Technology: Tech Talk

NEW YORK -- AOL Time Warner Inc., the largest media and Internet company, doesn't need to increase the $21.95 monthly fee it charges America Online subscribers to make its financial forecasts, AOL chairman Steve Case said last week. "We don't believe we need to raise the price of AOL to meet the numbers," Case said at the Big Picture media conference in New York. "It's only a matter of time before we raise the price of the service, but it's not likely we'll do for a short-term financial reason." AOL Time Warner, created in January when America Online Inc. completed its purchase of Time Warner Inc., has forecast that it will generate $40-billion in revenue this year and $11-billion in cash flow, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain items. Some analysts have said they doubt AOL will meet those goals without raising its fees, according to Bloomberg News.

Intel screen saver to help cancer research

SAN FRANCISCO -- Intel is putting its muscle behind a campaign to "turn your screen saver into a life saver." The chipmaker launched an initiative last week to persuade computer users to dedicate unused processing power on their PCs to the fight against cancer. A program available from the company's Web site (www.intel.com/cure) will help medical researchers identify molecules that show promise as possible treatments for leukemia. Intel chief executive Craig Barrett was joined by officials of the American Cancer Society; the National Foundation for Cancer Research; the University of Oxford; and United Devices, an Austin, Texas, start-up, in launching the effort, which is formally called the Intel Philanthropic Peer-to-Peer Program. Organizers expect as many as 6-million people to participate.

Staples, CompUSA limit video game sales to Michigan children

LANSING, Mich. -- Office supply chain Staples and computer retailer CompUSA will no longer sell violent or sexually explicit video games to Michigan children under 17, Attorney General Jennifer Granholm's office said last week. Staples and CompUSA responded to pressure from Granholm to stop selling video games rated "Mature" to children. Video game ratings are determined by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board.

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