A man-versus-machine showdown on popular U.S. quiz show “Jeopardy!” ended in a tie on the first day of a three-day challenge, when an IBM computer showed off its knowledge of the Beatles, as well as a few glitches. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/248202,man-ties-machine-on-day-1-of-gameshow.aspx
Egyptian activist creates image issues for Google
A Google executive who has become a hero of the Egyptian revolution is public relations gold for the Internet power, but analysts say the company must be careful not to overplay its hand. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/248024,egyptian-activist-creates-image-issues-for-google.aspx
CSIRO builds robotic 'receptionist'
Doughnut-shaped blimp could guide guests through building. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/247330,csiro-builds-robotic-receptionist.aspx
Facebook Offers HTTPS Encryption
As simple as logging on to https://www.facebook.com but it may be slower. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/246313,facebook-offers-https-encryption.aspx
Computer versus Paper Reading Speeds
A study of people reading long-form text on tablets finds higher reading speeds than in the past, but they’re still slower than reading print.
Change Your Desktop Image
To change the image on your Windows desktop, right mouse click a blank area of the desktop, choose Properties, click the tab Desktop and choose an image from your hard drive then click the button [Apply].
Reduce Your Scrolling While Surfing
Next time you are browsing the Internet, hit the F11 key. The status and menu bars will disappear and your browser window is now full screen. To get the menus back, just hit F11 again.
Handy shortcut in Microsoft Word & Excel
Use the F4 key to repeat your last action.
Zombie PCs to be throttled, isolated under new ISP code
Internet service providers should quarantine or even slow down the connections of customers with infected computers, according to a new Australian industry code of practice. http://www.itnews.com.au/News/214257,zombie-pcs-to-be-throttled-isolated-under-new-isp-code.aspx
Keep 'em cool and airy
In 2004 researchers from the State University of New York found that habitual use of notebooks on man’s lap could lead into fertility hazards. The temperature increase of the male’s scrotum due to heat generated by the laptop could lead to lower sperm count. The study shows that one degree raise in scrotum temperature, sperm concentration drop by as much as 40%. Prolonged scrotum hyperthermia could lead to infertility.