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The article discusses multi-agent systems, which are gaining acceptance in the computer industry and academia as a paradigm for designing and developing software systems. The author suggests that there is a need for a conceptual framework that defines the abstractions of different agent-based systems, which can be very confusing for software engineers. The authors stress the fact that successful multi-agent system deployment requires modeling languages to explore the use of agent-related abstractions. Methods to reduce risk with the system are examined.

The article discusses the various factors involved in the agile development of computer software in the U.S. It explores the recommendations provided by the authors of the "Manifesto for Agile Software Development" which provides assistance to developers in enhancing the performance of computer software. These include considering customers in the application of process and equipment to be included in the development process, meeting the needs of customers of customers in making software design, and revising plans. It states that considering the ways will help developers prevent the failures involved in software development.

The article offers tips for operating the Mac Operating System X (OS X). It states that the shutdown process can be cancelled by launching an application such as a Save dialog box in any application. The shutdown process will stop as soon as it reaches the program with the open Save As dialog box. It offers tips for editing smart playlists in iTunes. It informs that all OS X folders have a built-in spring mechanism. It informs that many widgets of Mac OS X 10.4's dashboard support drag and drop.

This article deals with the process of serialization in which database objects are converted to some external form. Most useful applications depend on information of a more permanent nature than that generated during a single execution. Hence, the lives of such master files transcend that of the execution of any of the applications that use them. Other applications involve the communication of messages between separate programs, often referred to as client and server. While the life of a message is often much shorter than that of a database record, the creation of both involves the use of some data format external to the applications that manipulate them.

This article presents information on the features of the GNU Autoconf computer program. The program promotes adaptability within the build process by similarly deferring decision. Autoconf has the capacity to develop any kind of file based on a template but is typically used to create makefiles. In addition, the program language has the ability to parse a file typically called configure.ac as well as expands any m4 macros it encounters. Similar to a preprocessor anything the program does not recognizes a macro it adds to configure untouched which means a configure.ac could contain a mix of macros and raw shell code.

This article deals with the development of Ch embeddable C/C++ interpreter for cross-platform scripting in January 2006. The interpreter supports all language features and standard libraries of the ISO C90 Standard. In addition, it also supports several features added in the ISO C99 system. As compared to other languages and software packages, Ch bridges the gap between low-level languages and very high-level languages. The software also retains low-level features of C such as accessing memory for hardware interface.

This article presents information on the features of the Tiny 1.1 compiler. The system has a pcode feature. The use of pcodes as an intermediary language is a way of separating the high-level language being processed from the low-level language being generated. The high and low-level languages become loosely coupled, but remain highly cohesive. Hence, another advantage of pcode is that instead of applying pcodes to immediately generate assembly language for the required target, they can also be written to a staging buffer.

The article discusses whether Microsoft is finally about to face real competition in desktop-computer software. For years, many in the computer business have hoped that Linux, a freely available computer operating system, would become a viable alternative to Microsoft's Windows, the near universal standard for the world's personal computers. Within the past month, some of the world's most powerful technology firms have pledged considerable support for Linux on the desktop, including Dell and Sun Microsystems. By the end of the decade, Linux's share could grow, reckons Al Gillen, an analyst at technology consultancy IDC, displacing Macs as the main alternative. That would still fall far short of Linux's growing popularity in the market for powerful server computers. Linux aficionados, however, say its chances on the desktop should be better. However, despite improvements Linux faces obstacles. Some of Linux's main backers have relatively modest ambitions for the operating system. Linux's main appeal is likely to be to companies rather than home users. But the future is uncertain, and Linux still might yet represent another kind of threat to Microsoft.

The article outlines the research conducted by computer companies, including Adobe and Intel, to develop a software that changes the appearance of moving objects as it passes through shadow or reflect new aspects in the U.S. It is considered one of the toughest and most important study conducted by the industry. Such software would determine what path the light in the scent would have taken to reach each pixel and if it identifies a reflective surface or an obstructing, it changes its pixel's color value accordingly. According to them, the technology can handle multiple shadows and reflections or even reflections of reflections and they foretold that it could reach consumers within five years.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp.'s use of codescrambling diversity to secure Windows Vista operating system is getting crucial support from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Redmond, one of Microsoft's partner OEMs, has persuaded major U.S. computer makers to make default changes at the BIOS level to allow a new Vista security feature called ASLR to work properly. Microsoft is effectively using ASLR to create software diversity within a single operating system. The company claims that ASLR provides a good defense against malware attacks, when used with other technologies.

