In Depth

In Depth

Operating systems software

• OpenOffice.org: a viable alternative to Microsoft Office?

  Sun launched the OpenOffice.org project with the aim of creating a community-based, international office suite, able to run on all major platforms and access all functionality and data using open application programming interfaces and XML.  Continue Reading

• Snapi smartcard promises access for all

  A man may have eyes but may not always see, at least not clearly. In a similar way, taking perfect vision for granted when building a user interface can...

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• De Montfort chooses Novell Open Enterprise Server 2

  De Montfort University has chosen Novell Open Enterprise Server 2 as the foundation for its IT infrastructure for students and staff.  Continue Reading

• Legacy systems continue to have a place in the enterprise

  Despite the IT industry's efforts to improve the standard of operating systems used in the enterprise, a significant number of users choose to stick with...  Continue Reading

• The internet revolution: software as a service

  Is the browser the new operating system? It is by no means a new question, but it is certainly one that has gained in credibility in recent years. That is...

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• Chinook helicopter disaster - computer software failure or pilot error?

  Chinook helicopter crash: was it computer software failure or a cause we'll never know? This article gives the background to the Chinook helicopter disaster with links to all the relevant articles published by ComputerWeekly and other useful web ...  Continue Reading

• Power and control: a history of the operating system

  Operating systems are something we take for granted, but they have not always been a feature of computing. In the early days, they did not exist at all....

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• Moving closer to the internet as an operating system

  The internet is arguably evolving as an operating system in its own right, with IP, HTML, SMTP and other underlying protocols combining with online application frameworks such as SOAP, web services, Ajax, Ruby on Rails and mash-ups. Added to this ...  Continue Reading

• Hot skills: Expensive and time consuming - but Oracle 11g pays dividends

  Not for the first time, Oracle has created poor publicity for a new release of its market-leading database  Continue Reading

• Digital document management boosts efficiency for health trust

  South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust is an example of a hospital that has invested in technology to improve its business processes and make impressive cost savings.  Continue Reading

• Constant vigilance keeps Stroud & Swindon secure

  "Information security is part of life now for financial services organisations and you have to take it seriously. If the business is linked to any loss of sensitive data, it causes serious reputational damage and you can't afford for that to happen,...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server 2008: an expert view

  Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the long-awaited update to Microsoft’s Windows Server family of products.  Continue Reading

• Tayside fire brigade deploys unified communications platform

  An ongoing project to update Tayside Fire and Rescue’s Microsoft Exchange environment presented the perfect opportunity for the organisation to look at its legacy telecommunications infrastructure. It found the unified communications components of ...  Continue Reading

• Calculating the cost of failed software projects

  The need to adopt a consistent approach to software development and implementation cannot be underestimated. Vague specifications, insufficient planning and poor project management are common causes of software failure  Continue Reading

• Hot skills: AIX 6.1

  Thinking of working with IBM's Unix operating system? Get the facts here.  Continue Reading

• Hot skills: PostgreSQL offers opportunities in many languages

  What is it? PostgreSQL is an open source object-relational database management package. It is one of the pillars of Sun Microsystems' alternative to...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 2007 upgrade: the expert view

  Microsoft Office 2007 is the latest upgrade for the Microsoft Office family of products, and brings new productivity and application integration features.  Continue Reading

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 download expected early next year

  Users waiting to download Windows XP Service Pack 3 will have to wait until the first half of 2008, when Microsoft will release the Windows XP Service Pack 3 download to the public  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to enhance Windows Vista

  Development of the Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is under way, with Windows Vista users eagerly anticipating the arrival of the service pack.  Continue Reading

• How to select the right IP PBX

  Selecting the right IP PBX system for your company can be complicated. Here are some important things to consider when purchasing an IP PBX.  Continue Reading

• Securing Microsoft Internet Explorer 7

  Microsoft's latest version of their Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, was touted as their most secure browser to date. In this section of our Internet Explorer security learning guide, find out what is so secure about IE 7 and what you can do to ...  Continue Reading

• VPN security: testing, troubleshooting and deploying

  In this section of our network access learning guide, learn how to test VPN security, troubleshoot VPN flaws and vulnerabilities as well as learn about VPN alternatives.  Continue Reading

• Internet Explorer security settings and controls

  Managing Internet Explorer security is a complicated job. You need to be aware of all of the latest IE flaws and threats as well as how to prevent hackers from using these flaws to hack your Windows network. Read about how you can keep IE secure in ...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Vista: an expert view

