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Linux Kernel Maintainers Resist Rust: A Programming Language War

2025-02-06

Linux Kernel Maintainers Resist Rust: A Programming Language War

The integration of Rust into the Linux kernel is proving bumpy. Several kernel maintainers strongly oppose using Rust, citing increased complexity and risk associated with multiple languages. Recent discussions surrounding a Rust driver's use of the DMA API reignited the conflict. Maintainer Christoph Hellwig explicitly rejected Rust code, arguing that maintaining multi-language projects is painful and that Rust developers should handle interfacing with C code themselves. While the Rust for Linux project aims to simplify integration through an abstraction layer, Hellwig maintains this adds maintenance overhead. This controversy highlights differing stances within the Linux community on programming language choices and the challenges of integrating new technologies into existing large systems. A maintainer even resigned because of the situation. The ultimate outcome remains to be seen, but it will have a profound impact on the future direction of Linux.

(www.theregister.com)

Development

Oracle's JavaScript Trademark Dispute: A Protracted Legal Battle

2025-02-06

Oracle's JavaScript Trademark Dispute: A Protracted Legal Battle

A community effort led by Deno Land CEO Ryan Dahl is challenging Oracle's ownership of the "JavaScript" trademark, sparking controversy. Oracle is accused of submitting false materials in its trademark renewal application and attempting to delay legal proceedings. The core of the dispute lies in whether JavaScript has become a generic term and whether Oracle has abandoned the trademark. Oracle counters that it has legitimate grounds and submits additional evidence. This legal battle reflects the strict protection of trademarks by tech giants and the efforts of the open-source community to secure fair use.

(www.theregister.com)

Development trademark dispute

DHS OIG Audits TSA's Airport Facial Recognition

2025-02-04

DHS OIG Audits TSA's Airport Facial Recognition

Following concerns from lawmakers and privacy advocates, the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General (DHS OIG) has launched an audit of the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) use of facial recognition technology at US airports. The audit will examine the technology's effectiveness in enhancing security while protecting passenger privacy. Despite TSA's claim of 99.7% accuracy, thousands of misidentifications could still occur daily with widespread deployment. This audit comes in response to senators' concerns about TSA's planned expansion of facial recognition, following the failure of a bill to halt it.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Dell Mandates Return to Office: Hybrid Work Policy Scrapped

2025-02-01

Dell Mandates Return to Office: Hybrid Work Policy Scrapped

Dell Technologies is ending its hybrid work arrangement in March, requiring all employees previously allowed to work from home part-time to return to the office for a full five-day work week. Those working remotely within an hour's drive of a Dell office must also commute daily. CEO Michael Dell justified the decision by emphasizing the benefits of in-person communication and citing the full-time office presence of sales, manufacturing, and engineering teams. This contradicts previous statements about remote work flexibility and has sparked employee discontent. Dell claims the change is aimed at boosting innovation and market leadership.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Microsoft's New Surfaces: Intel-Powered Models Cost $400 More

2025-01-31

Microsoft's New Surfaces: Intel-Powered Models Cost $400 More

Microsoft launched new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models for business customers, powered by Intel's Core Ultra processors. These are $400 more expensive than their Qualcomm Snapdragon-based counterparts. The Intel-based models start at $1499 with a second-gen Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Qualcomm-based Surfaces start at $1099. Consumer models currently only offer Qualcomm options. Available February 18th, the new Surfaces support Microsoft's new AI-enhanced mobile device management portal.

(www.theregister.com)

Hardware

Zyxel Firewall Bricked by Buggy Update: On-Site Fix Required

2025-01-29

Zyxel Firewall Bricked by Buggy Update: On-Site Fix Required

A faulty application signature update released by Zyxel last Friday is causing reboot loops, ZySH daemon failures, and login issues for some users. Affected devices include USG Flex and ATP Series devices running ZLD firmware with active security licenses and dedicated signature updates enabled in on-premises/standalone mode. The only workaround requires physical access to the firewall via a console/RS232 cable for recovery. Zyxel has disabled the application signature on its servers to prevent further impact.

