Top 10 articles, 02 October 09

Highs and lows of IDF, and Microsoft's Security Essentials

The big hit with V3.co.uk readers this week was our round up of the highs and lows of the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. It seems that the new Westmere chip was the star of the show, but the attendance figures were disappointing, and Pat Gelsinger was sorely missed. Star Trek actor LeVar Burton's appearance on the IDF holodeck was very popular, as was our video of Intel's Larrabee programming features.

Meanwhile, much fuss has been made of Microsoft's Security Essentials software, which the firm is giving away in an attempt to bolster the security of Windows PCs worldwide. As might be expected, the big names in the security industry offered less than favourable comments on the product. Microsoft also confirmed that those using pirated copies of Windows will not have access to the software.

The arrival of two new laptops - Dell's Latitude Z and Acer's Ferrari One - was also popular with readers this week, as was the news that Verizon may be dropping the Palm Pre, and the release of Google's Wave collaboration tool.

Top 10 highs and lows of IDF
What impressed and depressed us during the show

IDF: LeVar Burton talks about the future of TV
Star Trek's Geordi La Forge beams into IDF

Latitude Z shines among new Dell systems
Z600 claimed as world's thinnest and lightest 16in laptop

Verizon could be dropping the Palm Pre
Palm may get snubbed on star smartphone

Microsoft aims to stem malware tide with Security Essentials
But rivals claim free software does not offer adequate protection

IDF: Intel shows off Larrabee programming features
New architecture aims to simplify development

Microsoft to release free anti-virus software today
Security Essentials not aiming to topple Symantec and McAfee, claims firm

Google begins trials of Wave collaboration tool
Invited users to gain access today

Acer wheels out Ferrari netbook
One of the first laptops based on AMD's new ultra-thin platform

Microsoft denies Security Essentials to pirates
Only legitimate copies of Windows will get security download