1. 'Not all jobs created equal' for social sites

Nature of business and sensitivity of corporate data key in deciding whether to block social networking sites at work, say industry watchers.

2. Alterna-browsers Firefox, Chrome get quick fixes

Just eight days after a previous update, Mozilla Firefox 3.5.5 introduces fast fixes for three bugs, one of which was critical. Google Chrome has also been updated for security and stability.

3. Google offers JavaScript programming tools

In a new step to make the Web a more powerful foundation for programs, Google is releasing Closure Tools that it says produce faster, better code.

4. Private-sale shopping sites are hot

Saddled with unsold merchandise amid the recession, makers of luxury goods are selling their wares through members-only shopping sites.

5. Google tries its own take on customer service

Not surprisingly, the search giant thinks automation and innovation are important. But as CEO Eric Schmidt says, everyone wants to wring a neck when things go wrong.

6. Europe getting 'Internet freedom' law

Major overhaul of telecommunications regulations tackles issues ranging from data-breach notification to faster number porting to Internet access.

7. Near-final Thunderbird 3 due next week

Coming in the next version of Mozilla's e-mail software: easier setup, better search, a tabbed interface, and if all goes to plan, a richer world of add-ons.

8. Asia's search hits record high in September

Search queries in region clocks 38.6 billion last month, compared to 33 billion last year, with Google leading way as preferred search site, study shows.

9. S'pore offers certification for social marketing

Singapore company provides training and certification course designed to teach companies how to use social media sites as marketing platforms.

10. Google Dashboard lifts curtain on stored data

A new page off user's Google Account settings lets them review all the data the company has stored regarding that account, and make changes or delete data.