********************************* http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=30712 Microsoft has disabled a product key that allowed OEMs to automatically activate Microsoft software. Now users will be required to call in and answer a series of questions to have the product activated Here are some articles that may be of interest. ********************************** http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39128376,00.htm The governor of Utah is deciding whether to sign a bill that would require internet providers to block websites deemed pornographic and that could also target email providers and search engines *************************************** http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/372005_Mortgage_Phising.asp Don't Go Phishing for Low Mortgage Rates The latest twist in phishing (crooks trying to obtain your personal information through devious means) is the use of low-rate mortgage offers sent via email. Don't fall for the bait and provide any personal information to any mortgage lender contacting you via email. ************************************ http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2005/tc2005038_5955_tc119.htm Future Garb: Wearable Computers Levi's step aside. Soon you may be wearing a Hewlett Packard. The "software" and hardware of the future may mix clothing with computers. Don't expect to get through airport security, however. *********************************** http://austin.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2005/02/28/daily39.html Dell Sued Over Financing, Again On the heels of a California suit, Dell was sued again yesterday in New York over bait and switch advertising of low-rate financing. *************************************** http://www.rfidwasher.com/ RFID "Washer" Gives Consumers Privacy Protection Many consumers have privacy concerns about radio frequency identification tags (RFID) that will eventually replace barcodes on products. For example, readers outside of a store could identify what you are carrying by picking up the tags' signals. Now a UK company is promising to help consumers find and kill those pesky tags with their RFIDwasher. It is due out by the end of 2005. ***************************************** http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050222/phtu043_1.html Dell Sued Over Financing, Advertising A class action lawsuit has been filed against Dell alleging that they charge undisclosed financing charges exceeding 27% on some purchases, and at times substitute inferior products for the ones ordered. **************************************** http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel05/022205.htm FBI Warns of Email Scam You check your email, and there you find a message from the FBI directing you to fill out a form (in an attachment) about some illegal websites that you may have accessed. Turns out the attachment is a virus, and of course the email did not actually come from the FBI. ************************************** http://www.thestandard.com/internetnews/000996.php EU Issues Draft Guidelines on RFID The EU has been investigating radio frequency identification tags (RFID) and has come out with draft guidelines [.pdf] for their implementation and use. They are worried about undisclosed uses of RFID and other data protection issues, and recommend a set of consumer disclosures. ************************************** http://www.ciol.com/content/news/Investment/2005/105022101.asp First Virus Hits U.S. Cell Phones Who would ever think that computer viruses would mutate into cell phone viruses... but they have. The first one was identified in a cell phone in California. At the moment, the only effect it has is to drain the battery of telephone. Life is what happens in between plans. Virus free email by Norton's This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and/or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the addressee, or authorized to receive this on behalf of the addressee, you are hereby notified that you may not use, copy, disclose, or distribute to anyone this message or any part thereof. If you have received this in error, please immediately advise the sender by e-mail and delete this information. Thank you -- <Please delete this line and everything below.> To unsub or change your email settings: //www.freelists.org/webpage/pctechtalk To access our Archives: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PCTechTalk/messages/ //www.freelists.org/archives/pctechtalk/ For more info: //www.freelists.org/cgi-bin/list?list_id=pctechtalk