The IT PRO Podcast

Debating ID cards, Twitter and the Storm

Nicole Kobie — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 15:51:55 +0000

This week, we debate the upcoming ID cards — or more importantly, the massive database backing them up. Good thing, bad thing — we disagree, surely you do too.

We also discuss Facebook’s failed bid to buy microblogging site Twitter and Fujitsu Siemens’ laptop for life programme — we’re confused by both Twitter and free laptops.

And we finish with the Gadget of the Week. The BlackBerry Storm — aka, the Burberry Whirlwind — has won many fans, but is it on our Christmas list…?

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Orcs, oysters, and worms, oh my…

Nicole Kobie — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:12:45 +0000

In this week’s podcast, we look at the always important issue of online gaming — would you be a dwarf or an orc in World of Warcraft, and is having sex in Second Life weird?

Back in so-called “real life,” we also discuss the Oyster travelcard. Transport for London has signed a new contract to keep the popular ticketing card going, and we’re happy to hear it.

In less positive London news, a virus has hit three hospitals in the capital — and we’re not talking MRSI. The Mytob worm has taken out systems at St Barts and the London NHS trust, and they’re still down. Was it a deliberate attack, or just a worm in the wild that managed to slip through?

And is the BBC’s move to stream its programmes online going to be the end of the license fee? We hope so…

We also discuss our gadget of the week, the Sony Ericsson Xperia. It sure is pretty looking, but Windows Mobile fails to win over our expert reviewers…

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

When Facebook goes rogue

Chris Green — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:24:30 +0000

This week we look at the issue of women in IT and the cultural and career barriers that continue to depress the numbers of women working in the industry.

We also discusshow Nigerian email scammers are using hacked Facebook accounts in an attempt to extract hard-earned money from users duped into thinking they are helping a Facebook buddy get out of a fix. We also discuss Nokia’s new keyboard-based smartphone, 3’s INQ 1, and talk about how the US president-elect used the internet to win the election.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

There’s a Storm coming…

Chris Green — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:52:58 +0000

This week we look at the upcoming launch of the BlackBerry Bold, RIM’s first touch screen smartphone. We also discuss the end of Google’s advertising relationship with Yahoo and debate whether Microsoft will make a fresh bid for the embattled internet company. The UK ID card scheme takes another step closer with trials taking place at two British airports.

Also - Bletchley park needs your help!

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

From Windows 7 to Eastenders

Nicole Kobie — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:21:28 +0000

This week, we’re joined by PC Pro-er Stu Turton to discuss the launch of Windows 7 at Microsoft’s Professional Developers Conference in LA this week. Will the new OS be better than XP and Vista, and has Vista been given a tough ride? And when did Microsoft become the underdog?

As usual, there’s a story about data breaches. According to Information Commissioner Richard “Richie” Thomas, there’ve been some 277 such breaches this year. When’s it going to stop? Probably never, if all Thomas can do is send angry glares as punishment…

Awkwardly moving on, we discuss the T-Mobile G1 Android phone — what’s all the fuss about? Is it worth lining up for?

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Computing is free

Chris Green — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:27:59 +0000

This week’s podcast takes on an unexpected theme of ‘Free Stuff’ as we discuss so-called ‘Free’ laptops with mobile broadband contracts, ‘Free’ computers for low-income families with children, ‘Free’ broadband for small business telephony customers.

We also look at the potential scrapping of Transport for London’s Oyster card system, following the termination of its contract with service provider TranSys. This came about after several technical and securoty problems, including the publishing of details on how to clone Oyster cards, allowing ‘Free’ travel.

To wrap up, we discuss the hacking of French president Sarkozy’s bank account - that will be ‘Free’ money then.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Do Elbots dream of aluminium MacBooks?

Nicole Kobie — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:03:14 +0000

This week, we discuss BT’s plans to pilot super-fast Fibre to the Cabinet in Muswell Hill, London and Whitchurch, South Glamorgan — neither of which are places we live, so we’re all stuck on sluggish connections for the near future.

But if this continues, it could finally make video conferencing a more mainstream option, meaning we can all stay at home rather than take business trips.

In gadget news, we discuss the new aluminium MacBooks from Apple, and ponder if they’ll ever produce a netbook. And, if they do, will it cost 60 per cent more than all the others?

With visions of netbooks still in our heads, we also ponder the new Apricot PicoBook Pro - we haven’t seen the thing, so we’re really just still trying to figure out how to say it…

And finally, we talk about Elbot, the robot AI which scored 25 per cent on the Turing test. We weren’t impressed, but we do share which IT PRO editor can dance a mean robot, so take a listen to find out…

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

You can’t kill a good version of Windows

Chris Green — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:27:39 +0000

In this week’s podcast we look at the operating system that just won’t die, and ask whether Microsoft should even bother trying to wean people off Windows XP.

