Intel launches Core 2 Duo processors ... Firefox update plugs security gaps

Today's IT News Audio Update
Intel launches Core 2 Duo processors ... AMD readies new Opteron ... Samsung develops flash-based drive


NEWS UPDATES

Intel launches Core 2 Duo processors
Intel Corp. unveiled its new Core 2 Duo processor lineup on Thursday, increasing the pressure on rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD). The 10 new dual-core chips promise markedly better performance and greater energy efficiency than Intel's existing products.

Intel cuts some processor prices by more than half
Intel Corp. slashed prices on some desktop PC microprocessors by more than half on Thursday, raising the stakes against rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), which cut prices earlier this week.

Firefox update plugs security gaps
The Mozilla Foundation has released a new version of its popular Firefox browser (version 1.5.0.5) that addresses 12 security flaws.

India may decline Negroponte's $100 laptop program
India may not go in for the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program led by Nicholas Negroponte, which aims to deliver laptops priced at $100 to school students, according to reports this week in Indian media.

Kazaa settles with record industry
In a dramatic close to the legal battle between file-sharing software developer Kazaa and the recording industry, Kazaa on Thursday settled the two major cases against it out of court.

Siemens doubles Q3 earnings, focuses on restructuring
Siemens AG more than doubled its third-quarter net income as its communications unit returned to profitability and losses narrowed in its computer services arm, the German electronics and engineering giant said Thursday.


ITWHIRLED

Geek comic of the week: Sore Thumbs
This magna-style comic all takes place in a video game store (thus the title). But a lot of the drama is political: the store owner is conservative, and his sister/main employee is liberal. Watch the sparks fly as innocent customers just trying to buy games get sucked into the melee! There's also a polar bear, but I'll leave the role he plays for you to discover.