Bug hunter Georgi Guninski has uncovered yet another security flaw that a malicious user can take advantage of to do harm to a Microsoft Windows system. This exploit entails the use of a CLSID appended onto an apparently innocuous file, opening the door for an end-user to execute a script or executable unknowingly. The CLSID is not displayed in Windows Explorer or IE, and gives the impression that the file in question is safe to open. The extension would be no cause for alarm unlike '.gif.vbs', for example.

Windows does recognize the file according to the CLSID, and will even display the ID string in more detailed views. However, at first glance the only protection from this exploit is to take notice of the icon associated with the file.

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The third new Linux distribution release this week, Mandrake Linux 8.0 has begun to appear on FTP mirrors after two months in beta. Mandrake touts itself as "a user-friendly Linux operating system that is easy to manage and use, yet retains all the power and reliability that has made Linux so successful." Version 8.0 updates the graphical environment, adds the Mandrake Control Center to customize computer settings, sports the latest Linux Kernel 2.4.3, and features additional 3D support with an update to XFree86. Mandrake is a great way to get started with Linux and is extremely simple to install and configure. To download, visit mandrakesoft.com or one of the many FTP mirrors.

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3DLabs has sent word about an important call to action on the adoption of a new API standards initiative that will bring dynamic media capabilities to a wide variety of appliances and embedded devices. The Khronos Group is also beginning a new phase of work on OpenML, the API which will allow developers to more easily integrate audio and video in their applications. The Group is looking for those who develop, market, or specify products that use and generate dynamic media to join the initiative.

Founded in early 2000, the Khronos Group is composed of 3Dlabs, ATI, Discreet, Evans & Sutherland, IBM, Intel, SGI and Sun Microsystems, with a goal of creating open standards to enable the delivery of dynamic media. Previous lack of vendor collaboration made it hard to create interoperability with tools for professional content creation.

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After two and a half months, Microsoft has quietly updated MSN Messenger, the software giant's AIM rival. Although the build number was only increased one notch from 3.6.0025 to 3.6.0026, the setup is almost twice as large as the February release. The update also coincides with the announcement of Explorer 6.1, the software consolidation of MSN services. New features are currently unknown as Microsoft has not yet updated its Messenger Web site. Download the updated build at FileForum and let us know how it performs.

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Microsoft has opened registration for their upcoming eXtreme event on Saturday, June 2. Microsoft eXtreme is your chance to see Office XP and Windows XP close up, as well as take home copies of Visio 2002 and SharePoint Portal Server (formerly 'Tahoe'). The event is completely free to those who register, however seating is limited. Microsoft will also be demonstrating the Xbox, MS Reader, and Windows Media Player 8. T-shirts will be handed out to attendees in addition to a coupon book for Office XP. It only takes a few minutes to sign up and eXtreme is definitely worth checking out, even just for the free software. For more information, visit Microsoft Events.

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Red Hat, Inc. this week announced the release of Red Hat Linux 7.1, the latest update to the ever popular Linux distribution featuring Kernel version 2.4. Release 7.1 includes the Network Software Manager, a tool that notifies users of important package updates and errata. A firewall setup now allows users to secure their systems with greater ease, and configuration tools make Apache and BIND setup a breeze. This new release will begin shipping April 23 at a price of $39.95 USD, and arrives with the release of the free Debian 2.2r3. Red Hat Linux basic includes 30 days of Web-based installation support. For a full list of new features, visit redhat.com.

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UPDATE: Build 2465.3 has been released to testers, with a new 'Media Bar' replacing the highly criticized Personal Bar.

Microsoft has been working hard to tweak its next-generation Web browser, Internet Explorer 6.0, set to debut with Windows XP later this year. The company recently released a new beta build, 2463.52, which contains additional privacy features and a revamped Personal Bar. Still not meeting tester standards, Microsoft will end up removing the Personal Bar from the browser. The Contacts feature will also get the axe according to Microsoft guru Paul Thurrott. Both features can be seen in the IE6 Public Preview released last month.

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After a short hiatus due to recent discord, BetaNews is alive and kicking once again. The BetaNews team is working hard to get everything back on track and have a few important announcements coming up in the near future. We would like to thank everyone for their patience these last three weeks and will be holding a giveaway shortly to show how grateful we are. With that said, let's get to some beta news. Those interested in the recent split may read on, as we do not wish to leave anyone in the dark.

