AMD

Turns out, the incredible results Dell delivered during the last decade weren't so incredible after all. The SEC has levied fines against Dell, and founder Michael Dell, after charging the computer-maker with accounting fraud.

After a five-year investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, computer maker Dell agreed to pay a $100 million settlement to end civil charges of fraudulent accounting. The agency accuses Dell of pumping up its reported profits with undisclosed payments from Intel.

Intel (INTC) reportedly has reached a preliminary settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over allegations involving its sales and marketing practices

As results roll in, earnings are beating expectations, but revenue growth is lackluster as the economy slows. So despite upbeat analysts, investors should be vigilant about earnings quality.

Not to be shown up by rival Intel's blockbuster earnings, Advanced Micro Devices reported a second-quarter 45% net income increase. The chipmaker's strong earnings signals a return to the product demand for PCs and services, and overall technology spending.

Technology bellwether Intel blew past Wall Street's projections Tuesday, reporting the best quarter in its 42-year history and giving investors a cause for optimism heading into the third quarter. Shares soared in after-hours trading.

Investors are looking for a strong showing from the bellwether chipmaker, which would offer further evidence that U.S. companies -- and tech firms in particular -- are continuing to emerge from the recession. Analysts expect Intel to come through.