Ideas

Internet Turns 40

Robert Charette, a risk management consultant and a contributor to Tech Insider and <em>Government Executive</em> magazine, <a href="http://spectrum.ieee.org/blog/computing/it/riskfactor/internet-turns-40-">noted</a> on his Risk Factor blog that Sept. 2, 2009, marks the 40th anniversary of the "official" creation of the Internet, or its predecessor, <a href="http://www.computerhistory.org/internet_history/">ARPANET</a>.

Cybersecurity

Court: Federal contractors covered by E-Verify rule

A judge upheld the Homeland Security Department's E-Verify electronic employment verification rule for federal contractors starting Sept. 8.

Digital Government

Obama Stands Firm on Pay Raise

Alyssa Rosenberg <a href="http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=43512&dcn=todaysnews">writes</a> at <em>Government Executive</em> that President Obama will use his authority to set a 2 percent pay raise for federal employees in 2010, citing the economic crisis and the ballooning federal budget.

Digital Government

Electronic cargo tracking ready for early 2010

The CBP is helping importers prepare for full enforcement of a rule that will require electronic data submissions for cargoes starting in January.

Cybersecurity

Experts debate expansion of president’s cybersecurity powers

Existing laws already give the president broad discretion on how to respond to cyberattacks, despite language in a Senate bill that proposes giving the president specific powers during such events, expert says.

Modernization

A few creative options for working without Word

If a deal isn't reached in the Microsoft Word patent infrigement case, what are the alternatives?

People

Unions critical of NSPS overhaul decision

Federal employee unions have sharply criticized the recommendation of the Defense Business Board to overhaul, and not abandon, Defense Department’s controversial National Security Personnel System.

Modernization

Wealthy, well-educated more likely to engage in online civic activities

The findings from a study indicate the Obama administration might have more work to do to meet its goal of increasing broad public involvement in policymaking.

Digital Government

Veterans suffering from PTSD can visit virtual Chicoma Island for help

Creators of an island in Second Life hope to provide a tranquil setting for 'camaraderie and healing,' where visitors can discuss with others how to cope with the disorder's debilitating effects.

Digital Government

How you can get Internet Explorer 8

Three ways to get an updated version of Microsoft’s browser, Internet Explorer 8.

Ideas

Crowdsourcing Court Records

Last week I made a visit to the District of Columbia's federal courthouse to look up some documents for a story I've been working on. Since I don't have an account for the federal court records database known as PACER, heading down to the courthouse was the only way I could download and print the records I needed at a cost of eight cents per page. I sat down and dutifully printed out the first lengthy set of documents, only to find that somehow all of the text printed out backwards on the page.

Digital Government

Defense Does Speak a Separate Language

Quite often, when I read an acronym-laden Defense Department document I am convinced that folks in the military speak a language that bears only a passing resemblance to English.

Digital Government

How's Work?

Rob O'Keefe <a href="http://www.talentbrew.com/">writes</a> at the TMP TalentBrew blog that the question, "How's work?" is no longer one brought up only in conversation among friends, but one that's happening everywhere, everyday -- through professional and social networks.