IARNRÓD ÉIREANN is to test a wireless internet service for passengers on its Dublin to Cork route, starting early next month.
The trial will be used to establish demand and is likely to be followed by a public tender to equip much of the company’s main intercity lines with the necessary equipment to provide the service.
Four wireless network providers have been invited to take part in the trial, due to last for about six months. Each provider will initially be allocated a train on the Dublin to Cork line. “It’s our busiest route so it’s the most appropriate for the trial,” said Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny.
“We will publicise the service in stations, on trains, on our website, through social media and through media activity.” Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Educationalist questions way technology is used in schools
GOVERNMENTS ACROSS Europe are not doing enough to fund technology in schools, according to an Intel survey of teachers announced at the start of BETT, the world’s largest education technology exhibition taking place in London this week.
For the 600 exhibitors and the 30,000 expected visitors, it is a sobering reminder of the gap between what could be achieved and what is actually happening.
Some 98 per cent of teachers believe being able to use a computer is critical in preparing students for work, and 76 per cent are calling on their respective governments to do more.
In the bustling aisles of an exhibition that attracts teachers from around the world, innovation and creativity were a recurring theme. Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
For the 600 exhibitors and the 30,000 expected visitors, it is a sobering reminder of the gap between what could be achieved and what is actually happening.
Some 98 per cent of teachers believe being able to use a computer is critical in preparing students for work, and 76 per cent are calling on their respective governments to do more.
In the bustling aisles of an exhibition that attracts teachers from around the world, innovation and creativity were a recurring theme. Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
More than 50pc of employers screen job seekers online
Whether you’re a college student on the cusp of graduation or you’re a current job seeker, it pays to monitor what you post on your social-networking site of choice as a recent survey shows that 53pc of employers do online background checks and sites like Facebook and MySpace are on the list.
With more than half of employees researching job candidates online, UK website CareerBuilder.co.uk found that 43pc are using search engines to see what they can find outside of the CV, 12pc said they go to Facebook and a further 12pc head to professional networking site LinkedIn. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
With more than half of employees researching job candidates online, UK website CareerBuilder.co.uk found that 43pc are using search engines to see what they can find outside of the CV, 12pc said they go to Facebook and a further 12pc head to professional networking site LinkedIn. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
Twitter joke leads to Terrorism Act arrest
You’ve heard about people being arrested following flippant remarks about bombs at airports or on airplanes, but what about venting your frustration on Twitter? That’s also a no-go and falls under the Terrorism Act 2006.
Twenty-six-year-old finance supervisor Paul Chambers found out the hard way when he put out a seemingly glib message on his Twitter account, where he said he would blow up Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster in the UK if his flight was delayed. Read More
Twenty-six-year-old finance supervisor Paul Chambers found out the hard way when he put out a seemingly glib message on his Twitter account, where he said he would blow up Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster in the UK if his flight was delayed. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
Monday, January 18, 2010
Google defies Chinese censorship
Google has vowed to stop censoring the results of its Chinese site, risking expulsion from the lucrative market by the Chinese government.
The search giant claimed it was taking the action after a year of increasingly aggressive online behaviour by the Chinese government, beginning with attacks on its servers and those of "at least 20 other large companies from a wide range of businesses - including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors."
However, the company claims things swiftly took a more sinister turn, as the attacks began to target the e-mail accounts of Chinese human rights activists and their Western supporters. While Google was quick to reassure users that only two accounts were compromised - revealing only e-mail creation dates and subject lines - the company claims the actions are the last straw. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
The search giant claimed it was taking the action after a year of increasingly aggressive online behaviour by the Chinese government, beginning with attacks on its servers and those of "at least 20 other large companies from a wide range of businesses - including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors."
However, the company claims things swiftly took a more sinister turn, as the attacks began to target the e-mail accounts of Chinese human rights activists and their Western supporters. While Google was quick to reassure users that only two accounts were compromised - revealing only e-mail creation dates and subject lines - the company claims the actions are the last straw. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
PC markets in recovery, says research firm
Worldwide PC shipments jumped at an annual rate of 22.1% in the fourth quarter of 2009, the highest rate of growth in seven years, according to research firm Gartner.
While the firm noted the numbers were compared to an exceptionally weak quarter in 2008, that didn't stop the analysts from claiming the struggling PC market had recovered.
"These preliminary results indicate the recovery of the PC market on a global level," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner, in a statement.
Kitagawa said that the US and Asia-Pacific had seen growth already last year, but more "concrete evidence" of recovery was seen in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) now. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
While the firm noted the numbers were compared to an exceptionally weak quarter in 2008, that didn't stop the analysts from claiming the struggling PC market had recovered.
"These preliminary results indicate the recovery of the PC market on a global level," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner, in a statement.
