It took longer than Linux creator Linus Torvalds would have liked, but the latest Linux kernel, version 2.6.21, has arrived. It brings many minor and major changes in how Linux handles process scheduling and time.

In his April 25th release note to the LKML (Linux Kernel Mailing List), Torvalds wrote, "If the goal for 2.6.20 was to be a stable release (and it was), the goal for 2.6.21 is to have just survived the big timer-related changes and some of the other surprises."

Cingular Communications/AT&T is announcing a pair of new HSDPA-capable laptop data cards that work globally, and will work with any laptop computer having either an ExpressCard slot or a USB port. The ExpressCard version started shipping on April 25, while the USB card starts shipping in about a week.

Both cards are part of AT&T’s LaptopConnect portfolio. The Option GT Max 3.6 Express card is designed for ExpressCard slots, found in newer laptop computers. The Sierra Wireless AirCard 875U works with USB-equipped computers, which is basically all of them. Both of the data cards use AT&T’s 3G BroadbandConnect service. According to the company, they are "slim and stylish."

Nine months after those first voluntary recalls of Sony-made notebook battery packs, Acer will recall some 27,000 notebooks that also contained those same lithium-ion batteries.

Acer, which is based in Taiwan but has a North American office, announced the recall April 25 in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The 27,000 notebooks recalled by Acer were all sold in the United States between May 2004 and November 2006, according to the CPSC.

Verizon Wireless and Research In Motion have introduced the first Global CDMA/GSM BlackBerry. The BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone will be available on May 14 through Verizon Wireless’ business sales channels and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores on May 28.

In addition, Verizon Wireless announced the May 14 availability of its new Global BlackBerry service, an "always-on, always connected" wireless email solution that provides quick, easy access to email, contacts, calendar, organizer and the Web while on-the-go. With the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition smartphone and Global BlackBerry service from Verizon Wireless, customers get wireless email and the convenience of one local number for domestic and international use in Australia, Europe, parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North America.

Everyone has dealt with a credit-stealing coworker. And while wrestling recognition for your hard work and bright ideas from a glory-grabbing colleague can be tricky, you can usually resolve the situation by tactfully confronting the individual or, if that fails, bringing the issue to the attention of your manager.

But what do you do when your boss–the person who has significant control over your career–is the one taking credit for your ideas? After all, being too direct or going over his or her head can get you into trouble. Following are a few strategies that might help.

The Learning Continuum Company has announced a new distance learning course for Notes and Domino developers. Using XML and Web Services in Domino 7 will introduce the Domino Developer to what XML and web services are and how to maximize their use in a Domino environment. Students will learn how to use XML in forms, views, pages and agents to share data with other applications. The use of both LotusScript and Java agents to parse XML into Domino applications is covered. Students will learn how to create Domino web services using both LotusScript and Java. Finally, the use of either Eclipse or Rational Developer to create a web service client is covered in this course. Instructor help is only a click away. Students take this course at their own pace and place.

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed civil charges against two former Apple officers over their alleged roles in backdating stock options. The agency immediately announced a settlement with one of them.

Former Chief Financial Officer Fred Anderson, 62, has agreed to pay about $3.5 million in fines and penalties to settle the case, the SEC said.

The case against former general counsel Nancy Heinen, 50, will proceed. Her attorneys have vowed to fight the charges.

During the second day of Sapphire, SAP’s annual user conference, SAP outlined its road map for NetWeaver, the integration platform announced several years ago that’s been the underpinning for the company’s move to a service-oriented architecture.

The road map is broken down into four "pillars" outlined by the company: improved user access and productivity, accelerated application and business process composition, streamlined access to relevant and reliable information, and automated governance.

The platform enhancements will be made incrementally to support the core NetWeaver platform, according to SAP officials, with the first functional upgrades due sometime this year.

Responding to customer demand Dell has restarted selling new PCs with Windows XP installed on them.

The decision reverses a policy begun in January that meant Windows Vista was the only operating system available on almost all new home machines.

The change came after Dell’s feedback site was swamped with calls for the return of the venerable software.

California continues to employ far more technology workers, pay higher wages and attract more venture capital than any other state. But the overall U.S. tech sector is also growing at a surprisingly brisk clip–for now.

That’s the conclusion of a highly anticipated annual report by AeA, formerly the American Electronics Association, the country’s largest technology trade association. Researchers relied on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mostly from 2006.