Google fortifies Desktop Search against IE flaw

Google has altered its Desktop Search so that it can no longer be used in digital attacks in conjunction with a flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. On Friday, an Israeli hacker reported having discovered a means of remotely using Google desktop search to remotely search the computers logged on to a specially built website using Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Problems in the way the browser handles CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) led to a short cut round the restrictions the browser places on interaction between different domains. ...more

Californian scientists make nano switch breakthrough

Californian scientists have produced the first electrical switch to be made from carbon nanotubes. They hope that eventually they will replace silicon in computer chips, leading to faster and cheaper components. The new transistors begin life as straight nanotubes before the addition of titanium-modified iron catalyst particles prompts new growth, like a branch from a tree, to create a Y-shaped tube as the catalyst is absorbed at the junction of the stem and the new growth. ...more

Updated: Dell to hold recycling day at its Euro HQ

Dell UK is holding a computer-recycling day at its European Headquarters on Saturday 17 September. Anyone is welcome to bring along any unwanted computer equipment from home that will be collected packed and recycled, at no charge. The company allows up to five computers and related equipment per car, so IBM won't be allowed to empty its warehouse full of old PCs onto Dell. ...more

Microsoft still at the mercy of Jackson

Microsoft has lost its appeal to the US Supreme Court to overturn an earlier ruling that the company had violated antitrust laws. In June the Appeals Court revoked Judge Jackson recommendation that the company be split in two but upheld his findings that Microsoft had used its dominance in the market to maintain a stranglehold on it. Microsoft had then gone to the Supreme Court in an attempt to get all of Judge Jackson's rulings thrown out, claiming that the case had been muddied by Jackson's outbursts in the press, in which he compared Bill Gates to Napoleon and Microsoft employees to common street criminals. ...more

Simply changes its name to Misco

Simply Computers is to change its name. The computer reseller will now be changing its name to Misco Consumer. The name change aims to bring the consumer business in line with the better known Misco business to business computer reseller operation. ...more