XercesTech

How to use a smart card as a random data source in Linux

Steve — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:32:26 +0000

Problem: You have an application on Linux that needs true random data, but the /dev/random kernel pool is empty causing your program to pause. What if you could use a smart card device to fill that pool using a bit of C code?

The Alix Single Board x86 Computer

Steve — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:25:03 +0000

Designed by PC Engines in Switzerland, the Alix single board computer is highly power efficient, small, and able to run common operating systems without significant modification thanks to its compatibility with the x86 instruction set.

IE9 will (sorta) support WebM video

Steve — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:15:59 +0000

Microsoft is hedging their bets, throwing their weight entirely behind h.264 in Internet Explorer 9, but promising to allow the new WebM codec system to be used, provided that users have installed the codec in Windows first.

Facebook creates clear case for network neutrality regulations

Steve — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:38:59 +0000

Facebook has negotiated special access deals with some mobile carriers so that accessing Facebook does not count against your data cap, and cannot incur overage charges. This could be the first real example to justify network neutrality regulations.

Wild Fox: Firefox with H.264 support

Steve — Sun, 16 May 2010 06:25:03 +0000

Wild Fox aims to provide support for things like H.264 that Mozilla itself cannot ship in Firefox due to patent issues

Game over: Microsoft bets on H.264 for IE9, ends HTML5 codec wars

Steve — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 01:22:21 +0000

In what might end up being a perfect example of Microsoft's quiet dominance in the web arena, the company is now publicly stating that the forthcoming Internet Explorer 9 will only support h.264 as the codec of choice for HTML5 video.

Hardware accelerated Theora now possible

Steve — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:21:11 +0000

The Theora video codec has just gained the ability to use hardware acceleration, which may make it a viable solution for mobile and open web video on devices where CPU resources and battery life are a serious concern.

Apple approves Opera Mini for iPhone

Steve — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:48:57 +0000

After refusing to allow complete 3rd party web browsers for sale in the App Store, Apple has now approved the Opera Mini web browser for the iPhone. However Opera Mini is not just a typical web browser, which may be why Apple has approved it for sale.

Microsoft releases IE9 platform preview

Steve — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:04:47 +0000

Microsoft has released the first Internet Explorer 9 platform preview, inviting web developers and enthusiasts to test drive the newest technologies slated for the next version of the web browser.

European Parliament resolution against ACTA secrecy passes

Steve — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:16:28 +0000

A new European Parliament resolution calling for transparency of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement negotiations was approved Wednesday with 633 votes in favor, 13 against, and 16 abstentions.