Intel launches Celeron M mobile processor

Intel has officially announced the release of a new mobile processor - the Celeron M processor. This is a value version of the power-efficient Pentium M processor for laptops. The Pentium M, of course, is one element in the Centrino wireless networking trinity. ...more

European Commission targets Microsoft over competition lock out

The European Commission has ruled that Microsoft has broken European rules on competition and used its monopoly position in the operating systems to lock out competitors according to a report in the Financial Times. The dispute, which goes back over three years, is over the Microsoft Media Player bundled with Windows XP. Rival media player developers such as Real Networks have complained that Microsoft has used its dominant position with the operating systems to effectively lock out Real's rival player. ...more

Computer games can be educational - official

Computer games can be used to encourage children to learn according to research by the government sponsored Learning and Skills Development Agency. The report says that computer games have a bad reputation for eating away at time better served by homework or outdoor play. On the contrary, it says that the right sort of game can help develop a range of creativity, decision making and problem solving skills especially for children who lack interest in or confidence in learning. ...more

A service comparison survey for mobile networks

Oftel has published a survey that enables consumers to compare the performance of mobile network operators, region by region. David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today: 'Reliability as well as price is an important consideration when buying a mobile phone. For example, what might be the best network for somebody living in Wales might not be the best network for someone living in the South West. ...more

ntl offers wireless broadband trial

Cable company ntl is offering free trials of its wireless broadband service. Described at this stage as a proof of concept enterprise, ntl is using some of its base stations to transmit signals across the 10Ghz spectrum to homes and businesses within line of sight, offering broadband rates as great as 512Kbits/sec downstream and 128Kbits/sec up. To qualify you have to have a PC with Ethernet capabilities and an Internet connection as well as being within one of the trial areas of coverage. ...more