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31st March 2010 Archive

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  • Intel: 'We won't wait for software'

    We will build it. You better come

    An Intel vice president said today that his company's hardware advances will lead - not follow - software developments. "We learned our lesson in waiting for software. We did this 64-bit thing that was perceived to be a little bit late relative to the market. So we will get the hardware out there as soon as it's ready," Kirk …

    Servers 31 Mar 03:32

  • Microsoft extends try-before-it-quits Win7 test program

    Volume satisfaction

    Businesses now have until the end of 2010 to install a version of Windows 7 that automatically shuts down after 90 days. On Tuesday, Microsoft said it has extended a previously "while stocks last" offer to test Windows 7 Enterprise Edition until the end of 2010. The trial covers 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 7 and is …

    Channel Register 31 Mar 06:02

  • Creative Vado HD

    Review Singapore-style point and shoot camcorder

    After a long period in which Creative Labs seemed to do little other than sit back and spend the $100m that it won from Apple in a lawsuit over the iPod, the Singaporean giant now appears to be stirring from its slumbers. Promising “some cool stuff on the horizon”, a Creative spokesman recently delivered unto Reg Hardware a …

    reghardware 31 Mar 07:02

  • Blue Coat virtualizes WAN appliance

    Trim bandwidth without the box width

    If there's one thing branch offices linked back into a data center don't need, it's another box taking up space and generating heat in the local data closet. That's one of the reasons why Blue Coat Systems - a provider of WAN optimization hardware appliances, along with Cisco Systems, Riverbed, Citrix Systems, and a few others …

    Data Networking 31 Mar 07:02

  • ZigBee searches for a new home

    Squeezed into a SIM chip

    The ZigBee Alliance has published a guide to using the standard in telecommunications, based around fitting a ZigBee node inside a SIM chip. ZigBee Telecom Services is one of a handful of new additions to the standard, including healthcare and smart metering, but the guide (pdf) is entirely based on the idea of fitting a …

    Wireless 31 Mar 08:02

  • How not to screw up an ERP implementation

    Workshop Is there a magic formula?

    OK, so perhaps we were a bit ambitious with the title of this article. With so many variables and dependencies involved in an ERP implementation, it would be somewhat naive to claim there is a sure-fire formula for success. Nevertheless, feedback from Register readers in our current workshop and the general experience of those …

    ERP 31 Mar 08:11

  • London council loses thousands of kids' details

    Would you Adam and Eve it?

    Barnet Council has lost records of 9,000 school children after a laptop and unencrypted USB stick were stolen. Nick Walkley, chief executive of Barnet Council, has written to parents to apologise but said the risks associated with the data breach were minimal. Information held included children's names, educational attainment …

    Government 31 Mar 08:15

  • Hacker pledges to re-enable Linux on PS3

    Sony anti-hack firmware to be hacked

    Hacker George Hotz, the guy who opened up the Sony PlayStation 3 earlier this year, has vowed to find a way to allow Linux buffs to install their favourite OS on the console after an upcoming firmware update renders this impossible. Hotz wrote on his blog this week that he will devise a "custom version of 3.21 that doesn't …

    reghardware 31 Mar 08:53

  • The economics of UC

    Workshop Easy as 1 2 3?

    Building a business case for Unified Communications (UC) is not a clear cut process, with ROI numbers being difficult to derive, and sometimes not really conveying a meaningful value to the business. The endeavours of vendors and the corresponding push-back from businesses in this area is testament to how much of an issue this …

    Unified Comms 31 Mar 09:25

  • ISS ready to work with Elon Musk's Dragon spaceship

    Now SpaceX just needs to get it flying

    SpaceX, the private sector orbital launch firm started by PayPal hecamillionaire Elon Musk (also of Tesla Motors fame), has announced activation of comms kit aboard the International Space Station which will allow operations with the company's upcoming Dragon capsule. The new equipment, known as the Commercial Orbital …

    Space 31 Mar 09:28

  • Why the Newzbin ruling helps web hosts

    Opinion Much-needed clarity

    ISPs, indexing services and other online service providers will rest a little easier this week after a High Court ruling yesterday that gave much-needed clarity to UK copyright law. The High Court has effectively said that they will only be on the hook for 'authorising' infringement by their users if they fail to put in place …

