Bits & Megabytes

America Online is bringing back the Netscape name next year on a cut-rate Internet service. For about $10 a month, subscribers receive normal online access, minus the add-ons usually provided by AOL. The new Netscape will target light users who only want a basic dialup account.

Chipmaker Transmeta unveiled a new processor that will give laptops more performance for less battery power. The new Efficeon can slow down during light use and speed up for heavy-duty tasks. The chip is compatible with Windows-based systems and will debut later this year.

Federal authorities are increasingly concerned about the rise of cybercrimes coming from Romania. Operations involving U.S. and European authorities recently led to more than 60 arrests in the former Soviet satellite. Officials say the depressed economy and lackluster law enforcement tempts talented Romanians into criminal activity.

VeriSign receives $6 a year from every .com and .net domain name in existence. But the California-based database owner is spinning off 85 percent of Network Solutions, which sells Web addresses directly to the public. VeriSign, which is barely known to the public, will still collect its annual fee regardless of who sells the domain names.