Tech Buzz

European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes is touring the United States this week. Her visit comes during a nasty spat between the commission and Microsoft that could seriously hurt technology businesses and consumers. Microsoft is planning to launch its new operating system, Windows Vista, in...

Last week, HP launched an impressive array of new products -- but few noticed, because the news once again surrounded events that happened when their ex-CEO was still there, screwing up the company. Meanwhile, Gateway finally got a new CEO in J. Edward Coleman, who has a good pedigree as a turnaroun...

Hold on to your hats -- California lawmakers have finally done something even the most jaded critic will appreciate. It's called cable franchise reform, and it will have a positive impact on California and the entire nation. "California has led the way in the evolution of new technology, and with ...

Summer is the time to relax, take in the weather and drink a Mint Julep ... right? Someone should tattoo this information on the heads of a number of executives I know because this summer has been anything but relaxing and I still haven't even seen a Mint Julep. Last week was no exception, with App...

Employees often consider their corporate desktops and laptops to be their own personal computers, and frequently treat them as such by downloading all kinds of unauthorized applications, such as MP3 players, games, VoIP products and unsupported instant messaging platforms. In the past this behavior ...

This summer has been amazing, and there isn't any letup. I was convinced last week that I'd be able to focus on some of the longer-term issues rather than big new news this week. Clearly that wasn't the case, and I had more to choose from than I have room to discuss. I'm picking two of the most int...

This week, a key federal official cautioned against calls for net neutrality, the effort to expand government reach in the Internet marketplace. It's a wise move to keep the Internet free of red tape. So why are lobbyists pushing for new rules? Net neutrality holds that Internet network providers s...

Last week had its share of crazy news in what has become a very interesting period for the PC business. You only have to go to the Web to see the warning signs of an apocalyptic event, like spoofing on Apple and Intel, Microsoft and Lawrence Lessig launching a new open copyright tool, and an Apple u...

This week, the U.S. State Department began rolling out "e-passports," new high-tech documents that bolster border security through identity safeguards. In a dangerous world, upgrading passports is prudent policy that serves the interests of Americans at home and abroad, but not everyone is happy wit...

Is identity theft on the rise, or is it a problem that has been vastly overhyped? Recent incidents of lost or stolen laptops have focused public attention on the huge amount of personal information that can very easily make its way outside the control of corporate IT. However, in spite of so many in...