Feb 16 2002 News

Technical, Business and Product News from the Modern Computer World... Updated Once Per Month

Compaq Introduces Real Cluster Servers
So called 'Blades' squeeze an amazing 280 servers in a single 42" rack. With factory support for Solaris, Linux, and Windows they are bound to become a part of the mainstream. Pricing for these units was not announced. One issue Compaq/HP will have to deal with quickly is slow CPU's; only 700Mhz PIII's in this first iteration. Other 'Blade' producers like Egenera and RLX are producing similar units with CPU's as high as 1.2Ghz but without the extensive operating system support.

Sun Makes Surprise Leap Onto Linux Bandwagon
Fri Feb 8, 8:34 AM ET Richard Karpinski, InternetWeek
Sun Microsystems, which in recent years has searched for ways to leverage its own Solaris operating system and Java programming environment into a competitive advantage, Thursday decided to place a major bet on the open source Linux OS.

Sun said its approach to Linux would be three-pronged: ship a full implementation of the Linux operating system; expand its line of low-end Linux hardware; and more aggressively participate in the Linux development community, in particular freely offering programmers components of its Solaris OS....

...In addition to shipping a full implementation of Linux, Sun said it would deliver its entire Sun One platform on Linux; enable Linux applications to run on any Solaris-based system; make Linux user interface GNOME the preferred desktop for Solaris; beef up its Linux-oriented professional services capabilities; and more...

IT WorldCanada: Forcing IT staff to report porn unlikely: experts
By Julie Clow, IT World Canada
New legislation in two U.S. states may have technicians surfing the Internet with their eyes shut for fear of criminal repercussions, but several Canadian lobbyists say such a law could help track down Internet predators.

An Illinois Republican is trying to pass legislation that would force the state’s computer technicians into reporting child pornography when they come across it on the Internet. Rep. James Durkin is trying to add computer technicians onto an Illinois law already requiring film developers to report any illicit material.

A similar law exists in South Carolina wherein computer technicians are required to report child pornography to law-enforcement officials when they find it during the course of their work. If the technicians fail to do so, they face possibility of a hefty fine.

In Canada, no law like this proposed amendment exists. "We don’t have the obligation," said Lisette Lafontaine, senior counsel with criminal policy section of the federal Department of Justice. "Even the ISPs have no obligation to monitor their systems, but they cooperate with the police and if they find something, in most cases, they will report it. But it is not a criminal offence not to report it. It’s just your good citizenship."...

BETANEWS: Microsoft Delays Update to PowerToys
By Nate Mook, BetaNews February 1st, 2002, 8:51 PM
Feb 1 - 8:51 PM ET After pulling the download for PowerToys -- a popular group of small applications that add extra functionality to Windows XP by taking advantage of hidden settings -- and promising a release by January 31, Microsoft has decided to hold off on the much anticipated update. A note on the PowerToys Web site reads, "We're sorry, because we know you like them a lot. PowerToys are currently being improved, and will be available for download in the spring." Although Microsoft has also blocked the ability to download older versions, a company spokesperson told BetaNews the team is making minor improvements and there is no need for users to uninstall the current version...

BETANEWS: Sony Brings Linux for PlayStation to US
By Nate Mook, BetaNews January 30th, 2002, 5:45 AM
Jan 30 - 5:45 AM ET UPDATED Sony today announced plans to release the first supported version of its "Linux (for PlayStation 2)," dubbed Release 1.0. A beta Linux kit was made available in Japan last July in response to requests by the Japanese Linux society. After an overwhelming positive response from the community, Sony decided to publicly release and support the development kit. Release 1.0 will go on sale beginning in May for Japanese customers and debut in June for the United States and Europe. The kit will retail for $199 USD ($215 in Europe) and include a 40GB hard disk, 100 Base T Ethernet interface, Linux Kernel 2.2.1, XFree86 3.3.6, USB keyboard and mouse, and a computer monitor adaptor. The kit will only work when connected to a monitor - not a television...