Removable hard disks from Iomega

Iomega has announced the Peerless drive system, a removable hard drive system for Windows and Mac OS. The system comprises 5, 10 and 20Gb hard disks of about the same size as a PDA and a base station only slightly larger than the disks themselves, which deliver transfer rates in the region of 15Mb/sec via FireWire. The Peerless disks have integrated read/write heads, eliminating the possibility of dust contamination, but the hard drive electronics are located in the base station keeping the cost of the disks much lower than would otherwise have been the case. ...more

FileMaker in the Palm of your hand

FileMaker has released a FileMaker Mobile Companion for PalmOS. Users of the best-selling database program can now bi-directionally transfer and synchronize files between their desktop and palmtop computers. FileMaker Mobile allows users to select and load the data they require from the desktop machine onto their PalmOS handheld. ...more

Microsoft boosts Trustworthy Computing at Leeds Uni

Microsoft is backing a Leeds university course on writing secure code and eliminating vulnerabilities. Starting in January of next year, the module will offer threat modelling and security analysis so that students can pre-empt vulnerabilities such as unchecked buffers - one of the most common of Microsoft security alerts. Microsoft UK Chief Security Officer Stuart Okin said: 'Security is one of the key issues in the IT industry and the wider business world today. ...more

The Internet of Things is nigh

A report issued by the ITU last week claims society is on the verge of a new era, where smart, chip-enabled and networked devices aren't limited to computers, but encompass everyday objects such as toothbrushes and tyres. The Internet-fridge has long been a possible example of this new age, with its ability to download recipes according to what RFID-tagged food it contains, as well as ordering fresh supplies when items are used up or go off. But it remains an idea waiting for development, for someone to pick up and run with the technology available. ...more

Java come, Java go

The first update to Windows XP will include Java, but Microsoft will stop supporting the popular programming language in 2004. When Microsoft released Windows XP in autumn last year it left out Java support, the decision a symptom of the ongoing feud between Microsoft and Sun Microsystems, which developed - and continues to develop - Java. The feud goes back to 1997, when Sun sued Microsoft, accusing it of 'polluting' Java by making a bespoke, Windows-only versions. ...more