Brent Woolverton - Technical Writings

You Should Heighten Your Computer Security After Bin Laden’s Death–Why and How

2011-05-03T10:30:00.001-04:00

As I am sure most people know by now, Osama Bin Laden has been killed by American troops. This brings the potential of retaliation by the Al Qaeda network of terrorist. A type of potential attacks that they could bring on America is Cyber-terrorism. Malicious individuals could affect numerous computers with Trojan viruses, and turn individual’s computers into zombie hosts without the owner knowing it. Once the malicious individual has enough zombie hosts, commonly in the thousands, they can turn their network of zombies to attack an important server that is connected to the Internet using an attack called Denial of Service. This is also known as DoS or DDoS.

What does a Denial of Service do? When initiated, all zombie hosts send massive amount of invalid request information to the server. As part of standard procedure, the server automatically attempts to reply to these requests. When there is enough requests, the server is over-burdened and cannot handle legitimate requests. This will lead to either unresponsive servers, and in some rare cases, hardware failure. Lets say you are working as a receptionist and your normal clientele was calling for information. Your clientele is able to quickly access your response in normal business situations. Now lets say that 1,000 malicious individuals called you at the same time as your normal clientele. You would not be able to quickly respond, if at all, to your normal customers.

How does this affect the average computer user?

The average computer user’s computers are commonly extremely unsecure, and pose a large potential for malicious individuals to make zombie hosts. The major question that is posed, is how do you prevent your system from being infected? While it is not one hundred percent possible to prevent your system from being infected, increasing security can highly deter these individuals from attempting it on your machine.

Malicious individuals gain access to their targets by two methods. One is by individuals unknowingly downloading software that is affected by a Trojan virus. These files are often posed as useful files to most users to increase the chance of download. Occasionally, they can be carefully crafted inside of useful applications so that the home user does not realize they have been affected. Once the virus has been downloaded and executed, the newly acquired zombie host starts communication with the zombie server, allowing for a malicious user to access the computer in the background. The second method is by using vulnerabilities in software to gain access to home user’s computer.

What can you do to prevent this from happening to your system?

Three primary steps can be taken to ensure that your computer is secure from malicious cyber-terrorists. The first is to make sure that all software is up to date to the latest version. This is especially important with your operating system, and web applications. The most affected software tends to be your web browser, Adobe Flash, Adobe Shockwave, Adobe Acrobat, and Microsoft Windows. When an icon is placed by your computer clock stating that there is an update ready to be installed, when you have time, it should be done. These updates commonly have security fixes that have the companies have recognized. Tuesday is a very big day in the world of Microsoft, as this is the day that they release all of their security updates, and most of their software updates.

To be fair to Adobe, I do not want users to think that their products are bad. They are very good products developed by a very good company, but they are so heavily used in the Internet that they are almost integrated into the web browser. For this reason, that is why I have listed a number of their products.

Now that your security updates have been updated, it is important to ensure you have sufficient Anti-virus software. This includes that your virus definition database has been updated. From personal experience, I have found that Norton and MacAfee products are not sufficient. I have been called on site to many individual’s computers that were infected with viruses while using these software. I recommend the use of Avast Anti-virus, as they have a high level of virus detection. This software is free for home users, (business users must pay for subscription), and is extremely easy to use. You can download this software for free at Avast.com.

Anti-virus software is great, but it is also important for you to understand what to look out for on the Internet while surfing. There are many fake Anti-virus sites on the Internet claiming to provide the best anti-virus software when in fact, this software is actually a Trojan virus waiting to infect your system. If you start getting pop-up messages after installing software, this is a solid indication that you have been infected. As well, ensure that you give your password and login to nobody that you do not trust. Malicious individuals use methods to extract this information straight from the user themselves called Phishing and Social Engineering.

Phishing is when malicious individuals create internet sites to mimic real sites so that users will trust them and place their personal information. When the user submits to a phishing site, it is really being sent to the malicious user. Social engineering is when an individual E-mails you or calls you claiming to be an individual who works for a company you use, and requests your information. Never give this information to them, as they should have full access to this information already. If they do not, they are not part of the organization or do not have sufficient privilege in the organization for a reason.

Lastly, if you receive an E-mail that you do not recognize the sender or were not expecting do not open any attachments. Many times these are where phishing and Trojan viruses are delivered to the end user. If you see one of these E-mails, your best option is to delete the E-mail without opening it. On rare occasions, these E-mails have been known to have viruses located in the graphics that have been enclosed.

