Apple has dropped a couple of monumental password security clangers with the release on OS X Lion, according to security blogger Patrick Dunstan.
He discovered Apple’s developers had made user security worse in two important ways: firstly, it’s possible to change the password of the current user without needing to know the original password, as Dunstan explains.
[The lion eats one bad apple!!!!]
This article provides a detailed factual explanation of why software is mathematics, complete with the references in mathematical and computer science literature. It also includes a detailed factual explanation of why mathematics is speech, complete once again with references. My hope is that it will help patent lawyers and judges handling patent litigation understand these fundamental truths, so they can apply that technical knowledge to their field of skill.
Case law on software patents is built on a number of beliefs about how computers and software work. But as you will see, when you compare the technical facts presented in this article and in the authoritative works referenced, with expressions in case law on how computers and software work, you will find they are often in complete opposition. I believe this is a foundational problem that has contributed to invalid patents issuing.
If you are a computer professional, I hope you pay attention to another aspect of the article, on how the lawyers and judges understand software. This is critical to understanding their point of view. After reading case after case on the topic, I have concluded that the legal view of software relies on beliefs that are in contradiction with known principles of computing. Computer professionals explain their profession based on an understanding that is, on its face, the opposite of a few things the legal profession believes to be established and well understood facts. Moreover, the law is complex and subtle. Computer professionals don’t understand it any better oftentimes than patent lawyers understand software, and so they can make statements that make no legal sense.
I believe that coming to a clear and fact-based definition of what an algorithm is can help both sides to communicate more effectively. So let’s do that as well.
[Very well written. I agree that patents on software must be abolished.]
What would an operating system look like it if were redesigned with security in mind? Joanna Rutkowska thinks she has the answer with the development of Qubes OS. We sit down for an interview with Joanna to discuss the way Qubes OS augments security.
Techworld Australia caught up with lead Syllable developer Kaj de Vos to talk about the operating system and its philosophy.
For background on Syllable read the accompanying article: Syllable OS: Building a better operating system.
You thought it wouldn’t be possible?
You thought there are only (a few) JTAGs or total overpriced Devkits to run unsigned Code?
GliGli & Tiros are proving the opposite! They developed a Hack which glitches all recent Xbox360 Kernels to run unsigned Code on.
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