Dilbert redesigns search engine

Regular Google users will have already noticed a new partnership being formed... ...more

Misleading apps gathering for Christmas security threat

If you're looking for a Christmas present for a computer-using friend, beware of the host of misleading security applications around warning of infected systems and promising a clean up, at a price. Antispyware company Sunbelt software is picking up new sites, designed to dupe users into downloading and paying for software that is ineffective as a security tool and often a threat in itself. For example, it spotted four toward the end of November, another on 1 December, six more on 6 December, six again 12 December, and another three yesterday. ...more

Acer unveils new US-designed notebooks, Grantsdale desktop

Acer is to launch restyled notebooks and business desktops with centralised asset management software. The new notebooks are the result of a year and a half's work by a US design outfit hired by Acer and use a 'folio' design to slim down the appearance, while also offering a carry grip and latchless closing and locking using magnets. They also incorporate Acer's 'e' key that brings up a console for quick access to management functions in the control panel as well as preset environments that can switch to optimised settings for power conservation, maximum performance, presentations and so on. ...more

HMV boss quits, blaming Internet

The online revolution in retailing saw its first high profile casualty yesterday. Alan Giles, the CEO of high street music retailer HMV and the Waterstones bookstore, announced he was resigning after the publication of poor sales figures in the run up to Christmas. The figures made grim reading for City analysts. ...more

3D face recognition system a reality

Computers that have the ability to recognise faces have been a staple of many a sci-fi movie but now it seems that fantasy is about to become reality. One company has developed a system that might just prevent online fraud. Neurodynamics has launched a piece of software called Tridentity, which uses a 3D facial recognition system to provide biometric security for online e-commerce sites. ...more