AMD slashes cost of 64-bit computing

AMD is slashing cost of (mainstream) 64-bit computing. The cost of its Athlon 64 desktop processors have been cut by as much as 31 per cent. Leading the way are the 3500+ and 3400+, which now cost $346 and $288, falls of 31 per cent. ...more

Start-up Dipsie seeks out hidden pages

A US start-up has come up with a way of exposing web pages to search engine spiders that are currently invisible. These might include pages inside databases, or which use JavaScript or flash-based navigation that is impossible for a search engine robot to follow or sites based around frames. Typically, the solution has been to use a technique known as 'cloaking which intercepts a search engine spider and redirects it to index content which is different to that which a human might see if they are visiting the page. ...more

British Government report gives green light to Linux

The UK Government has released its report on the viability of Open Source software in the public sector, giving the platform its full backing where it offers the best value for money. The report arrives on the same day that Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer sent round his executive email on the cost-savings of Windows. Ballmer's arguments centred on the higher cost and difficulty of finding support and in-house training for adopters of the platform along with the exposure to intellectual property risks that Microsoft would cover you for. ...more

UK company to trial nationwide lamp post Wi-Fi

A UK company has announced plans to begin trials to provide a nationwide WiFi network by turning lamp posts into wireless hotspots. The aptly named Last Mile Communications aims to install access points in more than 150,000 lamp posts, using the existing electrical cabling to carry signals to the Internet, and will begin testing later this year. The system was originally developed for traffic management and by using existing cables ensures no road digging is required. ...more

Handsprings towards a profit

It's that time of the quarter when the big players in IT start posting financial results. Handspring - the maker of Palm-based handhelds - takes its turn and heads towards it's first profit by the year end. While still making a loss, it seems the company had a good Christmas with strong sales and met the expectations of Wall Street. ...more