    Telecoms 31 Mar 09:31

  • Wide-eyed kiddies in Scarface school play shocker

    'I’ve got a fudging junkie for a wife', bemoans seven-year-old

    YouTubers have got themselves into a right old tizz over what is purportedly a bunch of schoolkids acting out a short extract from Brian de Palma bloodfest Scarface: Predictably enough, this thoughful theatrical work hasn't impressed some viewers. One representative critique offered: "whom ever thinks this is "cute" or a …

    Bootnotes 31 Mar 09:50

  • Google frets over Vietnam hacktivist botnet

    Not Aurora, still a pain

    Hackers used malware to establish a botnet in Vietnam as part of an apparently politically motivated attack with loose ties to the Operation Aurora attacks that hit Google and many other blue chip firms late last year, according to new research from McAfee and Google. Unknown miscreants used malware disguised as Vietnamese …

    Malware 31 Mar 10:00

  • MPs to Climategate boffins: Keep Calm and Carry On

    Back to work everyone

    To the dismay of its sole scientific member, the House of Commons Select Committee on Science has come to the aid of the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit - the department at the centre of the Climategate scandal - giving the boffins and the institution a gentle ticking off. Phil Willis, head of the committee, …

    Environment 31 Mar 10:19

  • Tories may scrap IR35 tax rules for contractors

    Fairer for freelances

    The Conservatives have pledged a "fundamental review" of the IR35 tax regime if they win the election, claiming it is unfair to freelance IT workers. The rules were introduced by Labour in 2000 to target the "disguised employment" loophole. Contractors would set up their own limited company and take a low salary to cut their …

    Small Biz 31 Mar 10:21

  • Fennec comes to Android

    The fox goes robotic

    Firefox's little cousin is now on Android, showing what an alternative browser can do for Google's platform. Fennec is the mobile version of Firefox, the free browser from Mozilla. Fennec has been in beta for the Nokia N900 since the end of January, but now an early version has been made available for Android handsets. Though …

    Mobile 31 Mar 10:49

  • Italian toads predicted L'Aquila earthquake

    Legged it in advance of 2009 event

    A UK biologist has presented evidence that common toads can predict imminent earthquakes after a colony she was studying hopped it before the major quake which hit L'Aquila, Italy on 6 April 2009. Dr Rachel Grant of the Open University was routinely monitoring a Bufo bufo population at San Ruffino Lake, some 74km from the …

    Biology 31 Mar 10:55

  • MS sees Windows 7 leap, but XP workhorse refuses to die

    Analyst report says putting OS on Vista diet really helped

    Most Windows 7 customers are satisfied with the new operating system, according to tech analyst house Forrester Research, but many stick-in-the-mud types still see no reason to upgrade from the OS that refuses to die - Windows XP. Forrester published the results of its study (subscription required) about take-up of Microsoft’s …

    Operating Systems 31 Mar 11:17

  • BlackBerry hooks up with LinkedIn

    Business handset gets business networking

    BlackBerry users finally have a LinkedIn client, joining iPhone and Palm users who've had mobile access to the business networking service for months. Given the business focus of LinkedIn, which presents itself as a serious business tool rather than a playground for turning popularity into gaming success, it's surprising we've …

    Mobile 31 Mar 11:36

  • Flood, fire at BT Paddington node causes widespread problems

    Update Phone not working? Try your neighbours BT advises

    A fire at a BT building in central London is causing widespread landline, internet and mobile network problems, according to reports. A blaze at Burne House in North Paddington was reported this morning. According to Gradwell, a business ISP, 437 local exchanges and up to 37,500 Datastream circuits have been affected. It said …

    Telecoms 31 Mar 11:45

  • Western Digital My Book USB 3.0 drive

    Review The fast show

    Making the claim for the “first certified SuperSpeed USB 3.0 storage devices” is Western Digital with its new My Book 3.0 external desktop hard drive. Available as standalone models or in a kit form, which includes a USB 3.0 PCIe card, these 1TB and 2TB drives promise to raise the bar for external storage transfer speeds. …

    reghardware 31 Mar 11:48

  • Security researchers scrutinise search engine poisonings

    The scareware slinger's cookbook

    The techniques used by unloveable rogues who automate search engine manipulation attacks themed around breaking news to sling scareware have been unpicked by new research from Sophos. A research paper published on Wednesday by Sophos researchers Fraser Howard and Onur Komili lifts the lid on the search engine optimisation …

