FAA outage reveals odd computing practices
Web-posted 8/29/2008
When a computer glitch at a Federal Aviation Administration center caused widespread airline delays this week, it served as a reminder that the U.S. flight system is waiting for a modernizing overhaul. But it also appears the FAA's management of its existing technologies falls short of standards in other vital sectors.

Phone companies prepare backup plans for Gustav
Web-posted 8/29/2008
The tropical storm bearing down on the Gulf Coast could be a test for the country's wireless carriers, which faced criticism and a regulatory push after Hurricane Katrina took out networks.

Even critics give Apple a pass on iPhone 3G woes
Web-posted 8/29/2008
First an iPhone price cut left early buyers feeling foolish, and then came reports that some iPods were spitting sparks. Now the new iPhone 3G has been marred by bugs, spotty service, disappearing programs for the device and a veil of secrecy over software developers trying to broaden its appeal.

Small GPS devices help prosecutors win convictions
Web-posted 8/29/2008
Like millions of motorists, Eric Hanson used a GPS unit in his Chevrolet TrailBlazer to find his way around. He probably didn't expect that prosecutors would eventually use it too — to help convict him of killing four family members.

Dell 2Q profit drops 17 percent and stock plunges
Web-posted 8/29/2008
Computer maker Dell Inc. said Thursday its fiscal second-quarter profit fell 17 percent, hurt in part by lower prices and restructuring charges. The earnings were short of Wall Street estimates, and Dell shares plunged.

Comcast to make monthly Internet use cap official
Web-posted 8/29/2008
Comcast Corp., the nation's second-largest Internet service provider, Thursday said it would set an official limit on the amount of data subscribers can download and upload each month.

Reborn retail site fires salvo in shipping war
Web-posted 8/29/2008
With gas prices high and consumers stretching shopping dollars, competition is heating up online for deals — and a discount retail site hopes to fan the flames by shipping orders for $1.95.

Microsoft's newest browser may block ads
Web-posted 8/29/2008
The next version of Microsoft Corp.'s Web browser makes it easier for people to surf the Internet without leaving a trace.

One small hitch for FAA, one giant mess for fliers
Web-posted 8/29/2008
When a computer system that distributes flight plans nationwide came rolling to a halt this week because of a software glitch, so did airplanes on tarmacs from Orlando to Chicago. The ensuing delays drove home just how easily an apparently isolated problem can trigger network-wide disarray in the country's aging air traffic control system.

Consumers picked to test hydrogen car prototypes
Web-posted 8/29/2008
Tom Albert drove his loaner Chevrolet Equinox like any other car.