http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//calling-time-microsofts-chris-jackson-on-retiring-win-xp-ie6-and-office-2003.htm http://apcmag.com//calling-time-microsofts-chris-jackson-on-retiring-win-xp-ie6-and-office-2003.htm

Its older products are so hard to get rid of that Microsoft has assigned a senior executive to hasten their demise. APC spoke to him at Tech.Ed Australia.]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government-delays-mandatory-net-filter-by-a-year.htm http://apcmag.com//government-delays-mandatory-net-filter-by-a-year.htm

Stephen Conroy has capitulated to critics of his automated internet censorship scheme and will delay its compulsory implementation by a year to allow a review of censorship rules.]]> Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:09:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-mocks-campaign-to-sack-him.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-mocks-campaign-to-sack-him.htm

Stephen Conroy has pilloried a campaign by the IT community to unseat him and have a more competent IT minister installed by Julia Gillard.]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:47:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//who-me-im-not-the-it-minister-says-conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//who-me-im-not-the-it-minister-says-conroy.htm

Senator Stephen Conroy says he has never considered himself the minister responsible for I.T. in the Labor Government.]]> Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:30:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//gillard-acknowledges-fears-over-internet-filter.htm http://apcmag.com//gillard-acknowledges-fears-over-internet-filter.htm

... but says she has confidence that Stephen Conroy will sort out the glitches in the policy.]]> Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:16:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wake-up-and-smell-the-democracy-stilgherrian.htm http://apcmag.com//wake-up-and-smell-the-democracy-stilgherrian.htm

I couldn't help but laugh when I read Stilgherrian's rant on ABC Unleashed about how ignorant Australians are by calling on Labor to sack Stephen Conroy.]]> Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:22:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-mark-newtons-epic-anti-conroy-rant.htm http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-mark-newtons-epic-anti-conroy-rant.htm

Usually submissions to government committees are tame and boring to read. Not this one from Internode engineer Mark Newton, who has finally let it all out.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:02:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//gillard-keeps-conroy-in-comms-role-snubbs-lundy.htm http://apcmag.com//gillard-keeps-conroy-in-comms-role-snubbs-lundy.htm

Julia Gillard has rewarded pro-censorship minister Stephen Conroy with a continued post as Minister for Communications.]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:16:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-slams-lundy-says-australia-getting-net-filter.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-slams-lundy-says-australia-getting-net-filter.htm

Stephen Conroy has ridiculed the suggestion that Australians should have a choice to opt-in or opt-out of the proposed internet filter.]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:07:25 +1000 http://apcmag.com//10-reasons-gillard-should-promote-conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//10-reasons-gillard-should-promote-conroy.htm

Stephen Conroy is such an asset to the Rudd, uh, Gillard Labor government, he should be promoted. Here's why.]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:08:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-conroy-watched-the-soccer-while-rudd-was-being-dumped.htm http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-conroy-watched-the-soccer-while-rudd-was-being-dumped.htm

Oh dear: one of Rudd's most trusted lieutenants, Stephen Conroy, says he was watching the soccer while Rudd was being unseated.]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:41:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ozlog-.htm http://apcmag.com//ozlog-.htm

The Senate will hold an enquiry into a widely derided Federal Govt proposal to record Australian citizens' web history, telephone calls and emails.]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:12:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//spillard-how-the-tech-sector-reacted.htm http://apcmag.com//spillard-how-the-tech-sector-reacted.htm

Telstra, Optus, Microsoft and other tech leaders give their reaction to the Julia Gillard seizing the Australian government leadership today.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:28:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//im-proud-of-the-nbn-tearful-rudd-in-farewell-speech.htm http://apcmag.com//im-proud-of-the-nbn-tearful-rudd-in-farewell-speech.htm

Outgoing PM Kevin Rudd today said he was proud of the government's work on the NBN, saying it would fundamentally transform the country in ways we haven't even conceived of yet.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:51:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lindsay-tanner-quits-following-rudd-dumping.htm http://apcmag.com//lindsay-tanner-quits-following-rudd-dumping.htm

Minister Lindsay Tanner, heavily involved in Labor's IT policies over the last decade, says he will leave parliament, saying the timing has nothing to do with Rudd's dumping.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:48:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//should-gillard-replace-conroy-with-lundy.htm http://apcmag.com//should-gillard-replace-conroy-with-lundy.htm

Several of Stephen Conroy’s harshest critics have backed the idea that Julia Gillard should hand his Communications portfolio to fellow Labor Senator Kate Lundy this morning.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:02:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//labor-leadership-lundy-backs-gillard-against-rudd.htm http://apcmag.com//labor-leadership-lundy-backs-gillard-against-rudd.htm

Kate Lundy, the long-time challenger to the unpopular Senator Conroy, has swung her support behind Julia Gillard for Prime Minister in this morning's Labor leadership spill.]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:57:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//govt-wants-to-dictate-the-software-you-run-on-your-pc.htm http://apcmag.com//govt-wants-to-dictate-the-software-you-run-on-your-pc.htm

