Microsoft responds over power drain issues for XP laptops

Microsoft has replied to claims that it didn't publicly disclose a problem involving USB 2.0 drivers and their adverse effect on battery life. While acknowledging the knowledge-base article was made available in July 2005 - to OEMs, and third-party support organisations - it states it was not made publicly available because the impact was negligible on most systems at the time. ...more

Get on your games bike!

Let's be brutally honest - most game players could do with getting some exercise and now you can kill two birds with one stone thanks to a new invention. The GameBike is the ultimate videogame accessory for the player who wants to stay in shape while they battle it out on the latest console game. The glorified controller was developed by Dr Ted Parks and can be fitted to any bicycle, allowing the player to control the game via his or her bike. ...more

Spammer gets nine-year jail term

In the first conviction of its kind, a notorious spammer has been sentenced by a Virginia Court to nine years in prison. Jeremy Jaynes, 30, was convicted by a jury last November with a recommendation that he be sentenced to nine years in jail. Judge Thomas Horne has agreed. ...more

Latest batch of broadband exchanges announced

BT has set dates for another 34 exchanges to be equipped with ADSL broadband. The ready for service dates and exchanges to be enabled are as follows. ? 12 November 2003: Ballynhinch, Cockermouth, Crewkerne, Crofton, Edinburgh Fairmilehead, Edinburgh Kirkliston, Ferryhill, Maryport, Menai Bridge, Rhosllanerchrugog, Sapcote, Sedgefield, Silsoe, Topsham, Wishaw. ...more

Germany abandons Internet tax

The German government has backed away from plans to tax internet use for businesses. The proposed Finance Ministry rule, which would tax firms every time an employee used the Net for personal reasons, was announced last month but was heavily criticised by IT businesses as unworkable. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder confirmed it would now not come into practice. ...more