FBI sends in troopers, Microsoft clips coupons
When lack of security meets federal insecurity, bad things happen
Follow @infoworldChris Soghoian must be feeling much more secure now that the FBI has shut down his Web site and confiscated his computers. Last week the Indiana University grad student created a site that allowed users to generate fake Northwest Airlines boarding passes. His point: to demonstrate how mind-numbingly easy it is to circumvent airport security. Rather than fix the system, the Feds sent G-men to his door. (I hear they also confiscated a bottle of hair gel and two tubes of toothpaste.) As DHS honcho Michael Chertoff says, the Internet is the new terrorism training ground. The good news? After our government invades and takes over all our IP addresses, they’ll be greeted as liberators.
Yes, Virginia, There Is an Insanity Clause: Microsoft has confirmed it will offer Vista upgrade coupons to buyers of new computers this holiday season, though terms will vary. Some consumers will get Vista for free (minus the pain of upgrading); others may only get a discount. I understand that if you collect six coupons, you can trade them in for a complete set of Hot Wheels.
More Baloney: Long-suffering Cringester Chuck P. reports Sony finally replaced his Vaio VGX-XL1 Digital Living System with a VGX-XL2 six months after promising him a new machine, although he had to pony up the difference in cost ($600). He says the $2,000 Windows Media Center PC still suffers occasional bugs, but he no longer has to restore its OS every week. Even better: The XL2 contains no Sony Lithium-Ion batteries, which could save him money on his fire insurance.
Scout’s Honor: The Los Angeles Area Council of Boy Scouts and the Motion Picture Association of America are teaming up to reward Scouts for “respecting copyrights.” The Scouts can earn an activity patch — one notch short of a merit badge — for learning how to identify copyrighted material, visiting a movie studio, or recording anti-piracy public service announcements. However, there’s no truth to the rumor that former Congressman Mark Foley has been tabbed to oversee the program.
Sent hot tips or useful Boy Scout activities to cringe@infoworld.com and you may receive a meritless bag in return.
