. And with the increase in technology kids have found new ways to cheat, which include the use of cell phones and now the biggest rage is digital media players. Officials say, "The increasingly tiny devices can be hidden under clothing, with just an earbud and a wire snaking behind the eat and into a shirt collar to give them away." With this said, you can imagine how complex cheating in schools has become.
Ipod use is being banned by more schools every day. The article also points out that, "Some students are using ipod-compatible voice recorders to tape exam answers in advance, hide them in the machine's 'lyrics' text files, and then secretly play them back." This form of cheating has recently been becoming more of a problem for teachers and administration to catch.
The recent trend of banning ipod use in schools is definitely a good way to prevent cheating. However, the article talks about how even though schools put a ban on the use of these digital media players there is still a way to beat the system. A female student in the article said, "You can just thread the earbud up your sleeve and then hold it to your ear like you're resting your head on your hand."
by Tom Leonard
April 28, 2007
Schools have many problems with kids cheating on exams and tests in class. And with the increase in technology kids have found new ways to cheat, which include the use of cell phones and now the biggest rage is digital media players. Officials say, "The increasingly tiny devices can be hidden under clothing, with just an earbud and a wire snaking behind the eat and into a shirt collar to give them away." With this said, you can imagine how complex cheating in schools has become.
Ipod use is being banned by more schools every day. The article also points out that, "Some students are using ipod-compatible voice recorders to tape exam answers in advance, hide them in the machine's 'lyrics' text files, and then secretly play them back." This form of cheating has recently been becoming more of a problem for teachers and administration to catch.
The recent trend of banning ipod use in schools is definitely a good way to prevent cheating. However, the article talks about how even though schools put a ban on the use of these digital media players there is still a way to beat the system. A female student in the article said, "You can just thread the earbud up your sleeve and then hold it to your ear like you're resting your head on your hand."
Monday, April 23, 2007
"New Model for Sharing: Free Music With Ads"
www.nytimes.com
by Robert Levine
April 23, 2007
Recently, a new idea came about in the music sharing industry. Since most people download their music illegally, new companies, like SpiralFrog and Ruckus, are trying to promote the idea of advertising-supported music. Advertising-supported music is basically allowing people to still get their music for "free" after they watch some advertisements. As the article mentioned, this system will work much like the television and broadcasting industry, where commercials fund the shows.
In the article, Terry McBride, the chief executive of a label and artist management company, said, "My philosophy is, don’t try to get people to consume the way you want them to, figure out how they’re consuming music, market to that and monetize their behavior." I think McBride made an excellent point here. People are going to continue to download music illegally because it's easy and costs literally nothing. Therefore, the music industry needs to implement this system so that they can benefit and make profits in some way besides selling CD's or using online music stores because these are just not getting the job done.
I believe this system will be very beneficial to the music industry in helping labels make money off of the music. People today don't want to spend money on songs because they can get them at no cost. Therefore, if they can continue to get their songs at no cost, but watch a few advertisements before downloading, the music industry will be in much better shape overall. If anything, this idea will only benefit them greatly; it can't really hurt them anymore than illegal downloading already does.
by Robert Levine
April 23, 2007
Recently, a new idea came about in the music sharing industry. Since most people download their music illegally, new companies, like SpiralFrog and Ruckus, are trying to promote the idea of advertising-supported music. Advertising-supported music is basically allowing people to still get their music for "free" after they watch some advertisements. As the article mentioned, this system will work much like the television and broadcasting industry, where commercials fund the shows.
In the article, Terry McBride, the chief executive of a label and artist management company, said, "My philosophy is, don’t try to get people to consume the way you want them to, figure out how they’re consuming music, market to that and monetize their behavior." I think McBride made an excellent point here. People are going to continue to download music illegally because it's easy and costs literally nothing. Therefore, the music industry needs to implement this system so that they can benefit and make profits in some way besides selling CD's or using online music stores because these are just not getting the job done.
I believe this system will be very beneficial to the music industry in helping labels make money off of the music. People today don't want to spend money on songs because they can get them at no cost. Therefore, if they can continue to get their songs at no cost, but watch a few advertisements before downloading, the music industry will be in much better shape overall. If anything, this idea will only benefit them greatly; it can't really hurt them anymore than illegal downloading already does.
Monday, April 16, 2007
" First Amendment extends to MySpace, court says"
www.cnn.com
By the Associated Press
April 10th, 2007
A student at Greencastle Middle School in Indiana made comments on a MySpace page that criticized the principal and the school's policy on body piercings. The student didn't make the page she only made comments on it. And after the school principal found these comments on the MySpace page the student was placed on nine months of probation because her comments were ruled "obscene."
However, the student appealed the ruling saying that it violated her free-speech rights. According to the article, the Court of Appeals said she was protected and that the ruling did violate her free-speech rights.
