Office workers sick of passwords

Office workers are sick and tired of passwords and would much rather log on to their IT systems using a smart card, fingerprint reader, or other biometric authentication device. According to a survey by the organisers of the Infosec security conference, 80 per cent of those surveyed said they were fed up with using passwords and would prefer some kind of smart card or biometric device for authentication to secure systems, whether at home or home. Claire Sellick, Event Director for Infosecurity Europe 2004, said: 'Clearly the workers are fed up with having to remember multiple passwords, and would be happy to replace them with alternative identification technology such as biometrics or smartcards. ...more

13-04-2002 Essential news of the week

Brought neatly together and presented on a plate, here is a roundup of some of the week's main news stories from the world of IT. Microsoft rallies to support the future of My Services Sophos gives antivirus lessons Microsoft adopts alternative DVD standard< IIS 4, 5 and 6 fatally flawed, patch now Internet scams - the FBI view BT leaps back into wireless 'Furious' reaction to BT's direct DSL Corporate security slips up on Banana AMD looking for gold beyond PCs BT extends broadband to 100 exchanges Antitrust judge rejects states' evidence 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

AOL co-opts PC makers in battle with Microsoft

AOL is out to get its icons on as many Windows desktops as possible, following Microsoft's decision to give PC manufacturers flexibility in deciding which icons will be displayed on new machines. Such flexibility is currently commonplace, with Dell, for instance, carrying an AOL promotion on the desktop of all new computers. Microsoft had planned to put an end to such promotions, by restricting the number of desktop icons on machines shipped with the forthcoming Windows XP operating system, acting on feedback from customers who felt that the desktop had become too cluttered. ...more

Intel exec gives odd spin to Apple success

An Intel executive has praised Apple for its success in integrating consumer electronics with computers and computer software using proprietary technologies, but called on other PC makers not to follow its lead. Speaking at the Ceatec exhibition in China, Eric Kim, the senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Group, said that Apple has produced the best possible user experience by deploying the closed system that ties iPods to its iTunes software and online store. But he told rival companies to focus on open standards and 'convergence', although the open standards he was referring to are those embedded in Intel's own ViiV platform for multimedia PCs. ...more

HP saves $3bn a year early

Hewlett Packard is on target to make cost-cutting savings of $3bn, a year ahead of schedule. At a Securities Analyst meeting, yesterday, CEO Carly Fiorina said that the company had already achieved savings of $2.4bn, due to cost-cutting measures emloyed in the merger with Compaq. ...more