(www.theregister.com)

Hardware Software Bug

Oracle's Java Pricing Changes Spark Mass Exodus

2025-01-29

Oracle's Java Pricing Changes Spark Mass Exodus

Oracle's January 2023 shift in Java SE licensing from per-user/processor to per-employee pricing has triggered a massive backlash, with costs skyrocketing. Dimensional Research reveals that 88% of Oracle Java users are considering switching to open-source alternatives, reaching 92% in France and 95% in Germany. This reflects a growing need for cost-effective Java solutions, forcing organizations to reassess their long-term Java licensing and support strategies.

(www.theregister.com)

Development

UK Council's Oracle Project Costs Balloon to £40M

2025-01-28

UK Council's Oracle Project Costs Balloon to £40M

West Sussex County Council in the UK is undertaking a £40 million ($50 million) Oracle-based transformation project, a massive escalation from the initial £2.6 million estimate. To fund this, the council is selling off assets like property, including a former fire station. The project, initially slated for 2021, has faced repeated delays, a system integrator change, and a new contract with Oracle extending it to 2030. This highlights the risks of runaway costs in large IT projects and the financial challenges faced by local governments.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech IT project cost overruns

Microsoft Open-Sources Document Database Built on PostgreSQL

2025-01-27

Microsoft Open-Sources Document Database Built on PostgreSQL

In a surprising move, Microsoft has launched an open-source document database platform built on a relational PostgreSQL backend. The fully open-source platform, requiring no commercial licensing fees, suggests using the open-source FerretDB as a front-end. This signifies Microsoft's increased embrace of open source and offers a new option for the NoSQL database community. The database leverages two PostgreSQL extensions: pg_documentdb_core (optimizing BSON) and pg_documentdb_api (implementing CRUD and query operations). FerretDB 2.0 integrates with it, boasting a significant performance boost, with up to 20x speed improvements for certain workloads. This move is poised to challenge existing document databases like MongoDB.

(www.theregister.com)

Development

Self-Proclaimed 'First AI Software Engineer' Fails Miserably in Real-World Tests

2025-01-26

Self-Proclaimed 'First AI Software Engineer' Fails Miserably in Real-World Tests

Devin, marketed as the first AI software engineer, has fallen short of expectations in recent evaluations. Despite claims of building and deploying apps end-to-end and autonomously fixing bugs, Devin succeeded in only 3 out of 20 tasks. Testers found Devin struggled with straightforward tasks, getting stuck in technical dead-ends and pursuing impossible solutions. While offering a polished user experience, its infrequent success and tendency to waste time on unachievable goals highlight the limitations of current AI technology and raise concerns about the hype surrounding AI tools.

(www.theregister.com)

AI AI software engineer testing results

Intel's Modular PC Design: A New Approach to E-Waste?

2025-01-23

Intel's Modular PC Design: A New Approach to E-Waste?

Intel has proposed a modular PC design aimed at reducing e-waste by simplifying repairs and upgrades. Current PC designs are typically monolithic, leading to disposal when a component fails or becomes obsolete. Intel's approach allows for easy component replacement, extending device lifespan. Three designs targeting different market segments are proposed: Premium Modular PC, Entry/Mainstream Modular PC, and Desktop Modular PC. While modular PCs aren't new, Intel's proposal directly addresses the growing e-waste problem and aligns with the right-to-repair movement. However, widespread adoption depends on cost-effectiveness and market acceptance.