  Latest news stories, features, podcasts, blogs and links on Microsoft Windows Vista  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows: an expert view

  Latest news stories, features, podcasts, blogs and links on Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player  Continue Reading

• Microsoft - Company focus

  Latest news stories, features, podcasts, blogs and links on Microsoft  Continue Reading

• Downtime: political scandals, apes, and four-letter words

  The wacky world of IT  Continue Reading

• Free .docx converter available

  Users can overcome incompatibility between Office 2007 and older versions with a free download of .docx converter.  Continue Reading

• Data migration product specifications

  Part of the Tiered Storage Buying guide focusing on product specifications for data migration tools.  Continue Reading

• Prevent network hacks with secure Web browsing

  Hackers can penetrate your network in almost unlimited ways these days, and that includes through your Web browser. Learn how to improve Web browser security and keep these hackers out of your network.  Continue Reading

• Systems needed to resolve e-mail crunch

  With the regulations for data storage becoming increasingly demanding, finding workable solutions to e-mail archiving requires a sophisticated approach  Continue Reading

• Big Microsoft Vista concerns for Big Pharma

  The second installment of an ongoing series examining the challenges of deploying Windows Vista and the considerations that go into the decision to roll out the new OS.  Continue Reading

• How HBOS and Tesco survive the storage test

  Buying the hardware and the software to manage your storage needs from one supplier is a logical choice for most businesses, as there is no question who is responsible when it goes wrong.  Continue Reading

• Chaos impresses the Microsoft judges

  Sudoku Chaos, by Glen Reid, was one of 10 finalists in Microsoft's DesignIT competition.  Continue Reading

• Admins run into trouble with Microsoft updates

  A DNS service failure and an ongoing WSUS glitch are among this month's frustrations as IT administrators try to deploy the latest security patches from Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• Continental loads up for IT efficiencies

  The cargo operation of Continental Airlines is upgrading to the latest version of a performance management system from JDA after a trial demonstrated that it could boost efficiency and revenues.  Continue Reading

• DPM's diary: 1 May 2007

  Weekly round up of events at Bodcaster City Council.  Continue Reading

• Security Blog Log: Mac hack puts Apple faithful on defence

  A much-hyped QuickTime exploit threatens Mac OS X and Windows browsers, but the Apple faithful feel the greatest sting.  Continue Reading

• DPM's diary 27 April 2007

  Weekly round up of events at Bodcaster City Council  Continue Reading

• Inside MSRC: Windows Vista security update explained

  Microsoft's Christopher Budd details the first Windows Vista security updates.  Continue Reading

• The biggest sources of unstructured data in the enterprise

  There are actually many sources of unstructured data, which accounts for much of the data growth that we've seen in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• IT pros eye Windows Server 2003 SP2 with caution

  Despite its security and stability enhancements, IT pros say they are in no rush to deploy Windows Server 2003 SP2  Continue Reading

• Web 2.0 tools of the trade

  As Web 2.0 technologies become more popular, IT professionals are answering questions from business units on how it can be used.  Continue Reading

• Measuring Vista's true security muscle will take time

  Researchers are digging through the Windows Vista code right now, and when they find flaws we'll hear about it. But it's the ones we don't hear about that should keep us up at night.  Continue Reading

• HSBC bridges the Windows divide

  HSBC is taking advantage of the recent collaboration agreement between Microsoft and Novell to simplify its global IT infrastructure and to reduce costs  Continue Reading

• Get on the right mobile OS track

  There is a vast array of operating systems available to run on mobile devices. So how do you choose the one that is best for your business needs?  Continue Reading

• Downtime: vision of paperless office comes unstuck

  The wacky world of IT  Continue Reading

• Heinz secures thin client PCs with Sophos

  Food manufacturer Heinz has become one of the first companies to deploy dedicated security hardware from Sophos designed to protect thin client desktop terminals with web browsers.  Continue Reading

• Mobile IM keeps users connected

  Sybase iAnywhere added mobile IM to its suite of tools, creating a real-time mobile alternative to email and SMS.  Continue Reading

• Google's big appeal to small firms

  Enterprise users remain cautious about Google Apps Premier Edition, but small firms may provide the software with valuable returns  Continue Reading

• Is Vista the last monolithic release?

