Internet faces turbulent times

The Internet could face years of instability as it moves to a new addressing system, one of the network's original architects has warned, reveals the BBC.

Vint Cerf, one of the fathers of the Internet, spoke as the UK was urged to begin using the new addressing system.

With current addresses due to run out in 2012, nations and businesses must get on with switching, said Cerf. During the switch, Internet links could become unreliable, making sites and services hard to reach, he said.

Oracle has lost a stream of developers from its OpenOffice team in recent months, and experts argue that, while the office suite is not doomed yet, its demise is highly possible, according to V3.

Oracle acquired OpenOffice when it completed the purchase of Sun Microsystems, in January. The firm has since released new versions of the free product, and has promised continued investment.

However, OpenOffice developers clearly have their doubts when it comes to the long-term fate of the suite. Many have jumped ship to work for LibreOffice, a rival project set up in September by an open source community faction that had grown frustrated with Oracle for not making what they deemed necessary changes to the project's organisation and management.

An original Apple 1, made by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in Jobs' parents' garage, goes on the auction block in London this month, says The Register.

The Apple 1 was designed by Jobs and Wozniak in 1976. Just 200 were made, according to the Web site, Old Computers, and up to 50 are thought to survive.

At the time they cost £666.66, but Lot 65 is expected to fetch £100 000 to £150 000, according to Christies, which says it is in superb condition.

A man who posted a Twitter message threatening to blow up an airport is facing a £3 000 bill after losing an appeal against his conviction, reports the BBC.

Paul Chambers, 26, said he acted in frustration after Robin Hood Airport, in South Yorkshire, was closed by snow.

The trainee accountant from Doncaster, who now lives in Northern Ireland, was found guilty in May of sending a menacing electronic communication.