Hanover, Germany - Most current generation anti-virus programs are greatly improved over their earlier counterparts, experts say.

This applies in particular to their ability to use heuristic methods of recognizing and disarming previously unknown viruses, the Hanover-based computer magazine c't concluded after a test of 10 programs.

Most programs now offer good protection against spyware. Yet, the programs are also increasingly prone to issuing false alarms, such as when they classify newly installed software as malicious.

Hamburg  - Flat screen displays for gaming PCs might not be ready for prime time yet, but they're not far off, either, according to a recent test by Computer Bild Spiele magazine.

The Hamburg-based periodical put six 22- to 24-inch monitors through their paces. One of the 24-inchers earned a score of "good"; the rest achieved only "satisfactory."

The test winner was the Samsung Sync Master 2493HM, which the testers saw as having a high image contrast, good anti-reflection characteristics and very good colour fidelity.

Hamburg - Bayer Leverkusen downed Schalke 2-1 to stay top of the Bundesliga on Saturday, while Bayern Munich lost ground after conceding two late goals in a 2-2 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Hoffenheim meanwhile stayed second, level on 28 points with Leverkusen but with a slightly inferior goal difference after edging Wolfsburg 3-2.

Bayern were left three points behind in third place after they were hit by two late goals in two minutes at lowly Moenchengladbach.

Luca Toni and Franck Ribery from the penalty spot had given the defending champions the lead but headers from Canadian striker Rob Friend and US midfielder Michael Bradley in the 79th and 81st minutes prevented Juergen Klinsmann's side from posting a sixth straight win.

Washington - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited leaders from automaker Opel to talks on Monday to discuss the company's financial status.

On Friday, the car company requested credit guarantees from the government, saying it wants the guarantees to counter a downturn in car orders. However, the unit of General Motors Corp, which itself is seeking a US government bailout, said it was facing no liquidity problems.

"It is important that we consult about the proper steps to take so we can try to support the automobile industry," said Merkel on the sidelines of the global financial summit in Washington.

Erfurt, Germany - Germany's Green Party on Saturday elected Cem Oezdemir as one of its co-leaders, the first time one of Germany's major parties has elevated a child of Turkish immigrants to such a high position.

Oezdemir received 79.2 per cent of the vote at a party congress. He will co-lead the party with incumbent Claudia Roth, who was re- elected with 82.7 per cent of the vote. The Greens traditionally have two leaders, one male, one female.

Berlin - The pressure group Women of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) is to receive Amnesty International's 2008 human rights prize at a ceremony in Berlin on Sunday evening.

The award, worth 10,000 euros (12,600 dollars), will be presented to a delegation led by the group's two spokeswomen, Jenni Williams and Magodonga Mahlangu.

Co-founder Williams and her organization are being honoured for "their tireless struggle for human rights," the German chapter of Amnesty said ahead of the presentation.