Kitagawa said that the US and Asia-Pacific had seen growth already last year, but more "concrete evidence" of recovery was seen in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) now. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Nokia to promote online platform
NOKIA IS to hold an event in Dublin next week aimed at attracting developers to its online application store. The Ovi Store platform, unveiled last May, provides a place where Nokia phone users can buy and download applications directly to their phones.
Nokia Ireland’s Shane O’Brien says some of Europe’s best digital agencies and developers are in Ireland. “Even though the Irish community is quite small . . . there are some really good applications and content out there, not only local but also international.
“We have the Ovi Store as a platform and what we really want to do is introduce it to developers. We want to show them the process to develop for the Ovi Store and give them an idea of the support we can give to developers.” Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
Nokia Ireland’s Shane O’Brien says some of Europe’s best digital agencies and developers are in Ireland. “Even though the Irish community is quite small . . . there are some really good applications and content out there, not only local but also international.
“We have the Ovi Store as a platform and what we really want to do is introduce it to developers. We want to show them the process to develop for the Ovi Store and give them an idea of the support we can give to developers.” Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
Seeing really is believing – 3D TV will take broadcasting to a new dimension
In a bold move, BSkyB is about to deploy 3D TV for the first time across its Irish and UK networks.
As we troop into a room festooned with TV sets, one gigantic TV dominates. We’ve been promised a first-look at 3D television, a service that Sky intends to deploy across its network beginning in 2010. In the back of my mind I’m thinking "hold up, aren’t we just getting used to high definition (HD) and things like Blu-ray?"
As my eyes take in the room I search for some new magic box. Instead there’s what seems to be an ordinary flat-screen 50-inch TV and a standard Sky HD set-top box. On the table in front of us are what look like horn-rimmed glasses that Buddy Holly would have been proud of. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
As we troop into a room festooned with TV sets, one gigantic TV dominates. We’ve been promised a first-look at 3D television, a service that Sky intends to deploy across its network beginning in 2010. In the back of my mind I’m thinking "hold up, aren’t we just getting used to high definition (HD) and things like Blu-ray?"
As my eyes take in the room I search for some new magic box. Instead there’s what seems to be an ordinary flat-screen 50-inch TV and a standard Sky HD set-top box. On the table in front of us are what look like horn-rimmed glasses that Buddy Holly would have been proud of. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Graduates to develop new media content for schools
20 graduates of technology or teacher training college courses are to get work placement positions in Microsoft Ireland to help develop digital material for the school curriculum as part of a deal signed by the Minister for Education and Science Batt O'Keeffe.
The 20 graduates, who will be based in Microsoft Ireland headquarters in Dublin, will develop digital content to support the curriculum in primary and post-primary schools.
They will work with the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) on tasks aimed at supporting the integration of information communications technology (ICT) into teaching and learning.
They will be employed under the Government's graduate back-to-work programme which allows them to retain their social welfare entitlements. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
The 20 graduates, who will be based in Microsoft Ireland headquarters in Dublin, will develop digital content to support the curriculum in primary and post-primary schools.
They will work with the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) on tasks aimed at supporting the integration of information communications technology (ICT) into teaching and learning.
They will be employed under the Government's graduate back-to-work programme which allows them to retain their social welfare entitlements. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
Google to exit China over cyber attacks on its users
Continuing controversy over censorship and freedom of speech and a recent spate of cyber attacks have resulted in the world's largest internet entity, Google, considering plans to exit China."Like many other well-known organisations, we face cyber attacks of varying degrees on a regular basis," explained David Drummond, senior vice-president, corporate development and chief legal officer at Google.
"In mid-December, we detected a highly sophisticated and targeted attack on our corporate infrastructure originating from China that resulted in the theft of intellectual property from Google. However, it soon became clear that what at first appeared to be solely a security incident - albeit a significant one - was something quite different. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
Facebook to offer McAfee security software in bid to battle cyber crime
The increasing spate of cyber attacks on social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter has spurred Facebook to join forces with security software giant McAfee to offer users technology to protect themselves.
McAfee and Facebook last night announced an unprecedented collaboration that will provide additional security protection to a significant portion of the internet population.
Through this partnership, the two companies have jointly created security solutions that include McAfee security software, a custom scanning and repair tool, and consumer friendly education materials that Facebook will make available to its more than 350 million users. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
McAfee and Facebook last night announced an unprecedented collaboration that will provide additional security protection to a significant portion of the internet population.
Through this partnership, the two companies have jointly created security solutions that include McAfee security software, a custom scanning and repair tool, and consumer friendly education materials that Facebook will make available to its more than 350 million users. Read More
Courtesy: Silicon Republic
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Most priceless hard drive data is now recoverable - at a price
The offer to trash a hard drive to see whether its data could be retrieved by Kroll Ontrack’s recovery service proved irresistible. Soon a car was being revved up and the experiment was under way . . .
