AMD updates 64-bit Opteron server range

AMD has updated its Opteron 64-bit server processor range, with new single, two- and eight-way processors: Opteron Models 148, 248 and 848. While the Model 248 Model is available immediately worldwide (for dual-processing servers and workstations), the Model 148 (for entry-level servers) will only be available in December. Also available next month will be the 848, which is targetted at enterprise-class servers. ...more

DRM issues sway another Blu-ray recruit

Lions Gate Home Entertainment is the latest media company to back Blu-ray. The independent movies and TV producer will begin releasing material from its back catalogue just as soon as Blu-ray hardware becomes available in the US, probably early next year. For a while it looked like HD-DVD was the favourite to emerge as the dominant high-definition DVD technology, but Lions Gate's backing, closely following commitments from Twentieth Century Fox and Universal Music, has seemingly seen the momentum pass to Blu-ray. ...more

Tiscali to fix PlayStation Network drop-outs

Tiscali has confirmed reports that PlayStation 3 users are being disconnected from the PlayStation Network, Sony's online gaming service for PS3 owners. PS3 users complained that the connection usually works without a hitch until Tiscali's peak period starts, during which the ISP employs 'traffic shaping' to allocate limited bandwidth more equally among all it users. It is not clear, however, whether this is definitely the cause of the PS3 issue, not least because other ISPs employ traffic shaping and have not been subject to the same complaint. ...more

Cyber attacks growing more targeted

Anti-virus expert warns that hackers are turning to precise methods to steal company data There has been an increased amount of malware targeting specific companies, according to an anti-virus expert. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer of Finnish anti-virus company F-Secure said that targeted attacks where companies receive only a couple of malware-infected emails from criminals instead of thousands was "an interesting new phenomena". "Instead of the attacker sending out millions of emails with infected attachments to random recipients, the attack might send just five emails with infected attachments only to one single company," said Hypponen. ...more

AltaVista sold to paid-for search firm Overture

Overture Services has acquired search stalwart AltaVista for $140m in stocks and shares. The sale is split between $60m in cash and $80m in stock and Overture will pick up 'certain of AltaVista's liabilities', as well as its stock of 58 search-related payments. Overture, which specialises in paid-for listings in searches, will use AltaVista to 'offer a significantly enhanced Web search solution. ...more