I believe the initial ruling that the courts made to have her put on probation was wrong. Therefore, it was good that she appealed the ruling because she was right in what she was doing. She was exercising her right of free speech through a MySpace page and the final decision of the court was the right decision.
By the Associated Press
April 10th, 2007
A student at Greencastle Middle School in Indiana made comments on a MySpace page that criticized the principal and the school's policy on body piercings. The student didn't make the page she only made comments on it. And after the school principal found these comments on the MySpace page the student was placed on nine months of probation because her comments were ruled "obscene."
However, the student appealed the ruling saying that it violated her free-speech rights. According to the article, the Court of Appeals said she was protected and that the ruling did violate her free-speech rights.
I believe the initial ruling that the courts made to have her put on probation was wrong. Therefore, it was good that she appealed the ruling because she was right in what she was doing. She was exercising her right of free speech through a MySpace page and the final decision of the court was the right decision.
Monday, April 9, 2007
"A Call for Manners in the World of Nasty Blogs"
www.nytimes.com
by Brad Stone
April 9, 2007
There are many people who believe the World Wide Web is uncivilized. Because of this, "high profile figures in high-tech" are trying to come up with rules and guidelines for online debates and discussions. Most of these rules will be affecting the world of blogs. And the article stated, "bloggers consider banning anonymous comments left by visitors to their pages and be able to delete threatening or libelous comments without facing cries of censorship."
I believe this will be very beneficial in the attempt to make the Web civilized. People don't really know what is acceptable online and this will give people a sense of direction. Furthermore, the people who do know how to act online aren't doing so because there are no set rules and I think if they make a set of guidelines people will be more in touch and will follow these rules.
In addition, this will limit the misconduct that goes on on the Web and will hopefully decrease the amount of conversations that could lead into much worse accounts.
by Brad Stone
April 9, 2007
There are many people who believe the World Wide Web is uncivilized. Because of this, "high profile figures in high-tech" are trying to come up with rules and guidelines for online debates and discussions. Most of these rules will be affecting the world of blogs. And the article stated, "bloggers consider banning anonymous comments left by visitors to their pages and be able to delete threatening or libelous comments without facing cries of censorship."
I believe this will be very beneficial in the attempt to make the Web civilized. People don't really know what is acceptable online and this will give people a sense of direction. Furthermore, the people who do know how to act online aren't doing so because there are no set rules and I think if they make a set of guidelines people will be more in touch and will follow these rules.
In addition, this will limit the misconduct that goes on on the Web and will hopefully decrease the amount of conversations that could lead into much worse accounts.
Monday, April 2, 2007
"Sports Organizations Try to Limit Online Reporting"
www.nytimes.com
By Doreen Carvajal
April 2, 2007
This September, during the Rugby World Cup, there will be new restrictions put on the use of photographs, stats, and information about the games that is put online. The article says that, "the rugby board is limiting the number of game photos that can be published in online news sites during competition.
Some of the photographs have pictures or phrases of the teams sponsors, and this is the believed reason as to why they are trying to limit the number of photographs. However, the International Rugby Board said it has to do with their own online site, that gives information and stats about each game and provides pictures. They continued to talk about how other online sites are taking away from their own site.
In addition, the Pan American Games just banned their participating athletes from blogging.
With all of this in mind, I don't believe it's fair for the board to ban the use of game information and pictures for online sites. If the press is allowed to attend the games and take pictures they should be allowed to post and update their site using the information. Also, I don't understand why the Pan American Games would ban their athletes from blogging. One athlete commented on the issue saying, "blogging in general is a cathartic outlet for competitors to release pent-up thoughts and feelings."
By Doreen Carvajal
April 2, 2007
This September, during the Rugby World Cup, there will be new restrictions put on the use of photographs, stats, and information about the games that is put online. The article says that, "the rugby board is limiting the number of game photos that can be published in online news sites during competition.
Some of the photographs have pictures or phrases of the teams sponsors, and this is the believed reason as to why they are trying to limit the number of photographs. However, the International Rugby Board said it has to do with their own online site, that gives information and stats about each game and provides pictures. They continued to talk about how other online sites are taking away from their own site.
In addition, the Pan American Games just banned their participating athletes from blogging.
With all of this in mind, I don't believe it's fair for the board to ban the use of game information and pictures for online sites. If the press is allowed to attend the games and take pictures they should be allowed to post and update their site using the information. Also, I don't understand why the Pan American Games would ban their athletes from blogging. One athlete commented on the issue saying, "blogging in general is a cathartic outlet for competitors to release pent-up thoughts and feelings."
