Porn / Spyware Case Closed, But Justice Not Served

Nov 14, 2009

I have previously railed against people who are silly enough not to install some sort of antivirus program on their system (I have signed up to clean out one such system). I am also amazed by organizations such as the Pentagon who, rather than installing up-to-date AV software, ban USB drives to prevent infection by an old (and thus easily detected) virus.

Here we have a school which didn't protect its computers with up-to-date AV software, and a teacher who has paid the price.

Reportedly, when Julie Amero was a substitute teacher in 2004, her PC started popping up random images of pornography when surfing the Web. Now, that's the same symptom my friend's system has, and it's often indicative of malware. Yet, despite this, without taking the time to examine the system for malware, the state of Connecticut chose to prosecute --- and convict --- Amero of felony charges, with a 40-year sentence, in January of 2007.

The verdict was overturned in June of 2007, after forensic analysts independently did their own study and determined that the computer was infected. Despite this, the state of Connecticut was determined to retry the case. They also never admitted any of the errors they made in trying the case, including the aforementioned lack of forensic analysis of the hard drive.

However, last Friday, the case finally was put to rest. Amero accepted a plea bargain to end the ordeal. She received a $100 fine, but she also had to surrender her teacher's license. While she said she was happy, stating:

"Oh honey, it's over. I feel wonderful. The Norwich police made a mistake. It was proven. That makes me feel like I'm on top of the world."

justice has not been served as she lost her license to teach as well as paying a terrible price for more than 4 years.

The stress of the experience has resulted in Amero being hospitalized, a little over a week ago.

BTW, the school was using Symantec's WebNot, which is a firewall program. However, they had not renewed the subscription so it was not up-to-date. It should have been obvious to an on-the-ball IT admin that even with a firewall, local AV software should have installed on all the PCs.

That would have prevented infection from the Web, and also prevented infection via USB drives (hint, hint, Pentagon?).

So, unfortunately for Amero, it seems like what we have here is closure, but it sure doesn't seem like we got justice. Just another example of what happens when non-technical people try to judge a technical trial
READ MORE - Porn / Spyware Case Closed, But Justice Not Served

Street View Hookers" Spice Up the Web

Since its unveiling in May of 2007, Google's Street View has hit a few bumps in the road, including being told to "keep out" of an entire town, to being sued over privacy by a Pennsylvania couple, to being told to stay out of military bases. This particular incident is more humorous than anything else.

Take a gander at 3186 San Pablo Ave in Emeryville, CA (close to Berkeley), and you'll see what appears to be, ahem, some businesswomen on a street corner. I would assume they were trolling for employers.

There's no indication if the Street View cameramen partook of any of their wares, but probably not, as they have deadlines to meet.

READ MORE - Street View Hookers" Spice Up the Web

New U.K. "Texting While Driving" PSA is Disturbing, Pulls No Punches

A new "texting while driving" PSA (public service announcement) from the U.K. pulls no punches. It also makes no attempt to hide the graphic consequences for someone distracted by their SMS messages while driving, either.

The dangers of texting while driving are well-known to researchers. Numerous studies have shown that text messaging while driving is as bad as drunk driving, in terms of the reduction in reaction time for the driver. In the case of SMS while driving, it's distraction, not a physical result of imbibing in alcohol, but the result is still the same.

Many are either still unaware of the possible consequences, or simply do not care. They feel that the consequences of not responding or not reading an SMS are worse than anything else. Is that SMS really that important? This "texting while driving" PSA certainly should give you the answer to that question: no.

In reality, common sense should be enough, but that's something people lack of lot of nowadays, when it comes to thinking what's most important: your life or some inane act. While this "texting while driving" PSA is graphic, not quite "Final Destination" graphic, but pretty disturbing (fair warning, and the part with the baby and child is especially disturbing!), it is still likely that many will simply ignore this as a "Hollywood" production.

I recall when I was in school, and they would show us actual dead bodies as the result of overdosing on drugs, as a way of scaring teens out of drug use. This "texting while driving" PSA is pretty graphic already, but perhaps that's how far people need to go: ads showing the actual real-life consequences of actual accidents as a result of texting while driving.

One problem with that idea is that it's not that easy to tell when such activity is the cause of a crash. That's one reason that statistics of that sort aren't readily available, either.

In terms of legislation, in the U.S., thirty-six states have no text messaging while driving ban. Those that do frequently have "slap on the wrist" fines such as California's, which is $20 for the first offense, and $50 for the subsequent offenses.

Watch a video report including the "texting while driving" PSA. It's not easy to watch, but at least we know it's not real. That doesn't mean the potential for real accidents of this nature isn't there, every day.


Here's a CNN report with some expert discussion afterwards:
READ MORE - New U.K. "Texting While Driving" PSA is Disturbing, Pulls No Punches

First iPhone 3.1.2 Firmware Jailbreak Released, For All Devices

"Geohot," who was the first to jailbreak the original 2G iPhone (albeit with a bit of hardware tweaking) and also the first to jailbreak the iPhone 3GS has released the first jailbreak for the latest iPhone firmware, 3.1.2. The iPhone Dev Team still hasn't completed a jailbreak for the iPhone 3GS on the last firmware (except for previously jailbroken iPhone 3GS's).

