Monday, July 31, 2000

Latest in IT world

Internet Explorer version 5.5 launched

Microsoft has launched the version 5.5 Internet explorer recently. The initial reviews of this much-awaited browser are not very encouraging as users feel it does not have any great add-on to justify an upgrade over the previous version. However, this version is said to be good for developers as it has some advanced programming tools like a powerful HTML editor, enhanced frames tool, etc. Netwatchers are awaiting the release of Netscape version 6.

Intel delays Itanium release

Intel Corporation has pushed back the release of its Itanium-based processors for at least a quarter now. Itanium is a 64-bit powerful chip and has a big demand in the market of servers and workstations. Intel currently has a market share of 85 per cent in the personal computers market and with the launch of the Itanium chip the company is eyeing server and workstation market.

Yahoo!India and ZDNetIndia in content alliance

Yahoo!India, the Indian version of the world major Yahoo.com, has chosen ZDNetIndia for providing content on technology. ZdNetIndia is the leading technology portal in the country. Yahoo!India will use ZDNetIndia’s technology content, including downloads, breaking news, etc.

First AutoCAD virus

A Russian anti-virus company is said to have discovered the first AutoCAD virus. AutoCAD is a very popular program of Autodesk, and is used worldwide by engineers, architects, designers, etc. The virus, named ACAD.star, is a micro virus and uses only 500 bytes. The virus is said to have been discovered after Autodesk licensed Microsoft’s Visual Basic language for programming in AutoCAD. Visual Basic, apart from being a very powerful language, is the mother of all viruses, as most of the recent viruses are written in this language. However, no casualties have been reported so far due to this virus as only users of AutoCAD 2000 may get affected by it.