Do it, or lose your internet access, the government proposes to threaten.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm http://apcmag.com//google-didnt-collect-bank-data-privacy-commissioner.htm

The Federal Privacy Commissioner has directly contradicted claims by Senator Conroy that Google collected banking passwords in its WiFi scanning mistake.]]> Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:07:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//national-party-votes-against-internet-filter.htm http://apcmag.com//national-party-votes-against-internet-filter.htm

The National Party has come out swinging against Labor's proposed centralised internet censorship scheme, saying it had been inundated with complaints from constituents.]]> Tue, 22 Jun 2010 08:32:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ozlog-ludlam-raises-isp-snooping-issue-in-senate.htm http://apcmag.com//ozlog-ludlam-raises-isp-snooping-issue-in-senate.htm

The Greens have questioned the government over its ISP data logging and snooping plans in the Senate.]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:04:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-has-finally-sealed-its-doom.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-has-finally-sealed-its-doom.htm

opinion | It may be good for Australia, but Telstra's management will come to regret doing the deal with the NBN as its most disastrous decision ever.]]> Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:29:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-does-11billion-deal-for-nbn-access.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-does-11billion-deal-for-nbn-access.htm

Telstra will shut down its phone network, as well as its HFC cable broadband service in an $11billion deal with the government's fibre-to-the-home NBN company.]]> Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//kogan-launches-the-portector-protection-from-spams-and-scams-through-the-portal-at-half-price.htm http://apcmag.com//kogan-launches-the-portector-protection-from-spams-and-scams-through-the-portal-at-half-price.htm

With Australians becoming increasingly worried about "spams and scams through the portal", Kogan has introduced an impervious shield for internet users.]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:10:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why-australia-needs-megan-fox-to-promote-the-nbn.htm http://apcmag.com//why-australia-needs-megan-fox-to-promote-the-nbn.htm

Megan, your adoring fans, if not your country, are calling you to come and help us feel the earth move as Kevin Rudd starts laying cables.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:49:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//privacy-commissioner-sits-on-fence-over-isp-snooping-policy.htm http://apcmag.com//privacy-commissioner-sits-on-fence-over-isp-snooping-policy.htm

The Federal Privacy Commissioner has issued a muted statement in reaction to the Attorney General's proposal to force ISPs to keep records of Australians' internet usage.]]> Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:21:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//opinion-snooping-law-would-make-copyright-suits-afact-of-life.htm http://apcmag.com//opinion-snooping-law-would-make-copyright-suits-afact-of-life.htm

A proposal to log your every move online would not only violate your privacy, but provide the missing link for studios to sue file sharers within an inch of their lives.]]> Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//its-not-about-your-web-history-says-attorney-general.htm http://apcmag.com//its-not-about-your-web-history-says-attorney-general.htm

The Attorney General, Robert McLelland, has denied the government's controversial ISP logging policy will extend to users' web history.]]> Mon, 14 Jun 2010 13:47:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//govt-may-record-users-web-history-email-data.htm http://apcmag.com//govt-may-record-users-web-history-email-data.htm

The Fed Govt is considering forcing Australian ISPs to retain data on how Australian citizens are using the internet, such as their sent and received email and browsing history.]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:32:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//kevins-google-love-moment.htm http://apcmag.com//kevins-google-love-moment.htm

Although the government is currently at war with Google, Kevin Rudd says you need the NBN because... you'll be able to access Google faster.]]> Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:04:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//did-labor-make-a-fatal-mistake-choosing-conroy-over-lundy.htm http://apcmag.com//did-labor-make-a-fatal-mistake-choosing-conroy-over-lundy.htm

With Labor wallowing at all-time low in the polls, Kevin Rudd must be wondering if the popular Kate Lundy could have done a better job than his blundering communication minister.]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:34:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-the-top-ten-funniest-conroy-youtube-videos.htm http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-the-top-ten-funniest-conroy-youtube-videos.htm

Senator Conroy just can't help himself -- here's the top 10 funniest videos of him making a fool of himself, and other people making a fool of him!]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:57:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rudd-backs-conroy-in-wifi-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//rudd-backs-conroy-in-wifi-attack.htm

The Prime Minister has backed internet Senator Conroy in his sustained attack on Google over its bungled WiFi collection error.]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:13:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//all-yuor-mobile-spam-belong-to-us.htm http://apcmag.com//all-yuor-mobile-spam-belong-to-us.htm

The government has launched a mobile spam reporting service, giving you the opportunity to dob in dodgy nightclubs, restaurants, electricians and ringtone providers (and more).]]> Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:09:03 +1000 http://apcmag.com//lundy-offers-opt-in-filter-option-to-rudd.htm http://apcmag.com//lundy-offers-opt-in-filter-option-to-rudd.htm

