Lindows launches laptop edition

US based Linux distributor Lindows has announced that it has developed a version of its Linux based operating system for notebooks. The company says that the key to the new version of the operating system, known as Lindows Laptop Edition (LE) has been to build power management into the operating system. US based Linux distributor Lindows has announced that it has developed a version of its Linux based operating system for notebooks. ...more

Crucial details memory

If you're thinking about upgrading your memory but are daunted by the thought of prying open the beige beast, let alone finding out what type you need, Crucial may be able to help. The Micron subsidiary has made available for download the Belarc Advisor utility that profiles your system, generating a report with details of your computer's make, model and motherboard along with bus speed, BIOS and memory modules currently in place. The results are displayed along with a link that takes you to Crucial's Memory Calculator, which will guide you straight to the right type of memory you can use to upgrade. ...more

ISPs failing to deliver

A report on ISP performance by monitoring firm Iowatch shows 82 per cent of UK ISPs ran up enough downtime in January to breach yearly Service Level Agreements (SLA) of 99.99 per cent. Companies using the Iowatch service, have their connections monitored 24 hours, and are e-mailed e-mailed whenever Internet connection is lost. ...more

UK scientists combat document fraud

Scientists at Imperial College London have developed a method for combating document and software fraud by scanning the surface of paper, CDs and other materials to identify unique patterns. The method, known as Laser Surface Authentication (LSA), relies on the fact that every surface has a unique pattern, much like a fingerprint, that would be impossible to replicate and can be easily read by a cheap portable laser-scanner. 'Our findings open the way to a new and much simpler approach to authentication and tracking, said Russell Cowburn, professor of nanotechnology at Imperial College. ...more

Colour LCD shortage hits iPaq

It seems iPaqs have been losing their colour for our American cousins - a shortage of colour LCD screens has meant some drastic measures for Compaq. Drastic is probably too strong a word, but the company has been forced by shortages to launch a black-and-white version of the popular iPaq H3600 PocketPC. The black-and-white model has been available in Europe and most of the world, but this is the first time has been introduced to the US and Canadian markets. ...more