Stories by Ian Paul

IMF hacked; no end in sight to security horror shows

The recent online intrusion into International Monetary Fund servers may have been the work of malicious hackers working for a foreign government, according to online reports.

OS X Lion features could make Google Chromebooks tough sell

Apple's new version of its desktop operating system is expected to allow quick access to the Internet without having to log back in when your system is locked.

5 fixes for the biggest iPhone and iPad headaches

No question, the iPad and iPhone are amazing devices. But the iOS operating system isn't perfect. For example: How come AT&T rebills customers every month for cellular data service without asking? Do you really have to buy a AirPrint-compatible printer to print via your iPad? Can you get a refund from Apple on an iTunes purchase?

Dumping Steve Ballmer: Microsoft's pros and cons

At least one Microsoft investor isn't happy with chief executive Steve Ballmer's performance. David Einhorn, hedge fund manager for Greenlight Capital, called for the Microsoft chief to step down on Wednesday during a speech at an investor conference. Ballmer's presence is the biggest drag on Microsoft's stock, according to Einhorn. The high-profile investor also blamed Ballmer for wasting billions on research and referred to Bing as a "sinkhole," according to The New York Times. Microsoft's stock is widely considered undervalued at under 10 times its expected earnings, according to Reuters.

Mac Defender malware: A survival guide for OS X users

Apple says it has a fix in the works for the Mac Defender fake antivirus app that has plagued a surprising number of Mac users in recent weeks. The company recently posted a Mac Defender support page explaining how you can remove the malware from your system. Apple also says it will roll out an OS X software update to protect Mac users from future attacks.

Apple revamps Apple Store iPhone app

Apple unveiled a revamp of its Apple Store iPhone app on Monday to include custom configurations for new Macs and more support options when you visit an Apple Store location.

Kill your browser's address bar? Pros and cons

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox are working on deemphasizing your browser's address bar to maximize screen space and put the focus on web apps instead of websites.

iPads used more in bed than in bathroom: Study

Users of Apple's iPad and other tablets prefer to spend more time fiddling with their devices in bed than in the bathroom.

Apple uses iPad to promote other products in stores

Apple is tweaking the look of its retail stores in what could be another marketing coup for the consumer electronics powerhouse.

Cloud-based iTunes version may be ready for WWDC

Apple may have online music streaming deals in place with all four major U.S. music labels in time for the company's Worldwide Developers Conference on June 6, according to online rumors. The company recently signed a deal with EMI Music and is close to wrapping up deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, according to CNET. Previous reports said Apple signed a deal with Warner Music in April.

Windows 8 coming in at least four versions

Microsoft will make at least four different versions of Windows 8 for devices with ARM processors, but you won't be running older Windows apps on any them, according to an Intel executive. Renee James, Intel's senior vice president and general manager of Software and Services Group, also reaffirmed that Windows running on ARM devices will be focused on tablets and other mobile devices, according to Bloomberg.

Amazon quad-core tablet rumoured for 2011

Amazon plans to release two new Android tablets before the end of 2011, including one with NVIDIA's forthcoming mobile quad-core chip, according to online rumors. Amazon is purportedly planning an entry-level tablet, codenamed "Coyote," with a dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 chip. The other slate, dubbed "Hollywood," will sport the new "Kal-El" quad-core mobile chip. There are no rumors about screen sizes, storage capacity or other specs for Amazon's purported tablets, according to Boy Genius Report.

Apple sued again over iOS location and data sharing

Apple is in the hot seat again in a new lawsuit that says iPad and iPhone user location data and other personal information is being shared with third-party advertisers. Apple is accused of aiding and abetting the "intentional taking and transmitting" of user data to third parties. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Puerto Rico, also names Pandora Media and The Weather Channel, but leaves the door open to name more defendants at a later date.

Apple ousts Google as top tech brand

Apple is the most valuable brand in the world, beating out former top brand Google. The house that Jobs built is so highly valued that it is worth more than Microsoft and Coca-Cola combined, according to the 2011 BrandZ Top 100.

Samsung Infuse 4G: What you need to know

Samsung's Android-based Infuse 4G with its 4.5-inch super AMOLED screen is coming to AT&T on May 15 for $200 with a new two-year contract.