Floating Point Systems Inc., the troubled maker of scientific computer systems based in Beaverton, Ore., has named Howard Thrailkill president, chief executive and a director.

Lucent Technologies, the troubled maker of communications equipment, dismissed its chief financial officer yesterday in an effort to revamp leadership at the company.

The Miniscribe Corporation, a troubled maker of hard disk drives, said today that several officers had resigned and that other officers and employees had been dismissed.

ABB, the troubled Swiss maker of machinery, reported a loss of $787 million today for 2002.

Peregrine Systems Inc., the troubled maker of business software, named Ken Sexton as its chief financial officer yesterday.

GCA, based in Andover, Mass., is a small, troubled maker of machinery for semiconductor production lines.

Nortel Networks, the troubled maker of telecommunications equipment, offered about $2.4 billion in cash and stock Wednesday to settle two class-action lawsuits over an accounting debacle two years ago.

Nortel Networks, the large but troubled maker of communications equipment, said on Wednesday that it would eliminate more than 3,900 jobs in Europe and North America.

Maxtor, a troubled maker of computer disk drives based in San Jose, Calif., that has about 7,700 employees, said it was considering further talks with Hyundai.

Next, the troubled maker of Apple computers plans to reunite with an old ally.