Windows 8.1 released
Microsoft has released the Windows 8.1 update for its operating system.
Windows 8 had received some criticism for removing the start button, so the latest version has reinstated it along with a traditional desktop interface when booting up.
As PC sales are in decline, Windows 8 sought to bridge the gap between touch screen devices and laptops and desktop computers. The operating system had a tile interface that could be tapped or swiped on touch screens to open applications.
This setup proved frustrating for some people with out touch screen functions, so 8.1 allows users to avoid the tile interface entirely, should they wish to do so.
Google earnings up 12%
Google has reported an increase in earnings as well as an increase in users’ clicks on advertisements.
The internet company has consolidated revenue increase of 12% to $14.89bn in the third quarter, resulting in shares rising more than 5% on Thursday.
Google said that paid clicks increased 26% year-on-year during the three months ended 30 September, while the average cost-per-click – the price that marketers pay Google when consumers click on their ads – decreased 8%.
Oracle releases bumper security update for Java
A security package for Java has been released by Oracle to close security holes in software.
The update will fix 51 security bugs in Java, a dozen of which permitted attackers to take remote control of a compromised.
Java is one of the most popular targets for cyber-thieves and malware writers seeking to hijack home computers.
The update is available via the main Java website and has prompted follow-up action from other electronics firms. Apple has released an update to the version of Java that runs on its computers. This update points people towards the official version of Java from Oracle instead of that supplied by Apple.
