Researchers pack terabyte of data on CD-sized disk

Scientists at Imperial College London have invented a new optical disk format that could enable 1,000GB, a terabyte, to be stored on a CD-sized disk. By varying the angle at which the disk reflects light from a drive's laser, the MODS - multiplexed optical data storage - system can store one of 332 different data signals where a CD or DVD can only store two. Imperial College's Peter T?r?k said that although the entire Simpsons back catalogue could be stored on a single disk, the technology is more likely to find a home in places that need to store vast amounts of data, such as libraries. ...more

Internet Explorer to block pop-ups by default

Microsoft has outlined its security strategy over the next year and confirmed that Windows XP Service Pack 2 will block pop-ups by default. Service Pack 2 will be out in beta before the end of the year, with a final release in the first half of 2004. It will also contain an improved Firewall, which will be turned on by default and will boast an improved user interface to allow finer tweaking. ...more

Microsoft revises Windows Vista retail licence

It's an important change from Microsoft for computer enthusiasts who customise and rebuild their PC's - Redmond has changed tack on allowing users to re-install Windows Vista without requiring them to purchase another copy. Following pressure from user groups, Microsft's Windows division has now revised the retail license terms for Windows Vista. It will now allow a copy of Vista to be uninstalled and re-installed multiple times - as opposed to limiting it to one transfer. ...more

Psion takes a dive

Psion Plc has posted its results for the year, and it makes grim reading, with its first loss in nearly ten years. Europe's leading maker of handhelds posted a loss of ?6.51m, excluding one-time items. ...more

Microsoft lifts the lid on Office 12

Microsoft is promising that Office 12 will supply the biggest makeover of the standard business productivity suite in over a decade. Recognising that rampant featuritis over the years has made the applications harder, not easier to use, the new version will offer a new streamlined user interface. The aim of the new UI, according to Microsoft, is to make work more efficient by allowing users quick access to the features needed to complete their tasks. ...more