Stories by Lee Schlesinger

Whatever happened to the IPv4 address crisis?

In February 2011, the global Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) allocated the last blocks of IPv4 address space to the five regional Internet registries. At the time, experts warned that within months all available IPv4 addresses in the world would be distributed to ISPs.

In Pictures: IPv6 by the numbers

IPv4 was developed back in the Dark Ages of the Internet – 1978. The 32-bit address space allowed for 4 billion addresses, which seemed like a good idea at the time. In 1993, IETF forecasts showed IPv4 addresses running out sometime between 2010 and 2017, so engineers began work on IPv6, which was completed in 1999.

Like Lojack for Your Laptop

Physical security is a huge problem for mobile workers who need to lug their notebook PCs wherever they go. You have to put that case down sometimes, and a moment is all it takes for the computer to disappear.

Cool Tools: Do as I Say

Voice recognition is undeniably cool technology - when it works. But aside from acting as a glorified secretary to which you dictate memos, what good is it?

Faster Phone Line Networks

I've written before about my frustrations getting my home computers networked. I tried power line networking, phone line networking and wireless. The problem was that while connectivity improved over sneakernet, the speed was more like orthopedic shoes.

Cool Tools

I had high hopes for Miramar Systems' Desktop DNA. This product promises to migrate files, applications, and desktop, network and printer settings from one desktop client to another, letting you re-create your familiar environment on a newer, presumably faster PC.

Home Automation X-10sions

And now the nominees for best use of the letter X with electrical wiring: X.25; X11r6; X-10; and X Files.

Product review: A wireless serial cable

I love having a lightweight laptop because I can write anywhere. But to do anything useful with my PC, I need to connect to my network. When I'm on the road, that means making a move to my modem, and that means finding a phone jack, which is not always conveniently located within the 2m range of my phone cable. Acer NeWeb promises more freedom for mobile users.

Product review: The little black book of the '90s

If you have a Rolodex taking up prime desktop real estate, get rid of it. Replace it with Franklin Electronic Publishers' Rex-3-DS PC Companion, a contact manager on a PC Card. It's the size of a credit card and weighs less than the change in your pocket.

PRODUCT REVIEW: Handheld Handyman

3Com's Palm Pilot is more than a status symbol - with add on hardware and software, it's a complete mobile office. ALSO: First Look: Lotus Organiser 5.0: A PIM for All Reasons.

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