terminal

Where you don't mess with the Yu-Tang Clan

YU-TANG CLAN AIN'T NOTHING TO BUCK WITH! Founding members the Yza, Method Man, and Ghostface Killah (aka Tony Starks) keep it cutty and explore tech's first format war; skyrocketing Wii Fit prices; losing water on film; and our culture's lousy obsession with movie remakes. McLovin and Sr. Sean Connery also stop in to discuss Mr. BAKalar's questionable fashion choices. EPISODE 104 Download today's podcast

Where we can't wait till the year 20X6

EPISODE 83

On today's show we easily solve the Earth's environmental problems. Then we'll talk about what it must be like to get trapped in an elevator for 41 hours and figure out the proper way to say "Mario." It's a Jersey thing. Plus we'll tell you our idea for the ultimate action movie, all on today's 404.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

The latest in Terminator defense strategies

Just in case there's a robot uprising (like, say, this week), Wired has helpfully posted a guide to defending yourself against the various "Terminator" androids. That's right, from the television series. Taking note of the detailed armor analysis for each model Terminator, you will know which weapon to choose from your at-home arsenal and where, precisely, to strike.

Good hunting! Read the full article on Wired: "How To: Terminate a Terminator (Updated)"

Killer robots? Yes, you should be worried

At the moment, the thousands of robots roaming combat zones have been firmly under the control of human operators--they're really not that much different from the remote-controlled car or airplane you or your kids might play with. But Noel Sharkey, an expert in artificial intelligence, is warning that a push toward greater autonomy for the machines, some of which are already armed with machine guns or missiles, poses a serious and imminent risk.

Read more in this Agence France-Presse story: "Automated killer robots 'threat to humanity': expert"

Killer Download: The Big Three free security applications

As users of the Internet we face security threats every day. Nefarious hackers (not all hackers), viruses, and spyware are rampant when online, and not taking precautions can mean lost data or even worse, identity theft. Frankly, if your computer is unprotected, you are rolling the dice every time you go online. Certainly many users already know this and are already using trusted software, or have other security measures in place to ensure safe surfing. This Killer Download is for those who don't or anyone who has questions regarding their safety online.

Whenever I get a new system or … Read more

Extreme wheelchair--the next generation

There's a new baddie wheelchair on the horizon, with rubberized tracks instead of standard wheels that makes it look more like a miniature Terminator 2 hunter killer tank than any of its conventional cousins. An improved model of the original TankChair, the MK II offers a lower center of gravity, more torque, and a stronger chassis--not to mention a full-height chair with abundant cushioning to smoothen a bumpy ride.

The initial TankChair was conceived two years ago for the designer's disabled wife, who is an avid lover of the outdoors, according to Register Hardware. This prompted a design … Read more

Sprint, T-Mobile to prorate early-termination fees

Verizon Wireless came to its senses last year, AT&T did so just last month, and now T-Mobile and Sprint have grown a little nicer, as well. Both carriers announced this week that they would begin prorating their early-termination fees (ETF) in the first half of next year. You'll still have a to pay a fee for ending your contract early, but the amount will decrease the closer you get to your contract end date. Specific details of the new policies weren't released--those will come next year, as well--but the dual announcements mean that all four major … Read more

Microsoft fires its CIO

Microsoft fired Chief Information Officer Stuart Scott on Friday after two years with the company, saying he violated company policies. The software maker did not specify which policies.

"We can confirm that Stuart Scott was terminated after an investigation for violation of company policies," a Microsoft representative said in an e-mailed statement. Microsoft said that two executives--General Manager Shahla Aly and Corporate Vice President Alain Crozier--will assume Scott's responsibilities until a replacement is identified.

Microsoft declined to comment further on Scott's departure, which was noted earlier Tuesday by ZDNet blogger Mary Jo Foley. Microsoft also noted on its corporate Web site that Scott has left. … Read more

Killer Download: Background apps for security and speed

With so many potential threats on the Internet, it is an absolute necessity to prepare your computer for the Web. Whenever I get a new computer, the first programs I download include antivirus, antispyware, and firewall software. Frankly, if you don't have at least these three types of programs running on your computer, it's like driving at night without your lights on--sure it's possible, but don't be surprised if it ends in a crash (har har).

Fortunately, there are a lot of great security programs available at Download.com. Recently I've written Killer Downloads about both the best firewalls and the top antivirus programs. This week I'm doing a software roundup of a different type. In recent scouting of new (and new to me) software I came across some great Windows programs that work behind the scenes to keep your computer running smoothly and also keep your data secure.… Read more