"It has become clear that the community has a preference for opt-in approach," says Senator Lundy. Ding! A Labor politician that finally gets it. ]]> Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:51:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why-conroy-is-the-george-w-bush-of-the-rudd-govt-.htm http://apcmag.com//why-conroy-is-the-george-w-bush-of-the-rudd-govt-.htm

commentary | Senator Conroy can't seem to get his facts -- or his words -- straight.]]> Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:41:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroys-tubes-moment-scams-through-the-portal.htm http://apcmag.com//conroys-tubes-moment-scams-through-the-portal.htm

At the launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Week Communications Minister Stephen Conroy plainly wasn’t having a good day.]]> Wed, 09 Jun 2010 07:01:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-an-outright-liar-iinet-boss.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-an-outright-liar-iinet-boss.htm

National broadband provider iiNet today rejected Communications Minister Stephen Conroy’s claim over the weekend that it welcomed the Government’s filtering project.]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 17:55:05 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet-association-slams-conroys-petty-attacks.htm http://apcmag.com//internet-association-slams-conroys-petty-attacks.htm

The Internet Industry Association has called on Stephen Conroy to get on with building the NBN rather than picking fights with industry players like Google.]]> Fri, 28 May 2010 22:02:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//victorian-premier-buys-500-ipads.htm http://apcmag.com//victorian-premier-buys-500-ipads.htm

Even the Victorian government has been swept up in the Reality Distortion Field and has ordered 500 iPads for express delivery.]]> Fri, 28 May 2010 21:18:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-must-apologise-to-google-for-appalling-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-must-apologise-to-google-for-appalling-attack.htm

opinion Stephen Conroy must immediately stop his vicious public attacks on Google and apologise.]]> Wed, 26 May 2010 13:34:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//byo-linux-router-to-the-nbn.htm http://apcmag.com//byo-linux-router-to-the-nbn.htm

What do tomatoes and penguins have to do with the Australian government's nationwide fibre-to-the-home project? ]]> Mon, 24 May 2010 10:16:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//targeting-filter-vpn-providers-practice-aussie-accents.htm http://apcmag.com//targeting-filter-vpn-providers-practice-aussie-accents.htm

Australia's contentious Internet filter hasn't even been legislated yet, but that hasn't stopped enterprising VPN providers from marketing their services directly to Aussies.]]> Thu, 13 May 2010 17:35:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//australians-standing-up-to-net-filter-greens-senator.htm http://apcmag.com//australians-standing-up-to-net-filter-greens-senator.htm

The Greens have delivered a blunt rejoinder to Senator Conroy's statement this week that Aussies would stand up to a broadening of the net filter by saying, "we are standing up".]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 17:11:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//4-corners-focuses-on-internet-censorship-830-tonight.htm http://apcmag.com//4-corners-focuses-on-internet-censorship-830-tonight.htm

ABC's flagship investigative journalism program 4 Corners will tonight report on Australia's bungled internet censorship scheme.]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//live-watch-kevin-rudd-announcing-nbn-plan-details.htm http://apcmag.com//live-watch-kevin-rudd-announcing-nbn-plan-details.htm

From 1:45PM today, Kevin Rudd will be announcing the full details of the national broadband network -- and you can watch live. (Now concluded)]]> Thu, 06 May 2010 13:35:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//australian-net-laws-plucked-straight-from-iran-china.htm http://apcmag.com//australian-net-laws-plucked-straight-from-iran-china.htm

The Pirate Party of Australia says the government appears to be taking internet censorship policy advice straight from China and Iran.]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:33:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//reports-of-the-filters-death-are-premature.htm http://apcmag.com//reports-of-the-filters-death-are-premature.htm

Think the filter is dead, just because it's delayed? Think again -- this is a tactic to get 'a clear mandate' at the next election to implement it. "Vote Labor, vote filter."]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:36:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//secret-web-forum-typical-of-conroy-ludlam.htm http://apcmag.com//secret-web-forum-typical-of-conroy-ludlam.htm

Greens Senator Scott Ludlam says the secret web forum where crucial internet censorship discussions are taking place are typical of the way Stephen Conroy conducts his politics.]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:26:27 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-denies-plans-to-make-filter-avoidance-illegal.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-denies-plans-to-make-filter-avoidance-illegal.htm

Despite the government saying it would look poorly on ISPs who promoted ways to avoid the net filter, Stephen Conroy says he won't make it illegal.]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:20:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//net-filter-laws-havent-even-been-drafted-yet.htm http://apcmag.com//net-filter-laws-havent-even-been-drafted-yet.htm

Leaked screenshots from a secret forum run by Stephen Conroy have emerged, showing the government hasn't even drafted net filtering legislation yet.]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:13:47 +1000 http://apcmag.com//trove-mapping-australias-culture-where-google-fears-to-tread.htm http://apcmag.com//trove-mapping-australias-culture-where-google-fears-to-tread.htm

It takes guts to claim you're doing search better than Google, but the National Library of Australia reckons it's got a contender in its Trove search engine]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//eyes-of-the-world-swing-onto-australias-internet-filter-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//eyes-of-the-world-swing-onto-australias-internet-filter-plan.htm

