Microsoft tackles XP counterfeiting with new replacement programme

Microsoft is hoping to track down counterfeit gangs in the UK with an initiative to help victims replace dodgy copies with originals. The company says it has experienced a deluge of high quality counterfeit copies of its flagship XP product - counterfeits of such exactitude that even the holographic logos are present. Now, under the Windows XP Counterfeit Project, victims of such counterfeits can send in the dodgy discs and have them replaced with the genuine article for free (although the cost of posting it in is borne by the sender). ...more

Motorola to axe 3,000 jobs

Despite Tony Blair's intervention, Motorola has confirmed that it will be closing its mobile phone factory in Bathgate, West Lothian, with a loss of 3,000 jobs. The announcement forms part of worldwide job cuts of 7,000, as the company faces a tough time in a market that has become bloated with handsets, while a demand for 3G technology still seems some way off. It announced trading losses of $200m for Q1 this year. ...more

Computex 2007 focuses on mobility

Computex Taipei 2007 is almost upon us, and we will be providing full news coverage from the show floor in Taipei. And this year, in what is now one of the world's largest computer fairs, the main focus is on mobility. As the line separating PCs and consumer gadgets continues to blur, Computex has come to look less like a computer show and increasingly reflects the PC industry's diversification into consumer electronics. ...more

GiftCom worm emerges as festive threat

Instant messaging security company IMLogic has warned of a festive threat affecting users of AIM, ICQ, MSN, Windows Messenger and Yahoo! IM services. The IM.GiftCom. ...more

Almost half SMEs are virus lazy

Survey shows 42 per cent of SMEs don't update virus protection more often than weekly. A survey from Sophos reveals that 42 per cent of SME businesses and nearly a third of large businesses leave themselves open to attack by failing to update antivirus software more regularly than once a week. The survey, in which Sophos polled 4,500 administrators from companies of all sizes from across the globe, reveals that with 150 new viruses detected - some of them spreading in minutes - companies are leaving themselves unnecessarily vulnerable to attack. ...more