Linux desktops furthest from mainstream acceptance, says Gartner -- and more news briefs

Linux far from desktop maturity, says Gartner

Linux is five years away from mainstream use, according to Gartner. The analyst firm said the open source software is mostly used for web and infrastructure applications on mainframes. Linux desktops are the furthest from mainstream acceptance of the different applications.

Microsoft sues EC over source code wrangle

Microsoft has filed a writ against the European Commission as the latest step in its battle with competition authorities in the European Union. Last March the commission imposed sanctions, including a £337m fine, on the software giant. Microsoft wants to keep secret the source code for its communications protocols.

Online banking users 'ignorant of fraud risk'

Internet users are mostly unconcerned by online banking security threats such as phishing and keystroke logging and expect banks to deal with the problem, according to Forrester. The analyst group found that most internet users were ignorant of the risks they faced. It said banks need to educate customers better about the dangers of online fraud.

HR automation for Forest of Dean Council

Forest of Dean District Council is deploying Trent software developed by Midland HR & Payroll Solutions to replace its paper-based human resources and payroll system. The contract is worth £120,000. The council hopes to dramatically reduce administrative time for its human resources and organisational development staff. It also expects to improve management processes through better reporting functions.

UK call centre jobs rise despite offshoring

The number of jobs in UK call centres has risen since 2001, despite the boom in offshoring to low-wage economies such as India, according to the Market Trends report from the Office for National Statistics. Fewer people were made redundant from call centres in the UK last year than they were in 2001.

Intel predicts £5bn Q3 thanks to notebook PCs

Intel is predicting third quarter revenues of between £5.3bn and £5.4bn, in line with earlier estimates. Strong demand for notebook PCs had underpinned the firm's double-digit year-on-year growth, it said.