Sun bolsters x86 server line with AMD Opterons

Sun has expanded its Solaris x86 range with more AMD Opteron-based servers and workstations. New announcements include the Sun Fire V40z Server, Sun Java Workstation W1100z and Sun Java Workstation W2100z, which are now officially available. 'With Sun offering unparalleled leadership on operating systems, high-performance hardware and the Sun Java System software, including the Java Enterprise System and the Java Desktop System, I'm confident our newest systems based on the AMD Opteron processor will leave our competitors in the dark,' boasted John Fowler, executive VP of Sun's Network Systems Group. ...more

Dr Brilliant searches for Google philanthropy

Larry Page and Sergey Brin have chosen the man to run Google's philanthropic activities. Dr. Brilliant will become executive director of Google. ...more

Symantec drops Norton Utilities for Mac

Symantec has stopped development of Norton Utilities for the Mac, according to a report by The Mac Observer. The report quotes Nancy Mohler, Symantec's senior product manager, who insists that the copmpany remains committed to the platform and that its other Mac products - Norton AntiVirus, Norton Internet Security and Norton Personal Firewall - will continue. 'The decision was based solely on the strategic desire to focus Macintosh development resources on Internet security solutions,' Mohler said. ...more

AMD overtakes Intel in US retail sales for first time

AMD has nosed ahead of Intel in sales of processors in the US retail market for the first time according to market researcher Current Analysis. The research findings carried out via a panel of leading US retailers found that during October, 49.8 per cent of the total market for desktops and notebooks sold in the US retail market were fitted with AMD processors. ...more

Microsoft admits to handing over search data to Feds

Microsoft has admitted that it has handed over data from its search engine logs to the Department of Justice (DoJ). Last week, Google refused a similar request saying that the Department's request was 'overreaching'. Although civil liberties may be in the mind of the company whose motto is famously 'do no evil', more importantly, from Google's point of view is its reputation with its visitors. ...more