IT’S THAT unmistakeable sound anyone who works with technology dreads hearing. The whirring, clicking sound you know your PC shouldn’t be making, which suggests your hard drive – containing your precious data – has either passed on or is a digital breath away from giving up the ghost.
In an ideal world you would have a recent data backup that would allow you to restore all those files. But as anyone who has been in the situation where a hard drive has failed will know, we don’t live in an ideal world. Disaster invariably strikes when your hard drive or other storage is brim full of precious memories and you only have one copy (see panel).
In these instances both consumers and businesses are increasingly turning to data recovery specialists. Coming to the fore in the early 1990s, these firms were experts in the dark arts of data storage and were able to recover files which non-specialists would tell you were gone forever. The issue was that such specialised services came at a huge cost – sums of €10,000 were not unheard of to recover the contents of a drive. As a result, it was largely law enforcement agencies and businesses who stood to make big losses without the data who were willing to stump up for the service. Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
IT’S THAT unmistakeable sound anyone who works with technology dreads hearing. The whirring, clicking sound you know your PC shouldn’t be making, which suggests your hard drive – containing your precious data – has either passed on or is a digital breath away from giving up the ghost.
In an ideal world you would have a recent data backup that would allow you to restore all those files. But as anyone who has been in the situation where a hard drive has failed will know, we don’t live in an ideal world. Disaster invariably strikes when your hard drive or other storage is brim full of precious memories and you only have one copy (see panel).
In these instances both consumers and businesses are increasingly turning to data recovery specialists. Coming to the fore in the early 1990s, these firms were experts in the dark arts of data storage and were able to recover files which non-specialists would tell you were gone forever. The issue was that such specialised services came at a huge cost – sums of €10,000 were not unheard of to recover the contents of a drive. As a result, it was largely law enforcement agencies and businesses who stood to make big losses without the data who were willing to stump up for the service. Read More
Courtesy: Irish Times
Irish-language spam hits a high
A rise in spam e-mails in Irish has been observed by security firm Symantec in its recent State of Spam report. The e-mails are designed to get users to open them and then click on malicious links, which can leave a laptop, PC or mobile device open to viruses.
These Irish spam messages can sometimes be identified by fluent Irish speakers because of their suspicious phrasing and spelling, a result of cybercriminals using free online translators which often make spelling mistakes and sentence anomalies. Read More
These Irish spam messages can sometimes be identified by fluent Irish speakers because of their suspicious phrasing and spelling, a result of cybercriminals using free online translators which often make spelling mistakes and sentence anomalies. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
Monday, January 4, 2010
Google Set To Reveal Its Rival To The iPhone
Gadget-lovers and industry rivals are gearing up for the unveiling of Google’s first mobile phone.
The hotly-anticipated arrival of the Nexus One marks the start of Google’s bid to challenge the dominance of Apple’s iPhone in the growing smartphone market.
The internet search giant has invited journalists to its Californian headquarters tomorrow for a press briefing on its Android mobile phone operating system, launched to attract users to its services.
It is widely expected that Google will take the opportunity to unveil the Nexus One phone, thought to be named in a nod to the 'Nexus' androids in the sci-fi film Blade Runner. Read More
Courtesy: Sky News
The hotly-anticipated arrival of the Nexus One marks the start of Google’s bid to challenge the dominance of Apple’s iPhone in the growing smartphone market.
The internet search giant has invited journalists to its Californian headquarters tomorrow for a press briefing on its Android mobile phone operating system, launched to attract users to its services.
It is widely expected that Google will take the opportunity to unveil the Nexus One phone, thought to be named in a nod to the 'Nexus' androids in the sci-fi film Blade Runner. Read More
Courtesy: Sky News
Firefox Mobile 'will kill off app stores'
Mozilla claims that its new Firefox Mobile browser could be the beginning of the end for the hugely popular app stores created by Apple and its ilk.
Mozilla is releasing the first version of Firefox Mobile (codenamed Fennec) on Nokia's N900 handset, with versions for Windows Mobile and Android set to arrive this year.
The foundation claims that Firefox Mobile will have the fastest JavaScript engine of any mobile browser, allowing developers to create apps for the browser instead of creating multiple versions of the same app for different mobile OSs. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
Mozilla is releasing the first version of Firefox Mobile (codenamed Fennec) on Nokia's N900 handset, with versions for Windows Mobile and Android set to arrive this year.
The foundation claims that Firefox Mobile will have the fastest JavaScript engine of any mobile browser, allowing developers to create apps for the browser instead of creating multiple versions of the same app for different mobile OSs. Read More
Courtesy: RTE News
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