Opera to Create "Grassroots" Browser
In conjunction with Labour and Society International, Opera Software is set to begin work on a brand new and very unique browser for trade unions around the globe. Several of such major unions have already signed onto the project, and are very excited to see the results. The new browser will combine the LabourStart Web portal with Opera browsing technology to deliver a customized solution for the industry. The new software comes complete with a unique splash screen and features on top of the standard set. The Dutch and Norwegian versions can be found here with other versions to follow over at www.opera.com.
Lucent Develops Breakthrough Wireless Chip
Lucent Technologies told Associated Press today it has developed a breakthrough chip that could both lower the cost and improve the quality of wireless networks everywhere. Researchers at the company report the development of an all silicon chip for those base stations that receive radio signals from wireless devices. Using just three of these chips, compared to the normal 10 to 20 gallium arsenide chips used now, the new networks are as much as 100 times smaller and 100 times less expensive. Lucent says the new technology will be deployed in its next-generation devices over the next five years.
New MSN Messenger to Slap AOL
Microsoft is close to launching a massive upgrade for its MSN Messenger software, that according to the News.com report, is aimed at slapping AOL into joining the effort for a universal messaging protocol. ActiveWin told News.com reporters that the new version will implement messaging compatibility with Yahoo Messenger right away, with file transfer and other features coming shortly thereafter.
Officials at Odigo also said MSN compatibility was ready to go and could be implemented immediately.
Microsoft Investigating IE6 Leaks
Microsoft is currently investigating how an early copy of Internet Explorer seemed to leak onto the Web last week. In tradition with just about all of its software siblings, IE6 was leaked for download by someone either internally at Microsoft or a beta tester who was supposed to keep their NDA. Both FileClicks and The-Ctrl-Alt-Del.com had posted reviews and downloads for the next version of Microsoft's popular Internet Explorer software.
In the reviews, which included screenshots, the sites highlighted some of the enhanced features in the upcoming software. One such "enhancement" includes a left-hand sidebar, which would be familiar to users as the Netscape sidebar. Another topbar, at least in the beta version, has been added to include links to Microsoft Web properties and Real.com as well as tools to personalize and organize Explorer bars to each users liking.
Software Firm Rolls Out Security Hole Early-Warning System
The company that distributes the most ubiquitous breed of
Internet
server software is launching an online forum that will alert paying
participants to
potential security holes discovered in the software.
The Internet Software Consortium (ISC) - which develops and disseminates
the
Berkeley Internet Name Domain, or "BIND" software - alerted its customers
last
week to the creation of the BIND-Members Forum, according to ISC
officials..
Sun Shines On New Webtop Technology
Sun Microsystems Inc. said today it has rolled out a
technology that will change the way users access office productivity
applications.
In a company statement the software builder said the new release is
called the Sun Open Net Environment (Sun ONE) Webtop, and will
provide Internet service providers (ISPs) with the ability to deliver
branded, customized content to their users.
Sophos Warns Of Valentine Virus Problems
Sophos, the anti-virus firm, has warned that PC/Internet users should
be on alert for possible malware e-mail now that Valentine's Day,
Feb. 14, is almost upon us.
The IT security company said that companies should be aware of the
risks of electronic Valentine cards, as staff who exchange
lovey-dovey messages could end up harboring dangerous computer
viruses.
Security Holes Found in "Airport" Wireless Technology
Researchers at the University of California Berkley say they have discovered several vulnerabilities in the wireless technology encorporated into the popular Apple "Airport" wireless communication device. The problem lies in the 802.11 security protocol, otherwise known as WEP.
According to the researchers report, they have found ways to access even restricted networks, intercept transmissions, and even modify those transmissions as they are sent. These packets could even be modified without disturbing the checksum, which is intended to make sure information is not tampered with or corrupted.
E-mail "Bug" Could Allow Tracking
According to another ZDNet report, a new bug, found to affect recent versions of Netscape mail, Outlook, and Eudora, could allow an individual to basically tag your e-mail messages to track and read them as they pass from person to person. Using JavaScript, the user can have any reply to the message with the script attached, forwarded back to them, thus receiving your mail. The bug was originally discovered by the London-based Privacy Foundation. For more information read the article over at ZDNet.
Stardock Gets Heat for "Aqua" Skins
Apple, Inc. has reportedly requested that Stardock take down skins for its desktop application DesktopX that resemble, or mimic entirely that of Apple's Aqua interface. Brad Wardell, according to the ZDNet report, asked Apple for further clarification on what violates its Intellectual Property rights so as to prevent further violations in the future. DesktopX has been popular amongst Windows users because it allows them to break out of the traditional Windows interface. The best part about the software is that designers were able to mimic and create the Aqua interface even before Apple faithfuls got their hands on the real thing.
Grab Snoopstar For Your File Sharing Needs
With all the recent heat involving Napster, and the decision to make it a pay service, many people are talking about the alternatives available to those who still want to get their files for free. With many programs out there, including BearShare, a Gnutella client, and SongSpy and a thousand others, Snoopstar has also joined the mix. This one however, makes it easy on you by connecting OpenNapster, Gnutella, IMesh and/or Napster. Betatesters who send in bug reports are eligible for prizes including DVDs and CDs. For more information about the beta, and to download it, visit snoopstar.com.
Scour Begins User Transfers and OptOuts
Scour, having recently sold to CenterSpan Communications, notified its registered users that they can either transfer their existing information over to the new company, or optout to prevent further use of the new Scour services. Users have until February 14th to optout of the services, which can be done by entering your e-mail in the box here. They are also set to launch a new beta of Scour with legally downloadable music starting at the end of March, and you can sign up here if you are interested.
Symantec Launches Beta 2 of Norton 2001
In other antivirus news, Symantec also released the second beta of Norton Antivirus 2001 for Windows. This latest version includes all of the features of Norton 2001 with added script blocking technologies to prevent your computer from executing arbitrary code that could be brought on by an e-mail worm. The first 50 users to submit undocumented bugs in the software will win free copies of the final release. For more information, and to download the beta, visit www.symantec.com.
Symantec Antivirus for Your Palm
Symantec recently unveiled the next version of its antiviral software for the Palm OS, making it available for download to the general public for a short time. Symantec 2001 features an autoprotect function that runs the software in the background to make sure your handheld does not suffer an infection. It also scans files after you synchronize with your PC. You must be running PalmOS 3.0 or higher to use the software, and it can be found here. Its generally not a bad idea to have this software, with a growing trend towards virii aimed at handhelds and cellular phones, which will only grow in the future.
IBM Embraces Linux
Big Blue President Sam Palmisano told Reuters today that Linux is "ready for real business" and that the company is betting the open source operating system can give it the edge in "strenuous business workload" as the Reuters report highlights. Just after the first of this year Linus Torvalds released the most powerful Linux kernel yet, packed with more features and functions than ever. The majority of Linux retailers have already encorporated the newest version into their products, some launching official new versions this past week. IBM is making a big run at Sun Microsystems, rebranding its servers and mainframes to eServers, and spending hundreds of millions of dollars to assist customers in deploying the new Linux operating system.
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