Personal computing isn’t quite what it used to be. For most people, a computer has either a room or atleast part of room completely dedicated to it. There’s of course the PC setup itself, which generally has a desk, and then some sort of organizational piece of furniture for the software.

Then we moved from this wave of thinking to the notebook generation. Which is built on the idea that we have a computer, even on the go. And when we’re at home, can access a computer, even in bed. Now, I believe we’re seeing the third wave of computing technology, the micro/mobile brand of computers.

You no longer even need a notebook computer to provide some of what mobile devices, particularly phones can offer in terms of computing. These devices haven’t quite caught in processing power, and compatibility but they’re getting there.

Marvell looks to be pushing the envelope even farther with their latest invention. The wall plug computer. The SheevaPlug is a ultra compact computer. So compact that it is really only the size of an outlet plug-in device. The SheevaPlug has some decent hardware specs for something it size. It has a 1.2Ghz processor, 512 MB SDRAM, and 512 MB of flash storage. Marvell is hoping that the plug-in computer will make a push for efficient, and more green computer options.

The plug-in PC has an ethernet connection, and USB option for networking, or storage options. As of now it can only run certain Linux kernels.

It will be interesting to see if developers are able to find practical uses for this device. As of now, I’m not sure the use something like this can truly bring. After reading up on it, the SheevaPlug seems more like a network/storage solution than a true PC. The only problem is, with the small amount of memory it has that use might not serve much of a purpose.

[via: Cnet]

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Houston, received quite a little scare Friday when they received a massive virus in their system. Specifically the court system. The virus impacted hundreds of its machines, and postponed many of the duties that certain parts of the courts must carry out.

The police force was ordered to suspend arresting people for minor offenses. The docket for the municipals court was completely dropped, and postponed. The virus then eventually made its way to the Houston Emergency Center. After the virus was contained, the city announced that 475 machines were hit before they could stop it.

The infection reached such levels, that they eventually had to call in Gray Hat Research, a virtual security company to help. The bill was $25,000 for services rendered. No culprit, the person who planted the virus, or the virus itself hasn’t been identified yet.

There have been some theories as to what attacked the Houston court’s computer system. The leading candidate is a virus referred to as, ‘Conficker’. The virus infects computers through a flaw found in Windows’ system. Once on a computer, Conficker nearly takes over everything on the system. It shuts down some of its capabilities, and then starts downloading malware. The virus has been known to spread very quickly, which is why so many computers were infected.

The weakness in Windows has been patched for awhile, so if you update your computer frequently you need no worry. The problem is that on larger systems, updating can be a hassle. There’s compatibility issues, and have to update software and hardware. Judging by the events that just occurred, it seems like going through that little hassle is better than having your system completely shutdown.

[via: Chron.com]

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One of Obama’s major ideas behind his education platform, is implementing technology into the classroom. As we draw closer to the end of the first decade in the 21st century, it is vital that our children have access to more modern technologies.

Intel looks to be feeding off that same spirit, as they announced a new line of tablet PCs, specifically designed for children. These kind of computers have been released in the past, but usually they’re just a fraction of what normal PC or notebooks can accomplish. Instead, Intel has actually evolved the tablet PC, all the while having children as their main focus for their design.

The ‘Classmate PCs’ will release with two different models; Clamshell Classmate PC, and Convertible Classmate PC. On the surface they both are very similar, in design and size. They both have a hard, clam-shelled surface designed to withstand impact that children could put on it. Both of the models have a built-in camera. The models run from the Intel Atom processor as well.

They’re both very lightweight, and have a carrying handle for easy transportation around school. In the video that I’ll provide, both units run Windows XP with ease.

The two models start to differ when you start mentioning more advanced features, and options. The Clamshell Classmate PC is basically just a standard tablet PC with the features I mentioned above.

The Convertible Classmate PC has some unique features which really add to the functionality of a tablet PC. All of which start with the 180 degree swivel screen. The screen can twist, and be laid flat to where only the screen is exposed. This is where the touch screen interface comes in. The screen interacts with a stylus, which adds all sorts of functionality in the classroom. With their touch screen, Intel is boasting what is called “palm rejection”, so when you rest your palm on the screen to write, it won’t be recognized. This can keep unwanted marks from being made on the touch screen.

Intel is trying to find vendors to create some software for the PC, and with its use of Windows XP should have an easy search.

It’s refreshing to see Intel take the initiative to release this new line of PCs. Too often, children are working with sub-par computing systems at school. Or PCs for children are dumbed down to such a state that they really aren’t that useful compared with adult versions.

Here’s hoping that Intel’s Classmate PCs take off, and perhaps we can start seeing them around in some classrooms.

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There are times when you write a post, that you have to make sacrifices. Sometimes you have to read a story that hits a personal string, or maybe view a disturbing image. Watching this Microsoft Songsmith commercial is probably the worst thing I’ve had to suffer through in all my time writing for this site.

At no time does this commercial make me think that Songsmith will be useful in any form. If you look around pop culture, at things like American Idol and High School Musical, apparently it’s ok to just ‘think’ you can sing. That’s what Microsoft Songsmith looks to cash-in on, with their ‘easy to make music’ program.

Basically, Microsoft Songsmith is a program that’s like karaoke, only that instead of having music already made and you sing along, the program fits around your singing. Then, that leads to some disastrous, and not even all that comical outcomes. Much like this commercial.

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