The third method is to utilize an advanced Firewall. A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that filters incoming and outgoing information from your computer to a network (like the Internet). This prevents malicious information from being transmitted your computer without your authorization. Since most hardware firewalls are expensive, I will concentrate on software firewalls. As information is being requested to be sent, (or on the rare occasion be sent in without you asking first), the firewall software will ask for your permission if the program can send information to a destination. As the user, if you recognize the program, and you are currently using it, you click accept. If you are not sure what the software is or are not currently using it, it is time to look at the information a second time. Perhaps it is attempting to send malicious information.

While some may know, Windows does have a firewall built into the operating system. This firewall is extremely weak, and is known in the industry as “better than nothing”. My recommendation is for individuals to download and install ZoneAlarm Free from FileHippo.com. In the beginning it may seem like more hassle than it is worth with the firewall asking you about sending information, but after a short period of time it will learn your software choices, and the requests will be drastically reduced.

If you wish to purchase a complete security package, and are looking for one of the best in the business, Avast produces an extremely good product with a low yearly cost. This combines an advanced Anti-virus package with a no-hassle firewall in the Internet Security Package. You can purchase this by clicking the banner on the right hand side of this post.

Remember, improving your personal computer software will not only assist in helping maintain the security of your computer and personal information, but it can help your country too. DoS attacks cost America 17 billion dollars a year in lost revenue for corporations, and in turn, loss employment and taxes. Even using these small steps can greatly decrease these costs, making it harder for malicious individuals to place these attacks.

The Commodore 64 Lives Once Again

2011-04-28T23:55:00.001-04:00

For the old school computer geek at heart, the Commodore 64 brings back good memories of the early years. The simplistic design of encasing the entire computer into one keyboard kept the cost low, enabling for more than 30 million units to be sold. Well, our friends at Commodore are at it once again reinventing the wheel.

Five different versions of the Commodore 64 are being released to the public for users to relive the past. Essentially, the company rebuilt the original case that was utilized in the 1980s and placed current components. Ironically, this was the downfall for the costs. The largest portion of the cost for this computer system was analyzing the appropriate color to ensure one hundred percent accuracy. Then creating the chemical dye was just as expensive.

Being released with the systems is the Ubuntu 10.04 LTS operating system, but the systems are robust enough to install current Windows platforms. The best feature of the system is that once completely developed, a Commodore OS 1.0 with emulator ability and the original class games will be sent to the purchasers. This way, we can actually play the games we remember playing in the 80s. The system does come preinstalled with a dual-boot system pre-installed on the boot drive so that changing operating systems will be easy for all users.

So just what does the new system look like? Here are a few mug shots to see for yourself.

As you can see, Commodore has managed to stuff an entire modern PC into an old school style C64 case. Five versions are available for purchase, including just the base case and card reader known as the C64x Barebones. The baseline model, C64x Basic includes an Intel Atom 1.8 GHz Dual Core CPU, with an NVIDIA ION2 graphics card with a half a gig of video RAM. In addition, the unit hosts two gigabytes of RAM and a 160 GB disk drive for mere price of $595. Ironically, this was the same price when the original C64 was released.

The next model up, or the C64x Standard boasts the same equipment as the Basic, but adds the convenience of 802.11 b/g/n compatible Wi-Fi, and a tray driven DVD-RW. In addition, the 160 GB disk drive is upgraded to 250 GB with an overall cost of $695. The second to highest model, or the C64x Deluxe upgrades the standard model to four gigabytes of RAM, utilizes a slot drive DVD-RW drive rather than a tray, and upgrades the disk drive once again to store 500 gigabytes. These upgrades will cost the consumer $795.

The grand daddy of all the models truly is the ultimate. In the Commodore C64x upgrades the Deluxe DVD burner to a Blue-Ray drive, and one terabyte of disk space. Once again, Commodore ups the price of this model by a hundred dollars making the total cost $895.

This would be a great addition to anyone’s personal computer collection, and give us old timers a great way to remember the past. I know I would love one of these beasts as it provides all of the benefits of new, with the old school games to boot.

