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Novena whips up an open source laptop from scratch

Novena Project aims to create an entirely open source laptop, from the iron down to the bits, and a prototype already exists

Default settings leave external hard drives connected to Asus routers wide open

Private files can be accessed over the Internet by anyone with basic knowledge

Linux powers AR-15 rifle targeting system

Today in Open Source: Linux powers an AR-15 rifle. Plus: How to dual boot Ubuntu Touch and Android, and why Valve picked Debian instead of Ubuntu

T-MOBILE talks speed, bargains, trash — EU, Canada snub US companies over NSA — Digital MOVIE sales surge — Snapchat for SUITS

The NSA blame game: Singling out RSA diverts attention from others

The security vendor is almost certainly not the only one to have helped the NSA

More unlicensed spectrum could be on the horizon, FCC chairman says

If forthcoming spectrum auctions make more space available, it could allow the IT industry to develop new communications services

Time to examine rules on data collection and privacy, US commerce secretary says

Data collection by companies, particularly related to the Internet of things, needs to be discussed

IBM launches business unit to make Watson a moneymaker

The newly formed Watson Business Group will be based in New York and offer cognitive computing systems and services

Windows Phone 8.0 is upgradeable to 8.1, Microsoft says

Microsoft's updated mobile operating system is expected to launch this spring

Apple, Samsung CEOs agree to mediation in court dispute

The mediation will be held by Feb. 19 ahead of a March trial for the patent dispute