To launch the high quality TV channel TNT in Belgium we placed a big red push button on an average Flemish square of an average Flemish town. A sign with the text “Push to add drama” invited people to use the button. And then we …
In 1993, the source code for the World Wide Web was released into the public domain. The directors of CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucleaire) made it freely available to anyone, without licensing fees. This is considered by some as the single most important …
In 1813, rubber is patented. J. F. Hammel received the first U.S. patent related to rubber for an India rubber varnish which made shoes waterproof. Read more about the history of rubber at http://www.rubber.org/100th-anniversary2
In 1686, the first volume of Isaac Newton’s “Principia” was published. Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) was a summary of Newton’s discoveries in celestial and terrestrial mechanics. It is considered to be one of the greatest milestones in the history of …
The much anticipated Ubuntu Precise Pangolin has finally arrived sporting bold new features, a fresh new look, and adopting a long-term release policy which will see updates and fixes supported for the next five years. “The Ubuntu team is very pleased to announce the release …
In 1936, mathematician Karl Pearson died. Karl Pearson was a leading founder of the modern field of statistics. Teaching graphical methods at University College in London formed the basis for his original interest in statistics. Learn more at http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/448102/Karl-Pearson
Our friends over at FreewareBB have again alerted us to two free programs which should be treated with caution. The software in question, System Boost Elite and Registry Cleaner Free, involve several anomalies which cast serious doubts over intent and credibility. Devious? Both products are …
System Boost Elite & Registry Cleaner Free – Beware!! Read More »
In 1962, the U.S. rocket Ranger IV landed on the far side of the Moon. While the Russians had achieved this feat in 1959, this was the first time an American spacecraft had successfully reached the Moon. Learn more at http://www.impactlab.net/2007/04/26/1962-first-us-rocket-lands-on-moon/
Microsoft has just released the latest version (4) of its popular anti-virus software Microsoft Security Essentials which includes new automatic remediation functionality plus overall improved performance and detection capabilities. Not sure if the slogan on the MSE home page is new or not but I …
Microsoft Security Essentials: New version 4 released Read More »
In 1954, the first solar battery was announced. Funded by Bell Laboratories, three American researchers, Gerald Pearson, Calvin Fuller and Daryl Chapin, designed a silicon solar cell capable of a six percent energy conversion efficiency with direct sunlight. Learn more at http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/a/solar_cell.htm
In most cases emerging technology has been a boon to our computing lives. From enhancements in communications and accessibility afforded by miniaturization and portability to the benefits of improved speeds and data storage capabilities presented by newer protocols and advancements in hardware. Everything, it appears, …
In 1981, the IBM PC was introduced. The home computer market was emerging in the early ’80s. IBM had intended this model to be a stop-gap computer that would allow them to quickly tap into this market while taking the time to develop a “real” …
The main weakness of Microsoft SkyDrive has always been the lack of any desktop app, with access available only via the web – up until now that is. As of 23rd April that has all changed. Microsoft has finally released a Windows (and Mac) app …
Microsoft SkyDrive: Desktop app finally arrives! Read More »
In 1971, Soyuz 10 launched and became the first spacecraft to dock with a space station (Salyut 1). A soft docking was accomplished. However, the crew could not achieve a secure enough docking to allow entry into the station. Learn more at http://historicspacecraft.com/soyuz.html