Embarrassed Australian pollies say they are fielding queries from around the world about Kevin Rudd's internet filtering plan.]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:32:39 +1000 http://apcmag.com//us-ambassador-says-filter-not-necessary.htm http://apcmag.com//us-ambassador-says-filter-not-necessary.htm

The US Ambassador to Australia says there are "other means" the government could use to provide internet protections, adding to the impression of US disapproval of the filter.]]> Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//net-filtering-conroy-pleads-ignorance-on-us-govt-protest-.htm http://apcmag.com//net-filtering-conroy-pleads-ignorance-on-us-govt-protest-.htm

Communications minister Stephen Conroy says nobody from the US government has voiced their concerns over internet filtering to him, contrary to reports.]]> Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:51:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-debate-mark-newton-efa-tonight.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-debate-mark-newton-efa-tonight.htm

Comms minister Conroy will hit radio airwaves tonight to face his greatest foes: Internode engineer Mark Newton and Electronic Frontiers Australia, over internet filtering plans]]> Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:27:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dear-mark-in-australia-we-love-the-facebook.htm http://apcmag.com//dear-mark-in-australia-we-love-the-facebook.htm

Dear Mark, I hope you are well and not worrying too much about those little incidents on the Facebook in the early days.]]> Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:32:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-nemesis-minchin-to-retire.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-nemesis-minchin-to-retire.htm

Shadow Communications Minister Nick Minchin, who is still one of Stephen Conroy’s most virulent opponents in the Senate, has reportedly confirmed plans to retire.]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:01:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-will-release-nbn-study.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-will-release-nbn-study.htm

Stephen Conroy has confirmed the controversial $25 million National Broadband Network implementation study will be released before the Federal Budget in May.]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:55:11 +1000 http://apcmag.com//fed-gov-shops-around-for-a-new-broadband-provider.htm http://apcmag.com//fed-gov-shops-around-for-a-new-broadband-provider.htm

The government is looking to bring all its telecommunications services to one provider. If only it was building its own national telecommunications network...]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:06:29 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-releases-internet-filter-submissions.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-releases-internet-filter-submissions.htm

Embattled comms minister Stephen Conroy has lifted the veil of secrecy on public submissions to the internet filtering project.]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:51:52 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-likes-golf-the-football-and-racing.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-likes-golf-the-football-and-racing.htm

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy likes horse racing, the footy and attending the occasional Telstra corporate golf day, according to parliamentary disclosure documents,]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:52:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//are-gamers-rejoicing-too-soon-over-atkinson-resignation.htm http://apcmag.com//are-gamers-rejoicing-too-soon-over-atkinson-resignation.htm

There is at least one other attorney-general standing in the way of an R18+ rating for games -- we just don't know who they are.]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:38:46 +1000 http://apcmag.com//gamers-4-croydon-hails-fantastic-atkinson-resignation.htm http://apcmag.com//gamers-4-croydon-hails-fantastic-atkinson-resignation.htm

Gamers4Croydon has hailed the decision by SA Attorney-General Michael Atkinson to quit as 'fantastic', as the party nervously waits to find out its own results in the election.]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:20:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//r18-fearing-sa-attorney-general-atkinson-to-quit.htm http://apcmag.com//r18-fearing-sa-attorney-general-atkinson-to-quit.htm

Unpopular SA Attorney General Michael Atkinson has resigned from his role in the wake of voter backlash in his seat of Croydon in this weekend's state election.]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:29:24 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-those-pesky-unrepentant-efa-boys.htm http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-those-pesky-unrepentant-efa-boys.htm

Stephen Conroy talked smack about the Electronic Frontiers Australia in parliament -- here's how they blew the wind up him on Twitter.]]> Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:30:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//efa-rejects-extraordinary-conroy-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//efa-rejects-extraordinary-conroy-attack.htm

Online rights group Electronic Frontiers Australia has responded to what it described as an "extraordinary challenge and attack" by Comms Minister Stephen Conroy.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:31:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-pirate-party-serkowskis-fighting-words.htm http://apcmag.com//oh-dear-pirate-party-serkowskis-fighting-words.htm

Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey might have come out swinging against Conroy and his internet filtering scheme last week, but the Pirate Party Australia is still not impressed.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:08:21 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nsw-hands-out-66000-student-laptops.htm http://apcmag.com//nsw-hands-out-66000-student-laptops.htm

NSW Education Minister Verity Firth says 66,000 Lenovo laptops have been handed out to school kids already.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:59:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-promises-a-good-old-telstra-debate-this-week.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-promises-a-good-old-telstra-debate-this-week.htm

Comms Minister Conroy's office has played down fears that debate over reform to Telstra might be delayed until May.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:54:48 +1000 http://apcmag.com//efa-deliberately-misled-on-internet-filter-conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//efa-deliberately-misled-on-internet-filter-conroy.htm

