Windows Server 2008 Robot

Microsoft is billing Windows Server 2008 as "The Server Unleashed" and has created a cool Web site featuring a nice CGI robot. When you click on the different features of the OS, the robot takes slightly different poses. Aside from being amused by the robot, you can also download a trial copy of the software to evaluate it. And don't forget to grab some images for your Windows wallpaper from the Toy Box like the one below!

Recycling Technology - Dispose of Broken Computing Devices Responsibly

Here's a catchy little tune called the Dead iPod song. It describes what to do with your iPod when it inevitably dies.



Many companies now have recycling programs. Apple has an iPod and cell phone recycling program which provides you with a free (they pay the postage) way to send in your broken iPods and cell phones for environmentally responsible disposal. Dell's recycling program always provides free recycling for Dell branded products. And if you buy a new Dell system and select free recycling at the time of purchase, Dell will even recycle your old computer and monitor for free even if it isn't a Dell product.

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) Do you have any broken computing devices at home? How are you planning on disposing of them?
2) Have you ever thrown an old computing device in the regular trash? What impact do you think this had on the environment?
3) HANDS-ON ACTIVITY: Search the Web for technology recycling programs in your area that accept old computers and monitors. Are there limitations on what types of devices they accept? Is there a charge to the consumer for recycling?

Bluetooth Security Problems and Solutions

As most of our students have cell phones, many of them also have Bluetooth devices such as wireless headsets. However, most people don’t realize that Bluetooth transmissions are not a secure technology. In this video, Joshua Wright (an instructor at the SANS Institute) shows us how easy it is to listen in on a Bluetooth device and even inject your own audio into the device you’ve compromised.



Although requiring technical skills beyond the casual computer user (as it involves using Linux and other seemingly arcane protocols), a computer science student would probably have no trouble in replicating these actions. In fact there are many web sites that list Bluetooth hacking tools with links to download them. Fortunately there are simple ways to protect yourself from Bluetooth snooping and one of the best resources for Bluetooth protection is on the Bluetooth site itself. Following these guidelines should help your students (and you!) stay more secure when using Bluetooth enabled devices.

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) What types of Bluetooth devices do you use on a regular basis? Have you configured them (after pairing them with your devices) into a non-discoverable state so that other Bluetooth devices can’t find them?
2) Have you updated the firmware (for that matter, what is firmware?) in your Bluetooth devices lately? Do you know how to do this? Do you know why it is important to do this?
3) Do you have antivirus software installed on your phone or PDA? Do you keep it updated on a regular basis?