We also discuss RIM’s first touch screen BlackBerry and give you some insight into how the Storm works compared to a keyboard-based BlackBerry. Apple is set to announce a range of new laptops next week, inline with the predictions we made last month. We discuss the most likely changes to the range along with out wish list for new features and products.

Have you ever sent an email you wish you hadn’t while under the influence? Google is developing a new feature for Gmail that will hopefully stop you sending unfortunate emails after a night in the pub. The IT PRO team explains how.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Clouds, the Tube and more in-air ranting

Nicole Kobie — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:56:26 +0000

This week, we start off with a discussion of Microsoft’s cloud computing plans… and Steve Ballmer’s on-stage antics. With a man like that at the helm, why isn’t Microsoft more popular?

Next, it’s the full run-down of Nokia’s first touchscreen phone, the 5800 XpressMusic - formerly known as the ‘Tube’. Is it as good as the iPhone? Have Nokia waited too long to jump on the touch bandwagon?

We also discuss the silliness that is MI6 advertising on Facebook, and take a few minutes to rant about mobile phone use on planes… and how annoying people on buses can be. Why can’t they be more like the oh-so-polite Japanese?

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Android hype

Nicole Kobie — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:46:23 +0000

In this week’s podcast, we discuss the very first mobile handset to feature Google’s Android phone - is it all hype, or does it bring something new to the mobile world?

Joined by Clare Hopping, editor of Know Your Mobile, we also look at Ryanair’s plans to make mobile calls available on their flights, wondering what sort of budget traveller is willing to pay £2 a minute to make a call? And, are we doomed to listen to inane conversations thanks to this latest innovation?

We also chat about the soon to be rolled out ID cards, and to wrap up, we discuss London mayor Boris Johnson’s plans - poorly thought out though they may be - to cover the capital in WiFi coverage.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

When text messages attack

admin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:32:20 +0000

In this week’s podcast we discuss the fallout from HP’s acquisiton of EDS along with the impact on IT staff and service providers following this week’s financial implosion in the City and Wall Street.

We also look at Orange’s efforts to woo more business customers, another government data loss, the danger of texting while driving and the appearance of Mick Jagger at the EU to discuss ecommerce issues.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

When flip phones and atoms collide

Chris Green — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:20:07 +0000

It’s the end of the world as we know it…. Or not as the CERN team successfully tested the Large Hadron Collider, the device that it hopes will reveal the so-called ‘God particle’. We discuss what the LHC project is all about, as well as reveal the IT implications of the project.

Also in the news, we look at RIM’s new flip phone BlackBerry, the government taking action against PA Consulting after it lost sensitive data and the cost of a potential fibre broadband rollout is shooting up even before a length of fibre has even been laid.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Google Chrome – is it more than just web browser bling?

Chris Green — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:11:49 +0000

In this week’s podcast, the team takes a look at Google new Chrome web browser, and discusses Dell’s move into the popular and already-crowded netbook market.

We also talk about the 25th anniversary of GNU and Stephen Fry’s criticism of both Microsoft and Apple, we examine O2’s digital wallet trial and its long-awaited pay-as-you-go pricing for the iPhone 3G.

Sign up for the IT PRO/Citrix web seminar at http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;206966811;26369288;w?http://learn.gotoassist.com/forms/EMEA-G2A-110908-ITPRO-Webinar?ID=7010000000055BT

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

When PC makers go bad

admin — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:02:22 +0000

In this week’s podcast, we look at Dell’s downbeat financial results, problems with Apple’s latest iPhone build, more problems for Apple as another of its adverts is blasted for making inaccurate claims.

Meanwhile, LG is launching a netbook and Sony’s chief executive has cast doubt – intentionally or otherwise – over the future of its Sony Ericsson mobile phone joint venture.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Prison data makes the great escape

admin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 19:20:56 +0000

In this week’s podcast we ask how data on 84,000 prisoners, as well as details of ex-convicts, found its way on to an unencrypted USB stick, in the latest in what looks like a long series of data breaches. Also on security, we look at facial recognition trials at Manchester Airport: exactly what are the security benefits of this latest biometrics scheme?

Meanwhile, on the hardware front, we cover the latest stories from Intel’s Developer Forum, which has just wrapped up in in San Francisco, and look at Palm’s latest smartphone offering, the Treo Pro. Is it enough to keep the company up there with Apple, RIM, HTC and Nokia?

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Your government wants your data and RIM’s BlackBerry gets shiny

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:16:03 +0000

In this week’s podcast we take an in-depth look at the decision by TfL to cancel the multi-million pound IT services contract with TranSys to manage the under-fire Oyster card platform. We also take a look at new laptops from Dell, a very disruptive new BlackBerry from RIM, and Chip-and-PIN fraud.