Here are the official specifications from Commodore:

MODEL:
Commodore 64x
PROCESSOR:
Intel Atom D525 1.80GHz (Formerly Pineview-D)
CHIPSET:
Intel NM10 (Formerly Tiger Point)
Next-Generation NVIDIA ION Graphics (ION2)
MEMORY:
2 x DDR2 667/800 Single Channel DIMM slots (up to 4 GB)
GRAPHICS:
Next-Generation NVIDIA ION Graphics Processor
AUDIO:
Realtek ALC662 6-CH HD Audio
Nvidia L-PCM digital audio (HDMI 1.3) can support 7.1 output with external decoder
LAN:
Realtek RTL8111DL PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet
STORAGE:
Intel NM10
2 SATA2 3Gb/s ports
JMicron® JMB362 SATA controller
2 Internal SATA2 3.0Gb/s port with RAID 0, 1, JBOD.
FEATURES:
- ACPI S3 Compliant
- ECO-design for EuP Standard
- 12 VDC jack on back panel for external power supply
- Dedicated DDR3 512MB Graphics Memory Onboard
- Premium DirectX 10 graphics with advanced digital display connectivity
- PureVideo™ Full 1080p HD video and Blu-ray playback
- NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology to accelerate the most demanding applications
- Premium Windows experience with Windows Vista and Windows 7
ONBOARD I/O
CONNECTORS:
1 mini PCI Express x1 Slot
1 Serial header (RS232)
4 SATA2 3Gb/s Connectors with RAID 0, 1, JBOD functions (SATA#3,#4)
2 USB Pin Headers for up to 3 additional USB 2.0 Ports
1 8 bit GPIO header
1 CIR header
1 9-pin Audio Connector
1 Front Panel Connector
3 Fan Headers
1 4-pin Power Connector

Sony & Microsoft Console Security Woes

2011-04-28T22:48:00.001-04:00

Sony’s PlayStation Network Security Breach

Security troubles have struck two of the major console developers over the past month. The larger of the two breaches include Sony’s PlayStation network breach. Sometime between April 17and April 19, the PlayStation network was illegally infiltrated and customer’s personal information was collected. According to Sony officials, the specific information that could have been collected is:

“name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained.”

In addition, officials point out that while there is no evidence that credit card information was taken, there is a possibility that numbers and expiration dates have been compromised.

In response to the infiltration, Sony has taken their network down to complete forensics and rebuild their network security infrastructure. This downtime is costing the company $10 million dollars a week in lost revenue. Currently, Sony is not offering any protection to its 77 million account holders, only offering the advice to maintain vigilance.

While many millions of Sony customers are snubbed in the cold, forced to take a close eye on their identity, the corporation will fall upon some hard times due to their negligence. The gaming network is still down and is not expected to be backup for at least another week. Irate customers that are expecting to be able to use the system to play games that require network connectivity will play a negative affect on cash flow to the company. This attack is expected to cost Sony approximately twenty-four billion dollars between lost revenue with the network being down, reimbursements, and impending lawsuits.

Microsoft’s Xbox Live Security Worries

Shortly after the announcement of Sony’s security breach, Microsoft made an announcement of their own in regards to the Xbox Live feature. The dirt of the earth apparently have been attempting to gain access to Xbox Live member’s personal information by utilizing phishing sites for individuals playing the game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. While this is a common issue that occurs on Internet related activity, it appears the Sony hack has placed Microsoft in C-Y-A mode. Here is the quote from the Microsoft security release:

“Users may receive potential phishing attempts via title specific messaging while playing Modern Warfare 2. We are aware of the problem and are working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.”

Security Concerns with Apple iOS 4.0 Products

2011-04-21T10:10:00.001-04:00

Security concerns have been discovered with the 3G versions of Apple IPhones and IPads that store the location of its users since the release of iOS 4. A file called consolidated.db stores the date, time, longitude and latitude of the cellular device. This file is stored on the device unencrypted or secured. In addition, Apple includes this file in the migration wizard and transfer tools proving this tracking is on purpose. While companies have been tracking their internet usage for real, this is the first documented case where a convince tool is tracking user’s data.

In 2010, Congressmen Markey and Barton noticed a change in Apple’s privacy policy to include the use of location data. As a result, these two individuals wrote Steve Jobs and the Apple Corporation asking to explain the change in policy. In response, Sewell, the Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs responded that it only would be collecting the location data with their customers consent and knowledge. Obviously, this fact was a blatant fabrication of the truth as this feature was automatically enabled on every iOS 4.0 3G device.

The problem with this issue become truly troubling is if a criminal is able to obtain your device. The criminal could use your cellular device to track your daily routines, and determine the best path for exploiting you. Information is readily available on the Internet detailing how to extract the data from this database file and even export it into the Google Earth software.

