Go is an attempt by the Web giant to mix the dynamic, Web-friendly attributes of scripting languages, like Python, with the performance and security benefits of compiled languages like C++.

The move follows similar attempts to gain a foothold in the world of core IT infrastructure, which include the creation of the Android mobile operating system (OS), the Chrome PC browser and the as yet unreleased Chrome OS.

European PC shipments see decline

Personal computer shipments in Western Europe between July and September fell slightly compared with a year earlier, says the BBC.

But compared with the previous quarter, shipments increased by almost a third, reflecting "seasonal growth" patterns, said computer research group Gartner.

Acer held on to the top spot, with 28.3% market share, followed by Hewlett-Packard, with a 21.5% share.

Wikipedia sued for publishing murderer's name

A man who served 15 years for the murder of a famous German actor is taking legal action against Wikipedia for reporting the conviction, reports The Register.

Attorneys took the action on behalf of Wolfgang Werlé, one of two men to receive a life sentence for the 1990 murder of Walter Sedlmayr.

In a letter sent late last month to Wikipedia officials, they didn't dispute their client was found guilty. Nonetheless, they demanded Wikipedia's English language biography of the Bavarian star suppress the convicted murder's name because he is considered a private individual under German law.

PC introduced for older users

A new computer aimed at people aged over 60 who are unfamiliar with PCs and the Internet has been unveiled, writes the BBC.

The simplified desktop – called SimplicITy – has just six buttons directing users to basic tasks such as e-mail and chat.

The computer comes pre-loaded with 17 video tutorials from television presenter Valerie Singleton. More than six million people over the age of 65 have never used the Internet, according to government figures.