feeds | grep links > Verizon Changes Users Passwords without Permissions, Microsoft Sacrificed IE8 Privacy Features for Ads, and More

• Verizon changing users’ router passwords
  As the Slashdot post explains, the customer who shared their experience having their router password changed is clear that Verizon said this was for security purposes. This is another tough balance, there is no reason Verizon should not be able to run appropriate security scans but remotely altering customer hardware without permission is an overreach. I can totally see the reasoning for doing so given the expense involved in a mass customer service campaign but it still doesn’t make it right.
• Linux kernel 2.6.35 released
• Microsoft cut IE8 privacy features to sell ads
  Adrianne Jeffries at RWW discusses part of a Wall Street Journal article discussing online privacy. The interesting section is the one that contains the lede, that Microsoft decided revenue was more important than the rights and privileges of its users. This is one of the reasons I remain fiercely loyal to Mozilla, even over Chrome, as the steering body is a non-profit that is more resistant to these kinds of pressures.
• Update from Emerging Languages Camp at OSCON
• Cooling silicon solution leads to melting
  The weird physical phenomenon that io9′s Alasdair Wilkins very clearly explains as the result of dissolving a brew of metals into silicon isn’t the only fascinating aspect of this research. The process of melting, a side effect of the metals coming out of solution as the temperature drops below the usual melting point of silicon, apparently may help purify the remaining solid silicon. This could clearly be useful for all kinds of materials fabrication that uses silicon, including electronics of all stripes and solar power cells.

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