Sun`s on-chip cache doubles performance

Sun Microsystems has announced that its new UltraSparc IV+ processor will be even faster than the UltraSparc IV.

CNet reports that David Yen, executive VP of Sun`s processor and network products division, has disclosed that the new chip will include high-speed cache memory, unlike Sun`s current UltraSparc III and IV, which rely on a separate module.

Greg Papadopoulos, Sun CTO, says the on-chip cache is expected to double the performance of the new processor over the UltraSparc IV.

IT security company iDefense warns that a vulnerability in Microsoft`s implementation of the Abstract Syntax Notation number One (ASN.1) standard "could be the most damaging vulnerability in the history of computing, if properly exploited".

Ken Dunham, iDefense director of malicious code, says it could allow attackers to gain unauthorised access, install Trojans, or spread network attack worms.

IBM plans to make a beefed-up tiny hard drive available later this month, says CNet, targeting notebook users.

The company`s 4GB "Microdrive" is due to be released next week, according to IBM`s Web site. The removable drive, which is the size of a matchbook, carries the IBM brand but is made by Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, which took over IBM`s hard drive business last year.