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This story was printed from Anchordesk,
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Linux bashing backfires... Intel betters wireless... PCs sap energy
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| By Sylvia Carr: Senior Editor, AnchorDesk |
| Friday, November 8, 2002 |
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Have you noticed Microsoft adopting a friendlier tone when discussing open-source software? MS may be backing off its bashing of Linux and other open-source products because, according to a recent internal memo, the company found that its criticism did more harm than good.
In other news: Intel is researching new technologies that could make wireless networking faster and easier to use. And a new study says computers make you sore, tired, and unmotivated.
The stories:
Microsoft: Back off Linux attacks
Microsoft has long derided open-source software, with execs calling it everything from a "cancer" to "Pac-Man like." But, as you may have noticed, this trash talk has done little to impede the growth of Linux--a competitor to MS's Windows--and other open-source products. In fact, according to an internal memo circulated in September, Microsoft found that its disparaging remarks were ineffective, and in some cases, had actually backfired. Since then, Microsoft's changed its tone a bit. In October, CEO Steve Ballmer told CNET News.com, "We're learning, if you will, from the Linux world."
Go to the full story by Scott Ard.
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Intel focuses brainpower on wireless
If you think wireless networking has still got a long way to go before you trust your data to it, Intel may be your savior. The company's working on several new technologies aimed at working the kinks out of wireless networks. Projects include boosting the efficiency of wireless coverage, making wireless networking available in rural areas, and improving the way different technologies work together. Intel is hoping this research will ultimately make wireless networks easier to set up and use. One project, which deals with something called "mesh networking," could even help boost the bandwidth of wireless home nets, so you could easily move audio and video throughout your house.
Go to the full story by Richard Shim.
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Study says PCs sap your strength
Feel a little tired? Sore? Unmotivated? Blame your computer. Japanese researchers claim that prolonged computer use makes your body sore and saps your strength, energy, and motivation. In a three-year study of more than 25,000 workers, researchers found people who sit at computers are likely to experience eye and shoulder strain and to suffer from lethargy. If you spend more than five hours per day in front of a computer, you're also more likely to experience sleep disturbance and mental stress, according to the study.
Go to the full story by Lisa M. Bowman.
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MORE NEWS WORTH NOTING:
Do you think Microsoft's criticism of open source actually helps the cause? TalkBack to me!
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