Microsoft cans WinFS

WinFS, the much anticipated and long delayed new SQL based filing system originally intended as a cornerstone of the new Windows Vista operating system is no longer a product-wide feature. Instead, Microsoft says it is planning to scale back the scope of WinFS deployment to the next version of SQL Server, code-named 'Katmai' and 'Orcas' the version of Visual Studio intended as a development platform for Longhorn Server. In a blog posting, Quentin Clark the product manager announced that 'we are not pursuing a separate delivery of WinFS, including the previously planned Beta 2 release'. ...more

Faulty PCs fluster flashmob cluster

The world's first flashmob supercomputer was due to appear in a college gym over the weekend. As we reported back in February, university students in San Francisco were planning to piece together their own supercomputer on Saturday from the individual PCs brought in by fellow students. Things, however, did not quite go to plan, reports the New York Times. ...more

Go shopping with Smart Creds

We all know that conventional hard currency is no use for Internet shopping, but are you aware that you can now shop on the World Wide Web without using your credit card? A new scheme called Smart Creds by UK Smart has been launched this week in association with Consignia (er, the Post Office). The pre-pay payment cards are targeted at under 18s and those of us who do not have a credit card but still want to shop on the Internet. The cards themselves will be available from Post Offices and come in ?20 denominations. ...more

OS X Server release imminent

Apple has revealed that a new version of the OS X Server software will be made available shortly after Mac OS X itself is released. Mac OS X Server provides a set of tools for managing a server-based network, including file management, print, Internet and Web serving, client management and directory services. It includes IP-based support for file sharing with Macintosh, Windows, Linux and UNIX clients, FTP support for Internet file transfers and incorporates Postscript print spooling. ...more

AOL advances its instant messaging into Microsoft Outlook

AOL has begun taking steps towards integrating its AIM instant messaging software into the Windows desktop by releasing a beta version of a new tool that provides buddy information in Microsoft Outlook. AIM Sync lets Outlook users add contacts to their AIM buddy list and matches email addresses to AOL screen names. This enables it to show the current availability of buddies, by placing the familiar AIM 'running man' icon in emails, the address book and phone lists. ...more