Sun virtualises the network with N1

Sun has trumpeted the launch of its 'N1' range of storage and server technology. Described as providing 'just in time computing', N1 is Sun's attempt to better manage large-scale network resources. It creates a 'virtual system' out of the underlying computer systems - 'virtualising' the administrator's view of the varied hardware and software resources. ...more

Artists rebel over Sony's iTMS stance

Artists signed to Sony in Japan are rebelling against their label's decision not to make their music available through iTunes Music Store. At least one contacted Apple directly in order to get their tunes onto the downloads service, which after just a few days of operating became the largest in the country, and a musicians' management agency has said it is interested in talking to Apple in defiance of the label. Among the rebels is rock musician Motoharu Sano. ...more

Usability and accessibility issues dog councils' online efforts

Barking and Dagenham only site to gain top rating in survey by the Society of IT Management. Of the 468 local authority websites across the UK, just Barking and Dagenham has achieved an excellent rating in a survey by the Society of IT Management (Socitm). The study graded every local authority website on their content, accessibility and level of usage. ...more

New viruses work under cover of Nyxem

With media coverage firmly focused on the world's Office files due to be smoked by the Nyxem worm today, other virus writers have been busy while the heat is off. Firstly, UK security company Sophos says that a new and as yet unnamed virus has brought the Russian stock exchange to its knees late yesterday. The Russian Trading System (RTS) stock exchange confirmed: 'On February 2, 2006, a computer virus attack forced a suspension of trading on the RTS FORTS futures market, classic market and the stock exchange. ...more

Microsoft warns of bogus email alerts

Hoax emails purporting to be Microsoft security bulletins are frustrating the company's efforts to alert users to updates and warnings. The company's Technet security portal has posted a warning that 'malicious individuals' are duping users into downloading executable files from Web sites or opening attached files that purport to be a Microsoft Security Bulletin or Patch, but instead contain viruses. It warns users to delete these emails if they are not signed using the Microsoft Security Response Center's digital signature. ...more