FSFE takes a pop at Microsoft EU documentation

The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) has called into question the competence of Microsoft after it claimed to have spent more than 120,000 person days documenting its software for the EU to still be found inadequate. Microsoft had previously told the media that it had put 300 people working round the clock on delivering the specification documentation, required by EC sanctions against it for antitrust issues. Georg Greve, president of the FSFE, said: 'For users, this should be a shock: Microsoft apparently does not know the software that controls 95 per cent of all desktop computers on this planet. ...more

Apple marches on with Boot Camp

Apple has released a new beta version of Boot Camp, its software that enables Intel Macs to boot Windows XP. The update beta includes support for the latest Intel-based Macintosh computers; easier partitioning using presets for popular sizes; the ability to install Windows XP on any internal disk; and support for iSight cameras and built-in microphones. It also reconfigures Apple keyboards so that the right-hand command (Apple) key provides a right-click and adds support for the delete, printscreen, numlock, and scroll lock keys. ...more

UPDATED: Sony makes its iPod play

Sony is updating the Walkman brand in a bid to take on the hugely successful iPod. A new 20GB device is to be launched 10 July in Japan, with August and September release dates following for the States and then Europe, reports Reuters. According to the news agency, the digital music player will be dubbed the Network Walkman NW-HD1. ...more

IBM demonstrates world's most advanced quantum computer

IBM unveiled the world's most powerful quantum computer earlier this week, which uses a mere five atoms as its processor and memory. The computer, developed by researchers from IBM, Stanford University and the University of Calgary, uses the properties of five fluorine atoms to perform calculations at lightning speed. The nuclei interact and work together as quantum bits, or 'qubits' (not to be confused with 'cubits', which Noah used as measurements in the construction of his ark), which allows the computer to store and process data. ...more

EFF warns over Google privacy risk

Digital civil rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation is warning that the latest version of the Google Desktop application may pose a serious risk to your privacy. Among the facilities of the Desktop is the ability to search your files remotely. This is because, if you choose to enable this, Google will keep copies of the files on your computer on its servers, so that you can log into the service remotely and access them. ...more