Microsoft: free software infringes 235 patents

Microsoft claims free and open-source software (FOSS) infringes on 235 of the company's patents - the first time the software giant has put a precise figure on the alleged theft. Microsoft has long claimed that FOSS violates many of its patents, but has never produced any detailed evidence. Now, in an interview with Fortune magazine, the company's licensing chief, Horacio Gutierrez, claims it's identified 235 instances of patent infringement. ...more

Apple patent spawns tablet speculation

News that Apple has applied for a European design trademark for a handheld computer has spawned much speculation over the weekend. The application pictures what looks like an iBook with the keyboard removed and is the first sign that Apple may be about to re-enter a market it has steered well clear of since the demise of the Newton. Releasing a tablet or even a PDA would fly in the face of everything that Apple CEO Steve Jobs has said recently. ...more

Cheggers goes Net

Those of a certain age will remember Keith Chegwin with fondness as a presenter on kids' programmes the Multi-Coloured Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop. But now, the Liverpudlian presenter is appearing live 24 hours a day via the Internet. Yes, his career might have hit the doldrums with his naked games show (a memory that still makes me shudder with fear), but now Keith is wowing his fans on the Internet with his Cheggers Bedroom Web site. ...more

UPDATED: FileMaker serves up 8 terabytes

FileMaker has announced the Server version of its eponymous database software. FileMaker Server 7 enables databases to be shared by as many as 250 users simultaneously from either Mac or Windows. New features include increased performance and database capacity, improved administration and enhanced security. ...more

PC World goes mod

PC World is to sell modding kit in its retail outlets that will allow customers to add neon strips, tubing and other embellishments to their computers. PC World showed off some of the possibilities at an event yesterday, with a range of new cases, from shuttle boxes to glass cases revealing LED-tastic innards, industrial-looking tubing to replace ribbon cables and neon strips festooned across cases and monitors. The eye-candy comes courtesy of OPTX, which already has a successful business in the US modding both cars and computers and approached PC World to bring the kit into the UK. ...more