Tech Stream
Archive for the ‘ Laptops’ Category
Tech Stream 049: Education Special
24 April 2010
Listen and download: MP3
Many students in Australia and elsewhere now have their own laptop for use at home and in the classroom. (Flickr: Christy Tvarok Green)
How is the use of technology changing the way we think about education, and what are some of the new ways we can foster productive and co-operative learning environments through the use of computers? What will the classroom of the future look like? We’ll tackle these questions and more in the Tech Stream this week with a special program focusing on education and digital technology. Follow the MP3 link above to listen to or download the radio program, or read on for more information.
Tech Stream 044
19 March 2010
Listen and download: MP3
The Martin Jetpack, developed in New Zealand. Photo from Flickr. Strong men not included.
This week in the Tech Stream, the futuristic transport we’ve all been dreaming about is here: JETPACKS! We’ll meet a New Zealand man who says he’s turned his childhood fantasy (and mine) into a legal, almost affordable aircraft for one. We’ll also find out how to use our laptop to measure, map and even predict earthquakes. And Twitter expands into richer geo-location services and spreads our conversations across the web… but is it innovating or just playing catch-up?
Follow the MP3 link above to start listening, or take the jump to find out more.
Tech Stream 039
12 February 2010
Listen and download: MP3
The ABC’s iPhone application. News bulletin delivered over the internet via a 3G mobile network. An example of IPTV technology in use.
TV delivered via the internet is growing in popularity, especially in Asia. Telcos, media organisations and content owners are getting on board with IPTV services to augment or replace traditional broadcasting. But what challenges are they face with the roll out of these services and are they want the consumer really wants? We’ll find out more about IPTV in the Tech Stream today.
Also, staying safe online, the annual campaign to teach “cyber smarts”; an update on the One Laptop Per Child initiative in the Pacific; and Hex joins us from Good Game on ABC TV to review the fantasy action game Bayonetta. Jump straight into the Tech Stream via the MP3 link above or read on for more details…
Tech Stream 018
19 June 2009
Listen and download: MP3
PNG school children in Gaire, outside Port Moresby, trying out their new OLPC laptops in June last year. Photo from Flickr.
In the Tech Stream this week: Twitter connects the world to the post-election protests in Iran; the latest mobiles on display at CommunicAsia in Singapore; online vigilantes shutdown racism on Facebook; ICANN’s Dr Paul Twomey on the future of internet domain names; the One-Laptop-Per-Child scheme expands in the Pacific; and Bajo from Good Game joins us to chat about Infamous, the latest ‘open-world’ video game. Listen with the MP3 link above, full details after the jump…
New Windows
6 May 2009
Microsoft’s much hyped, long-awaited new operating system, Windows 7, has been released to the public for testing. The “Release Candidate” version can be downloaded in English, German, Japanese, French, and Spanish but expires on the 1st of June 2010. They are recommending a certain level of tech-savviness or IT skills – the ability to properly backup your data for example, so think a little before jumping in at the deep end with an operating system that could still be buggy. But it will be the final testing version of the software before Microsoft ships it to computer makers to install on new PCs for sale. The release comes as Microsoft announces a second round of layoffs (their own beta-testers perhaps?) after disappointing financial results for the first quarter of 2009.
I think I’ll run a story on this in the Tech Stream radio program this week – so I’m keen to hear your thoughts on the new operating system, or whether you think sending out a beta version like this on such a grand scale is a good idea. Should they just release Windows 7 for free, now, in its current form, and continually upgrade and update it like many other OS and general software makers do?
Hackers love netbooks
4 March 2009
Or so goes the story on ABC news online. Reuters reports that the increase in sales for netbooks could make them attractive targets for the bad guys. It seems that users are either disabling the security features to boost performance or are just not aware that they need to protect themselves when accessing public wi-fi and vulnerable networks. The lack of suitable anti-virus and firewall software is the main concern. However Eric Ashdown, senior director for security strategy and risk management at Accenture, suggests that the most hackers would find on these casual-use devices is family photos.
Most PC makers now offer some kind of netbook, which have small screens and limited functionality. They are designed to be used for on-the-go to access to the internet, either through wireless or mobile networks. Netbooks are extremely popular, due to their low price and portability. The ABC story reports that “netbook shipments will more than double to nearly 21 million units this year, compared with about 4 per cent growth to 305 million units for all PCs”.
The full story is on ABC News Online.
