Netscape 8 breaks IE

America Online (AOL) has confirmed that a bug in its new Netscape 8 Web browser is breaking certain XML configurations in Microsoft`s Internet Explorer (IE), reports eWeek.com.

According to Microsoft, Netscape 8 corrupts IE`s XML rendering capabilities, meaning that an IE user navigating to an XML file is greeted with a blank page.

Microsoft has suggested users uninstall Netscape as a possible workaround, but AOL says the bug affects only a small percentage of IE users who visit pages using XML technology and an automatic patch is due to be deployed soon.

Intel has formally launched the Pentium D and accompanying 945 chip set, introducing dual-core technology to the desktop at a much lower price than competitor, Advanced Micro Devices.

The Pentium D is actually Intel`s second dual-core processor, reports PC World, following the introduction of the Pentium Extreme Edition in April. But the new Pentium D 840, 830 and 820 chips are much less expensive than the Pentium Extreme Edition, and will introduce dual-core technology to far more users than the Extreme Edition chip.

The report says the launch of the 945G chip set also brings several new technologies, such as virtualisation, system management and high-definition audio, to both consumer and business users.

Microsoft has begun offering new data services that Internet service providers can use to determine how much e-mail traffic they are generating to MSN Hotmail, how that e-mail is affected by MSN Hotmail spam filtering, and what percentage has been marked as spam by customers, reports Computerworld.

Microsoft has also launched an MSN Postmaster Web site designed to protect MSN Hotmail and other Internet users from spam. The Web site is aimed at helping educate bulk e-mailers, Internet service providers and e-mail service providers about what can and can`t be sent to MSN Hotmail users.

Toshiba has developed a slim-line optical disc drive with support for HP`s Lightscribe label-etching technology, reports PC World.

Lightscribe allows labels to be etched onto blank discs using the drive`s laser. Users will burn data onto a blank disc as usual, but then flip the disc over to etch the label on the reverse side.