(PinoyPress Plugged): Banking has become infinitely easier because of the Internet. Online, we can check our deposit or credit-card balance, transfer funds, pay bills, etc. Online banking has saved countless souls from the headaches of doing over-the-counter transactions, such as the long queues (particularly in Metrobank banks) inside banks.
The problem, of course, is that the [...]

Damon Darlin, writing in The New York Times, marvels at the fact that he has been able to survive a month without using Microsoft Word, that de rigueur word-processing software that comes with most PCs.
I’m going to top his claim: I have not used Microsoft Word for about five months now.
My disaffection with Microsoft [...]

How Green Is My iPhone? Apple’s Steve Jobs failed to deliver on his promise, Greenpeace says.

In a report released today, Greenpeace Philippines disclosed that tests made by the group on the iPhone determined that the popular device contains hazardous chemicals and materials. “Apple could have demonstrated that it is a true industry leader with a green iPhone. Unfortunately, Apple missed that call and the public is left with an Apple that is no greener than what was promised by Steve Jobs in May,” said Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia toxics campaigner.

Javascript, the scripting language, makes website much more helpful, interactive and interesting. Many websites don’t function well without it. But Javascript can also be dangerous. How then do you ensure safety in your browsing without altogether disabling Javascript?

MANILA — Mobile connectivity has no boundaries as far as a SMART subscriber is concerned.
He or she is able to connect to over 27 million subscribers almost anywhere in the country and in the world. In 2006 alone, over 3 billion international connections were logged on the SMART network.

Friedbeef’s Tech has listed several ways — 15, in fact — to extend the battery life of your laptop. One of the tips: Exercise the battery. “Do not leave a charged battery dormant for long periods of time. Once charged, you should at least use the battery at least once every two to three weeks. Also, do not let a Li-On battery completely discharge. (Discharging is only for older batteries with memory effects.)”

GMANews.tv: Two senators have filed similar bills calling for the registration of personal information of buyers of SIM (subscriber identity module) cards as a means to curb abuses and prevent crimes involving cell phones. Sen. Richard Gordon has filed Senate Bill 289, requiring registration of the personal information of buyers of SIM cards, whether pre-paid or post paid. A similar bill was filed separately by Sen. Panfilo Lacson. Read the story

Makati City – The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IP Philippines) unveiled the Innovation Area, an exhibition venue for Filipino inventions, designs, and brands with Evolvere as theme. Evolvere, a Latin term for evolve, denotes development into a more advanced state.

By DR. GIOVANNI TAPANG

With the Human Security Act (HSA), the unwanted Big Brother has indeed arrived. The Arroyo administration’s latest effort to combat terrorism raises the concern that Filipinos are now at greater risk of intrusion and surveillance from their very own government. The HSA, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act, contains provisions that build on law enforcement’s ability to peek at e-mail, to use wiretapping devices, monitor credit card purchases and bank transactions and conduct searches of suspected terrorists.

Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said the controversial national-broadband deal has become indefensible and not worth pursuing in view of revelations that its terms and conditions are grossly disadvantageous to the government and it was not subjected to public bidding in violation of Philippine laws.

Although the iPhone is not going to flood the Philippines anytime soon, it may make sense for us to check out the reaction to the product by consumers and experts in the U.S. (An aside: Were it not for the fact that any product Apple releases almost always gets this massive press and buzz, one would be tempted to think that, based on everything that has been said about the iPhone, the world has gone nuts.)

Agham, the organization of progressive scientists in the Philippines, will hold a forum titled “Knowing Big Brother: State Surveillance & the Human Security Act of 2007″ tomorrow, June 28, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Claro M. Recto Hall of the Faculty Center in UP Diliman. The invite reads: “We’re all being watched. In the guise of searching for criminals and terrorists, there are invisible eyes and intricate surveillance networks that can follow you as you walk the streets, go into establishments and invade even our own homes.”

These days, one of the joys the Internet can bring to people are online or web-based applications. There are several for writing and collaboration (more on these in later posts) and there are many for editing pictures.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. is focusing on broadband services to help Cebu attract investments in information and communications technology (ICT) and bring about economic development in the province.