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

Microsoft warns of 'critical' vulnerabilities in Media Player and Windows

Microsoft is planning to release details of a number of security vulnerabilities to its software tomorrow. The company is warning that at least two of the security alerts relating to Windows Media Player and Windows itself are regarded as 'Critical'. In its regular advance bulletin prior to the monthly 'patch Tuesday', Microsoft says that there will be a total of seven security alerts announced - one for Media Player, four for Windows, one for Windows/Office and one for Office alone. ...more

Wireless broadband expands with massive funding

PCCW is embarking in the next phase of its wireless broadband, with ?21mn to be invested in new hot spots across the UK. The Hong Kong-based company has 13 of the UK's 15 licences to provide broadband over the air and introduced the first Netvigator services in the Thames Valley in May. PCCW indicated that it would implement the service across the entire UK, but doubts have been cast on this in the past week, despite the latest cash injection. ...more

Acer's unveils new Ferrari and own-brand notebooks

Based on surging demand, Acer has launched the second version of its Ferrari-branded notebooks, alongside other mobile products. David White, Acer's notebook manager said demand had outstripped supply three to one in some periods for the company's first laptop featuring the prancing horse badge. And it's amazing how many people are prepared to pay that bit extra to demonstrate their devotion or at least stand out from crowd of silver and black sandwiches. ...more

Microsoft gets a grip on the BIOS

Microsoft has teamed up with Phoenix Technologies to create a new generation of the PC's Basic Input Output System (BIOS). The move will give Microsoft an even tighter grip on the basic design of the PC. The companies say that the partnership will bring 'enhanced functionality' to the BIOS to increase the 'device's reliability, usability, manageability, and security'. ...more