From: gerald_a_levy (gerald_a_levy@msn.com)
Date: Sun Jan 19 2003 - 08:28:12 EST
Follow link below for an interesting article on how homemade GPS jammers can disrupt the GPS (Global Positioning System) that is so widely used in air and sea navigation (and is being extended to many other activities as well). The "Comperworld" article is in response to an online magazine "Phrack" which asserted that the: "onslaught of cheap GPS-based navigation (or hidden tracking devices) has made it necessary for the average citizen to take up the fine art of electronic warfare." The story reminds one that 'high-tech' can sometimes be defeated by 'low-tech' (fictionally this story reminds me a little of the tactics used by fuzzy bear-like creatures to defeat the 'Empire' and destroy the 'Death Star'; historically, I am reminded of the Luddites and how the determination and tactics of the NLF ultimately led to the defeat of the largest military power in world history). Other issues can be raised as well: e.g. how very complex technologies can often only be efficient under very stringent conditions which can not (given Murphy's Law) be guaranteed; and (bringing us back to the origins of this thread) how value can be destroyed. Note here, though, that the destruction of value was not initiated by capitalists or even the state but by other individuals (and groups?) who do not expect necessarily to gain value at the expense of others (some computer viruses might be seen in similar terms). Solidarity, Jerry HOMEMADE GPS JAMMERS RAISE CONCERNS http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/story/0,10801,77702,00. html (NB: after you click on URL, you may have to type in .html at the end of the above to get to the article, JL)
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