  The complexity of operating systems has analysts predicting the end of major releases, with a move towards regular, more modular deployments  Continue Reading

• LA Fitness frees bandwidth with e-mail monitor

  LA Fitness has freed bandwidth on its network by using auditing software to cut the proportion of personal e-mail on its network from almost 40% to 2%.  Continue Reading

• Downtime: floppy discs and fridge magnets don't mix

  The wacky world of IT  Continue Reading

• After Vista will operating systems change to simpler modular model?

  The fundamental nature of the operating system is changing and the ramifications could be far reaching  Continue Reading

• Has e-mail become more of a hindrance than a help in your business?

  The Big Question is an initiative between Computer Weekly and recruitment consultancy PSD. Each week we put the Big Question to top IT professionals to get their take on a current talking point.  Continue Reading

• Inside MSRC: Microsoft updates WSUSSCAN issue

  Christopher Budd of the Microsoft Security Response Center is urging customers to deploy the latest versions of the Systems Management Server Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates or Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer to receive all the current ...  Continue Reading

• Top Web security tips of 2006

  Check out the top five Web security tips of 2006 to get advice on securing Internet Explorer, ISA Server and Radius and a set of tools designed to secure the Web browsing experience.  Continue Reading

• Adobe Reader flaws spook security experts

  Security experts sound the alarm over Adobe Reader flaws that could be exploited for cross-site scripting attacks and other mayhem.  Continue Reading

• Vitrualization, SaaS, alignment and VoIP big in 2007

  Virtualization, VoIP, SaaS and redefining alignment will be big in 2007, predicts Paul Gillin, TechTarget's former editor-in-chief. Find out what else he thinks will rise to the top of IT.  Continue Reading

• Mobile Platforms: Palm OS -- not the best for the multitasker

  A team of experts weigh the good and bad of each mobile platform to help you choose the one that's right for your company.  Continue Reading

• Mobile platforms: Symbian, that 'European operating system'

  A team of experts weigh the good and bad of each mobile platform to help you choose the one that's right for your company.  Continue Reading

• Recordless email: magical or menacing?

  A new startup promises recordless email. Is this a stroke of genius that will reward the company with billions of Internet bucks, or is it the end of the world as we know it?  Continue Reading

• Vista: Do you need it?

  Windows Vista is the next release of Microsoft’s XP desktop operating system. Released on 30 November, it holds out the prospect of increased end-user productivity, tighter control over security and a brand-new graphical user interface, and IT ...  Continue Reading

• Axa expert to illuminate darker areas of project management

  Project management theorists would have managers believe that a project has a clearly defined start, goes through a formal lifecycle and ends with a structured close down. If you have ever worked on a project, you will know that is rarely the case.  Continue Reading

• Security on the open source road

  A growing number of suppliers are developing identity management, anti-virus and firewall security products to better support open source systems  Continue Reading

• Security Blog Log: Dissecting Firefox 2.0

  This week, bloggers examine the security features of Firefox 2.0 and come away with mixed reviews. Does it fare better than Internet Explorer 7?  Continue Reading

• The search for meaning

  Everyone knows that there's masses of valuable information lurking in the enterprise. So all that's needed is a user-friendly way to find the right stuff and put it to good use.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise security: Can you square the circle?

  How do you guarantee end-users the required level of access while making sure that networks and applications are protected by robust security? Arif Mohamed looks at how two organisations have solved the puzzle  Continue Reading

• Enterprise email and IM security journal

  These days, everybody in the business world is connected to everybody else in some way, shape or form: that there are more opportunities for exposure to messaging threats.  Continue Reading

• DPM's Diary: 29 August 2006

  Back at last in dear old Bogcaster and, holidays behind me, I once more take up my onerous directorial responsibilities.  Continue Reading

• Inside MSRC: Time to rethink security workarounds

  Christopher Budd of the Microsoft Security Response Center recommends implementing one of several security workarounds to ensure a secure infrastructure until this month's most important Windows update can be installed.  Continue Reading

• Akonix A-Series offers complex, best-of-breed IM security

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Sandra Kay Miller says The Akonix A-Series instant messaging security appliances works well but needs better documentation.  Continue Reading

• Thwarting IM management challenges

  Product review: Information Security magazine's Sandra Kay Miller says Symantec's IM Manager 8.0 has limited public network features, but offers excellent reporting  Continue Reading

• The new Nokia 9300 smartphone reviewed

  John Shepler takes a look at the new Nokia 9300 smartphone  Continue Reading

• Plan ahead for a major Office move

  Moving up to the next version of Microsoft Office will mean a migration to a whole new business applications platform rather than a simple software upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Automated provisioning quiz answers

  the key questions answered  Continue Reading

• United Co-op updates Epos for central stock control

  United Co-operatives, the second largest chain of co-operative stores in the UK, is rolling out a new point of sale system in its 510 shops to standardise the replenishment process across the business.  Continue Reading

• The future of Microsoft after Gates

  Following Bill Gates' plan to withdraw fronm Microsoft, IT directors are looking to his successors to push the company's enterprise strategy  Continue Reading

• A one-stop enterprise search shop?

