locks

iOS 4.2 turns iPad's screen lock into volume switch

Among the tweaks found in the iOS 4.2 software for the iPad, which became available to developers on Wednesday, is a return of the volume silencer switch.

Not the hardware, mind you, which remains the same. It's just that the screen orientation lock, which currently keeps the iPad from reorienting itself based on how you're holding it when switched on, is now a volume mute switch, CNET has learned. This is the same functionality found on every iteration of the iPhone, though not on the iPod Touch or the iPad, which would simply raise of lower the … Read more

Hide your files in a secure vault

The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that users concerned with protecting data from prying eyes will find robust and comprehensive.

It offers 11 algorithms for encrypting your private files in a password-protected volume. You can store your encrypted data in files (containers) or partitions (devices). TrueCrypt works hard to offer powerful data protection, recommending complex passwords, explaining the benefits of hidden volumes, and erasing telltale signs of the encryption process, including mouse movements and keystrokes. Though the interface may not be immediately intuitive, its powerful, on-the-fly encryption for no cost still earns the freeware security … Read more

Hide your files in a secure vault

The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that users concerned with protecting data from prying eyes will find robust and comprehensive.

It has 11 algorithms for encrypting your private files in a password-protected volume. You can store your encrypted data in files (containers) or partitions (devices). TrueCrypt works hard to offer powerful data protection, recommending complex passwords, explaining the benefits of hidden volumes, and erasing telltale signs of the encryption process, including mouse movements and keystrokes. Though the interface may not be intuitive, its powerful, on-the-fly encryption for no cost still earns the freeware security tool … Read more

U.S. could fall behind China in clean energy: Locke

The United States could fall behind China and other countries in clean-energy technology unless Congress passes energy legislation, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said on Saturday.

Many U.S. investors were reluctant to plough money into big solar, wind, and other clean-energy sectors until they knew what technologies the U.S. government policy was going to favor, he said.

"There's too much capital sitting on the sidelines for lack of an energy policy," Locke said during a stop at a U.S. and Chinese joint venture project to build batteries for electric vehicles.

"The longer we wait, … Read more

Commerce secretary to visit battery plant in China

Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke today will visit Coda's battery manufacturing facility operated by affiliate Lio Energy Systems, in Tianjin, China, to discuss U.S.-China cooperation with respect to the development and manufacturing of clean energy technology and transportation.

The visit is part of the Obama administration's first cabinet-level trade mission. Coda, a California-based battery system and electric car company, will be joined by Nexteer Automotive and BorgWarner.

"International green technology partnerships can produce rapid job growth back home and deliver energy solutions abroad, and Coda's venture proves it," Locke said. "Together, Coda … Read more

Identity theft crisis worsens for ID security CEO

Because I still have a Facebook account, I really want to protect my personal information.

So I'm forced to be in a prostrate position while writing this, as you should be in reading it, for this news might trouble your equilibrium.

Do you remember those ads for LifeLock, the company that claims it will protect your personal information so carefully it'll be made useless to nefarious types? You know, the ads where the CEO displays his Social Security number to make his point? That's right--the ones where any random viewer looks at LifeLock's CEO and says: &… Read more

U.S. urges China to keep an open tech policy

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke urged China on Sunday to remain open to U.S. and other foreign technology as it ramps up investment in clean energy to fight global warming and secure its economy.

"China, given the incredible challenges that is has, should in my view be taking the best technology from wherever--whether it's China, the United States, Europe, Japan, anywhere else," Locke said at the start of a trade mission to open doors for U.S. clean-energy firms.

The United States and a number of other countries have concerns about China's local innovation … Read more

LifeLock to pay $12 million to settle deceptive-practices claim

LifeLock has agreed to pay $12 million to settle charges that the company failed to protect customers against identity fraud as advertised and put customer data at risk.

The company was known for its bold marketing tactics, including one that backfired after Chief Executive Todd Davis put his Social Security number in ads to promote the company's service and then had someone use his identity to take out a loan in 2007.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and 35 state attorneys general had accused the Tempe, Ariz., company of deceptive business practices for making false claims to promote … Read more

Is monogamy good for technology?

As a longtime Mac user, I can tell you that nothing works as well as an iPhone-Mac-iLife-iTunes connection. If you play completely within Apple's playground, it's nonstop fun with no bumps and bruises. Microsoft, which has long billed itself as a soup-to-nuts solution, doesn't even come close, despite diligent efforts.

The problem, of course, is that most of us can't afford to live exclusively within Apple's (or Microsoft's) ecosystem. Work often gets in the way of personal preferences, whatever they may be. We're also more and more inclined to experiment with new devices, … Read more