* Internet Explorer still chasing Firefox * Ubuntu Linux gets a kick - with a caveat * A series of unfortunate events hobble Google's Blogger * AstriCon brings corporate adoption of Asterisk to light * CA adds smarts to network performance management software * Twisted Pair Halloween Special * Buzzblog: Your tax dollars at work polishing a candidate's Wikipedia entry * Cool Tools Video: Honey, they shrunk the PC * Today on Layer 8
News podcast: Network World 360
This week, Cisco looks to push high-end IP video, Fake network gear, Sendmail enters messaging security market, and SonicWall boosts remote-office device with wireless support. (8:53) Listen now.
Internet Explorer still chasing Firefox
After five years in the making, IE 7 has a distinct new look and an improved security posture, but our initial test shows that the Microsoft browser still nips at the heels of Firefox’s feature set and its Web development standards support. See our complete report. Click here for more.
Ubuntu Linux gets a kick – with a caveat
Canonical, the British company behind the popular Ubuntu Linux distribution, on Thursday announced the release of the latest version of its operating system that includes a number of updates, including faster boot times. Click here for more.
A series of unfortunate events hobble Google’s Blogger
Google’s Blogger has experienced availability problems in recent days, continuing a series of mishaps that began several weeks ago. Between Wednesday of last week and Thursday of this week, Blogger suffered several outages and periods of sluggish performance, along with some planned downtime for maintenance, according to the Blogger Status site, where Google informs users about Blogger system issues. Click here for more.
Third annual AstriCon brings corporate adoption of Asterisk to light
Some 700 users and enthusiasts of the Asterisk IP telephony system gathered in Dallas this week for the third-annual AstriCon conference, focusing on the open-source IP PBX and messaging software package. Click here for more.
CA adds smarts to network performance management software
Enterprise network managers often bemoan the fact that while the tools they use to monitor network devices collect volumes of information, it can be difficult to make sense of it and time-consuming to compile and present the data clearly to upper management. CA says it hopes to help solve that problem with a new version of the eHealth network performance management software it acquired last year through its Concord Communications buyout. Click here for more.
Twisted Pair Halloween Special
Jason and Keith discuss the return of the browser wars (Firefox 2.0 vs. IE7), and things get spooky when they talk about hackers, what’s really scary on the Internet (Fantasy Congress online game) and the best type of Halloween candy. Special Bonus: The guys get the lowdown on horror movies and literature with special “ghost” star John Gallant. Click here to watch.
Buzzblog: Your tax dollars at work polishing a candidate’s Wikipedia entry
Someone within the Securities and Exchange Commission appears to be using his or her work time and government-issued computer to wage a political battle through Wikipedia on behalf of Missouri’s Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Talent, who is locked in a tight re-election battle with Democrat Claire McCaskill. Click here for more.
Cool Tools Video: Honey, they shrunk the PC
Keith blames Star Trek for the trend in miniaturizing the PC — although the Sony UX Micro PC is fun to look at. Click here to watch.
Today on Layer 8, where we’re good and plenty:
Sony batteries, profits immolate; Google to respect copyright, gut YouTube; Skype founders to counter with LameTube; and what are the best Halloween movies and literature?; all this today and more at your home for not-just-networking news.
For news updated throughout the day, go to Network World’s NetFlash news page.
