This week, all of Bicolandia celebrates the 300th year of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Considered by most Bicolanos as their patroness, their Ina (“mother”) has become a symbol of the whole Bicol region, a rallying figure especially during those moments when only unity and a complete trust in the Almighty could ensure their survival as a people.

And Bicol region and its people have come through some of the worst man-made and natural catastrophes and disasters. Some of these are so bad; people of less sturdy build would have come crumbling down. These include super typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. Also high in the list are corrupt politicians, of which the region seems to have had more than its fair and just share.

Fortunately, Bicolanos are made of much sterner materials. They are tougher than most other regional groups in the country. And with Ina by their side, guiding them in their way, the Bicolanos may yet lead us into a new future.

IBM’s Fastest

IBM recently announced its z196 processor, which the company claims is currently the world’s fastest microprocessor. Manufactured at the company’s 300mm fab facility in East Fishkill, New York, the chip contains 1.4 billion transistors on a surface measuring 512 square millimeters. IBM’s laboratories in Texas, Germany, Israel, and India also made major contributions to the technology used to develop the microprocessor.

Designed for mainframe use, the processor uses IBM’s embedded DRAM technology, which helps improve the chip’s performance.

Are we about to see more IBM computers on the list of the world’s fastest supercomputers?

Licensed, Not Sold

A federals appeals court in the U.S. has ruled that used computer programs are not covered by 102-year old “first-sale” doctrine that is based on a U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that copyright owners cannot bar a buyer from selling or renting a product after the initial sale, as long as the buyer does not make additional copies.

The appellate court said, however, that consumers cannot resell their used computer programs, which technically they have not purchased. Consumers only buy licenses to use the software.

The court’s ruling is expected to have a tremendous impact on the used software market. Some observers also fear that it might also have an effect on other industries, including the music recording and motion picture markets. Also, eBay and other online auction sites may find themselves taking a hit.

That’s all for the meantime, folks. Join me again next time as we keep on watching IT.