    Malware 31 Mar 11:57

  • A Geeks Guide2 Premium Microsoft Training

    Save over £530 on courses & books

    Geeks Guide2 This week we're offering Reg readers the chance to save £283.50 and receive a £250 book voucher as a thank you for ordering with us. In January there was a great reception to our introductory offer on Microsoft Training 365 subscriptions. Regrettably this offer was strictly time limited and ended in February. …

    Developer 31 Mar 11:58

  • Nuclear synthi-jetfuel plants wanted for US Afghan bases

    Porta-reactors to make diesel from soldiers' poo?

    In a potentially controversial move, US military tech chiefs have decided to investigate the idea of using mobile nuclear reactors to provide power and synthetic jet fuel at forward bases overseas. In a request for information issued yesterday, Pentagon scientists say they would like to hear proposals for "deployable nuclear …

    Science 31 Mar 12:09

  • Web blocking powers return

    Mandybill Digital Economy Bill gets another do-over

    The government has been circulating revised web-blocking powers for the Digital Economy Bill with industry and activist groups, and The Register has seen a draft. This version is believed to have won the backing of the Tories, and could end up in a Second Reading. The revised Clause 18 we've seen is a hybrid of the earlier …

    Law 31 Mar 12:21

  • Taiwanese chip co asks ITC to ban iPad imports

    Elan claims multitouch patent violations

    After its lawsuits against Nokia and HTC, it's Apple's turn to be on the receiving end. Elan Microelectronics, a Taiwanese chip designer which sued the iPhone maker last year, has stepped up its actions, asking the US International Trade Commission for an injunction barring imports of the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. The …

    Mobile 31 Mar 12:58

  • Asus shows sexy Eee all-in-one 2010 design

    Yum

    Asus has restyled its Eee Top all-in-one nettop - and the result is one heck of a looker. We say 'nettop', but only three of the five new Eee Top ET2010 series use Intel Atom processors - the other two have the AMD Athlon II X2 250u partnered with AMD's ATI Radeon HD 5470 graphics chip to drive the all-in-one's 20in, 1600 x …

    reghardware 31 Mar 13:04

  • Acer prices up skinny, long-running Timeline X laptops for UK

    Sexy Ethos mobile multimedia machine too

    Acer has priced up its sleek Timeline X laptop line for the UK. It also said today when it plans to release the first of its new line of Ethos entertainment notebooks over here. The first Timeline X machines will ship in May: the x745 and x741. Both ranges will feature 14in, 15.6in and 17.3in models - 3820, 4820 and 5820 - …

    reghardware 31 Mar 13:34

  • Ofcom lays out £400m plans for 2010

    1. Get Olympics online 2. Er, other people too I suppose

    UK regulator Ofcom intends to spend the next couple of years figuring out why some of us aren't connected, and ensuring that the Olympics are. The Ofcom Annual Plan 2010/11 (pdf) explains how the regulator, whose remit covers everything from children's television to aircraft radios, intends to spend its £400m+ budget over the …

    Telecoms 31 Mar 14:29

  • UK.gov revamps cybercrime strategy

    Five point throwing thing

    The government has announced a modest revamp of its strategy for fighting cybercrime. In a low-key statement to the House of Commons on Tuesday, junior Home Office minister Alan Campbell said the strategy aimed to build confidence in the provision of (government and private sector) services via the internet, tackle financial …

    Crime 31 Mar 14:44

  • Gmail tucks up in bed with OAuth for third party app coders

    Google account password no longer flea in ear

    Google has added the OAuth standard to Gmail in a move to tighten up the security of its email accounts when a user authorises a third party developer to see their contacts list. The feature is now available to developers via the Google Code Labs website. Previously a user wanting to provide their contacts to a third party …

