For about an hour Saturday morning, Google listed every site on the Internet as potentially harmful to your computer. At first, Google blamed the problem on StopBadware.org but later had to eat crow. Marissa Mayer, Google's vice president of search products and user experience, attributed the problem to "human error" and to a URL list provided by StopBadware.org. But about 30 minutes later, a blog posting on StopBadware.org disputed her explanation. An hour after that, Mayer posted Google's mea culpa. All of which raises the question of what some now describe as the "Google monoculture" and what that suggests for the Internet. ZDNet's editor-in-chief, Larry Dignan, weighs into that debate.
Listen now:
Download today's podcast
The second public beta of Microsoft's Internet Explorer 8 is out, and according to CNET's Robert Vamosi, it just might give other mainstream browsers a run for their money.
The iPhone OS 2.0.2 software: To upgrade or not to upgrade? Two stories this week might give iPhone owners pause. First, RoughlyDrafted Magazine writes that a source inside AT&T suspects reception problems plaguing many iPhone 3G users are based on faulty power-control software inside the phone. The 2.0.2 update was intended to fix this problem, according to the source, and the more people who upgrade, the better reception will get.
But upgraders, beware: another report says the iPhone 2.0.2 software has a hole that can open up users' mail, text messages, voice messages, and browser to anyone who gets hold of the phone. So if you do upgrade your device, just be sure not to lose it.
Also in today's podcast: Google has announced details on its Android Market, an online resource for Android-based apps and services; and a handheld sensor that detects cancer in patients' breath could be on the horizon.
Listen now: Download today's podcast
Today's stories:
Security hole opens up password protected iPhones
Power-control software blamed for iPhone 3G reception issues
Google announces Android Market for phone apps
IE 8 beta gives other browsers a run for their money
Bloomberg mistakenly publishes Steve Jobs obit
British man to face hacking charges in U.S.
After flight delays, FAA may add backup system
Apple has finally acknowledged the iPhone 3G reception issues being reported by consumers. CNET News reporter Tom Krazit talkes about what the company said, and whether the problems have been fixed.
Privacy is a big concern for many Web surfers, and it looks like Microsoft wants to capitalize on that interest by adding a safe-browsing mode to the next version of Internet Explorer.
Plus, mark your calendars, Sims fans. February 20, 2009, is the day The Sims 3 will debut.
Listen now:
Download today's podcast
Today's stories:
Apple acknowledges iPhone 3G reception issues
Report: iPhone app crash fix coming next month
Microsoft, Novell expand Linux deal by up to $100 million
Microsoft planning IE privacy mode
Motorola's consumer handset chief resigns
Palm Treo Pro officially announced
PSP 3000: Another minor PSP upgrade
- prev
- 1
- next


Rafe Needleman is editor of CNET's Webware. He's been covering technology since 1988, and has interviewed thousands of tech execs. He blogs at
Leslie Katz is senior editor of CNET News' Crave blog, which focuses on gadgets, games, and all other digital distractions.
Erica Ogg keeps up on the latest consumer electronics and PC goings-on as chief correspondent for CNET News' Crave blog.
Jennifer Guevin is assistant managing editor for CNET News and focuses on science and green tech.
Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and
services. 



