TechNews November 2006 TechNews is a technology, news and analysis service aimed at those in the education sector keen to stay informed about technology developments, trends and issues. Please navigate the newsletter by clicking on items within the table of contents. Networking and wireless ........................................................................................................... 2 Analysis: Trusted Computing and Network Access Control............................................................................. 2 Networking and wireless news ................................................................................................. 4 Becta Infrastructure Services Framework ............................................................................................................... 4 802.11n update ....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Predicted growth in GPS-based services................................................................................................................ 4 Mobile WiMAX......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Short range wireless developments ........................................................................................................................ 5 4G progress ............................................................................................................................................................ 6 Broadband update................................................................................................................................................... 6 xG Flash Signal....................................................................................................................................................... 6 Mixing power and data ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Software Defined Radio Conference and announcements ..................................................................................... 7 Multimedia................................................................................................................................... 8 Analysis: Digital Pens........................................................................................................................................... 8 Multimedia news....................................................................................................................... 10 User generated content market, New digital literacy............................................................................................. 10 Free iPod Nanos in South Kent College................................................................................................................ 10 Technology for deaf users..................................................................................................................................... 11 Applying virtual worlds .......................................................................................................................................... 11 Portable projectors ................................................................................................................................................ 11 Larger monitors may increase productivity............................................................................................................ 12 Wireless consumer electronics.............................................................................................................................. 12 New wireless standard aimed at HD video............................................................................................................ 12 Camera and music phones do not replace dedicated devices .............................................................................. 13 Image/doodle based search engine ...................................................................................................................... 13 Hardware ................................................................................................................................... 14 Analysis: Green computing................................................................................................................................14 Hardware news ......................................................................................................................... 17 Four-core processors ............................................................................................................................................ 17 IEEE to review laptop battery standards ............................................................................................................... 17 Wafer thin optical discs ......................................................................................................................................... 18 EU Energy research highlights standby mode ...................................................................................................... 18 Processors developments..................................................................................................................................... 18 Laptops for Vista ................................................................................................................................................... 18 PC prices falling before Vista launch..................................................................................................................... 19 Nokia wearable modular phones........................................................................................................................... 19 Trusted Computing spec for mobiles..................................................................................................................... 19 Photonics moves closer ........................................................................................................................................ 20 Software and internet............................................................................................................... 20 Analysis: Semantic web ..................................................................................................................................... 20 Software and internet news..................................................................................................... 23 UK teachers most IT literate in EU........................................................................................................................ 23 Web browser updates ........................................................................................................................................... 23 British Library copyright statement........................................................................................................................ 24 ebooks and digital publishing ................................................................................................................................24 New Google online services.................................................................................................................................. 24 Tesco to sell inexpensive software........................................................................................................................ 25 Alternative community online encyclopaedia ........................................................................................................ 25 Internet viruses drop 47% ..................................................................................................................................... 26 Internet addicts...................................................................................................................................................... 26 EU project looks at OSS viability........................................................................................................................... 26 TechNews Information............................................................................................................. 27 Disclaimer and copyright:...................................................................................................................................... 27 To unsubscribe:..................................................................................................................................................... 27 Feedback: ............................................................................................................................................................. 27 © Becta 2006 http://www.becta.org.uk/technews page 1 of 27 November 2006 TechNews Networking and wireless Analysis: Trusted Computing and Network Access Control One of a network manager’s most significant concerns is security. An increasing amount of personal equipment is brought into school to be attached to networks and wireless links mean that even people outside buildings can present a risk. This risk might be intentional, such as that presented by hackers attempting to piggyback a school's internet link; or unintentional, such as a teacher's PC unknowingly carrying a virus into school from their home computer.