Building a 5-ton mechanical calculator... from 19th-century plans (Network World)

Starting in May, many will have the opportunity to see for themselves how they did computing the old-fashioned way: with lots of gears, a big crank and some muscle.

Read more...

Office Open XML out of Microsoft's hands—officially (Ars Technica)

With Office Open XML approved as an official ISO standard, the format for Microsoft Office is no longer under the software giant's exclusive control. It's going to be a test of Microsoft's newfound commitment to open standards and interoperability.

Read more...

Apple's OS Edge Is a Threat to Microsoft (BusinessWeek)

A recent upgrade to the Mac operating system moves Apple closer to challenging Microsoft for overall computing dominance, even in the corporate market.

Read more...

PDAs to track Olympic VIPs in Beijing (ZDNet)

Foreign dignitaries, guests of major sponsors, and Olympic officials alike will be given a modified PDA at this year's Beijing Olympics, which will allow organizers to track their movements and make it easier to arrange a cab.

Read more...

Voices of Africa honoured by Webby Awards (AfricaNews)

The mobile project Voices of Africa is recognized as an Official Honoree by the Webby Awards 2008, the leading international honor for the Web. Voices of Africa gives African reporters the opportunity to report with mobile phones about events in their country.

Read more...

Muni Wireless Is Dead. Here Comes a New Way to Connect (Wired)

U.S. cities that once trumpeted their free public WiFi plans are muting their fanfare, as project after project stumbles. Now nonprofits have a plan to succeed where city governments have failed.

Read more...