Just released last week, Google's browser plug-in Chrome Frame is already causing a stir. The plug- in allows IE6, IE7 and IE8 users to utilize Chrome browser's WebKit rendering engine, as well as its high-performance V8 JavaScript engine. Google originally pitched it as a way to instantly improve the performance of the always unsatisfactory Internet…
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Can Micropayments Save Internet News?
No matter how many times people collect information and research micropayments, trying to pop the bubble of faith around them as a cure for what ails the newspaper industry, they consistently maintain some level of support. Newspapers have spent the past century with a monopoly on tools of mass publishing as well as the means…
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Google Acquires reCAPTCHA
On Wednesday, Google took a major step in accelerating its efforts to scan tens of millions of books and periodicals. ReCAPTCHA, a well-known provider of CAPTCHA technology, is used to prevent spammers from using computers to automatically register for online services. By requiring users to type randomly chosen words that appear as images, the "Completely…
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Whatever Happened to Widespread Wi-Fi?
A few years back, a whole host of commercial and community schemes were underway which promised to blanket towns in free - or very cheap - wireless connectivity. But now, it's extremely rare to find wi-fi that is both easily accessible as well as affordable. It's far more likely to use the internet while on…
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Google Books Sees Another Obstacle
Tuesday, the continuing opposition to Google Books settlement took a turn, as civil rights groups told a federal court that they believe the plan to digitize millions of books will threaten readers’ privacy. These groups include The Electronic Frontier Foundation, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Samuelson Law, Technology and Public Policy Clinic of the University…
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YouTube Phases Out IE6
Unsurprisingly, it appears that the Google company’s YouTube will be phasing out support for Microsoft’s infamous Internet Explorer 6 browser, news that arrived via multiple user encounters with a warning message stating that the site would be ‘phasing out support’ for a certain browser soon. A logical move for certain, there are many consumers glad…
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Strong Passwords – The Protection of the Past
Most of the traditional password advice out there is a little dated. Strong passwords are the number one suggestion, selling the idea that your computer is in most peril from hackers- actualy people sitting at a screen somewhere trying to crack your account themselves. But these same passwords do absolutely nothing to protect online users…
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Travellers Beware of Vacation Hacking
A new trend in internet fraud, known as "vacation hacking," has been victimizing tourist all over the globe. Cybercriminals are targeting travelers by creating fake Wi-Fi hot spots in hotels, airports, and sometimes on the plane itself. Vacationers are lead to believe they're signing on at designated Wi-Fi access points, when they are in fact …
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eBay’s Changes to Blame for Decline
Recently, eBay has made some noticeable changes in both the way the site is promoted, as well as the rules buyers and sellers operate by. Originally trying to bill itself as a place for a full range of merchandise, they've come to emphasize used and off-season goods.This is what experts say is causing the fall…
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Google’s Ambition in Chrome OS
For years, Google has been predicting a future of web based applications and open-source operating systems. It seems that in announcing the inevitable arrival of Chrome OS, they are creating that landscape themselves. An open-source operating system for netbooks and other computers, Google could be on to something. Characterizing Chrome OS as an attempt to…
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