keys

Public-key cryptography is widely used to secure online transactions. The math behind the technology was devised by U.K. Government Communications Headquarters scientists in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The discovery was kept secret to avoid revealing how closely GCHQ was working with the U.S. National Security Agency at the time. The breakthrough by GCHQ scientists James Ellis, Clifford Cocks, and Matthew Williamson only came to light in 1997, when their work was declassified.

In public-key cryptography, data is encrypted using a widely distributed public key, and can be decrypted using a private key. Cocks, the GCHQ mathematician … Read more

A nice option that now comes tucked away in the MacBook Air's included documentation is a USB key containing a full version of the Mac system software and iLife '11 suite.

When plugged into the computer, holding down the "C" key as you boot up treats the USB stick just like an optical disc, letting you run system diagnostics, or do a clean re-installation of OS X. Apple has long included the same tools on CDs, and later DVDs, but given the Air's reliance on external disc drives, this proves to be a much more user-friendly … Read more

This program is called Kid-Key-Lock, but it could just as easily be called Cat-Key-Lock. It was just a few days ago that we came back to our computer to find that our cat had added several letters and numbers and 15 pages of carriage returns to a document that we had been working on. Whether you have a curious toddler or an oblivious feline, Kid-Key-Lock can keep your computer safe from unwanted keyboard and mouse input.

The program appears as an icon in the system tray, and you can access the setup menu by right-clicking on it. From there, there … Read more

There are many differentiating factors between an iPad and a Netbook, but none so obvious and useful as a physical keyboard.

We've remarked several times since owning the iPad that the addition of a dedicated Bluetooth keyboard really helps the little slate become a pretty good mobile writing tool. Though a virtual onscreen keyboard does the job fairly well, especially in conjunction with a raised case like Apple's own microfiber one, it's no substitute for the rapid-fire feel of physical keys. I use an Apple Bluetooth keyboard with my iPad, and it's a great combo; the only problem is, even with its small size, carrying yet another gadget around ruins the appeal of the iPad's simplicity.

We've wondered why Bluetooth keyboard cases weren't immediately conceived for the iPad from day one, but six months later we've finally got one that's real. The Kensington KeyFolio is a leather-bound booklike case that bonds a thin silicon-covered Bluetooth keyboard to its inner lid, unfolding to turn an iPad into a veritable mini-workstation. For $99, the KeyFolio is cheaper than the sum total of most keyboards and cases on the market. Is it worth the investment? And more importantly, could a keyboard case turn an iPad into a valid Netbook replacement?… Read more

Microsoft Windows Product Key Viewer is freeware from Daniel Sage Developing that does just one thing: It displays the Product Key Code for your copy of Windows. Why do you need it? You can just right-click Computer and read the code off the system properties dialog--assuming Windows is working normally. But suppose every effort to recover your operating system has failed, and you're resigned to a total reinstallation of Windows. You'll need your Product Key Code to re-activate your reinstalled software, since you probably don't want to pay for it again. But Windows won't start, and … Read more

SizzlingKeys is a free background app that lets you control iTunes playback with hot keys, even when you're in another application.

SizzlingKeys lets you program nine global hot keys: play/pause, previous and next track, volume up and down, show/hide iTunes, show playlists, search, mute, and the ingenious "Almost Mute," with a customizable Almost-Mute level. The app also lets you assign hot keys for rating tracks, and it will display an optional, temporary floating window (with the track info and art). You can also set SizzlingKeys to automatically launch iTunes when you press your play/pause … Read more

We've waited for one for months, and now someone's finally done it: an iPad case with a keyboard is finally here. Actually, it's already sold out. The KeyCase iPad Folio with Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard is a thin leather stand-type case for the iPad not unlike other cases we've seen, except with a silicone Bluetooth 2.0 keyboard built in. The keyboard recharges with Apple's standard iPad charge cable and lasts 45 hours.

At the rough equivalent of 90 U.S. dollars, it's not a bad deal for a case that would always be ready … Read more

Wilson is out sick today (read: too scared of the rain to leave his house), so we're upgrading to someone better: Scott Stein of CNET's own Digital City podcast! He joins us on today's episode of The 404 to give us his personal review of the Apple iPad and five ways it's still better than the iPhone 4. We also discuss the next generation of portable adult entertainment, six tech species in danger of extinction, and the RIAA requiring FM radios in all cell phones.

Scott is CNET's resident laptop expert, but he also happens … Read more

"Hundreds of adult movies in the palm of your hand" is the motto behind New York-based FleshDrive, a new company selling USB thumbdrives filled with porn. The small devices are targeted at busy travelers and others looking/lurking for virus-free porn, and they come in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities for your viewing pleasure.

Michael Gruosso, VP of sales at FleshDrive, claims that "hours of trial and error were put into the making of these drives," so you can be sure that you're getting premium content. Side note: I'd love to see the errors … Read more