2004 review: AMD battles Intel for processor crown

Was 2004 the year that AMD succeeded in becoming a leader, rather than a follower, in the world of computer processors? Certainly, the one-time cloner of Intel processors has been challenging the Santa Clara giant, particularly in the 64-bit computing stakes... ...more

Income the chief bar to Internet access

Income is the main barrier to Internet access, according to a new report by the Greater London Authority. The London Household Survey found that 45 per cent of homes in London have Internet access, but those homes are much more likely to be occupied by people in the higher income brackets. For example, in households with an income over ?52,000, 80 per cent have access. ...more

BTLookSmart cracks open Wisenut

BTLooksmart is to incorporate the Wisenut search engine on its sites in the UK, starting with the BTOpenworld search facility. This follows a year's delay since Wisenut was bought by Looksmart Ltd. Like Yahoo, BTLooksmart is a search directory that is built on human-edited entries and is financed by paid-for listings. ...more

Microsoft's security moves throw industry into confusion

Microsoft's recent announcements over forthcoming anti-virus and antispyware have thrown the security community into confusion with some companies eyeing the Microsoft's strategy as a business opportunity for the rest of the industry, while others fear a repetition of the browser wars. Antispyware The likes of Lavasoft, says its product Ad-Aware 'far surpasses the offering from Microsoft.' But it seems unlikely - given historical precedents of browsers and media players - that consumers will feel much motivation to pay for a solution when they already have Microsoft's one free. ...more

UK games chart: Final Fantasy XII holds off Crackdown

Final Fantasy XII holds off Crackdown in this week's ELSPA UK Games Chart. Square Enix's fantasy adventure game (PS2) stays at number one with Microsoft's action title (Xb360) - think Grand Theft Auto with super powers - still at number two. The first of two new entries completes the top three: EA's The Sims 2: Seasons (PC), which brings the activities of spring, summer, autumn and winter into the ever-expanding Sims franchise. ...more