(www.theregister.com)

Hardware Modular PC E-waste Right to Repair

Gartner Warns: Large-Scale VMware Migrations Are Long, Costly, and Risky

2025-01-21

Gartner Warns: Large-Scale VMware Migrations Are Long, Costly, and Risky

Gartner's latest report warns that migrating from VMware to alternative virtualization platforms will be a long, expensive, and risky undertaking. For organizations running 2,000+ VMs, migrations could take 18-48 months, with per-VM costs ranging from $300 to $3,000. The report highlights the complexity stemming from VMware's deep integration beyond just virtualization, encompassing networking, storage, and management tools. Many VMware users haven't started migration planning; Gartner advises starting early to avoid potential Broadcom price increases. Alternatives exist from vendors like Red Hat and Oracle, but migration still demands extensive planning and testing.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech VMware Migration

Microsoft's AI Red Team: Securing AI is a Never-Ending Battle

2025-01-17

Microsoft's AI Red Team: Securing AI is a Never-Ending Battle

Microsoft's AI red team, after testing over 100 of the company's generative AI products, concluded that AI models both amplify existing security risks and introduce new ones. Their findings highlight seven key lessons learned, emphasizing that securing AI systems is an ongoing process requiring continuous investment and a combination of automated tools and human review. The report also stresses the importance of considering the model's intended use when assessing risks, noting that simpler attack methods are often more effective than complex gradient-based attacks. Furthermore, the ethical and societal biases introduced by AI are highlighted as critical concerns.

(www.theregister.com)

AI red teaming

GM Settles FTC Charges Over Secret Sharing of Driver Location Data

2025-01-17

GM Settles FTC Charges Over Secret Sharing of Driver Location Data

General Motors (GM) has settled with the FTC over privacy concerns related to its discontinued Smart Driver program. The FTC alleged that GM collected and shared precise geolocation data from millions of vehicles without informed consent, providing this data to insurance companies and impacting drivers' premiums. The settlement prohibits GM from sharing such data for five years and mandates obtaining affirmative consent for data collection, along with data access and deletion options for users. This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the privacy of automotive data and consumer protection.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Google Cuts Code Migration Time in Half with AI

2025-01-16

Google Cuts Code Migration Time in Half with AI

Google reports using its AI tools to halve the time required for code migrations. This involved projects like migrating 32-bit IDs to 64-bit IDs in the Google Ads codebase, upgrading JUnit testing libraries, and replacing the Joda time library. While human review is still necessary, the AI significantly sped up the process, reducing what would have taken hundreds of engineering years to just months. Google emphasizes the AI should be used in conjunction with traditional methods for optimal efficiency and cost management.

(www.theregister.com)

Development Code Migration

EU Accuses Apple of Failing to Comply with DMA Interoperability Rules

2025-01-16

EU Accuses Apple of Failing to Comply with DMA Interoperability Rules

EU digital rights advocacy groups accuse Apple of failing to meet its interoperability obligations under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a letter, they urge the European Commission to take stronger action to ensure Apple's compliance with Article 6(7) of the DMA, which requires gatekeepers to provide non-discriminatory access to or interoperability with designated software and hardware. The groups propose several recommendations, including prohibiting Apple from unilaterally imposing NDAs, creating a standardized interoperability request form, and revisiting DMA clauses allowing Apple to hide frameworks and libraries for security reasons. They also criticize Apple's 'Feedback Assistant' and lack of a public bug tracking system. Apple counters that DMA's interoperability requirements could expose personal data.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

AI's Energy Hog: Data Centers Face a Power Crisis

2025-01-15

AI's Energy Hog: Data Centers Face a Power Crisis

The rapid growth of AI is creating a massive energy demand, catching many enterprises off guard. Research reveals that while most companies are aware of AI models' high energy consumption, few monitor actual power usage. High-performance GPUs and complex AI models are the main culprits. To address this, efficient AI hardware and more effective cooling systems (like liquid cooling) are crucial. Data centers need upgrades to handle higher power density, requiring substantial investment and time. Some companies are exploring using waste heat for regenerative power generation or community heating.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Data Centers Energy Consumption

