Internet activities

Freescale Semiconductor is entering the fast-growing netbook market with a solution that promises to make possible portable devices that feature 8.9-inch displays, eight hours of battery life, and prices under $200.

Freescale's solution is based on its new i.MX515 processor featuring ARM Cortex-A8 technology. The solution includes software, components and resources that aim to help OEMs rapidly develop and deploy netbooks.

Search engine use is on the rise, according to a new report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

The percentage of Internet users who use search engines on a typical day has been steadily rising from about one-third of all users in 2002, to a new high of just under one-half (49 percent).

"With this increase, the number of those using a search engine on a typical day is pulling ever closer to the 60 percent of Internet users who use e-mail, arguably the Internet's all-time killer app, on a typical day," wrote Deborah Fallows, a Pew senior research fellow.

Protecting yourself against spyware is no simple task. First, you have to be able to identify exactly what spyware is. Then you need to be knowledgeable enough to know which tools can protect you -- and when their warning of infections can be safely ignored. And finally, you should know precautions that you can take to keep from getting spyware in the first place.

Q: What's the Difference Between Spyware, Malware, and Viruses?