OLPC Developers Boost Security

eldavojohn writes "The developers of software for the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative are redefining security for the personal PC. Since the laptops have the potential of communicating with any other laptop, the developers have a unique opportunity to implement both virus protection on the kernel, master boot record and also the way in which the laptops deal with security and 'code-sharing.' The developers are currently seeking outside counsel from security experts and if you're worried about these security schemes posing only problems to the children, 'these security measures can be turned off by the PCs' owners. To protect against that leading to disaster, the laptops will automatically back up their data up on a server whenever the machines get in wireless range of the children's school. If a child loses data, the files can be restored by bringing the laptop within wireless range of the server.'"

Comments

Cautious Progress

[eldavojohn]

That being said, this project has been in the news for a LONG while now (at least it'd seem), are they any closer to actually reaching their goal?

I've been following this project pretty closely and I would like to say that everyone is very concerned that this is done correctly the first time. Bill Gates and India's government have already denied support to this project for reasons previously discussed on /.

I don't think this is a project that you want to rush and I am gratefull that they have been making many design changes and taking their time. For example, it was decided that the power generation being built into the hinge of the monitor/laptop was a design flaw. Since this is a piece that will experience the most motion, it was identified as being the biggest potential for wearing out or breaking. They instead modularized this component into something like two wheels you push around to generate energy.

Also, there are targets for energy consumption and communication that they wish to achieve before launching this project.

From what I have read, the people backing this are approaching with caution and I still expect it to be a 2-3 year longer effort before we start to see these things available for sale.

We have experience with this kind of thing

[Anonymous Coward]

In India, they have the Computer-in-a-Wall project. The project is basically kiosks with computers in them. The kids' access is pretty much unmediated. ie. dump an internet connected computer in front of them and see what happens. They have four years of data and the results are uniformly positive. These things are a great educational tool. Remember that these kids are impoverished. They don't have tv, phones or newspapers. The computer makes a huge difference in their lives and, unlike tv, the effect is very positive.
http://www.hole-in-the-wall.com/findings.html

So, we do have good reason to believe that the $100 laptop will be a 'Good Thing'tm.

What part don't you understand?

[rbarreira]

What part of your thick skull is preventing you from understand the statement "hunger isn't necessarily such a big problem in at least some of those countries".

If that was so, they would not need us to supply the laptops.

Have you even read anything about the initiative? The laptops are sold to the countries. Are you suggesting that those countries could design and manufacture the laptops?