Unfortunately for Mac users, it's Windows only for now, but I suppose that's what Boot Camp is for. At any rate, the .EXE for the jailbreak, dubbed "blackra1n," is downloadable here (click the Windows icon). Assuming you've already updated to 3.1.2, here's how it works:

Step 1: Start blackra1n. It might be necessary to run the app in "XP Compatibility Mode" on Vista or 7 but I didn't see an issue.

Step 2: Click on “make it ra1n”:

Step 3: Wait for the phone to automatically reboot.

Step 4: You should see “blackra1n” in your iPhone app list . Run “blackra1n”, download "Cydia" and install it.

Step 5: Reboot your iPhone. You should now be running a jailbroken version of firmware 3.1.2 on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Of course, your mileage may vary. No notes from the iPhone Dev Team yet about their opinion on Geohot's latest "blackra1n" version.

READ MORE - First iPhone 3.1.2 Firmware Jailbreak Released, For All Devices

Alpine PND K3 – GPS Receiver

Alpine-PND-K3-GPSAlpine PND-K3 – GPS receiver is having the dimension specs like width 4.8in, depth 0.8in, and height 2.9in, whilst its weight is 6.3oz. This new model GPS is employing some finer functionalities like; built-in memory of 4GB, broader mapping coverage like USA including Canada, adding 20 channels, USB connectivity, most preferable for automobiles. It also supports SD Memory Cards either.

Alpine PND-K3 – GPS receiver is adding many other features like Voice Steering instructions, lanes and thoroughfare detail pronouncement and built-in Antenna either.

Basically what features it offer, the rate doesn’t equate to its capabilities. This series is lending an improved user interface, giving better performance, as well as the navigation device is aptly portable.

In addition to these functionalities, it also has text-to-speech functionality either, finer street info directed. Tom Tom Go 930 has broader featured than the K3, yet rate-wise K3 is higher. This gadget has voice recognition capability.

Garmin Nuvi 265WT has nearly the same capabilities yet with finer performance, that is USD 200 cheaper than K3. It is additionally lending Preinstalled POIs, 2D and 3D map, hands-free calling capability Bluetooth.

This GPS series is adding digital player, other capacities like MP3, WMA, a built-in display like LCD widescreen, offering resolution 480 x 272 pixels, screen size (diagonal) size 4.3in, and screen with color support.

Alpine PND-K3 – GPS receiver adds additional linkages like USB, Headphones – Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm. This GPS is employing Lithium polymer battery technology.

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Cricket Captr

Cricket CaptrKinpo Inc. has produced a latest clamshell style cell phone that is named as Cricket Captr, while Cricket is its service provider. Cricket Captr is offering its dimensional specs like width 1.8in, depth 0.7in, height 3.5in, and weight is 2.82ons. This black color primo cell phone is offered on USD 129.99.

This series Cricket Captr is employing the series CDMA Band technology, with its phone design flip or clamshell and adding Caller ID capability, Wireless Interface, and Bluetooth either.

Intriguingly, all latest handsets are coming either to the open houses or in our hands replete with multimedia thus making tad intricate for novice users, yet offering very high standard touchscreen phones – that is very fine.

As there appear wide configuration varieties and those are easily picked which lend a multitude of functionalities and capabilities, thus an entry level with limited features now proves entirely difficult to create an exclusive niche among the high flyer gizmos of today and tomorrow.

This Cricket Captr is attaching Speakers, Intelligent typing, USB Data Services as well as SMS, MMS and so on. The complimentary accessories it attaches are Charger, Battery Talk Timing up to 5 hours. This mobile is also carrying VGS snappy capability either.

One hitch it has is, its imaging standard is not that much worthy. Thus for its other finer features, we can compromise for this hitch. An additional feature of this gizmo is that – it’s the most petite mobile. The corners are curved in a manner that gives a finer look.

This Cricket Captr has a camera lens at its front, having 1in size screen, whilst its supporting the resolution like 96 by 96 pixels. Moreover, it has also the setting for the backlighting adjustment. It supports the capabilities like; wallpaper, clock format, and incoming call screen either. This latest string mobile has a volume rocker at its left side, whilst a 2.5mm headset jack, camera button and charger jack are at its right side.

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iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TU

iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TUiBuyPower has fared, a great job by bringing a latest model laptop to the open houses like iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TU. Its starting price is USD 1,501 and features the capabilities like, a delicate and cute display of (diagonally) 15.4in size, Intel Core 2 Duo T9800 processor and 2.93GHz, 4GB memory, 1033MHz DDR3 SDRAM memory technology, and with an impressive HDD of 500GB, 7,200rpm.

