Intel is to announce the first nuclear holocaust proof chip tomorrow, according to US reports. The breakthrough, reported in today's issue of Defence Week, could ensure the Great Satan's final triumph over its rivals - albeit at some considerable cost in collateral damage to chip customers. The new chip has reportedly been developed in conjunction with the US government's Sandia National Labs in New Mexico, and will provide the basis for radiation-hardened computers. The possibility of a nuclear conflagration zapping all the chips in their computers has been a long-term worry for governments everywhere. Ordinary PC buyers and electorates in general tend to have other concerns, but they needn't panic immediately. Intel's announcement is scheduled to be made in conjunction with NASA, and the first radiation-proof computers will be deployed in space. This will protect US government satellite surveillance and communications systems against nuclear weapons detonated in space in order to knock them out. ®