W3C approves new PNG graphics format

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) - the body responsible for Internet standards - has published PNG Second Edition as a W3C Proposed Recommendation. This is the final stage of approval granted by the standards body. Now a mature format, PNG (pronounced 'ping') was designed to be a portable and lossless way to transmit compressed graphic images across the Internet. ...more

Dell signals new direction with rethink of direct sales

Michael Dell has revealed that he is considering moving away from the direct sales model, which made the company that bears his name the world's biggest supplier of computer systems. It is the first time anyone at Dell has publicly admitted to doubts about the company's business model, which relies on building and shipping each PC to order. 'The direct model has been a revolution, but is not a religion,' Dell, who founded the company in 1984 and recently returned to the position of chief executive, wrote in an email to the company's 80,000 employees. ...more

Beijing officials not amused by online Olympic pranks

After a rash of spoof images and videos appear on the Internet, Beijing organizers have threatened legal action against those who poke fun at official Olympic symbols. An image of the 2008 Olympic emblem 'Dancing Beijing' circulated on Chinese Websites and chat-rooms this week - the original symbol of a human figure in motion morphed into 'male' and 'female' symbols commonly seen on public toilet doors. The 2008 Olympic mascots - cartoon representations of four animals and the Olympic flame - were also targeted, their heads replaced by Japanese cartoon heroes, Chinese pop idol finalists and celebrity footballers, including David Beckham. ...more

Microsoft upgrades Outlook flaw to 'critical'

Microsoft has upped the warning level for one its March security updates. The status of the update in Bulletin MS04-009 has been upgraded from 'important' to 'critical'. The software involved is Outlook 2002, in both its standalone form and as part of the Microsoft Office XP software suite. ...more

Real Do-It-Yourself games

Every fancied your hand at developing your own computer games? Tired with the current batch of dull, uninspired PC titles? Well, RealNetworks have made available some games development tools for all of you budding Peter Molyneux's out there. The RealArcade developer service will give users the tools and services to package, distribute and sell PC games online. More than 40 computer game companies including Valve Software, Sierra Online and Midas Interactive are supporting the scheme. ...more