Zune-phone free future Steve Ballmer has stressed the relevance of both Windows and the PC in an increasingly fragmented world of computing devices and web access, while introducing the next version of Windows.… Full published article at: Read More »

Rob Karel, Computing, Thursday 8 January 2009 at 01:00:00 Forrester Research analyst Rob Karel provides his best practice tips for successful master data management programmes As data proliferation in the enterprise continues its exponential expansion and the size, complexity, and heterogeneous nature of IT systems environments scales to keep up, data quality and trust become increasingly important. Investments in data profiling, data quality (DQ), and master data management (MDM) software can transform trusted data visions into reality. But many information and knowledge management professionals have learned the hard way that it’s foolish to expect this investment...Read More »

Computing, Computing, Thursday 8 January 2009 at 01:00:00 David Warwick is head of IT and planning at building firm Durtnells, where he manages a team of four people What was your first job and how did you get into IT? My first job was planning, but before that I had already discovered an interest in IT through my programmable calculator and Sinclair computer. Which IT vendor do you think has been the most influential in the past 20 years? HP – it has really changed over that period, and its technology is indispensable. Which mobile device...Read More »

Shamed by government crackdown Three of China's most popular search engines have apologized for being slow to remove links to pornographic material, following the government's pledge on Monday to crack down on "vulgar" content on the web.… Full published article at: Read More »

All our coverage in one place Full published article at: Read More »

Gareth Morgan, Computing, Thursday 8 January 2009 at 03:00:00 The belt-tightening going on across the IT industry means it is vital to address any poor performers and strengthen the team dynamic I concluded, as I popped the last few crumbs of my fifth mince pie into my mouth, that the new year might be a jolly good time to go on a diet. After all, what’s January for, if not making yourself miserable after having too much of a good time in December. I am not a very good dieter – ­ I’m too easily tempted...Read More »

John Walker, Computing, Thursday 8 January 2009 at 03:00:00 With cyber-threats on the rise, should firms really entrust their critical systems to the cloud? Watching a dramatised portrayal of evil hackers invading global financial systems with the objective of world domination would no doubt provide many Sunday night viewers with some entertainment before retiring to get ready for the Monday morning jaunt to the office. But just how close to reality are such story lines? Are they merely the vivid imaginings of television writers? For anyone who tracks cybercrimes, attacks and the insecurities that allow these...Read More »

John Mitchell, Computing, Thursday 8 January 2009 at 02:30:00 IT needs a consistent approach to creating timestamps for forensic computing Whenever evidence about what is found on a hard drive is put before courts, the lawyers usually fail to ask the right question. They want to know whether certain files are on there. They should be asking “How did it get there?” and “When did it get there?” Accurate time determination is a crucial part of forensic computing evidence. If it got there before the accused owned the computer, then it is unlikely that he knew...Read More »

(More) suspicions of price fixing At least four makers of microchips have confirmed they were raided by European Commission investigators seeking information of collusion in the market for chips used in smart cards.… Full published article at: Read More »

Why not? They're building everything else As part of an ongoing effort to cover the Earth with its very own built-from-scratch internet, Google is now redesigning the router. Or so it seems.… Full published article at: Read More »