TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

H&R; Block Names New CEO as Chairman of CompuServe: The move by CompuServe’s parent extends H&R; Block Inc.’s influence over the troubled computer online service. Frank Salizzoni replaces Henry Frigon, who was named CompuServe chairman in June. Bob Massey continues as CompuServe’s president and chief executive. Salizzoni was separately named CEO and president of the tax-preparation company. He had been holding those positions on an interim basis since mid-June. Salizzoni said Block will try to bolster CompuServe’s flagging fortunes before proceeding with a planned spinoff of the unit. Shares of Kansas City, Mo.-based H&R; Block dropped 62.5 cents to $27 on the New York Stock Exchange. Shares of Columbus, Ohio-based CompuServe dropped 12.5 cents to $11.75 on Nasdaq.