Computer Faire time is here again - evidence that while some things change, the local IT industry remains predominantly the same.

The last two weeks saw ever more losses and Dimension Data`s short battle for Proxicom.

Winter approacheth, and along with the seasonal nip in the air, there`s a distinct sense of anticipation of the SA IT industry`s largest event. Computer Faire takes place from 23 to 26 May.

Monash University SA has signed a R1.5 million consulting, installation and maintenance deal with ETA Audiovisual for projection and presentation solutions.

In the blue and red trunks, Absa stands ready to defend its free Internet policy. In the opposite corner, M-Web goads the opposition.

This week: The Institute of Directors lays it on the line, Moneyweb gets hacked, Pentagon attacked by mystery assailant, and Homepage virus makes brief impact on the world.

There is much to be learned from the experience of others when attending industry conferences. Why is it, then, that no one seems to be acting on that advice?

Transparency, openness and honesty are great qualities, except when it comes to systems security.

This week: ITWeb gets hacked along with other high profile Web sites, hackers beat around the Bush, and human factor to blame for security breaches.

The fire that left Makro`s Woodmead branch a charred wreck and caused millions of rand worth of damage could actually augur new opportunities for the group.

The lengthy list of financial losses grew ever longer during the past two weeks, while job losses also gained momentum.

Telkom`s outrageous call costs will not be forgotten when the market is deregulated. Sometimes good service is not enough.

Has the South African business-to-consumer (B2C) industry lost its will to live?