Monday, March 26, 2007
"1 in 10 British Internet users victim of fraud"
www.chinaview.cn
By Gareth Dodd
March 26, 2007
According to the article, one in ten British Internet users have been victims of fraud online in 2006. In addition, they have lost an average of $1,716. These people have been victims because they do not protect themselves online by not keeping their protection software up to date. The article says, "Six percent of internet users, or 1.7 million people, suffered fraud shopping online, while 4 percent (or 1.2 million) were victims of bank account or credit card fraud."
In a survey done, half the people believe that they are responsible for protecting themselves online from fraud, however, most believe that the banks or online stores are responsible for this.
I believe most of the responsibility should be on yourself, as an internet user. Although, the online sites should provide a great system of protection from hackers. It is a persons own responsibility to keep their computer protection software up to date and installed on their computer. Also, in terms of online banking, I believe a person should be able to protect themselves by picking a good password that isn't easy to figure out for hackers and the user should change their password often to protect themselves from fraud.
By Gareth Dodd
March 26, 2007
According to the article, one in ten British Internet users have been victims of fraud online in 2006. In addition, they have lost an average of $1,716. These people have been victims because they do not protect themselves online by not keeping their protection software up to date. The article says, "Six percent of internet users, or 1.7 million people, suffered fraud shopping online, while 4 percent (or 1.2 million) were victims of bank account or credit card fraud."
In a survey done, half the people believe that they are responsible for protecting themselves online from fraud, however, most believe that the banks or online stores are responsible for this.
I believe most of the responsibility should be on yourself, as an internet user. Although, the online sites should provide a great system of protection from hackers. It is a persons own responsibility to keep their computer protection software up to date and installed on their computer. Also, in terms of online banking, I believe a person should be able to protect themselves by picking a good password that isn't easy to figure out for hackers and the user should change their password often to protect themselves from fraud.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
"U.S. judge strikes down Internet porn law"
www.nytimes.com
By Robert Campbell
March 23, 2007
On Thursday March 22nd, a U.S. federal court ruled that the law of Child Online Protection Act, which protects children from viewing porn on websites, violates free speech rights. The American Civil Liberties Union brought this case up and they believe that this law is violating the First Amendment.
According to the article, the Child Online Protection Act "made it a crime for any person to provide minors access to "harmful material" over the Internet."
Most believe that software protection is enough to protect children from being able to access and view pornographic sites, however, it is also believed that the software is ineffective because many parents do not install or update the software. Therefore, many kids are granted access to viewing these sites.
By Robert Campbell
March 23, 2007
On Thursday March 22nd, a U.S. federal court ruled that the law of Child Online Protection Act, which protects children from viewing porn on websites, violates free speech rights. The American Civil Liberties Union brought this case up and they believe that this law is violating the First Amendment.
According to the article, the Child Online Protection Act "made it a crime for any person to provide minors access to "harmful material" over the Internet."
Most believe that software protection is enough to protect children from being able to access and view pornographic sites, however, it is also believed that the software is ineffective because many parents do not install or update the software. Therefore, many kids are granted access to viewing these sites.
Monday, March 12, 2007
"States scrutinize minors' security on MySpace"
www.csmonitor.com
By Alexandra Marks
March 12th, 2007
As we all know, there have been many cases where men have set up times to meet with girl minors. Therefore, the state of Connecticut is trying to push for a bill that will limit this from happening. They became the first state in the United States to "introduce legislation that would require MySpace, other social networking sites, and chat rooms to verify the ages of their users. Any postings by those under 18 would require parental permission. Failure to comply would result in a fine to the Internet company of $5,000 per incident." However, MySpace feels as if the legislation has good intentions, but will be ineffective if fixing this problem.
I believe what Connecticut is doing is a good thing because it will prevent incidents like this from happening. Furthermore, by putting a restriction on a site where a minor needs permission from an adult, this will give parents more control over what their children are doing on the internet.
This form of protection, age verification, is already used for many other things, such as buying alcohol and cigarettes online, therefore, it should be just as effective. In the end, this should limit the number of sex offenses that take place over the internet.
By Alexandra Marks
March 12th, 2007
As we all know, there have been many cases where men have set up times to meet with girl minors. Therefore, the state of Connecticut is trying to push for a bill that will limit this from happening. They became the first state in the United States to "introduce legislation that would require MySpace, other social networking sites, and chat rooms to verify the ages of their users. Any postings by those under 18 would require parental permission. Failure to comply would result in a fine to the Internet company of $5,000 per incident." However, MySpace feels as if the legislation has good intentions, but will be ineffective if fixing this problem.
I believe what Connecticut is doing is a good thing because it will prevent incidents like this from happening. Furthermore, by putting a restriction on a site where a minor needs permission from an adult, this will give parents more control over what their children are doing on the internet.
This form of protection, age verification, is already used for many other things, such as buying alcohol and cigarettes online, therefore, it should be just as effective. In the end, this should limit the number of sex offenses that take place over the internet.