The best step to prevent accidental data accessing is to encrypt your backup files. In the ITunes options, a check box is available to select to encrypt the IPhone backup. Other than this, no solution has been offered to stop the tracking of your device. This should make us ponder, how many devices with a GPS installed is tracking locations without our permission.

Linux & Windows File System Differences

2010-11-27T10:53:00.000-05:00

As you read this information, please keep in mind that this is response to a direct question of how does NFS compare to Windows file systems. In addition to my fellow college mates, while the information in here is sound, be this is a blog and is not considered credible information. This paper has also been submitted to several plagiarism checkers, so do not attempt to utilize this essay to plagiarize.

1. Declaration of file systems
A direct comparison of file systems between Windows file systems and Linux NFS file system is like asking what the best of apple is. The answer to the question correlates with the function of the system utilizing that operating system in comparison to a share point. Windows machines offer three variations of file system depending upon version they utilize. These include FAT 16, FAT 32, and NTFS. As well, Linux has many variations of file systems that an administrator can choose. These include Ext3, Ext4, and Raiser. Each file system serves a purpose with specifications unique for the operating systems and function. Placing the NFS file system in these comparisons implies a misleading perspective that NFS is a physical file system.

2. FAT16 File System [Microsoft]
The FAT16 stores sixteen bytes at a single time. In its largest form, this file system boasts a maximum capacity of four gigabytes for Windows 2000 and NT platforms. It is not recommended that a volume size over two gigabytes be utilized within an FAT16 environment. FAT32 is the recommendation for file sizes over two gigabytes, as certain applications have known compatibility issues. In DOS and Windows 9x operating systems, a maximum capacity of two gigabytes exists. Each volume within a FAT16 file system may only store 65,536 files, with a maximum file size of four gigabytes. The root folder is in a designated area of the hard disk sectors, therefore limiting the number of entries to 512 (Microsoft Corporation).

File structure plays a large role in data access time, fragmentation control and security of stored data. In small volumes, the FAT16 file system provides an efficient bonus to access times. Smaller folder size and a simpler structure cause this reduced access time. A negative aspect of this file system is there is no file and folder user control creating a potential security issue. Fragmentation is a large issue with FAT16 systems due to being required to process the entire file allocation table. Conversely, the large cluster size in FAT16 reduces the issue of fragmentation compared to other file systems. A Final negative aspect to the FAT16 file system is that it is not POSTIX compliant, providing a more difficult transition between UNIX and Microsoft platforms (Microsoft Corporation).

3. FAT32 File System [Microsoft]
Initiating in the Windows 9x generation, FAT32 was introduced expanding the maximum capacity of the hard disks created to 32 gigabytes in Windows 2000 and XP. To create disks using the full potential of disk space, use a Windows 98 or Millennium Edition boot disk to format a device nearing eight terabytes (Microsoft Corporation). Utilizing smaller clusters per size of the hard disk device, the FAT32 file system gains an average of ten percent efficiency over the FAT16 file system. As a result, with the reduction in the number of clusters required, more system resources are available. The maximum file size allotted is four gigabytes, with a limitation of approximately four million files per volume. In addition, the root folder of the file system is no longer dedicated and can be located anywhere on the cluster removing the maximum entries. As a result, the boot record is larger giving the ability to backup critical structural information. Therefore, a reduction occurs in system halts due to single point failure (Microsoft Corporation).

Compatibility of operating systems is the largest downfall of the FAT32 file system. Only Windows 95 OSR and later operating systems have the ability to access information residing on a FAT32 platform. The introduction of user control over files has not been implemented leaving data vulnerable. Similar to FAT16, in smaller disk sizes, there is a faster data access time when compared to NTFS. Another likeness is the incompatibility to the POSTIX standard (Microsoft Corporation).

4. NTFS File System [Microsoft]
The NT file system (NTFS) utilizes a maximum of 264 allocation units in a disk format. Microsoft states “2 terabytes should be the practical limit for both physical and logical volumes using NTFS” (Microsoft Corporation). The maximum file size in a disk format is 264 bytes – 1 KB. This well exceeds the recommended practical limit that Microsoft has provided. As well, the number of files per volume is a staggering 4,294,967,296. (Microsoft Corporation)

The advanced features introduced with NTFS are numerous including the long awaited user control features. These allow the administrator to limit the access of files and folders specific to users or groups. As well, the recoverability of the file system is possible internally through checkpoint information that is stored. File compression and a sub encryption file system that allows administrators a finer control over system files. Disk quotas permit the limitations of disk space of users can fill. This operating system does follow the POSTIX standard (Microsoft Corporation).

