Apple's iOS 5 upgrade causing problems

Apple's iOS 5 upgrade causing problems

Apple's newly-released operating system, iOS 5, has been causing problems for some of those trying to download it.

The free software update, which promises 200 new features, has been so popular that Apple's servers appear to have struggled to keep up with demand.

Many users complained on Apple forums that the download was taking time, with some having to retry many times.

Others blame software bugs for "bricking" phones.

"I tried about 5 times and I got it finally. It sounds like a server issue. It has nothing to do with security. Just keep trying," advised one frustrated iPhone owner.

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Sony locks 93,000 online accounts after security breach

Sony locks 93,000 online accounts after security breach

Sony has locked around 93,000 accounts on its PlayStation Network and SOE games service after unauthorised sign-in attempts.

Unknown attackers managed to verify members' IDs and passwords, although credit card details were not at risk, it said.

Sony suggested that the information may have been stolen from other companies, but did not elaborate.
The Japanese firm has suffered numerous security lapses over the past year.

In one of the worst incidents, details of 77,000 PlayStation Network (PSN) users were compromised.

In a statement on its website, the electronics giant said that "less than one tenth of one percent" of users across the three networks may have been affected in the latest incident, which took place between 7 and 10 October.

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Microsoft flags Firefox and Chrome for security failings

Microsoft flags Firefox and Chrome for security failings

Microsoft has unveiled a website aimed at raising awareness of browser security by comparing the ability of Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome to withstand attacks from malware, phishing, and other types of threats

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MCP Wallet Cards Now Available!

MCP Wallet Cards Now Available!

Whether you are focused on Microsoft technical products or Microsoft Office products - a MCP wallet card can now be purchased to showcase your certification achievements. The home page of each of our Certification Program member sites (www.microsoft.com/certified) contains a "Purchase Your Wallet Card" link that will enable you to start the ordering process. Your card can be ordered in over 30+ languages. In addition, you have the abillity to upload your photo as well as link your virtual business card to the Microsoft Tag located on the card. This connection will enable you to quickly showcase your Microsoft transcript and contact details to employers, friends, and family via your cell phone. (must be connected to the internet)

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Internet providers offer parents bar on porn

Internet providers offer parents bar on porn

Four leading web providers are to offer customers the option to block adult content at the point of subscription, the BBC understands.

BT, Sky, Talk Talk and Virgin will offer the protection for smart phones, laptops and PCs.

It comes as David Cameron is set to meet industry representatives amid concern over sexualisation of children.

The prime minister will also launch Parentport - a website to help parents complain about inappropriate content.

And he will back a ban on billboards displaying risque images near schools.

The new measures, aimed at helping parents protect their children from internet porn and other explicit sites, follow a report earlier this year by the Mothers' Union charity.

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Blackberry services down in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Blackberry services down in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Millions of Blackberry owners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa have been left without services following a server crash.

Owners of the smartphones were unable to browse the web, send email or instant messages.

The problem appears to have originated in a datacentre in Slough which handles Blackberry services for the affected regions.

Blackberry UK said it knew about the problem and was "investigating".

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YouTube to offer film rentals in the UK

YouTube to offer film rentals in the UK

Video site YouTube has started a movie rental service in the UK.

Blockbusters such as The Dark Knight and classics including The Birds can be watched via the site. In total, about 1,000 movies have been made available.

New releases will cost £3.49 to rent and library titles £2.49. Users have 30 days to begin watching a film, and 48 hours to finish it once they start.

The UK is the third territory to get the movie rental service after the US and Canada.

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Ofcom delays 4G mobile auctions

Ofcom delays 4G mobile auctions

Telecoms watchdog Ofcom is to delay auctions that would sell chunks of radio spectrum to support future fourth-generation mobile services.

The process was initially scheduled to take place early in 2012 following a consultation about the proposals during 2011.

However, Ofcom said the strength of the responses to that consultation had persuaded it to delay the auction.

It said (it) now hoped to run the sale towards the end of 2012.

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Apple 'visionary' Steve Jobs dies aged 56

Apple 'visionary' Steve Jobs dies aged 56

Former chief executive and co-founder of US technology giant Apple Steve Jobs has died, the company says. He was 56.

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve," Apple said.

Jobs announced he was suffering from pancreatic cancer in 2004.

Microsoft boss Bill Gates said Jobs' "profound impact" would " be felt for many generations to come".

Mr Gates added: "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honour. I will miss Steve immensely."

US President Barack Obama also paid tribute: "Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he...

BT turns up broadband speed dial

BT turns up broadband speed dial

BT is to launch a fibre optic service that will deliver speeds of up to 300Mbps (megabits per second) to some UK homes by spring next year.

The service is only likely to be made available to a minority of people with others promised speed boosts of up to 80Mbps.

The UK government welcomed the news.

But broadband figures reveal the UK still has a long way to go to achieve its goal of being the fastest in Europe by 2015.

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