atmel

EFI firmware protection locks down newer Macs

With Apple's firmware password feature on Mac systems you can lock down the options to select an alternative startup disk, boot to Safe or Single User modes, reset the PRAM, and otherwise start the system in ways that can bypass the security features of OS X.

However, as a security measure the firmware password has been met with some criticism because it could easily be bypassed by someone who has physical access to the system. In earlier Intel-based Macs the firmware password was stored in the PRAM of the system, and was simply read by the system's EFI … Read more

Contemplating tablets beyond the iPad (Q&A)

The iPad is expected to encounter a crush of competition in 2011. A manager at Atmel, which supplies chips to tablet makers, talks about how he thinks things will shake out in the non-Apple tablet market in 2011.

Binay Bajaj, a product marketing manager at Atmel, which makes touch-screen controller chips for the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the HTC Evo 4G and Motorola Droid phones (among other devices) talks about how tablets debuting in 2011 will come in a variety of sizes that move the tablet experience beyond today's 10-inch iPad. Atmel is slated to supply chips to a host … Read more

Microchip, ON propose $2.3 billion deal for Atmel

Microchip Technology and On Semiconductor have made a $2.3 billion bid for semiconductor maker Atmel Corp., the companies announced Thursday.

Atmel designs and manufactures microcontrollers, advanced logic, mixed-signal, nonvolatile memory, and radio frequency (RF) components.

The two companies sent a letter to Atmel CEO Steven Laub proposing a $5 per share buyout, which represents a 52 percent premium over Atmel's closing share price on October 1, 2008.

The letter follows earlier discussions between Atmel and Microchip.

"We appreciate your having taken the time to meet with (Microchip CEO) Steve Sanghi on September 5th to discuss Microchip's … Read more