Best computer news

Besides flash drives, RAID and even movie kiosks, video applications are moving fast to take advantage of ten-fold increase in bandwidth offered by USB 3.0. The first to jump onto the SuperSpeed USB bandwagon is none other than DisplayLink whose latest DL-195 network video chipset is already struggling with HD output on a heavily congested USB 2.0. If DL-195 is designed to be scalable, then the upgrade might just be as easy as swapping in new USB 3.0 peripheral bridge.

DisplayLink hasn’t made any claims about performance improvements, but rest assured Palo Alto, Calif.-based company will have something to show at upcoming CES 2010. We reckon with first of the USB 3.0 HDDs enjoying a three-fold increase in data transfer compared to that of USB 2.0, a flicker-free 1080p USB monitor running at 60fps shouldn’t be far behind. There are about 30 partners, including Lenovo, HP and Dell that rely on DisplayLink’s network video to provide USB video output on their notebook docks, video adapters and mini monitors.
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National Geographic has seen fit to bestow a gift upon the world, a digital version of ALL of their past issues. One of the most pivotal publications of the last century, Nat Geo contains stunning photography and in depth research on every imaginable topic. From deep sea monsters to outer space and beyond, the compendium contains a searchable rendition of every single monthly tome ever published. These yellow spined marvels have decorated 3 generations of bookshelves in my family, but not mine. The line may extend with us now that there’s a digital version – like the Beatles collection – which will fit in my household.

The amazing content in these high quality periodicals was plagued by an inability to search them comprehensively. We remember looking for content for school report and wrestling with hundreds of pounds of issues, reading the covers one at a time to find relevant material. Eventually, microfiche and online library systems helped but library copies were invariably ill-kept. The 160GB drive comes with 60GB of content and a bonus DVD with a photographer’s tutorial and a behind the scenes documentary of the magazine. The USB drive can be laser engraved on request. The USB drive version commands an tempting $199. DVD versions are still available, starting at $59 but you’ll be swapping amongst all 6 of the DVDs. Up to you if the convenience warrants the premium.
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As hackers continue to develop their insidious tools, committed device manufacturers have to decide how to handle the economic strain their advances induce. Several flaws have recently been discovered in one current and two discontinued models from Kingston. Flaws that could be exploited by a very sophisticated hacker with some sophisticated tools. The DataTraveler BlackBox, DataTraveler Secure and Elite Privacy USB drives are susceptible to the attack. Only the BlackBox is still for sale and Kingston has paused sales on it and has issued notice to its resellers. This flaw is likely not isolated to Kingston but due to their popularity they may have been scrutinized more closely than others.

In addition to halting sales, owners of the drives are urged to contact Kingston for possible repair or updating. We’re waiting to hear what they are actually able to offer their customers on an older drive. Unfortunately we are going to continue to see an evolution of threat/counter-threat as computer technology evolves. The government super-computers that were used to test the security of encryption just a few years ago are now outclassed by home gaming consoles. A few PS3′s linked together may be enough to crack still relevant security in a matter of minutes and who knows what the PS4 or PS5 may be capable of. If you’ve bought any of the aforementioned products check here to find out your options from Kingston.
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