Mobile apps market set for massive growth
by Darren AllanRecent research has indicated that the applications market for mobile phones is set to expand hugely within the next couple of years.
The study, conducted by GetJar (which says it is the world’s second largest app store), revealed that in 2009 over 7 billion apps were downloaded across the globe.
By 2012, this number will grow to [...]
March 16, 2010
New version of Ashampoo Anti-Malware released
by Darren AllanVersion 1.1 of Ashampoo Anti-Malware has just been unleashed.
The anti-malware program covers anti-virus and anti-spyware bases, and also comes with some handy system utilities.
These include a secure file wiper, an Internet cleaner, and a startup manager.
A new interface has been designed with user-friendliness in mind, and support has been added for the Windows Security [...]
March 9, 2010
Windows 7 SP1 may arrive end 2010
by Darren AllanIt’s the question everyone is asking… Well, the question everyone with Windows 7 is asking. Or at least, some people with Windows 7 are. And some people without it.
The question being: When will Service Pack 1 be coming for the OS?
Reliable sources at the Tech ARP website had initially claimed that Microsoft was planning to [...]
November 19, 2007
Paglo launches ‘Google for IT’
by Jan HarrisPaglo has launched a public public beta of a search engine designed to help IT administrators manage their networks.
The search engine, which was launched today, allows users to easily find information about the network – how many iPhones are being used, for example, or whether a machine’s security is up to date.
It helps [...]
November 14, 2007
Credativ offers open-source support in UK
by Jan HarrisRugby-based software consultancy, Credativ Ltd, has launched a UK Open Source Support Centre (OSSC), which will provide support for all major open source distributions, including Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE, Red Hat, Xandros, Gnome and KDE, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Kolab Groupware, eGroupware, Asterisk, Apache, Samba, Nagios and Xen.
The company will also provide support for free software that [...]
November 12, 2007
Microsoft unveils Dynamic IT tools
by Jan HarrisMicrosoft revealed new Dynamic IT products and tools at the TechEd IT Forum 2007 in Barcelona.
The products, which are designed to help companies manage their physical and virtual IT systems are based on Hyper-V, a virtualisation technology within Windows Server 2008 originally code-named Viridian.
At the event, Bob Kelly of Microsoft’s Server and Tools [...]
November 5, 2007
JPEG XR format approved
by Jan HarrisThe Joint Photographic Experts Committee, which regulates the JPEG image-compression standard, has approved the JPEG XR format.
JPEG XR is based on Microsoft’s HD Photo specification, which provides higher compression efficiency, truer images, an extended colour palette, improved tone and better in-camera editing options.
The approval follows Microsoft’s agreement to open up the format, so [...]
October 31, 2007
Microsoft demos Office Project upgrade
by Jan HarrisMicrosoft demonstrated the latest features of its ‘Project’ software, at the Microsoft Office Project Conference in Seattle.
The company has focused on making Project easier to use, both for project managers and other people in an organisation.
The latest version will feature a new timeline view, which will allow users to cut and paste the timeline [...]
October 19, 2007
Ubuntu releases Linux OS version 7.10
by Jan HarrisCanonical, the London-based company which acts as open-source community Ubuntu’s commercial sponsor, has released version 7.10 of its Linux operating system.
The release of the software, code-named Gutsy Gibbon, marks Ubuntu’s third anniversary.
Ubuntu 7.10 is designed to be easier to use than previous versions and, in some ways, beats Windows for desktop usabilility.
The lates [...]
October 17, 2007
Apple’s Leopard operating system imminent
by Jan HarrisApple Inc will release the latest version of its Macintosh operating system on 26 October.
The new software, called Leopard, is being released after a four-month delay. This was attributed to the diversion of software development resources to the company’s iPhone, which was launched in June.
Leopard will retail for around $129 for a single [...]
October 9, 2007
IBM unveils new mashup tool
by Jan HarrisIBM has released a preview version of a new mashup tool which allows businesses to remix information and data from different sources to create new applications.
IBM’s Mashup Starter Kit is available at its AlphaWorks site in preview version, and will be available commercially in the first quarter of 2008 for Windows, Linux, and possibly [...]
October 1, 2007
UK least affected by malware in Europe
by Jan HarrisA study by Panda Software, using an online malware measuring tool called Nanoscan, showed UK PCs as having the lowest level of malware infection in Europe.
France had the highest percentage of PCs with active malware, at 28.2 percent, followed by Mexico with 23.1 percent of PCs infected, Brazil with 18 percent, the US with [...]
Adobe acquires Buzzword word processor
by Jan HarrisAdobe has acquired Massacusetts software developer, Virtual Ubiquity, the developer of Buzzword, a web-based word processor which allows users to create and share text documents on the Internet.
Microsoft has also recently announced a similar feature for its Office suite – Microsoft Office Live Workspace – which allows user to access documents online, including Word, [...]
September 28, 2007
Microsoft extends Windows XP for five-months
by Jan HarrisMicrosoft Corp has extended the sale of Windows XP to large computer manufacturers and retailers until the end of June 2008, five-months longer than its original deadline.
Windows XP will now be available from stores and on new PCs until 30 June 2008, rather than 31 January 2008 as previously planned.
Smaller computer sellers, which [...]
September 25, 2007
Microsoft offers Vista downgrade option
by Jan HarrisMicrosoft has changed its licencing terms, making it easier for PC manufacturers to allow customers who purchase machines with Vista installed, to switch to the earlier Windows XP operating system if they wish to.
The offer only applies to Windows Vista Business and Ultimate versions and Microsoft is letting PC makers decide how they want to [...]
September 24, 2007
Google may test rival for ‘Second Life’
by Jan HarrisArizona State University has announced that students will test a new product by a major internet company, which will be launched later this year. The product includes 3D-modelling and video gaming features.
The university has an ongoing relationship with Google, and there are growing rumours that the company in question is Google, and the product to [...]
Adobe announces Photoshop upgrades
by Jan HarrisAdobe Systems Inc has announced two major upgrades to its digital photo and video software – Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 for Windows and Adobe Premiere Elements 4 for Windows.
Both applications now feature the Adobe Lightroom interface complete with charcoal grey colours. Customers can access content, such as video clips, from one convenient place, and export [...]
September 20, 2007
Brandsauce revolutionises brand images
by Jan HarrisOn-line 3D modelling firm, Brandsauce, has developed an innovative technique which creates high-quality brand images at a significantly lower cost than traditional product photography.
The online technique also gives a faster turnaround time than traditional methods, and allows the client much more control over the production process.
Brandsauce’s web-based technology converts packaging artwork into a [...]
September 19, 2007
SAP joins Web-based business software market
by Jan HarrisSAP is unveiling its new line of Web-based business management programs, code-named A1S, at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco.
Web-based software, also known as on-demand software or software as a service, has traditionally been the focus of smaller companies such as Salesforce.com and NetSuite.
SAP and other large competitors, including Microsoft, have previously combined [...]
August 14, 2007
EU approves Intel & STMicro’s Numonyx Venture
by Jan HarrisThe European Union has approved a plan by semiconductor group Intel and Switerland-based chip maker STMicroelectronics, to conbine their flash memory chip businesses in a new joint venture.
The proposal is also expected to involve a US$150 million cash injection from Francisco Partners, a California-based private equity. The venture will create a separate company called [...]