Dell Recalls Batteries Because of Fire Threat

Dell is recalling 4.1 million notebook computer batteries because they could erupt in flames, the company said today.   This will be the largest safety recall in the history of the consumer electronics industry...   The recalled batteries were used in 2.7 million computers sold in the United States and 1.4 million sold overseas.   The total is about 18 percent of Dell's notebook production during the period in question (4/04 - 7/06).   Depending on how many of the batteries are still in use, the cost of the recall could exceed $300 million.

Lithium ion batteries are used in hybrid cars, but those batteries may or may not have the same manufacturing defect that lead to Dell's problems.   Let's see how many Prius automobiles ignite this year.

Windows Genuine disAdvantage

What would you call a computer program that surreptitiously installed itself onto your computer, collected personal information about you without your knowledge or effective consent, was difficult or impossible to remove, installed pop-up banners that constantly harassed you, and presented significant security vulnerabilities?

If you were Los Angeles resident Brian Johnson, the answer would be simple. You'd call it Windows.

Life on Mars? Not Yet.

It was ten years ago when NASA exclaimed Meteorite Yields Evidence of Primitive Life on Early Mars .

From MATT CRENSON, AP National Writer:

Ten years later, the results have not been verified. Skeptics have found non-biological explanations for every piece of evidence that was presented on Aug. 6, 1996. And though they still vigorously defend their claim, the NASA scientists who advanced it now stand alone in their belief.

Hackers Expose 'Critical' Wi-Fi Driver Flaw

Maynor said the MacBook was used in the demo as a retort to the latest Apple commercials. "We don't want to bash Mac. I'm a big fan of Mac. But those commercials are just [annoying]," he said.

I wonder what he really said in place of "annoying"...   I couldn't agree more.

"This is not a big problem today. But, it should be something to take seriously now before it becomes a big, big problem a year or two from now," said Maynor.

The entire 802.11 spec needs to be examined -- or discarded.

WORST EVER SECURITY FLAW FOUND IN DIEBOLD TS VOTING MACHINE

From PRESS RELEASE -- JULY 31, 2006:

Upon examining the inner workings of one of the most popular paperless touch screen voting machines used in public elections in the United States, it has been determined that with the flip of a single switch inside, the machine can behave in a completely different manner compared to the tested and certified version.

“Diebold has made the testing and certification process practically irrelevant,” according to Dechert. “If you have access to these machines and you want to rig an election, anything is possible with the Diebold TS -- and it could be done without leaving a trace. All you need is a screwdriver.” This model does not produce a voter verified paper trail so there is no way to check if the voter’s choices are accurately reflected in the tabulation.

United States Patent: 6767717

While some Senators and the Dept. of Homeland (in)Security are screaming about how the Internet is filled with bomb-making information, some of the best information comes straight from the federal government's own open records.

Kids, don't try this at home.

Fake IDs Save Lives in Iraq

Surnames refer to tribe and clan, while first names are often chosen to honor historical figures revered by one sect but sometimes despised by the other.

For about $35, someone with a common Sunni name like Omar could become Abdul-Mahdi, a Shiite name that might provide safe passage through dangerous areas.