  Imagine this scenario: a sales person at a paper manufacturer needs to access a variety of information to ensure that they will meet an ambitious target for the current quarter.  Continue Reading

• Growing support for open option

  Support options are increasing in variety and quality for the growing number of companies adding open-source components to their IT infrastructure  Continue Reading

• Open source makes a good donation

  Two disparate charities have successfully implemented open source software, saving money and creating happier users in the process. Jane Dudman looks at how open source can give smaller organisations greater control at minimum expense  Continue Reading

• Keeping development tools sharp

  IDE suppliers have been consolidating and stuffing their products with value-added tools, but which offers most for the corporate developer?  Continue Reading

• Drive dysfunction? The disc doctor can help

  Efficient PC usage depends on maximising the capabilities of the hard disc. Third-party software may offer advantages over what is available on your operating system  Continue Reading

• House of Fraser takes fast track to data integration

  House of Fraser has successfully integrated the IT systems of department store group Beatties into its core merchandising system, following the acquisition of the business last year.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft chief executive to address Institute of Directors at the Albert Hall

  Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is delivering the keynote at the Institute of Directors annual convention tomorrow (26 April) at the Royal Albert Hall.  Continue Reading

• SMB finds the perfect host

  When All3Media, a medium-sized TV programming producer, inherited an inflexible communications system, it turned to a more appealing, hosted alternative.  Continue Reading

• Is Linux ready to challenge MS Vista?

  Another turbulent period of change is facing organisations over the next two years. Desktop roll-outs are one of the biggest and costliest headaches for any enterprise, and the prospect of another version of Windows is daunting.  Continue Reading

• Rich prospects as HTML comes of age

  If HTML was a person, it would be almost old enough to drink. Unlike your average 18-year-old, however, HTML has hardly grown at all since it first appeared.  Continue Reading

• Proven technologies provide quick wins

  Local authorities have seen more IT innovation in the last five years than ever before. The drive to meet e-government targets has seen record investment and the introduction of new technologies.  Continue Reading

• Desktop and server updates make Novell stronger alternative for users, say analysts

  Novell builds on open source with raft of major product launches  Continue Reading

• How virtualising applications can protect computers from their installed software

  Installing some applications that run under Windows is like wiping a toffee apple on a suede jacket: try as you might, you can never get rid of the sticky mess.  Continue Reading

• IT outsourcing smoothies out SMBs communication and messaging headaches

  With disparate locations and huge mail overheads, fast growing Innocent Drinks had to think quickly to solve potential data availability problems.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's improved Windows Mobile 5.0 will boost applications choice for users

  The availability of Microsoft's push e-mail service last week is the company's latest move to establish Windows Mobile 5.0 as the platform of choice for mobile users.  Continue Reading

• Should you migrate to Vista?

  Microsoft says its Windows Vista operating system will offer improvements in security, usability, stability and manageability - but is this enough to justify a costly upgrade? Cliff Saran reports  Continue Reading

• Securing victory in a game of cat and mouse

  There is a variety of anti-malware products to help IT managers in their battle to keep users' machines safe, and understanding the product categories is key.  Continue Reading

• IBM offers alternative in the Workplace

  Microsoft has a huge leadership on the desktop, which has recently been challenged by the Linux brigade. But could there be another option coming down the line?  Continue Reading

• Voice over IP special report: From dial to click

  Cost cuts are the immediate lure of VoIP. But greater business efficiency is also a potential prize for users, as John Kavanagh reports  Continue Reading

• IT security is more than dealing with viruses

  SMBs should be as concerned with adware and spyware as they should with virusesand worms  Continue Reading

• Spoilt for choice with mobile hardware

  An IT director looking to mobilise the workforce can choose from hundreds of devices. Here we provide an overview of the options and how they fit with business needs.  Continue Reading

• Instant messaging targeted for malicious worm attack

  Businesses have been warned to prepare themselves for an onslaught of malicious worm attacks through corporate instant messaging systems.  Continue Reading