government agencies

Dell Inc. said Thursday it expects sales to outpace computer maker rivals despite a slowing global economy.

CEO Michael Dell told reporters that "our expectation is that Dell will continue to grow faster than the industry this year."

The company warned last week that corporate spending on technology is weakening further, causing its shares to fall to their lowest point since September 2001 and dragging down other industry stocks.

On Tuesday, Microsoft released security fixes for desktop users and network administrators alike. Seven security bulletins address 10 vulnerabilities, three of them critical.

Security researchers say the critical patches that affect Windows desktop users should be given the highest priority.

Having successfully completed the much-publicized 700-MHz wireless spectrum auction, the Federal Communications Commission is now planning its next auctions.

Hewlett-Packard Co. cashed in on rising international demand again in its second quarter, but that performance may not be enough to ease worries about the company's exposure to the ailing U.S. economy as it prepares to digest the second largest acquisition in its 69-year history.

The results released Tuesday came as no surprise because HP provided a snapshot of its latest quarterly numbers and outlook last week when the Palo Alto-based company jolted investors with the news about its plans to buy technology services provider Electronic Data Systems Corp. for $13.2 billion (EU8.4 billion).