“Is it worth trading choice for simplicity? The problem is that vertical integration gives suppliers so much control that they can manipulate prices.” Jack Schofield looks at manufacturers’ attempts to dominate our digital lifestyles by selling us experiences instead of products.
www.guardian.co.uk
technology
14/10/2006
Joined-up experiences
11/08/2006
What is OpenDocument
“Given the obscurity of document formats and of technical standards work, it’s easy to miss the importance of an XML-based open document format standard.” Sam Hiser on how ODF represents a triumph of common sense and why Microsoft’s petulant response ulitmately is pure entertainment.
www.onlamp.com
30/10/2005
Open formats make history—and maintain it
“Open formats are an important part of computing freedom because they give people control of their own data.” Gervase Markham on why there really is no alternative to open data formats.
business.timesonline.co.uk
29/07/2005
Who’s behind that web site?
“We’re about to get slightly technical here—but this is basic information you need to know.” John Locke explains the dangers of surfing the web and what you can do to control the risks.
www.freesoftwaremagazine.com
27/06/2005
The platter that matters
“If I’m right, the next few years are going to see a lot of anguish from computer users who have suddenly realised that hard disk failure involves more than just inconvenience and loss of face”, writes John Naughton.
www.observer.co.uk
26/04/2005
A laptop, a coffee, and disaster recovery
“Last week, my laptop died a sudden, spectacular death-by-drowning, as a full cup of coffee poured into its keyboard.” John Locke reflects on the importance of having an effective backup strategy.
www.freesoftwaremagazine.com
27/11/2004
Sony Walkman—music to whose ears?
“Music, made portable, is removed from any frame of reference. It becomes a utility, undeserving of more attention than drinking water from a tap.” Norman Lebrecht reflects on how, starting with the introduction of the Sony Walkman, the way we listen to music has changed forever.
www.scena.org
20/11/2004
Linux: the thinking person’s IT solution
“It is ironic that a fear of technology has sent thousands of companies hurtling into the arms of an IT vendor that has some of the most complex, resource hungry and insecure server technology on the market.” Malcolm Cartledge prefers low cost and high reliability.
www.biosmagazine.co.uk
10/10/2004
Leaner computing: less might be more
“How much power does the average user nead in a PC?” Rare article by D’Arcy Lemay, offering much needed perspective on what hardware is really required for which job.
www.devhardware.com