Comms Minister Stephen Conroy's latest attack is on Electronic Frontiers Australia, who he has accused of deliberately misleading the public about his internet filter scheme.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:43:28 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-can-safely-ignore-tony-smith.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-can-safely-ignore-tony-smith.htm

opinion Stephen Conroy's shadow is a different minister, singing from Conroy's old songbook.]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:42:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//libs-stance-on-net-filtering-will-await-legislation.htm http://apcmag.com//libs-stance-on-net-filtering-will-await-legislation.htm

Shadow Comms Minister Tony Smith today said the Opposition would not release a formal stance on the Government’s internet filtering plan until after legislation was released.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:41:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hockey-slams-unworkable-internet-filter.htm http://apcmag.com//hockey-slams-unworkable-internet-filter.htm

The Libs' senior leadership has come out swinging against the Rudd/Conroy centralised internet censorship scheme.]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:37:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//defence-hiring-cyber-security-staff-in-bulk.htm http://apcmag.com//defence-hiring-cyber-security-staff-in-bulk.htm

Following successful online attacks by "anonymous", the Australian government's Department of Defence is hiring a large number of internet security staff.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:04:18 +1000 http://apcmag.com//programmer-orders-conroy-to-remove-bastardised-website-code.htm http://apcmag.com//programmer-orders-conroy-to-remove-bastardised-website-code.htm

A software developer has cried foul over what he says is misuse of his code on Communications Minister Stephen Conroy’s web site.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:01:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government-to-postpone-net-filtering-till-after-election-prediction.htm http://apcmag.com//government-to-postpone-net-filtering-till-after-election-prediction.htm

... and if Labor wins at the next election it will claim a clear mandate to immediately implement its unpopular internet filtering plan.]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:09:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//no-apologies-for-internet-filter-rudd.htm http://apcmag.com//no-apologies-for-internet-filter-rudd.htm

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has thrown more wood on the fiery debate about the Government's internet filtering plans, saying it wouldn't apologise for pushing ahead with the plan.]]> Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:42:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dear-stephen-your-site-is-broken.htm http://apcmag.com//dear-stephen-your-site-is-broken.htm

To the honourable Senator Stephen Conroy, Parliament House, Canberra. ]]> Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:25:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//anna-bligh-appeals-to-facebook-chief-over-murdered-bundaberg-girl.htm http://apcmag.com//anna-bligh-appeals-to-facebook-chief-over-murdered-bundaberg-girl.htm

The Queensland Premier has complained to Facebook's CEO over persistent obscene comments posted on Facebook tribute pages for murdered Bundaberg eight-year-old Trinity Bates.]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:04:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tasmanias-dirty-bunyip-not-the-last.htm http://apcmag.com//tasmanias-dirty-bunyip-not-the-last.htm

OPINION | First South Australia tried wacky internet laws, then Tassie. But we only have more of this to look forward to -- the golden days of the net are drawing to a close.]]> Tue, 23 Feb 2010 20:22:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet-users-ponder-voting-liberal-over-forced-internet-filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//internet-users-ponder-voting-liberal-over-forced-internet-filtering.htm

Electronic Frontiers Australia (EFA) today welcomed survey results showing Australian Internet users might not vote Labor again at the next election due to Internet filtering.]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:02:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//tasmania-censorship-law-sparks-protests.htm http://apcmag.com//tasmania-censorship-law-sparks-protests.htm

A number of civil liberties, privacy, consumer groups and individuals have started to express displeasure at what they claim are out-of-date laws about online commenting.]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:22:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//92-of-whirlpool-users-against-filter.htm http://apcmag.com//92-of-whirlpool-users-against-filter.htm

Out of 21,755 people that responded to the survey, an overwhelming majority said they didn't want Senator Conroy's internet filter.]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:55:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//anonymous-takes-filter-protest-to-the-streets.htm http://apcmag.com//anonymous-takes-filter-protest-to-the-streets.htm

The loose coalition of individuals who attacked Government websites last week under the banner of "Anonymous" has unveiled plans to take its protest to the streets.]]> Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:45:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//attacks-on-conroy-work-better-than-petitions-anonymous.htm http://apcmag.com//attacks-on-conroy-work-better-than-petitions-anonymous.htm

The loosely-knit group known as Anonymous has brought out war rhetoric to defend their continuing distributed denial of service attacks on the Australian government.]]> Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//why-the-govt-is-deliberately-making-the-nbn-boring.htm http://apcmag.com//why-the-govt-is-deliberately-making-the-nbn-boring.htm

It's no mistake that when the government gives a speech about the new fibre-to-the-home network, you want to fall asleep. ]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:06:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//government-websites-buckle-as-operation-titstorm-launches-ddos-attack.htm http://apcmag.com//government-websites-buckle-as-operation-titstorm-launches-ddos-attack.htm

It was hard to know whether to take a press release from "Anonymous" threatening Senator Conroy and co. seriously -- but a live DDoS attack shows it was a very real threat.]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:26:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//anonymous-attacks-govt-websites-over-filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//anonymous-attacks-govt-websites-over-filtering.htm

