20060502
    The Science and Technology Brief is a biweekly glance at interesting science and technology news and profiles on science and technology that is or will affect us all. For Tuesday: ‘Viruses: Not Just for PCs Anymore’ and ‘Grand Challenge Goes Urban’
Viruses: Not Just for PCs Anymore
    It appears that the days when the Mac user could haughtily and correctly tell their PC using counterparts that ‘My computer doesn’t get hacked or get viruses’ is drawing to a close. The linked article reveals one of several more recent attempts to bring the constant malaise of the PC user to the venerable Mac.
    For those Mac users who may be reading this post, seriously consider installing antivirus, firewall, and antispam software, especially if you have an always-on, high-speed internet connection. Such connections are direct targets of hackers, and unprotected computers, of whatever variety, are vulnerable.
    Welcome to the PC world, Mac users. Sorry it had to happen…
Grand Challenge Goes Urban
MSNBC via Daily Pundit via Pajamas Media
    The Grand Challenge, the robotic driving contest brought to us by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, will be back in 2006 with a new twist. While the first two contests featured robotic vehicles trying to navigate a 120+ mile course through the desert, the 2006 edition will require those robotic vehicles to navigate through an urban environment.
    The goal is to create technology that allows vehicles that can navigate autonomously from one point to another even through urban terrain. Such technology could allow a great reduction in the number of military personnel exposed to hazardous convoy duty, and even has applications for commercial transportation.
DLH
