Digital Government

NORAD enhances Santa tracking abilities

North American Aerospace Defense Command sees Ol' St. Nick when he's sleeping and knows when he's awake.

Digital Government

Will Google's Android 2 be a smart-phone spoiler?

The release of the Motorola Droid by Verizon Wireless has many reviewers touting it as the biggest threat yet to the popular Apple iPhone. Many observers also believe that the once written-off Android could outsell devices based on the BlackBerry, Microsoft Windows Mobile and Palm Pre platforms.

Cybersecurity

Army cooks up new technology in AKO lab

A new test lab for the Army Knowledge Online and Defense Knowledge Online (AKO/DKO) Web portal gives service officials a safe and efficient way to test new applications and technologies for the site.

Cybersecurity

What you can do on AKO

Here are some of the features on the Army Knowledge Online and Defense Knowledge Online (AKO/DKO) Web portals.

People

Army network plan crucial to battlefield success

An Army effort to transform itself into a highly mobile and connected force is evolving into a crucial tool for the military services to collaborate in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Modernization

Obama bans texting while driving

An executive order forbidding federal employees to send or read messages while driving on the job is intended to attack the problem of distracted driving.

Modernization

Marine Corps wants green IT partnership with Army, industry

The Marine Corps wants to collaborate with the Army and industry on green IT systems that would lighten the logistical loads for warfighters.

Digital Government

Calling for better mine safety

The Office of Mine Safety and Health Research launched a collaborative project with industry to create an innovative wireless emergency communications system to improve mine safety.

Modernization

Census successfully uses handhelds to verify addresses

The Census Bureau finished the first phase of the 2010 decennial census ahead of schedule in part because new handheld computers performed well despite earlier problems.

Cybersecurity

Pointers

As open-source boosters soak up the positive signals they hear from new federal CIO Vivek Kundra, it’s worth noting how much the open-source world has – and has not – changed in the past few years.

Cybersecurity

Wisen up to handheld security

As the use of handheld devices in government has vastly expanded during the past eight years, so have the security risks. Agencies need to know the risks and take steps to protect sensitive data and communications.

Modernization

Early adopters sought for platform test

Microsoft wants customers to test their databases in a cloud-based data connectivity project.

Modernization

Does RFID present privacy risks?

Some privacy advocates are concerned that thieves could steal information from RFID-enabled credentials, but others say the fears are overblown.

Modernization

Risks bedevil new technologies

Technological advances can bring significant improvements in the way we do our jobs, manage information and collaborate with others, but be careful: Almost every step forward comes with a new set of risks.

Digital Government

FCW Insider: Would you rather lose the PC or Blackberry?

Your answer says a lot about your job, according to a blogger from the European Union.

Modernization

Groups want open access in stimulus-funded broadband

Consumer organizations want tougher open-access requirements for the $7 billion worth of broadband networks funded by the stimulus law.

Modernization

Federal 100 winner: Lt. Col. Richard Leino

Leino orchestrated the development of a system that enables Marines to stay connected to the Navy Marine Corps Intranet while in the field.

People

Federal 100 winner: Col. Debra Rose

Rose oversaw the creation of a secure wireless network that the South Carolina National Guard can use during emergencies.

Modernization

Genachowski is FCC chairman nominee

President Barack Obama has nominated Julius Genachowski, his campaign technology adviser, as chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.

Modernization

Government to go

Government agencies are launching special versions of their Web sites designed to load quickly on the small screens of mobile phones and other handheld devices.