Microsoft's URL handling 'fix' for IE comes under fire

Microsoft's HTTP-related patch for Internet Explorer, over the use of spoofed URLs, has come under fire. The technique is often used by attackers 'phishing' for user's financial details. Critics allege that the new restriction of HTTP functionality for URL syntax is actually harmful for a wide variety of legitimate users and that users will still be left vulnerable to malicious attackers. ...more

BT will fork out ?20bn for 3G

BT has told its investors that the building of 3G networks could cost in the region of ?10bn on top of the ?9.5bn spent on licences. In a prospectus for its rights issue sent out to share holders, BT says that not only will third-generation services cost ?10bn over five years but there will be no guarantee of any return at the end of it. ...more

Hewlett-Packard and Compaq to merge

All hail the new "Global Technology Leader". Two of the major players in the IT industry have decided to merge, seeing a united front as the best way to face the falling PC sales and tough economic conditions. The $25bn stock-swap will see the new joint entity operating in more than 160 countries involving over 145,000 employees. ...more

Microsoft buys anti-spyware software for Windows

Microsoft has bought New York anti-spyware company Giant Software. Redmond says that it plans to make available a beta version of a spyware protection, detection, and removal tool, for its Windows products based on the Giant AntiSpyware product within a month. Giant's staff of 10 will now continue to develop the product for Microsoft. ...more

Intel's future is 3D

Higher processor performance, with greater power efficiency, is promised by Intel's research in transistor design. As opposed to traditional 'flat' transistors, Intel suggests a future for a 3D design. Transistors, of course, are the mini On-Off switches that are combined to build microprocessors. ...more