IBM To Team with Linux Vendors on 'Microsoft-Free' PCs

According to Campus Technology, IBM has agreed with partner with Linux, in order to develop an alternative to consumers where they will be able to purchase computers that work on their operating system instead of Microsoft.

These new computers will feature programs such as Lotus Notes, Lotus Symphony, and Lotus Sametime. Lotus Symphony is a bundle software similar to that of Microsoft Word and Spreadsheet while Lotus Notes is an alternative to Microsoft Outlook.

The addition comes as a alternative to Microsoft OS, which many individuals have been slow to adopt the new Microsoft Vista OS as well as those who wish to pay a lower licensing fee that accompanies Linux OS. Linux claims that their new desktop computer will be “better equipped to work with lower cost hardware than Microsoft's operating system."

While Linux may provide an alternative to Microsoft and Macintosh, the new addition maybe slow to be put into use at home as well as the office setting due to the fact that many companies require Microsoft to run approximately 80% of their programs.

Read article at http://campustechnology.com/articles/66146_2/

Blackboard Says New Tool Will Synchonize With Competitor

According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, Blackboard Inc. has agreed to join forces with Sakai, a free open source that is being used at Syracuse University. Blackboard Inc. has agreed to allow Sakai to link these two programs together in order to use the course-management software along with student electronic portfolios.

In order for these two software's to work in synchrony, Blackboard Inc. has developed the "Blackboard-Sakai Connector" which will be released in the near future. This link will allow users shift between Blackboard and Sakai without having to log out and sign on when switching between the two.

This linkage comes as a surprise to many due to the fact that Blackboard Inc. recently acquired a patent on course management systems which makes it difficult for other course management systems to compete in software production.

While the first collaboration has only occurred with Sakai, Blackboard claims to hopefully collaborate with Moodle, another open source course-management system.

Increase in Stolen Laptops Endangers Data Security

According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the incidence of stolen laptops on college campuses has drastically increased and is moreover threatening the security of its students as well as faculty members. Stolen laptops often store valuable personal information including Social Security Numbers which hackers use to committ identify theft, using others' information for unauthorized purchases and transactions, leaving many people obligated to debts that wasn't their own.

Many colleges and universities have taken action to try and curb thefts of laptops which are property of the school by installing encryption software as well as tracking services to retrieve those that have been stolen.

While there is no definitive to keep laptops from being stolen, measures can be take to help reduce risk which includes

• Don't leave laptops in cars/vehicles in plain sight
• Don't leave unattended even if stepping away for a short period
• Turn off device when not in use
• Have a password prompt when returning from an idle state
• Encrypt important data

Added Tips for College Students

• Purchase a Security Cable which can be attached to an immovable device or object.
• Apply conspicious labels- identification marks if able
• USE COMMON SENSE!
• Apply a Log-in password- one that isnt' obvious
• Dont' carry laptop in an "obvious" laptop case
• Purchase insurance that covers theft.

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Fostering Personal Learning Environments thru Web 2.0

The newest advancement in internet technology has been the development of Web 2.0. Web 2.0 is a network of web sites aimed at networking. Common Web 2.0 Websites includes social and peer networking sites including Facebook Myspace, but also blogging and file sharing which are all incorporated under the Web 2.0.

The development of this new innovation can be beneficial in helping students learn in and outside of the classroom since the internet has virtually become part of everyone's life in some fashion. Web 2.0 focuses on building communities thru networking and filesharing, but is also being looked at a means of creating Personal Learning Environments for academia which would allow instructors and students to become organized online as they are assigned work, and after it is completed it is then archived.

http://www.campustechnology.com/articles/63593

Free Online Tool Helps Users Record and Share Research

iBreadcrumbs is a new online application used in conjunction with the Mozilla Firefox web browser that allows individuals to keep track of websites during research and saves them in a way similar to book marking.

One is able to press a button and “record” all the sites visited. When you’re done, you hit "stop" and saved sites appear. Those who use this application can share sites with others, while maintaining their research in an organized manner.

The site also provides an easy way to cite all sources in either MLA or APA format.