IT contract auction saves NHS ?4.5m

The NHS is turning to e-auctions to get a better deal from IT suppliers. A group of trusts lead by the Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust claims to have saved ?4.5m by doing so. ...more

Microsoft updates its Sasser protection tools

Microsoft has updated its Sasser removal tool on its website. The tool now targets variations of the worm from versions A through to F. The appearance of the later version of the worm is worrying as it appeared after the arrest last week of a man in Germany. ...more

BA - the world's favourite Internet service provider?

British Airways has chosen Boeing to supply a Net-enabled aircraft system to provide in-flight access. The move is a blow to the European aircraft industry - The Independent reports that BA chose the Boeing system in preference to an equivalent Airbus offering. Boeing's Connexion system supports an airborne, satellite-based broadband service and trials of the system are expected to being in February 2003. ...more

Big Mouth Bass gets a makeover

Big Mouth Billy Bass and his fishy friends were probably some of the top novelty gifts this Christmas and now you can hack into their voiceboxes! For those of you who are unaware of this phenomenon, Big Mouth Billy Bass is a plastic fish mounted on a plaque as if you've caught the monster yourself. The only twist in the tail is that the device is motion operated and every time someone walks past the fish begins his own song and dance routine, complete with flapping tail and moving head. Well, one ingenious electronics bod has managed to hack into our scaley chum and replace its voice with a customised recording. ...more

Mystery surrounds Watford Electronics buy out

Watford Electronics - the company behind Savastore.com and 'free PC' ISP Redten Internet - has been taken over by a group of unnamed backers. A statement released this afternoon reads: 'Globally Ltd announced today the purchase of the business of Watford Electronics Ltd, including leading online etail website, Savastore. ...more