Nine in ten surfers keep up-to-date virus protection

In our recent poll, 92 per cent of site users had installed regularly updated antivirus software. With reports from Sophos claiming that the Klez worm has been in the top ten most infectious worms for more than a year, we can safely say that our readers are doing their bit to make the Internet a safer place by shutting out nasty viruses with up-to-date protection. Many of our readers say installing antivirus software is the result of bitter experience. ...more

Monotype acquires font rival

Monotype has acquired one of its major rivals in the font business, Linotype. The Germany-based owner of classic typefaces including Helvetica, Frutiger and Optima will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Monotype Imaging. Monotype believes that the combination of Linotype's library and Monotype's font technology will help to fulfil the increasingly sophisticated font requirements of consumer electronics markets. ...more

Government starts first pilot to test ID cards

10,000 volunteers are having their faces, irises and fingerprints scanned as part of the first pilot to test out the government's plans for ID cards. Simulataneously, the Home Office has published draft legislation for ID card proposals, which will be rolled out over the next few years - initially through augmented passports and driving licences. Home Secretary David Blunkett said: 'In an increasingly technologically complex and global world, correct identification has become critically important, and we want to ensure that UK citizens are properly protected and equipped to deal with this emerging world. ...more

ING Direct banks on UK market

The familiar names of online banks Egg and Cahoot have a new rival to contend with today with the launch of ING's Direct service in the UK. Dutch bank ING Direct already operates in seven other countries and will launch with a no-fees, no-minimum savings savings account with 4.3 per cent (AER), bringing in other services in future. ...more

Broadband boost sees a new connection every 10 seconds

BT is boasting of an increased broadband take-up - a new connection every ten seconds, according to BT Wholesale. The company has passed the four million mark for wholesale broadband customers. In other words, the service that ISPs resell to end-users. ...more