Stories by: Network World staff

At this point in the game, Microsoft should really come clean with a statement that rescinds its Linux/patent/suing threat altogether. Granted, Microsoft put itself in a hard spot with this one, since it had its channel singing the same tune for those murky months after the threat. If it stands up says, "Sorry, just kidding!" that won't make the channel partners happy, particularly if they used the threat to convince customers they must buy SUSE or Windows over Red Hat and other distros. But the fact is, we are seeing actions by Microsoft that indicate that the "suing Linux users" jig is up.

Google and IBM are testing a cloud computing infrastructure that could become an important avenue for them to deliver software and services to consumer and business users.

New research showing that smart cards with encrypted RFID chips might not be as secure as previously thought is raising concerns in Boston, where the subway CharlieCards use just such technology. The research raises the specter of thieves with US$1,000 worth of equipment cracking smart-card encryption and making counterfeit cards to do everything from swipe fares to gain access to high-security areas.

The disk encryption technology used to secure the data in your Windows, Apple and Linux laptops can be easily circumvented, according to new research out of Princeton University.

Researchers are developing technology they say will use data mining and social networking techniques to spot and stop insider security threats and industrial espionage.

Below is the text of the letter that Microsoft sent to Yahoo's Board of Directors:

University of Washington researchers have developed software designed to let those who can't work a handheld mouse use their voice instead to navigate the Web.

Messaging vendor PostPath Monday added a variety of client options and upgraded the mobile support in its Linux-based replica of Microsoft Exchange server.

The National Science Foundation is funding research that could enable computers to respond to your levels of frustration or boredom. In other words, we're talking about "mind-reading" technology.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology pranksters celebrated this past Tuesday's debut of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Halo 3 by transforming the statue of John Harvard in Harvard Yard into the Master Chief character from the much anticipated video game.

Novell on Monday shipped the first service pack for Suse Linux Enterprise 10 that includes virtualization, management and security improvements.