Modernization
VA considers dumb computers to save money, tighten security
Thin clients could cut PC maintenance costs in half, but IT managers should be prepared for stiff resistance from clinicians, who won't warm up to them, say private tech chiefs who have made the move.
Modernization
Web clearinghouse for student loans not needed, GAO says
The Education Department would face numerous problems if it tried to create an online clearinghouse for public and private student loan information, report says.
Modernization
Soundbytes: Texting, Cloud Data and Net Neutrality
A weekly roundup of comments from Nextgov.com. All comments are presented in their original, unedited form.
Cybersecurity
Space agency is headed for new information security requirements
Bill would require NASA to provide progress reports on real-time computer monitoring systems; move comes amid effort to update policies governmentwide.
Modernization
Apps for Healthy Kids contest winners announced
Nutrition and fitness games using the Web and mobile devices won $60,000 in prizes today in first lady Michelle Obama's "Apps for Healthy Kids" competition.
Modernization
Agencies get advice on record retention in the cloud
Agencies face problems deploying records into the cloud while maintaining their record preservation responsibilities, according to an NARA official.
Modernization
Transportation, industry look for ways to stop distracted driving
Government and companies disagree on the best policies to curb the use of digital devices while in automobiles.
Modernization
Debate heats up over police access to data in the cloud
Law enforcement officials say they need to obtain information stored in offsite servers quickly for evidence, and business says protections should be included in law.
Modernization
Slow development of radio standards frustrates first responders
Requirements are so complicated that agencies fail to specify elements that must be compliant, resulting in systems that have many proprietary parts that are not interoperable.
Modernization
Electronic tax-filing system gets few takers
The IRS had expected millions of taxpayers to file online using its new system this year, but fewer than 1 million did, according to a new audit.
Modernization
PowerPoint takes a few bullets
Microsoft PowerPoint is the junk food of office software: Everyone loves to trash it, but they eat it up all the same. Granted, not always by choice.
Modernization
Flexibility drives new Pentagon satellite plans
The military's new Wideband Global SATCOM program is a case study in balancing the need for speed with investment protection.
Modernization
CIA needs nimble tech to keep pace
Chief Technology Officer Gus Hunt describes how the CIA is building its future on cloud computing, social media and other emerging technologies.
Modernization
Army looks to Kindles, iPads and smart phones for the battlefield
To keep the power flowing to the handheld devices, the service also is experimenting with new lightweight solar and fuel cell systems that provide hours of energy.
Modernization
Panel opens review of online privacy law
Enacted in 1986, the law aims to provide citizens the same privacy protections online that they are legally afforded offline. The committee hearing today was its first to explore the law in the 111th Congress.
Modernization
National Archives puts 3,000 historic documents online
The National Archives and Records Administration debuts an online repository of historic documents, such as George Washington's handwritten draft of the U.S. Constitution.
Modernization
Report: Data center consolidation faces major time, money hurdles
Scarcity of upfront funding and overly ambitious deadlines will make it challenging for agencies to meet mandate, market analysts find.
Modernization