Network Security Spotlight

Win XP, Server 2003 Zero-Day Exploits Use Adobe Reader Microsoft is investigating reports of a zero-day vulnerability in a kernel component of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, accessed using older versions of Adobe Reader.   Akamai Wards Off DDoS Attacks with Prolexic Buy In a move to beef up its security, Akamai Technologies is betting $307 million on Prolexic, an acquisition that could help better protect its customers from distributed denial of service attacks.   Tech Giants Fight To Thwart Government Spying Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Twitter are engaged in a costly tech arms race, with their businesses and cultures at stake. Not against one another, mind you, but a common foe: the NSA.

Enterprise Hardware Spotlight

Cisco, HP Among Winners in Slowing Server Market Although the PC market is declining, the server industry is still posting gains, albeit slight ones. In the third quarter of 2013 worldwide server shipments grew 1.9 percent year-over-year, according to Gartner.   Here Comes the New USB Plug Time to get ready for a new USB plug. The new connector for USB 3.1 will be reversible, so a user can insert it with either side on the top, and it may be the only connector needed for many devices.   Google Targets Amazon with Price Cuts for Compute Engine The cloud wars continue. Google has opened up its cloud-based Compute Engine, added greater performance, and dropped pricing to better compete with Amazon, IBM, Microsoft and others.

Mobile Technology Spotlight

Google Chrome Apps Coming to iOS, Android Now that Android and Chrome OS are making their marks on the tech market, Google is looking to make it easier for developers to come out with Chrome apps that can be ported to iOS and Android.   Better Slate than Never for HP's 4 New Android Tablets It missed its November deadline for the release of its new line of four Android-based tablets, but luckily, Hewlett-Packard was able to meet impressive price points with its new Slate devices.   Should the YotaPhone Worry Apple? Should Apple and Samsung be worried? A Russian company is trying to one up them both in the smartphone market with something called the YotaPhone, a dual-screen device that's always on.