Microsoft Sued For Copyright Infringement
It is common knowledge that Microsoft introduced digital rights management technology into the forthcoming Windows XP. However, a little-known California company named InterTrust is alleging that Microsoft has violated its patents for protecting digital media from theft and copyright infringement. Apparently, Microsoft's internal development of similar technologies has come too close to InterTrust's proprietary software.
InterTrust claims that the lawsuit will protect their patents.
Microsoft Creates Hosted Application Development Web Site
Microsoft has launched the "Hosted Applications Development Community," an effort to enable developers to create and share .NET applications. The site "provides in-depth technical knowledge, business information and interactive support to guide and enrich ISVs developing best-of-breed hosted applications," according to the software giant. Microsoft has also announced a free guide to help developers get started creating hosted applications. For more information and to view licensing guidelines, visit microsoft.com/asp.
Post Beta 2 XP Build Released
Microsoft released to testers last night the first post Beta 2 build of Windows XP. Interim Build 2465 is meant to test any regressions from Beta 2, featuring only small changes queued since before the last release. The software giant specifically asks testers to note changes in user interface, audio and print drivers, Outlook Express and Internet Explorer, networking, security, and Windows Media Player. Potential upgraders should note that Hotmail will not function from Outlook Express, and Office XP may crash while opening or saving files.
Almost obligatory these days, Build 2465 immediately leaked out onto the Web for download. Seemingly using pirates to improve the product activation process, Microsoft has been tracking the loopholes and closing them with each update. This latest interim release no longer allows disabling activiation via registry key.
AOL Considering Dropping IE
BetaNews has learned that America Online, Inc. is seriously considering ending its use of Microsoft's Internet Explorer as the Web browser in AOL software. AOL had agreed to use Internet Explorer in exchange for being pre-installed on Windows desktops.
Microsoft's Jim Cullinan informed BetaNews that the agreement to carry AOL on Windows installations in exchange for AOL making Internet Explorer the internal browser in its software ended January 1, 2001. AOL and Microsoft did discuss renewing the agreement, but nothing was formally agreed upon. Sources close to both companies blame the other for a breakdown in talks.
Ximian GNOME 1.4 Offers New Features
Ximian, Inc.(formerly known as Helix Code), released the latest version of their GNOME shell software earlier today. This build offers innovative software updating, new file management functionality, online support, and is packaged with the Mozilla Web browser.
The current version does not run properly on the unstable version of Debian GNU/Linux, however Ximian is working on a fix.
Mozilla Gets Auto-Complete
Mozilla users will be happy to learn that the development group has posted an experimental new release, featuring a new auto-complete widget with IE-style dropdown menu. Auto-complete has been a very popular feature since debuting with Internet Explorer 4, one many now rely upon while browsing. The Mozilla Team asks those interested to test out the new feature and submit bug reports. The nightly build also includes an in-progress third incarnation of 'Modern', the theme that will likely come with Netscape 6.5. Those looking to try out the latest features or simply try an alternative to IE may download the release from Mozilla.org.
MapPoint 2002 Goes Gold
Microsoft has released to manufacturing MapPoint 2002, mapping and geographic analysis software that integrates with Office. MapPoint 2002 entered beta testing last December, and included mainly Office testers. Release Candidate 0 arrived at the beginning of this month and with few bugs reported, code was deemed complete.
MapPoint 2002 features greater customization, a new ActiveX control, improved support for add-ins, territory features, and increased integration with Office XP.
Intuit Quicken 2002 Beta Signup
Intuit is now accepting beta testers for "Kayak," the upcoming Quicken 2002 for Windows, and "K2" for Macs. No information is available on feature sets or updates at this time, but Intuit has promised to notify BetaNews as soon as that information can be released to the public. To apply to test Quicken 2002, visit Intuit's Windows and Mac beta sites.
FreeBSD 4.3-RELEASE Now Available
The BSDi supported FreeBSD Project has announced the availability of 4.3-RELEASE, the first since November of last year. Many security issues were corrected, as well as a myriad of bug fixes and updates made. FreeBSD is a very popular UNIX operating system based on 4.4BSD. Built around advanced networking, performance, security, and compatibility, FreeBSD is one of the best and most economical choice for any server - including the ones powering BetaNews.
FreeBSD also supports some of the latest desktop functionality, running thousands of applications available in ports. You can download the latest ISO images for free via FileForum, or read the installation guide. If you have never tried FreeBSD, the setup is a lot less complicated than it seems and you will definitely learn a lot, so create a new partition and give it a whirl. For more information, read the 4.3-RELEASE announcement and peruse the release notes.
Severe Security Flaw Threatens Netscape Users
For users of Netscape SmartDownload, the Internet has recently become a very dangerous place.
Security experts have uncovered a flaw in Netscape's SmartDownload application that poses a serious risk even while casually browsing. A malicious image url is enough to make version 1.3 execute code on a victim's system, possibly with full administrator privileges. Netscape posted version 1.4.01 on April 3, an update which corrected the issue, but failed to issue a warning.
Testers Receive First DirectX 8.1 Beta
Microsoft released the first beta of DirectX 8.1 to testers this evening. According to the software giant, the "beta release focuses on two key areas. The first is a complete integration into the new Windows XP Operating System. The second area of concentration focused on resolving issues found since the release of DirectX 8.0." New features in version 8.1 include support for high precision texture formats, an AppWizard for Microsoft Visual C++ v6.0, and a new nPatch quadratic interpolation order. The final release of DirectX 8.1 will ship with Windows XP, but will also be available separately for Windows 9x, Me, and 2000.
Guninski Uncovers XML Scripting Flaw
Early this morning, BetaNews received an advisory from Georgi Guninski on yet another vulnerability that he has uncovered. The bug involves Active Scripting being executed, even when disabled in IE5.x and Outlook Express. Microsoft claims that a fully patched Internet Explorer 5.x with updated Windows Scripting Host will not experience the problem, but Guninski disagrees.
"There is security vulnerability in IE 5.x and at least Outlook Express. The problem is Active Scripting is still executed even if it is
disabled. While this is not actual exploit by itself it opens the door for many other exploits."
IBM Brands San Fran With Tux
Those looking for an early morning chuckle should take a gander at this piece regarding IBM's latest advertising campaign. Apparently, the company decided it would spray-paint sidewalks throughout San Francisco with what it calls "biodegradable chalk." The artwork was meant to celebrate IBM's newfound support of Linux, sporting the symbols for peace, love, and Tux - the penguin mascot of the open source OS. Unfortunately, the chalk did not wash away as planned and city officials are rather upset with Big Blue. IBM has stated it will cease using graffiti as a method to advertise.
Preview MSXML 4.0
Microsoft has posted a technology preview of the company's XML parser (MSXML), which is meant to provide a look at new features, fixes, and samples in MSXML 4.0. Most notable is support of the latest W3C XML Schema, including the XSD (XML Schema Definition) language. The MSXML 4.0 Technology Preview Parser and SDK are now installed from the same Microsoft XML Parser and SDK Setup program. For more information and to download the preview, visit MSDN Online.
The Register Tries WinXP
The Register's John Lettice has decided to try out Windows XP Beta 2 and rely his trials and tribulations in a daily OS journal. Filled with the news site's trademark British wit, the updates also note how XP measures up to the latest Linux distributions. The latest entry discusses why Windows XP will continue to help Microsoft's desktop monopoly with a look at Luna upcoming. If you are interested in hearing more about Windows XP from a consumer point of view, visit The Register and track John's progress.
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