As many of you know, BetaNews launched eFront, Inc. in November of 1999. This was a creation of our own, intended to bring together highly-specialized technology-oriented Web sites into a single network. We were not purchased by eFront. A few sites that BetaNews was in talks with regarding joining the eFront Network happened to be picked up by a small start-up by the name of Netwhirl Communication.

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The crew over at Listen.com have released the first beta of Listen Seeker, a tool to access Listen.com content while downloading music from services such as Napster. Similar to the more established Kick.com, Listen Seeker gives a user the ability to get song recommendations, sample and download songs or videos, read the latest reviews, and discover new music. The application can also open Napster when the user requests to download music, a feature which will undoubtedly stir controversy. While Listen Seeker is still in an early beta phase, it is definitely worth trying out as a companion to your downloading. Additionally, the company promises Listen Seeker will be "working with all types of online music applications like streaming radio and subscription services." Download Listen Seeker at FileForum and visit listenseeker.com for more information.

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The third revision of Debian GNU/Linux 2.2, one of the most popular and arguably easiest to use Linux distribtuions, was released Tuesday. Debian 2.2r3 contains several security and bug updates in many
popular Linux packages. Amongst the list are mysql, openssh, bind, wu-ftpd, squid and
the Linux kernel itself. So, fire up your old PC sitting in your store room and give Linux a try.

For detailed instructions on installing Debian GNU/Linux read the release notes.

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Electronic Arts is looking for beta testers to try out Motor City Online, the first online-only racing, driving, and car customization game. The development team is looking for users to test the stability of the network and the effect of load on gameplay, test all features for functionality and usability, and test for overall functionality. Beta testers will be added gradually, starting with around 1000 this Spring. By the time the game ships, EA plans to have ten times that number. For more information and to sign up to become a beta tester, visit the Motor City Online Web site. As the site warns, "beta testers will need to be prepared for frequent server resets, which could potentially result in the loss of personas and equipment." Note: EA is currently only accepting testers in the US and Canada, however they are making an effort to expand the test.

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Corel Corporation recently began shipping the latest version of WordPerfect Office, the company's rival to Office XP. The office suite will be available in North America beginning May 1 in Standard and Professional editions. The Standard Edition will retail for $159 USD and include WordPerfect 10, Quattro Pro 10, Presentations 10, and CorelCENTRAL 10, the company's highly touted e-mail client. Professional Edition includes Corel's database software, Paradox 10, as well as Dragon NaturallySpeaking 5.0 and will retail for $259 USD.

"We have a devoted following of WordPerfect users and we are rewarding that
loyalty by providing new features that reflect their priorities," said
Graham Brown, executive vice-president, business applications, in the press release. "We consulted with our customers during the development process and we incorporated their feedback into the final release. We are confident that WordPerfect Office 2002 directly answers our customers' needs and the early response from our Beta testers suggests that our enhancements are right on target."

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A beta version of Apache 2.0 was completed last week. This long awaited update to the popular, open-sourced software features enhanced usability, customization, and performance. Two major new additions are Multi-processing Modules (MPM), and the Apache Portable Runtime (APR).

MPMs are respondsible to answering Web requests and will allow Apache to be better supported under a variety of operating systems. Because MPMs can be specialized, Apache can now use native networking technologies in the operating system, vastly improving response speed of the server.

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Office XP testers have begun to receive the first release candidate of the suite after seven months of testing. RC1 graced the doorsteps of beta testers this week as a 5-CD set that included a product guide and three language pack CDs. The build, 10.2511.2511, sports the name 'Corporate Preview Beta', and will ship as 'Microsoft Office Professional with Frontpage.' This will be the final release candidate sent to testers, although Microsoft does have RC2 running internally, with RTM expected early March and a retail release in June.

Contrary to earlier reports, Microsoft has included a version of its Sharepoint Team Services with RC1, a lighter version of Tahoe. This will allow Office users to share their documents with other users via the Web and provide a venue for online collaboration.

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BetaNews and Stardock have teamed up to announce the first public release of WebBlinds, a new tool for skinning Internet Explorer 5.0 or later. Using WebBlinds you can change the look of IE's toolbar buttons, animations, progress bar, and of course the window itself without downloading a separate bloated browser.

WebBlinds project manager, Ian Hanschen, tells BetaNews: "It's funny. There are entire companies based around building third party applications that host an IE window. Very inefficient. We work from the inside of Internet Explorer rather than trying to reinvent the framework. This means WebBlinds can be truely non-invasive, and at the same time improve your Internet experience."

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