Spectrum management extends life of 'copper' broadband

An Israeli company has begun work on a new technology that promises provide faster Internet connections over longer distances using existing copper wire infrastructures. ECI Telecom has formed a consortium with several international companies and university research departments to develop and implement Dynamic Spectrum Management (DSM) as an alternative to next-generation broadband technologies such as VDSL and ADSL2+. While these have succeeded in raising broadband speeds - ADSL2+ services boasting up to 24Mbps are available in the UK for instance - performance drops rapidly the further the end-user is from the broadband hardware in their local exchange. ...more

Man puts web address on gravestone - officials peeved

We live in a wired, digital age, but should this include Web-enabled tombstones? I know how I want to be remembered when I'm dead. I've already saved up for a lifesize glow-in-the-dark effigy of yours truly complete with Internet access so interested parties can peruse my various Web sites from beyond the grave. Well it seems that one German fellow has had a similar idea and has landed in hot water with the local authorities. ...more

UPDATE 2: Apple updates iTunes

Apple has updated its iTunes jukebox software, ahead of the first birthday of the online iTunes Music Store later today. iTunes 4.5 is a free upgrade and adds several new features, detailed in the online help. ...more

BullGuard offers home users early warnings for virus protection

BullGuard 4.1 antivirus software includes a module to give users a heads up on new viruses as they are identified. While most antivirus software includes an auto update feature that query's the AV firm's signature server at regular intervals to check for new virus definitions, a reliable one often needs seven or eight hours or more to be prepared before it is issued. ...more

Disney under the hammer

Walt Disney has been chucking out the chintz and putting it all up for auction on a new site launched in conjunction with eBay. Among the memorabilia on offer at the site is the giant marquee sign welcoming visitors to the flagship Californian theme park. Each letter measures roughly 4. ...more