The article presents information on Microsoft Corp.'s new operating system Windows Vista. The new operating system is scheduled to be launched in January 2007. Computer analyst Heather Bellini says that the new operating system will create more demand than Windows XP and Office XP. To avoid any prelaunch shortfall in computer sales, Microsoft is offering Vista coupons on prelaunch purchases.

The article reports that International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has launched Express Advantage, a set of services for small and midsize business in the U.S. IBM has also launched ValueNet, a program that encourages collaboration among solution providers to handle customer projects. The company has upped the level of compensation for partners that participate in software deals. Partners stand to earn as much as 40 percent of the value of the sale. Partners qualify for commission by playing a role in any part of a deal.

The article reports that Microsoft Corp. has delayed the release of the operating system Windows Vista from 2006 to 2007 in the U.S. It offers information about the system requirements of the Vista. Computer makers are counting on the Vista release to not only drive unit sales but also inspire purchases of high-end machines. According to analyst Steve Baker, by delaying Vista, Microsoft is essentially daring consumers to blink when it comes to buying a new personal computers. Several computer makers said they will move ahead by ensuring that their machines are Vista capable.

The article reports developments related to computer software industry. Sun Microsystems Inc., AMD Corp., and other companies are teaming with the Environmental Protection Agency to cook up an Energy Star rating for the server. Information technology managers will theoretically be better able to plug energy consumption into their ROI equations. The foundation of information lifecycle management is differentiating the many flavors of data at the enterprise and matching each to the proper stripe of storage.

The article informs that a clever idea for its relative simplicity, computer technology firm Polycom Inc.'s Polycom QSX literally ties a Web conference to a phone number through a small, somewhat pricey box. The Polycom device, which shipped in April, comes in two models. The $1,299 QSX 300 works specifically with Polycom's SoundStation VTX 1000 phone, and the $1,599 QSX 400 works with VoiceStation 100, Sound-Station and SoundStation Premier phones.

The article relates the changes that occurred in the computer industry in the U.S. as of April 2004. The computer industry looked pretty predictable in 2003. Since then there have been surprises in processors and technology that have changed the whole playing field. These unexpected events involve almost all of the major players in processors and systems. The largest changes have happened to Intel, the world's biggest processor maker. Intel was set to bring its new 90 nanometer Prescott chips into the market and had updated Itanium chips in the queue. AMD's Opteron chips were then becoming a major challenge for Intel, as they were both powerful and offered 64-bit extensions while still running 32-bit code very well. When Intel's prime partner with Itanium, HP, brought Opteron systems to market, Intel announced it would supply 64-bit capability when the customers needed it. On the Itanium side, IBM is taking its Power processor architecture to levels that are very competitive with Intel's Itanium. Intel's plan to dominate the high end processor market with its proprietary Itanium design now faces challenges from AMD below and IBM above. Sun Microsystems is another company in the throes of change. It has just cancelled its next planned processor, the UltraSparc V, in order to go with new multicore designs named Niagara and Rock. It has also extended its systems line to embrace AMD's Opteron and Linux while continuing to enhance the Solaris operating system.

This article reports on the changes landscape of the computer industry as of April 2004. The computer industry looked pretty predictable six months ago. Since then there have been surprises in processors and technology that have changed the whole playing field. These unexpected events involve almost all of the major players in processors and systems. The largest changes have happened to Intel, the world's biggest processor maker. Intel was set to bring its new 90 nanometer Prescott chips into the market and had updated Itanium chips in the queue. AMD's Opteron chips were then becoming a major challenge for Intel, as they were both powerful and offered 64-bit extensions while still running 32-bit code very well. When Intel's prime partner with Itanium, HP, brought Opteron systems to market, Intel announced it would supply 64-bit capability when the customers needed it. That is when things got interesting. The 90 nm Prescott chips hit the performance web sites with unimpressive marks, some slower than the existing 130 nm Northwood Pentium processors. Worse, the Prescott had a current leakage problem that caused them to use more power and require better cooling to just match the Northwood's performance.

