Microsoft Quietly Fixes Windows XP Resource Hog Problem

An anonymous reader writes “Microsoft indicated this week that it has fixed a Windows XP resource-hog problem associated with the system’s SVCHOST.EXE processes. Windows XP users affected by this problem typically found that the operating system was using up system resources for 15 minutes to an hour after startup, making it difficult to use the machine during that period. The Microsoft Update team had vowed last month to spend the holiday break tackling the issue, which has plagued some users for years. The fix involved stopping the system from perpetually checking Internet Explorer updates. Microsoft indicated that the fix was rolled out on Tuesday.” Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Microsoft Quietly Fixes Windows XP Resource Hog Problem

The NSA Scoops Up 200 Million Random Text Messages Every Day

The NSA is monitoring thousands upon thousands of offline computers every day. It’s watching cellphone calls, location data. And if that wasn’t enough, a new report from the Guardian indicates it’s also scooping up around 200 million text messages a day. At random. Read more…        

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The NSA Scoops Up 200 Million Random Text Messages Every Day

Google Chrome 32 Is Out: Noisy Tabs Indicators, Supervised Users

An anonymous reader writes “Google today released Chrome version 32 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. The new version includes tab noise indicators, a new look for Windows 8 Metro mode, and automatic blocking of malware downloads. You can update to the latest release now using the browser’s built-in silent updater, or download it directly from google.com/chrome.” Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Google Chrome 32 Is Out: Noisy Tabs Indicators, Supervised Users

The NSA Uses Radio Waves to Monitor 100,000 Computers Without Internet

We already know that the NSA intercepts computer deliveries to introduce backdoors into hardware , but now a story in the New York Times suggests that the Agency uses radio technology to spy on 100, 000 computers that aren’t connected to the internet. Read more…        

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The NSA Uses Radio Waves to Monitor 100,000 Computers Without Internet

Orbital Becomes Second Private Firm To Send Cargo Craft To ISS

An anonymous reader writes “Orbital Sciences Corp.’s unmanned Cygnus spacecraft delivered 3, 000 pounds of equipment, fresh fruit, and Christmas presents from the families of all six ISS spacemen today. ‘From the men and women involved in the design, integration and test, to those who launched the Antares (rocket) and operated the Cygnus, our whole team has performed at a very high level for our NASA customer, and I am very proud of their extraordinary efforts, ‘ said David W. Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Orbital, in a written statement from the company.” Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Orbital Becomes Second Private Firm To Send Cargo Craft To ISS

Freiheit: George Lucas’ Very First, Very Worst Film

Many years before George Lucas decided it was ok to lie to the children of America, convincing them that tree-dwelling teddy bears with bronze age technology could really decimate the most capable military force in the galaxy, he started his directorial career with this short film about, um, freedom? Read more…        

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Freiheit: George Lucas’ Very First, Very Worst Film

Google has given Google Play Services for Android a big update–adding turn-based multiplayer suppor

Google has given Google Play Services for Android a big update —adding turn-based multiplayer support, a preliminary Google Drive API, and improved battery life for all users who run Location Reporting. Read more…        

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Google has given Google Play Services for Android a big update–adding turn-based multiplayer suppor

Disney appoints a group to determine a new, official Star Wars canon

The Expanded Universe as we knew it will soon be no more. Disney has created a special committee whose job it will be to figure out what is and isn’t part of a complete Star Wars canon — meaning all the EU material created over the years will be judged, and either become official or deemed invalid. Read more…        

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Disney appoints a group to determine a new, official Star Wars canon