Apple fails Greenpeace environmental survey

Apple Computer is lambasted for its use of toxic chemicals in a new survey conducted by the environmental group Greenpeace. Apple Computer performed badly in the environmental rankings coming in at 11th place with Greenpeace rating the company with 'Low scores on almost all criteria'. However, the company's recent record has been patchy - earlier this year a shareholder complained that Apple lobbied against legislation that would force computer makers to fund most of the cost of recycling. ...more

BT Business goes blogging

BT Business has launched its first blog with the aim of providing SMEs with the information they need to increase their online presence. The blogs will focus on topics such as building a website, reaching customers online and ensuring networks are secure. Contributions will come from three members of the BT Business team Martin Faux, David Morgan and Derek Hemphill as well as Ian Fenn, a user experience and blogging expert. ...more

FBI investigates a case of cyber-extortion

The FBI is investigating a case of online extortion after hackers went ahead and published credit card details on the Internet after a demand for money wasn't met. The company involved, the Los Angeles-based Creditcards.com, manages online credit card transactions on behalf of other companies. ...more

Opera 9 goes public

Opera has announced the first public Beta of Opera 9, its forthcoming browser. Features of version 9 include support for widgets, thumbnail previews, site-specific preferences and improved pop-up blocking. By the term 'widgets' Opera means small Web apps that run directly on the desktop. ...more

Intel and VIA settle patent lawsuits

Intel and VIA have agreed to settle their long-running legal dispute without the further aid of lawyers. The dispute, which has lasted more than a year and a half, involves a series of patent-related lawsuits covering chipsets and microprocessors. The battle has spanned five countries, with 11 pending cases involving 27 patents. ...more