evolution in action (Re: Napster)

[David Hansen]

On 6 Sep 2002 at 9:24, Quentin Campbell wrote:

> Many (most?) laptops have the "Wake on LAN" feature. If that feature
> is left "enabled" AND the latop is left connected to the network, a
> shut-down laptop will power-up and re-boot itself when it detects any
> network activity (assuming that the battery is charged).

I assume that only works if the laptop is in some form of sleep.

If it has been turned off then it should not be possible to wake it 
up. If not then the manufacturers have botched up and I'll start 
thinking about a proper on/off switch for mine.
 
> The laptop has to be disconnected from the network as well.

Unplugging is as good a way to do this as buying a switchable socket. 
Unless the latter is see-through so that one can see the contacts 
operating (as some electrical switchgear is) there would be anagging 
doubt anyway.

Certainly with radio networks one needs to remove the radio device. 
With built in radio networks that will be difficult. Will the 
manufacturers provide a way of doing this, or will they adopt the 
"don't worry your pretty little head about it, trust us" approach 
that has served people so badly.


--
  David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
 I will *always* explain why I revoke a key, unless the UK 
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