OPINION

The Supremes Dance Their Way to a Narrow Decision

REFLECTING ON THIS WEEK'S SUPREME COURT RULING ON P2P FILE SHARING NETWORKS, OUR COLUMNIST FINDS LITTLE TO WORRY ABOUT

By Terry Calhoun

What happened? Reports from those who monitor file sharing indicate that Internet traffic was indistinguishable Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from the previous week, so consumer behavior is unchanged. Grokster and StreamCast owners, staff, and investors are in a world of hurt, of course, and lawyers have a new way to earn their hourly fees. Many of us are relieved that the decision was narrow enough to not affect the technology (software and hardware) of file-sharing, just the marketing and the business plans of those who provide services based on it.

I think that lawyers are the real winners, here, but then that’s often the case at the end of any legal action. Read more

IT NEWS

Laptop Thefts Overshadow Mobility Strategies

On a college campus, a stolen laptop is usually taken for resale and the theft results in monetary loss for the owner, as well as inconvenience. But there are laptops on campus with sensitive data on them, and the security of those laptops and the data in them is raising concerns about mobile computing. (Computerworld) Read more

Warp Speed for Wireless Networks

Currently and for the next year or so a slough of new, higher-speed wireless technologies are coming out. Since they're competing with each other, those of us who choose to be “pioneers” will feel some pain. (Businessweek) Read more

And Another One (Campus Computer Store) Bites the Dust

The brick and mortar computer store on the campus of the University of Kentucky closes its doors June 30. Now, students, faculty, and staff can purchase hardware from UK’s own “Ebuy” online store and software from “E-academy, a software licensing company that focuses on collegiate and university needs.” (The Kentucky Kernel) Read more

Iowa State IT Departments to Consolidate

The campus' Academic Information Technologies, Administrative Technology Services, Instructional Technology Center and Telecommunications departments are consolidating for efficiency, with no loss of jobs expected, but higher productivity. (Iowa State Daily)
Read more

RESOURCES

Web Research: Ten Tips for the Techno-Challenged

We know, we know . . . you don't need any basic information or tips on doing Web research. But you might know someone who d'es--pass this article along! (Tech Learning) Read more

DEALS, CONTRACTS, AWARDS

Texas A&M RFID Program to Help Track Uniforms, Parking

The campus is teaming up with GlobeRanger Corporation to put RFID chips in cadet uniforms, to track which cadet gets which uniform. After that's done, they plan to tackle parking--not just enforcement, but a system that will notify people of empty spots and their location. (The Battalion) Read more