There’s a reason we’re losing the war on spam and it’s not the anti-spam vendors. They’re doing a decent job, though their advancements pale in comparison to the swelling ranks of spammers. But quelling the spam tide just might require shaking up the world of e-mail. Is it time for an e-mail tax? Open Source Census, an effort to collect hard data regarding the implementation of open-source software around the world kicks off on Wednesday. Researchers find that some Web browsing and ad-blocking software introduce security vulnerabilities into pages, thereby making Web surfing more dangerous. Hack the chip. It’s a new technique for gaining unauthorized access to computer systems and it’s not easy but it could be devastating and virtually undetectable. A malicious microprocessor opens new doors for attack. And a slightly confused and bemused Robert X. Cringley weighs in on voting accidents and other avoidable tragedies. “Election fraud isn’t limited to one party or one technology (see 1960 presidential elections, City of Chicago). But it’s deeply troubling when one side says we can’t afford to ensure free and fair elections or that voting machine manufacturers shouldn’t be held accountable.” Security