    Applications 31 Mar 15:08

  • Grundig pushes BBC iPlayer to Freesat boxes

    Doesn't work? We'll give you a new box for 15 quid, says firm

    Bush, Grundig and Goodmans Freesat set-top boxes and DVRs will today gain access to BBC iPlayer, courtesy of an over-the-air update the combo is now pushing out. But the brands' owner, Harvard, admitted that some "early boxes not capable of receiving the upgrade". However, it pledged to charge owners just £15 to have their …

    reghardware 31 Mar 15:55

  • Millions wasted on IT: PAC chair parting shot

    And the rest you just squandered

    The outgoing chair of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee has criticised government IT spending in an open letter to his successor. In the letter, Edward Leigh said that departmental IT projects are "over-ambitious, overly complex and fail to deliver what is promised while costs rocket". He also set out 10 lessons on …

    Government 31 Mar 16:19

  • LG preps passive 3D TV

    The cheap option? Think again...

    We were hoping the passive 3D TV LG announced today - the LD950 - might provide punters on a budget a way to experience 3D at home. But no such luck. According to LG, the 47in set will retail for between "£1500 and £2500" when it goes on sale in May. Even at the bottom of that rather wide range, the LD950 is still a long way …

    reghardware 31 Mar 16:29

  • Mozilla spits out last version of Firefox 3.0

    RIP, download king

    Mozilla has released the last update to Firefox 3.0. On Tuesday, the open sourcers pushed out Firefox 3.0.19, which includes several security and stability updates, and in a brief blog post, Mozilla's Christian Legnitto confirmed that this would be version 3's final incarnation. It patches six vulnerabilities, five listed as …

    Applications 31 Mar 18:19

  • Ad broker throws Flash a Jobsian lifeline

    iPad gets iFlash

    Apple's iPad, set for US release this Saturday, may not support Adobe Flash, but that hasn't stopped one mobile ad firm from ensuring that its customers' Flash-based content will play on Cupertino's "magical and revolutionary" device. Greystripe, which refers to itself as "the leading rich media mobile advertising network" - …

    Music and Media 31 Mar 18:32

  • Red Hat injects RHEL with new iron love

    Yesterday's kernel, today's chips

    Red Hat has pushed out another rev of its Linux variant. With Enterprise Linux 5.5, support for the latest processors from Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, and IBM has been back-ported to the Linux 2.6.18 at the heart of the RHEL 5 stack. According to Tm Burke, vice president of platform engineering at Red Hat, the kernel in …

    Operating Systems 31 Mar 19:10

  • Cost cutting - from desktop to toilet

    What is this word you call 'refresh'?

    Recently, we shared some preliminary results from our annual x86 enterprise user survey. The topic of that article was the economy, and what it’s done to our survey respondents’ 2010 IT budgets. You can see that article here and take the survey yourself here. Now we’re taking a look at a sampling of the qualitative answers we …

    Servers 31 Mar 19:48

  • Cloudkick descends from sky to earthbound iron

    Server manager spans heaven and data center

    Cloudkick has descended from the heavens, bringing its sky-high virtual server manager to real iron down here on earth. With its "Hybrid Cloudkick," you can monitor and manage your physical servers alongside instances floating in the so-called cloud. In January, the San Francisco-based startup officially unveiled its eponymous …

    Servers 31 Mar 22:15

  • Booby-trapping PDF files: A new how-to

    Updated Built-in insecurity

    A security researcher has demonstrated a mechanism that exploits PDF files without taking advantage of any particular vulnerabilities. Didier Stevens' proof of concept exploit relies on running an executable embedded in a PDF file - something that ought to be blocked - by launching a command that ultimately runs an executable …

    Security 31 Mar 22:35

  • Greenpeace fears clouds will turn earth brown

    'I am iPad, destroyer of worlds'

    Greenpeace is piggybacking on the media frenzy around the release of Apple's "magical and revolutionary" iPad to drum up PR for its attempt to cajole the information and communications technology (ICT) sector into going green. Or, at minimum, greener. "To be clear: We are not picking on Apple. We are not dissing the iPad," …

    Servers 31 Mar 22:36

  • Mozilla pegs worldwide Firefox share at 30%

    Antarctica's browser of choice

    Mozilla estimates that Firefox now handles almost 30 per cent of worldwide web access. On Wednesday, the open source outfit released its first ever quarterly analyst report (pdf), a collection of web-happy stats dubbed The State of the Internet. Crunching data from four separate online research houses - StatCounter, Quantcast …

    Applications 31 Mar 23:54