Assisitive Technology is not only for the blind. Assistive technology helps those people with low-vision, too. Screen reading technology and speech synthesis, for example, is always improving. AT supports users well enough that there is actually a sizable computer programmer population that is blind. Companies, such as Freedom Scientific, employ a number of blind programmers that actually produce screen-reading software!
The government is also helping VIPs as well, by passing legislation. Section 508, passed last June, mandates that all federal agencies, including those receiving federal funds (e.g., universities, state governments, etc.) have their Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) be
accessibile to ALL. Corporations (though not legally liable) are also gettin in the mix. Most
companies are willing to accomodate a those with special needs. Speaking from experience,
VIPs tend to be *extremely* loyal to their companies, which is very desirable to companies.
I realize that this is a difficult time for you, and I feel for you. But just remember, you are not alone, and you will not be forgotten by technology. You *still* will have career options.
The next time the thief tries to go online -- by dial-up modem, corporate network, cable modem, wireless modem or whatever -- a morsel of invisible software kicks into action. By piggybacking invisibly onto the Internet connection, it sends a critical piece of information to the tracking company: the laptop's Internet protocol (I.P.) address, the unique, multidigit number that identifies each computer on the Internet. Once the authorities are armed with that address, it's a piece of cake to subpoena the baddie's account records from the Internet service provider.
I posted a similar method for IP address tracking here.
And getting a subpoena is *not* a trivial thing to do. you have to first present the information to law enforcement, hope that you get to talk to someone that's tech-savvy enough to understand *how* you tracked the laptop. Then you need to explain HOW you got their ISP's number to more tech-ignorant detectives, and *finally* you might get your case heard by a judge.
I disagree with you. Unlike most of the general user population, I *PURCHASED* my Netscape CD for the sake of supporting development, and having a real hard copy around. It's quite a useful CD, which includes Netscape for Linux, Windows, and Mac. So to find out that software I purchased has major undocumented features which are a REAL threat to my privacy, I am apalled. Software producers should be required to place a warning on any software which will compromise your privacy or transmit personal information.
What I did on my Windows machine to record the IP address was use a *very* simple set of tools.
1. I wrote a one-line.bat file, which runs and ends very quickly at startup:
ipconfig > c:\windows\system32\ip_ADDR_resolv.sys
to make it look like a system file. All it is really is an output of my local IP address.
2. I used the free StealthMailer program at: http://www.amecisco.com/stealthmail.htm
to mail my.sys file to my hotmail account. And it does so periodically.
3. For added cool, you can use low-level key-logging software and mail out everything that use types and mail it to yourself. Cost is about $79/license.
You can't beat that for peace of mind.
.p.
"Wouldn't it be great if every Mac/WinTel computer came with a stripped-down, Timbuktu-like program as part of the operating system? That way, owners and police could locate and retrieve it any time it was stolen anywhere in the world...
"
There IS already a program in WinTel that does this - it's called NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing. You can even give it username/passwd protection. And it comes standard on every Windows machine since 95.
I feel that the current settlements proposed to remedy the Microsoft Anti-trust settlement are not going far enough.
What essentially is happening is that they are not even receiving a slap on the wrist for criminal action. For Microsoft to make sugestions to settle the case would not be prudent. Microsoft has shown from its past actions that it cannot be trusted.
Microsoft has ZERO accountability in their gurarantee of software quality. This would not be as great of an issue if their software was not in virtually every home and office desktop. Unfortuntately, their stronghold on computers available for us to purchase at the local store virtually forces us to buy their products. If MS Windows crashes, and am lose irreplacable work worth money, can't Microsoft be liable for these damages? If virtually everybody drove Ford cars with Firestone tires, and those cars crashed at a rate of twice a day, I am sure that Ford and/or Firestone would be held accountable. To make matters worse, it seems as if a substantial part of their revenue comes from the "support" of their products.
I am not asking for Microsoft to open their source code, or anything of the like. None of that will not so us any good. Plenty of good software is already written by non-Microsoft companies and individuals.