Two security vendors renowned for their vulnerability research have each developed tools designed to eliminate the panicked rush of patching that administrators face whenever a new software flaw is discovered. PivX Solutions LLC and eEye Digital Security Inc. have developed tools that automatically deploy fixes and workarounds to prevent attackers from exploiting newly discovered vulnerabilities. The products are not a replacement for patching but are intended to protect vulnerable machines until patches are available and give IT staffs the option of patching at a convenient time. PivX, of Newport Beach, California, has taken a slightly different approach with Qwik-Fix Pro, due next month. When PivX researchers discover or get word of a new vulnerability in Windows or Internet Explorer, the team analyzes the problem and develops a workaround, or interim, solution. The fix is sent automatically to Qwik-Fix users through a central management console.

This article reports that a legislative battle from software users is looming over the controversial Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA) software licensing law. The push for state-by-state adoption of the UCITA was first abandoned because of widespread opposition. But the group of software users that led this opposition has since been quietly drafting its own model software-licensing law. Its concerns is that courts may use UCITA as a reference point in legal disputes, giving vendors a victory through the legal system that they could not gain in state legislatures.

Software developers and testers are guided by different motives, pressures and perspectives. Developers are motivated to complete code quickly and accurately and move on to the next problem. Testers are required to quickly find and report problems within the system. In the course of a project, the more defects testers find and submit to developers, the less time developers have to work on them, and communication may break down. Members of the project team commonly start to rely on entering short descriptions and comments into a defect-tracking system as a means of communication. In this article, the author provides some techniques that can improve communication between testers and developers and help them in fixing problems faster. INSET: Face TO Face.

The article presents information on Apple Corp. Apple did not invent podcasting, but when its iTunes Music Store and media player software integrated podcast downloading in June 2005, the time-shifted portable audio format took off. By letting iPod owners subscribe to shows and download automatically to their iPod, Apple provided what for many was the missing link in on-demand media. It proved especially profound later in 2005 when Apple added video podcasts to the mix. With a monthly iTunes audience of over 20 million this year, thousands of amateur audio and video producers now had a platform to be discovered and distributed.

The article discusses various technological innovations concerning the computer industry. The Unicode, a multibyte character set, has been developed in order to replace and improve the American Standard Code for Information Interchange that is unable to handle virtual alphabet. The touchscreen technology has been developed as a replacement for traditional keyboard-only menus as well as the mouse. The development of the backup method has generated the recovery of a crashed computer system. Finally, the introduction of air-cooled servers has been a big improvement over water cooling mainframes.

The article reports several developments in the computer industry in the U.S. Apple Computer Inc. CEO Steve Jobs criticizes on Microsoft Corp.'s effort to finish development of Windows Vista computer software. On the other hand, PGP Corp. plans to ship its PGP Desktop 9.5 software for computer systems. In another news, two Silicon Valley vendors are readying security appliances designed to protect data and computer systems. Moreover, Reconnex Corp. plans to ship Version 5.0 of iGuard's embedded software, which allows multiple appliances centrally manage a single console.

The article reports that Oracle Corp. has planned to continue upgrading and supporting J.D. Edwards & Co.'s applications running on International Business Machines Corp.'s (IBM) iSeries platform beyond 2013 in the U.S. The move is part of an Oracle Corp.'s effort to reassure the 5,000 inherited with its acquisition of PeopleSoft Inc. whom applications on IBM hardware. According to Robert Robinson, business systems administrator at Durr Systems Inc., the plan should also reassure customers already running J.D. Edwards and the IBM hardware that their investments are protected. INSET: Oracle Unveils Its First CRM OnDemand Release.

The article presents Zeidman Technologies' SynthOS which offers the benefits of a custom operating system while eliminating the maintenance problems associated with solutions developed in-house. The SynthOS precompiler examines the source code for operating-system operations and generates appropriate support like semaphores and message queues. Pricing starts at $20,000 per year for a single machine. SynthOS is compatible with Windows, Linux and UNIX.

Reports on developments on topics related to the computer industry. Identification of the reason of the increase in the traffic of Genesys Conferencing Inc.'s Web- and audio-conferencing system; Status of packaged software; Launch of Mergere Inc.'s Maven 2.0, a commercial version of Maven open-source software.