We also discuss the merits of a government proposal to increase its snooping powers and to store copies of your data, in the interests of ‘security’.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

In-flight surfing and when customers go missing

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:26:53 +0000

In this week’s podcast, Chris and Benny look at Delta’s introduction of in-flight Wi-Fi, the launch of Microsoft SQL Server 2008, the latest on the TK Maxx data theft case, yet another Asus Eee PC model and how nearly 20,000 deserted cable operator Virgin Media in the last quarter.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Hacker learns the meaning of stupidity

admin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:06 +0000

In this week’s podcast we discuss hacker Gary McKinnon’s failed attempt to avoid extradition to the US where he faces charges of tampering with defence computers.

Also, we give you the low-down on Cuil, the new search engine which claims it will give Google a run for its money. We are not so sure…..

We also talk about Nokia’s N96 smartphone, which is due to hit the shops shortly, the Home Office initiative that will allow the public to see crime figures overlaid on a map of where they live, and another increase in malware attacks.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

Getting hooked on VMware

admin — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:04:27 +0000

This week, the IT PRO has a pair of special guests to talk about the top news from the past week, starting with VMware’s move to make its hypervisor free - is it all just a ploy to undercut Microsoft and get us all hooked on virtualisation? Yeah, probably.

We also talk about Apple’s latest iPhone. Is it ready for business? Will CIOs buy them bulk for their staff? Or is nothing more than a fancy phone with an iPod attached… featuring sweet games like ‘lightsabre’? (insert swooshing sound here.)

And also in the news, the ongoing problems with Transport for London’s Oyster card. Is it just a coincidence that the London-wide system has crashed twice since hackers cracked it? And, possibly more importantly, what’s your favourite tube line?

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes, or just listen below.

The iPhone 3G - shiny and business-friendly

admin — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:42:02 +0000

The long-awaited 3G version of the iPhone has finally gone on sale. There’s been a great deal of hype, but was it justified. We get the iPhone 3G into the IT PRO Podcast studio for a first look and discuss both the consumer and business merits of Apple’s revamped smartphone.

Also in the news, the chief executive of virtualisation giant VMware is replaced suddenly by an ex-Microsoft exec, British businesses are banning IM and DreamWorks drops AMD for Intel.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.

World record web browser

admin — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 17:17:49 +0000

Firefox secures the first world record for first day downloads of a computer application, Viacom secures a landmark legal ruling against Google and solid state hard drives are about to get much cheaper for everyone.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.

Bill’s last day

admin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:02:39 +0000

As Bill Gates exits from day-to-day operations from Microsoft, we discuss whether he has had a positive or negative impact on the IT industry, and look at how Microsoft has changed in preparation for his departure.

We also look at data security, as two independent reports blast HMRC and the Ministry of Defence for their poor data protection and we talk about intelligent CCTV cameras (albeit briefly).

And of course we discuss Nokia’s shock takeover and open source plan for Symbian.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.

Firefox 3 download stampede sets world record

admin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:43:49 +0000

The launch of the Firefox 3 browser this week was a huge success for Mozilla. Not only did it set a world record for day one browser downloads, its servers buckled under the weight of demand for the new browser. The thing is – will Firefox 3 be any good?

Should British hacker Gary McKinnon be extradited to the US to face charges of hacking US government systems? If he fails in his latest appeal and is convicted, he is being threatened with up to 45 years in prison, and allegedly “would fry”. It sounds extreme considering we are none the wiser whether McKinnon is a master criminal or just an idiot.

Asus has announced an update to the Eee PC 900, adding Intel’s Atom chip to the popular cheap laptop.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls for investment in technology to help fight terrorism. Is this a serious call to action or just a cynical soundbite from a struggling and unpopular politician – we discuss.

And finally, Nokia has launched two new business handsets, one of which has serious iPhone-killer potential. We tell you all about it.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or click here to find The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.

3G iPhones and credit card fraud

admin — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:50:22 +0000

Apple has finally pulled the covers off the 3G iPhone - but is it any good? The IT PRO team investigates Apple’s latest smartphone and debates whether it is still a breakthrough product, or simply trying to catch-up with the competition.

We also look at the latest in a growing list of corporate data thefts, this time involving clothing retailer Cotton Traders and 38,000 customer credit card numbers.

And we recap on the news of Yahoo’s ad sales deal with Google, look at what it all means for shareholders in Yahoo and for Microsoft following its failed takeover attempt.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or search for The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.

Eee PC dominates Computex

admin — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:00:50 +0000

Everyone wants an Eee PC, or at least something very similar. The Computext computer show in Taipai this week is awash with the Asus mini laptop and its many imitators. The IT PRO team discusses why the Eee and others are so popular and look at who might actually use one of these machines in anger.

Will the 3G iPhone cost £100? Several industry commentators think so, despite the fact it will make Apple’s shiny smartphone more accessible and thus less exclusive.

Can anonymous text messages help cut knife crime? Crimestoppers thinks its a good way to reach teenages who have witnessed or expereinced a knife attack.

We discuss these stories and take a look at developments in flash drives and a new code of practice for ISPs selling broadband in the UK.

You can download the IT PRO Podcast here, or search for The IT PRO Podcast on iTunes.