Monday, March 5, 2007
"Assault spurs school YouTube ban"
www.cnn.com
by the Associated Press
March 1st, 2007
YouTube, an internet site where users can upload their own personal videos for the public to view is, for the most part, a positive thing. However, some times people walk the fine line of whether the videos they upload are appropriate or not.
YouTube has a policy that whenever someone uploads a video, the video is reviewed by YouTube first before it is actually published online for the public to view. I think this is a great way of keeping illegal things offline and in most cases, out of the view of minors.
This article said that Victoria, a state in Australia, "banned the popular video-sharing site from its 1,600 government schools after a gang of male school students videotaped their assault on a 17-year-old girl on the outskirts of Melbourne." The educators and officials of these schools believe that YouTube should be blocked from the students in the schools because 'every student has the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.'
I agree with what the schools government did about banning YouTube in their schools. Some things on the YouTube website are not appropriate for children of that age and this is an easy way of protecting them at school. However, what the children do at home under the watch of their parents may be different, but that's another issue with many concerns among people.
by the Associated Press
March 1st, 2007
YouTube, an internet site where users can upload their own personal videos for the public to view is, for the most part, a positive thing. However, some times people walk the fine line of whether the videos they upload are appropriate or not.
YouTube has a policy that whenever someone uploads a video, the video is reviewed by YouTube first before it is actually published online for the public to view. I think this is a great way of keeping illegal things offline and in most cases, out of the view of minors.
This article said that Victoria, a state in Australia, "banned the popular video-sharing site from its 1,600 government schools after a gang of male school students videotaped their assault on a 17-year-old girl on the outskirts of Melbourne." The educators and officials of these schools believe that YouTube should be blocked from the students in the schools because 'every student has the right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.'
I agree with what the schools government did about banning YouTube in their schools. Some things on the YouTube website are not appropriate for children of that age and this is an easy way of protecting them at school. However, what the children do at home under the watch of their parents may be different, but that's another issue with many concerns among people.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
"Think Your Social Security Number Is Secure? Think Again"
By Damon Darlin
February 24th, 2007
www.nytimes.com
After reading this article I was very concerned. I didn't know how much of someones identity was available over the internet. In this article, a woman named, Betty Ostergren, has been doing research on the internet, finding people's information and reporting it. She said most people are surprised how much information is posted online.
Betty Ostergren has found many famous peoples information online, along with 1,000's of other peoples. She reports this information back to the people so that they are concerned about what information is being posted online and seen by criminals.
A company, TrustedID, has come up with a system that you can go and check to see if your information has been stolen or not. TrustedID said in the article "about 220,000 people had tested their numbers in the three weeks the site has been open to the public." I believe this website will be good for people because they can make sure their identity hasn't been stolen.
February 24th, 2007
www.nytimes.com
After reading this article I was very concerned. I didn't know how much of someones identity was available over the internet. In this article, a woman named, Betty Ostergren, has been doing research on the internet, finding people's information and reporting it. She said most people are surprised how much information is posted online.
Betty Ostergren has found many famous peoples information online, along with 1,000's of other peoples. She reports this information back to the people so that they are concerned about what information is being posted online and seen by criminals.
A company, TrustedID, has come up with a system that you can go and check to see if your information has been stolen or not. TrustedID said in the article "about 220,000 people had tested their numbers in the three weeks the site has been open to the public." I believe this website will be good for people because they can make sure their identity hasn't been stolen.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
"China shuts 205 Web sites in piracy crackdown"
www.news.com
By Reuters
By Reuters
February 7, 2007
Recently, in China, 205 websites were shutdown to stop the copying of music, software, tv shows, movies, and textbooks. Over the last five months 436 cases were examined and 361 of those were demanded to stop their copyright infringements. A total of $91,000 in fines were taken from these websites.
Taking from the article, "Chinese people habitually download pirated music and movies due to the high price of authorized copies and government restrictions on cultural imports; many Western movies are not even officially available." However, China is very strict on piracy, therefore, they will continue to crackdown on the websites that allow for illegal downloading.
In the end, it is very hard to keep track of the many illegal things that take place over the internet. Officials say it will take a lot of time to manage them effectively.
Recently, in China, 205 websites were shutdown to stop the copying of music, software, tv shows, movies, and textbooks. Over the last five months 436 cases were examined and 361 of those were demanded to stop their copyright infringements. A total of $91,000 in fines were taken from these websites.
Taking from the article, "Chinese people habitually download pirated music and movies due to the high price of authorized copies and government restrictions on cultural imports; many Western movies are not even officially available." However, China is very strict on piracy, therefore, they will continue to crackdown on the websites that allow for illegal downloading.
In the end, it is very hard to keep track of the many illegal things that take place over the internet. Officials say it will take a lot of time to manage them effectively.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)