After a protracted struggle involving deceit, seduction and some outright threats, Microsoft have apparently conceded defeat – to businesses at least. Support for Windows XP has been promised until 2014, which you might recognise as fully three years after Windows 7 is expected.

In “That Was Convenient” news this week, a government committee says Microsoft deleted federally required documents that competing companies might need to develop Windows software.

In behavior that makes the phrase “Monolithic Monopoly” look like a Mom & Pop convenience store, Microsoft are now warning users that they may face security problems even if they buy official copies of Windows.

Google has tweaked its free 411 service to recognize Canadian accents. We thought maybe Google could consider some other user-specific system modifications, too.

Mozilla is well on its way to a new world record with the release of Firefox 3. Other technology companies are thinking about getting on the bandwagon, too.

Everyone loves a good laugh, and in the age of electronics, high-tech hijinks are just waiting to be pulled off. So snuggle up to your screen and get ready to unleash all sorts of shenanigans as we present the 25 best high-tech pranks known to man. Our apologies in advance to your friends and co-workers.

Critical utility systems across the world have had a security hole that could let anyone hack in. We knew about it five months ago…but didn’t get around to fixing it until last week.

Mozilla is aiming for a world record for single-day downloads with the release of Firefox 3 next month. Not to be outdone, I think Microsoft should use the chance to co-own the day with a record of its own.