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Software News

• ArcSight posts higher fiscal 1Q profit (AP)

  AP - ArcSight Inc. said Thursday its fiscal first-quarter profit tripled as the cybersecurity software and services company's sales jumped 39 percent.

• Take-Two posts 3Q profit, revenue soars (AP)

  AP - Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. posted better-than-expected results for its fiscal third quarter Thursday, reversing a loss as revenue more than tripled thanks to largely to strong sales of "Red Dead Redemption."

• A Guide to Today's Top 10 Linux Distributions (PC World)

  PC World - One of the most confusing things for the newcomer to Linux is how many distributions, or versions, of the operating system there are. Ubuntu is the one most people have heard of, but there are hundreds of others as well, each offering some variant on the basic Linux theme.

• SAS Rolls out Predictive Analytics for Business Users (PC World)

  PC World - SAS Institute on Thursday announced a new toolset aimed at giving business users the ability to work with predictive analytics software, which has historically been the province of specialized statisticians.

• Windows Phone 7 Goes to Mobile Device Makers (NewsFactor)

  NewsFactor - Finishing touches complete, Microsoft sent its latest Windows Phone 7 operating system to equipment manufacturers Wednesday, paving the way for a round of Windows-based mobile devices to debut in time for the holiday season.

• Onapsis to Release ERP Vulnerability Testing Suite (PC World)

  PC World - An information security company will soon release a tool that will allow companies to test their ERP (enterprise resource planning) software for security threats.

• Ping on iTunes - Not So Hot (PC World)

  PC World - Apple's big overhaul of iTunes, announced Wednesday, turns the media management software into a fledgling social network thanks to a newly introduced feature called Ping. I would have expected more from Apple with this first attempt at building a community around iTunes. It's not all bad, but if Ping doesn't improve soon this music-oriented social network will bomb faster than an American Idol wannabe.

• iTunes Celebrates Centenary With Social Features Bonanza (PC World)

  PC World - Apple on Wednesday introduced a social-aware version of iTunes, celebrating ten years of the jukebox and storefront software. iTunes 10 features a slightly revamped interface and a social networking feature called Ping, a combination of Facebook and Twitter, dedicated to music lovers.

• Taleo to buy Learn.com for $125 million (AP)

  AP - Human resources software maker Taleo Corp. said Wednesday it has agreed to buy software company Learn.com Inc. for $125 million in cash.

• Apple refreshes iTunes software, updates iPods (AP)

  AP - Users of Apple Inc.'s iTunes software will now be able to see what songs their friends are buying and where their favorite bands are playing next.

  
  

• At a glance: Apple unveils new iPods, Apple TV (AP)

  AP - Apple Inc. refreshed its iPod media player lineup and unveiled software updates Wednesday:

• Apple Unveils New iPods, iOS, Ping Social Network (NewsFactor)

  NewsFactor - In a jam-packed event full of new product details, Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled new versions of all three iPod devices on Wednesday, introduced operating-system updates, and demonstrated a new social-media network designed to encourage more downloading from iTunes. He also unveiled a leaner version of Apple's less-popular Apple TV set-top box.

• Summary: Apple kicks off fall with iPod, Apple TV overhauls (Macworld.com)

  Macworld.com - As expected, Apple refreshed its iPod lineup Wednesday, unveiling redesigned versions of its iPod touch, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle music players. But the company didn’t stop there, using its annual fall music event to also announce an update to its iTunes software and an overhaul of its Apple TV set-top box.

• Apple announces iTunes 10 (Macworld.com)

  Macworld.com - Apple on Wednesday announced iTunes 10, a major upgrade to its music jukebox and media-management software. Leading the changes in this version is a social-networking component aimed at helping users discover new music.

• Apple announces iOS 4.1 features, previews 4.2 update (Macworld.com)

  Macworld.com - Apple will release an update to its mobile operating system next week that fixes many bugs while introducing several new features to iOS. The company showed off those features Wednesday during its fall music media event in San Francisco.

• Apple unveils new TV box for renting movies, shows (AP)

  AP - Apple Inc. is refining its plans to annex the living room into its entertainment empire.

  
  

• Windows Phone 7 Code Finalized (PC Magazine)

  PC Magazine - The software at the heart of Windows Phone 7 has been released to carriers and manufacturers for final customizations.

• Google Launches SketchUp 8 3D Modeling Software (PC Magazine)

  PC Magazine - New free 3D modeling software adds geo-location, color aerial imagery, photo tracing, and Building Maker integration.

• Microsoft seeks China internet search partner: report (Reuters)

  Reuters - Software giant Microsoft Corp is looking for a partner in China to help the company play a major role in China's internet search market, Wall Street Journal said.

  
  

• Blue Coat Systems taps Michael Borman as CEO (AP)

  AP - Security hardware and software maker Blue Coat Systems Inc. on Tuesday named Michael J. Borman its new president and CEO.