"Anonymous" has swung its focus away from Scientology and onto Stephen Conroy and Kevin Rudd, over their internet censorship plans in Australia.]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:39:14 +1000 http://apcmag.com//regrets-ive-had-a-few-but-not-over-nbn-tender-conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//regrets-ive-had-a-few-but-not-over-nbn-tender-conroy.htm

Stephen "Sinatra" Conroy says he has regrets, but not over the NBN tender: no, he did it his way.]]> Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:02:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-closely-examine-iinet-verdict.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-closely-examine-iinet-verdict.htm

Pro-censorship Communications Minister Stephen Conroy says he will examine what the failure of the AFACT lawsuit against iiNet means for the industry. ]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:40:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//afact-appeals-to-government-over-iitrial-loss.htm http://apcmag.com//afact-appeals-to-government-over-iitrial-loss.htm

The Australian Federation Against Copyright Theft (AFACT) says it is disappointed at losing the iiTrial and believes the federal government was hoping iiNet would lose.]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:28:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//pirate-party-australia-rejoices-over-iinet-verdict.htm http://apcmag.com//pirate-party-australia-rejoices-over-iinet-verdict.htm

And there was much drinkin' and AFACT's scurvy bastards were made to walk the plank. (Serious statements also included.)]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:20:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//liberals-smith-slams-chaotic-conroy-over-nbn.htm http://apcmag.com//liberals-smith-slams-chaotic-conroy-over-nbn.htm

Shadow Comms Minister Tony Smith has branded Stephen Conroy "the master of disaster" following the Auditor General's investigation into the NBN.]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:57:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//govt-planned-for-failure-of-nbn-bids.htm http://apcmag.com//govt-planned-for-failure-of-nbn-bids.htm

The government was figuring out a "plan B" for the national broadband network as early as August 2008, newly-released documents show.]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:39:42 +1000 http://apcmag.com//labor-senator-argues-against-net-censorship.htm http://apcmag.com//labor-senator-argues-against-net-censorship.htm

Legislation for internet filtering will hit parliament as early as this month, but Labor Senator Kate Lundy says she is fighting for an opt-out option.]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:38:23 +1000 http://apcmag.com//eb-games-backs-r18-games-rating.htm http://apcmag.com//eb-games-backs-r18-games-rating.htm

One of Australia's largest game retailers, EB Games, today threw its weight behind the push for an R18+ classification to bring games in line with other content in Australia.]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:30:35 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-break-up-legislation-to-wait-until-22-feb.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-break-up-legislation-to-wait-until-22-feb.htm

The legislation governing the potential break-up of Telstra’s will be debated in the Federal Parliament starting 22 Feb -- after Telstra's financial results on 11 Feb.]]> Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:25:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//australia-day-internet-blackout-protests-filtering-.htm http://apcmag.com//australia-day-internet-blackout-protests-filtering-.htm

Electronic Frontiers Australia today announced that over 500 Australian websites will be "blacked out" in protest against the Rudd government's mandatory Internet filtering scheme.]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:33:09 +1000 http://apcmag.com//stephenconroycomau-parody-site-shut-down-suddenly.htm http://apcmag.com//stephenconroycomau-parody-site-shut-down-suddenly.htm

A site setup to mock the pro-internet censorship Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, has been shut down within hours of its registration.]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:50:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//testing-of-conroys-internet-filter-was-flawed-expert-.htm http://apcmag.com//testing-of-conroys-internet-filter-was-flawed-expert-.htm

A senior ISP engineer says the government's internet filter was never tested at high speed, nor did it meet the government's own performance benchmark.]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:34:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//r18-games-rating-is-finally-on-the-table.htm http://apcmag.com//r18-games-rating-is-finally-on-the-table.htm

The government giveth, and the government taketh away. Today saw the foisting of internet censorship on the Australian public, but also opening of discussions on R18+ games.]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:51:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-green-lights-centralised-internet-filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-green-lights-centralised-internet-filtering.htm

Industry bodies and ISPs are divided over planned legislation that will force ISPs to filter all Internet traffic according to a government-managed blacklist, announced today.]]> Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:40:53 +1000 http://apcmag.com//poll-are-you-using-the-50-computer-tax-rebate.htm http://apcmag.com//poll-are-you-using-the-50-computer-tax-rebate.htm

The government is offering a 50% tax rebate on new computers -- are you going to do it?]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:08:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//budget-2009-good-for-tech.htm http://apcmag.com//budget-2009-good-for-tech.htm

The Federal Government budget 2009 cuts in some areas that hurt, but tech has won out for once. ]]> Tue, 12 May 2009 21:15:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//hackers-break-into-pentagons-fighter-jet-project-.htm http://apcmag.com//hackers-break-into-pentagons-fighter-jet-project-.htm

The Pentagon computer hack which gave access to the Joint Strike Fighter Project, could have been prevented. ]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:52:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nbn-rollout-get-started-conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//nbn-rollout-get-started-conroy.htm

