net

The strange resurrection of Net neutrality

WASHINGTON, D.C.--At this week's State of the Net conference, an annual event of the bipartisan Congressional Internet Caucus, members of Congress, staffers, and technology policy junkies gathered once again to explore the government's Internet-related priorities for the new year.

A few themes emerged, including possible legislation over cybersecurity, a rewrite of the 1996 Communications Act, reforming federal electronic-surveillance laws, and the continuing threat of both national governments and the United Nations trying to wrest control of Internet governance from engineering-driven groups.

The general consensus, however, was that for at least the next several months, the fiscal … Read more

FCC, stakeholders align on communications policy -- for now

LAS VEGAS--Peace appears to be breaking out between mobile Internet users and regulators.

During the three-day Innovation Policy Summit here at CES, members of Congress, FCC commissioners, industry representatives, and consumer groups found little to disagree on, whether the topic was incentive auctions for more broadband spectrum, retiring legacy copper networks in favor of native IP, sharing government spectrum in the 5 GHz band for high-speed Wi-Fi, or the continuing threat of international efforts to turn Internet governance over to repressive national governments so they can destroy it.

Some minor skirmishes broke out, of course, but the conversation this week … Read more

Protect your Android device with NetQin's NQ Mobile Security suite

Experts are divided on the threat that viruses and malware pose to Android devices. Some say you basically have to deliberately install malware to infect your device. Others point out that "operator error" is common and that millions of users have little idea of what their phones do behind the scenes. We say that the cutting edge of Android virus detection is no place to be; we'd rather take what steps we can. Which brings us to NetQin's NQ Mobile Security suite. This free Android app works much like your home PC's antivirus solution, scanning … Read more

Windows 8 gains market share in December

Despite a mixed reaction to its arrival at the end of October, Windows 8 continued to grow in market share by the end of December 2012.

New desktop market share numbers released by Net Applications show that Windows 8 jumped from 1.06 percent market share at the end of its first full month on the market to 1.77 percent by the end of December. That's a month-to-month jump of almost 60 percent. Note that these numbers include Windows 8 and Windows 8 on touch screens, but not Windows RT.

For what it's worth, the feature-limited Windows RT … Read more

Which states have the best broadband? Check out this report

Washington, Massachusetts and Delaware top the list of states that have made broadband a priority, according to a new study by the trade group TechNet.

These states lead the TechNet State Broadband Index, a study which ranks states on broadband adoption, network quality and segments of the state's economy supporting broadband.

Here's a list of the top 10 states:

WashingtonMassachusettsDelawareMarylandCaliforniaNew JerseyVermontVirginiaUtahNew York

Rey Ramsey, the head of TechNet, a trade group made up of CEOs from major U.S.-based technology companies, has called broadband the "foundation" of U.S. economic and technological success.

"Broadband … Read more

Provide an Internet connection to any PC with PdaNet for Android

Allowing you to transmit Web-based data and content via Bluetooth, PdaNet for Android allows your PC to connect to the Internet using both the phone's standard radio and its Bluetooth radio. PdaNet for Android is free to try but the full version will cost you $23.95.

The version of the app discussed here is the one paired with a 64-bit Windows machine. When it comes to the interface, access to the PdaNet for Android app is almost instantaneous. You are just given two options, to enable USB tether or to enable Bluetooth DUN. Each option, when chosen, provides … Read more

Tech powers F1 cars in Austin

Did you know that a modern F1 car incorporates 130 sensors, transmitting a large volume of data during each race and practice session? During this weekend's Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas, teams from all over the world will be examining reams of data covering their cars' engine and driver performance.

Data storage company NetApp, the solutions of which are used by such F1 teams as BMW's Sauber, created a graphic (above), showing technology and other facts about modern Formula 1 racing.

For instance, did you know that active suspensions were banned in 1994, but kinetic energy recovery … Read more

Crave giveaway: Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition

Congrats to Marvin P. of Missoula, Mont., for winning a MyCharge Portable Power Bank 6000 in last week's giveaway.

Are you a massive fan of massively multiplayer online role-playing games? Then you'll massively like this week's prize, a Guild Wars 2 Collector's Edition, plus five Digital Edition access codes you can share with friends. Say goodbye to your free time, folks.

The fantasy MMO, released in late August, takes place in Tyria, "an endlessly intriguing place, stuffed with mystery and adventure, gifting you with gorgeous sights and personal stories that etch themselves into your memory," according to a review from our sister site GameSpot. … Read more

WD ships 802.11ac My Net router and media bridge

WD today announced the availability of its 802.11ac Wi-Fi products, including a new router and a media bridge.

WD, one of the largest hard-drive makers in the world, jumped into home networking just recently with the My Net router family, which includes the already reviewed My Net N900 HD and My Net N900 Central. The two new devices announced today complete the company's Wi-Fi portfolio by adding support for the latest 802.11ac standard.

The two new products include a 802.11ac router, the My Net AC1300 HD Dual-Band router, and a 802.1ac-compatible media bridge, the My … Read more

Google named 2nd best company to work for in the world

Google is the second best company to work for across the world, at least in the opinion of CNNMoney.

Ranking the top 25 global workplaces, CNNMoney praised Google for its coaching services. The company offers a "CareerGuru" program in which 43 of its senior leaders provide career coaching to employees. These gurus are available in 14 offices around the world.

Google engineers can also discuss issues and concerns with senior engineers known as "EngAdvisors." More than 900 engineers have taken advantage of this program since it launched in 2009, CNNMoney said.

Currently, Google gets 61 times … Read more