***************************************************** Edupage is a service of EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association whose mission is to advance higher education by promoting the intelligent use of information technology. *****************************************************
TOP STORIES FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 2006 Norwich Launches Free Wi-Fi Moon Game Uses Real Data Judge in Brazil Orders Google to Turn Over Data NORWICH LAUNCHES FREE WI-FI The city of Norwich, in the United Kingdom, has launched an 18-month pilot test of a free wireless network covering several areas of the city. Kurt Frary, manager of the project, said that the implementation, which includes more than 200 antennae, has been trouble-free so far. In an effort not to compete with commercial services, the network offers speeds of 256 Kbps for the public. Users must also log in again every 60 minutes if they want to use the network longer than an hour. Because the network is open, Frary advised using firewalls, antivirus protection, and, for business users, VPNs for individuals who connect to the network. Paul Adams, a member of the city council, said the pilot is intended to gauge the benefits of free Wi-Fi for both the public and municipal employees. During the first three weeks of the test, a significant portion of the usage was centered around universities and libraries in the city, according to Adams, who predicted that "Educational use, student use, and the virtual learning environment is going to be a big use." BBC, 31 August 2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5297884.stm MOON GAME USES REAL DATA A new computer game developed by California-based Virtue Arts uses real data about the moon, prompting NASA to say it will use the software to develop space vehicles and train astronauts. Using public data collected by NASA and international space organizations, the developers of Lunar Racing Championship created an environment that accurately portrays the topography and environmental conditions of the moon in a car-racing game. Because the moon's gravity is so much less than the Earth's, for example, cars in the game rely not on aerodynamics but on small rocket boosters for control. The fine dust on the moon's surface combined with the low gravity can result in dust clouds if a vehicle travels at more than 8 m.p.h., a concern both for players of the game and for NASA scientists designing vehicles for the moon. Virtue Arts developed technology that allows a PC to process the vast amount of data necessary to create a realistic environment. The company is expected to begin selling the lunar exploration software this fall. CNET, 1 September 2006 http://news.com.com/2100-11397_3-6111838.html JUDGE IN BRAZIL ORDERS GOOGLE TO TURN OVER DATA A judge in Brazil has ordered Google to release user information relating to an investigation of child pornography and hate speech. Prosecutors in the country allege that users of Orkut, a networking site operated by Google, use the site to exchange illegal photographs and to post hate speech targeting blacks, Jews, and homosexuals. Officials from Google said that although the company has been cooperating with investigative requests from Brazilian authorities, Google does not maintain information on users of Orkut. The judge in the case rejected that argument and ordered Google to turn over requested information or face fines of $23 million per day. "It is not relevant that the data are stored in the United States," said Judge Jose Marcos Lunardelli, "since all the photographs and messages being investigated were published by Brazilians, through Internet connection in national territory." Houston Chronicle, 31 August 2006 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4155909.html ***************************************************** EDUPAGE INFORMATION To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your settings, or access the Edupage archive, visit http://www.educause.edu/Edupage/639 Or, you can subscribe or unsubscribe by sending e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To SUBSCRIBE, in the body of the message type: SUBSCRIBE Edupage YourFirstName YourLastName To UNSUBSCRIBE, in the body of the message type: SIGNOFF Edupage If you have subscription problems, send e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] ***************************************************** OTHER EDUCAUSE RESOURCES The EDUCAUSE Resource Center is a repository for information concerning use and management of IT in higher education. To access resources including articles, books, conference sessions, contracts, effective practices, plans, policies, position descriptions, and blog content, go to http://www.educause.edu/resources ***************************************************** CONFERENCES For information on all EDUCAUSE learning and networking opportunities, see http://www.educause.edu/31 ***************************************************** COPYRIGHT Edupage copyright (c) 2006, EDUCAUSE
