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The next version of Microsoft Corp.’s Web browser makes it easier for people to surf the Internet without leaving a trace.

Microsoft’s latest Internet browser includes a piece of software that allows Internet users to hide the audit trail of websites they have visited.

The InPrivate feature on Internet Explorer 8, nicknamed “porn mode”, allows users to conceal the sites they have viewed at the click of a button.

Once the setting is chosen, others using the same computer will not be able to see which sites have been accessed. Other browsers have similar functions, but this one is far more prominent. Although casual users cannot see the previous user’s search history, authorities such as the police will be able to access it if necessary.

The software may be hailed as a victory for privacy campaigners, but it represents a serious threat to Microsoft’s bigger rival, Google. In allowing surfers to access websites but conceal their browsing behaviour, Microsoft prevents Internet sites from collecting information about their users — data that is then used to sell targeted Read more »

Tax rebates have encouraged consumers to spend more The US economy grew at a revised 3.3% annually in the second quarter of 2008, the Commerce Department said, much higher than its first estimate of 1.9%. The rebound was linked to strong US exports, helped by the weak dollar, while government tax rebates also boosted consumer spending. GDP grew at a rate of 0.9% in the first quarter, after a 0.2% contraction in the last three months of 2007. The Federal Reserve has warned the economy will remain weak this year. Exports grew at an annualised rate of 13.2%, higher than the government’s initial estimate of 9.2%. Imports fell at a rate of 7.6% as the US economic slowdown reduced demands for goods made overseas. The improved trade balance added 3.1 percentage points to second-quarter GDP,

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BEIJING - The most expensive and lavish Olympic Games in history came to a close Sunday as Beijing officially passed the Olympic flame to London, and the countdown started for 2012 games that the British say will be frugal but fun.

To the deafening roar of fireworks, Beijing marked the end of Summer Games that brought it a record bounty of 51 gold medals and seized global sports supremacy from the United States.

The two-hour closing ceremony held a dash of whimsy - including scores of performers on pogo stilts - and more technical wizardry than the precision mass movements of singers and dancers of the Aug. 8 opening of the Games, designed to project China’s strength.

Some 7,000 performers took part in the closing ceremony, including Spanish tenor Read more »

Fireworks illuminate the sky above performers during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium August 24, 2008.

The Beijing Olympics ended with a flash of fireworks on Sunday, bringing down the curtain on a Games that dazzled the world with sporting brilliance and showcased the might of modern day China.

The 16-day sporting extravaganza failed to quell criticism of China’s human rights record, although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave the organizers the thumbs-up and said the Games would leave a positive legacy for future generations.

Reflecting China’s new found confidence, the nation’s athletes took their gold medal tally on the final day to 51 after winning their first two Olympic boxing titles, Read more »

A UK-built solar-powered plane has set an unofficial world endurance record for a flight by an unmanned aircraft.

The Zephyr-6, as it is known, stayed aloft for more than three days, running through the night on batteries it had recharged in sunlight.

The flight was a demonstration for the US military, which is looking for new types of technology to support its troops on the ground.

Craft like Zephyr might make ideal platforms for reconnaissance.

They could also be used to relay battlefield Read more »

NASA has blown up an unmanned rocket in mid-air.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has destroyed an experimental unmanned rocket following a failed launch.

The rocket was blown up at an altitude of 11,000 to 12,000 feet when it strayed off course 27 seconds after taking off from Wallops Island off the eastern shore of Virginia early Friday.

“NASA is very disappointed in this failure but has directed its focus on protecting public safety and conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify Read more »

Srinagar: Hundreds of thousands of Muslims gathered in Indian Kashmir’s main city on Friday for the largest protest against Indian rule in Kashmir.

An estimated crowd of 200,000 people chanted anti-India slogans as they waited for a prayer session and speeches from separatist leaders.

The massive protest shut down public transport, schools, businesses and shops across the Himalayan region.

Several thousand police officers in riot gear patrolled the streets ahead of the rally Read more »