This article focuses on the emerging popularity of application virtualization software products, available from vendors such as Softricity Inc. and AppStream Inc. These tools assemble the core parts of Microsoft Word that one needs to get up and running and stream it to a cache on the user's local hard drive. Once in cache, the virtual Word program loads and functions about as fast as the locally installed copy. This experiment shows how information technology can overcome configuration and manageability challenges in innovative ways.

This article reports that Computer Associates International Inc. (CA) announced plans to make proprietary technologies covered under 14 CA patents available to individuals and groups working on open-source projects. The action by the Islandia, New York-based software vendor comes eight months after IBM Corp. announced a similar move, opening 500 of its patents to the open-source community in January 2005. Part of the company's motivation is to be able to say that the next generation of innovation is going to come from open-source.

This article reports that corporate information technology departments embracing lightweight agile-development methods are increasingly turning to some emerging tools built to work within the process. Developers using agile programming methodologies such as Scrum and extreme programming have historically eschewed such tools. Lightweight agile methods typically call for small teams to demonstrate new functionality every few weeks, speeding the development process. The methods also eliminate extensive documentation and call for performing early testing to simplify development.

This article focuses on the move of some information technology shops to build their own software offshore in order to eliminate software licensing problems in the U.S. Low-cost offshore development may encourage the build option, particularly if chief information officers need to customize a packaged product. It may be less expensive to build an application and pay maintenance fees to an offshore developer than it is to buy a license as well as service and support. And the build argument is becoming more viable because people are feeling very comfortable with the maturity of offshore operations. INSET: A Third Way.

This article reports that Microsoft Corp. made its first concerted effort to court midsize companies with a Windows Server System promotion, following the success of its software package aimed at small businesses. Companies with 25 to 250 personal computers will be targeted with the new discounted offer for a single stock-keeping unit that combines three copies of the standard edition of Windows Server 2003, one instance of Exchange Server 2003 Standard Edition and the workgroup edition of Microsoft Operations Manager 2005.

Presents technology trends, product news and other developments in the computer industry. Basis of Softricity Inc.'s Zero Touch module on SoftGrid software's critical capability to treat applications like data; Vision of Hiep Vuaong, chief technology officer at Net Integration Technologies Inc., for autonomous computing; Offer of free enterprise resource planning software from Carillon Financials Corp.

This article reports that two small management software vendors will announce products that discover information technology system components using a hybrid of active and passive detection approaches instead of just one. San Jose, California-based NLayers Inc. is releasing NLayers InSight 4.0, which will feature a new hybrid active and passive discovery capability. Separately, Atlanta, Georgia-based Insightix Ltd. will release Dynamic Infrastructure Discovery, a new product that includes its Insightix Collector for active and passive network discovery.

This article provides computer technologies, that would be available in the middle of 2005, for familiarization to chief information officers in the U.S. One of these devices is the networked gaming, to learn how the next generation of employees is being wired. Another product refers to a business process diagramming tool and a Business Process Execution Language orchestration server. In addition, the wiki is introduced. It is a server program that lets users collaborate when writing Web content.

This article reports that Network Appliance Inc. brought out the latest version of its Data ONTAP software, which it said builds a grid storage architecture on its appliances by creating an abstraction layer between application servers, storage controllers, and disk arrays. The company's Data ONTAP 7G software uses one global name space to give administrators a single view of storage resources. The system also pools processing power across its network-attached storage arrays.

This article reports that Gluecode Software Inc. brought out a Java development platform that the company said ties together open-source components into an integrated system. The tool set, called Joe, includes pieces from the Apache Software Foundation's portfolio, including portal technology, the Geronimo application server, the Derby database, and the Agila BPM business process management engine.

This article reports that Oracle Corp. (OC) is moving to a quarterly patch release schedule in response to demands from users for a more predictable process of applying security fixes to its software. The move comes amid continuing criticism by consulting firm Gartner Inc., of the way OC handled a major security update for its database and application server software in August 2004. The first set of patches under the quarterly approach is scheduled to be released in January 2005. New patches will be issued every three months and will include all previous fixes for the same products.

This article comments on the proliferation of corporate dependence on the open-source community in the U.S. A reference is made to a front-page news regarding the turning over of Charlie Ward's framework to support application development on Microsoft's.Net technology over to the open-source community. Ward is the manager of technical architecture at Duke Power Co. What made this front-page news is the significant size, relative rarity, and potential impact of this corporate embrace towards open-source.