I am asking that Microsoft be watched, or even regulated as any large company/utility is. I am asking that there be a Federal Department overseeing single companies with more than 50% market share of any single software arena. This can range from Operating Systems, to Office Productivity suites. If the same company has the greatest market share in more than one category, then they should be watched on both fronts by separate entities.
Please ensure that a settlement not only punishes Microsoft for their anti-competitive behavior, but also prevents FUTURE anti-competitive infractions. Microsoft can be seen rearing a bad seed: they will continually test their limits with authorities, and if their acts go unpunished by those in charge, they will continue to act the way the have, only this time they will push their limits even more.
Please keep in mind, Microsoft did not become #1 because of their "quality software." they became #1 by ignorance, intimdation, and brute force. America's technological future is at stake.
It should facilitate expansion of knowledge
on
Mobile IT Education?
·
· Score: 1
...and spirit.
It should allow no barriers, such as Windows or Gates. The mind should be free to explore.
That is why this has already been done.
DESCRIPTION OF PLAYER AND CONTENT
The compact disc you are using contains copy protection technology. When you use the compact disc in a conventional CD player, it operates like any other CD. When you use the compact disc in a CD ROM drive, the technology launches an audio player (the "Player"), and plays compressed audio files (the "Content").
USE OF THE PLAYER AND CONTENT
No Additional Charge.
There is no additional charge to you for the Player or Content.
Privacy.
No personal information about you is collected by or through the Player or Content.
Notice how they capitalize "Player."
Did anyone realize that they are distributing MUSIC PLAYING SOFTWARE with their CDs? This is how they intend to manage their content on your computer.
This is why they now have "minumum system requirements."
You are no longer purchasing music from Universal. You're LEASING SOFTWARE THAT PLAYS SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE MUSIC.
U.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
The Player is "commercial computer software" or "commercial computer software documentation." The United States government's rights with respect to the Player are limited by the terms of this agreement pursuant to FAR 12.212(a) and/or DFARS 227.7202-1(a), as applicable.
Cna anyone check to see what this means? I thought I was buying music, not software.
Slashdot Mirror
Penguin against Penguin, to to toe.
Geeks: 1
Lawyers: 0
I, for one, welcome our new IPv6 overlords.
In response to my posting, and to clear up anything, VIP = Visually Impaired People
Assisitive Technology is not only for the blind. Assistive technology helps those people with low-vision, too. Screen reading technology and speech synthesis, for example, is always improving. AT supports users well enough that there is actually a sizable computer programmer population that is blind. Companies, such as Freedom Scientific, employ a number of blind programmers that actually produce screen-reading software!
The government is also helping VIPs as well, by passing legislation. Section 508, passed last June, mandates that all federal agencies, including those receiving federal funds (e.g., universities, state governments, etc.) have their Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT) be accessibile to ALL. Corporations (though not legally liable) are also gettin in the mix. Most companies are willing to accomodate a those with special needs. Speaking from experience, VIPs tend to be *extremely* loyal to their companies, which is very desirable to companies.
I realize that this is a difficult time for you, and I feel for you. But just remember, you are not alone, and you will not be forgotten by technology. You *still* will have career options.
PILSEN
Assistive Technology Specialist
So much for optimism.
I posted a similar method for IP address tracking here.
And getting a subpoena is *not* a trivial thing to do. you have to first present the information to law enforcement, hope that you get to talk to someone that's tech-savvy enough to understand *how* you tracked the laptop. Then you need to explain HOW you got their ISP's number to more tech-ignorant detectives, and *finally* you might get your case heard by a judge.
I disagree with you. Unlike most of the general user population, I *PURCHASED* my Netscape CD for the sake of supporting development, and having a real hard copy around. It's quite a useful CD, which includes Netscape for Linux, Windows, and Mac. So to find out that software I purchased has major undocumented features which are a REAL threat to my privacy, I am apalled. Software producers should be required to place a warning on any software which will compromise your privacy or transmit personal information.
What I did on my Windows machine to record the IP address was use a *very* simple set of tools. .bat file, which runs and ends very quickly at startup: .sys file to my hotmail account. And it does so periodically.
