'Home users should buy Macs' - Sophos

Security firm Sophos is suggesting that users who are concerned about the security of their systems should consider switching to a Mac. 'Macs will continue to be the safer place for computer users for some time to come - something that home users may wish to consider if they're deliberating about the next computer they should purchase' stated Sophos's senior technology consultant, Graham Cluley. The July update of the Sophos Security Threat Management Report notes that while the first malware for Mac OS X was detected in February 2006, it has not spread in the wild and was not the beginning of serious attention from the world's virus authors. ...more

China cracks down on counterfeit goods

China has signalled that it is to get tough with counterfeiters. The courts say that they will be applying a stricter interpretation of the laws governing 'intellectual property violations' in future. The Chinese say that they have lowered the value of counterfeit goods that a person can be prosecuted for from 100,000 yuan ($12000) to 50,000 yuan ($6000). ...more

2-12-2000 Essential news of the week

Catch up on the essential news of this week and find out what the movers and shakers of the IT industry have been up to by clicking on the stories below. A breakthrough for encryption and authentication Stay at home and watch Java on the (interactive) TV First dot-com success for unions? A guide for Children to navigate the Internet Oftel investigates BT Surf and Talk pricing 3dfx cuts prices for Christmas Cheap plastic chips on the horizon Don't forget, we welcome your comments. Just click on a story and go for the 'Comments' link on the right-hand side of the screen. ...more

Real adds in Google, Firefox to install options

RealNetworks has signed a multi-year agreement with Google and Mozilla under which it will distribute the Firefox Web browser and Google Toolbar with the two million downloads per day of Real Player. When users install RealPlayer, they will be given the option also to install Firefox or the Google Toolbar - a Windows-only addition Web browser that provides search and security tools as well as autofilling of forms and a spelling checker. Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO of Real said that the company shares a passion for innovation with Google. ...more

Dell goes green with new OptiPlex business PCs

Dell unveiled a broad spectrum of products at a launch event in Monaco today, including new PCs and a printer, but the most surprising product of all is a suite of online learning courses. The courses are aimed at beginners with topics such as using email and digital photography. This may not be of direct interest to a typical computer magazine reader, but if you find yourself the unofficial technical support guru for friends and family, direct them to www. ...more