Science

VMware, a small Silicon Valley software-producing company, is attempting to tackle the industry's leader in software manufacturing, namely: Microsoft. VMware is a relatively young company and has been experimenting with cutting edge technology ... called "virtual-machine software". A virtual machine essentially mimics a computer so that several copies of an operating system can run on one physical machine. Tasks can be completed using less electricity and less space compared to a standard PC. (Source: nytimes.com ) It is also a product that occupies strategic ground in computing, as a layer of ... (view more)

Researchers at Hewlett-Packard (HP) are experimenting with the idea of integrating nanotechnology with traditional circuitry designs. Their goal is to develop a system whereby energy use will be significantly reduced, while producing even smaller ... devices than the models currently available on the market. (Source: lancasteronline.com ) While these developments are rather optimistic and premature, scientists believe that the benefits of nanotechnology could eventually assist a wide range of companies, such as auto makers and cellphone manufacturers. The change in technology would allow ... (view more)

Dell Inc. has issued a public challenge urging the entire PC industry to make free recycling programs available to their customers. Dell has made the first step in their crusade by offering to plant a tree for every personal computer they sell. The ... free recycling program has resulted in high accolades from a number of reputable sources. Greenpeace, one of the most prominent international environmental groups, has given Dell "high green marks" and has offered their full support in attracting a number of other high profile PC manufacturers to engage in the program as well. (Source: iht.com ) ... (view more)

"Look me in the eye." That old cliche is often said to get someone to tell the truth. But technology tends to eliminate that face-to-face (and eye-to-eye) contact. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the use of technology -- such as text ... messaging or email -- makes it easier for people to lie. Well, that has now been officially confirmed: by 72 Point, a poll company based in the United Kingdom. (Source: pcmag.com ) 72 Point conducted its study on behalf of Friends Provident PLC, a British financial services group. (Source: cbc.ca ) According to the survey, nearly 75 percent of the poll- ... (view more)

As technology leaps forward with new operating systems (Vista), and home entertainment hardware (Playstation 3, Blu-ray, HD-DVD), we often forget about the environmental realities behind such massive production. In many cases, manufacturing these ... wares can prove extremely costly to Mother Nature, although at least one prominent American electronics company is pledging to do something about that fact. Hewlett Packard, or HP, recently pledged to drastically reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions. HP's announcement is all a part of its joint initiative with environmental watchdog WWF (World ... (view more)

Imagine not being able to recognize your mother's face -- or even your own. It sounds like the plot of the next big Hollywood science fiction movie -- but for 48-year-old Bill Choisser, it's real life. From Wired.com: "During the 1970s, as a ... small-town lawyer in the Illinois Ozarks, [Bill Choisser] struggled to convince clients that he was competent even though he couldn't find them in court. He never greeted the judges when he passed them on the street -- everyone looked similarly blank to him -- and he developed a reputation for arrogance. His father, also a lawyer, told him to pay more ... (view more)

An Australian-based software company has developed an innovative health program that aims at targeting employees with unhealthy habits. After seeing the stereotypes of computer programmers and software developers on a daily basis, Altiris has ... decided to motivate their employees with special incentives in an effort to help make better choices in the daily lives of their employees. (Source: networkworld.com ) The company hopes to encourage employees to avoid long hours in front of a computer, eating large amounts of junk food, and getting very little sleep at night. (Source: networkworld.com ) ... (view more)

Hoping to set an example of environmental responsibility for American corporations, Google Inc. is converting its California-based headquarters to run partly on solar power. Google's solar power project was announced during a solar energy conference ... in Silicon Valley last week. Largest Corporate Solar Power Endeavor Being hailed as the largest solar power endeavour by a U.S. corporation, Google is planning on installing over 9,200 solar panels on its Mountain View campus by next spring. The installed solar panels will deliver 1.6 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power ... (view more)

Late last week, Microsoft unveiled the newest update to its 12-year old Microsoft Home -- a conceptual model that showcases possible future technologies and how they would be integrated into the everyday home and family life. What is the Microsoft ... Home? Since its launch in 1994, the Microsoft Home has been a jump off point for new ways of thinking about how technology potentially impacts our the day-to-day existence. Developers from the software giant's Consumer Prototyping and Strategy Team have partnered with research staff and product groups to generate revolutionary and future-focused ... (view more)

Imagine this scenario: You're the boss, and the people that work for you are required to use technology -- computers, cell phones, basically anything that keeps them "connected." Sounds normal enough, doesn't it? After all, that could describe any ... number of jobs. Now picture this: over time, one of your employees eventually becomes a little too dependent on the tools of the trade you've deemed necessary. A good work ethic turns into a dangerous addiction. Believe it or not, it happens. ;-) You're not responsible, right? Well, if a recent study by Rutgers University gains any traction, you ... (view more)