Windows 8 computers have “kill switch”

February 25, 2012 — bunkerville

While we are worried about SOPA, 1984 continues. I will stick with an Apple, but for how long will that be safe from prying government eyes? Google is following our every move like a Blood Hound. Our cell phones on or off provide a constant tracking device. Something to think about on a Saturday.

With the rollout of the Windows 8 operating system expected later this year, millions of desktop and laptop PCs will get kill switches for the first time. Microsoft (MSFT) hasn’t spoken publicly about its reasons for including this capability in Windows 8 beyond a cryptic warning that it might be compelled to use it for legal or security reasons. The feature was publicized in a widely cited Computerworld article in December when Microsoft posted the terms of use for its new application store, a feature in Windows 8 that will allow users to download software from a Microsoft-controlled portal. Windows smartphones, like those of its competitors, have included kill switches for several years, though software deletion “is a last resort, and it’s uncommon,” says Todd Biggs, director of product management for Windows Phone Marketplace. More at Business Week H/T:Prison Planet

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Universities Banning iPads Due to Bandwidth Problems

April 20, 2010 — bunkerville

Several Universities are banning the iPad due to Wi-Fi interference and bandwidth overload.

Oh,  oh……

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Princeton University and George Washington University are temporarily banning the iPads due to malfunctioning units that are causing interference to other Wi-Fi devices. Cornell University is also considering a ban due to network congestion caused by the tablet devices.

A recent announcement from Princeton’s IT department suggests that the problem has to do with DHCP client malfunctions, which can cause interference on other wireless devices. Israel recently banned the iPad for sale and use in the country for similar reasons. Princeton is currently working with Apple to resolve the situation, according to the announcement.

The Princeton release states that the DHCP problems began on April 4th, the day after the iPad’s release. “The iPad owner is often unaware of any problem, Nevertheless, it is an issue because it can interfere with service to other devices,” the document claims.

The failure rate is high by percentage, but low by total units. The report states that 25 of the 41 iPads on the Princeton campus network have exhibited the malfunction. A similar scenario occurred with many iPhones in 2007. http://www.digitaltrends.com/gadgets/universities-banning-ipads-due-to-bandwidth-problems/

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