How a computer sleuth traced a digital trail

Article Abstract:

Computer security expert Tsutomu Shimomura used sophisticated detective techniques to help the FBI capture notorious computer hacker Kevin D. Mitnick. Mitnick has been wanted by the FBI since Nov 1992 for Federal parole violations stemming from a previous computer hacking conviction. Shimomura was drawn into the case after someone broke into his computer at his home in San Diego. During the break-in, the thief stole thousands of files related to computer security, and tripped a warning system at the San Diego Super Computing Center. The break-in made Shimomura vow to use his skills to help the FBI catch the thief. The big break in the case came when a user group operating on the commercial online service the Well was notified that its directory was flooded with data. It was discovered that the extra data included files stolen from Shimomura. A listening post was established at the Well to monitor the thief, which eventually led to Mitnick in Raleigh, NC.

Laws, regulations and rules, Privacy issue, Privacy, Investigations, Computer crime, Computer crimes, Computer hackers, Industry legal issue, Shimomura, Tsutomu

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Co-author of Macintosh program quits Apple

Article Abstract:

Engineer Steven Capps, co-author of the original Macintosh operating system and Apple's last direct connection to its tradition of innovation, is leaving the company. Capps cites burn out as his chief motivation; he says the departure is friendly and that he is leaving after discussions with top executive staff. Capps goes on to say that he is interested in exploring Internet-related projects, which he felt unable to pursue at Apple. Capps joined Apple in 1981 and was responsible for the Finder program, which shows Macintosh files and applications as icons that can be managed with a mouse. The Macintosh platform revolutionized an industry that was centered around the IBM PC. Capps left Apple in 1985 to develop computer music and hardware designs. He returned in 1988 to work on the Newton PDA, which was initially poorly received. Observers believe that Capps' decision underscores the significant changes the company is undergoing.

Officials and employees, AAPL, Apple Inc., Company Employee

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Report backs U.S. program for computer development

Article Abstract:

The National Academy of Science issues a report on Feb 3, 1994, calling for continued government funding of the federal High Performance Computing and Communications Initiative. The government spends $1.1 billion per year on the program, which began in 1992 and is aimed at promoting the creation of new advanced computers and computer networks by US companies. The program has come under attack recently by Congressional Republicans who believe that the program could be dropped to offset proposed tax cuts in other areas. National Academy of Science members, however, argue that the initiative has been instrumental in creating industry support for massively parallel computers. Panel members also credit the program for developing the advanced computer networks that now form the backbone of the Internet computer network.

Reports, Political aspects, National Academy of Sciences, Government Funding, Government aid, Government Activity

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