IT for Manufacturing Executives
China Ready To Battle Over Cyber Security
August 26, 2010 6:43 am | by Joe McDonald, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsBEIJING (AP) — China has ordered its banks and other major companies to limit use of foreign computer security technology, setting up a possible trade clash with the United States and Europe while adding to strains over high-tech secrecy as some nations threaten to curtail BlackBerry service.
Pentagon Computers Attacked With Flash Drive
August 26, 2010 6:39 am | by Pauline Jelinek, Associated Press Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — A foreign spy agency pulled off the most serious breach of Pentagon computer networks ever by inserting a flash drive into a U.S. military laptop, a top defense official said Wednesday. The previously classified incident, which took place in 2008 in the Middle East, was disclosed in a magazine article by Deputy Defense Secretary William J.
Laptops Versus Netbooks
August 26, 2010 4:51 am | Videos | CommentsThere are a number of pros and cons to owning either netbooks and laptops. While laptops offer more computing power and flexibility, netbooks are a simpler device that are more suited to users who are often on the go. Here is a breakdown of what each can offer, and what potential users must consider before making their purchase.
Save Precious Time
August 25, 2010 12:21 pm | Product Releases | CommentsSiemens (Atlanta, GA) recently announced the release of its Simatic CPU-317TF-2DP controller. The device unites a series of features that help reduce wiring, coding, and implementation times. Applications include the new device include controlled single-axis positioning to complex, synchronized sequences of motion.
Man Contracts A Computer Virus
August 25, 2010 9:36 am | Videos | CommentsBritish scientist Mark Gasson is a real-life cyber human being. Seriously, he has an implanted RFID chip in his left hand. All was well until Gasson became the first human being ever to be infected with a computer virus. His story reflects the immense potential of RFID technology, but it also shows how unsecure and vulnerable the technology is to cyber attacks.
Blood Devices
August 25, 2010 9:35 am | Videos | CommentsSome of the materials found in everyday electronics -- such as laptop computers and mobile phones -- are mined in the Democractic Republic of Congo. The mineral trade has helped fund continued violence some parts of the African nation for years. Is there blood on your laptop or cell phone? If you're having trouble watching this video, try downloading the latest version of Flash Player or contacting your IT department.
Why Care About Net Neutrality?
August 25, 2010 9:33 am | Videos | CommentsThe concept of net neutrality has sparked a heated debate in the U.S. over the course of the past few weeks. But why should you care? According to one expert, the companies that own the fiber that allows most web users to connect to the Internet want to prioritize traffic. This means they'll be able to take money in exchange for better Internet service results, leaving those who are unwilling (or unable) to pay with service of a lesser quality.
Foxconn's Pep Rallies Fail To Inspire
August 25, 2010 9:31 am | Videos | CommentsFollowing a string of suicides at its Chinese factories, Foxconn Technology Group held rallies last week for its workers to raise morale at the heavily regimented factories. The outreach to workers shows how the secretive manufacturer of the iPhone and other electronics is trying to bounce back from the bad publicity it received following the shocking deaths of its employees.
Demand For Durable Goods Sees Slight Rise
August 25, 2010 4:42 am | by Daniel Wagner, AP Business Writer | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) — Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods increased slightly in July, but businesses spent less as the economic recovery lost momentum. Demand for durable goods rose 0.3 percent last month, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. The overall increase was driven by a 75.
Dell Launches $100 Smart Phone
August 25, 2010 4:41 am | News | CommentsROUND ROCK, Texas (AP) — Dell Inc. said Tuesday its Aero smart phone is now on sale in the U.S. for $99 with a two-year AT&T contract. Dell has been selling similar phones in China and Brazil since late last year and has been promising a U.S. version since January. The world's No.
Yahoo, Microsoft Team Up To Take On Google
August 25, 2010 4:39 am | by Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer | News | CommentsSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft Corp.'s technology is now processing all the search requests on Yahoo Inc.'s website in the U.S. and Canada, completing a long-awaited leap that creates a more formidable challenger to Google Inc. in the most lucrative part of the online advertising market.
Northrop Grumman Expects To Lay Off 642 Workers
August 25, 2010 4:38 am | News | CommentsPASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — Northrop Grumman Corp. plans to lay off 642 workers at its Pascagoula shipyard by the end of the year, the company said. The first 292 affected workers were notified Wednesday under a federal law requiring 60 days notice of layoffs that affect 500 or more people.
HP Secures $135 Million Tech Services Contract
August 25, 2010 4:37 am | News | CommentsPALO ALTO, Calif. (AP) — Technology company Hewlett-Packard Co. said Tuesday it has received a $135 million, eight-year technology services contract from the Alabama Medicaid Agency. The contract, HP said, extends its 30-year relationship with Alabama's Medicaid agency, which oversees the Medicaid program for more than 900,000 state residents each year.
Feds Consider Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall
August 25, 2010 4:36 am | News | CommentsWASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal safety officials have opened an investigation of 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees over concerns that defective fuel tanks could cause fires in crashes. The investigation is in response to allegations made last year by an auto safety group that the placement of the gas tank behind the rear bumper and below the rear axle could make the SUV vulnerable to spillage during a rear end crash.
Creative Destruction And The Middle Class
August 24, 2010 1:01 pm | by Mike Collins, Author, Saving American Manufacturing | Articles | CommentsManufacturing is not the total answer to a declining middle class; but for every eight manufacturing jobs created, six other jobs are created in the economy. Joseph Schumpeter in his classic book “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy” called eras of great change in a capitalist system creative destruction.
