Google launches Docs & Spreadsheets

Google is combining its Writely online word processing tool with its Spreadsheets offering to form a new service, the rather prosaically titled Google Docs & Spreadsheets. This latest graduate of the prolific Google Labs is intended to help users share and store documents across the Web. Working with DOC, XLS, ODF, ODS, RTF and CSV formats, there is the familiar button-driven toolbar interface, and collaborators can be invited to access shared data on the basis of email addresses. ...more

New version of MyDoom virus begins its rounds

A new version of MyDoom is being reported by antivirus companies. Vendors rate the threat as medium. Although it is similar to previous versions, at least one of the reasons for its relative success is the message which is written in plain English and not punctuated with mistakes and poor grammar. ...more

China to promote peer-to-peer

The Chinese government has announced an initiative to promote commercial exploitation of peer-to-peer technologies. The P2P Application Promotion Alliance has been set up by the Internet Society of China and will encourage the development of P2P technologies, regulate their use and protect intellectual property rights. In other words, no file sharing. ...more

MSN cleans up its search

Microsoft has revamped its MSN Search user interface to give it a cleaner look. The new facelift marks another step in Microsoft's move into the hotly contested search battleground. Whilst Microsoft has revamped the user interface, it continues to take its listings, both sponsored and 'organic' from Overture, which is now a subsidiary of Yahoo. ...more

Microsoft takes Advantage

Microsoft has taken its Windows Genuine Advantage programme out of beta and launched it as version 1.0. The programme, which 'offers' updates and other free software to those customers who register their operating system is now rolled out worldwide. ...more