Return to Office Mandates? Employees Would Rather Quit

2025-01-15

Return to Office Mandates? Employees Would Rather Quit

A survey of 5,395 US adults reveals that nearly half would leave their jobs if forced back to the office. Tech companies are increasingly mandating a return to in-person work, but many employees prioritize flexible work arrangements. Even figures like Elon Musk, who deems working from home "morally wrong," are met with resistance. The survey shows a strong preference for remote work, especially among women and those under 50, sparking debate on productivity, company culture, and talent retention. Many companies seem to prioritize control over trust and flexibility.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech employee retention

Microsoft Code Change Nearly Breaks Linux 6.13 Release

2025-01-15

Microsoft Code Change Nearly Breaks Linux 6.13 Release

A code change contributed by a Microsoft engineer nearly caused a major disruption to the upcoming stable release of Linux kernel 6.13. Intended as a performance improvement, the change introduced issues on certain systems, especially those with Control Flow Integrity (CFI) enabled, such as machines with Intel Alder Lake processors. An urgent patch from Intel engineer Peter Zijlstra disabled the problematic code, preventing a delay in the 6.13 release. This incident highlights the critical importance of code review and thorough testing before merging code into large, open-source projects.

(www.theregister.com)

Development

Doom Runs in a PDF: A Testament to Programming Ingenuity

2025-01-14

Doom Runs in a PDF: A Testament to Programming Ingenuity

Programmers have ported the classic game Doom into a PDF file! This isn't a simple embedding; it leverages PDF's Javascript capabilities to render Doom using clever ASCII character manipulation within a PDF reader. While the frame rate isn't high, it's playable enough to deliver a nostalgic experience. This feat showcases the latent potential of the PDF format and serves as a reminder that seemingly static PDF files may hold hidden surprises.

(www.theregister.com)

Game

Ransomware Gang Exploits AWS Native Encryption

2025-01-14

Ransomware Gang Exploits AWS Native Encryption

A new ransomware group, dubbed 'Codefinger,' is targeting AWS S3 buckets and leveraging the cloud giant's own server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C) to encrypt victims' data. They use leaked AWS keys to encrypt files with AES-256 and set a 7-day self-destruct timer. This unique approach exploits AWS's own security features, making data recovery difficult without the attacker's key. Security experts recommend restricting SSE-C usage, regularly auditing AWS keys, and implementing the principle of least privilege to mitigate risk.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech ransomware AWS security cloud security

Linus Torvalds to Gift Handmade Guitar Pedal

2025-01-13

Linus Torvalds to Gift Handmade Guitar Pedal

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, is giving away a hand-built guitar effects pedal to a lucky kernel contributor. This unusual giveaway, announced in his weekly kernel release notes, serves as both a thank-you and a test to see if anyone actually reads his announcements. Torvalds, describing himself as a 'software person with a soldering iron,' will assemble an Aion FX pedal kit, promising a unique, if somewhat unpredictable, reward reflecting the quirky culture of the open-source community.

(www.theregister.com)

Development

Microsoft Tests 45% M365 Price Hike in Asia, Citing AI Features

2025-01-13

Microsoft Tests 45% M365 Price Hike in Asia, Citing AI Features

Microsoft is testing a 45 percent price increase for its M365 suite in six Asian countries, claiming the hike is necessary to ensure customers have early access to powerful AI features. The move has sparked outrage among subscribers, with many accusing Microsoft of price gouging, especially in regions with high living costs. While Microsoft says users can opt for a cheaper plan without AI features like Copilot, finding this option proves difficult. This test may foreshadow global M365 price adjustments, reflecting Microsoft's massive investment in AI.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Nvidia Fires Back at Biden's AI Chip Export Restrictions

2025-01-13

Nvidia Fires Back at Biden's AI Chip Export Restrictions

The outgoing Biden administration unveiled a final rule on AI diffusion, restricting exports of AI chips to most countries while granting exemptions to key allies. Nvidia vehemently criticized the move, arguing it will harm US technological leadership and potentially evaporate 80% of the GPU market. The company claims the rule is overly restrictive, lacks proper legislative review, and stifles innovation. While framed as an 'anti-China' measure, Nvidia contends it will control technology globally, impacting even widely available consumer hardware.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech export restrictions

