Sneak has just been watching BBC TV news coverage of today’s big tech event: no not the dual-core chips on show at the Intel Developer Forum, but Bill Gates grabbing an honorary knighthood from the queen. Caught by reporters outside Buckingham Palace, Gates answered a few questions before attempting to show off his new gong - a silver KBE medallion ensconced in an oblong black box - for the benefit of the cameras. Gates scrabbled at the box to no avail, turning it this way and that and attempting to prise it apart with his fingers before giving up and handing it to an aide. If only Gates's software were so secure...

02 Mar 2005