German embassies are stepping up the use of computers to recognize visa applicants who try to evade an entry ban by changing their name, the weekly magazine Der Spiegel reported. The software can comb through millions of identity photos and fingerprints in German government databases to look for similarities. It has already been tested at

Spools of film look like becoming historical artifacts after the major Hollywood studios agreed on a new standard for digital cinemas, according to news reports. The agreement covers the design and function of digital projectors in which movies are stored as huge computer files and are screened and distributed by computers. The deal does not

PC penetration in the GCC and Levant regions is set to double by 2008. The number of PCs expected to be sold in the two regional blocs between 2003 and 2008 will be around 15 million units, according to a study by Dubai-based Madar Research Group. When taken individually, the GCC will expectedly race ahead

Focus on passengers A mini upgrade to Larnaca and Paphos airports is due to start immediately, with the aim of improving the airport buildings before the 2006 tourist season. At the main airport in Larnaca, work will concentrate on adding 1,500 sq m of space, to allow two new baggage carousels, a larger area for

The Nicosia District Court issued additional orders in the case of the Trustees of the AremisSoft Liquidating Trust on behalf of its more than 6,000 beneficiaries, against Lycourgos Kyprianou and others. In one order, the court on July 26 granted leave to the Trustees to serve several non-domiciliary entities which were identified as alter ego