Hamburg  - Computer users can generally rely on their data recovery software, the Hamburg-based magazine Computerbild concluded in a recent test of five programs. The editors recreated various files from a hard drive as well as removable media such as storage cards and sticks.

When files are deleted from the computer's recycling bin, the operating system releases the storage space for overwriting. Hence the rule of thumb - the sooner the user starts the recovery process, the greater the chances of recovering the data intact.

Hanover  - Users of home networks may want to consider a networked hard drive to provide communal access to music, photos, videos and data. Also known as Network Attached Storage (NAS), these compact devices work quietly, are simple to set up, and use only 10 watts on average, reports the Hanover-based c't magazine.

By comparison, a PC left running around the clock uses at least 60 watts, even if only rarely used to call up data.

As NAS hard drives generally offer incredibly large amounts of storage space, they are well equipped to serve as a backup space for a PC or laptop's hard drive. Almost all operating systems can now handle daily backups of this type.

Munich  - Chip maker AMD is preparing a new line of microprocessors that feature the introduction of triple-core chips. The five new processors, aimed at consumers, will be released as part of the Phenom line of microprocessors and will be dubbed Phenom II, says AMD.

Hamburg  - At least 11.5 million people try to take over the world regularly albeit they're trying to conquer a virtual one. Their numbers reflect how many players pay monthly subscription fees for the online role playing game (RPG) World of Warcraft. Yet after more than four years in the Warcraft's realm of Azeroth, some players may be asking themselves whether online RPGs are anything other than cold, hard commercialism, designed only to lure subscribers to pay real money for months on end.

Washington (dpa) - Why not make your PC your alarm clock? If you leave your computer on all the time, it's easy. There are a number of free downloadable alarm clock applications available that will use any of your music files to wake you up. Just google "free alarm clock," and download a few to find one that suits you best. It certainly beats waking up to an annoying or obnoxious sound.

London, Feb 28: The popular computer game World of Warcraft is "more addictive than crack cocaine", warn experts.

In a report by addiction therapists at Sweden's Youth Care Foundation, the game has been described as "the most dangerous game on the market" following the case of a
15-year-old who collapsed and went into convulsions after playing it for 24 hours, reports The Sun.