Computer Viruses 2

I recently received an email message, purportedly from Microsoft. It was nicely laid out with Microsoft typefaces and logos, just like the Microsoft website, and claimed to be a new service: “We’re now emailing operating system updates directly to the customer. Just click on the attached file to install your update…” However, my virus scanner software added… Continue reading Computer Viruses 2

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Pirating Music

“When I was a kid, we used to tape music off the radio. You never heard of record companies suing people for that.” New York Times, Sept 10, 2003 Okay, I admit it: I’ve been pirating music for a long time. The earliest copyright infringement I can recall perpetrating myself occurred in Bangladesh. I was… Continue reading Pirating Music

Computer Viruses 1

I’ve received a number of emails lately from friends and family, apologizing for possibly infecting me with a virus. So far, it’s never been true – they have all been the victims of hoaxes. This is a “psychological” virus, spread by your desire to help your friends and prevent computer tragedy; there is no real… Continue reading Computer Viruses 1

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Cellphone Comedy

During one of my many trips to Silicon Valley, I was on a shuttle bus at San Francisco Airport, heading towards the rental car building. Four men got on together, talking animatedly, obviously colleagues on a business trip together. A cellphone rang, and all four simultaneously dived for their pockets. I burst out laughing, and… Continue reading Cellphone Comedy