This ostensibly cute yet by its traits, a Battalion and Regimental series appears quite sufficiently armed to wage a war against its contemporary widgets and with the passage of time, we will see its results, how much it may kill its rivalries with its spikes and spears.

This iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TU series is attaching a graphics Nvidia GeForce GTX 260M, using the platform of Windows Vista 64-bit Home Premium SP2, and having the dimensions like width 14.3in height 1.5in, and depth 10.4in. Its weight is 7.24pds, and with AC adapter its weight is 9.12pds.

Primarily, the iBuyPower is a commercial entity that is engrossed in producing specialized game systems and netbooks, thus this global benchmark has given an exclusive niche to the iBuyPower worldwide.

This iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TU series offers much uncomplicated configuration that proves easier to buy and prove no heavier on your wallet.

This M865TU seems slight dissimilar to a netbook, yet it is a matter of fact that, it is a truly netbook. It’s underneath framework is prepared by Clevo.

Its making with the help of a compact black colored matte, covers the internal and external sides as well as the sides of its edges. Relatively to many other laptop series, which are costly in price, yet this gadget is substantially price-wise low, isn’t it?

READ MORE - iBuyPower Battalion 101 M865TU

Samsung Guru E1107 Indian: Price And Specification


Samsung's new Low-Cost handset E1107, fitted with a solar Panel on the back, which can be used to charge the battery using sunlight.
Designed for people in rural areas, the phone can provide 5-10 minutes of talktime with one hour of solar charging.

Samsung claims that the battery can attain full power with about 40 hours of solar charging.

Cost In India: Rs 2,799
For More Detail visit: samsungmobile.com
READ MORE - Samsung Guru E1107 Indian: Price And Specification

Gigabyte GSMART MS820 Inidan: Price And Specification


This new 3.5G handset from Gigabyte features a 2.8-inch touchscreen LCD with a
resolution of 800*600 pixels. Running on Windows mobile 6.1, it boasts of a 5-
megapixel camera,a secondary VGA camera, a microSD slot,built-in GPS,Wi-Fi, bluetooth and FM radio.
Cost In India: Rs 36,999

FOr More Detail Visit:gigabytecm.com
READ MORE - Gigabyte GSMART MS820 Inidan: Price And Specification

RAY T65 Mobile Phone Indian:Price And SpecificationsThe Ray T65 is an affordable GSM handset with a 1.8 inch touch screen and a 3-megapixel camera.


The Ray T65 is an affordable GSM handset with a 1.8 inch touch screen and a 3-megapixel camera.
The T65 can play MP3s and FM radio, and can record video as well.
The phone also features Bluetooth with A2DP, for listening to stereo music on a third party Bluetooth headset. The Phone is equipped with 32MB of internal memory, which can be expanded up to 2GB with a memory slot.

Cost In India: Rs 6,399

For More Detail Visit: themobilestore.in
READ MORE - RAY T65 Mobile Phone Indian:Price And SpecificationsThe Ray T65 is an affordable GSM handset with a 1.8 inch touch screen and a 3-megapixel camera.

Samsung Jet Indian: Price And Specifications


Fitted with 3.1 inch WVGA AMOLED display and a 800MHz processor, Samsung Jet support the latest smartphone features including a multi-task manager, Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, and a 3D media gate UI.
Connectivity options include BLuetooth v2.1, microUSB, WiFi, 3.5mm ear jack, ana a microSD slot. The 3D media gate interface on the jet allows users to access multimedia features by rolling a six sided cube on the screen, while touch Wiz 2.0 supports motion UI, smart unlock, and customisable widgets.
Samsung's Dolfin internet browser allows users to view up to five web pages simultaneously, and use a built in ad-blocker while surfing. Samsung Jet also boasts a host of multimedia features including a 5 megapixel camera, built in GPS, DNSe and SRS Sound, and MPEG4 video support.

Cost In India: Rs 24,150

For More Detail Visit: samsung.com
READ MORE - Samsung Jet Indian: Price And Specifications

SPICE S-590 INDIA:COST, FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Spice Mobiles' S-590 sports a 1.8 inch TFT screen and comes with a CIF camera for video recording. The candybar phone has a new feature called 'POPAT'-a voice prompt application that speaks out incoming calls, phonebook numbers, etc.
The device also features and FM radio recorder, call blacklist, microSD slot and SMS scheduler.

Cost In India: Rs 2,499

For Detail Visit: spicemobile.com
READ MORE - SPICE S-590 INDIA:COST, FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

SPICE S-590 INDIA:COST, FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Spice Mobiles' S-590 sports a 1.8 inch TFT screen and comes with a CIF camera for video recording. The candybar phone has a new feature called 'POPAT'-a voice prompt application that speaks out incoming calls, phonebook numbers, etc.
The device also features and FM radio recorder, call blacklist, microSD slot and SMS scheduler.

Cost In India: Rs 2,499

For Detail Visit: spicemobile.com
READ MORE - SPICE S-590 INDIA:COST, FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS

 
 
 
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