dimdim isn't cool because it's open-source web conferencing. It's cool because of what open-source web conferencing allows technology providers to do with web conferencing that price and proprietary licensing hitherto precluded.

Mark Hurd, who resigned suddenly from Hewlett-Packard last month amid an ethics controversy, will now be reporting directly to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison.

Hurd and Oracle are in negotiations to have the former HP chief join Oracle as a senior executive, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Social-networked iTunes accompanies new iPods, while other companies look for a piece of digital distribution pie. Also: Net neutrality

In an interview, CNET's Ina Fried speaks with the three people behind "Catfish"--that other Facebook movie. This one is both a documentary and a thriller.

The new nHD model of the Pico DLP line has better optical performance and lower power consumption, Texas Instruments says.

Fastest-growing PC company of the last few years stumbles during the second quarter. Observers say it has to do with Acer's reliance on notebook sales as desktops gain.

The influence Google's browser has had on the market is broader than its use. And on Chrome's second anniversary, Google releases another update.

The bidding war with Dell to take possession of the cloud storage company has gotten a bit messy as Hewlett-Packard once again ups its counteroffer.

The newest compact laptops from Hewlett-Packard strike an improved balance between performance and power efficiency.

Google adds a new labs feature to its bleeding-edge version of Chrome to make it easier for users to test features that are still in development, but at least partially ready for users to explore.

A number of Fox shows are for sale on Amazon's video service for the same 99 cents that Apple is charging to rent the shows.

With most of the engineering done, Microsoft releases Windows Phone 7 to its OEM and carrier partners for final customization in preparation for a holiday launch.

Cisco and smart-meter maker team on communications system based on IP to connect everything from people's homes to power distribution equipment on the grid.

A chip in IBM's new zEnterprise System clocks in at 5.2GHz. The fastest IBM microprocessor to date is targeted at mainframes. It packs in four cores, plus a respectable helping of DRAM.

In August, earlier trends reasserted themselves, with IE dipping, Chrome rising, and Firefox flat. Microsoft is happy to see IE6 on its way out.

Usage of Microsoft's Windows 7 outpaces that of Vista for the second month, though XP remains the dominant operating system, Net Applications says.

Despite hype and promise of virtualization, many companies are avoiding the tech for mission-critical applications. A new survey helps to explain why.

In a struggling economy, the tech industry is a shining light. Even within the strong tech economy, though, cloud computing stands out right now.

Once again, though, the software maker bills the three-copy bundle of Windows 7 Home Premium as a limited-time, "while supplies last" offer.