New computer language makes computers think about the consequences

Researchers at the US, along with teams from the UK, France, Germany and Japan have come up with a new programming language which allows a computer to think through the consequences of an action before executing it. Developed the international team led by scientists at the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have come up with what they call a 'process specification language software' which is more mundanely known as ISO 18629. A traditional programming language consists of a series of instructions which, as any programmer faced with buggy code knows, will be followed slavishly whether the consequences are those intended or not. ...more

06-01-2001 Essential news of the week

Brought neatly together and presented on a plate, here is a roundup of some of the week's main stories from the world of IT. Linux kernel version 2.4. ...more

Apple sells 100 million iPods

Five years since its launch, Apple has sold its 100 millionth iPod - a landmark that Apple claims makes it 'the fastest selling music player in history'. Since its November 2001 launch, the portable music player has become the must-have gadget worldwide, with Apple introducing more than 10 new models to incorporate changing technology such as the ability to record and play videos, hold photos, and with more varied, fashionable colours. 'iPod has helped millions of people around the world rekindle their passion for music, and we're thrilled to be a part of that,' Apple's COE Steve Jobs said in a statement. ...more

BBC brings popularity ratings to its website

The BBC is going all Web 2.0 with a live 'Most Popular Now' page detailing the most read articles. A kind of real-time zeitgeist, it's not quite as interactive as Digg. ...more

BT wraps itself in blanket broadband advertising

BT is promising 'the most intensive TV advertising campaign ever seen in the UK' to help promote the take up of broadband. AMD and Intel are spending heavily, too, to bring their own particular branding message to a screen near you. Starting 22 September, BT is launching a ?10m, 10-day advertising campaign. ...more