When the going gets politically tough, the NBN gets going, apparently. Senator Conroy says the government is moving quickly to get started on the fibre network in regional areas.]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:33:20 +1000 http://apcmag.com//malcolm-turnbull-wants-you-to-drive-on-potholes.htm http://apcmag.com//malcolm-turnbull-wants-you-to-drive-on-potholes.htm

Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull today slammed the Rudd Government's $43 billion national road network.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:52:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internode-gobsmacked-iinet-welcomes-ftth-network.htm http://apcmag.com//internode-gobsmacked-iinet-welcomes-ftth-network.htm

Two high profile ISPs have welcomed the government's decision to scrap its fibre-to-the-node plans and build a fibre-to-the-home network instead.]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:30:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//breaking-news-govt-to-build-43bn-fibre-to-the-home-network.htm http://apcmag.com//breaking-news-govt-to-build-43bn-fibre-to-the-home-network.htm

The Government has scrapped the fraught NBN process and will instead build its own 100Mbit/s fibre to the home network to 90% of Australians, within 5-8 years. ]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:07:13 +1000 http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-keep-an-eye-on-whirlpool.htm http://apcmag.com//conroy-to-keep-an-eye-on-whirlpool.htm

The besieged Minister for Censorship is organising surveillance for the popular Whirlpool website, along with others.]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//whirlpool-threatened-by-govt-over-blacklist.htm http://apcmag.com//whirlpool-threatened-by-govt-over-blacklist.htm

Internet filtering is supposed to just be a trial in Australia, but the government has already clamped down on Whirlpool for posting a link to a banned website.]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2009 13:56:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bluescreen-internet-filters-for-idiots.htm http://apcmag.com//bluescreen-internet-filters-for-idiots.htm

Late last night, APC was approached by the Rudd Government's department-of-leaking-stuff-to-the-opposition with secret details of the net filtering plan.]]> Fri, 13 Feb 2009 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet-filter-goes-live-without-iinet-or-optus.htm http://apcmag.com//internet-filter-goes-live-without-iinet-or-optus.htm

Australia's second and third largest ISPs, Optus and iiNet, won't be included in the government's internet filter test upon its launch.]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:45:37 +1000 http://apcmag.com//calls-to-scrap-internet-filter-give-money-to-bushfire-survivors.htm http://apcmag.com//calls-to-scrap-internet-filter-give-money-to-bushfire-survivors.htm

Members of the online community are calling for the government to scrap the unpopular government internet filter and give the $44 million to bushfire survivors.]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//barack_obama_refuses_presidency.htm http://apcmag.com//barack_obama_refuses_presidency.htm

A raft of new malware has been released to cash in on Barack Obama's inauguration as President tomorrow.]]> Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:30:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//unwanted_advice_trujillo_tells_obama_how_to_run_the_internet.htm http://apcmag.com//unwanted_advice_trujillo_tells_obama_how_to_run_the_internet.htm

Hey Barack! Want to set up an Internet that everyone hates? Mr Trujillo has some ideas for you...]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:51:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//obama_to_keep_his_beloved_blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//obama_to_keep_his_beloved_blackberry.htm

The President-elect gets to hang onto his favourite gadget, although he’ll also have to carry a chunky second super-secure mobile for “government” use.]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//obama_to_have_hightech_inauguration_ceremony.htm http://apcmag.com//obama_to_have_hightech_inauguration_ceremony.htm

No expense is being spared to bring President Obama's inauguration to the world using virtually every popular technology available. ]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:36:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bushwhacked.htm http://apcmag.com//bushwhacked.htm

An online ‘farewell card’ for George W Bush is bogged down by abusive emails from the Middle East.]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//us_dumps_unpopular_internet_filter_plan.htm http://apcmag.com//us_dumps_unpopular_internet_filter_plan.htm

Even before a change of president, US government officials have realised that trying to block porn online is a bad way of trying to enhance the Internet. Anyone wanna tell Conroy?]]> Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:50:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//christmas_surprise_australian_government_to_trial_p2p_filters.htm http://apcmag.com//christmas_surprise_australian_government_to_trial_p2p_filters.htm

The Rudd government didn't tell voters before the election, but now it has revealed it will filter illegal P2P transfers at a government level as part of its ISP filtering plan.]]> Wed, 24 Dec 2008 18:22:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//audio_sol_trujillo_announcing_telstra_nbn_failure.htm http://apcmag.com//audio_sol_trujillo_announcing_telstra_nbn_failure.htm

Listen to Telstra CEO Sol Trujillo lambast the government for rejecting Telstra's bid to build the national broadband network.]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:25:52 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra_knocked_itself_out_of_the_bidding_conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra_knocked_itself_out_of_the_bidding_conroy.htm

The Federal Government says Telstra excluded itself from the bidding to build the national broadband network.]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:14:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//breaking_telstra_dumped_from_government_nbn_process.htm http://apcmag.com//breaking_telstra_dumped_from_government_nbn_process.htm