.p.
1. I wrote a one-line
ipconfig > c:\windows\system32\ip_ADDR_resolv.sys
to make it look like a system file. All it is really is an output of my local IP address.
2. I used the free StealthMailer program at: http://www.amecisco.com/stealthmail.htm to mail my
3. For added cool, you can use low-level key-logging software and mail out everything that use types and mail it to yourself. Cost is about $79/license.
You can't beat that for peace of mind.
"Wouldn't it be great if every Mac/WinTel computer came with a stripped-down, Timbuktu-like program as part of the operating system? That way, owners and police could locate and retrieve it any time it was stolen anywhere in the world...
"
There IS already a program in WinTel that does this - it's called NetMeeting Remote Desktop Sharing. You can even give it username/passwd protection. And it comes standard on every Windows machine since 95.
.pilsen.
"14k Gold slum computer wizard,
tappin inside my brain causes blizzards"
To Whom It May Concern,
I feel that the current settlements proposed to remedy the Microsoft Anti-trust settlement are not going far enough.
What essentially is happening is that they are not even receiving a slap on the wrist for criminal action. For Microsoft to make sugestions to settle the case would not be prudent. Microsoft has shown from its past actions that it cannot be trusted.
Microsoft has ZERO accountability in their gurarantee of software quality. This would not be as great of an issue if their software was not in virtually every home and office desktop. Unfortuntately, their stronghold on computers available for us to purchase at the local store virtually forces us to buy their products. If MS Windows crashes, and am lose irreplacable work worth money, can't Microsoft be liable for these damages? If virtually everybody drove Ford cars with Firestone tires, and those cars crashed at a rate of twice a day, I am sure that Ford and/or Firestone would be held accountable. To make matters worse, it seems as if a substantial part of their revenue comes from the "support" of their products.
I am not asking for Microsoft to open their source code, or anything of the like. None of that will not so us any good. Plenty of good software is already written by non-Microsoft companies and individuals.
I am asking that Microsoft be watched, or even regulated as any large company/utility is. I am asking that there be a Federal Department overseeing single companies with more than 50% market share of any single software arena. This can range from Operating Systems, to Office Productivity suites. If the same company has the greatest market share in more than one category, then they should be watched on both fronts by separate entities.
Please ensure that a settlement not only punishes Microsoft for their anti-competitive behavior, but also prevents FUTURE anti-competitive infractions. Microsoft can be seen rearing a bad seed: they will continually test their limits with authorities, and if their acts go unpunished by those in charge, they will continue to act the way the have, only this time they will push their limits even more.
Please keep in mind, Microsoft did not become #1 because of their "quality software." they became #1 by ignorance, intimdation, and brute force. America's technological future is at stake.
...and spirit. It should allow no barriers, such as Windows or Gates. The mind should be free to explore. That is why this has already been done.
DESCRIPTION OF PLAYER AND CONTENT
The compact disc you are using contains copy protection technology. When you use the compact disc in a conventional CD player, it operates like any other CD. When you use the compact disc in a CD ROM drive, the technology launches an audio player (the "Player"), and plays compressed audio files (the "Content").
USE OF THE PLAYER AND CONTENT
No Additional Charge.
There is no additional charge to you for the Player or Content.
Privacy.
No personal information about you is collected by or through the Player or Content.
Notice how they capitalize "Player."
Did anyone realize that they are distributing MUSIC PLAYING SOFTWARE with their CDs? This is how they intend to manage their content on your computer.
This is why they now have "minumum system requirements."
You are no longer purchasing music from Universal. You're LEASING SOFTWARE THAT PLAYS SOUND THAT SOUNDS LIKE MUSIC.
U.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
The Player is "commercial computer software" or "commercial computer software documentation." The United States government's rights with respect to the Player are limited by the terms of this agreement pursuant to FAR 12.212(a) and/or DFARS 227.7202-1(a), as applicable.
Cna anyone check to see what this means? I thought I was buying music, not software.