5. Ext2 File system [Linux]
The second extended file system, Ext2, was implemented with the maximum capacity of four terabytes. The files stored within this file system have a maximum size of two terabytes. As well, the ability to name files and folders up to 255 characters long was introduced. In addition, full POSTIX compliance and compression is available in this seventeen-year-old file system. A fully automated recovery process known as e2fcsk attempts to recover lost data. Unfortunately, when the system is shutdown without proper dismounting, the recovery process is initiated automatically. This process averages about fifteen minutes, but on large systems can take as long as several hours (Tracy 119 - 120).

6. Ext3 File System [Linux]
The Ext3 file system enjoys the all of the benefits of Ext2 without the negative aspects. Instead of an e2fcsk check occurring during an improper shutdown, a new process has changed the way the file system commits data. Before data is permanently written in the disk, the file system places an incomplete flag in the journal for data that is not finalized. When the system completely saves the data, the file system then marks in the journal that the data has been properly written to, and is complete. In the event of an acute system dismount, the file system will go through the journal and re-enact the journal as it is booting. This gives the system a chance to restore the data to a stable state. Since the file system has been keeping a journal of what the recent activity was, that is all that is required to be checked rather than the entire file system. Unfortunately, this method of saving information does cost a bit of system memory, and reduces the data write and access times (Tracy 121).

7. Reiser [Linux]
This file system uses the same POSTIX compliance with the user control, case sensitivity and multiple file directions. Reiser utilizes a journaling process that prevents long recoveries; that is where the similarity ends. The maximum file system size is able to access 16 terabytes devices while the largest file size is eight terabytes. Reiser developers implemented a file structure that allows for faster data access and write speeds in comparison to ext2 and ext3 (Tracy 121). This file system completely forgoes the block system of writing and reading data. The journal is utilized for locating data, which has proved to create a large decrease in access times (Tracy 121).

8. NFS [Linux]
The NFS was implemented to allow clients to create mount points to folders that reside on NFS servers. These mount points react as local folders on the client machine. Unlike a standard file system, this file system is not a file hierarchy. The NFS have considerable security issues; for this reason, file system sharing device should only be utilized in closed networks (Whittaker and Davies).

9. Comparison
Windows operating systems utilize the three major file systems of FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS. The two FAT file systems do not utilize any form of advanced file control. With the expanding device sizes, the speed benefits of the FAT file system become less significant by comparison of the security and recovery abilities of NTFS. NTFS was developed with the server platform in mind, but has proven itself useful in the home environment. As well, the massive number of files allowed per volume is ideal for file storage and handling small administrative logs. With the extra benefits that NTFS provides over the FAT file systems, it is the most versatile and effective file system for everyday and professional uses.

In the Linux environment, journaling has improved the recovery speed in the event of the system shutting down hard. The two file systems that utilize the journaling are the Ext3 and Reiser file system. In comparison between those two, the Reiser boasts a device capacity four times that of Ext3. As well, because of using an exclusive journaling process, the file access and write speeds have improved greatly. Both of these devices utilize the POSTIX standard that provides an efficient security protocol. Since the functionality of these systems is identical, the additional features Reiser provides in speed and device size provide a technical advantage.

In a direct comparison between the NTFS and Reiser file system, it is important to look at specifics when determining the better file system. Both systems are POSTIX compatible, and have a recovering potential. The Reiser system does not utilize a block or sector technology, which will increase the speed of the data access over NTFS. As well, while NTFS claims a maximum device size of 264 allocation units, Microsoft admits that there is only two terabytes is a practical limit. In comparison, the Reiser system effectively utilizes up to sixteen terabytes of data. Built in file encryption and compression are excellent features of NTFS, but packages for Linux are available that perform these operations. In a final determination, the extra device size and speed provides that the Reiser system is a better-designed and utilized system.

10. Conclusion
While the finding of the Reiser file system is the current pinnacle, the purpose of this essay was to show the difference between NFS and standard file systems. While it is called a file system, it is not a true hierarchy of system files. To compare the share point NFS file system and a hierarchy file system is like asking to compare apples. While they are all apples, only certain kinds are utilized for baking.