Austrian Cloud Provider Ditches VMware for KVM After 500%+ License Hike

2025-01-13

Austrian Cloud Provider Ditches VMware for KVM After 500%+ License Hike

Facing a massive VMware license cost increase (over 500%), Austrian cloud provider Anexia migrated 12,000 VMs to a KVM-based open-source platform. This move not only saved significant costs, preventing an existential crisis, but also garnered customer support. Anexia leveraged its existing Netcup platform and Anexia Engine abstraction layer for a seamless migration, requiring only a single click and brief reboot. This migration showcases the viability of open-source alternatives and highlights the market backlash against Broadcom's aggressive pricing post-VMware acquisition.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Open Source Migration

Massive PowerSchool Data Breach Exposes 60 Million Students' and Teachers' Info

2025-01-10

Massive PowerSchool Data Breach Exposes 60 Million Students' and Teachers' Info

Education software giant PowerSchool suffered a major data breach, with personal information of over 60 million K-12 students and teachers stolen. The breach, which involved 23 database tables containing sensitive data like Social Security Numbers and medical information, was reportedly carried out using a compromised credential. PowerSchool stated it wasn't ransomware or a software vulnerability, but a network penetration. While PowerSchool has implemented security measures, including password resets and access control tightening, and offered credit monitoring, cybersecurity firm Cyble suggests the breach may have started as early as 2011. The incident highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions' data and the importance of timely reporting and response.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech education

Microsoft Starts the New Year with More Layoffs

2025-01-09

Microsoft Starts the New Year with More Layoffs

Microsoft has begun the new year with another round of layoffs, affecting less than 1 percent of its workforce. The company claims the cuts are performance-based, aiming to improve overall team efficiency. While Microsoft laid off over 10,000 employees in 2023 and more in 2024, these latest cuts come despite record earnings. The layoffs may be linked to Microsoft's aggressive push into AI, with some suggesting that the eliminated positions will be quickly refilled with AI-related roles. This suggests a significant shift in Microsoft's strategic direction.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Microsoft layoffs AI transformation tech industry

LA Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations, NASA JPL Shuts Down

2025-01-08

LA Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations, NASA JPL Shuts Down

Massive wildfires raging across Los Angeles County have forced tens of thousands to evacuate, leading to the closure of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Fueled by strong winds, the fires have consumed thousands of acres, resulting in casualties and widespread property damage. California's governor has declared a state of emergency. While JPL itself remains undamaged, many staff have evacuated their homes, with some reporting significant losses. The disaster highlights the severity of climate change and raises concerns about the safety of invaluable scientific data and equipment.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech wildfires California

Microsoft Ends OneDrive's Unlicensed Free Ride

2025-01-08

Microsoft Ends OneDrive's Unlicensed Free Ride

Microsoft is closing a loophole that allowed users to store data for free in unlicensed OneDrive accounts. Starting January 27th, 2025, accounts unlicensed for over 93 days will have their data moved to the recycle bin or archived. Data remains in the recycle bin for 93 days before permanent deletion. Organizations needing to reactivate accounts face a $0.60/GB reactivation fee and a $0.05/GB monthly fee. This move addresses security and compliance concerns.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Cloud Storage

Akamai Exits China's CDN Market

2025-01-08

Akamai Exits China's CDN Market

Akamai announced it will cease offering CDN services in mainland China on June 30, 2026. This isn't due to operational difficulties in China, but rather a strategic shift towards cloud computing and security services, which now account for two-thirds of its revenue. Akamai is recommending its Chinese customers migrate to CDN services offered by Chinese companies like Tencent Cloud and Wangsu Science & Technology, offering support for the transition. This move reflects a shift in Akamai's approach to the Chinese market and highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by global tech companies operating within China.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech China Market

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