Telstra is out of the running to build the national broadband network, after the Government's expert panel rejected the company's non-compliant bid.]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:31:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//in_pictures_hundreds_protest_govt_net_censorship.htm http://apcmag.com//in_pictures_hundreds_protest_govt_net_censorship.htm

Protest marches were held around Australia today against the Australian government's internet censorship plans. APC was at the Sydney march, armed with a camera.]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:38:54 +1000 http://apcmag.com//the_10_sins_of_senator_conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//the_10_sins_of_senator_conroy.htm

Our beloved communication minister has launched a blog. The only problem? He appears to completely misunderstand how blogs work.]]> Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:27:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra_rejects_govt_internet_filtering_trials.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra_rejects_govt_internet_filtering_trials.htm

If the nation's biggest ISP doesn't have anything to do with them, how much reliance can be placed on tests of the controversial "clean feed" proposal?]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2008 21:24:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internet_filter_stuffup_cuts_off_wikipedia.htm http://apcmag.com//internet_filter_stuffup_cuts_off_wikipedia.htm

Want proof that internet filters can have dire unexpected consequences? Look no further than the UK, where Wikipedia has been filtered out by mistake.]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:54:34 +1000 http://apcmag.com//isp_filter_tests_ideally_someone_will_get_a_clue.htm http://apcmag.com//isp_filter_tests_ideally_someone_will_get_a_clue.htm

The government has released the spec documents for its proposed compulsory internet filtering system. The problem? They're a confusing mess of vague waffle.]]> Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:12:17 +1000 http://apcmag.com//street_protests_planned_over_internet_filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//street_protests_planned_over_internet_filtering.htm

Protests against plans to censor Australia's internet feeds are moving from online to the physical world, with a series of street protests planned.]]> Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//obama_fights_to_keep_his_blackberry.htm http://apcmag.com//obama_fights_to_keep_his_blackberry.htm

He may be the most powerful man in the world, but even the President-elect has to argue with IT policies in his workplace. He's fighting hard to keep his Blackberry.]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:26:31 +1000 http://apcmag.com//obama_faces_blackberry_and_apple_laptop_ban.htm http://apcmag.com//obama_faces_blackberry_and_apple_laptop_ban.htm

The President-elect and ‘geek-in-chief’ isn't happy at being forced to give up his favourite gadgets once he moves into the Oval Office.]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//how_obama_wants_tech_to_save_the_world.htm http://apcmag.com//how_obama_wants_tech_to_save_the_world.htm

Tech helped to get him elected; now Obama has plans to use it to save America and the world.]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:06:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//say_gday_to_fake_steve_conroy.htm http://apcmag.com//say_gday_to_fake_steve_conroy.htm

Whether you think Senator "clean feed" Conroy is a twit or a visionary, you can now follow his every move on Twitter.]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//google_ceo_wants_to_be_obama_tech_chief.htm http://apcmag.com//google_ceo_wants_to_be_obama_tech_chief.htm

Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who campaigned for US President Elect Barack Obama, may be in line for the tech chief spot on Obama's team. ]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:15:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//top_5_reasons_to_fight_government_isp_filtering.htm http://apcmag.com//top_5_reasons_to_fight_government_isp_filtering.htm

Hey, Senator "cleanfeed" Conroy, listen up!]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:11:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//did_kevin_rudd_kill_laptop_salary_sacrifice.htm http://apcmag.com//did_kevin_rudd_kill_laptop_salary_sacrifice.htm

Confusion reigns: is the era of the half price laptop, purchased from pre-tax income, really over? We've got the definitive answer.]]> Fri, 27 Jun 2008 06:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//nsw_government_chooses_gmail_over_ms_exchange.htm http://apcmag.com//nsw_government_chooses_gmail_over_ms_exchange.htm

The NSW Department of Education makes a bold move and chooses Gmail over Exchange for 1.5 million students.]]> Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//time_for_conroy_to_pull_the_finger_out_over_digital_tv.htm http://apcmag.com//time_for_conroy_to_pull_the_finger_out_over_digital_tv.htm

Why is the government waiting five years and spending millions encouraging the takeup of digital TV? Why not just buy every household in Australia a $50 digital set top box?]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//kevin_07_shifts_to_facebook_hate_08.htm http://apcmag.com//kevin_07_shifts_to_facebook_hate_08.htm

Kevin Rudd may have been happy to promote himself on Facebook before the election, but now the PM has turned his back on the social networking service, banning his staff from it. ]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:16:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//bluescreen_budget_boredom.htm http://apcmag.com//bluescreen_budget_boredom.htm

Bluescreen | We have uncovered the secret Rudd Labor Government budget agenda: a flourishing Australian porn industry. It's all there in the budget.]]> Wed, 21 May 2008 19:11:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//more_rural_broadband_less_porn_in_budget.htm http://apcmag.com//more_rural_broadband_less_porn_in_budget.htm

You'll be able to access the net faster under the new Rudd Government budget -- but steer clear of the rude stuff, or else...]]> Wed, 14 May 2008 09:03:03 +1000