Works Cited:
Barkakati, Nabajyoti. "Red Hat Linux Fedora All-in-one Desk Reference for Dummies." Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004. 447.
Microsoft Corporation. Advantages of NTFS . 2010. 26 November 2010 .
—. FAT16 vs. FAT32 . 2010. 26 November 2010 .
—. Limitations of the FAT32 File System in Windows XP. 1 December 2007. 25 November 2010 .
—. Maximum Volume Sizes. 2010. 25 November 2010 .
Tracy, Robb. Linux+ Certification Study Guide. McGraw-Hill Osborne Media, 2007.
Whittaker, Roger and Justin Davies. OpenSUSE 11.0 and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server Bible. John Whiley & Sons, 2008.

Brent’s Picks for Great Freeware on the Net

2010-10-26T12:13:00.001-04:00

With the vast number of software out there that claims to be the best and free, it can be difficult to sort through to find the software that really works for that elusive free price tag. Software can range from productivity software to anti-viral that protects your system as complete, if not better, than those that require a yearly subscription. The links that I provide through this post are guaranteed to be spyware and virus free by the download server. I will be posting reviews on occasion to improve the selection of great freeware available on the market.

Free Antivirus

Avast Antivirus software is a complete software suite that protects your computer from Mal-ware. Seven real time shields protect from attacks occurring before they reach your computer. This software is free for private users, and pay for business. These shields include:

• File System Shield: Consistently monitors all files and folders on your system for virus activity.

• Mail Shield: Monitors all incoming and outgoing E-mail traffic ensuring that viruses are not embedded or attached.

• Web Shield: Checks the web page for malicious code that attempts to infect your system before allowing the browser to access the page.

• P2P Shield: Monitors most P2P downloads to reduce the risk that this software provides.

• IM Shield: Intercepts downloads from instant messaging programs to ensure file safety.

• Network Shield: Monitors all network activity to ensure that and stops viruses that infect your system through the network.

• Behavior Shield: Keeps looking at the system to look for suspicious activities.

Private users can download Avast for free from FileHippo.com

Free File Recovery Software

Recurva allows you to recover files that are accidently deleted from your computer. This software also allows you to recover files that you deleted on your Ipod. The software is easy to use and supports most common file systems and removable media. External media is easily handled by Recurva.

You can download Recurva for free from FileHippo.com

Sony Announces A Blue-Violet Ray is in Development

2010-10-20T00:57:00.000-04:00

Sony announced that it has partnered with Tohoku University to develop a new optical device similar to the Blu Ray. In place of the blue laser that Blu Ray utilizes, a blue-violet laser has been introduced that has the potential capacity of one terabyte of data.

The laser itself is quite impressive as it amplifies itself to a maximum output of 100 watts. Sony has utilized this 405 nanometer wavelength to create and read 300 nanometer pits on an optical media with a three micrometer interval. It is able to complete this task because of it fires at a repetition frequency of 1 gigahertz resulting in pulses of three picoseconds, or three trillionth of a second.

Current Blu Ray technology provides for 450 nanometer pits resulting in a wider track pitch. Since the blue-violet ray is able to fit more data closer together, it can increase the track pitch. This in turn not only improves the storage capacity, but the data transfer rate from the optical reading head to the processor.

While Blu Ray discs provide ample capacity for the movie industry, the true benefactor of this technology will be software developers for gaming consoles and personal computers. The capacity provided by this new blue-violet discs should provide console developers the storage required to create photorealistic games.

While this technology is still in development, critics have already struck against it stating that the technology will be moving towards a streaming format and away from optical media. This is assuming that the broadband expands the bandwidth and newer standard of one gigabyte wireless adapters become widely available in the home market.

Even with those new standards implemented, it could be a long time before we see streaming utilized as the main method of high definition media delivery. The bandwidth that is required to stream 1080p media is 2.5 gigabits per second in an uncompressed form. If the format is compressed, there will be a degradation of picture quality that you would not receive from any optical media. As well, the bandwidth required for the compressed media would most likely still affect standard internet browsing, and make streaming two high definition feeds simultaneously impossible.

This new generation of optical drives has proven to be quite impressive, and Sony has mentioned that it is looking at making it able to store more data before it completes their research. While Blu Ray devices are becoming mainstream now, it would be difficult to see this technology moving forward into the market until the major corporations see a peak in Blu Ray sales.

Images Courtesy of Sony Inc.